taken by the French notwithstanding the strength thereof Ferentino and Monte Sancto Giouanni seated on the Kingdomes confines had the like fortune where after breach made so furious an assault was giuen to it in the Kings presence who was come thither from Verula as all difficulties surmounted it was taken the same day by force and great slaughter committed there From thence the King sent one of his Gentlemen to the Pope threatning him that if he did not performe the accord which hee had sworne to hee would come backe and make warre vpon him The Pope vpon receit of the Kings letters presently commanded those places to be deliuered to the Kings officers In this manner and without great resistance did King Charles conquer that noble and magnificent Kingdome when Ferdinand by his fathers flight taking vpon him the title and authority royall assembled his forces and marched to Saint Germans where he encamped thinking to keepe the enemies from passing on any farther by reason of the fitnesse of the place enuironed on the one side with high and steepy mountaines and on the other with a fenny country and in front with the Riuer Garillan wherevpon that place is properly called one of the keyes of the kingdome of Naples But his army already terrified with the only name of the French no more shewed any signes of valour but all his souldiers wauering in a manner as much in loyalty as courage and thinking how to saue themselues and goods dispayring of being able to defend the kingdome so soone as they had intelligence of the taking of Mont Saint Giouanni and that three hundred Lances and two thousand foot approched did basely abandon Saint Germans and in such amazement retired to Capua as by the way they left eight great peeces of ordnance behind them Ferdinand and his army were scarce come to Capua when he receiued newes from the Queene that since the losse of Saint Germans the Neapolitans were risen and that vnlesse he speedily came thither some great tumult was likely to ensue vpon these newes hee presently went thither with certaine troupes of horse by his presence to preuent so great a daunger promising for to returne to Capua the next day following The Neapolitans would not suffer him for to enter with his troupes but onely gaue entrance to himselfe and family where vnderstanding their resolution which was not to endure a seege for feare least their city should be sackt caused two of the three greater ships in the hauen to bee buried and gaue the third to Obiâ—…to de Fiesca bestowing three hundred braue horse that hee had in his Stables vpon certaine citizens his friends and seruants and hauing victualled the new castle and that called Del Ouo he returned according to his promise to prouide for Capua But in his absence the city of Capua thinking hee had forsaken it Triulcio the cities Gouernor being gonne to treat with the French King his owne souldiers breaking open his house and â—…ansaking it Virginio Vrsin and Count Petillan beeing likewise gonne his whole army in a manner broken hee was enforced to giue place to the Conqueror Ferdinand beeing come within two miles of Capua was aduertized of what had past by certaine Lords sent to tell him that he should come on no farther wherevpon notwithstanding his intreaties hee was enforced to returne to Naples where hauing made some bootlesse speech to the Nobillity vnto whom the name of his grandfather and father were odious he withdrew himselfe into the new castle from whence within a while after hee departed and embarking himselfe in the Gallies which attended him in the hauen with Frederick his vncle and the old Queene and her daughter Ioane sailed into the Isle of Isehia thirty miles from Naples where hee was enforced to make triall of his vertue and patience After his departure from Naples all places yeelded to the victors fame so as two hundred French horse comming to Nola did without any resistance take Virginio Vrsin and Count Petillan prisoners who were come thither with foure hundred horse they were carried to the fort of Montdragon King Charles hauing intelligence of Ferdinands flight drew neere Naples and came to the city of Auersa betwixt Capua and Naples where the Neapolitan Ambassadors met him and presented him with their cities keyes vnto whom hee hauing freely granted sundry priuiledges and exemptions the day following hee entred Naples where with incredible ioy and contentment hee was receiued by the Nobility and people Hee had sent his captaines before to restraine the insolency of his souldiers Hee was accompanied to the Cathedrall Church by multitudes of people and from thence because Castelnouo held still for the enemies he went to lodge in the Capuan castle which was the antient abode of the Kings of Naples hauing with an incredible course of happy fortune vanquished before he was seene The King peaceable possessor of the city though not of the castles did by letters and by their owne Ambassadors gratifie the Signory of Venice for that it had kept promise with him and continued his friend The report of King Charles his arriuall and successe in the Realme of Naples was bruted so farre as the very Turke feared him because that the king had publikely vanted that after the conquest of the kingdome of Naples hee would turne his forces vpon him so as all the inhabitants on the sea frontiers of Sclauonia Albania and Macedonia presently forsooke their dwellings and retired into the firme land so as if the king had crossed ouer thither hee might easily haue conquered those Prouinces And to speake truth so soone as Bajazeth vnderstood that hee was come to Florence he beganne to trim his old vessels and to build new About the same time threescore ships of warre wherein were sixe thousand foote and three hundred horse arriued at Liuorne sent by the kings of Spaine for the gard of Sicily with Lorenzo Suares deputed by their Maiesties for Ambassador to the Venetian Senate Hee told the Senate that the cause of his arriuall with those forces was the king his Masters feare least after the conquest of the Realme of Naples king Charles would make an attempt vpon Sicily which in former time had belonged vnto the French kings That their Maiesties knowing the pride and great power of the French did suppose that the Venetians mooued with the neerenesse of the danger to see so mighty a King in Italy would be possest with the like feare and therefore had commanded him in their names to salute the Prince and Senate and to assure them that if they desired ought of them they were ready to beare a part in their fortune for in regard of their wisdome and loyalty there was no Prince or King whatsoeuer with whom they more desired to enter into league then with them That Pope Alexander likewise would make one who desired nothing more then to bee vnited with Spaine
come within three miles nere to Bolognia delt so with the Pope as he gaue him leaue safely to depart from Bolognia with his wife and children and to dwelin what place of the Dutchy of Milan he pleased permitting him to sell and carry away with him all his mouables and to enioy the immouables which he possessed with iust title The Bentiuoles being departed the people of Bolognia sent their Ambassadors to the Pope for to giue him the entire gouernment of their City At the same time the King of Arragon being imbarked at Barcelona came along by the coast of Prouence to Genoa and from thence keeping close by the land continuing his iourney he entred into the Hauen of Gayetta Then being conducted to Naples he was receiued with great magnificence Ambassadors from all places of Italy came thither with speed and among others from Venice whither George Pisani and Marc Dandulo were sent to congratulate and honour so great a Prince The Pope likewise notwithstanding that he was displeased for that he had not sent to offer his obedience as the manner was sent a Nuntio to him to incite him against the Venetians thinking that for the recouery of the Hauens of Apuglia which the Venetians held he had wished their ouerthrow And the Venetians on the contrary did still study to keepe his friendship Soone after King Lewis came into Italy by reason of the rebellion of Genoa the Venetians sent Dominico Trenisano and Paul Pisaâ—…i their Ambassadors to him to congratulate his arriuall who came to Milan whether the king came so soone as he had recouered Genoa The Pope being at Bolognia had solicited the King to come into Italy that they might conferre together wherevnto the King did incline albeit the Popes intents were against the Venetians whom he hated in regard of the Cities of Romagnia which they possessed But when he vnderstood that the King determined to take armes in fauour of the Gentlemen against the people of Genoa because the strife betwixt the Gentlemen and the Commons had beene cause of the rebellion he was much discontented thereat because he had euer fauored the people against the Nobility and he perswaded the King as much as in him lay to absteine from armes alleaging that it might kindle some fire in Italy which would hinder the warre which they had decreed against the Venetians To the which perceiuing the King would not agree being transported with choller he gaue out on a sodaine at the beginning of the yeere 1507. contrary to al mens expectation that he would returne to Rome saying that the aâ—…e of Bolognia did not agree with his healthâ—… wherevpon the King was troubled not knowing what to thinke because he interrupted that which himselfe had â—…raued and did all he could to alter his determination But the Kings earnest instance to change his minde did encrease the Popes suspition which hee had conceiued that the King would keepe him still there where they might meet together at one selfe same place which did so much the more confirme him in his determination wherein being obstinate he departed from Bolognia about the latter end of February being not able to dissemble the disdaine which he had conceiued of the King By this wrath the hatred which he did beare to the Venetians being in some sort mittigated hee determined to passe by the City of Faenza new quarrels arising euery houre betwixt the King and him in regard of the Bentinoles whom he would haue the King to expell from the Dutchy of Milan albeit by his owne consent they were permitted to abide there in such sort as nothing could appease him complayning greeuously of the King and being thereby prouoked he did by his Nuâ—…tios and by a Breefe giue the Emperour and the Electors to the Empire to vnderstand that the French Kings preparations for his passage into Italy with a mighty army vnder pretence to appease the sedition of Genoa was in effect to oppresse the state of the Church and to vsurpe the Imperiall dignity The Venetians likewise fearing the Kings comming into Italy with so great an army did giue the like aduertizement Maximillian being desirous of nouelty hauing receiued these aduertizements held an Imperiall Diet in the City of Constance where all the Barons Princes and Common-wealths of Germany being assembled he did in such sort agrauate the matter against the French King by his oration as the mindes of all those that were there present were merueilously mooued where he exhibited the Popes and Venetians letters of aduertizement The French King hauing intelligence of the whole matter did on a sodaine cassier his army to take away the cause of such a suspition and would himselfe haue repassed the mounts had not the desire which he had to speake with the King of Arragon staied him who was preparing for his returne into Spaine and leauing Naples came directly to Sauona where he had appointed to conferre with the French King who for that cause was come from Millan to attend him there where Fernand with the Queene his wife being arriued all distrusts being laied aside on both parts with infinite numbers of reciprocall embrasings they had diuers long and secret conferences betwixt themselues and by that which fell out afterward it was apparent that they promised a perpetuall league of friendship one with the other and that Ferdinand should vse meanes to reconcile the Emperour and the French King to the end that all of them being vnited together they might afterward shew themselues open enemies to the Venetians The two Kings departed from Sauona the fourth day after their arriuall with the same shewes of loue and friendship The one went by sea to Barcelona and the other by land returned into France leauing the other affaires of Italy at the same stay King Lewis in the meane time perceiuing that the Diet of Constance continued where Maximillian had so highly animated all the German Princes against him he sent vnder-hand certaine men of purpose to Constance who should not be publikely knowne but dealing secretly should worke meanes by the hidden fauour of the Princes his friends to appease the mindes of the rest excusing those slanders which were imposed vpon him by the euidence of the effects seeing that after the reduction of Genoa to his obedience he had on a sodaine cassieâ—…ed his army and returned with all possible speed into France to take away all suspition that he would attempt nothing against the Church nor against the title of the sacred Empire and with these iustifications they wrought meanes to appease the Germans armes by the force of gold which they so highly loue These things did greatly trouble the French Kings minde who was altogether vncertaine of the Venetians meanings who would not openly discouer themselues but had euer held matters in suspense The Dyet of Constance beeing ended it was there concluded after sundry disputations that Maximillian should haue
he would not by refusall giue any signe that he was not desirous to perseuer in the confederacy contracted with the late Pope as also because it seemed vnto him that he had no correspondence with the Venetians who besides that their Army had after a sort behaued it selfe in hostile man ner on the Parmesan and Placentine territories at such time as Aluiana laye neere to Cremona had not chosen any Ambassador to make the oath of obedience to him after the ancient custome vntill the French beeing vanquished were gone forth of Italy Nothing did so much astonish the Venetians as because the Pope had declared himselfe their enemie Yet neuerthelesse they hauing in his behalfe neuer failed in the reuerence and affection which they were bound to as himselfe did confesse it they were perswaded that they might yet be receiued into his fauour and make vse heereafter of his grace and frendship Neuerthelesse they did not alter their former determinations but resolued to resist fortune as much as they might and seeing themselues to be our of hope of peace and that the nomber of their enemies encreased they speedily beganne to prouide all thinges necessary to resist so many dangers They made great leuyes of footmen as wel in Romaignia as else where they armed a great nomber of vessells called home all those which they had in Candy and other places and with the same speed they made great prouisions of victualls munition and money Some of the Senate were of opinion to haue their nauall army to saile into Puglia to assaile the sea townes or at least to seeme to resent the many wronges which King Ferdinand without cause had done them But hauing maturely considered how important a matter it was to prouoke so mighty a King they reiected this proposition as more couragious then discreet as well in respâ—…ct of his power as for that he had alwaies made shew to councell the Emperour to peace The Venetian Generall in the meane time being encamped on the banks of Adice his espies aduertised him that the Spaniards had taken the way of Vincenza determining to marche towards Padua and that Cardona with whom the Popes forces were vnited came directly towards him with all his forces he then thought fit to crosse the Riuer as well to free himselfe from danger as for to assure the Citties of Padua and Treuiso and came and stayed at Montagnane But so soone as hee had crossed rhe Riuer with his forces the Venetians affaires who by reason of some prosperous and good successe had begunne to bee re-established did a new fall into decadence For the Pollesin of Rouigo did forth-with yeeld to the enemy and the other people of the countrey did likewise sodainly rise because those of the Venetian iurisdiction perceiuing that the enemies did waxe strong and did greatly molest them and that the Venetians on the contrary grew weake and could not releeue them all men in heapes ranne to the enemies Rance de Cere alone deserued great commendation who remaining euer constant in the Venetian seruice did at times sally forth of Crema where he lay in garrison and made incursions on the enemies Countrey spoiling and burning whatsoeuer he met with The towne of Pescara after a small resistance with the Castle likewise albeit it was well fortified fell into the enemies hands thorough the strife and discention of those within it Lodouico Contaren the Prouidator and all the Captaines with the most part of the soldiers were taken prisoners the rest escaped by flight The Bishop of Gurcia as Lieutenant to the Emperor in Italy comming to the Armie was of opinion to goe and besiege Padua saying That he had so great hope in the Lansquenets and Spaniards valour against the Italians as in the end they would surmount all difficulties That it was a matter of small labour to take Treuiso but that the reward of the victory was different because that to winne Treuiso onely did not import much for the conclusion of the warre but by the taking of Padua they should altogether assure the Citties of the Emperors obedience from the dangers of warre and depriue the Venetians of all hope of euer beeing able to recouer those places that they had lost It is certaine that the Bishop of Gurcia did obstinately maintaine this proposition against the aduise of all the Captaines who were of a contrary opinion iudging it rather an impossible then hard matter to take Padua by force in regard of hiâ—… fortifications almost incredible It is not knowne whether the Bishop of Gurcia propounded it by the Emperors commandement or else of his own motion hoping thereby of greater praise as for an high and difficult enterprise At the last notwithstanding all the Viceroyes reasons and those of the contrary opinion the Bishop of Gurcia his will was followed by meanes whereof the Imperiall Armie approching neere to Padua went and lodged at Bassanella on the right side of the channell a mile and a halfe from the citty in which place being much molested by certaine double Canons planted vpon one of the citties bastions it crossed the channell and lodged a little farther of Aluiana who had already sent his Artillery and baggage to Padua to bee the lighter to take what way should be most expedient hauing notice of their resolution determined to march towards the citty to keepe and defend it against the enemies Baillon beeing already in Treuiso as hath beene said with sufficient forces to defend it whether the Senate sent Andre Mari-pietro for Prouidator And although that Padua seemed to bee well furnished with men and all other necessaries the Senate neuerthelesse would haue certaine leuies of foot companies to bee made as well of Venetians as Histrians who speedily marched thither with all the husbandmen neere about which were come to Venice for refuge to the end to vse those men for necessary reparations in steed of Pioners Diuerse young Venetian Gentlemen likewise went to the defence of the citty So great was their care and diligence to keepe these two citties as well for the commodity of their situation as for the fertillity of the soyle hauing made the countrey plaine round about cut downe the trees which were there and raced all the farmes and houses of pleasure so as there was nothing within a mile of the citty which lay not open to the mercy of the Canon The enemies encamping round about padua sent the footmen to S. Anthonies Church which is within halfe a mile of the towne where they beganne that they might approach with lesse danger to make trenches neere to Saint Antonies gate But the work being great and the want of Pioners greater it went foreward slowly and with danger because the soldiers on the sodaine making many sallies as well in the day time as by night did greatly hinder them that wrought On the other side the nomber of the enemies was to smal for such an enterprise for
that the Turke armed was by that meanes cleered so as one part of the nauall Army that they had prepared vpon that rumor sailed into Barbary against the Pirats of whom many being taken the passages were freed from danger In this manner did the Venetians temporise with the Turke vsing all means to keepe his friendship despayring of being able to hurt him so long as the Christian Princes carelesse of the common danger were at strife among themselues Now the most Christian King being som-what troubled with this election and fearing least Charles of Austria would turne his deseignes vpon Italy to expulse him from the state of Milan acquainted the Pope and the Venetians with the great danger that threatned them if they suffred the elected Emperor to passe with an army into Italy and therefore he councelled them to enter into a threefold league together against those that would attempt to inuade any of their states and specially to oppose themselues against the Emperors passage comming in armes to goe to Rome as he said to receiue the Imperiall Crowne because he could not enter in that manner but to the great danger of all those who possessed any states in Italy The Venetians soone consented to the French Kings proposition for the safety of their states But the Pope being resolued what to doe and ruminating sundry matters fed the King and the Venetians with faire hope but when it came to the conclusion he would not consent to haue any thing set downe in writing saying That in such a case the onely words of Princes did suffice with their true meaning to execute what had beene concluded In this manner the businesse being delayed the French Kings heaâ—…e in time beganne to coole The Venetians had some suspition that the King did seacretly treat with the Emperor and that the same might bee the canse why the Pope doutbed and prolonged the affaires that were concluded on And that which did increase their suspition was for that they had certaine notice that Artur Gouffiar Lord of Boyssy great maister of France and the Lord de Cheures met at Montpellier the one from the elect Emperor and the other from the King to consult of a finall peace betwixt both their Maiesties and to decide all controuersies betwixt them and their allies The Venetians neuer-the-lesse still continuing their former resolution and firme desire not to separate them-selues in any sort from the alliance of the French made no shew that they suspected the King albeit his Maiesty was sufficiently aduertised of their suspition but held it for certaine that if the King were desirous of agreement with the Emperor they especially should be named and comprised therin and all their contention with the Emperor should be wholy composed Charles so soone as hee was chosen Emperor hauing turned his deseignes vpon Italy knowing how much it did import him to haue the Venetians friendship did shew him-selfe desirous to compose all the differences which had beene betwixt the Emperor Maximilian his predecessor and them and to effect this good desire hee sent his commissioners to Verona according as it was concluded in Maximillians life time with ample power and authority to conclude and decide not onely the businesse of the truce for fiue yeares but like-wise to end all other matters which were yet vndecided two yeares before betwixt them Francisco Pâ—…sare a long time before chosen by the Senate for that purpose went to Verona whither for the Emperors part came foure of the cheefe of the councell of Inspruch who had ample power to negociate that businâ—…sse Iohn Pin the French Ambassador came thither in his Kings name who at the last truce was chosen Vmpier and Iudge of all their controuersies The Venetians craued possession of all the places taken from them in the last warre and that all thing should remaine as they were before the warre saying That it was the surest meanes to end all their controuersies and to establish a firme and assured peace But the Imperialls alleadging now one thing and then an other did still dâ—…lay the businesse and would conclude on nothing so as hauing spent certaine monthes there in vaine and being recalled by the councel of In spruch they returned home Yet neuerthelesse the Venetians hauing at the same time their Ambassadours in the Emperours Court they were put in hope of a prosperous end of that businesse and that the Emperour would speedily appoint Commissioners to intend it beeing very desirous by meanes of a sure peace to become their good neighbour and perpetuall friend his officers thereby shewing how much hee desired the Venetians friendship who for their partes did in like manner declare how they desired nothing more then peace but that they could not their faith kept inuiolate doe any thing contrary to their alliance with the French King After this manner did these two Princes at one time pursue the Venetians friendship and alliance but by different waies each of them seeking to make vse of them in their enterprize of Italy so as in these practizes and negotiations all that yeare passed on without any certaine resolution The yeare following which was 1520. Italy did still continue peaceable but Christendome was threatened by Soliman who perceauing his Empire to be at quiet and all things to fall out as hee wished would not bee idle but following rather the generousnesse of his Ancestors hee determined to take armes and to warre vpon the Christians This was a long time before foreseene of many but remedied by none Following then this determination hee resolued to enuade the realme of Hungary hoping to reape great glory thereby by reason that the Hungarians were reputed valliant and great soldiers Therefore so soone as all things were ready hee departed from Constantinople about the beginning of the yeare 1521. with a mighty army and marched into Hungary King Lewes being amazed at the comming of so mighty an army and distrusting his owne forces did againe send new Ambassadors to solicite and entreate Christian Princes to aid him it being the common cause of all Christendome Philippo Moro Bishop of Agria was sent to the Venetians who being brought into the Senate spake in this manner My King most excellent Prince and yee most noble Lords hath such confidence in yourselues in your fidelity curtezie and power in respect of the strict alliance which of a long time hath beene betwixt this Republike and the crowne of Hungary of the Common interest of both your states of the iustice of his cause and your owne antient custome with that of your ancestors who euer fauored iust and resonable actions and releeued those that stood in need as hee is desirous in this eminent perill of the Turkish warre cheefely to haue recourse vnto you my Lords and vnto you to communicate his deseins and necessity hoping to finde from you not onely a speedy ayde as much as in you lieth
Senate to whom of purpose he sent his Nuncio to exhort them therein to interpose their councell authority and forces by intreating the Emperour to harken therevnto and the easier to draw him to it to offer him a summe of money But the Senate being of a contrary minde sought to disswade him from it and in praysing his good meaning they shewed him how that to take armes at such a time and without vrgent necessity was nothing else but to shew that he was afraide of a most iust cause whereof all men were desirous to be assured by preuenting with force the power which the concourse and fauour of the people might bring to the aduerse party That it did not beseeme him who maintained reason and truth to flie from the triall thereof especially by the Scriptures and by the same reason and not to impose a necessity vpon the Protestant Princes to raise their forces and thereby to make their cause to be more fauoured by the people and accounted to haue some shew of honesty by opposing themselues against the violence which would be done to them by comming in armes That the Princes of Italy were whole drawne drie of money by reason of the late wars The Electors of the Empire were doubtfull in such a case what part to take and more desirous of peace then warre as their Ambassadours doe affirme who for the same purpose were sent to the Emperour at Bruxells The free cities of Germany are resolute in no sort to aide or fauour the Emperour if hee should seeke rather to preuaile by force then reason and the Emperour is to weake of himselfe to leauy sufficient forces to ouer-throw the Princes and people being risen The Pope being mooued by these reasons or by the anthority of the Senate to whom he much referred himselfe hauing changed his minde desisted from sending his Nuncio to the Emperour as hee had determined whereby this treatie was broken off And to speake truely it was then thought most fit to consider rather how to resist the Turkes deseignes and to keepe as much as might be the forces of Christendome vnited together and chieflly those of Germany who were to susteine the first attempts of the Barbarians by reason that it was held for certaine that Soliman being proud and haughty could not digest his shamefull discamping from before Vienna which he could not take that he was 〈◊〉 to returne thither with a mightier army the which according to the common report he was already preparing The Emperour in this regard did rather encline to peace then warre and 〈◊〉 making any solid resolution was content for that time to set downe cerâ—… rules concerning religion vntil the next future councell He likewise desired the better to reduce all matters to peace and quiet to end the controuersies which remained vndecided betwixt the Archduke Fedinana and the Republike of Venice wherevpon he commanded to choose vmpiers according to that which they had concluded wherevnto al be it that the Senate did not onely consent but did likewise seeme greatly to desire it by soliciting the deciding of the controuersie yet neuerthelesse nothing succeeded thereof contrary to the desire of both parties by reason of the difficulty they had to name a third person if it were so that the vmpiers could not agree amongst themselues The Archduke chose the Duke of Mantua the Bishop of Ausbourg and the Popes Nuncio residing with himselfe And the Venetians made choice of the Bishop Theatinâ—… the Archbishop of Salerne who was of the family of the Adorni and the Popes Nuncio refiding at Venice but those which pleased one of the parties displeased the other whereby matters remained still in controuersie to the great preiudice and hurt of the subiects on the frontiers and caused an alteration amongst the Princes Besides this the Emperour had not yet surrendred which was the very latter end of the yeere the castle of Milan nor the city of Coma to Francis Sforza as he was bound to doe wherevpon the Venetians being desirous to haue it performed as soone as might be for feare least time might produce some sinister accident and Francis Sforza hauing not altogether meanes of his owne to furnish so great a sum of money as was to be paied to the Emperour they did lend him fifty thousand Ducats to make vp the payment the which they re-embursed vpon a bargain of salt they made with him by which meanes the castle of Milan and the city of Coma were rendred to Sforza to the Venetians great content whose only end was to assure the Duâ—…chy of Milan to the Duke The Venetians great desire to conserue that State for Sforza was the cause that he seeming to haue some distrust of the French entreated the Senate to interpose their authority with that King that he might desist from his great warlike preparations which he was reported to make to renue his old claime to Milan and notwithstanding that they gaue small credit to that report yet neuerthelesse to shew their constant desire of the preseruation and defense of that State and to take from the French all suspition that they would euer separate themselues from the Emperour and the other Confederates they determined to make it knowne to all men as well in France as in the Courts of other Princes But the Emperour being displeased with this declaration did summon them besides to arme the number of souldiers which the Signory was bound to leauy by the treaty of Confederacy The Venetians therevpon supposing that he aimed at some particular deseigne of his owne and would draw them to more then they were tied vnto by the league answered that the affaires of Italy standing at such a stay as there was nothing to be more hoped for then an assured peace they were not to be vrged to so great expences Now at the same time the Venetians supposing that King Francis beeing newly married and hauing recouered his children should rather thinke on feasting and pleasure then on the trauails of warre to make it knowne that they desired to partake some part of his content sent into France Iohn Pisani Procurator of Saint Markeâ—… their extraordinary Ambassadour to reioyce with him in the name of the Republike But he hauing discouered some true likelihoods said boldly that they would not suffer the peace and publike quiet to be troubled or interrupted and they would neuer faile in ought wherevnto they were tied by their confederacy In the Interim of these negociations the Republike enioying an assured peace the Senate tooke care to re-establish it in her ancient preheminences which it had enioyed before the last warres and amongst others to appoint all the Bishops belonging to their owne State for which hauing made many requests to the Pope without receiuing any certaine resolution they seized on the temporalties of diuers Bishoprikes which the Pope had giuen whereat his Holinesse being incensed made shew that he would resent it and
ruines of this ancient one are to be seene in the middest of the Sea Whereby may be coniectured how much ground the Sea hath deuoured since that time I dare moreouer affirme that that place was in the beginning called Medoac and since by the Modernes named Malamoc by corruption of the language like vnto diuers others The Albiolans amazed at the Dukes flight and those of Malamoc fell forthwith to composition the like did those few people which remained in Malamoc These being receiued by composition so soone as the victorious French man came to the Port of Albiola which at this day is right ouer against new Malamoc and had perceiued for he did see nothing but Sea on the one side and lakes on the other that he must either change his purpose or his manner of warre it is said that he sate a certaine time verie melancholie vpon the shoare with his face turned towards the enemie as though hee were deuising some meanes to giue end to that warre and that at last through the counsell of an old woman which is not credible he made a bridge ouer the water for his soldiers passage ouer to Rialto But concerning the counsell of a simple olde woman it is wholly ridiculous as if an old doting Crone had knowne better what did belong to a deed of so great importance than so manie thousands of men which followed the French seeing that diuers Italians most expert in marine matters and capable of greater things were then with him But admit that all those which were with him were ignorant of that meanes those of Malamoc which were taken prisoners could easily haue executed such an enterprise For it is not credible though some say it that there were none in that place which was in time past so populous but one poore old woman There be that haue likewise affirmed that they laboured first to ouercome them by famine but that the besieged hauing with certaine warre-like engins throwne loaues of bread into the enemies camp the hautie French impatient of more delay did foâ—…thwith ioine and make fast together diuers hogsheads or tuns head to head and couering them with boards made a verie long bridge Whereupon the Venetians perceiuing it did behooue them to fight for their libertie their Churches and for their owne liues and their childrens and for want of so doing to vndergoe the yoke of the proud enemie resolued to fight couragiously intending either to die fighting or to preserue their libertie to hazard their last fortune by that maner of fight wherein they were most exercised Hauing then imbarked themselues in small light boats apt for fight and saile the winde and tide seruing them after they had tarried for the ebbe they came furiously vpon the enemie who alreadie approched There began on a sodaine a bloudie battaile betwixt them sustained neuerthelesse by verie different courages For the French fought incited with a desire to spoile and to maintaine their former honour But the Venetians for their wiues and children for their publike and particular wealth and for their libertie which they held deerer then all the rest And because the bridge was weakely built and continually shaken by the waues of the sea the enemie being accustomed to firme footing began forthwith to stagger The Venetians on the contrarie trusting to the lightnesse of their vessels couragiously assailed them behinde and in flanke The bridge at the last being broken by force which some thinke hapned by the violence of a tempest which arose at the beginning of the fight there was in a moment a great slaughter of the french the sword on the one side and the Sea on the other presenting death vnto them The multitude of such as were then slaine and drowned gaue the first ground why that place by the which men turne from Malamoc to the Rialto was for that notable victorie called afterward Orphano We haue heard how the Venetians fought with good successe against Pepin the sonne of Charles We may then vpon a iust ground in some things compare the Venetians Common-wealth with that of the Romans as we will often hereafter doe For diuers things are to be found as well in the prosperitie as aduersitie of both the Common-wealths much like the one to the other It is certaine that the prosperous beginnings and encrease of both these people were wholly almost extinct by the Barbarians albeit the Venetians Common-welth was in some sort more new in the time of her first troubles than was that of the Romans in the time of the Senonians warre Yet notwithstanding each of them had the French for their enemies The Romans were assailed by the Senonians a Nation altogether vnknown before the taking of the Citie These by the Belgians no lesse couragious but more mightie then the Senonians because they were besides the forces of the Empire aided by the succors of Italie The Roman state had incensed the enemie because one of her Ambassadours had contrarie to the law of Nations iniured a Frenchman The Venetian because in contempt of the agreement made betwixt Charles and Nicephorus it had fauoured one of the parties The Senonians were masters of all sauing the Capitol The Belgians left the Venetians nothing but Rialto And both the one and other deceiued the enemie by casting loaues of bread These men defended the Sea bankes and the other a little hill Each of them haue valiantly repulsed the French puffed vp with the pride of his victories and happie successe But the first did it voluntarily and this by constraint But the Roman therein deserued high glorie in that all her enemies were slaine And the Venetians in that they defeated so mightie a king assisted aswell with his owne forces as with those of his Father and the Empire The preseruing of the Capitoll was cause of the encrease of the Citie and of the perpetuall establishment of the Empire That of Rialto gaue not only occasion of the Cities encrease but of establishing the Princes residence in a more eminent and magnificent place than either Heraclea or Malamoc Thus farre extended the Cities infancie Now followes her youth during which the Venetians after they had confirmed their forces did mightily enlarge the limits of their estate But we will returne to Pepin who amazed as they say at such a losse did forthwith raise the siege And after the French had spoyled all the places they went through he brought backe his Armie Some say that Obellerio and his brother being authors of so many mischiefes did willingly banish themselues and followed the enemie Others who make the Emperour Charles the authour of this warre and not Pepin doe affirme that the French after this losse made peace with the Venetian and came to Rialto where being honourably entertained he intreated the people to receiue Obellerio into the Countrie which the Venetians hauing vnwillingly graunted as the euent witnessed so soone as Charles was gone Obellerio
not satisfied with that which he had till then done against them he drew them of Ancona from their alliance who in fauor of him did for a time bar them from their free Nauigation But the Venetians making alliance with those of Ariminium neere neighours to the Anconezans did in such sort shut vp the passages from them as their condition was like vnto theirs who are straightly besieged The Cities treasure being wholly exhausted by means of the great affaires which had hapned it was decreed That the monies of particular men laid in Deposito should be brought to the treasurie of Saint Marke to be imploied and kept in the name of the Common-wealth as neede should be vntill such time as the Citie had recouered her former wealth The which at this day is commonly called a Loane which was as some say deuised by Prince Michaeli From whence as is supposed grew the chiefe reason of the peoples hatred against him and the principall occasion of his death Diuers Ambassadours were sent likewise about the same time from sundrie places to treate af an agreement with the Emperour Thus stood the affaires of the Venetians when as to the end that the Citie might be alwaies busied about weightie matters The Cause of Alexander the third gaue them the subiect of a goodly victorie Some moderne Historians doe in no sort approue this matter But all the Venetian Annalists and some strangers likewise doe make particular mention of it and saie That after diuers secret enmities betwixt Alexander and the Emperour Frederick occasioned because 〈◊〉 the new Schisme betwixt Alexander and Octauian the Anti-Pope the matteâ—…â—…eeing referred to the decision of Frederick Alexander would not stand to his iudgement Fredrick being moued heerewith called Octauian before him and declared himselfe openly against Alexander In hatred of whom he published a Generall Councell at Dijon a Citie in France the which beeing dissolued by reason there was nothing done because Pope Alexander refused to come thither Frederick in rage resolued to returne into Italie Whereupon hauing sent his Anti-Pope before him he marched soone after with great forces beyond the Mounts but before his arriuall Octauian died In whose sted Guido of Cremona being elected Frederick promised to assist him with all his power against Alexander And after diuers exploits executed in the Prouince comming neere to Ancona hee turned towards Rome whither he sodainely marched with an intent wholly to ouerthrow Alexander Who being frighted with his comming making vse of two Gallies belonging to William King of Sicilie hee came first to Cayetta and from thence to Beneuentum Frederick after hee had installed Guido in the holie Chaire returned into Lombardie But Guido likewise died soone after Now Alexander committing the temporall gouernment to the Romans craued no more but to intend Diuine matters Prouided that they of the contrarie faction would permit him to liue in Rome But not being able to purchase his peace on these conditions and despairing of all reconciliation he departed from the Citie But it is hard to determine whither this refusall were the cause of his departure a thing scarse credible that the diuision of the inhabitants could haue constrained him to leaue the Citie the Romans not being interessed therein in regard they had the temporall iurisdiction in their own power or whither it were rather the vniust command of the Emperour whereby he was bannished forth of all Italie and those attainted of capitall Treason which should giue him meate or drinke or receiue him into their houses threatning to ruine those Cities which should giue him entertainement and to make warre on those Lords and Potentates which should fauour him which might be the cause that hauing no place of safetie in all Italie nor any good affiance in William King of Sicilie hee came through Apulia to mount Gargari and from thence taking ship as Obba of Rauenna saith in a vessell of Liburnia he came to Zara And afterwards passing through Dalmatia hee came in disguise to Venice as to the only refuge of all libertie Yet there scarce thinking himselfe in safetie as being vnacquainted with the Venetians loue and affection towards him concealing his estate which he thought best so to doe hee remained so long in the Hospitall of the Charitie in poore raiment called by the name of Commodo as at last he was knowne by a naturall marke vpon his body Some write that the better to liue there in secret he serued for Scullion of the kitchin But it is more credible that he concealed his Dignitie vnder the habit of a poore Priest which by diuers likewise is affirmed Forraine Historians doe affirme That he came to Venice with thirteene Gallies belonging to King William and not like a fugitiue to recouer the Emperours fauour in a free Citie the place hauing beene appointed for the meeting But if it were so as they say What needed so many Gallies which were sufficient not only to haue transported the Popes small houshold which is likely at that time to be but meane but all Rome likewise which in those daies was smally inhabited Besides what needed he to haue made so long and dangerous a iourney As though he had rather to haue trauersed the Sea-coasts with danger than to passe in safetie through the Duchie of Spoleta and marches of Ancona Vndoubtedly hee needed not to haue beene at so great expenses nor yet to haue so greatly hazarded himselfe had it not beene to haue auoided a greater danger For the Emperours decree made all things difficult to him Therefore in disguised habit or in these Gallies for some of our Historians couertly seeme to consent thereunto he must of necessitie come to Venice But how soeuer he arriued there all those whom we follow doe agree That being at the pursuit of Fredericke driuen from the Pontificiall dignitie hee had recourse to the Venetians and that being knowne he was honourably entertained by Prince Cyani and lodged in the Castle of Oliuollo with promise either to reconcile him to the Emperour or else that they themselues would reestablish him in his See First of all they concluded to send Ambassadours to Fredericke to entreate him in the name of the common-wealth to be reconciled with Pope Alexander and that in so doing he should not only performe a matter most profitable for all Christendome but most acceptable to the Venetians who wholly sought the profit and aduancement of Alexander It is reported that the Pope being present when the letters were writing to Fredericke and perceiuing that they sealed them with wax he commaunded in fauour of Ciani his successors That euer after the Duks letters should be sealed with lead the which is obserued euen to this daie Obba of Rauenna who liued in those times as well in regard of the antiquitie of his booke from whence we haue taken this as also because he hath curiously set downe al which passed in this
in this warre which they had against Mastin whereof wee are to speake They had likewise to the end that nothing might bee wanting to their happinesse subiected the Citie of Padua a little before the warre began For Marsilio named by others Vbertino Carrario beeing not able to preserue that Citie in her ancient libertie by reason of their ciuill dissension suffered it to fall into bondage whereunto because hee had so easily consented Escalla permitted the Carrarians to command the Citie in his name Mastin waxing proud with this good successe following humane couetousnesse which knowes lesse how to behaue it selfe in prosperitie than in aduersitie resoluing to disturbe the Venetians speedily built a Fort in the lakes neere to Petabubula which he manned with a strong Garrison The Venetians knowing whereunto his dessignes tended fortified a place likewise which they held not farre from thence Afterwards they consulted by what force or meanes they might tame and daunt this infestuous Tyrant who hauing ouerthrown the neighbouring forces panted as it were with desire to master theirs And therfore there was some likely-hood that after he had assured his owne estate he would forth with make warre on the Venetians To preuent Mastin of his purpose for hee was the eldest of all the familie of Escalla the Venetians hastened the warre His forces as they were the greatest of all his neighbours so were they the most maligned For worldly matters haue this propertie That there is nothing which so much procureth enuie and hatred as too great felicitie Although the number of those who enuied him were verie great The Venetians neuerthelesse had least causâ—… of all men to looke after him in respect that holding nothing as yet in the firme Land they had till then satisfied themselues with being strong at Sea not caring for more esteeming their fortune great enough in regard of their Sea-traffike This then being truth the Venetians had no cause to feare the Tyrant although his forces were terrible to others as to Obisso of Este Philippo Gonzaga Azzo Vis-conte and the Florentines in Tuscanie who because he had taken the Citie of Luca not far from them stood in great feare of his power Pietro Rossis of Parma with his brethren all valiant and braue men were capitall enemies to the house of Escalla for that Mastin vnder pretence of future alliance had driuen them forth of Parma laid plots for their liues which they hauing notice of fled to Pontremolla where Mastin did streightly besiege them at such time as the Venetians with others confedered them-selues against him After diuers Ambassages sent from partie to partie the Florentines and all the Princes of Trans-alpine Gaule who were iealous of the forces of those of Escalla ioined themselues with the Venetians against Mastin and his whole familie But some Authours affirme that the Florentines alone did allie themselues at the beginning aâ—…d that the rest came after the warre was begun Iohn King of Bohem did likewise ioine with them for the recouerie of the Cities which were taken from him in Italie Yet for all that the Venetians were the first motiues of the warre It is reported that they neuer vndertooke warre with more courage not for feare or enuie to them beeing free from both these passions as hath beene said but because they thought it well beseeming people borne in libertie mightie and rich to defend as well the libertie of others and chiefly of their neighbours as their own The end of the first Booke of the second Decade THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the second Booke of the second Decad. PIETRO ROSSIS the Parmesan being made Generall of the Armie of the League defeateth the Cauallerie of those of Escalla neare to Luca in Tuscanie ESCALLA recouereth Vderza which hee had a little before lost ROSSIS so soone as he had receiued the Enseignes of S. MARKE comes and encampeth before La Mot. The Venetians mercenarie Souldiers slaine by trecherie at Mestra ROSSIS hauing with his Armie passed the Riuer Brente seizeth on the enemies camp The Venetian Armie scattered here and there about the Countrie neare to Padua with the encounter which it had neare to Verona Those of Cognilian yeeld to the Venetians Sedition in Padua Diuers Ambassadours arriue at Venice at one time to treate of peace Padua restored to her ancient libertie the faction of ESCALLA being driuen thence The Gouernement of the Citie of Padua giuen to the Carrarians PIETRO and MARSILIO DE ROSSIS soone die one after another Diuers battailes wonne from the enemies on the confines of Vincenza and Cremona GALEAS Visconte taketh Bergamo and Bressia from those of Escalla Peace with those of Escalla after the losse of the Citie of Treuiso and diuers other places The Citie afterward protected from a great inundation at the intercession of S. MARKE THe league against the Tyrants being concluded the Senate commanded that all those who were able to beare Armes should be enrolled It is reported that at the same time aboue fortie thousand men from the age of twentie yeares to threescore were enrolled with such willingnesse as many of all sorts and ages did voluntarily follow the Armie without any publike or particular pay but only pricked forward with a desire to extinguish this tyrannie which was so neare them Notwithstanding they were not of opinion to assaile the enemie with all their forces at the first but following their ancient custome to beginne sleightly and then to continue it feruently Now whilest these two mightie people of Italie were preparing their Armies it is said That vpon the report of this warre diuers ranne thither out of France and Italie to serue them who being desirous to take the Venetians pay after they had trauersed Tuscanie and Flaminia the passages through Lombardie being shut vp arriued at Rauenna For all places on this side and beyond the Po with whatsoeuer lieth vnder the Alpes Bolognia and Ferrara excepted were against the Venetians For neither Luchin Visconte who commanded in Milan nor Philippo Gonzaga had as yet shewed themselues to bee against Escalla And albeit the Bolognians were at the same time diuided among themselues and excommunicated by the Pope because they had driuen the Legate Apostolicall forth of the Citie they did neuerthelesse freely suffer the Venetians to leuie Souldiers in their Territories with whom soone after they also ioyned their forces Ostasio Polentano at that time Lord of Rauenna affecting the Venetians did willingly receiue the French-men who arriued in the Citie and sent them speedily in small boats to Venice There was prouision made in the Citie neare to the Church of Mendigotis which is one of the farthest parts of the Citie of lodging for those which came thither and of victualls and other necessaries vntill such time as the Armie were readie to march against the enemie There liued at the same time Pietro Rossis of Parma accounted among the
Ring which hee had on his finger let the Duke and Senate vnderstand that by our meanes the Citie hath beene this night preserued from a terrible floud And because thou shalt not faile but doe this know that he whom thou diddest see enter into his Church is blessed Saint Nicholas which yee Marriners doe so highly reuerence the other is Saint George who is gone to visite his Church and I am Marke the Euangelist the patrone of your Citie This being said he vanished The poore Fisherman emboldned by this pledge so soone as it was day came to the Palace where saying that hee would speake to the Prince concerning some important businesse he was presently brought into his presence who was accompanied by the Senate where he declared in order all that hee had seene and heard then for a witnesse to his speech he drew foorth of his bosome the Ring which the holy Saint had giuen him ouer night They were all greatly amazed at this miracle then they caused diuers solemne Prayers to be made as well in priuate as in publike in the Churches of these holy personages by whose helpe the Citie had beene defended from the present danger Besides they appointed the poore Fisherman a yearely pension out of the publike Treasurie About the same time the Ambassadours of Edward King of England arriued at Venice crauing aide by Sea against Philip the French King whom the Genoueses fauoured with all their power but notwithstanding all their promises on their Kings behalfe they could obtaine nothing Their excuse was in what great danger their affaires stood at Sea which they were constrained to defend from the ordinarie incursions of the Turkes who by the carelessenesse of the Christians were growne so mightie as they could in a moment Arme two or three hundred Gallies if neede were At the same time certaine Lords of Candie reuolted who being retired into some Fortes and Castles in the mountaines did disquiet the greatest part of the Island Nicholao Phalerio Iustiniano surnamed Iustinian and Andrea Morosino with good forces were sent against these men who were embarked in the Gallies which went to traffique in Ciprus Being arriued in Candie they assailed the enemie in three places and giuing them in a maner no time to breath they tooke from them all meanes to robbe and spoile They did moreouer propound great rewards to any whosoeuer should kill any one of those Rebels or could bring him aliue to the Venetian Magistrate hauing set downe a certaine rate for euery head but the Authours whom we follow mention not how much They being by this meanes in few dayes reduced vnder the Venetians obedience were punished according to their deserts diuers of them were throwne into the Sea but the most of them were hanged which caused those of the Iland being terrified by the punishment of those Lords to returne on a sodaine to their due obedience The Island being quiet the Generals of the Armie Nicholao Phalerio excepted who died there returned to Venice Victuals were very deare in the Citie during the principalitie of Gradonico which was very short for it lasted but two yeares and nine Moneths which time being expired he died His body was buried at the entire of Saint Markes Church The end of the second Booke of the second Decade THE THIRD BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the third Booke of the second DECAD A Great Armie prepared against the Turkes The foundation of Saint ANTHONIES Church The Venetians victorie neere to Zara against LEWIS King of Hungarie Thereddition of Zara. The Citie of Venice much shaken by an Earthquake The same Citie terribly afflicted by the Pestilence Truce for fiue yeares with LEWIS King of Hungarie Cape-histria rebelleth which causeth the Venetians to passe ouer thither The cause of the third Ligusticke warre The Venetians take ten Ships of Genoa in the Hauen of Cariste The Genoueses take Nigrepont in the absence of the Venetian Armie The Venetian and Arragonian Fleete greatly tossed by a tempest on the Ionian Sea The prosperous battels which the Genoueses had at one time against three mightie Armies neere the Bosphorus The Venetians and Arragonians ouercome the Genoueses on the lower Sea The Genouses in anger contemne their libertie who after they haue repaired their Armie take Parenza The Genoueses take diuers Ships of burthen from the Venetians at sundrie places The Genoueses defeate a great Armie of the Venetians in the Isle of Sapientia Prince PHALERIO affecting tyrannie is with his complices worthily punished ¶ ANDREA DANDVLO the 54. Duke of Uenice A Ndrea Dandulo succeeded Gradonico a man certainly of rare and singular learning and as eloquent as could be wished in one of his yeares For it is reported that he wrote the Venetian Historie in two stiles the one more amply and it may bee therefore lesse eloquent and the other more succinctly and thereby as saith Carosini more beautified and adorned Hee was besides of a meeke and liberall disposition whereby hee purchased the surname of Comifino And that was the reason as I thinke why before he was of competent age they made him Procurator of S. Marke and soone afterwards Prince For the manner was not to name any one to that dignitie but such as were already of good yeares and all Authors almost are of opinion that he was not aboue sixe and thirtie yeares of age when hee was named for the soueraigne Magistrate We finde in some Authors that at the beginning of his Principalitie according to the league made with Pope Clement other Christian Princes against the Turke the Venetians armed sixteene Gallies and gaue the command of them to Pietro Zeno who after he had sunke diuers ships of the Barbarians did by a sodaine assault take the Citie of Smyrna and where hauing slaine the Inhabitants he left a good Garrison and that soone afterward not farre from those confines the Venetians accompanied with those of Rhodes and Cyprus did oftentimes fight with the Turkes where diuers of both sides were slaine But at the last the Venetians with their Allies being defeated and put to flight part of them being afrighted escaped into the Citie the rest being enclosed by the Barbarians were all slaine At the same time Nicholao surnamed Giouanni was sent by the Senate to the King of Babylon to treate with him concerning the Venetian Merchants free traffick into Aegypt The Barbarian granted their request bnt on certaine conditions the which seeming not to bee allowed of without the Popes permission it was not thought lawfull to trafficke with the enemies of the Christian faith Marini Phalerio Knight and Andrea Cornario were sent to his Holinesse who granted that the Venetians should for fiue yeares following traffick to Alexandria with sixe Gallies Souranza by vertue of this permission was the first that vnder-tooke that voiage with two Gallies wherein Pietro Iustiniano went Consull Two yeares after Iustiniano
some were flung into the Sea Diuers were pardoned who had promised to aide the conspirators but they were not made acquainted with their practise but they were so noted as some for shame and for feare forsooke the Citie with their wiues and children the number of whom was about fiue hundred Phalerio his Pallace was giuen to the Church of the holy Apostle He which discouered the conspiracie was not onely pardoned but they gaue him a yearely pension of a thousand duckates and besides a Senators place But he thinking it a meane recompence for such a peece of seruice did publikely accuse them of ingratitude detracting from them in euerie place The Senate being prouoked at his impudencie had like to haue put him to death but the remembrance of his late good seruice made them to abstaine whereupon hauing taken from him the publike recompence he was banished for ten yeares to Ragusa From whence departing before the prefixed time hee died in his iourney towards Hungarie During these troubles Marco Cornari gouerned the Commonwealth as Vice-Prince Then at the next assembly Giouanni Gradonico surnamed Naso was chosen Duke ¶ GIOVANNI GRADONICO surnamed NASO the 56. Duke of Venice ABout the same time Bernardo Iustiniano departed from Venice with seuen gallies He hauing fortunately scoured the Seas for a time did greatly molest the Genoueses and would haue done much more if peace had not opportunely ensued for the good of either people this warre hauing lasted fiue yeares Order was diligently taken for both of them and with their allies and Armes were laid aside as well by Sea as Land against Bernabo and Galeas Viscount who succeeded Iohn Then the prisoners taken in the warres were on each side set at libertie whereupon the Genoueses to the number of two thousand being deliuered on the feast day of Marie Magdalen went by couples carrying each of them a burning taper in his hand to giue thanks vnto God at the Church of the same Saint This spectacle moued the whole Citie to deuotion so as euer since that feast-day hath beene solemnized which before then was not obserued The end of the third Booke of the second Deead THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the fourth Booke of the second Decad. THe truce being expired LEWIS King of Hungarie allieth himselfe with the Carrarians and the Patriarch of Aquileia and at one time assaileth the Venetiaris in Italie and Dalmatia The same King returneth into Hungarie hauing spent some time in vaine before Treuiso and leaueth certaine troupes there to continue the siege The Paduans forbidden to traficke at Venice A troupe of mercenarie Almans defeated by the Hungarians neere to the Riuer Brente The Generallreuolt of Dalmatia from the Venetians in fauour of King LEWIS Peace with the same King Two Venetian Ambassadours sent to the Emperour are taken in Germanie by theeues The Duke of Austria rescueth those Ambassadours and bringeth them backe to Venice The Nobilitie of Candie reuolt from the Venetians LVCHIN VERMIO goeth into the Island with great forces The Venetians vanquish the Greekes neere to Mount Strombula who retire to Candace The Venetians recouer the Citie of Candace The Island being quieted Tilts and Turneyes were made in the Citie for ioy of the victorie The King of Cyprus in the companie of the Venetian Armie taketh Alexandria in Egypt A new sedition in Candie worse than the former so soone as the troupes were gone forth of the Island Those of the Island being a long time very much molested and their forces at the last broken submit themselues to the Venetians obedience The rebellion of the Thriestines The Venetians victorie ouer the Duke of Austria at Thrieste Strife betwixt the Venetians and Paduans concerning their limits ARmes being laid a side by Sea and by Land and the Citie restored to her ordinarie trafficke diuers shippes sailed to Cyprus and to other Faires and Martes of the Aegean Sea who for their more safetie for albeit they feared not the Genoueses yet the incursions of the Barbarians kept them in much awe had certaine armed Gallies for their conuoy commanded by Bernardo Iustinian who hauing brought them to a safe Port returned speedily into Dalmatia from whence hauing taken order for the affaires of the Prouince he brought backe his Armie in safetie to Venice Giouanni Baldo was the first that was sent to gouerne Val-marin that Earledome being fallen to the Venetians by the death of Phalerio This yeare about the Spring-time because the rumour was that Lewis King of Hungarie made preparations against the Venetians Marco Cornari and Marin Grimani were sent into Hungarie from whence they returned within a while after hauing found the Hungarian disposed to Warres Some Authors affirme that the cause of the Kings hatred to the Venetians was because they denied him shipping for the passage of his Armie into Italie at such time as hee would haue made warre on Queene Ioane But it is most certaine that this King was vanquished by the Venetians at Zara before that he beganne any warre in Italie But whether it were on this occasion or for any other as some say for wee know not herein whom to follow without all doubt the Ambassadours were sent into Apulia to the Hungarian who as some Authors say made truce with him for eight yeares and as others say for ten But at the beginning of the Genoueses warre albeit the time of the truce was not yet fully expired he beganne to quarrell with the Venetians about Dalmatia and there were presumptions that hee would forth-with make warre vpon them had not the mediation of the Emperour Charles the fourth caused him to giue ouer who commanded him to stay till the truce was ended whereupon he deferred the warre till this present which the Senate plainly foreseeing made them as it is thought to hasten the peace with the Genoueses the which they had before denied them when they stubbornely craued it to the end that being freed from the Genoan warre they might with more ease intend the other as they had done Some Annales make mention how that Cornari and Grimani the Ambassadours might at the same time haue easily shunned that warre if they would in the Common-wealths name haue promised him a white horse as a yearely tribute for Dalmatia The Venetians not intending thereby to wrong their right to Dalmatia refused it whereupon so soone as the truce was expired hee entred furiously into Dalmatia without farther denouncing of warre It is reported that at his first comming he brought so great an Armie as at one time he besieged Zara Scia Spalatra Trahu and Nona The Venetians who doe nothing rashly measuring the enemie by themselues did not imagine that he would so soone haue beene in the field by reason whereof they had not furnished the Prouince with necessaries But when they heard how that all the Cities almost of Dalmatia were besieged by the
aspire to the same principalitie like Philip. They then being desirous to preserue their libertie did by little and little retire their forces and did daily diminish his credit and reputation But Sforza perceiuing that ere long he should bee esteemed no more a friend to those of Milan than to the Venetians he resolued to renew his ancient league and alliance with them for he knew well enough that the onely power of that Commonwealth might serue him for a ladder to mount vp to the principalitie Now among all the prisoners of note that were taken at the battaile of Carauazza and carried to the castle of Cremona was Clemento Thealdino one of the Secretaries of the Signorie with Hermolao Donato Angelo Simonetta had beene acquainted with him a long time whereupon he brought him secretly to Sforza who sent him to the Prince and Senate to let them know from him that if peace were pleasing to them they should secretly send to him Giacomo Antonio Marcello or Pascalis Maripietro The Senate although it had after the ouerthrow at Carauazza by vertue of their ancient alliance obtained great supplies of the Florentines had at that time mightily encreased their Armie yet for all that supposing the successe of warre to be vncertaine they did willingly he aâ—…ken to peace And because Marcello was at that time Gouernour of Verona they sent Maripietro to the Fornaces a place neere to Pescara The Venetian and Simonetta had many secret conferences in that place where they agreed vpon these conditions of peace That Sforza and the Venetians should declare themselues enemies to the Milaneses That the Senate should furnish him with foure thousand horse and two thousand foote vntill he had conquered Milan and should besides for his entertainment send him monthly thirtie thousand crownes Moreouer it was expresly mentioned that the Venetians should possesse whatsoeuer Philip had held on the hither side the riuer Adda and should purchase Milan and the residue of the Dutchie for him The accord being in this sort made and all the prisoners set at libertie Sforza crossed the riuer Adda marched against those of Milan The Venetians hauing dismissed Attendulo from his place sent him to the Treuisan territorie Those of Lodes because they would not fall into Sforza's hands hauing sent away the Venetian Garrison yeelded to them of Milan Sforza in a short space recouered whatsoeuer the Milaneses held betwixt the Adda and the Thesin Lodes and Coma excepted Then from thence he went and encamped within fiue miles of Milan The same yeare about the end of Haruest there was a bloudie fight betwixt the Turkes and the Hungarians vpon the confines of Adrinople wherein fourescore thousand Turkes were slaine and of Christians halfe as manie The Venetian Gallies surprized a Foist of the Pirats all the Rouers were hanged and they that were lesse faultie were made Gallie-slaues within a while after they met with a Marchants shippe belonging to the Gotholans which was loden with oile the which they tooke in hatred of their Countrie-men who were all Pirates Tortona in the meane time Nouara Alexandria and at the last Parma yeelded to Sforza These newes being brought to Venice did greatly reioice the whole Citie and this ioy was by so much greater as they supposed these conquests to haue beene made in part by the valour and conduct of Marcello The Senate according to the treatie had sent him with two thousand horse and two Prouidators Lorenzo Lauretano and Pascalis Maripietro and Sforza had afterwards sent him with Alessadro his brother to recouer diuers Townes beyond the Po most of which being recouered and assured by strong Garrisons this valiant Captaine called for the Venetian forces and went to besiege Milan In the meane time newes was brought that Lewis Duke of Sauoy who had leagued himselfe with the Milaneses against Sforza had 〈◊〉 great trouples into Italie vnder the command of Iohn Compensio to wast and spoile the confines of Nouara who at their first arriuall attempted to surprize Nouara But their enterprise sailing they went from thence and encamped vpon the Territorie neere adioining Coyoni whom the Venetians had sent with Marcello to Sforza was commanded to march against them who were reported to bee sixe thowsand men Hee ioining fight with Compensio vpon the bankes of Thesin did put them to rout and took Compensio prisoner with foure hundred of his horse This victorie did highly renowne Coyoni and did greatly further him afterwards in mounting to those honours which he obtained At the same time Lrrenzo Pisaure was sent with a Gallie to the King of Babilon The cause of his Ambassade was for that the Venetian Marchants had beene badly dealt with by the Barbarians in the Faires of Syria Angelo Pisaure did likewise put to Sea with two Gallies against the Pirats The Milaneses in the meane time affecting libertie which they had a little tasted did on a sodaine murther diuers of the chiefe in the Citie who were said to take Sforza's partie then going forth of the Gates in heapes they ranne towards the enemie Sforza did at that time batter the Fort of Mellignana who vnderstanding of the enemies comming forth who were reported to be three score thousand men hee did in such sort order his battallions as those of Milan hearing of the excellent order of his Armie durst not approch Marcello who was with him perceiuing the great skill and dexteritie of that braue Captaine in a matter so sodain did write to Venice that not only the Venetians but all Italie would haue had cause to haue feared that inuincible Captaine if he had taken Milan The enemies being retired he continued the siege But all his designes tended to famish the Citie Therefore he did so streightly besiege it as at times running to the very Rampiers hee did with sodaine incursions set fier on the Suburbes At this stay stood the Citie of Milan at such time as the Citie of Venice had like to haue sustained a losse as great as vnlookt-for A certaine Greeke named Stamatus borne in Candie being by chance at Venice at that time when they did shew according to their manner to great Lordes that were strangers vnto Borsia D'Aeste the publike treasure which is kept in a part of S. Markes Church it happened after this manner That this Greeke being vnknowne and thrusting himselfe among his household seruants did enter into the Vestrie Then he was so far off from being amazed at the view of such great and admirable wealth as on the contrarie hee did forthwith determine in his minde to commit a notable theft The Walls of 〈◊〉 Markes Church which in the beginning wee haue termed the golden Church in regard of the excellent guilding thereof both within and without is down to the pauement seeled as it were with great tables of marble In that part of the Church where the Innocents Altar standeth this cunning theefe remoued a
day they serue but foure moneths whereby wee may perceiue that as the tribute hath beene altered the which is very true so hath the time prefixed likewise beene At the Spring time warre was renewed with Sforza when Leonesio the Venetians Generall hauing for a time scoured the Countrey round about Lodes Otholenga Manerbia and Pontoglio and taken certaine small Townes by a voluntary yeelding crossed the Riuer Adda at the bridge of Ripata and went as farre as Milan vpon the assurance of some Bandetti who said That if the Venetian troups would approach the Cittie that the people within it would presently rise in their behalfe But notwithstanding the Venetians arriuall and that certaine of their light horse rode into the suburbs there was neuerthelesse no commotion in the citie The Venetian within a while after besieged Soncina and battered it with his ordnance The enemie thinking to raise the siege did crosse the Oglio at Canedulla and with twentie thousand men marched into the Countrey of Bressia where hauing taken Gambare by assault he besieged Ponteuico The Venetians hauing made a reasonable breach at Soncina inforced the Inhabitants to yeeld and from thence hauing made themselues Masters of Romanenga they marched towards the enemie who in the meane time had taken Ponteuico vpon the Riuer Oglio and were gone to Gella thereby to be the better able to presse those of Bressia Leonesio being incamped in a verie commodious place neare to the enemie did seize vpon the streights of the Marshes They fought many times in those places with different euents There were great numbers of souldiers in both armies The Venetians had fifteene thousand horse and sixe thousand foote and Sforza had three thousand foote and eighteene thousand horse Some Historians say that they fought fiercely at that time for three houres space and more neare to the Towne of Porsane and that the losse was equall on both sides but that by reason of the vnfitnesse of the place they lost more horse than men and that both sides would haue fought till they had gotten the victorie had not darke night separated them Fortune inclining to neither partie This was done neare to the Riuer Adda when as William of Montferrat with foure thousand horse made fierce incursions vpon the territorie of Alexandria and from thence riding towards Tortona and Pauia he wasted and spoiled the whole Countrey Sacromor Visconte and Antonio Burgese whome Sforza had sent against him to withstand his attempts comming sodainely to strokes with him vpon the confines of Alexandria did defeate and inforce him to retire to Castelnouo But whilest these things were done in Lombardie twelue Venetian Gallies vnder the commaund of Marco Zeno hauing scowred the high and lower Seas came to Liuorne And King Alphonso's royall armie vnder the conduct of Ferdinand hauing attempted to cause Cortona to rebell went to the Territorie of Rezza where assailing Foilano they tooke it the fortieth day of the siege after sundrie toyles and interchangeable losses It is reported that Asturo Fauentino whilest Ferdinand lay before Foilano was twice put to rout by the Kings armie so that at both times hee lost a thousand horse and certaine foote troupes From thence the Arragonian Ensignes beeing come to the territorie of Siena hauing in vaine besieged Castelina went to winter vpon the sea-coast Sigismund of Arimini Generall of the Tuscan troupes did greatly vex them The Florentines fearing the Arragonians and Venetians forces by sea and land did by Sforza's aduise send Angelo Acciola knight of the Order to the French king who hauing represented to his Maistie the Florentines ancient affection towardes himselfe and his predecessors the King graunted that hee would commaund the Duke of Sauoy to cease from making warre on Sforza and would perswade King Renatus promising him to that intent men and money to vse meanes to recouer his kingdome of Sicill This did the Florentines craue that they might diuert the Venetians and Alphonso's attempts from Italie Sforza likewise had sent to the same King to intreate him to procure Renatus to come speedily into Italie But Lombardie was still in tumult Bartolomeo Coyone who as hath beene said was by the Senates command dispoiled of his forces being followed with a thousand horse tooke manie prisoners and great store of cattell from forth the Bressan territorie Within a while after Giacomo Picinino and Tiberto Brandolino with foure cornets of horse defeated six Ensignes of Sforza's troupes The enemie being aduertized by chaunce that the Venetians departing from the new Orgies were gone to make incursions vpon his territories did speedily from his Campe at Quinssana send Bartholmeo Quartiero and Giacomo Salernitano with sixe Companies of horse to surprize them But the Venetians hauing intelligence of the enemies comming and being charged with greater hope than discretion neere to Iauenotta a towne on the Cremonese they did couragiously abide them and without anie difficultie did absolutely defeate them It is reported that more than an hundred and sixtie of Sforzaes men at Armes were taken that day and that within a while after they tooke a great bootie foorth of the enemies Countrie For Leonesio hauing made a bridge ouer the riuer Adda at Caretta and fortified both the ends thereof with strong Rampires sent part of his cauallery to scoure the Milaneses territories neere to Pauia whereupon Sforza to insnare these Venetian boot-halers commanded Alessandro his brother to march thither with part of the troupes Leonesio hauing intelligence of the enemies designe caused Carolo Montone to march with like number of horse to be there before him Now Alessandro staying in a place not farre from the Venetians Fort and not hauing any thought that his enemies were so neere him Carolo on a sodain gaue a fierce charge vpon him with which vnexpecteâ—…accident he was so affrighted as without any other fight he forthwith brake him and became Master of the Campe and the whole bagage But some few of them by good fortune escaped to Lodes with their Captaine who otherwise had all beene taken prisoners by the Venetians Sforza being troubled with this losse departed from his Camp at Gades and marched to Quinzzana Mattheo Campana being fauored by the Venetians good fortune made a furious rode with his cauallerie into the state of Milan At his returne being loden with spoile hee met with Thadeo D'Aeste who then serued the enemies with diuers others both sides comming presently to the incounter after a confused fight the victorie remained to the Venetians who hauing taken foure hundred horse from the enemie retired with his whole bootie to a place of safetie They had no certaine intelligence what Sforzas purpose was after that he had crossed the riuer Mella and therefore the Venetians Generall went speedily and encamped at Bagnolls Sforza within a while after tooke Caluisiana hauing made his iournie thither to none other end but to make it a wintering place for his troupes in the
beiâ—…g come to certaine Farmes within a mile of the cittie the souldiers being desirous of bootie did without any commaundement fall to pillaging those country houses Whilest these were busied in spoyling and expected nothing lesse than the enemies arriuall three hundred Turkish horse did with great cries inuiron and assaile them who were all slaine there hauing no meanes of defence or escape Barbadico riding vpon a Mule and comming by chance to that place where the enemies made great slaughter was beaten downe among a number of thicke bushes and there trodden to death vnder the horses feete His body beeing afterwards knowne by his Coate-armour and Signet was carried to the Castle of Patras and impaled vpon the highest tower thereof and of so great a number one thousand onely escaped Ragio being taken by the enemies was impaled aliue Capel for all this was not discouraged supposing it to haue happened rather by the carelesnesse of his owne souldiers than by the enemies valour and prowesse Therefore eight dayes after he sent the brauest men of his troupes together with the Ensignes to assaile the Cittie Vincimanica the Sicillian who commaunded the nauall Armie as Vice-admirall with Dominicke the Blacke and other valiant men that followed the Ensignes went and displayed them before the cittie The enemies did not refuse the fight but making a furious salley came couragiously vpon the Christians There was a cruell fight for some houres space at the last fortune inclining to neither side the Venetian resolued to send threescore horse of the remainder of those which were Ragios downe the hill which was on the one side to charge the enemie in flanke and thereby to make him retire and abandon his standing but they were not gone farre ere they discouered the Turkes comming forward for the same purpose at the sight of whom Ragios horse betooke themselues to flight and fell in among the troupes of the Islanders There a great slaughter of men and horses was presently made The Turkes in the meane time arriued who did cut the disordered squadrons in peeces And this losse would haue proued farre greater than the former had not a great dust risen vp into the aire like to a black clould which tooke away the sight both of Turkes and Christians A thousand Christians lay dead vpon the place and the rest with the ensignes escaped to the vesels Capello being daunted with these two ouerthrowes went to Xant from thence to Modon and within a while after to Nigrepont where he remained sixe whole moneths without any memorable exploit After the ouerthrow at Patras he was neuer seene to smile though Giouanni Diede the States Secretarie with diuers others of his familiar friends told him that it hapened not through his default At the last being wasted with griefe and melancholie eight monethes after the battaile of Patras he died at Nigrepont Giacomo Venieri after his death commanded the Armie vntill that Giacomo Lauretano sent by the Senate to succeed the late Capello arriued in the Prouince This man for the space of sixteene monethes that he was Generall of the Armie did brauely defend all the Islands and Sea-coasts from the enemies assaults and incursions About the same time likewise or soone after or rather a little before Lauretans departure to the Armie although the Venetians were in some sort quiet in Italie the cause neuerthelesse is not knowne why Bartholomeo of Bergamo a great Captaine in his time did by his sodaine incursions into Romagnia in a manner trouble and entangle them in a new warre This man departed from Lombardie with great troupes of horse and foot at the pursuit of Angelo Accaiuola and Nicolao Soderino that were banished from Florence vpon hope that they gaue him of good successe in Tuscanie by meanes of a popular commotion this was the common rumour But others supposed that he departed in Armes from Lombardie at the soliciting of Pope Paul to the end that bringing his troupes through Romagnia and La Marca he might on a sodaine in his name make warre on king Ferdinand who refused to pay vsuall tribute to the Church of Rome But whatsoeuer the cause was it is certaine that al his attempts which seemed at the first to be fearefull to all Italie did soone deceiue euerie mans expectation For so soone as he came into Romagnia Galeas Maria Duke of Milan a braue and couragious young Prince made head against him Then did the forces of king Ferdinand and the Florentines withstand him wherewith this great Captaine being troubled did in some sort begin to decline A battaile was presently giuen at Molinella a towne on the confines of Bolognia which was fought in the absence of Galeas vnder the conduct of Fredericke of Vrbin Those that were at the battaile affirme that in memory of man there was neuer a more furious or mortall in Italy The Senate fearing if his forces should be broken for till then he had euer beene in the Venetians pay and therefore it was thought that the Venetians did fauour him the aduerse Princes and Commonwealths being armed would cast the whole burthen of the warre vpon them sent him some supplies of horse and foote with expresse charge to make peace and safely to bring backe the Armie into Lombardy Ieronimo Barbadico a man of excellent wisedome and aduise and who not long before was made Procurator of S. Marke was in the Armie yet this new dignitie nor the entreaties of his friends were of power to keepe him at home nor to stay him from assisting the Republike in so great a danger But his authoritie and wisedome being grealy feared of the enemies it fell out that before peace was concluded he was by their meanes for so it was thought poisoned There is no other mention made of Lauretans exploits at Sea besides that which hath alreadie beene said Nicolao Canalis succeeded him He departing from Venice with two Gallies arriued at Nigrepont from whence setting sa le with twentie Gallies hee spoiled certaine farme houses and villages in Thessalie and then returned to Nigrepont and from thence went to Modon and afterwards to Coron He resolued to seize vpon the cittie of Lagostitia on the Sea of Patras which the Turkes had forsaken and speedily to fortifie it the which hee easily performed without any resistance Ieronimo Nouello for Malateste had left Morea had well fortified it and there the whole Armie remained consisting of six thousand men at such time as two thousand Turkes made an attempt to recouer it but they being beaten from the rampires with great losse did within a while after dislodge Canalis hauing left Giacomo Venieri with six Gallies for the guard of the citie returned with the rest of the fleete to Nigrepont and hauing there re-enforced the fleet with fresh supplies he sailed to Lemnos and thence to Imbres where he determined to assault Oenos and comming by day-breake to assaile the citie he commaunded his souldiers
reedified The Pestilence begunne in Summer doth in Autumne make diuers places in the citie desolate A briefe Description of their Sea-trafficke Foure Gallies trading into France are taken by Pirates on the coast of Portugall Troubles in Friull by the sodaine arriuall of the Hungarians ROBERTO SANSEVERINO with a braue Cauallerie goes to the warre lately begunne neere Rome The election of MARCO BARBADICO who succeedeth MOCENIGO in the Principalitie of Venice A briefe Declaration of the warre of Rome betwixt Pope INNOCENT and king FERDINAND Three Commissioners are appointed to prouide all things requisite to purge the Citie from the pestilence SANSEVERINO dispoiled of his troupes returnes to the Venetians Their vsuall custome at their Princes funeralls The cause of the warre with the Archduke of Austria and sodaine commotions of the enemie on the very confines of Italie The beginning and end of the Rethicke warre The kingdome of Cyprus is ioyned to the Venetians Dominions by a conueyance made by Queene KATHERINE in her life time The inuention of harquebuzes and the recompence of such as learned to shoot in them An extreame cold frost at Venice and ouer all the Lakes A league betwixt the Pope Venetians and GALE AS SFORZA The preparations of CHARLES the French King for the conquest of the kingdome of Naples THat part of the Dukes Pallace which was burnt during the warre was from the foundation reedified this first yeere of the peace It is an admirable peece of worke and likely to last long The Citie was greatly molested with the Infection the next Summer which increasing in Autumne did make Venice very desolate This domesticke losse was accompanied toward the end of Summer with an other farre from home But before wee enter into this Discourse it shall not bee impertinent to mention the Venetians great industrie wealth purchased by traffike at sea There is no place in all the Sea from Gades betwixt Affricke and Europe towards Syria and Egypt in the Leuant nor from the North and West towards Bosphorus and the Fennes Meotides nor any place so remote which the Venetian Gallies haue not at all times frequented in trade of Marchandize It is almost incredible to thinke how the Venetian vessells doe ordinarily enter into the Hauens not onely of Italie but of Liburnia Dalmatia Macedonia and Grecce as if it were in the suburbs of Venice Wee will speake of those who at the Common-wealths charge are yeerely sent to take in lading in the remotest places of the world Of these foure great gallies bring home into Italie Spice Silke Pretious stones and Pearles from Syria and Egypt Three others goe into Lybia for gold iewells and slaues Two saile into Fraunce and bring home wooll and Spanish silke Others goe towards the Tana is and Fennes Meotides from whence they returne loden with Tapistrie and Emeraldes And besides this number foure direct theyr course into the French Ocean and from the Martes there loade themselues abundantly with woolls gold tapistrie and cloth of Flaunders According to this custome foure Gallies for this purpose were abroad vnder the commaund of Bartilomeo Minio who comming into the Spanish Seas mette with young Columbus nephew to Columbus the famous Mariner who with seauen tall shippes of warre incountered them in the night neere to the sacred Promontorie modernely termed S. Vincents Cape But although at first hee determined to assault the Venetian Gallies yet hee abstained that night and resoluing to fight with them came so neere as the prowes of the pirates shippes were asterne the poopes of the Venetian Gallies So soone as it was day Columbus assailed the Venetians who were inferior to him in men and vessells but superior in courage and resolution They fought fiercely for certaine houres space and with such great slaughter as is seldome seene in any fight with such enemies who rarely come to fight but vpon constraint Diuerse that were present at the bickering say that three hundred Venetians were slaine at that fight others mention not so many Among the dead were Lorenzo Michael Captaine of a Gallie and Giouanni Delfino brother to another Captaine The Venetians were wearied with long fight The Gallie Delfina was taken by the enemies whereupon the rest yeelded Some say that in one Gallie foure score dead bodies lay betwixt the prow and poope which spectacle the victorious enemie lamented saying in despite That the Venetians by their wilfulnesse had procured that losse The dead bodies were throwne into the Sea and the wounded set on shoare Those which escaped went to Lisbone and from thence were sent home Lisbone is a Citie of Portugall standing vpon the Sea I thinke it was in old time called Olisipone It is at this day very famous as well for the ordinarie residence of kings as for her great wealth The Venetians were there very kindely entertained by the king and those that were sicke he commaunded to be carefully looked to the rest according to each mans qualitie receiued mony and cloaths and were sent home into their countrey The Venetians are in ancient league with the kings of Portugall the which being deriued from the Father to the Sonne they inuiolably obserue They say that the cause of this league and friendship proceeded from the Venetians courtesie and liberalitie It is reported That a king of Portugall came in time past with a small traine to Venice to see the Citie where he remained certaine daies in disguised habite But so great a guest could not long be concealed For the Senate hauing intelligence that a Noble man of royall parentage lay in the Citie it did honourably receiue and conducted him to a goodly Pallace where he lodged being accompanied by certaine Senators to shew him the singularities of the Citie and to wait vpon him whither soeuer hee went At his departure they gaue him rich giftes and for his greater honor appointed some to attend him as farre as the Venetians confines This did the Venetians not as they thought to a king but only to a priuate person of blood royall At his returne into Portugall hee acquainted his Princes with the Venetians curtesie and liberalitie and made a Decree That his successors should for euer acknowledge the Venetians bounty towards him And for this cause the king of Portugall gaue such good entertainement to the distressed Venetians he did likewise commaund that none of his subiects should buy any part of the Venetians goods which had bene stollen from them The newes of this losse did greatly afflict the Citie the which exceeding as it was reported the summe of 20000. crownes touched some particular persons But the death of so many men did much augment their sorrow The pestilence at this time did greatly infect the Cittie in regard whereof the Senate was of opinion at that time not to reuenge that wrong but to deferre it to a fitter time At the same time there arose some troubles in Friull Certaine light horse sent by the King
King went from Placentia Lorenzo and Giouan de Medicis stole secretly from their Countrey houses whither the Florentine Magistrate had confined them at the pursute of Pietro de Medicis their kinâ—…man and mortall enemy They came to his Maiestie earnestly entreated him to come neere Florence and told him that he should be honourably entertained there as well in regard of the peoples loue to the house of France as for their hatred towards Pietro de Medicis who commaunded there and held the Arragonois partie being by marriage allied to the familie of Vrsini Vpon this proposition the King changed his purpose for though at his departure from France it was concluded in his Councell that hee should rather passe through Romagnia and La Marca than through Tuscanie and the territorie of Rome yet the Pope and Florentines being declared his enemies his Councell thought it a matter vnworthy the greatnesse of such a King if for feare of them he should refuse to passe through their territories As also because it was dangerous to inuade the Realme of Naples and to leaue Tuscany and the Churches State behinde him as enemies Therefore it was resolued rather to passe the Appenineâ—… by the hills of Parma then by the direct way of Bolognia and to march without delay to Florence The vantgard conducted by Guilbert of Burbon Duke of Montpensier a Prince of the bloud went on to Pontrema a towne feated at the foot of the Appenine vpon the Riuer Magra the King following with the rest of the army From Pontrema the Duke went into the country of Lunigiana where hee ioyned with the Swisses who had defended Genoa together with the ordnance which by sea was come to Specia and drawing neere to Fiuizana belonging to the Florentines which they tooke it by force and sack't it killing all the souldiers and many of the inhabitants the which did merueilously amaze all Italy not accustomed to such cruell and bloudy warres Serezzana was not farre from thence where the Florentines determined for to make their chiefe resistance which they had strongly fortified but not sufficiently to hold out so mighty an enemy for it wanted a captaine to command it and men to defend it Yet because some thought it would not bee easily taken especially the Cittadell and least of all Serezanella a strong Castle on the hill aboue Serezzana they councelled the King to passe on and leaue them but the King disdayned so to doe and thought that vnlesse hee tooke the first towne that made resistance it would much blemish his reputation and that they would take example to do the like The Florentines hauing intelligence that the King resolued for to come to Florence and that his army had already passed the Appenine and then the cruelty which was vsed at the taking of Fiuizana did publikely detest the rashnesse of Pietro de Medicis who of himselfe without any necessity had so inconsiderately drawne vpon them the army of so potent a King assisted by the Duke of Milan and this rumour had like to haue raised a great tumult in the Citty Pietro terrified herewith and with the daunger which hee had before rashly contemned and perceiuing the aide promised by the Pope and Alphonso to be but à dreame precipirately resolued to goe seeke that safety amongst his enemies which hee could not hope for with his friends And there vpon leauing Florence and not farre on his way from the city hee heard say that the troupes of horse and fooâ—… sent by the Florentines to enter Serezzana were defeated by the French and all of them either slaine or taken This caused him to tarry at Pietra Sancta for a passe-port from the King whether the Bishop of Saint Malos and other Lords of the Court went to him to safe conduct him to the campe comming thither the same day that the King with the rest of his forces ioyned with his vantgard which beeing encamped before Serezanella battered it with the ordnance Presenting himselfe before the King hee was entertained with more ceremony then loue and perceiuing that the King did not much affect him by reason of his enemies reports hee resolued by all meanes to appease and satisfie him The next day beeing brought before him he granted all the kings demands which were excessiue viz. that the 〈◊〉 and castles of Pietra-Sanctâ—… Serezzana and Serezanella which were the keyes of the Florentine State and the forts of Pisa and of the hauen of Liuorne should be deliuered to the king who by a promise signed with his owne hand obliged himselfe to surrender them so soone as he should haue conquered the Realme of Naples That Pietro should cause the Florentines â—…o lend the king 〈◊〉 Ducats and that then hee should receiue them into his protection The consignation of the strong places was presently made for the money they wrote to Florence Pietro de Medicis did hereby much assure the State of Tuscany to the King and remooued all impediments from him on Romagnias side The Florentines aduertized of these Articles which Pietro de Medicis had agreed to the whole city was highly discontented with this reprochfull and dangerous wound giuen to their Commonwealth Pietro hauing notice of this rumor the better to prouide for his affaires before any greater troubles did arise tooke leaue of the King vnder collour of going to accomplish that which hee had promised But at his returne to Florence hee found most of the Magistrates banded against him and the mindes of his deerest friends greatly troubled and the next day as hee would haue entred into the councell chamber he was put back Hee returned home to his owne house destitute of courage and councell and presently left Florence beeing followed by the Cardinals Iohn and Iâ—…lian his bretheren who after their departure were declared enemies to the Common-wealth their houses ransacked which were very ritch in moouables and their goods confiscate Two of them the eldest and the younger went to Venice the second which was Cardinall Iohn staied for a time at Bolognia and then retired himselfe to some of his kinsfolke The King went from Serezzana to Luca and from thence to Pisa where the cittizens both men and women falling at his feete beganne to crie out liberty liberty infinitely complayning of the wrongs and iniuries done to them daily by the Florentines The King at the perswasion of some of his Lords not considering the importancy of the matter did freely grant their request wherevpon the people presently armed themselues and throwing downe the Florentines armes that were set vp in the publike places recouered their so much desired liberty repealing all those whom the Florentine Magistrates had bannished In this confusion of all things the King departed from Pisa hauing first deliuered the Cittadell to the Pisans keeping the new one of greater importance for himselfe and then went towards Florence Beeing come to Signa seuen miles from the city hee
notwithstanding Lodouicos flatteries hee could not but with griefe endure to let Pisa which hee had pursued with such labour fall to their share wherevpon hee caused the Pope and the Ambassadors to the Kings of Spaine who were iealous of the Venetians greatnesse to propound the drawing of the Florentines into the league by restoring Pisa vnto them seeing by other meanes they could not bee induced to it The Venetian Ambassador with great earnestnesse oppugning this proposition the motion was dasht for feare of loosing the Venetians friendship But the hope of King Charles his returne into Italy beeing wholly lost and most of the Italians that held his party otherwise imployed Lodouico hereby encouraged did daily more and more discouer his hatred towards the Venetians concerning Pisa inciting the Pope and Kings of Spaine with greater efficacy to reuiue the motion of the restitution thereof Herevnto he drew the Florentines who to that end sent their Ambassadors to Rome This treaty was continued there many daies where the Pope and Ambassadours of the King of Spaine Duke of Milan and King of Naples did openly vrge the Venetian Ambassadour to this restitution thereby to ioyne the Florentines to their party against the French to the end that all seeds of discord being rooted out no man might againe haue any cause to call the French into Italy But the Senate contradicting all this and sufficiently perceiuing from whom this earnest motion proceeded answered by the same Ambassadour that it was a very daungerous matter to deliuer that City to the Florentines whose mindes were strictly vnited with the French and that the surrendring of Pisa would not diuert their inclination and also that thereby the fidelity of all the Confederates would be called in question who had taken vpon them to protect the Pisans especially the Venetians who when others did shut their pursses had freely opened theirs and to defend them had spared for no cost or labour wherevpon it would bee great dishonour to them to leaue them then and to falsifie their promise Now whilest this businesse was treated betwixt the Confederates a sodaine accident happened in France begetting sundry and different effects in mens mindes It was the death of King Charles who on the seuenth day of Aprill died at Amboise of an Apoplexie as hee stood looking on some of his Courtiers that plaied at tennis and because hee died without children the crowne of France descended to Lewis Duke of Orleance the next Prince of the bloud as heire male Italy by King Charles his death was somewhat freed from feare for no man supposed that King Lewis the twelfth comming newly to the crowne would at the beginning of his reigne make warre in Italy But the same right to the Realme of Naples hee being French King belonged as well to him as to his Predecessor and beside that the Dutchy of Milan which was his owne by succession from his Grandmother Valentine After his Coronation hee desired nothing so much as to conquer that Dutchy and though from his infancy hee had euer carried that minde yet his successe at Nouara had much inkindled him together with his hatred to Lodouico Sforza by reason of his insolent carriage towards him when hee was at Ast. And for an introduction to his deseigne he did not onely intitle himselfe King of France Naples Ierusalem both the Sicilies but likewise Duke of Milan This was as a summons to Frederick and Lodouico Hee wrote letters full of friendly congratulation to the Pope Venetians and Florentines concerning his comming to the crowne These three seemed to bee highly pleased with those letters being desirous to aduance and reuenge themselues Lodouico neuerthelesse though he knew that he had to doe with a rougher enemy feeding himselfe with hope as Frederick of Arragon likewise did that the new King would not so intend the affaires of Italy did still oppose himselfe against the Venetians concerning Pisa his hatred to them making him forget his owne future danger The Venetians notwithstanding his opposition chose three Ambassadors to goe and congratulate the King for his comming to the crowne and by way of excuse to tell him that the onely suspition and not without cause which they had of King Charles least after the conquest of the Realme of Naples he should haue attempted that of all Italy had enforced them to take armes against him The Pope for the same purpose sent a Nuncio into France beeing desirous to inuest his sonne Caesar then Cardinall with temporall greatnesse The Florentines likewise according vnto their antient custome to the crowne of France sent Ambassadours thither Wherevnto they were earnestly solicited by Lodouico who by their meanes thought to frustrate the Venetians practizes for Pisa and also to mediate some accord betwixt himselfe and the King The King did very louingly entertaine all these Ambassadours and gaue them audience concluding nothing till hee had first secured the Realme of France by new leagues with the Princes his neighbours The Florentines in the meane time still pursuing their deseigne against the Pisans their forces which lay Pontadera hauing intelligence that certaine troupes gonne forth of Pisa returned home-wards with great booty went to intercept them and meeting them did put them to rout but fifty men at armes of the Pisans comming on a sodaine to reskew their fellowes the Florentines were put to flight many of their footmen slaine many captaines taken prisoners with the greatest part of their cauallery During these troubles in Tuscany the Venetians reputation was euery where so augmented as Coruin sonne to Mathias King of Hungary seâ—…t an Ambassadour to the Senate to certifie it that hee was very desirous to make a perpetuall league of friendship with them and to bee receiued into the number of the Venetian Gentlemen This propounded to the great Councell was freely graunted Lodouico in the meane time fearing that the Venetians by reason of that defeate of the Florentines would grow so great as it would bee an hard matter to repulse them forth of Tuscany offered to releeue the Florentines and to the same end was desirous to know what prouisions were necessary not onely for defense but to execute the enterprize of Pisa. For though at first hee did not determine openly for to releeue the Florentines but onely to aide and succor them secretly with money yet beeing transported with choller and disdaine vsing insolent and threatning speeches against the Venetians hee resolued openly for to declare himselfe their friend And therefore hauing first denied passage to their people which went to Pisa and enforced them to goe through the Duke of Ferrara's country hee caused the Emperour to declare himselfe their enemy and procured the Pope to promise the Florentines to send them an hundred men at armes and three Gallies vnder the commaund of Captaine Villamarini who should keepe all victualls from entring into Pisa by sea yet afterwards delaying to send them he did
yeelded sooner The Senate in the meane time to secure their owne territories during the warre in Romagnia sent three thousand foot and two thousand horse to Rauenna vnder Aluianaes command to distribute them through the territories of the Confederates neere adioyning with two prouidators Francesco Capello and Christophoro Moro the one for Arimini and the other for Faenza So soone as Borgia had taken the Castle of Furli Gionan Sforza Lord of Pessaâ—…e knowing that Borgia hated him fearing least he would come and assaile him was desirous to commit himselfe and State to the Venetians protection The Senate answered that they would neuer defend one that had been so great an enemy to them for he had concealed the Ambassador which Lodouico sent to the Turke against the State of Venice and furthered his passage The like had hee done by the Turkes messenger sent to Lodouico whom he entertained in his house and caused him secretly to be conducted to Milan himselfe likewise hauing often acquainted the Turke with the occurrents in Venice Borgia deferred his punishment till some other time because Triuulcio was inforced to call back those troopes which hee had lent him by reason of some tumults feared in Milan in regard of Lodouicos arriual who had brought some smal aid forth of Germany with which and by their assistance who distasted the French he hoped to recouer what he had lost The Senate presently commanded their forces both horse and foot to passe into the Cremonese leuied three thousand Suisses and appointed Pietro Marsello and Christophoro Moro prouidators in that warre Lodouico comming at the same time to Coma tooke it without strokes for the French within it fearing to be shut in betwixt the Inhabitants and Lodouicos troopes went their way Hee sent his brother Ascanio before to Milan from whence the King not long before was gone home into France hauing left a strong Garrison in the Citty and Triuulcio his Gouernour Generall in the Dutchy but the Lombards not so well rewaâ—…ded by the King as they had expected prooued false to him refused to obey Triuulcio who was cheefe of the Guelph faction for the Gibeline party was very strong in the Citty wherevpon the most of the Nobllity and people desirous of innouation wisht for Lodouicos returne and openly proclaimed his name and so soone as they heard of the losse of Coma and that Ascanio was not farre from Milan the people rose and the cheefe of the Gibelline faction began to tumult so as Triuulcio was glad to retire to the Castle and the night following from thence to Nouara The morrow after Cardinall Ascanio entred Milan Lodouico followed him who by this meanes recouered it as easily as it was lost Pauia and Parma presently ecchoed his name Lodi and Placentia would haue done the like had not the Venetian companies by their arriuall preuented it The Senate aduertised of this reuolt determined to send a man of worth to command the Castle of Cremona Lodouico in the meane time desirous to haue the Senate his friend made sute that Ascanio his brother might send the Bishop of Cremona to Venice to offer them his seruice but it was in vaine for the Senate resolued not to quitte the French Kings confederacy The Genois refused to obey him and the Florentines contemned him The King in the meane time hauing intelligence of the rebellion of Milan vsed great speed and sent the Lord Trimouille into Italy with six hundred lances leuied great numbers of Suisses and appoynted the Cardinall of Ambois his Lieuetenant Generall beyond the mounts who comming to Ast had in short space assembled one thousand fiue hundred lances ten thousand Suisse and 6000. French vnder the command of the Lords Trimouille Trivulcio and Ligni Lodouico before these supplies came from France went and beseeged Nouara which hee tooke but not the Castle The French Army assembled at Mortara drew neere him and did cut off his victualls then both sides falling to blowes Lodouico was enforced to retire into the Citty where the Suisses mutined for want of pay hee being not able to pacifie them They told him that they would sodenly depart home into their country wherevpon hee earnestly entreated them to safe-conduct him to some secure place which they denying did at last consent that hee should march amongst them disguised like one of their footmen and in this maner marching amiddest their troopes was by them discouered to those that sought after him who presently apprehended him as the Kings prisoner and sent him into France to the tower of Loches His brother Ascanio followed him who taken by the Venetians and carried to Venice was deliuered to the King and sent into France where hee was more honorably and with greater curtesie entertayned then his brother for hee was sent prisoner to the great tower of Bourges where the same King had beene imprisoned two whole yeares yet afterwards hee was enlarged but this brother dyed in prison Now to returne to the Turks After the taking of Lepanto the Senate despatcht Lodouico Manenti Secretary to the Councell of ten to Bajazeth to complaine for that hee had without cause inuaded them by sea and had contrary to the treaty of peace made not long before with him in the Signories name by Andrew Zancani their Ambassador and to entreate him to enlarge the Venetian Marchants which by his commandement at the beginning of the warre had beene imprisoned That it might likewise please him to surrender Lepanto vnto them which hee vniustly had taken from them And lastly if hee would grant none of these yet at least to renue the League with them Two things moued the Senate to send this Ambassage the one because some that were very inward with the great Lord had written to them that if they sent an Ambassador to Constantinople they might be reconciled to his fauour the second for that they considered how chargeable it would bee for them if they should bee enforced to set forth a new Army against him their treasure both publick and particular beeing exhausted Whereby all their attempts would proue vaine and vnprofitable against so mighty an enemy Manenti ariuing at Constantinople all his demandes were crost for the Turke answered that if the Venetians were desirous of peace with him they should deliuer vnto him Modon Coron and Naples three Citties which they held in Morea and pay vnto him as his tributaries an hundred pound in gould yearely otherwise hee protested to make warre vppon them with this answer Manenti returned But because at Manenti his departure from Venice there was a report that great numbers of Turkish horse were come into Albania the Senate fearing least the desire to spoile the Country of Frioul might draw them thither as the precedent yeare appointed Pietro Doria and Angelo Barozzi Prouidators who taking along with them the Gouernor of Vdina and others of the Country should consult together about repairing and
hauing lost diuers of their men there with two peices of ordinance which the Almaines tooke from them in a salley thinking it lost time to tarry there any longer seeing they could not enforce the enemies to fight they went to Rouero and the Almains to Trent the most parte of whom within a while after disbanded Mazimilian who during these warlike exploits had runne vp and downe from place to place to be releiued with men and money perceiuing all men to forsake him after the defeat of his forces at Cadora sent a Gentleman of his to Venice to craue truce for three monethes but the Senate contemned it and would not grant any for lesse then a whole yeare not without the knowledge and consent of the French King Maximilian being the more danted for the losse of Tryeste and other places of the Sea-coast did solicite the Bishop of Trent to inuite as of himselfe the Venetians to truce thinking by that meanes the sooner to purchase Peace The Venetians made answer That it lay not in their power but that he ought to mooue the French King For this purpose Commissioners were appointed to meet and conferre together for Maximilians part the Bishop or Trent and Serentano the Emperors Secretary for the French King Triuulce and Iacomo Galfredo President of Millan and for the Venetians Zacharie Contarene a particular Ambassador deputed for that businesse Conferring together they easily condiscended to all conditions sauing that the Frenchmen would haue a generall truce and that all the confederates of either of them as well out of Italy as within should be therein comprized and especially the Duke of Guelders wherevnto Maximilians Agents would not consent because their maister had determined to ruine that Duke saying that in the treaty there was nothing mentioned but the warres of Italy and that nothing ought to be entermingled therewith but that which concerned Italy The Venetians did all they might to content the French King but perceiuing the Almaines to be obstinate in that businesse they resolued for their part to accept of truce in the same manner as they had concluded it beeing desirous to free themselues from such a warre which lighted wholly on their dominions and notwithstanding the protestation of the French Kings Commissioners that a mutuall enterprise ought not to be finished but in common the Venetians went on and concluded the truce on the twentith of Aprill the which was speedily ratified by the Emperour and the Venetians by meanes whereof the warrs ceased betwixt them and diuers did hope that Italy thereby should for a time enioye Peace and quiet Armes beeing layd a side Aluiana and Cornare returned to Venice where they were receiued with great pompe and in a manner triumphall The French King hauing intelligence that the truce was concluded and signed shewed signes of discontent and complained to Antonio Condelmerio Ambassador for the Venetians in his Court saying that he had not deserued of the Seigneiury of Venice that without staying for his answer and consent they had granted truce to Maximilian That he did not greatly care if the confederates of Italy were comprized therein prouided that the Duke of Guelders might be assured in his state whom he much affected and yet neuerthelesse the Signory had made his desire frustrate wherein he did hope to be assisted and furthered And yet he had an hundred thousand crownes ready to employ in his ayde and that he would not endure that any wrong should be done to him by the fault of his confederates The King hauing vttered these words in choller did repent him of it and feining to forget all matters he beganne to entertaine him with more pleasing discourse namely when the Ambassador had excused the common-wealth and told him that the Senate euer had a principall regard to maintaine him in the Dutchy of Millan to the end that whilest the truce lasted hee might not be molested in that State The King gaue him then some hope that he would ratifie the truce but in himselfe he beganne to thinke on all meanes how to be reuenged The Emperor on the other side not digesting the brauadoes which the Venetians had offered him and being desirous to resent the wrongs which he had receiued because he had no hope to draw any more aid from the Germaine Princes made shew that he had a will to vnite himselfe with the French King against the Venetians as the only remedy to recouer his honor and lost states The Pope likewise prouoked the King against them because besides the old hatred which he did beare to them he thought that the Bandetti of Furli who dwelt at Faenza had by their meanes made some attempt on that Citty The King calling to minde besides his new displeasure for the truce all the wronges which he thought they had done him in his warres of Naples and beeing desirous to snatch forth of their handes Cremona and other townes which had beene a long time possessed by the Dukes of Millan had the same inclination like to the Emperor wherefore the better to bring it to passe they began betwixt thēselues to ha◅ken to the contentiō betwixt the Arch-duke the D. of Geldres and for that purpose they chose the Citty of Cambray for their place of conference Whether from the Emperor came the Lady Marguerit his daughter Regent of the Low Countreys and Mathew Langy the Secretary and for the French King the Cardinall of Amboise who vnder coulour of treating a peace betwixt the Arch-duke and the Duke of Guelders as they gaue it forth to the end that the true cause might not be knowne to the Venetians they concluded a perpetuall peace and confederacy betwixt the Pope the Emperor the French King and the King of Arragon against the Venetians each of them to recouer those things which they held from them The new confederacie beeing thus concluded the Cardinall of Amboise departed from Cambray the Bishop of Paris and the Count of Carpy went to the Emperor from the French King for the ratification of the peace who did soone ratifie and confirme it by oath the like did the French King and when it was afterwards brought to the King of Arragon albeit he had some doubt in his mind yet neuerthelesse he did forth with ratifie it with the same solemnities But the Pope made more difficulty in the matter beeing on the one side swayed by a desire to recouer the citties of Romagnia and with his hatred to the Venetians and on the other side his feare of the French Kings forces did greatly mooue him As also for that he thought it a dangerous matter for himselfe if the Emperour by recouering from the Venetians the places which they held and which did belong to the Empire should grow too great in Italy To preuent this inconuenience hee thought it more commodious to seeke to recouer his townes by a more gentle way then by warre To this
betwixt the Venetians and the Milanois The Senate reiected both these counsells that of Aluiana as to bold and that of the Generall as ouer fearefull wherevpon they determined that the army should draw neare to the riuer Adda because they would not leaue the Gyradad in prey to the enemies with the Senates expresse commandement not to fight with the enemy but vpon great hope or vrgent necessity The French King hauing passed the Mounts with an intent to fight sent his Herald to Venice to denounce warre and in passing by Cremona to doe the like to the Venetian Magistrates The Lord of Chaumont beganne the first motion of the warre on the fifteenth of Aprill crossing by a foord the riuer Adda neere to Calciana with three thousand horse and passed ouer by boate six thousand footemen and the Artillery after-wards marching directly to the towne of Treui which being beseeged and battered yeelded wherevpon Iustinian Morosin Viteli de citto de Castello and Vincenzo de Nalde who were within it and with them an hundred light horse and about a thousand footemen remained prisoners the Sradiots saued them-selues by flight Vpon report of the taking of this place diuers neighbour-townes did like-wise yeeld The Lord of Chaumont did soone after with all his forces repasse the riuer Adda The Marquis of Mantua came with his forcas to Casal-Major which forthwith yeelded Rocalatin like-wise hauing on a bridge of boates passed the riuer Adda where it entreth into the Po came and made incursions on the Cremonois with an 150. Lances 3000. footemen the like also did they of the Garrison of Loda The peasants likewise of the Mountainy of Briança made incursions as farre as Bergamo After these first attempts of warre the Pope for his part began by spirituall armes for hee published a terrible Bull in forme of a Monitory against them specyfing al the vsurpations made by the Venetians on the Churches lands and the authority which they attributed to them-selues to the preiudice thereof whereby he admonished them to yeeld vp within foure and twenty daies next following the Churches townes which they possessed with the reuenew receiued by them euer since they enioyed them vpon paine in case of disobedience of incurring censures and interdictions not onely for the Citty of Venice but likewise for all the townes vnder their obedience declaring all those to be excoÌ„municate who should in any sort detaine them guing power to all men in all places to seaze on their goods and to make slaues of their persons The Senate kept this Monitory close from the people for feare least they should haue mutined and threw in an appeall to the next General councel which was carried and fixed on the Churches of Rome by vnknown persons At the very same time in a manner King Lewis his Herald came to Venice who in his Kings name in open Senate did denounce the warre already begunne for diuers occasions which he declared in their presence The Duke by the aduice of the Senate answered seeing that the French King did denounce warre contrary to their aliance with him the which they had neuer violated they would with their forces and with the iustice of their cause seeke to defend them-selues After this answer they gaue order to their army the which being assembled at Pontuico to the number of two thousand men at armes three thousand light horse and stradiots fifteene thousand footemen chosen forth of all Italy and fifteene thousand other choice footemen of their own teritories with great quantity of Artillery 〈◊〉 came to Fontanella which is within sixe miles of Loda a place very commodious for the reliefe of Cremona Crema Carauagia Bergamo Citties vnder their obedience And because they had a fit time to recouer Treui by reason that the Kings Armie was not yet assembled the Senate was of opinion to assaile it The ordnance beeing planted which made great execution those within it did yeeld the next day following on condition that the souldiers liues should bee saued who were disarmed the Captaines to bee prisoners and the towne to be vsed at their discretion The King was at Milan who departed thence so soone as hee vnderstood that that towne was battered for to releeue it and came and passed ouer the riuer of Adda on three bridges made of boates neere to Cassiana with his whole Armie the enemie 〈◊〉 stopping him who hauing entred Treui busied themselues in pillaging the towne from whence the Captaines could not with-draw their souldiers neither by entreaties nor threatnings vntill that Aluiana in a â—…age caused the towne to be set on fire to make them to depart thence But it was too late for the French were wholy come ouer the riuer The King so soone as hee had passed ouer the Riuer came and lodged within little more then a mile of the Venetians campe who beeing encamped in a place strong both by sitâ—… and arte the King could not assaile them but with great disaduantage The matter was debated where some of the Kings councell were of opinion to draw out the warre in length expecting the Emperors comming downe for then the Venetians should bee enforced to come to a battle not being able to looke to so many places at once But the King was of a contrary opinion as well for feare least the Emperour would come too late as for the desire which hee had being there in person with all the forces of his kingdome that he might without an others helpe finish that warre by a glorious victory The armies in the meane time did not stirre but remained incamped the one before the other for the space of a day with sundry skirmishes betwixt the light horse on either side The next day the King marched towards Riuolta to prouoke the enemies to come thether that hee might fight with them but they did not stiâ—…re shewing thereby that they had no meaning to fight The Artillery being brought before Riuolta the Fort within a few houres was taken by assault wherein the King with his whole armie lodged the same night The King wondering at the enemies proceedings the which to himselfe he neuerthelesse commended resolued to depart thence to come into a place where he might cut off their victuals which came to them from Cremona and Crema thinking that the want of victuals would breake their determination wherefore hauing staid one day at Riuolta he dislodged and burnt it and tooke the way of Vailla and Paudina the very next night because that either of these places were in the way by which victuals came to the enemy The Venetians did very well perceiue the Kings meaning and how they were of necessity to remooue but the Count Petillan would haue them to tarry till the next day and Aluiana would haue them instantly to depart to the end to preuent them the which was done There were two waies to go to the places aboue mentioned the
conducted by Angelo Treuisano to make warre on the Duke of Ferrara which entring the Po at the mouth of Fornaces burnt Corbolo and other villages neere to the Po not sparing the whole country as farre as the Lake of Scarra from whence the light horse which kept way with it by land scoured as farre as Fiquerolles The incredible hatred which they had conceiued against the Duke of Ferrara did mooue them to doe so who not being content with that which he said did belong vnto him did detaine that which was none of his owne hauing receiued of the Emperour for money the village of Este in Fee and that of Montagnane by ingagement he hauing no title to those places which from time to time belonged to the Venetians The Duke of Ferrara was much amazed at the comming of this army and at the report that their land-army followed it for he had no meanes to defend himselfe till the supplies which he expected from the Pope and the French King were arriued but only with his artillery planted on the bankes of the Riuer to stop the enemies farther passage which was the cause that Treuisan lay at Ankor in the middest of the Riuer behind a little Island tarrying for the land forces without which he knew he could not goe forward And to remaine there at more safety til their arriual he caused two Bastions to bee made on the Riuer Po the one on Ferraras side and the other on the opposite shore with a bridge of boats to the end he might be able to releeue the Bastions chiefly that on Ferrara side The Duke determined to hinder the finishing of that worke whereupon hauing assembled the greatest forces he could as wel of the City as of strangers he sent them before to assaile the Bastion and he himselfe followed after with store of horse But those of the Bastion being releeued by their owne fellowes out of the vessels did with such fury charge the Ferrarois as they put them to rout so as the Duke who followed them at the heeles with his cauallery meeting with them turned them backe and encouraged them but it lasted not long For the enemies fury was such together with the safety of the place well fortified with small peeces of Ordnance as at the last he himselfe was constrained to retire with great losse of his people who were slaine and hurt This mooued the Lord of Chaumont to send a hundred and fifty French Launces for the gard of Ferrara and the Pope being incensed against the Venetians for that without respect to him they had assailed the Duke sent thither likewise the two hundred men at armes which hee had alotted for the Emperor But this aide would haue come to late if the Venetians had not beene enforced to call backe their army the which hauing conquered all the Pollesin was in readinesse to goe to the reliefe of their nauall army for it was enforced to returne backe hauing left foure hundred light horse and as many footmen for the defence of the Pollesin and for the helpe of their vessels because the Lord of Chaumont hauing entred Verona with great forces had lent eight thousand Ducats to the Emperour who had engaged to the King for the same sum and for others to be paied afterward the towne of Valeggia sixe miles from Bressia and a passage of the Riuer Mincia of great importance and made preparations beside as it was said to goe and beseege Vincenza The Venetians diuided their army into three parts which they placed in Legnaga Suaua and Vincenza then being desirous to conserue Vincenza they beganne to fortifie it with strong rampiers and with deepe ditches full of water they like they did afterwards to Suaua and Legnaga and in this manner standing on their guarde they assured the whole country especially for that winter Ferrara by this meanes was in some sort eased but not altogether freed from feare and daunger For those in the vessels seconded by the cauallery that was left with them did daylie scoure euen to the Cittie Gates and other Venetian vessels comming by an other way to assaile the Ferrarois had taken Comachia But by the arriuall of the Popes and French Kings forces the Duke and the Cardinall of Este beganne to take courage and for to make diuerse attempts to draw the enemies to fight they which they refused til the return of their army The Duke and the Cardinall perceiuing that the ouer-throw of the vessels would gaine the victory and that it might easily be effected if meanes were made for the safe planting of the artillery on the banke of the Riuer the Cardinal came and assailed the Bastion once againe and hauing beaten backe the enemies who were come forth to skirmish hee did take and fortifie the nerest part of the causey vnknowne to the enemies then in the night hee brought the artillery to the shoare opposite to the enemy and planting it with great silence it began in the morning to discharge very furiously The vessels would haue escaped by flight but not being able to make way by reason of the shot they were in a manner all sunke or taken The General leaping into a Skiffe saued himselfe by flight with the chiefe standard of the common-wealth fifteene Gallies fell into the Dukes power certaine great ships diuers Fusts with other small boates almost numberlesse two thousand men died there as well by the shot as by fire and water and threescore banners were taken Many that came on shoare were saued by the Venetian light horse men The Duke after this defeate sent forces of horse and foote to doe the like to those who had taken Comachia who recouered Loretta which the Venetians had fortified and they had defeated the army which was there if it had not retired to Bebies knowing the danger Such vnfortunate end had the seege of Ferrara which lasted about one month Their affaires prospered better on the Paduan territorie for the Emperour beeing on the Vincentin with foure thousand footmen the Venetians by the aide of the country peasants almost vnder his nose and before his face tooke the Paces of Escalla Cogola and Basciana whereof the Emperour complayning said That the departure of the Lord of La Palisse had bred diuers disorders and therevpon hee went to Bolsane and from thence to Inspruch to hold the Dyet which hee had appointed and the Lord of Chaumont following his example retired to Milan leauing strong garrisons in all places on the frontiers and especiallie in Verona which the Emperour could not haue defended alone During this cessation of armes Maximillian sought to take truce with the Venetians the Bishop of Pescera the Popes Nuntio practized it by his Masters commandement the Ambassadors were at Hospitaletto a little aboue Escalla and conferred with Iohn Cornare and Lodouico Mocenigo the Venetian commissioners But the Emperours excessiue demands brake off this treaty without any conclusion
the assaillants and who are in the field for the conquest of Ferrara to seeke to assaill vs and our Captaines whose part is to defend ought not to attempt to assaill them contrary to all rules of Martiall discipline But let vs consider what aduantage wee haue or what necessity inforceth vs to it It seemeth vnto me and I doe not altogeter deceiue my selfe that it is a matter very apparent that wee cannot do what the Duke of Ferrara propoundeth but with our great disaduantage because we cannot goe to that place but by a causey and by a very narrow and bad way where all our forces cannot display them-selues and where the enemies may very well with small forces resist a greater number Wee must march vpon the causie one horse after another and wee must bring the artillery carriage wagons and bridges ouer this narrow causie And who is it that knowes not that in a straight and foule way euery peece of ordnance euery waggon that shall sticke fast in the mire will for a large houres space cause the whole army to make a stand And that being pestred with so many incombrances euery contrary accident will easily disorder vs The enemies are driely lodged furnished with victuals and forage we shal in a manner encampe in the open ayre forrage is to be brought after vs and we shall not be able but with great labour to bring the one halfe of that we shall need We must not referre our selues to that which ingeners saie and to husbandmen which know the Countrey Because warres are managed by soldiers armes and by Captaines Councels They are made by fighting in the field and not by proiects which those that are ignorant of warres do figure forth in paper or describe with their fingers or with a stick in the dust As for my selfe I doe not presuppose that the enemies areso weake noâ—… their affaires in such disorder nor that in their lodging and fortification they haue had so smal skill as not to helpe themselues by the opportunity of the waters and sytuations as I can promise to my selfe that so soone as we shal be com to the place whether we make account to go their we could with ease ariue ther that it lyeth in our power to assaile them Sundry difficulties may enforce vs to tary ther two or thre daies and if there were none other let the snow and rayne falling in so bad a season will stay vs And besides how should we prouide victuals and forage if it should fall out that we were to carry there And though it were in our power to assaile them who is he that can so easily promise to himselfe the victory Who is it which considereth not how dangerous a matter it is to deale with enemies that are strongly encamped and to haue to doe at one time with them and with the discomodities of the contries situation Vnlesse we can be able on a sodaine to to enforce them thence we our selues shall be constrained to returne back And how hard a matter will it be in a country which is wholly our enemie and where euery small mishap will prooue very great Besides I see small reason to put the Kings whole state in such precipitate danger seeing we are chiefly in action for no other matter but for to releeue the Citty of Ferrara of which if we furnish it with a stronger garrison we may be assured yea although we should breake vp out army for it is thought to be so much consumed as if the enemies waight on ita little longer it is impossible but it wil shortly fall of it selfe Is it not yet in our power to turne back a most mighty remedy in warre whereby without hazarding any one horse we will enforce them to depart from before Ferrara I haue euer councelled and now councell more then euer to turne towards Modena or Bolognia keeping the broad way and to fortefie Ferrara for a few dayes for it will not be long with all thinges necessary Now in mine opinion it is best to go forthwith to Modena wherevnto the Cardinall of Este doth prouoke vs who is a personage of great state in which Towne he doth assure vs to haue intelligence and that we may easily take it For by winning a place of so great importance the enemies shal be enforced to retire on a sodaine towards Bolognia And although we should not take Modena yet the feare which would possesse the enemies as wel for that as for the state of Bolognia will constrayne them to doe the like as without al doubt they would long ere this haue done if at the first this oppinion had beene followed The great reasons of this wise Captaine was approoued by al men by meanes wherof the Lord of Chaumont hauing strongly man'd Ferrara with soldiers for her safety held on his way towards Carpy from thence to march to Modena But the Pope by the king of Arragons councell hauing restored it to the Emperour to auoid so many discontents and to quiet his mind which was displeased for that the Pope had seased on it it being euer accounted a Citty of the iurisdiction of the Empire was cause that the Lord of Chaumont being certefied of this restauration desisted from his enterprise who within a while after falling sick was brought to Corregia where fifteene dayes after he dyed hauing before his death very deuoutly adknowledged the faults which he had committed against the Church and besought the Pope to giue him absolution the which hee freely graunted By his death Iohn Iames Triuulce gouerned the Army because hee was one of the foure Marshalls of France vnto whome the Generall of the Army beeing dead the gouernment belongeth by the customes of France vntill the King hath other-wised disposed thereof There happened at the same time a great Earth-quake in Venice whereby part of the walls of the Ducall pallace fel downe with the Marble statues in Saint Markes Church which had beene set vp for the beautifing of the building the stâ—…ples of Churches were shaken and the Bells range of them-selues The waters of the canalâ—… did swell diuers houses and chimneis fell downe wherewith infinite numbers of people were slaine sundry women with child dyed But Gods pleasure was that it lasted not long wherevpon the Patriarks commanded prayers to be made ouer all the Citty with fasting for three daies space with bread and water The like Earth-quake happened soone after at Padua Treuiso Vdina and in other places and territories belonging to the common wealth Now Triâ—…ulcio commanding the Army returned with all his forces to Sâ—…rmidi to goe to releeue the Bastid Geniuola which the Popes Army beseeged and whether the Venetian fleete was going But he went on no farther hauing notice in that place that the Duke of Ferrara with the Lord Chastillon and the French forces were gone forth with great numbers of soldiours and had defeated the enemies whome they found in disorder and
taken their enseignes and Artillery During these warlike exploits the deseignes of the Princes were sundry and vncertaine especially those of the Emperor who being by nature variable and inconstant and solicited by the Kings of Arragon an enemy to the French name and iealous of the French Kings greatnesse determined to listen to peace notwithstanding that he had concluded before with the French King by meanes of the Bishoppe of Gurcia to make warre withall his might on the Venetians at the spring and to this end wrot at one time to the Pope and the French King that he was resolued to send the Bishop of Gurcia to Mantua to treate of an vniuersall peace requesting them to send their Ambassadors thether likewise with full and ample power hee wrot nothing to the Venetians knowing that they would doe what-so-euer pleased the Pope whose authority they were enforced to follow This aduice pleased the Pope vpon hope to reconcile the Venetians to him and to disunite them from the French King whereat he cheefely aimed But the King was not contented with such an vnhoped for determination as well for feare of the determination of matters concluded with him as also for the doubt he had that the Pope thorow faire promises to aide him in the conquest of the Dutchy of Milan and to giue a Cardialls Hat to the Bishoppe of Gurcia might separare him from his party He was well assured that it was the practises of the King of Arragon and knâ—…w very well that his Ambassador with the Emperor had labored and did openly labour for the agreement betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians and did vse diuers other practizes to contradict his deseignes and among others did hotly oppose him-selfe against the conuocation of a generall councell vnder collour of curtesie and caused the King his Maister to bee earnest with him to make peace with the Pope making in a manner a silent protestation to take Armes in the Popes behalfe if hee did not agree with him The French King dissembling all these dealings because hee would giue the Emperour no cause of discontent resolued to send the Bishoppe of Paris to Mantâ—… and in the meane time aduertised Iohn Iames Triâ—…lce that his pleasure was to haue him to command the army but that he should not assaile the Churches state till the Bishop of Gurcia were arriued Triuulcio vpon this command turned his forces against the Venetians and came to Stellata then passing on farther he surprized certaine Venetian cauallery and sent Gaston of Foix son to a sister of the kings being yet very yong with a hundred men at armes foure hundred light horse and fiue hundred foot to scoure euen to the enemies barriers who did put those that kept them to flight and made them to retire to a strong place beyond the channel In the meane space the Bishop of Gurcia came to Mantua but later then hee was expected where within a while after the Bishop of Paris arriued The Pope entreated the Bishop of Gurcia to come and visit him hoping by his presence and authority and by faire promises to winne him The Bishop after diuers difficulties propounded and wel debated on being solicited by the king of Arragons Ambassadors consented therevnto on condition that the Bishop of Paris should stay at Parma and expect what would fall out by his iourney The Bishop of Gurcia arriuing at Bolognia whether the Pope was of purpose come to receiue him there was so great honour done vnto him as a King could not be entertained with greater magnificence the Venetians Ambassador neere to the Pope went to the city gates to meet him vsing signes of very great submission but the Bishop turning from him with merueilous pride and disdaine shewed great discontent because that â—…epresenting the enemies of the Emperour his master he had beene so bould as to come before him That being done he went with great pompe to the Consistory where the Pope accompanied by all the Cardinals staied for him And hauing breefly declared the causes of his comming into Italy he returned to his lodging The next day with great arrogancy he conferred of diuers matters with the Pope and especially that if the Venetians did mean to haue peace with the Emperor it behooued them in any case to restore whatsoeuer they deteined which did belong to the Empire Yet neuerthelesse they beganne after to treat of agreement betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians where at the first diuers difficulties were made on both sides at the last after long disputation each party cutting off some peeces of the hard conditions propounded by them it was thought that by the mediation of the King of Arragons Ambassadors they would come to an agreement But so soone as they beganne to speake of reconciling the Pope to the French King betwixt whom appeared none other contention but concerning the Duke of Ferrara and that the Bishop of Gurcia went to the Pope to make an end thereof because without that the Emperour would conclude nothing the Pope did sodainely interrupt him requesting him to hold on with the Venetians and not to talke of the affaires of Ferrara being in a manner desirous to incite the Emperor against the French whereupon the Bishop of Gurcia tooke his leaue and without effecting any thing returned from whence he came Triuulcio perceiuing the departure of the Bishop of Gurcia and by that meanes all hope of peace being lost came into the field and beseeged Concordia which he tooke the same day and then marched towards Bomport a village seated on the Riuer Panare that he might be nere the enemies to the end that by cutting off their victuals he might enforce them to dislodge or to fight forth of their campe Entring into the country of Modena he vnderstood that Iohn Paul Manfron was with three hundred light horse of the Venetians at Massa nere to Finall he sent Gaston de Foix thither with three hundred foot and fiue hundred horse who found Iohn Paul Manfron at a bridge in order of battaile to stoppe his passage but being forsaken by his owne souldiers hee was taken prisoner by the French with some others Triuulcio found meanes to passe the Channell to assaile the enemies who durst not tarry his comming The Channell being passed he foorded Panare without impediment in a very broad place and where the water is not deepe and marched towards Plumacia three miles off from the enemies army which was the cause that Castel-franco yeelded to him He was there in great doubt what to doe for on the one side he would willingly haue assailed Bolognia if he had beene certaine that the people would haue taken armes in the Bentiuoles behalfe on the other side he feared if he should come thither vpon hope only of a popular commotion to be enforced forth-with to depart thence as the Lord of Chaumont had done to his great disgrace At the last he determined
death beganne extreamely to greeue and lament as well for that he had lost a Cardinall whom he loued decrely as also because so high a dignity had beene violated in a manner before his face and by his owne Nephew wherevpon he determined to stay no longer there but to returne to Rome Being departed from Rauenna he vnderstood by the way that sundry libels had beene set vp on the publike places of Modena and Bolognia by which notice was giuen him of the conuocation of the Generall Councell in the city of Pisa whether hee was cited to appeare in person because hee was accounted vnfit to gouerne the Papacy being Author of all the warres The Pope being come to Rome did forthwith excommunicate the Bolognois vnlesse they did returne to the obedience of the Sea Apostolike Within a while after there happened a great tempest with haile of such vnmeasurable bignesse as the like had neuer beene seene at Bolognia which did spoile and beate downe the fruites of the territory neere adioyning the common people thought that it was a diuine punishment by reason of the Popes censure Now al be-it it was in the French Kings power after this victory to haue taken Rome the Popes forces being greatly weakened and dispersed and those of the Venetians much more he neuerthelesse commanded Triuulcio that leauing Bolognia to the gard of the Bentiuoles he should with his army returne speedily into the Dutchy of Milan thinking that the Pope being freed from the suspition which he had causelesse conceiued of him would be drawne to desire peace the treaty whereof had neuer yet beene wholy broken off But so soone as the Pope perceiued the army to be re-called into the Dutchy of Milan he tooke courage and propounded by the Scottish Ambassador whom for that purpose he had sent to the French King at his departure from Bolognia very hard and greeuous conditions of peace the which neuerthelesse the King for the great desire he had to be at peace with him was content to accept of if the Pope vpon his returne to Rome had not changed his minde thorow the perswasion of the King of Arragon For then he made answere that he would haue no peace vnlesse the Venetians would make an accord with the Emperor adding diuers other excessiue demands which did so greatly mooue the Kings spirit as he determined to hinder his recouery of Bolognia the which he tooke into his owne protection with the Bentiuoles likewise and sent foure hundred Launces thither Then because he would still continue in his alliance with the Emperor he commanded that the number of souldiers granted to the bishop of Gurcia should goe from the Dutchy of Milan to the succour of the Emperors lands vnder the command of the Lord de la Palisse The Emperour had a great desire to make warre on the Venetians but considering the great preparations which he was to make especially for the taking of Padua without which he knew he could doe no great matter he was in a manner ready to agree with them so as being tossed vp and downe by diuers thoughts he spent the time in vaine without executing any enterprize promising from day to day to come in person into Italy or to send his forces thither The Venetians in the meane time finding themselues to weake to take Verona and being encamped betwixt Soaua and Loniga they burnt in a night a great part of the Veronois But hauing intelligence of the comming of the Lord of La Palisse with twelue hundred Launces and eight thousand foot they retired into a stronge place towards Legnaga and Vincenza from whence likewise they dislodged and put themselues into Padua and Treuiso for the defence of which cities diuers Venetian yong gentlemen came thether from Venice The French army tarried diuers daies at the bridge of Barbarana expecting the Emperours comming or his resolution who being come betwixt Trent and Rouero being irresolute after his wonted manner what to doe after he had giuen audience to the Venetian Ambassadours with whom he daily conferred he solicited the Lord of La Palisse to goe and take the Pace of Castel-nouo which is beneath Escalla towards the Friul to make his comming downe more easie on that side The which the Lord La Palisse did brauely execute and then retired to Escalla But the Emperor hauing altered his determinatiō in stead of enuading what the Venetians held on the firme land and going to beseege Rome retired to Trent determining to go no more to the army commanded the Asmains to enter into the Friul where they took Vdina with the whole Prouince thē they returned to ioyne with the Lord of La Palisse who lay within fiue miles of Treuiso the which the Emperor would haue to be assaulted but being well sortified on euery side they found it most expedient speedily to retire the which they did Wherevpon the Lord of La Palisse did soone after returne into the Dutchy of Milan by his Kings command in regard of the Swisses new stirres and confederacies which did dayly encrease The Venetian Stradio◅s did follow him at the heeles hoping to endamage him at his passage ouer the Brente and the Adissa but he found meanes safely to crosse them His departure was cause that Iohn Paul Baillon Generall to the Venetians by the death of Luke Malueze did recouer all that they had lost the same Summet as well nere to Vincenza as in Friul Gradisca excepted In these kindes of warlike exploits was that Summer spent to the Emperours great disgrace and to the encrease of the Venetians reputation who notwithstanding the Emperours and the French Kings armies against them for the space of two yeeres did in the end still retaine their owne forces and signories and al-be-it that it was directly against the Emperour it was neuerthelesse much more hurtfull to the French King For the Emperour by reason he wanted aide perceiuing himselfe to weake to obtaine the desired victory did willingly harken to those who perswaded him to be friends with the Venetians so as already men beganne to perceiue that new deseignes were begotten in his minde The Pope in the meane time hauing made shew that he would come to an agreement with the French King did at last declare himselfe openly against him and made a confederacy with the Catholike King and the Venetians to preserue as he said the vnion of the Church to root out the Conuenticle for so he termed it of Pisa and to recouer the city of Bolognia with all the other townes which mediately or immediatly did belong to the Church therein comprehending the city of Ferrara that they would attempt with a mighty army to driue all those out of Italy who should oppugne it leauing place to the Emperor to enter if he pleased into this confederacy being desirous to disunite him from the French King Don Raymond de Cardona borne in Cattalognia and at that time viceroy of
beginne the warre on that side seeing that the King of Arragon was dead and that Charles Duke of Burgondy hauing taken vpon him the name of Prince of Castile made himselfe terrible to all those who held any States in Italy and chiefly to himselfe But the Popes cunning being already knowne of a long time caused no great regard to be giuen to his speech The Venetians thus continuing the seege of Bressia without harkening to any truce resolued not to stirre from thence till it was either yeelded vp or taken by force The Emperour who had made warre but slowly the yeere before by his Lieutenants determined to goe thither in person sought all meanes to make new stirres in Italy assembled diuers Diets craued aide made great leauies of soulders and aboue all prouoked the Swisses to take armes to reuenge the death of so many braue men their companions offering to be their captaine and not to abandon them in any trauaile or danger whatsoeuer The King of England made the same request being iealous of the glory and reputation of the French and for that the French King also had taken vpon him the protection of the King of Scots The Pope did no lesse but in more secret manner And all three of them promised good pay to those Swisses that would come shewing them moreouer that the profit which would redound to them by that warre of Italy and by their alliance would bee much greater then their hire The Venetian captaines in the meane time after the arriuall of the Lord of Lautrec did often sit in councel where their opinions were very different saying That there was no great garrison within the towne and that it was besides destitute of all prouision making but small doubt of the seege But this opinion was not receiued by reason of the vnfitnesse of the time which was in the middest of winter when it is not good to discampe and to lead the souldiers to a new faction As also because they thought it meere follie to quit a certenty such as was the taking of Bressia for the vncertaine successe of that which would happen before Verona For they certainely knew that there was in Bressia such want of money corne and al other kind of victuals as it was of necessity soone to be theirs either by agreement or by force and this being verified by diuers it was concluded by a generall consent not to stirre from thence and that the City should be more streightlly looked to In the campe there was plenty of all things for the Senate was carefull to furnish it with all necessaries notwithstanding all the impediments which the enemies vsed against the purueyors which prooued vaine to none effect Marke Antonio Colonna was the man who being lodged at Verona vsed all meanes to cut off victuals from the army and to that end kept great numbers of Spaniards and horse-men at Legnaga which they then possessed so as by little and little the enemies waxed so bold as they came and scoured as farre as the Venetians campe whilest they were busied at their seege The Generall and the Prouidatori thinking if they should endure that indignity it would greatly blemish their reputation sent Iohn Paul Manfron and Marke Antonio Bue with foure hundred men at armes and foure hundred light horse to surprize them but the designe succeeded badly for Colonna being by his spies aduertized of their comming came forth of Verona with six hundred horse and fiue hundred foot and went speedily towards Valegia and met them in the field and comming to handy-stroakes he defeated them At this incounter Iulio son to Iohn Paul Manfron his horse being slaine vnder him in the fight was taken his father fled to Gueda A more prosperous issue had the enterprise of Iano Fregosa Iohn Corardo Visin marching with certaine companies as well of the one as other army to the castle of Anse to stoppe the passage of 3000. Lansequenets for they slue 800. of them and the residew escaped with the mony which they carried into Lodron All these exploits were great but not of any great consequence in comrison of the totall of the warre and of that which happened on report of the Emperors comming into Italy which dayly encreased whereby both the assallants and the beseeged were shaken with diuers hopes and feare The Emperor hauing assembled diuers foot and horse companies prouoked great numbers of Swisses to take armes was on his way to come into Italy intending to enter by the mountaines of Trent and to goe directly towards Verona then to Bressia and leauing strong garrison in both those Cities to passe on into the Dutchy of Milan to expell the French The Pope hauing notice of the Emperours entry into Italy the better to honour him and to acquaint him particularly with his loue towards him created Bernardo de Bibiena Cardinall of Saint Mary in Porticu Legat and sent him to him for that he was euer wont to shew himselfe on the Popes behalfe against the French and to hinder their proceedings But the Venetians beleeuing verily that the Emperour would come into Italy exhorted the French King to prouide for their common affaires and not to suffer the Emperour and the Swisses who enuyed his glory and greatnesse to enioy the fruit of his labour and trauaile and that therefore he should either in person returne againe into Italy with a mighty army or else augment that which he had here already according to the worthinesse of the cause promising for their parts to spare nothing that might auaile him The King knowing that what they said was most true tooke great care not only for the danger wherein he saw the Dutchy of Milan but because he should be enforced to put off his enterprize of Naples till some other time wherevnto he greatly inclined Resoluing neuerthelesse first of all to defend his owne Estates and those of his allies he propounded to the Venetians to wage at their common charge eight thousand Swisses because that he hauing at the same time very opportunely renued his alliance with them it was expresly agreed vpon that it should bee lawfull for the King to draw what number of souldiers he pleased forth of their country The Venetians soone agreed to giue pay to two thousand foot of that Nation and readily to furnish money necessary for other expences of warre And notwithstanding that the publike treasury was much exhausted and the whole City greatly afflicted with so long a warre Yet neuerthelesse there was no want seene in any prouision for the army nor in ought else that concerned the continuance of the warre They made a leauy of foure thousand Italian foot they did encrease their garrisons in the Cities and created two Prouidatori Paul Gradonico and Lodouico Barbaro In the Venetians campe were foure thousand Gascons and fiue hundred men at armes commanded by French captaines but amongst those souldiers
to the Common-wealth robbing and spoyling the Venetians subiects executing diuers other hostile actions The Senate wrote to the Lieutenants of the Empire saying That for their partes they would keepe and obserue the truce and not make any innouation because of the Emperors death but that they like-wise should doe well to containe their soldiers in peaceable manner and keepe them from making any more incursions vpon their Territories The Lieutenants thinking this to bee iust and resonable the truce was inuiolably obserued euery where In the meane time preparation was made for the election of a new Emperor The French King and the King of Spaine two great and excellent Princes began openly to aspire therevnto And albeit the practize was of great importance betwixt two such mighty Princes yet neuer the-lesse they handled the matter on both sides very modestly without any iniurious speeches or warlik menaces each of them seeking by his owne authority and meanes to draw the Electors on his side But the Italians did stand in awe of either of their powers fearing that which of them two should attaine that dignity would by the aide of the Almains enuade all Italy and ioyne it to the Empire as it had beene in times before so that either of their elections could not but bee very much distastfull and greeuous to the Italians and yet for al that they inclined more to the French King then to the Catholik Maiesty for diuers causes and cheefely because the French as a stranger should not beare such authority in Germany as the King of Spaine who was descended from thence and by that meanes might turne them at his pleasure So as the Pope and the Venetians did rather fauour the French Kings party then the Spaniards and the French sending his Ambassador for the same purpose to Rome and Venice they were honorably entertayned and freely audienced Now besides these Ambassadors the French King sent the Lord of Teligni to Venice as well for this purpose as for diuers and sundry other negotiations and among others to entreate them to lend him some good store of mony to supply his great expence hee was to make if hee should bee chosen Emperor and also that they would send forces into Germanie to assist the Electors to the end they might not be enforced in their election and to aske them what they would haue him to doe if Charles should enter with an army into Italy to enforce the Pope to free him from the oath made to Pope Iulius the second concerning the inuestiture of the Realme of Naples The Senate made answer to the Ambassadors demands That in regard of their great obligation to the French King albeit their treasour was much exhausted by the late warres they would neuer-the-lesse striue to ayde him with an hundred thousand Ducats But for to send forces into Germany it would smalely avayle the King and greatly hurt them Besides the Almains would neuer suffer their soldiers to passe the passages being very streight and wel garded As for Charles his passage if without being prouoked there vnto he would enter armed into Italy against the most Holy Father of Rome that the Venetians would no lesse shew them-selues defenders and protectors of the liberty and dignity Ecclesiasticall then their Ancestors had done preferring the greatnesse therof before that of the Empire During these treaties of King Francis by his Ambassadors Charles King of Spaine being more apt to leuy solders with mony then to giue it to the Electors sent an army into the field vnder collour of keeping the election from beeing forced the which drawing neere to Franckfort did encourrage those Electors that fauored his cause and made those which wandred to encline to him so as Charles of Austria King of Spaine was chosen Emperor the eight and twentith day of Iune which was at the very selfe same time that Soliman the sonne of Selim did peaceably obtaine without any contradiction the Oâ—…taman Empire by the death of his father Selim There was but one onely Captaine named Agazzell Gouernor of Suria that did oppose it and make him-selfe maister of the Prouinces of his gouernment who taking armes for that purpose his rebellion was soone appeased and all the other Prouinces reduced vnder Solymans obedience remained peaceable He was noted to be of a haughty courage and fit for high enterprizes and a great enemy to Christendome yet notwithstanding Christian Princes not considering the perills and dangers which followed them at the heeles suffered this young Prince their naturall enemy to grow great whilst they had time to abate his power by busying him in the defence of his owne lands and Seignories and meanes to keepe him from enuading those of their neighbors Lewis King of Hungary alone leuied soldiers and made great preparations of warre imploying all mens ayde and succor as one that feared this barbarous enemy by reason that Solyman would not renew the truce which this King had made with his father Selim wherevpon he sent his Ambassadors to the Christian Princes and cheefely to Rome and Venice entreating exhorting and admonishing them of other mens ruine and losse by the example of his owne neere at hand The Venetians answered him that the power and greatnesse of the Ottomans was so mightely encreased as all Princes and Potentates stood in awe thereof and cheefely themselues by reason their State was to neere a neighbor to them that they had neuer refused such offers but that they on the contrary had solicited other Princes to oppose themselues against the mightinesse of their Empire which they saw did daily encrease but that they of them-selues alone and with their owne forces could doe no great matter Not long after they sent Marco Minio their Ambassador to Constantinople who with their vsuall presents was to procure the articles of peace to be confirmed in the same manner as some few yeares before Antonio Instiniano had done with Selim and with the same authority immunity and franchize Soliman shewed himselfe very ready to graunt their demands as beeing desirous of their frendship and aliance and for a demonstration of his good will towards them at the same time as Minio departed from Venice Acmat Ferrat set foreward from the Port of the great Turke towards Venice to giue them notice from him of his succession in the Orientall Empires and to renew their alliance begun with his father Selim. Besides he was desirous for that the Venetians trafficke into his Contries might be more free and safe with his owne forces to chase the Pirats that scoured the Leuant Seas entreating the Venetians for their part to doe the like to the end the nauigation might be assured This renewing of their league with the Turke did greatly proffit them in regard their state in Italy was not very firme and by reason that the alarmes and suspitions which they had conceiued at the beginning of the yeare because it was reported
for the defence of his Kingdome but like-wise all fauour and furtherance to forraine Princes thereby the more easily to obtaine of them some succor and releefe It seemeth indeed and not without cause that the first addresse belongeth to this Republike when any question is of opposing the Ottamans greatnesse because that as well in regard of your power at sea as for your neere neighbour-hood to them yee haue excellent meanes to molest that enemy and to hinder him from growing great at other mens costs Therefore my Lords yee shall purchase great glory and shall establish a greater safety to your state if yee will be Authors to moue other Princes to protect and defend the realme of Hungary against this new furious enemy to Christians Consider my Lords to what greatnesse the â—…ttaman family hath in short space attayned and wholy if I may so say by the carelesenesse of Christian Princes that haue not opposed them-selues against it Hee marcheth forward with a swift pace to a soueraigne Monarchy If the cries prayers and protestations of Constantine had beene heard when the warlike and cruell Mahomet did assaile Constantinople the Greekes Empire should not now bee ruyned not that of the Mamalukes bee wholy extinct For both the one and other gaue such counterpoyse to the Turkish forces as if they now weare in force they might with ease assure not onely the Kingdome of Hungary but like-wise all the residue of Christendome Who-soeuer shall consider the progression of the antient Monarchies will find that their difficulty was not great to attayne to a soueraigne degree when there was none of power sufficient to oppose their greatnesse and to counterpoise their pride whereby the conquests which after-wards ensued proued very easie The Romaines spent much time in subduing Italy but beeing once Maisters thereof and by that meanes most mighty they in few yeares subiected vnder their power and dominion many forraine Kings and Prouinces Therefore it is certaine that by how much we shall delay to cut off the greatnesse of this cruel enemy by so much more wil dangers encrease and remedies become more difficult I will not say that to take armes for the defence of the Kingdome of Hungary is a matter onely honorable for Christian Princes as well in respect of the duty of their religion as for their profession nor also that it is profitable for them for any particular interest but I will say that of a certaine it is most necessary for the conseruation of their states For that Kingdome being lost which hath already of a long time opposed it selfe against the Turkes attempts and hath interrupted the course of their victories who is it that is able to hinder him from entring into Austria from molesting Germany and from making incursions on the very confines of your state This same Kingdome which still hath beene the Bullwarke to stoppe his progressions being ruined which God forbid and taken by the enemy who doubteth but that it wil bee very commodious for him to subdue other nations to enuade other Kingdomes and generally to execute all his enterprizes But as this defense is sayd to bee necessary wee must not like-wise iudge it impossible and least of all difficult prouided that Princes will no more want will and desire then they doe meanes and power Our Hungarian nation hath beene war-like and our Kings haue purchaced great glory by warre Our King at this day my Lords and his subiects doe not degenerate from their Ancestors they want not courrage nor ought else that men are to haue for their defence But what can one Kingdome alone doe agaâ—…st such numbers of enemies gathered to gether out of so many Prouinces against the war-like preparation of the richest and mightiest enemy in the world And yet this our Kingdome is not very great or rich to furnish store of soldiers armor mony munition and so many other necessaries for any long continuance against such war-like enterprizes but if it bee aided by other Princes her forces will not onely encrease but like-wise her reputation and valour so as wee doe not doubt but to make all the enemies attempts and designes vnproffitable and if occasion serue wee will not refuse to fight wiâ—…h him in the field to assure for a long time at our owne perills and by the hazard of our owne fortune if God doe fauour as wee are to hope our holy and valorous â—…enterprizes with our owne country other Kingdomes and Prouinces of Christendome But I see that perhaps I haue passed my bounds by my long oration The summe of all is Our Kingdome is the Bulwarke and defense of all Christendome against the fury of the Turkish armes now the common defence ought to bee mannaged by common forces your wisdome and piety makes yee to fore-see and esteeme of dangers and your authority and power giues yee meanes of speedy remedy The Ambassador was heard with great attention and as they were before already well disposed to this businesse hee like-wise left a very great impression in their mindes Therefore they concluded to solicite other Christian Princes by their Ambassadors that were resident with them to the end that they might with a mutuall consent releeue the Realme of Hungary and prouide for future dangers where-vnto they freely offered all the meanes of the Common-wealth But this negotiation had no better issue then the former where-vpon daungers dayly encreasing and King Lewis supposing that to free Belgrade from the seege which was a very strong Citty and of great impotance and which had euer beene the Rampier of the whole Kingdome that hee must fight with the Turke did after that send Iohn Statilius his Ambassador to Venice to obtaine of the Senate certaine summes of mony thereby to encrease his forces to the end that being strengthened with meanes hee might at tempt on hope of happy successe the hazard of a battaill The Republike had often in times past ayded with mony and other meanes the Kings of Hungary against the power of the Turkes but it thought it selfe at that time more bound then euer before to doe it as well in respect of the strict aliance and friendship with King Lewis as for their feare of the Ottaman greatnesse who dayly grew more potent and redoubted by reason wherof the Venetians sent the King thirty thousand Ducats with promise of greater offers and for a testimony of their friendship to King Lewis they sent word to Lorenzo Doria their Ambassador resident with his Maiesty that he should ordinarily folow the Kings army But the Kings deseigns and enterprises had a disastrous successe for Belgrade was lost all the other Citties of the Kingdome continuing still fearefull of the force and violence of the Turkes who after the taking of this towne returned to Constantinople hauing left his Artillery and munition in Hungary intending to returne thither againe at the spring as him-selfe aduertized the Senate of Venice by one of his seruants
acquainting them with what hee had done in Hungary About the same time Prince Loretan deceased to the great greefe of the whole Citty who with singular wisdome had fortunately gouerned the Republike the space of twenty yeares hauing still retayned to the very last gaspe his vsuall quicknesse of wit where-with hee was adorned hee was buried in the Church of the Twiâ—…s ANTONIO GRIMANI the 76. Duke ANtonio Grimani Father to Cardinall Dominico was chosen in his sted a man very famous as well for his great wealth as for the noble offices which hee had borne in the Common-wealth hauing often times tasted prosperous and aduerse fortune and who not long before was called home from a tedious banishment to which hee was condemned because hee being Generall of the Galleis had let slippe the occasion of fighting with and vanquishing the Turkish army neere to Lepanto He then entring into the gouernment of the Common wealth found it in peace as hath beene said but in so many different rumors of discontent betwixt Princes as it was to be feared that the Republick would therby be drawne into new troubles and into a necessity of taking armes because that the Emperour who being already come into Germany had receiued his first Imperiall Coronation at Aix La Chappelle had a great desire to come into Italy in regard whereof he sought by al good offices and faire promises to draw the Venetians to his side thinking that their frendship might much auaile him for the execution of his deseignes wherevpon among other matters he promised to giue them in authenticall manner the inuestiture of all the Citties and places which they then possessed to which the Empire might pretend any title or claime These offers were the cause that the Senate delayed to send according to their vsuall manner to congratulate the Emperor for his new dignity For hauing determined to send Francesco Contaren to succeed Gasparo Contaren their ordinary Ambassador resident with his Imperiall Maiesty whose time of stay there apointed by the Lawes was already expired they did put off his dispatch from day to day because they would giue the French noe occasion to suspect that they intended to enter into any league or treaty with the new Emperor Charles by this meanes beeing out of hope to draw the Venetians from the friendship of the French changed his purpose and resolued to send Philliberto his Ambassador to the French King as well for that he would haue men thinke that he was desirous to treat with him about the affaires of Italy without mentioning the Venetians as for to induce them to haue recourse to himselfe for feare of some agreement betwixt their two Maiesties wherein they should not be comprehended they hauing already made proofe of very many mischeefes which the alliance of such like Princes had procured to their common wealth he did beside write to his Ambassador resident with the King of England to complaine vnto that King whose authority at that time was so great as he was chosen for Vmpier and mediator of al the important strife betwixt the Emperor and the French King of the Venetians who not beeing contented to accomplish the agreement betwixt Maximilian and them did moreouer refuse his alliance and frendship being therevnto inuited but there was no great regard giuen to his complaints because that the Emperor making shew to be desirous of Peace intelligence was giuen that he prepared all things fit for warre These pollicies being knowne to King Francis after that he had freely communicated to the Senate all the Emperors practises and deseignes would not giue eare to the offers of his Ambassador and standing vpon his gard he sought by all meanes to entertaine his frends and Confederates and to that purpose he had mutuall conference with the King of England neere to Ardres in Picardy who for that end came to Calais that he might more amply confirme the peace and frendship sworne betwixt them where hauing seene one another and conferred together with their Councells of their perticular affaires with all manner of sports and delightes in the middest of the plaine betwixt Guynes and Ardres the French King returned to Boloign and the King of England to Calais About this time a daughter being borne to the French King he entreated the Republick of Venice to witnesse for it at the Font shewing therby that he was desiâ—…ous in all thinges to giâ—…e them content in regard of his speciall loue towâ—… 〈◊〉 Vpon these new propositions of the 〈◊〉 and the French King the Veneâ—… likewise were desirous to looke to themselues and they grew â—…ore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the conclusion of the league noâ—… breaking the fiue yeaâ—… trâ—…ce alreâ—…dy 〈◊〉 by the Elect Emperor nor would they likewise displease the King of England who by sondry good offices had shewed himsâ—…lfe their great friend whom they knew would be â—…ighly displeased with that league in regard of the alliance and frendship betwixt him and the Emperor Whilst thâ—… vpon these occasions â—…he treaty of the league remained doubtfull they had intelligence of that which they neuer expected how that the Pope had secretly agreed with the Emperor to enâ—…ade at their common cost the Dutchy of Milan This did wonderfully amaze al â—…en and especially the Venetianâ—… because the Pope by driuing the â—…rench forth of Italy with his forces and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was desirous to inâ—…hronize and encrease the Emperors power there whom 〈◊〉 long before himselfe did greaâ—…ly â—…pect and held dangerous for the Churches state and for all the Princes of Italy The Popes deseigne was accompanied with diuers and â—…ondry practises of the Imperialls the Bandeâ—…i of Milan who were in great noâ—…ber and the 〈◊〉 of the Citty being ioyned to them to the end that by their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 onâ—… 〈◊〉 same time some sodaine 〈◊〉 might be raised in the Citty and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 places of the Duchy to expell the French who drempâ—… on 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and whose nomber was already much decreased by reason of the Lord 〈◊〉 absence who not long before was gone into France But the Lord of Leâ—…cut his brother and his Lieâ—…tenant General in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hauing discouered this 〈◊〉 befoâ—…e it was executed did forthâ—…ith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nombers of Soldiers as he made himselfe assured 〈◊〉 of all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and frustrated their practises 〈◊〉 deseignes driuing all the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Dutchy where they had by degrees 〈◊〉 themselues whom he 〈◊〉 euen to the gates of Rhegio whither they escaped by means of him that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For the Pope who as hath beene said was a Partaker of their deseigne Herevpon the Pope tooke matter of discontent for that without any respect to his dignity and power or to the friendship and alliance betwext him and the most Christian King the French had come and vsed violence in his townes and Castles making his complaints to the Venetians whereas indeed the King had most cause to
complaine because that by the agreement made betwixt them it was expresly mentioned that the Pope should not receiue the bandeâ—…i of the Dutchy of Milan into his Territories nor the king those of the Dominion of the Church into his The Venetians being desirous as much as in them lay to appease this discontent for the Popes resolution and the treaty made and sworne by him with the Emperor was noâ—… as yet manifestly knowne sought to blot out of the Popes mind the suspition which he seemed to haue by remembring him of the good offices which the King had euer performed to the Sea Apostolike earnestly entreating him not for a trifle to breake the holy alliance so long time sworne betwixt them seeing that by the breach thereof nothing but mischeefe could ensue But all these remonstrances and entreaties were bootelesse with the Pope who had already contracted with the Emperor on condition that the French being expelled forth of the Dutchy of Milan Parma and Placentia should bee ioyned to the Churches Patrimony and all the residew of the state should bee restored to Francis Sforza and that the Pope in the meane time should dispense with Charles for the oath which hee had taken in the inuestiture of the Kingdome of Naples to the end hee might with more iust title still retayne the Empire The Venetians being wholy hope-lesse of making any attonement betwixt the Pope and the French King resolued not to faile in their duty wherein they were tyed to the King for the conseruation of the Dutchy of Milan The report was that diuers soldiers were already leuied by the Pope and the Emperors command and if their secret practizes could not preuaile they would on a sodaine fall to open warre for which cause the Pope albeit it was vnder an other collour had leuied sixe thousand Swisses and Prospero Colonna being declared cheefe of the enterprise comming to Bolognia did from all parts leuy soldiers whilest the Viceroy of Naples with the Cauallery of that Kingdome and the Marquis of Pescara with the Spanish Infantery were on the bankes of the Riuer Trante speedily to passe ouer on the first occasion This caused the Venetians for their part speedily to enrole sixe thousand Italian foot and to assemble all their Cauallery on the Bressan Territory commiting their whole army to Theodore Triuulcio their Generall commanding him to encampe on the banks of the riuer Adda that hee might speedily passe ouer if the affaires of the French should require it They commanded moreouer Paulo Nany Gouernor at that time of Bergamo to follow the Army with the Generall in quallity of Prouidator In the meane time vpon the rumor that was spred abroad in France of these stirres in Lombardy the King forth-with sent the Lord Lautrec to Milan and being comme thither perceiuing that his forces were not sufficient to defend that state if it should be enuaded with a mighty army he thought it fit to keepe backe the new aide which the enemies expected from comming to ioyne with them who already had a thousand men at armes and about eight thousand foot The Pope had but three thousand Swisses for of sixe thousand that he had leauied there remayned with him but the one halfe And at the same time Fernand the Emperors brother being come to villac to assemble sixe thousand foot-men to passe afterwards with them into Italy to the releefe of the imperiall army for which forces the Emperor hauing craued passage of the Venetians they answered that they could noâ—… doe it in regard of their alliance with the French King whome if they failed at his need they should be taxed with shame and infamy Vpon this answer because they would haue their passages to bee enforced they sent strong garrisons thither yet neuerthelesse after diuers propositions for the stopping of Almaines passage the matter being found to be difficult they left it by the consent of the Lord of Lautree to the inhabitants of the country and sent all their forces on the Cremonois there for to ioyne them with the French according to Lautrecs direction who beeing desirous to haue neere him some Venetian Gentlemen of authority and experience to conferre withall on the affaires of the war and about the defence of the State of Milan the Senate sent Andrè Gritti to him Paulo Nâ—…i notwithstanding remayning still in the campe as Prouidator They choose likewise Ieronimo Pesare for Prouidator Generall who was carefully to prouide for all their fortes on the firme land wherein were placed two thousand foot-men newly leauied and certaine companies of men at armes who on all occasions should defend them from trouble and dangers They determined moreouer at Lautrecs perswasition to haue other three thousand foot namely fifteene hundred Gascons and as many Valesians and likewise to contribute to the expence of certaine horse and foot companies with whom the Duke of Ferrara promised to come into the field in the behalfe of the French to the end that the King and all men else should know that they had in no â—…ort failed for the speedy reliefe of the State of Milan according to the couenants made betwixt them The French in the meane time were readier to solicite the Venetians to doe that wherevnto they were obliged by the treaty of confederacy then they were of themselues to make necessary prouisions proceeding therein very slowly which vndoubtedly is a very dangerous matter in warre and al-be-it the Lord of Lautrec did warrant that the Lord of Saint Vallier should speedily passe the mounts with six thousand French and that tenne thousand Swisses leauied for the King should forthwith march yet for all that none caâ—…e and on the other side the enemies being growne strong and mighty by being ioyned with the Almain foot hauing safely passed thorow the Mantuan and from thence thorow the State of Milan knowing how greatly speed might import them in that enterprize were come to beseege Parma supposing that the taking of that City would purchase them great safety and reputation Now the Lord Lautrec hauing intelligence of their march suspecting their deseigne sent his brother the Lord of Escut with a strong garrison for the gard of that city yet neuerthelesse that did not stay their enterprize hoping easily to achiue it as well for that the place was not very strong as because their army was great and wel stored with all necessaries as in deed it would haue come to passe if Lautrec who had receiued new supplies of Swisses had not approched the enemies by whose comming and likewise for that the Duke of Ferrara with great numbers of foot-men marched to assaile Modena and Regio Prospero Colonna was enforced as he afterwards said to discampe from before Parma to the great griefe and discontent of the Pope who by his confederacy with the Emperor did chiefly harken after the taking thereof The euent of this first enterprize hauing such bad successe was cause
Generall to the Venetians The Duke of Bourbon leaueth the French Kings party The French army in Italy vnder the Admirall Boniuet Nouara and Vigeua are taken by the French The French come before Milan and soone dislodge thence Monce taken by the French Motion of peace betwixt the Emperour and the King The death of Pope Adrian The creation of Pope Clement the seuenth The French retire in disorder The cause of the Kings discontent with the Emperour and the Venetians The King commeth into Italy and taketh the City of Milan The Duke of Albany is appointed to goe and enuade the Kingdome of Naples The King beseegeth Pauia The Venetians are sought to by both parties A secret league made betwixt the Pope the King and the Venetians The Marquis of Pescara keepeth the viceroy of Naples from dislodging forth of Lumbardy The Imperialls come into the field and assaile the King The King is taken prisoner by the Imperials and the French army is put to rout The Popes resolution after the defeate of the French The Venetians resoluing to defend Italy are diuerted from it by the Pope And lastly the wordes and gesture of the Emperour at the newes of the victory The Fifth Booke of the fifth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THe French army being much encreased in the beginning of the yeere 1522. by the arriuall of the Swisses who in great numbers came to their campe and by the Venetians forces ioyned to them which were six thousand foot sixe hundred men at armes and eight hundred light-horse Lautrec by the aduise of all the captaines resolued to march directly towards Milan which was the principall motiue and aime of the warre According to this resolution they passed the Adda on the first day of march and the campe was lodged within two miles of the castle The third day after the French were encamped they marched in order making shew that they would assault the Rampire the which they did not either because that at the first it was not Lautrecs meaning or else for that in regard of the great numbers of souldiers that were within it the disposition of the people and the readinesse which was seene in the defendants hee was diuerted from it for the manifest difficulty of such an enterprize It is certaine that the Lord of Lautrec had no hope to take Milan by assault but thought to effect it by length of time because that by reason of the multitude of his horse and great number of the bandetti which followed him who scoured the whole country hee did cut off all victuals from it as also because he had broken downe all the mils and turned away the waters forth of their Channels which brought great commodities to the Milanois and he did besides hope that the pay which the Milanois did giue the souldiers would soone be wasted for the Emperor sent little or none at all But the Citizens of Milans hatred towards the French was wonderful and their desire merueilous to haue Francis Sforza their new Duke againe in regard wherof enduring paciently all discommodities they did not onely not change their mindes for all those miseries but the young men of the City did put on armes and made captaines in euery parrish in such sort as the gardes which speedily ranne to the remotest places of the army did greatly releeue the souldiers prouiding beside in stead of the mils that were broken downe hand mils for all their meale was spent The Duke of Milan in the meane space who had a long time remained at Trent expecting some fit occasion to passe forward went on his way with six thousand Lansequenets and seized on the Fort of Croare which did belong to the Venetians to the end to open his passage From thence he came thorow the Veronois and Mantuan territories with ease to Casal-major because that the Venetian army was ioyned with the Lord Lautrec and there crossing the Po hee came to Placentia beeing afterwards aided by the Marquis of Mantua hee marched to Pauia where he remained waiting for some fit occasion to goe to Milan where his arriuall was extreamely wished for So soone as the Lord of Lautrec had intelligence of his comming to Placentia he raised his campe and went and lodged at Cassin fiue miles from Milan on the high way towards Pauia and the Venetians at Binasca which lieth on the same road way to hinder his comming to Milan where in the meane time hee tooke Saint Angelo and Saint Colombane But being aduertized that the Lord of Escut his brother was come from France with money and certaine companies of foot-men and came by the way of Genoa he sent thither for his conuoy Frederico de Bozzole with foure hundred Lances and seuen thousand foot Swisses and Italians against whom the Marquis of Mantua going forth of Pauia came backe thither on a sodaine standing in feare of them by reason they were more in number then had beene reported vnto him Bozzole hauing ioyned his forces with the Lord of Escut both of them together tooke the way towards Nouara and comming to the castle which held out yet for them they tooke the ordnance that was within it and battered the City the which they tooke by force at the third assault sacking it wholly and putting all those within it to the sword Count Philip Tournielo the Gouernor excepted and some few others with him who were made prisoners from thence they went to Vigeua which they likewise tooke opening the way by the taking of those townes to the supplies which they expected from France But in the meane time Francis Sforza departing secretly in a night from Pauia went thorow by-waies and ioyned himselfe with Prospero Colonna neere to Landriana a few souldiers remayning in Pauia with the Marquis of Mantua who would not passe on any farther because he would not be farre off from the Churches territories By reason whereof the Lord of Lautrec supposing his stay at Cassin to bee to no purpose seeing that Francis Sforza was escaped as also because it had beene no discretion for them to encampe before Milan they determined for to turne the army towardes Pauia hoping to take it wherevpon so soone as hee had re-assembled his army hee went and encamped there where at his arriuall a furious battery was made in two seuerall places as well by the French as the Venetians so that the breach was iudged reasonable for an assault And yet the beseeged resolued valiantly to defend themselues and to hinder the enemies from taking it not sparing their liues and meanes Prospero in the meane time perceiuing the manifest daunger wherein the City was did speedily send thither a thousand Corsicans and as many Spaniards who in the night passed along very neere to the campe not beeing descried before they were in a manner all past and then the French watch which was still on horse backe did charge them on their backes and defeated some
other In the meane time after Pope Leos death Pope Adrian Cardinall Bishop of Bertheusa and a Dutchman by Nation who had beene Schoole-maister to the Emperor Charles and by his meanes made a Cardinall by Pope Leo was at the time of his Election in Spaine and hauing receiued newes thereof would be called Adrian the sixt taking none other name vpon him then his owne did embarke himselfe and came to Nice and from thence went to Rome whither all the Prelates speedily came and all Princes sent their Ambassadors to present their accustomed obedience wherein because the Venetians among others would not faile they deputed sixe of the chiefe of the Citty namely Marco Dandulo Lodouico Mocenigo Vincentio Capel Antonio Iustiniano Petro Pesare and Marco Foscare who being come to Bolognia and vnderstanding that the plague was very great in Rome they remained there for certaine dayes but beeing aduertized that the Pope was enforced to leaue the Citty and to retire else-where they returned to Venice The new Pope was noted to bee of a generous disposition and very much addicted to quiet beeing very zealous for the common good of Christendom For so soone as hee was installed in the supreame dignity his greatest care was to vse meanes to vnite all Christian Princes together and to end all their controuersies writing briefs to them all for that purpose with great affection causing his Nuncios to present Monitories to those Princes with whom they resided threatning to excommunicate them if within three moneths they did not agree together or make a generall truce in which meane space all their strifes might be composed and ended He did likewise write particularly to the Venetians entreating and exhorting them not onely to hearken vnto peace but to procure all other Christian Princes to vnite themselues together and to oppose themselues against the greatnesse of the Ottoman Empire But perceiuing the execution of this enterprise to bee very difficult hee was desirous in the meane time to conclude a league betwixt himselfe the Emperor the Venetians the Duke of Milan and the Florentines for the defence and quiet of Italy The Senate did at the first entertaine his proposition with great affection esteeming it to bee very good and profitable but hauing considered in what maner the Pope did practise it how that the end was to haue them to take armes against the Turke they would not enter too farre into it nor incurre the displeasure of so mighty a Monarke wherein wholy to satisfie him they on a sodaine sent the aboue-named Ambassadors that were appointed to present their obedience to him the plague beeing ceased in Rome who beeing arriued were honorably receiued and enterteined by his Holynesse who promised them to deale in such sort as they should be fully satisfied The treaty of agreement in the meane time with the Emperor was not interrupted for all these goings and commings the Senate hauing appointed three of their number namely Ledouico Mocenigo Georgio Cornare and Marc-Antonio Veniere to conferre with Ieronimo Adorni the Emperors Commissioner that they might determine of it afterwards vpon their report in the Councell of the Pregays and make some resolution therevpon This conference beeing ended and the whole businesse beeing sent back to the Councell to bee debated their opinions were very different some saying that it was best to continue their alliance with the French King and others to make a new one with the Emperor the two chiefe of these contrary opinions were Andrè Gritti and Georgio Cornare The first beeing highly esteemed for the great offices which hee had borne and for his great authority in the common-wealth spake first with great vehemencie in the behalfe of the French King The other beeing of like authority and accounted as wise a man as any in the Councell spake to the contrary and said that the Dutchy of Milan did by right appertaine to Francis Sforza and that therefore by consequent they were to make alliance with the Emperor Both of them by their great and apparent reasons did rather possesse the Senators mindes with doubts then with any certaine resolution so that the Senate delayed the determination thereof as much as they could their vsuall manner inducing them therevnto which was not to doe any thing rashly the importance of the matter and their desire to see more preparations of the French Kings who prouiding for warre had sent the Bishop of Bayeux to entreate them to put off their determination for a moneth longer assuring them that before that time were expired hee would come downe with a greater army then had euer beene seene in Italy in the memory of man But because the King did dayly send new messengers to the Senate with very great offers and for that they were aduertized that Anna of Montmorency and Frederick de Bozzolo were comming to Venice for the same cause The Emperor and the King of Englands Ambassadors who did very much suspect those delayes did protest in open Senate that within three dayes next they would depart thence leauing all matters imperfected In regarde whereof the Senate being enforced to end that businesse and the trust which they reposed in the French Kings promises beginning to faile by reason that hee had for diuers monethes fed them with vaine hope and especially because their Ambassador with the same King did assure them of the contrary they resolued to embrace the Emperors frendship with whom they made agreement on these conditions That there should be a perpetuall peace and confederacy betwixt the Emperor Ferdinand Archduke of Austria and Francis Sforza Duke of Milan on the one side and the Senate of Venice on the other That the Senate should send when need should bee for the defence of the Dutchy of Milan sixe hundred men at armes sixe hundred light horse and sixe thousand foot That it should doe the like for the defence of the kingdome of Naples if any Christians should enuade it the Venetians beeing vnwilling to oblige themselues against the Turke because they would not incense Soliman against them That the Emperor should bee bound to defend against all men with like number of Souldiors whatsoeuer the Venetians possessed in Italy That the Venetians should in eight yeares pay to the Archduke the summe of two hundred thousand Ducats in regarde of their antient strifes and for the agreement made at Wormes That the Venetians should possesse their Citties townes and places of their demaines with the same preheminence and iurisdiction as they then enioyed them That all those who had beene bannished by the Senate and their goods confiscate for taking the Emperours part should returne into their owne Countrey bee restored againe to their goods and should during their life haue a yeerely pension of fiue thousand Ducats These things beeing thus concluded the Kings of Poland Hungary and Portugall as friends to both parties the Duke of Sauoy likewise the Florentines the family of Medicis
deliuery yet neuerthelesse shee entreated the Signory to assist her in so iust a cause and so profitable for them and all Italy by ioyning themselues with the Lords of France to enforme the Emperor Charles to set the King her sonne at liberty vpon honorable conditions The Senate vpon these entreaties did manifest their great griefe for the Kings disastrous fortune with that of the kingdome declaring the great affection which it did beare to the crowne of France and for that present made none other answer but this That because the businesse was of great importance it deserued to haue the Councell assembled to determine thereof But during these practises the Pope who had sent the Archbishop of Capua into Spaine to make an agreement with the Emperor did raâ—…ifie the accord concluded and determined before with the Viceroy by which the Venetians were excluded from it if within twenty dayes after the signifying thereof they did not ratifie it by meanes whereof the Senate was enforced to renew their treaties with the Emperours Ambassadors and to send in regarde of the difficulties of importance which were offered Petro Pesare to Milan to treate with the Viceroy The French in the meane time did not giue ouer their former pursutes beeing not yet out of hope to ioyne the Venetians to themselues albeit the Popes authoritie might then haue drawne them to a contrary resolution wherevpon the Bishop of Bayeux and Ambrose of Florence came to Venice to make in the name of the said Lady Regent and in that of the whole Kingdome more certaine and resolute propositions then at the former time concerning the league and the Kings freedome For this cause as also for that apparent signes were dayly discouered of the Emperours great ambition by reason of the deseignes of his Officers and Agents which tended onely to make him absolute Lord of the State of Milan and of all Italy these French Ambassadors were attentiuely heard in the Senate and their cause consulted on The Marquis of Pescara at the same time entring Milan with three thousand foote two hundred men at armes and with great numbers of light horse required the Duke to deliuer into his hands the Castle of Milan with that of Cremona speaking plainely That hee was come to take possession of the Cittie of Milan beeing sent thither by the Emperour for the same purpose in whose name all Proclamations and other Mandates were already published and although the Pope sought to procure the Emperour to accomplish the Articles of the confederacie by consigning the State of Milan into the hands of Duke Francis Sforza all his pursutes were in vaine for delaying the matter from day to day hee made now one excuse and then an other imputing to the Duke diuerse faults committed by him and among others That hee had treated with the Venetians to deliuer the Castle of Milan vnto them a matter which was neuer thought of by eyther of them These things with diuerse others did greatly with-draw the Venetians affection from the Emperour and caused them to giue no more credit to all his promises nor the Pope likewise who speedily to preuent those perills which threatned them dayly resolued to ioyne in league in regarde there was some difficulty and more trouble and â—…ediousnesse to call the French into it The Pope then renouncing the accord formerly made with the Emperour contracted a new one aswell in his owne name as in the Florentines for the which hee strengthened himselfe with the Duke and Senate of Venice in which agreement it was mentioned that they should ioyne together to preuent those dangers which the experience of things past had taught them might happen and so assure the peace and quiet of Italy and their owne states in perticular each of them taking vppon them the protection of one anothers states and persons running altogether one selfe-same fortune not beeâ—… gâ—…wfull for eyther of them to treate with any other Prince to the preâ—… of that accord and to succour one an other with foure thousand foote-men foure hundred men at armes three hundred light horse and with greâ—…er numbers if 〈◊〉 were And it was more-ouer added therevnto that the Venetians should bee bound to defend and maintaine the greatnesse and power of the house of Medicis to stoppe and preuent all tumult and commotions which any sâ—…ditious mutins should practise against it and to 〈◊〉 and assist him who soeâ—… hee were that the Pope should place aâ—… cheefe Gouernâ—… in the Citty of Florence These things beeing thus concluded and sworne to the Pope the better to begin for his part to prepare that which was concluded on commanded the Marquis of Mantua to visit the Parmesan with his men at armes taking order besides to hasten the Grisons and Suisse footmen where they had begun to leuy but very slowly The Venetians on the other side determined to encrease their Armie to the number of ten thousand foote to make a leuy in Greece of other three hundred light horse and generally to prouide for all matters belonging to their safety And that which did greatly incite them therevnto was the curtezie which the King of England vsed towards the French who beeing iealous of the Emperors power and greatnesse fearing that if hee should grow too mighty hee might afterwards chance to tread him vnder foote conuerted his ill will towards the King into friendship so as he treated with the Lady Regent and the Councell of France promising them all ayde and succour possible as well of men as money to set the King at liberty and to free Italy from all oppression This treaty beeing passed betwixt the Pope and the Venetians gaue hope that they should bee vnited with the Realme of France but they proceeded therein after an vnusuall manner because that the Pope supposing that by the confederacie which hee had already made hee had time enough to preuent dangers and to bee able in the meane time to obtaine more reasonable conditions of the Emperor hee proceeded very slowly in his agreement with the French and cheefely since the Duke of Sessas comming to Rome who was sent from the Emperor to his Holynesse to signifie vnto him the great desire hee had to peace and to restore Francis Sforza vnto the Dutchy of Milan beeing found innocent of those crimes imposed vpon him or if hee were guilty to inuest his brother Maximillian in it But the Venetians not relying on his promises made earnest sute to agree with the French meaning not to trust to his offers which onely tended to breake the league and to delay the prouisions of warre they likewise fearing least the French should enter into league with the Emperour as they were desirous to doe for the recouery of their King and all their practises should by that meanes prooue vaine That hapned which they had foreseene in the beginning of the yeare 1526. when the newes yet vnhoped for arriued at Venice
of the attonement betwixt the Emperor and the most Christian King by which the King was not onely set at liberty but likewise a firme peace established betwixt them by meanes of the Kings mariage with the Lady Eleonor the Emperors sister that of the Emperor with the sister to the King of Portugall and that the Duke of Bourbon should haue the Dutchy of Milan and should marry the Lady René sister in law to the King This was that which they had euer most feared but this doubt was for that time cleered the Lady Regent hauing sent ample power and commission to Albert de Carpi her Ambassador at Rome to conclude the league the which did trouble the Pope and the Venetians But it lasted not long by reason of a common rumor that was spred abroad that King Francis would neuer performe to the Emperor that which hee had beene enforced to consent to and that which made it credible was for that it was reported that after his departure from Spaine hee was much discontented with his entertainment in the time of his imprisonment and especially because that to free himselfe from thence hee had signed a very disaduantageous contract by the which he quitted the Dutchie of Bourgondy to the Emperor Now that they might truly know what his intent was the Senate determined albeit they had decreed to send two of the cheefe of the Citty in Ambassage to him to condole with him for his fortunes past and also to reioice for his deliuery and manage not to spend so much time as an Ambassage would require but they soâ—…nly sent into France Andre Ressi Secretary to the Preguays where with more speed and lesse suspition might negociate a businesse of so great importance and the Pope following their example sent Paulo Vettori thither for the same purpose These men needed not greatly to labour to bee assured of his meaning For after hee had louingly enterteined them in the first discourse that hee held with either of them apart hee did greatly complaine of the Emperors inhumanity towards him whilest hee was prisoner not vsing him as beseemed so great a Prince as hee was assuring them that hee was no lesse free then ready to moderate the Emperors insolency wherevpon the Kings conclusion was that if the Pope and Venetians would send Commissioners the league should bee presently made the which they said was best to bee done in France to the end the King of England might the more easily bee drawne into it whom they hoped would prooue a party Hee sayd likewise that hee would ratifie whatsoeuer had beene begunne and for the most part concluded on by the Lady Regent his Mother and the Councell of the Kingdome they were then onely to bring ample authority from their Princes to contract because that then hee would shew them how conformable his affection and good will was towards the common safety That hee did hope to finde in the King of England the same intent and like desire to abate the Emperours greatnesse and to prouide for the defence of Italy That hee would out of hand send his Ambassadors to him and that if the Italian Princes would doe the like it would greatly helpe and further the cause That with the forces of so many Potentates ioyned together they might more easily resist the deseignes of the Imperialls So soone as the Venetians vnderstood this answer so conformable to their desire they sent instructions and ample Commission to Rossi to conclude the league the Articles whereof beeing before determined were easily passed some few things beeing altered Gasparo Spineli the Secretary was likewise commanded who at the same time was Agent for the Signory with the King of England to vse meanes to induce that King to enter into that league by declaring vnto him the great opinion which all men had conceiued of him and the great account which was made of his authority and that they onely craued him to bee Protector of that accord and defender of the liberty of Italy But the Pope proceeded very slowly therein so as they were enforced oftentimes to vrge him to it wherevpon the Ambassador of the Common-wealth resident at Rome shewed him dayly the goodly occasion which presented it selfe for the procuring of their common safety in that the French King was desirous to reuenge the wrongs which hee said hee had receiued of the Emperor and that if the same desire should grow colde and they two chance to agree together by the Kings obseruing the treatye of Madrid there was no more hope of defending Italy from the cruell and slauish yoake of the Spaniards The Pope beeing mooued by these remonstrances resolued to send Caponi into France in whom hee reposed great trust with instructions and speciall power to conclude that league albeit that at the same time Don Hugo de Moncado comming to Rome from the Emperour did treate to the contrary and had in the same manner almost negociated by letters with the Senate of Venice to whom so soone as hee was come to Milan hee gaue notice of his arriuall into Italy and of the cause why the Emperour had sent him But the Pope and Venetians answered all his requests in one forme That when soeuer the Emperour should seeme desirous of peace hee should finde them disposed therevnto but that hee was to shew it in deeds to which they would giue more credit then to words that hee should doe well to raise his siege from before the Castle of Milan to restore Francis Sforza to his state and to accomplish whatsoeuer hee was tyed vnto by the Articles of the Confederacie and that then it would bee a fit time to talke of laying downe armes and of setling peace and quiet in Italy but his answer heere-vnto was in generall tei mes whereby they plainly perceiued that this speech of peace tended to none other end but to delay with vaine hope the prouisions for warre and by those cunnings to estrange the French from the Princes of Italy They had almost obtained their desire the French beeing not so greatly affectionate to the league as they were at the beginning either because the King was not well assured of the Pope and Venetians mindes by reason of their practises with Don Hugo de Moncado albeit they were communicated to him or as some thought that hee would but make vse of the name of the league onely to make the agreement more easie and to redeeme his children whom hee had giuen in hostage to the Emperor and that insteed of Bourgondy hee should take some other recompence namely for that the Bishop of Bayeux his Ambassador at Venice sent thither for that purpose was a whole moneth without receiuing any letters from the King either for the conclusion of the league or for the execution of that which had beene agreed vpon wherevpon the Pope and the Venetians resolued to send againe into France and with new offers to end
places whither the nauall army was to goe The Pope desired to haue it goe into Puglia to breake the deseigns of the Colonesie and to diuert their forces from those places who hauing at Saint Germans aboue seauen thousand foote and great numbers of horse had made them-selues fearefull to the Pope but the French King and the Venetians thought the enterprize of Genoa to be much more proffitable for the Confederates as well for the Commodiousnesse of the same citty for diuers other enterprizes as for the great good happe of that exploit which falling out fortunately would much encrease the reputation of the League Pedro of Nauarre was declaired Generall of the Confederates Nauall army a man well experienced in Martiall affaires who although hee was presented by the French King was neuer-the-lesse entertayned by all the associates together But the Churches Gallies and those of the Venetians being ready they were a long time tarrying for those of the French King and the Generall a matter which did greatly weary the Pope and Senate and gaue them iust cause of discontent and to suspect that the French King had changed his mind by thinking on his owne particular interest and not caring for that of the league adding to this suspition other presumptions That small store of mony had beene sent to the Swisses in comparrison of the fourty thousand Ducats which hee was tyed to giue for the payment of tenne thousand foot of that nation and that hee had not begun to warre on the Emperor in the parts beyond the mounts according to the conclusion The King alledged for his excuses that before hee was to renew that warre it behoued him to denounce it to the Emperor although there was no such mention made in the articles of the confederacy And as concerning the delay of his army and payment of the Swisses hee layd all the fault vpon the Captaines and Officers as the Lord of Langi gaue them to vnderstand at large For the most Christian King fearing least the Confederates beeing distasted of him should disioyntly agree with the Emperor he dispatched the said Lord of Langi into Italy for to excuse the long stay of his army with commission to goe first into Swisserland to solicite their leuy and departure or at least-wise to giue them to vnderstand that hee did procure and desire it The Lord of Langi beeing come to Venice made the aboue mentioned excuses assuring the Senators that the King was much disposed to warres and that besides the Gallies hee prepared great shippes of warre in Brettaine to saill with a mighty army to ouer-throw at sea all the enemies attempts and deseignes From thence hee went to Rome where hee executed the same commission and as for the Swisses hee said that they had promised to hold a general assembly where all things should be resolued on in the Kings behalfe and aboue all things he assured the Pope and the Venetians that the King would not enter into any accord vnlesse mention were made of a generall peace and by the consent of all the other confederates The king made like promise to Iohn Baptista Saâ—…ga the Roman whom the Pope had sent as hath been said to the King of England who by the way remained certaine dayes for the same purpose in the French court The Senate making shew that his arriuall was most pleasing to them and that they did wholy giue credit to his saying answered that it had neuer doubted of the Kings good will and affection towards the league and perticularly towards their common-wealth and therefore it promised that not only in that businesse which concerned the common good but likewise in all other and at all times their loue and forces should be inseperably ioyned to his but as concerning peace they had neuer refused it that on the contrary they had neuer taken armes but with an intent to procure a firme and assured peace and therefore if they might haue it to the honor of the league and safety of the confederates it should alway be most acceptable to them yet neuerthelesse knowing that they might at that time rather desire such a peace then hope for it they would incite the King to a greater willingnesse to warre wherevpon the Pope and the Venetians gaue him to vnderstand that if they should conquer the Kingdome of Naples it should be for one of his children the Common wealth retaining only such a portion as should be thought sufficient for the recompence of their costes labour and trauell Vpon this hope the King promised three hundred lances more with a surplusage of twenty thousand Ducats euery moneth for the seruice of the league whensoeuer they should make any enterprise vpon the Kingdome of Naples During these treaties Armiero the Prouidator being departed from Corfou with thirteene Galleis came to Terracina where finding Andrew Doria with eleuen of the Popes Gallies they went altogether to Ciuitauechia then from thence to Liuorne where they met with Pedro of Nauarre with foure Gallions and sixteene light Gallies of the French King It being then there determined to beseege Genoa and to reduce it to the Kings deuotion for the great profit and commodity of the confederates the Army went first to Protouenere which soone yeelded with Spetia and all the other towns vpon the riuer euen to Monega Then the army being deuided Doria and the Venetian Prouidator went to Portofin twenty miles from Genoa and Nauarre with the French Army sailed towards Sauona which forthwith yeeleed to him The first and cheefe deseigne of the Captaines of the league was to stoppe victualls from entring by Sea into Genoa whereof they knew it was badly prouided and that by keeping it short they hoped quickly to reduce it vnder their obedience and for that purpose they placed six Gallies in Gard two of euery prince which tooke certaine shippes with other smaller vessells loden with victualls that were going to the Citty so that it soone felt great want and discommodity But the beseeged were secretly releeued by those of the riuer who furnished them with part of the victualls which vpon sondry pretences were suffered to bee carried to the neighbor townes albeit it was not done without some complaint against Doria who either for some secret enuy that he bare to Nauarre for that vnder his authority and command his contrey should be vanquished and taken or for any other deseigne of his owne was suspected not to haue carried himselfe faithfully as he ought to haue done nor after such a manner as was requisite for the speedy ending of that businesse The Genouois for the assurance of their Citty had with great speed placed at the moâ—…th of the hauen certaine great ships loden with Artillery besides which were six light Gallies commanded by Gobba Iustinian who comming foorth at times to skirmish with the enemie would not goe farther then within Cannonshoâ—…te of the shippes placed at the mouth of
of Saint Angelo was by this accord foorth-with yeelded to Captaine Alarcon who entred it with three companies of Spanish footmen and three companies of Lancequenets appointed to guard the Castle and the Pope But the other townes and Castles that were promised were not so easily consigned by reason that the Castle of Ciuita Chastelane was guarded by the Confederates and Aadrew Doria refused to deliuer vp that of Ciuitauechia vnlesse he were first paied fourteene thousand Ducats which he said was due vnto him for his entertainment Parma and Placentia on the other-side abhorring the Spanish gouernment refused to receiue them and those of Modena were reduced vnder the obedience of the Duke of Ferrara who making vse of the Popes calamity threatning the Modenois to spoile their corne which was almost ripe did enforce them to deliuer vp the citty into his handes The Confederates army remained quiet without attempting any thing expecting the arriuall of the Lord of Lautrec who was said to be already in Piedmont with great forces both of horse and foot albeit the Captaines in the meane time were of sondry opinions some thinking that being vnited with the French it would be best for them to march directly to Rome where they should find the Imperiall army in such disorder as they might easily set the Pope at li berty by reason that it was much diminished as well by the contagious sicknesse which was in the Citty as by the ouer-much licence which the Soldiers had taken for certaine monethes space liuing without al order and without any martiall discipline some of them being lodged in the Citty and others heere and there abroad and that diuers of them beeing disbanded went their waies daily without any leaue whereby they might with ease driue those few from Rome that remayned behind Those of the contrary opinion thought that for the effecting of that deseigne it were better to scoure the state of Milan beeing neere thereunto to enforce the Imperials to leaue Rome and to come to the defense thereof which might prooue either to slow or insufficient to stoppe the current of the victory wherby they might at one time execute diuers fortunate exploits and perhaps giue an end to the warre This being alowed by all men and propounded to the Lord of Lautrec at his arriuall he entred into the state of Milan with eight thousand Suisses three thousand Gascons and tenne thousand footmen conducted by Pedro of Nauarre and went and encamped before the towne of Bosco on the marches of Alexandria where was a Garrison of a thousand footmen the most of whom were Lancequenets who after they had for the space of tenne dayes sustained the battery and sundry assaults did at the last yeeld themselues at the discretion of the Victor This conquest was followed by that of Alexandria whither the Lord Lautrec came afterwards and encamped wherin lay fifteene hundred footmen who being molested at one time both by the Artillery and the mynes were enforced to yeeld their liues and goods beeing saued But the taking of Alexandria was cause of the beginning of some contention betwixt the confederates For the Lord of Lautrec being desirous to leaue fifteene hundred footmen in Garrison there to the end that at al euents his owne companies might haue one place of retreat and those which should come from France finde some comodiousnesse of meeting there the Duke of Milans Ambassador fearing that it would be the beginning of an occasion to possesse that State for his King opposed him-selfe against it the like did the Ambassadors of England and Venice wherevpon Lautrec agreed not without indignation to leaue it freely to the Duke of Milan a matter which did afterwards greatly preiudice the leagne Now Lautrec after the conquest of Alexandria propounded that he would march to Rome to free the Pope from imprisonment who although he had agreed as hath beene said with the Almaines and Spaniards did neuerthelesse still remaine a prisoner vnder their guard vntill that he had accomplished the articles of the agreement as wel for payment of the money as for the consignation of the aboue mentioned townes where-in were found sundry difficulties wherevppon the Emperor did not there-in shew him-selfe well disposed nor resolute although by his speech he sought to haue all men to beleeue the contrary But the Venetians did wholy dislike of Lautrecs proposition not that they stood lesse affected to the Popes enlargement then did the King but because they thought the enterprise of Rome lesse profitable for the common cause then that of Milan as it had beene debated before his comming and afterwards confirmed by himselfe that there was at the same time great hope of beeing able to conquer Pauia and Milan where there were weake Garrisons and that Antonio de Leua who by his dilligence and skill more then by force did gouerne that State lay greeuously sicke and was vnable to prouide remedies that losing this opportunity the affaires of the league would euer afterwards decline in regard of the huge number of Lancequenets that were ready to come down from the County of Tiroll into Lombardy But by taking Milan from them which was their only retreat and hauing neither cauallery nor victualls they would be enforced to change their mindes and to tarry at home in their houses that in the meane space it would giue time and leisure to tenne thousand Almaines payd by the King of England to come to the campe of the league and afterwards they might with those forces march to Rome and driue the enemies before them assuring together with the Churches State the libertye of all Italy The Lord of Lautrec inclining to their request determined to march towards Pauia before which with great speed he went and encamped the releefe which Antonio de Leua sent not beeing able to enter it the which being battered for the space of foure daies and a great part of the wall beaten downe the soldiors making ther approches did enter it by the breach The Citty was sackt and the French for eight daies together vsed all sorts of cruelty vpon the inhabitants who had vanted that they had beene the vanquishers of the French King because that King Francis was taken prisoner lying at the seege of the same Citty The Genowais at the same time being afflicted with sundry losses and calamities and cheefely with famine sent Ambassadors to the Lord Lautrec for to capitulate The Citties Duke whose name was Antonio Adorni retired him-selfe into the Castellet and the tumult being appeased by Phillip Doria who was prisoner there the Citty returned vnder the Kings obedience who appointed Theodario Triuulcio gouernor thereof and the Venetians because they would not leaue their Captaines vnrecompenced who had valiantly behaued themselues in the reduction of Genoa they encreased to Caesar Fregosa the conductof other thirty men at armes and doubled his pay they did like-wise acknowledge the valour and prowesse of Guy
signory Francis Sforza being not able to doe it who of himselfe could not entertaine the ordinary Garisons not-with-standing that he was obliged by the treaty of agreement to send forces into the field to resist the attempts of Antonio de Leua besides this the Venetians feare to lose their owne did incite them therevnto who stood in doubt like-wise that the warre would light on their owne state hauing intelligence of the great forces which were leuied in Tiroll and in other places neere adioyning with the great preparations of victualls and other munitions which was made at Trent to send into Italy By meane whereof the Senate imagining that it behooued them to encrease their army to the number of twenty thousand foote and to make a very great prouision to maintayne in a manner an other very difficult and dangerous warre â—…ent to entreat the King of England that in so great a necessity hee would bee pleased to releeue the Common-wealth by contributing a part of the payment of the army where-with they were to conserue and maintaine the liberty of Italy whereof hee had so often said that hee would bee the Protector But the King of England continuing that which hee had at other times spoken that hee would beginne to make warre on the Emperor in Flanders and by that meanes enforcing him to diuert his forces else-where hee might free Italy from that danger made a shew that for the common good of them all hee himselfe was to make greate preparations and necessary prouisions for such a deseigne In regard whereof the Signory being constrained alone to vndergoe all the charges of the warre was faine to haue recourse to extraordinary meanes the publike treasure beeing in a manner exhausted by reason of the continuall warres Among all these stirres and great warlike preparations the treaty of peace was not altogether broken of the Emperor making shew to desire it both with the French King and the Venetians where-vpon sundry practizes were set on foote to that end The Demands of the most Christian King and the Venetians were in efect these that the Emperor should restore to the French King his children That hee should set the Pope at liberty giue ouer all that which hee held from the Church re-establish Francis Sforza in the state of Milan and withdraw his forces forth of Lombardy and from Rome The Emperor did not altogether reiect these demands neither yet would wholy accept of them but in seeking not without difficulty to make some certaine resolution hee demanded of the Venetians a great summe of mony holding by that meanes the treaty in suspence being desirous to make vse of time and to behaue him-selfe according to the euent of the affaires of Italy and the new stirres which his brothers preparations would procure hoping in the meane time still to bee able with better aduantage to conclude an agreement with the French King alone determining to exclude al the other Confederates and to appropriat vnto him-selfe the Dutchy of Milan This was easily discerned by his owne words persisting euer in all motions of agreement that he would haue Francis Sforzas cause debated and censured by Iudges there-vnto appoynted and that in the meane time the Citty of Milan and the whole state should bee kept and garded in his name and by his owne Garrisons his cheefe ayme tending wholy to become absolute maister thereof hauing first broken all the forces of the Confederates Where vpon all these motions of peace being laid aside warre was againe denounced to him by the Confederates who hoping therein to make good vse of the Duke of Ferrara and the Marquis of Mantua in regard of the neere neighbour-hood of their states both the one and the other were sounded and it was at last concluded with the Duke of Ferrara that hee should bee receiued into the league on condition to send to the Confederates army two hundred men at armes paid by him-selfe and monethly to contribute for the space of sixe moneths tenne thousand Ducats toward the payment of the infantery and on the other side the Confederates promised to take him and his State like-wise into their protection and safegard where-vpon within a while after a great and Magnificent Pallace was restored to him which was his owne in Venice As concerning the agreement with the Marquis there was greater difficulty in the conclusion thereof because he craued to bee made Generall of the League in the absence of the Lord of Lautrec wherevnto the Venetians would not consent for the respect they did beare to the Duke of Vrbin But in the end Ieronimo Zene Gouernor of Verona being sent by the Senates commandement vnto Mantua to end that businesse hee did conclude it without the aboue-mentioned condition the Confederates taking the person of the Marquis and his State into their protection Now the Emperor perceiuing that he was to deale with so many enemies determined first of all to publish the iustice of his cause and by that meanes to draw away the King of England from them and for this purpose hee resolued to set the Pope at liberty for which hee sent an ample commission to the Viceroy and to D. Hugo de Moncada who being newly deceassed the Viceroy did exexecute it the Pope making ouer to the Emperor according to the agreement Ostia Ciuitauecchia and Câ—…uito Castellane and paying likewise but more commodiously the summe of mony promised and promising in speciall not to haue any dealing in the affaires of Naples nor Milan against the Emperor The Confederates resoluing to make warre both by sea and land in the begining of the yeare 1528. prepared great forces for to passe into the Kingdome of Naples as it had beene determined according to the desire and intention of the French King not-with-standing that they were well assured that the Imperiall army at their departure from Rome would take their iournie into Naples But the Confederates thinking it a matter of great importance to draw the Pope into the Confederacy were in great hope thereof because that his Holinesse hauing aduertized the French King and the Venetians of the passed agreement and his owne liberty entreated them to excuse him if necessity had enforced him so to doe confessing that he was greatly bound to the Princes of the League and to haue receiued a very rigorous and cruell entertainment of the Imperialls So soone as the Venetians vnderstood that the Pope was set at liberty and that he was newly gonne to Oruietta they speedily sent Lodouico Pisani the Prouidator to his Holinesse to lament with him in the Common-wealths name for his passed fortunes and to acquaint him with the great greefe that the Signory had conceiued thereat and with what care they had labored his enlargement whereof they were now wonderfull ioyfull to see that to bee effected which they had so much desired That the Republike had willingly imployed all her forces and meanes beene at
of Andrè Doria who beeing male-content with the French had forsaken the Kings seruice and entred into the Emperours pay The cause thereof was attributed as well by himselfe as by others to diuerse subiects and chiefly to a disdaine which hee conceiued in his minde because that the King did not esteeme of him according to his merrits not granting vnto him the office of Admirall which was then vacant and giuen to the Lord of Barbezieuz That the King would not satisfie his iust request to yeeld vnto the Genowais the accustomed soueraignty of Sauona Sundry signes appearing of this discontent the Pope had some suspition thereof Wherevpon hee aduertised the King of it perswading him to make more deere account of such a man then hee had done who was able to doe much for the furtherance of the seruice of the league and not to suffer him to depart mal-content with such forces to the Emperors seruice But the French King suspecting at the same time all the Popes actions his councell could nothing preuaile with him Yet neuerthelesse finding it to bee true afterwards and perceiuing the matter to be of importance knowing no meanes how to preuent it or else beeing peraduenture willing to be freed from such expence he councelled the Pope to giue him entertainement in regard of his great desire to serue thâ—… Church rather then to suffer him to go to the Emperors side The Pope seeming to be desirous of it and yet not willing to displease the Emperor excused himselfe by reason of his owne small meanes adding that so soone as by the Kings helpe hee should recouer Rauenna and Ceruia hee might then more freely be at greater expence Doria in the meane time without longer dissembling that which he had determined to do sent one of his Gentlemen to the Emperor in whose Court the Articles of agreement betwixt them were resolued on which were The Liberty of Genoa vnder the Emperors protection The Subiection of Sauona to the Genoâ—…ois and the entring of the said Doria into the Emperors pay with twelue Gallels and a yeerely pention of threescore thousand Ducats This reuolt of Doria did greatly hinder the Confederates and mightily preiudice the enterprise of Naples because that the Venetian Gallies remaining alone were enforced to retire their Rowers or Gally-slaues which wrought in the trenches to looke to the businesse at Sea and the Admirall Barbizieux on the other side beeing come from France with sixteene Gallies tarried at Sauona not daring to saile to Naples where he landed a great part of the footmen to send them for the gard of Genoa albeit they were appointed to goe to the succour of the Lord Lautrec so as from this accident proceeded all the mishap of the seege of Naples and the losse of the leagues reputation As also because that the Lord Lautrec could neuer make vse in time of those forces which Rancâ—… dâ—… Cera had at Ciuitauechia by reason of the Popes different and vncertaine resolutions who beeing solicited by the Lord Lautrec with huge and in a manner menacing speeches and afterwards with gentle and courteous language to declare himselfe promising to restore those of his family in Florence would neuer make any certaine resolution euer saying that as one zealous of the common good peace was his chiefe ayme and obiect the which with more safety and lesse suspition to treat of he would remaine neuter although the contrary appeared by sundry apparent signes that he did more encline to the Emperors side then to any other but because he would not vrge the Lord Lautrec to prooue an open enemy he answered that to declare himselfe would nothing auaile them in regard as he had oftentimes said that he had not sufficient forces for any great enterprize That the most Christian King might neuerthelesse make vse of the Churches State and of the commodities thereof without renewing vpon that occasion the Confederacy By this meanes the French forces were daily weakned and disorders and discommodities encreased in the Campe and the beseeged on the contrary were in hope of good successe The aid from France which had been so often craued of the King and which his maiesty had so often promised did not arriue and the troopes raised in the Kingdome of Naples were not sufficient to fill vp the army nor to supply the want of the military factions the Campe standing in need of all thinges because that the enemies Cauallery sallying forth many times to surprise the victualls which was brought to the Campe from the neighbor townes the Army in steed of beseeging was little better then beseeged In a word discomodities did so encrease as there was noe one company in the whole army but had great store of sicke persons in it The soldiers were become lazie and idle and throwing their armes from them obserued no order discipline nor any obedience especially the men at armes who beeing disbanded without their Captaines leaue did forsake the Campe the Captaines likewise were partly absent farre from thence to cause them-selues to be healed and to recouer their healths and part of them also liued vnprofitably in the Campe beeing weake and ill disposed of their persons But among others the Lord Lautrec was very sick beeing spent as well in minde as body for the great danger that hee perceiued the Armie to bee in Wherevpon his owne fault encreasing the sorrow and griefe of his heart made him for the space of many dayes vnable to giue order for the affaires of the warre But beeing come to himselfe and a little recouering his spirits hee began to visit the whole Campe to preserue order and the Guardes fearing to be assailed Matters did dayly decline so as by reason of the strength of the Imperials horsemen there was no more commerce betwixt the Campe and the Galleys and those of the Campe because they had no horse could not runne forth of the wayes But that which did aggrauate all the disorders was the death of the Lord Lautrec vpon whose valour and authoritie all matters relyed and it was certainly thought that his disease encreased by too much trauaile The end of the seuenth Booke of the fifth Decade The Contents of the eight Booke of the fifth Decade THE Marquis of Salusses beeing made Generall of the French Army by the death of the Lord Lautrec raiseth his Campe from before Naples and retireth to Auersa The taking of Auersa and the Marquis by the Imperialls The Citty of Genoa reuolteth from the French King by the meanes of Andre Doria The determination of the Confederates to goe and besiege Milan is broken Pauia is taken by the Confederates Nouara with diuerse other places are yeelded to the Confederates The Lord of Saint Paul his iourney to recouer Genoa is in vaine The Castle of Genoa is raced by the people The Genowais fill vp the Hauen of Sauona with grauell The Pope demandeth the Citties of Rauenna and Ceruia of
any enterprize which the King had often promised should bee done and especially at that time when there was more need then euer to stoppe the Emperours passage into Italy by offering him great resistance at his entry or by enforcing him to looke to the defense of Spaine assailed by the way of the Pirenean mountaines as was resolued which the Venetians did most of all pursue thinking thereby to breake the Emperors deseigne of comming into Italy But they peceiuing that the King did rather encline to the warre of Italy they were in great hope that at one time the warre might be renued in Lombardy and in the Realme of Naples and before that the Emperours aide should arriue to make some notable progression Vpon these hopes the Senate sent for the Duke of Vrbin to come to Venice where in the presence of the Ambassadours of France and the Duke of Milan and of one of the Lord Saint Pauls Gentlemen they might consult and aduise on meanes to make warre where in the end was concluded before all other matters to pursue the enterprize of Milan by seege rather then by assault by surprizing all the neighbour townes and places to reduce the army of Antonio de Leua to want of victuals And for this purpose it was likewise decreed for to haue twenty thousand foot-men in their army namely about some eight thousand in the French troupes and asâ—… many in those of the Venetians two thousand from the Duke of Milan and two thousand Lansequenets which they daylie expected from Lyons leauied already at the common charge and as for the enterprize of Genoa they determined for to pursue it according vnto the aptnesse of time and the successe of Lombardie Now because that the whole safety of the affaires of Italy did depend vpon the stopping of the Emperours comming thither they resolued to augment they most that might bee the French and Venetian nauall armies and especially of great vessels which might easily resist that of the Emperours which was composed of the like to the end that the Emperour vnderstanding the difficulty of his iourney might absteine from comming In the meane time they had notice that the King had changed his purpose meaning for to make warre on the Emperour on the hither side of the mounts vpon the Confines of Spaine as had beene before determined at which newes the Senate beeing assembled to dispatch Anâ—…ré Nouagera newly chosen Ambassadour to the French King the Senators were diuided in opinion whether to perswade the King to come in person into Italy or to send his army towards the Pirenean mountaines to enuade Spaine The matter being debated in open councell where Moceniga on the one side a man of authority and well acquainted with affaires of State and Mark-Antonio Cornare a man of great vnderstanding on the other being heard diuersly to maintaine the one and other opinion that of Cornare preuailed whereby they decreed to enioyne the Ambassador Nouagera to perswade the King or if he were already enclined therevnto to incite him more to depart forthwith and to come into Italy Nouagera being come into France did not faile to doe that which had beene resolued in the councell whereof there had beene sundry opinions hoping to obtaine that which he had propounded because the King had heard him with good attention and greatly commended his councell as determining to put it in practize and for that purpose the King did meane within a while after to come into Languedoc to reduce all the forces that were there into the next and neerest place to Italy whether he promised to goe being followed besides twenty thousand foot-men with tenne thousand Lansquenets and tenne thousand Pioners The Kings departure being in this manner held for assured the Senate resolued that Nouagera should remaine in France nere to the Lady Regent the Kings mother and that Sebastian Iustiniano whom Nouagera was sent to succeed should follow the King into Italy The Senate in the meane time did with speed make all necessary preparations for the renuing of the warre making account that at the latter end of Aprill the Republikes army should goe before and beeing ioyned with that of the Lord Saint Paul should march to the enterprize of Milan which being executed the Emperours comming would seeme to be wholly broken and by meanes of this victory and by the helpe of the army and the Kings presence they supposed to be afterwards able to take the city of Genoa with ease and any other deseigne that they pleased to execute The Venetians at the same time were very carefull to prouide for the guarde of the places which they held in Puglia by sending for that purpose into the same country great numbers of foot-men to preserue whatsoeuer they there possessed and to attempt to make some farther progression if occasion should be offered and also for to keepe the Imperiall forces busied and diuided farre from Lombardy This great heate of the Kings beganne by little and little without any apparent cause to coole and the prouisions for warre to goe slowly forward wherevpon money was sent very sparingly from France to the Lord Saint Paul who despayring in a manner of beeing able to entertaine the army protested that hee would gette him gonne and leaue all seeing that of tenne thousand men whom hee ought to haue hee had scarce the one halfe by reason that being badly paied they left the campe in troupes At the last the Lord Chastillon who had beene long expected came to the campe with lesse store of money then was needfull and within a few daies after he left the campe and went to Venice saying that hee would goe into Puglia to assure the troupes that were there and to carry them a certaine summe of money for which iourney the Senate hauing speedily commanded some vessels to bee made ready according vnto his request hee did daily with many eâ—…euses delay his departure which gaue a suspition that hee had neither money nor any good will for to goe into Puglia but that hee gaue out that hee would goe thither because hee would not breake off the prouisions which the 〈◊〉 had already made The King doubting the matter and knowing how great cause hee gaue them to suspect did within a while after send Iohn Iaquin his Ambassadour to Venice to soliciâ—…e the departure of the army with the other prouisions for war without making any mention at all of the Kings so much desired comming which did so highly import them This did greatly encrease the Venetians suspition and did infinitely trouble them in regard of the daungers which threatned them from the Emperour and also for that this delay did cause them to loose the fruite of so many hopes their army remayning vnprofitable on the shore of the Riuer Adda because that it was not able alone to execute the enterprize of Milan The Senate neuerthelesse did not cease still to arme soliciting
to make his preparations for his iourney into Italy came to Genoa with many shippes and Galleis within which were a thousand horse and nine thousand footmen the which he caused to be landed at Sauona for their more easie passage into Lombardy His deseignes for that present could not be truly descouered because he affirmed that his comming into Italy was to establish peace there and to compose all his variances with the Potentates of Italy yet neuerthelesse he did with all speed and from all parts assemble the greatest forces he could Antonio de Leua came and ioyned with him with twelue thousand footmen the Prince of Orange with seauen thousand the Lanceque nets which had beene leuied in the connty of Tiroll to the number of tenne thousand came through the Verona territory to meet him so as all his forces being ioyned together amounted to forty thousand footmen beside the cauallery which was great the Almains being folowed by tenne thousand Bourguinian horse-men The Emperors arriuall and with such prouision did greatly amaze the minds of all Italy together with the rumor that was spredde abroad how that the accord betwixt the Emperor and the most Christian King was already concluded the Confederates beeing not therein comprehended notwithstanding that the King had promised the contrary so that there was not any but the Pope alone which was free from this feare in all Italy according to the particular treaty which he had before concluded with the Emperour at Barcelona which till then had beene kept secret whereby he made account to make vse of the Imperiall forces for the execution of his deseignes and cheefely to restore his nephewes into Florence and to place them in their antient dignity and greatnesse as had beene concluded betwixt them Therefore the more to honor his comming so soone as he vnderstood that he was landed at Genoa he sent thither three of the cheefest Cardinalls of the Colledge for to congratulate his arriuall and to accompany him euery where The Florentines vpon these newes whom it first of all concerned to purchase his fauor and to be assured of his meaning did within a while after likewise send their Ambassadors vnto him who after the congratulation were to excuse them for entring into confederacy against him hauing therein beene enforced by the Popes authority and commandement and for that they had since then continued therein by necessity and they proceeded no farther because they had not any commission especially concerning the strife betwixt the Pope and them buâ—… the Emperor seeming to be desirous to satisfie the Pope in that which he had promised him their Ambassador was to no purpose The other Potentates of Italy did likewise send their Ambassadors to his Imperiall Maiesty requesting his friendship and peace The Venetians alone remaining constant in their determination resolued to enter into no agreement with the Emperor but vpon extremity not but that they were desirous of peace but because he feared that the Emperor had a meaning contrary to the liberty of Italy and that he would so handle the matter as all the whole state thereof should depend only vpon him wherevpon they thought that to shew themselues humble and low-minded was nothing else but to encourage him and to confirme him in his desire and hope of beeing able to command all Italy So that they did then wisely by not sending their Ambassadors to him but they gaue their consent that the Duke of milan who as beeing tyed vnto them had therevppon craued the Senates aduise might send his Ambassadors as a vassall of the Empire and as for themselues being in a manner leâ—…t alone they did with speed make great prouisions for warre to assure as much as might bee their owne state they leauied new troupes of foot to augment their army and to strengthen the garrisons of other Citties they chose Francisco Pascalie Prouidator Generall for the firme land whose principall charge was to visit their forces and to furnish them with all necessaries they tooke diuers Captaines into their pay and among others Sigismond Malatestâ—… with a thousand foote and two hundred light horse and because great numbers of Lancequenets departing from Bolognia were already passed by they caused Iohn Contareâ—… the Prouidaâ—…or and Caesar Fregosa with a strong garrison to enter into Verona Now because it did greatly import them to keepe the other Italian Confederate princes in breath The Senate did not faile to encourage the Florentines and to commend their constancie exhorting them to defend their country and liberty promising to giue them all aide and succour that the time would permit and particularly to cause their forces to enter vpon the Parmesan and Placentine Conâ—…ines so soone as the Emperor should dislodge to draw into those quarters for the defence of his Citties the Emperiall forces which were in Tuscany They did the like to the Duke of Ferraâ—…a vnto whome they sent Marke Antonio Renier their Ambassador to declare vnto him the Republikes good meaning for the common defence of the liberty of Italy and the particular affection which they did beare to the Duke and to his whole state for which being conioyned by neere neighbour-hood and by sundry other respects they would neuer refuse to runne one selfe same fortune with him and therefore they desired to be acquainted with his intent and meaning The Duke shewed that hee was highly pleased with his Ambassade and promised to doe much and particularly to leuy great numbers of men of warre which hee assembled neere to Modena to serue not alone for the defence of his owne state but in all places where the Confederates should haue neede The Treaty of Cambray was at the same time published which already by a Common rumor was knowne to all men namely how that none of the Confederates were comprehended in it There was onely place reserued for the Venetias to enter into it so as within the space offoure moneths they would end their controuersies with the Emperor which was nothing else but a silent exclusion in regard the greatest difficulties remayned vndecided The King by the same treaty was among other things bound â—…o cause those townes which the Venetians held in Puglia to bee rendred to the Emperor and vpon their refusall to declare himselfe their enemy and to helpe him to recouer them by force For the execution of which article the King did on a suddaine send his Ambassadors to Venice to entreat them to render to the Emperour whatsoeuer they held in Puglia being bound to make that request by the Treaty of Cambray and that according to the forme of the Capitulations at Coignac adding therunto that he did so much rely on the affection which they had euer made shew to beare vnto himselfe and to the Crowne of France as albeit that there were not any Treaty that did oblige him to demand that of them hee did neuer-the-lesse perswade him-selfe that hee
Lord had borne himselfe as Vice-bailise for the space of seuen yeeres This Ambassage came in a very opportune season to Constantinople for the respects aboue mentioned for the Croizade hauing beene published and the report and expectation thereof being very great by reason that the preachers in their pulpits had exhorted all the people to contribute towards the enterprize against the Inâ—…idels Soliman had conceiued a certaine opinion in his minde that the Venetians after the accord made at Bolognia had with the other Christian Princes conspired against him whereby measuring all their actions past he did among other matters complaine for that by the peace they had giuen a great summe of money to the Princes of the house of Austria his enemies which had the more enabled them to make warre vpon him adding besides therevnto that because they had not acquainted him therewith till the conclusion of the businesse they had not performed the part of a State that was his friend such an one as â—…he Signory made shew to be But all these rumours beeing already spread abroad amongst the Bashas and other men of note did at the arriuall of the Ambassadours vanish wherevpon was speedily renued and confirmed the league on the same conditions as it was before Then the Ambassadours were present at the feast and sollemnity of the circumcision of his children which was done with great pompe cost and royall magnificence in all which shewes the Venetians did still hold a very honorable ranke During these great feasts and sollemnities Soliman being in deed inuited to great attempts did in his minde ruminate on affaires of consequence he did oftentimes discourse with his Bashaes concerning the raising of an army wherewith to returne into Hungary and Germany to ouerthrow the power of the Austrian Princes by reason whereof he dispatched matters of great importance he determined to send a great Nauy to sea intending vpon occasion to execute some braue exploit but especially to assure the sea by all meanes which the Gallies of the Knights of Rhodes did continually scoure who hauing planted themselues in the Isle of Malta giuen vnto them by the Emperour did nothing but scoure and molest all the seas and chiefly those which belonged to the Turkes Soliman at the same time thought on the affaires of peace by determining to cause all marchandizes to be brought to Constantinople with the spices which were brought from the Leuant to Alexandria and to other markets of his Empire meaning as he said to make that city the seate of the Empire to abound in all things and chiefly in gold and therefore he had commanded all strangers not to buy silkes or spices any where but at Constantinople whither he caused them to be brought with great store of such commodities which he had bought with his owne money These things did greatly discontent the Venetians as well in regard of the warre he determined to make as for the change of the trafficke for al-be-it his meaning was to assaile others and not them yet neuerthelesse growing mighty by the ruine of other Princes his power was fearefull to the Venetians and the diuiding of his army did still giue trouble and molestation to the Republike and did likewise put them to expence by taking away trafficke from the vsuall and ordinary places which did much disturbe the businesse of Marchants These considerations did mooue the Venetians to entreate the King of Hungary who already did treat of an agreement with Ferdâ—…nand to embrace this businesse thereby to deliuer Christendome from so many mischiefs They made the same request to the King of Poland who was already a mediator in that agreement to pursue it to the end They did likewise solicite Lodouico Gritti at Constantinople whose fauour and authority did daily encrease at the Port of the great Lord to coole by meanes of the Basha that great heate of Solimans to cause his army to depart by shewing vnto him how carefull the Republike was to keepe the nauigation free and safe from Pirates and for the other likewise to hinder the transportation of the commerce to Constantinople which could not be done but with the great hurt and losse of all forraine nations Now wholy to keepe the Turkes from arming themselues and entring into the Venetian Gulphe The Senate commanded the Prouidator of the army to aduertize the Gallies of Malta no more to come vpon their Gulphe nor to hurt those vessels which sailed on the Leuant seas which they held and that he should threaten to disarme them if they did otherwise The Turkes held this for a greeuous wrong and complayning of the Venetians said that it did not beseeme the friendship which they made shew to beare to the great Lord to suffer them in their country before their faces to be so badly delt with because that they presuming vpon the forces and prouisions of the Republike had not entertained any armed vessels The Emperour being in the meane time come to Ausbourg did there connoke an assembly where he caused his brother Ferdinand to be elected King of the Romaines then treating of affaires concerning religion the Protestants craued the celebration of a generall councell where their opinions touching saith might be examined and concluded which was a pretence to collour their cause with the authority of Religion The Catholikes likewise for other respects desired a councell hoping that the authority of the decrees that would there be made should suffice if not to diuert the mindes of the chiefe of the Heretikes from their errors yet at least to reduce part of the multitude to the soundest opinion so as the one and other of them required one selfe same thing namely to haue a General Councell called The Emperour being desirous to satisfie this earnest request of all Germany as also because it fell out very opportunely for his affaires to appease the causes of tumults and contumacy of the people in that Prouince did very much presse the Pope to conuoke the councell and promised him to the end he should not feare to haue his authority and dignity endangered to be there in person and to haue a particular care of him The Pope perceiuing the small hope that was in it of any great good and fearing rather some occasion of other disorders without making any open refusall he answered That for diuers respects it was not yet time to treat thereof because that peace was not yet well established amongst the Princes of Christendome which ought first of al to be looked vnto to the end that all of them being vnited together might meete there to aide and fauour the Councel The Protestants therevpon being more earnest and the Pope fearing that it would breed some greater inconuenience beganne to detest that Nation and to propound that they were to be chastised with temporall armes whereof he often discoursed by letters not only with the Emperour but likewise with the Venetian
to those ends sought aloccasions to breake off from them The Senate considering the difficulty of the matter did consult therevpon in open Councell where the opinions were very different some affirming that it was not good at that time to prouoke the Pope but to deferre the matter till some other time and to quit the seizure Others of the contrary opinion councelled to pursue the businesse and that the Pope would at the last be enforced to grant their demaunds so as in this diuersity of opinions the matter remayned vndecided The Senate hauing at last found a meanes of agreement it was decreâ—…d that in fauour of the Pope the temporalties of those that had beene promoted by his Holinesse should be surrendred to them in the cities of their obedience and yet neuerthelesse they did not giue ouer their demand saying that what they had done was onely for the respect and reuerence which they did beare to Pope Clement hoping that he would grant them more then they craued the Pope neuerthelesse who at first made shew that hee demaunded nothing else but that as a signe of obedience without beeing satisfied stood vpon farre greater difficulties But other matters of greater importance happening caused them to sue to the Pope and to haue good correspondence with him Soliman hauing made peace with the King of Persia in the beginning of the yeere 1531. determined to assaile Christendome on all sides both by sea and land and for that purpose had sent his Standard of Generall to Cariadine surnamed Barbarossa a famous Pirate for his great experience in marine matters who was renowned for the infinite mischiefes which he had done to Christians and hauing thus receiued him into the number of his captains had aduertized the Venetians thereof to the end they should no more vse him as a Pirate but as one of his owne Porte And although the Bashas did oâ—…tentimes affirme that Soliman would continue in league and friendship with the Republike yet neuerthelesse it seemed neither safe nor honourable to leaue the possession of the sea to the discretion of that barbarous Nation who was mighty and armed wherevpon it behooued them to make an extraordinary prouision of Gallies and souldiers a matter which came to them in an ill time by reason that their publike treasure being exhausted by the late warres could not furnish them with money to suffize so great expences therefore it was necessary to haue recourse to other meanes and amongst others it seemed vnto them that the Tenthes leauied vpon the Clergy of their Dominions would bee suffitient for that businesse Now they sought in all humility to obtaine it of the Pope but they could not thereby surmont the difficulties wherewith hee drew the matter forth in length but to the double discommodity and griefe of the Venetians he made account to leauy two Tenthes vpon all the goods of the Italian Clergie for to employ them as he said on the releefe of the Cantons of the Catholike Swisses against the other protestant Cantons who threatned them with warre and by this meanes the Republike was frustrate of the commodity which it hoped for by the Tenths which beeing raised vpon their State seemed to belong vnto them vpon so iust a cause as also because the said leauy of Tenths gaue some suspition to the Turke that it was done for some league practized against him The Senate neuerthelesse al-be-it they were depriued of that helpe and out of hope to obtaine it did not cease to make prouision of all things necessary but surmounting all difficulties that were offered they determined presently to arme fifty Gallies they which they sent to sea well furnished with all necessaries But these great warlike preparations did by little and little vanish of themselues because that Soliman being come to Andrinople intending as it was said to take order for his preparations beeing carried away with the pleasure of hunting did daily delay the affaires of warre so as that yeere remained peaceable and quiet on his part The Venetians nauall army in the meane time was not idle for the sea being full of Pirates who beeing ioyned together in great numbers did scoure all the Seas and hindred the nauigation and commerce they were all of them chased broken or taken prisoners to the great profit of all men and to the Venetians praise The King of Hungary at the same time notwithstanding that he had all his warlike preparations well ordered and in readinesse and that hee was stronger then Ferdinand yet neuerthelesse whilest he expected the Turkish aide for his better safety fearing the great forces which the Emperour was reported to leauy for his brothers aide or desyring rather to end the matter in friendly sort then to come to strokes and namely destrusting his owne people did not enterprize any thing so as both parties being quiet he sent Iohn Alasco his Ambassadour to the Emperour of whom obteyning no certaine resolution he went to Ferdinand where finding likewise as great difficulties hee determined to goe to the other Princes of Germany to treate with them of his Kings businesse but Ferdinand taking his safe conduct from him hee was enforced to returne into Hungary King Iohn neuerthelesse did not cease by other messengers to aduertize those Princes that were assembled in the Diets held in sundry places of Germany and chiefly the Protestants to diuert them from aiding Ferdinand that Soliman accounted those his owne frends or enemies who shewed themselues frends or enemies to the Realme of Hungary This King not to omit any thing did likewise send his Ambassadours to Venice to entreat the Senate to be a meanes as well to the Emperour as to the Pope that embracing his cause they might reduce matters to some honourable agreement The Senate perceiuing that King Iohns intent was to trie all meanes euen to extremity that he might keepe the Realme of Hungary to himselfe al-be-it that he had the Turkish army at his command fot his defense to take away the cause of new troubles in Christendome they did willingly harken to this request and were desirous to further it to the Pope but all their remonstrances were to small purpose because that his Holinesse fauouring more the cause of Ferdinand then that of King Iohn seemed to consent that the matter should rather be determined by armes then by accord Now within a while after the rumor of warre beeing blowne abroad euery where how that Soliman resolued with a mighty army to come downe into Hungary to beseege the City of Strigonium which Ferdinand kept the Pope seat the Bishop of Verona his Nuncio to Venice to know of the Senate their determination what they wold do if the Turke should return with his army into Hungary and if all Christian Princes would vnite themselues together against that common enemy The Senators vpon this proposition were very doubtfull and perplexed For zeale to Religion on the one side did mooue them and
meanes whereof he determined first to enuade it The King had sundry occasions to bee displeased with the Duke of Sauoy which did the more heate and hasten him on for the loane of money made by the same Duke to the Duke of Bourbon a traitor to the King his gratulatory letters written to the Emperor when he was taken prisoner his practises to allienate the Suisses from the alliance with France the purchase of the County of Ast his refusall to lend Nice for the enteruiew of Pope Clement and himselfe the Kings claimes to the dowrie of the Lady Loisa of Sauoy his mother sister to Duke Philibert who died without children the King affirming thâ—…t a great part of the succession of Sauoy did belong vnto himselfe by reason that his mother was borne of the first wife and sole sister and heire to Duke Philibert together with his â—…resh refusall to giue him passage thorow his countrey to march to the conquest of the Dutchy of Milan all these things were euident signes of the Dukes small affection towards the King wherevpon the Duke knowing very well that he had greaâ—…ly offended him and being out of hope to be reconciled to him so soone as the Emperor was come to Palermo in Sicily beeing returned from his iourney of Thunis hee did secretly send vnto him to craue his ayde against so mightie an enemy This businesse could not bee so secretly carried but that the King had speedie intelâ—…igence thereof which caused him on a sodaine to send his forces beyond the mounts vnder the conduct of Philip Chabot Admiral of France his Lieutenant Generall whom he sent to enuade Piedmont about the beginning of the yeare 1536. where finding the country badly prouided of defence hee easily tooke the citties of Thurin Fossan Pigneroll and was besides like to haue taken the citty of Verceill had not Antonio de Leua who was in the Dutchy of Milan come thither to the speedy rescue thereof staying by his arriuall the designes and progression of the French The Emperor seemed to bee extreamly displeased and incensed against the French King for making warre in Piedmont and causing speedily a mighty Army to bee leuied hee did soone hope to ouer-runne him affirming boldly that hee would goe in person to assaile him in his owne kingdome and within a while after comming to Rome hee câ—…me into the Consistory where in the presence of the Pope and Cardinalls and great numbers of Ambassadors and Prelates Dukes Earles Barons and other noble personages hee began to complaine of the French King so as beeing traâ—…sported with choller hee proceeded so farre as for the auoyding of greater effusion of bloud heâ—… would end all controuersies by fighting with him hand to hand and that heâ—… would challenge him for that purpose The Pope did all hee might to appease him and had already employed himselfe to make them friends but all in vaine The greatest difficulty was to findâ—… a meanes which mâ—…ght content both the one and other concerning the Dutchy of Milan in which treaty although the Venetians had an hand the Emperors pleasure beeing to haue them acquainted therewith yet neuerthelesse they did very slowly proceed in it in regard of the aboue â—…entioned reasons which were much encreased by these new accidents of Piedmont For the Duke of Sauoy beeing driuen from his State went to Naples to the Emperor to beseech him to haue pitty vpon him and to helpe to restore him to his Dutchie The Emperor beeing mooued with piâ—…ty was ready to make an agreement with the French King to free himselfe from that war and to restore the Duke of Sauoy to his state but not agreeing together vpon the persons of the Duke of Orleance or the Duke of Angoulesme for the Dutchy of Milan the Emperor beeing desirous to giue it to the Duke os Aâ—…goulesme and the French King to the Duke of Orleance the matter remained vndecided and the Emperor departing from Rome after some small stay in Tuscany went without tarrying any where to Ast. Hauing there assembled all his cheefe Captaines among whom were D. Fernand of Toledo Dâ—…ke of Alua the Marquis of Guasto and D. Fernand de Goâ—…zaga he conferred with them concerning the meanes to make warres where of hâ—…s owne proper motion he propounded against al reason the opinions of the best experienced into Prouence wherevpon to that end the rendezuous for all his troopes was at Nice whither Doria likewise came with fifty Galliâ—…s to second the land army The Emperor came thither in person from thence entring into the French Kings countrey he encamped not farre from the Citty of Aix beeing not well resolued what to attempt first cheefely desiring to assaile either Marseilles or Aâ—…les and hauing spent much time in this irresolution he gaue the King leisuâ—…e to assemble a mighty army who beeing come to Lyons for that purpose did practise with sondry Italian Captaines who in his behalfe hauing raised forces neere to Mirandola made an attempt to surpriâ—…e Genoa and to reduce it to the French Kings deuotion The Emperor beeing by this meanes called away to defend his owne perceiuing likewise that his army sustained diuers discommodities by reason of the bad disposition of the ayre where it was encamped was enforced to retire without doing any thing but only making a shew of his great desire to hurt the King But before hee came into Prouence hee sent Roderico D'Analos to Venice to acquaint the Senate with his great preparations of warre and with his deseigne to inuade France and to entreat them by the same meanes to make ready those forces which they were tyed to furnish by their Confederacy for the defence of the state of Milan if need should be The Senate therevpon determined to leuy six thousand footmen vnder the command of Antonio de Castello Generall of the artillery and did in the meane time answer the Emperor that as it had beene ready to renew the league it was likewise as diligent to maintaine that whereunto it was bound and that for their parts they would in no sort faile to defend the State of Milan they did afterwards adde to these foot-forces fiue hundred light horsse armed after the Burgonian manner commanding all those forces of foot and horsse to meet by a certaine day at Azola vpon the Bressan territory to passe from thence when need should bee vppon that of Cremona The Duke of Vrbin was likewise sent for to come in person to the Armâ—… but truce beeing granted by the arriuall of the Cardinall of Lorraine this former heate of the French seemed to be quenched wherby the Venetians had no cause to march forth of their owne confines yet neuerthelesse the French king made shew openly to be distasted of them although he very well knew that he had no iust cause by reason they did not exceed the bounds of their Confederacy but hoping by his complaints to cause them to
began modestly to excuse the matter concerning Contarens shippe and other things done to the Venetian Marchants and their marchandize as matters happened without the great Turkes expresse commandement and which should be speedily remedied There was then a report at that time how that the Sophy of Persia had taken armes and that hee would shortly be in the field whereby the Turkes would bee enforced to turne their forces vpon Persia And that the rumor which was currant how that th â—… Turkes had an enterprize vpon Christendome was rather to maintaine their reâ—…utation among Christian Princes then for any desire they had at that time to employ their forces against them The end of the tenth Booke of the fifth Decade The Contents of the first Booke of the sixth Decade THE Turke maketh great preparations both by Sea and land to enuade Christendome The Venetians are enforced to arme and to stand vpon their guard The French Kings deseigns vpon Italy The Imperialls are afraid of the Turkish Army Count Guy de Rangon commeth to Venice being sent thither by the French King and is answered quite contrary to his expectation Three sundry accidents are cause of warre betwixt the Venetians and Soliman The Venetians fleet is by force of wind cast vpon the Coast of Puglia where that of the turkes lay The Venetian fleet beeing retired from Puglia Soliman declareth himselfe their enemy Doria his pollicy to enforce the Venetians to ioyne with him The Baily Canalis aduiseth the Senate to reconcile them selues to Soliman The Venetian Marchants are stayed and their goods seased on ouer all Solimans Empire Barbarossa wasteth the Isle of Corfoù The description of the Isle of Corfoù The Venetians determine to fight with the Turke A league contracted betwixt the Emperor the Pope and the Venetiams Doria his delaies and in the end his refusall to ioyne with the Venetians against the Turkes The Venetians are constant to assaile the Turkes not-with-standing that Doria had forsaken them The Vifier Bascha councelleth Soliman to raise his campe from before Corfoù hauing viewed the place Soliman seeketh the Venetians friendship The seege raised from before Corfou Soliman determineth to assaile Naples of Romagnia and Maluefia Barbarossa his incursions vpon the Venetians Islands The Venetians take the Islé of Scardona The Emperor although hee â—…ffirmed that hee would make warre vpon the Turkes is suspected of the contrary The Popes dilligence to attone the Emperor and the French King Sundry oppinions in the Senate concerning either warre or peace with Soliman And lastly the Emperors Ambassador goeth about to breake the Venetians Newtrallity but in vaine The First Booke of the sixth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THE Venetians by the Bashas speech remayning irresolute and in doubt either of warre or peace were greatly troubled wherein the French Ambassador did by a maruelous cunning entertaine them hoping theâ—…eby to cause them to condescend to his Kings deseignes to ioyne them-selues with the French and to abandon the Imperialls friendship assuring them that if they would so doe to shield them from all danger on the Turkes behalfe In the meane time sundry rumors were bruted in Constantinople soâ—…e affirming that those great preparations for the fleet was to passe into Puglia and others said that it was to enter into the Venetian Gulph there to â—…aile what-so-euer it could finde to belong vnto the Emperor others thought that it was for Barbary according to the aduise of Cariadine Barbarossa and others like-wise did threaten the Venetians naming particularly the Isle of Corfoù These preparations were as great by land as by â—…ea and made with great speed so as it was certenly thought that hee would set forth more then three hundred saile with great store of ordnance war like engins and great quantity of all sortes of munition The Venetians being troubled with these preparations and for diuers occasions suspecting the Turkes faith non-with standing that the league made of a long time with Soliman did still continue resolued likewise to arme as fast as they could supposing that there was no safer meanes to assure their affaires then to stand vpon their gard for feare of beeing surprized Therefore they beganne to make great prouisions for warre and leauied on a sodaine eight thousand footemen to re-enforce their garrisons they did trimme their old Gallieâ—… and gaue order to build fifty new ones they stayed some Venetians and strangers that were bound for sondry voyages to make vse of them for the carriage of the munitions and other necessaries for the fleet determining if dangers did increase to arme the number of an hundred Galleis and for that purpose they chose for Geneâ—…all according to their vsual manner by way of lotte in the Councell of the Preguais Ieronimo Pesare a man very skilfull in the affaires of the common-wealth and cheefely in sea businesse who was afterwards allowed by the great Councell But that which among other matters did most troble them was the care from whence to haue meanes to furnish the expences which they were to make their treasor beeing wholly exhausted by the late warres wherby they were to inuent sundry extraordiâ—…ry deuises to get money speedily They created three Procurators of Saint Maâ—…ke which is one of the chiefe dignities in the common-wealth next to the Duke namely Andrew Capello Ieroâ—…imo Bragadino Iacâ—…mo Cornare who did each of them aide the Republicke with twelue thousand crowns they did afterwards entreat the Pope to permit them to raise two hundred thousand Ducats vpon the Clergy of their state which the Pope making great difficultie to graunt alledging sometimes the Clergyes pouerty and then that he could not belâ—…eue that Soliman did intend to march against Christendome they were enforced to raise it some where else and amid these troubles and perplexities of mind they did not forget following the holy and religious institution of their Forefathers to haue recourse cheefely to diuine assistance whereuppon solleme prayers were commanded to be made in all Churches foure hundred measures of wheate were giuen to the poore Friers to pray to God that it would please him to fauour the good and deuout affection of the Councellors of the State The Imperialls were in no lesse care and trouble to be assured of the Turkish forces wherevppon they caused great numbers of Spanish footmen to passe into Italy to lye in Garrison in the Realmes of Sicill and Naples and in other places exposed to the enemies arriuall they sent word to Andrew Doria Prince of Melfi who at the same time was Admiral for the Emperor on the Mediterranian seas that he should speedily make ready his Gallies and come into the kingdome to ioyne with those of Naples Sicilly and the religion of Malta to command there But these prouisions being weake were not sufficient to resist the Turkish forces For the Emperor was at the same time enforced to looke to the defense of his other Estates which the French King
Emperor by good offices had beene disposed to the obseruation of the Articles of the league namely to grant a proportion of corne out of Naples and Sicily toward the entertainment of the army to cause Castelnouo to be consigned into the hands of the Republicks officers and to command the Gallies to be ready in the moneth of March that the fleets might be ioyned together but the Emperor performing nothing of all this did still find out delayes and excuses for concerning the proportion of corne his officers were first to haue their owne share and diuision for the restitution of Castelnouo they aleadged that the Common-wealth should first pay the Spaniards for keeping that Fort till then and as concerning the ready expedition of the Army in regard that the Emperor determined to be in it in person it behooued them to make greater preparations and also to haue more forces and so consequently a longer time But in some of these things reason and the effect did manifest that hee did neither regard equity nor the common good the Emperors speeches were very magnificent full of goodly promises but greatly suspected that he did only intend to keepe the Venetians bound by meanes of the league that hee might make vse both of their armes and friendship in as much as concerned his owne particular profit and comodity and not for the wealth or seruice of the Republicke by reason that it was knowne how that the Estates assembled in Spaine did beseech him not to deparrt forth of the Cuntrey besides his want of money was so great as although his meaning had beene to haue gone in person into the Army yet hee would not haue had meanes to haue defraied the expences of such a iourney in regard whereof all men may perceiue that it was farre more safe and expedient for the Signory of Venice to thinke on peace and agreement rather then on armes That which mooued them to this Treaty was their hope to obtaine peace on honest conditions seeing that the Turkes did vse them with more respect then they were wont for they had released the Baily forth of the Tower of the great Sea and admitted them into Constantinople and did likewise put them in hope as it came to passe speedily to restore all the Venetian Marchants to their liberty and to suffer them to trade in the same manner as they had done before so as they would be bound one for another not to depart from Constantinople nor to send their goods forth of the Ottoman Empire There came besides to Venice a man whose name was Antonio de Modon dwelling at that time in Zante bringing letters from Ianusby his friend which he had written to him concerning their owne particular traficke wherein hee mentioned how that the great Turke and the Bascha were desirous of a Peace with the Republick so as if an Ambassador were sent from Venice to Constantinople for that purpose some agreement might bee easily concluded and that this Iauusbey did offer so that they would intreate him willingly to employ him selfe therein All these things did mooue the Councell of Tenne to begin some practise of agreement but to the end it should bee kept secret they would not for that time send any publick person to Constantinople but appointed Lorenzo Gritti the Dukes sonne for that iourney vnder coullor of some affaires of his owne and in particular for the recouery of certaine goods belonging to a brother of his who a little before dyed at Constantinople They enioyned him first to speake of a generall truce and that hee should bee very earnest therein the better afterwards to come to some resolution But if the Turkes should not entertaine it then to motion a treatie of peace for the Common-wealth by renuing the ancient capitulations and on conditions that both sides should yeeld vp those places that had beene taken during that warre The French King had an hand in this treaty of truce sending an Agent expresly for that purpose to Constantinople but the small hope of any peace was soone discerned the Turke beeing not willing to haue any accord with the Emperour wherevpon the better to turne all his forces against him he had propounded and consented to an agreement with the Venetians But so soone as Gritti his going to Constantinople was published notwithstanding that the cause was kept secret all men did suspect the matter how that his iourney was to treate of peace with Soliman Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza Ambassador at that time for the Emperor at Venice beeing come into the Senate in secret audience did discouer this suspition and made a modest complaint for that they went about to treate of peace with the common enemy not comprehending therein the Emperor their friend and confederate and did afterwards seeke by a long and perswasiue oration to disswade them from peace with the Turkes They answered him that the Republick had more then two years since entred into the league yet neuerthelesse it might truly say that it had alone susteined all the Turkish attempts That they did allow of the lawfull occasions which had held back the arriuall of the ayde of the other Confederates at that time when they most needed them that they did likewise beleeue how it might easily come to passe that by sundry accidents the same occasions might be againe offered and yet neuerthelesse they had euer borne and would beare great respect to the Confederates that the French King had procured generall truce at Constantinople by accepting whereof they did suppose to haue procured much wealth and profit to the common cause whereby great commodity might redound to the league if there were nothing else then the gaining of time which the Emperors selfe did thinke to bee most necessary for his voyage into the Leuant The like pursute was made in the Emperors Court betwixt his Maiesty and the Ambassador of the Common-wealth But it was not to any purpose either to hasten the Emperor to make prouisions for warre or to with-draw the Venetians from the treaty of peace already determined With such successe ended the yeare 1538. about the latter end whereof on the seuen and twenty day of December Prince Gritti deceased beeing foure score and foure yeares of age hauing gouerned fifteene yeares and seauen moneths and was buryed in Saint Francis Church PIETRO LANDE the seuenty eight Duke PIETRO LANDE was chosen in his place a noble man and of three score and eighteene yeeres of age The yeere following was in a manner spent about the negotiation of peace at the beginning whereof the Venetians supposing that it behooued them onely to trust and hope in their owne forces for the safety of their state went about to encrease the Garrisons of their fortes and to re-enforce their Armie wherevpon they made a great leuy of Soldiers and armed other light and great galleys at Venice they likewise sent a commandement to Alessandro
to accept peace on such vniust conditions would to much blemish the Republikes reputation and by quitting so easily their townes and giuing away their money was nothing else but to cause the enemies who by nature are insolent to demand greater matters During these irresolutions Casar Cantelmo came to Venice who hauing beene already sent as hee said to Soliman from the most Christian King about the negociation for the truce at his returne into France had informed the King of the whole matter wherevpon hee returned againe by his commandement to Constantinople for the same businesse The French Ambassador comming into the Senate told them that the King his Maister did expresly send that gentleman to Constantinople about the affairs of the Venetian Common-wealth and from him to deale in the negociation of peace and therefore he was come to Venice to receiue their commandements therevpon being by the King enioyned to execute them as though they were his owne The Lord Iohn Francesco Valerio a Venetian Gentleman did affirme the very same who hauing remained a long time in France had beene very familliar with the chiefe Lords of the Court who did often acquaint him with matters of importance this Gentleman did testifie the Kings loue and hearty affection towards them and his readinesse to send other Agents to Soliman if the Senate should dislike of Cantelmo exhorting them to trust to the King and to his loue towards the Republike the totall summe of this negociation that there was no better nor safer way then that to reconcile them to the Turke with more honour and lesse losse They were aduertized at the same time that an enteruiew was practised betwixt the Emperour and the French King the cause thereof was the iourney which the Emperour determined to make into Flanders to chastice those of Gant who had rebelled resoluing to goe thither through France and to talke with the King and to treat with him for so it was reported about some good agreement that being good friends they might afterwards ioyne their forces together against the Turkes The enteruiew of these Princes furnished all men with matters of sundry discourse and chiefely the Venetian Senate where it was a long time debated whether they should continue the treaty of peace with the Turke in regard of matters offered and the hard conditions propounded by Soliman On the other side some were of opinion to embrace the occasion of Cantelmo his voyage and the Kings offer if they should refuse it it was to bee feared that his Maiesty would take it in ill part thinking that they made small account of him or his friendship that they were at least to entreat that Gentleman on the Kings behalfe to insist vpon the Generall truce which beeing graunted would greatly serue for the fitnesse of the time and the quiet which thereby would arise to enioyne him besides to assure the Turke that the Senates intention was none other then to procure a firme peace vpon honest conditions Others propounded that it was best to send a speedy messenger to Contaren to command him for to tarry in that place where hee should meet with him and there to expect a new commission which the Senate would send him according to the progression of the affaires others thought it fit to proceed to the election of a new Ambassadour or else to referre the whole businesse to the Bayly Canalis who was at liberty and able to negociate but these men were not of opinion to make vse of Cantelmo in this negociation nor to impart any thing vnto him that he was a Neapolitan bannished from his Country who besides the Kings deseignes and interests quite contrary perhaps to those of the Republike had his owne likewise a part which might hinder and not further the good successe of that businesse That their safety and publike dignity did not permit them to discouer vnto such men any iot of the Senates intention the which they were to suspect and not without cause that hee was very desirous to know rather to crosse then to further it that the Emperour sought all occasions to breake this pursute of peace which did so much trouble and anoy him and the French King vpon hope to recouer the State of Milan was ready to con tent him in all things To all these considerations they added an other which was of no meane consequence which was that because the haruest of the same yeere had beene euery where and especially ouer all Italie verie badde wherewith the City of which was to feed an infinite number of persons was greatly troubled so as the people who were wont to fare delicately and to eate none other bread then that which was made of wheate were enforced to feed on all sorts of graine and in hazard likewise to want them vnlesse they might bee brought from forraine countries Venice hauing no corne territory of her owne a thing which did greatly trouble the Senate wherevpon the better to prouide for a matter of so great importance some said that the friendship of the Turkes was very necessary and others thought it fit to haue recourse to the Spaniards to get proportions of wine and graine from their countries whereby it fell out that the same subiect serued for a foundation whereon to build the two sundry opinions In this manner was the time spent without any certaine resolution so as the Ambassador Contaren hauing continued his iourney and receiued no new commandement from the Senate arriued at Venice and Cantelmo departed thence without any commission These irresolutions gaue the Emperor some hope who espied al occasions to breake the negociation of peace with Soliman and once more to draw the Venetians to confirme the league therefore supposing that there was nothing which could better further his intention then to make them beleeue that he was friends with the French King and that being thereby freed from all other lets he would employ all his forces vpon the enterprize of the Leuant and that the French King would aide and fauour the league determined to send some noble personage to Venice perswading the King to doe the like to acquaint the Venetians with the enteruiew and to discouer somewhat of their intentions The Marquis of Guasto who was gouernor of Milan for the Emperor and the Lord of Annebault Marshall of France and Generall for the most Christian King in Piedmont came to Venice vpon the tenth day of December Their entertainment was magnificent as well in regard of the Princes greatnesse that sent them as for the quality and nobility of the persons great numbers of Senators went to meet them with the Bucentaur and seuen Gallies then they were lodged in a goodly pallace and their expence defraied by the Signory Their first audience was giuen them in the great Hall where the great Councell is held in the presence of many people where there were no other speeches vsed but complementall and of
come to this last point to leaue her deere and welbeloued subiects vnder a tyrants power made great prouisions of Armes beene at excessiue expences and at last vndergone for a time the insupportable burthen of warre But what greater signe of loue can the Common welth shew vnto yee in this present affliction then to promise as it doth vnto al those who are willing to depart to giue them another fit dwelling place wherein they may safely liue vnder her protection and to helpe fauour and nourish them The ancient Sages said how that the same place may be truly termed a mans Countrey where hee liueth well but what better thing is there or more to be desired then to liue vnder the moderate gouernment of a good Prince yee shall remaine vnder the gouernement of the Common wealth wee will find yee out a dwelling place in an other Countrey where yee may liue if not so commodiously as heere at leastwise more safely and free from the continuall dangers and alarmes of the Turks to which I may truly say that yee were dayly exposed Diuers nations their numbers waxing ouer great at home haue of their owne free-will departed from their natiue Cuntrey haue followed fortune seeking by armes for new and vncertaine habitations In miseries and calamities to haue a certaine and assured refuge carrieth with it such a comfort as a man doeth oâ—…ten-times remember things past with greater contentation Without all doubt our cheifest desire hath beene to haue still liued at peace not to haue had the enemies to come and beseege this Citty not to haue purposed to take it by force or if this should happen to haue had greater forces to resist and repulse their attempts But seing neither the one or other was in our power or yours what other thing is ther now to be done in this State that we stand but for vs to performe the duty of a good Prince Father and Pastor of his people to defend vnder our safeguard and protection your persons seeing that we cannot preserue and beare from hence the houses and walls of this Citty and for you to comfort your selues with the loue of your Prince to fit your selues to time and to make vse of necessity your persons shall be preserued your posterity shall encrease and of you beeing valiant fathers shall be borne generous Children who knoweth but that some of them may one day reuenge your wronges so great is the change of humaine affaires whereunto the greatest Empiers are no lesse subiect then the meanest things on earth It is certaine that the Common-wealth will euer retaine the same will and desire to take armes against these enemies so soone as it shall perceiue the Christian Princes so well vnited together as it may hope for som commodity thereby and bee able to doe some notable seruice to Christendome Therefore as it is necessary so is it great discretion and a gallant resolution to seeke to liue in safety and still hope for better and better Whilest the Generall did thus comfort them all men did shed warme teares being no lesse moued by loue then by greefe and sorrow The Generall after-wards did make the same remonstrance to those of Maluesia whereby the poore people beginning by little and little to bee resolued the greatest number of them prepared for their departure carrying with them their best and deerest wealth And so within a while after in the moneth of Nouember the treaty of peace beeing confirmed and ratified the Prouidator Contaren came thither with twenty Gallies and diuers other Vessells of all sorts in which hauing imbarked the artillery munitions soldiers those inhabitants who were willing to depart with their bagage consigned as it was decreed those two townes into the hands of Cassin Bascha of Morea who came thither with smale forces All matters being in this sort pacified the Generall and the Prouidator did disarme leauing only abroad the ordinary number of Gallies for the gard of the Gulph But so soone as the Prouidator Contaren came to Venice he was called into question by Petro Moceniga Auogator for the common-wealth to answer according to the Senates decree made three yeares before for that which hee had done in Puglia when he sanke the Turkish Gally but the matter being debated in Senate and diuers Senators defending Contarens cause the Commandement of the Auogatore was declared to bee of none effect and Contaren was wholy acquitted in regard of the worthinesse of his good seruices done during the time of that warre No other thing worthy of Memory hapned during this yeare 1540. which was made notable by the peace concluded with the Turkes which continued for the space of thirty yeares The end of the third Booke of the sixth Decade The Contents of the fourth Booke of the sixth Decade THE occasion of the warre of Hungary Soliman determineth to make warre in Austria The French king resolueth to make vse of the Turkish forces against the Emperor who had broken promise with him The Imperialls doe murther Rincon and Fregosa going in Ambassage from the most Christian king to Soliman The Emperor granteth the Interim in Germany The Senate deny the Pope the holding of a Councel at Vincenza The Accord betwixt the Turke and the Venetians is confirmed The Venetians are discontented because there was not a particular Duke of Milan An Enterùiew betwixt the Pope and Emperor at Luca. The French King being incensed against the Emperor doth at one time prepare three armies against him Maran is taken from Ferdinand A league betwixt the Emperor and Henry King of England against the French King Barbarosâ—…a with his Army aideth the French King Enteruiew betwixt the Pope and the Emperour at Basset The Turkish Army in Hungary Maran by agreement remayneth to the Venetians The English men take Boloin Peace betwixt the Emperor and the French King Trruce graunted betwixt the Emperor and Ferdinand on the one side and Soliman on the other The Pope giueth Parma and Placentia in title of Dutchy to Petro Lodouico And lastly the great contentions betwixt the Emperor and the French King which were the causes of the quiet of Italy The fourth Booke of the sixt Decade of the History of Uenice PEACE being in this manner concluded betixt Soliman and the Venetians as hath beene said and the Venetians hauing elsewhere no warre with any Christian Princes they did hope after so many toyles and trauaills of warre to see an age full of peace and felicity For Soliman made shew that hee was disposed to make a generall truce for a long time with the Princes of Christendome Wherein the French Ambassador did much good who assured them that he held the to â—…all resolution thereof in his owne hand and that which made them to giue more credit to his speeches was because though the fleet were ready to set saile yet Barbarossa his iourney was held doubtfull and beside no preparation at all for a land army was made
which might giue cause of suspition of any enterprize The Emperor on the other side and the French King had confirmed the truce formerly made at Nice and shewed to one another sundry good offices of loue and reconciliation For whilest the Emperor stayed in France in his iourney towards Flanders hee remained for a time with the King which gaue hope to all men that those Princes hauing trodden all hatred and rancour vnder their feet did determine to liue in peace and quiet But the new accidents which did happen as humane affaires are subiect to change did alter the State of things and altogether breake of all hope of peace For Iohn King of Hungary beeing deceased and leauing a young Child by his wife Isâ—…bell daughter to Sigismond King of Poland and Perdinand King of the Romanes saying that the Realme belonged vnto him and not to the child by vertue of a late agreement made with that King made hast to get it by armes and hauing to that end raised great numbers of Soldiers he entred vnlookt for into the Kingdome and seazed on Alba Regalis Visgrade Peste and other townes of Hungary and at the same time he sent Ieronimo Alasco to Constantinople to treat with Soliman that hee might obtaine the Kingdome after the same manner as King Iohn had held it but the Queene widdow to King Iohn had likewise sent thither procuring by meanes of a sollemne Ambassade of the cheifest Barons of the Kingdome the aid and succor of the Turkish army to keep the Kingdome for hir Sonne which by the selfe same armes had beene maintained for the Father Soliman seemed to bee greatly displeased therewith and by so much more as he supposed to haue receiued a double iniury from Ferdinand for enuading a state recommended vnto him and vnder his protection and for crauing thatby his Ambassador which he went about to take by force Wherwith being greatly incensed he did not only cast from him that good inclination which he seemed to beare to peace and concord but for the reuenging of this iniury determined to assaile Ferdinand with great forces both by Sea and Land and at the same time to keepe the Emperor so busied as he should not be able to helpe his brother Therefore hauing reuoked that which hee had treated with Rincon the French Ambassador concerning the truce hee sent him backe to his King to tell him that hee had changed his mind resoluing altogether vpon warre The troubles of Flanders were in the meane time appeazed the Emperor hauing rigoroâ—…sly punished the Gantois for their rebellion to giue feare and terror to others This being done sooner then was expected was cause that the foundations of peace betwixt him and the French King were not surely laid and finding himselfe freed of that let which hindred him hee resolued in no sort to quit the Dutchy of Milan On the other side Solimans hatred to the house of Austria did augment the French Kings courrage hoping to make vse of his mighty aide and thereby to reuenge the wrong which he had supposed he had done to him by contemning his friendship Rincon then being come to Venice did acquaint the Senate particularly with all what-so-euer had beene done and of the Turkes great warlike preparations the which he presumed to be able to dispose of at his Kings pleasure and crauing after-wards a conuoy for his safe passage into France Mercurio Bue was commanded to attend vpon him with his company of light horse as farre as the confines of their State And because there were but three moneths limited him for his returne to the Port of the great Lord the King hauing speedily dispatched him and returning onward on his way to Venice from thence to passe to Constantinople hee was neere to Pauia vpon the riuer of Po assailed taken and murthered together with Caesar Fregosa by certaine Spanish footmen and by the commandement as it was thought of the Marquis of Guasto This deed did more then can be imagined incense the French King for that during the truce they had so vilanously slaine his seruants that the Emperour not being satisfied as he said to haue deceiued him with words hauing at first put him in hope of peace and that hee would restore the Dutchy of Milan to him after-wards to bee so slacke therein hauing appeased the troubles of Flanders and besides to haue iniuried him contrary to the law of Nations by the trecherous murther of his seruants He complained hereof and caused to be published al a broad that hee would bee reuenged thereof hee wrot to all Forraine Princes giuing them to vnderstand that he had not broken the truce Then he did particularly aduertize Soliman thereof to whome he sent Captaine Polin enioyning him to goe first to Venice to feele how they stood affected to the Emperor and to acquaint them with his iust occasion to take armes for the reuenge of such aniniury and after-wards to offer vnto them for his owne part what-so euer hee could doe for them at Constantinople by imploying his credit and authority so long as he should continue there in quality of Ambassador Polin hauing executed his commission and crauing of the Senate that hee might passe on safely a Gallie was giuen him for his transportation to Raguza The Emperor at the same time was in Germany where at Ratisbon hee held a Diet concerning matters of Religion wherein nothing beeing concluded he graunted to the Protestants an interim so as euery man might vse the same ceremonies which before hee had done and vpon report of the Turkes great warlike preparations who were already come into hungary Soliman being there in person a here they had defeated Guillan of Rocandolf Lieutenant Generall to King Ferdinand perceiuing that in regard of his own honour being in Germany and so neere a neighbour to that defeate all men expected when he would march against the Trukish forces he the better to free him-selfe from it determined to vndertake the enter prize of Argier thinking it to bee easier then that against the great Turke to the great amazement of all men which did see him to attempt an enterprize nothing so honorable as the other but hee did it vpon hope that passing along by Italy he might take the King vnprouided and make some attempt vpon him desiring rather to leaue his owne patrimony in prey then to omit any occasion to be reuenged on the King whom he knew he had greatly wronged by the murther of his Ambassadors but he found that the Lord of Langey Leiutenant fot the King in Piedmont had dilligently prouided for all matters Such were the State of affaires and such were the deseignes of Princes concerning Peace and warre The Venetians thought it fit in those stirrs to beare them-selues with great consideration and vigilancy and to keepe themselues neuters and free from all danger of beeing offended They very well knew how important a matter the losse of Hungary
other matter he was desirous to continew in his neutralitiy to the end that he might obtaine first to haue the state of Milan deliuered into the hands of Octauiano Farnese as Guardian thereof and to yeeeld to the Emperor and the French King a certaine homage til such time as they should find out some more assured meanes of Agreement wherin he presumed that the Venetians would interpose their authority The Venetians perceiuing that they proceeded slowely in that businesse and with small hope beeing desirous not to giue the Turkes any occasion of suspition did abstaine from it notwithstanding that they were diuers times sollicited by the Emperor to send their Ambassadors to Luca where the Pope and hee were to meet In all other matters they had neuer failed in their duty to the Emperor They had giuen passage through their state to the Almaine footmen leuied for the iourney of Affrick and so soone as they vnderstood of his comming into Italy by the way of Trent they appoynted foure Ambassadors to weet Iohn Antonio Veniero Nicholao Tepulo Marc Antonio Contaren and Vincenzo Grimani who entertained him very honorably vpō the Verona territory and attended vpon him so long as he remained vpon their State which was for the space of two dayes for beeing come to Pescara he entered the Mantuan territory from whence afterward he went to Milan from thence to Genoa and then to Luca where hee met with the Pope with whom hauing made some small abode he pursued his iourney for the enterprize of Affrick which succeeded badly as it had beene foretold for hauing landed his soldiers vppon the sands of Argier he found more resistance in the Garrison of the Citty then hee did expect and did besides receiue great hurt by the Arabian horsemen procured by the Turks who comming vpon them with great celerity and fighting in a new and vnusuall manner with our soldiers did preuent all their deseignes and the businesse beeing drawne forth in length great harme happened for their arose so terrible a tempest at Sea as the ships beeing not able to ride at Ankor by reason of the force of the wind som of them were driuen on shoare and the others to Seaward in the midest of the tempest So as hauing lost diuers of his vessells and the residue beeing sore brused and beaten the Emperor was enforced to giue ouer his enterprize Diuers men of note dyed in that voyage by diseases and bad ayre and among others Marin Iustiniano Ambassador for the Signory who by the Senates command had still followed the Emperor and Doctor Nicholao de Ponte who at that time was gouernour of Vdina was sent in his place During the Emperors iourny the French King was not at quiet who being mightily incensed as hath beene said against the Emperor thought on nothing but meanes how to be reuenged of these wrongs which he had offered him therefore by meanes of his Ambassadors whom he sent to Luca to meet the Pope he had earnestly entreated his Holinesse to declare the truce made at Nice by his owne meanes and authority to be broken and infringed by the murther of Fregosa and Rincon the better to let all men see the iustice of his cause But resoluing by all meanes to preuaile by force he did with greater vehemency reuiue his former conceits to preuent the Emperor by meanes of the Turkes aid and friendship whereupon he determined to send back Polin to Constantinople to treat in particular of the comming of the Army against the Emperor and as he passed along to vse new meanes to draw the Venetians to his party Polin then beeing come to Venice from thence to passe to Constantinople he with the Bishop of Montpellier ordinary Ambassador to the King came into the Councell of the Tenne according to the vsuall custome of secret audiences where they discharged their commission from their Prince Polin siriuing very much by a long oration to perswade the Senators by a new aliance to embrace the Kings friendship But all his discourse and goodly reasons could not preuaile with the Senators to make them alter their opinion or to draw them to any new alliance thereby to entangle them in a new warre Therfore that businesse being referred to the Senate their resolution with a generall consent of them all was like to that of the councel of the Tenne to giue the lame answer to the French Ambassadors as was made to Ianusby How that the Common wealth did deerely account of the French Kings friendship the which for their parts they would euer constantly and inuiolably maintaine yet neuerthe lesse they determined to liue at peace wi◅h other Princes not to enterprize any thing which might procure war betwixt them Polin after this answere being inbarked in the Venetian Gallies sailed into Albania and from thence pursued his iourny towards Constantinople with a certaine assurance to cause the Turkish army to march whither he would desire but the deseignes of the French tooke none effect for that yeare either because it was already to far spent to make great preparations and to execute all at one time or else because Soliman had setled all his thoughts vpon the enterprize of Hungary making account to goe thither in person with a farre greater army The French King in the meane time resoluing on warre had raised three armies the one conducted by my Lord the Daulphin went to beseege Perpignan the other commanded by my Lord the Duke of Orleance marched to enuade the French County and Luxembourg the third greater then any of the rest by reason of the supplies of the Duke of Cleaues gouerned by the Duke of Vendosme Prince of the blood of France entred Flanders by the country of Artois But all these forces did by the report of such great prouisions more am aze then hurt the Emperor because that the Daulphin finding Perpignan to be suffitiently fortified by the Duke of Alua returned without any notable exploit the Duke of Orleans on the other side did but scoure and wast the country Wherevpon the French King perceiuing all his deseigns were to no purpose did greatly taxe Soliman and the Venetians because they had not taken Armes to fauour his party whilest the Emperor was busied else-where The King being thus discontented was the more incensed against the Venetians thorow the bad offices of the Bishop of Montpellier his Ambassador so as Polin being informed of his Maisters discontent did openly in all places oppose himselfe against the Venetians affaires scandalizing the Baily and the Common-wealth and because he hoped to haue the Turkish army the yeare following at his kings deuotion he said that it being once ready he would make the Venetians feele to their losse what great force his Kings pursuts and authority had against them The cause of the kings discontentment proceeded from that which is aboue mentioned for that they went armed and in troupes to the house of the French Ambassador to
of Saxony whereon and vpon the quality of the engagement hauing a long time insisted the whole businesse remained vnresolued on This assembly was broken off by reason of the rumors spred abroad at the beginning of the yeere 1543. of the great prouisions for warre made in sundry places and chiefly at Constantinople to enuade Hungary and Austria and to scoure all the sea-coasts belonging to the Emperour The French King hoping by meanes of this army raised in his behalfe and at his entreaty to breake the Emperors designes and forces had likewise raised a great army as well of his owne subiects as of Swisses to vphold the Duke of Cleues rebellion and to assaile the Emperor in diuers and sundry places who on the other side determining to reuenge the wrongs and iniuries receiued from the French and especially to chastise as he said the audaciousnesse of the Duke of Cleues a feudatary of the Empire for taking armes with his enemies against him did assemble the Dyet of Princes and free townes according to the custome of the country where hee procured them to make warre on the French King and the Duke of Cleues at the common charge of all Germany and for the augmenting of his forces he resolued to ally himselfe with Henry King of England notwithstanding that the same King had repudiated his Aunt Queene Katherine and shaken off the yoake of the Romish Catholike Church that they might both of them together make warre vpon France King Henry did easily agree to the Emperors motion beeing distasted of the French King for fauoring Iames King of Scots his enemy The Pope in the meane time and the Venetians did still continue in their neutrallity meaning as much as in them lay to maintaine the peace of Italy The Pope neuerthelesse being for sundry reasons displeased with the Emperor made suite to the Venetians to contract a more strict alliance together for their common safety propounding at that time termes tending wholly to peace and not to depart but vpon constraint from their neutrallity but determining neuerthelesse as it was perceiued by sundry signes to draw the Republike afterwards to some new confederacy with the French King The Senate continuing the accustomed answers and telling the Pope how that there was not any cause to mooue them to renue their alliance which might not without suspition to Princes rather hasten then preuent the mischiefe to come made an excuse saying that it could not make any new agreement with any one for feare least the Emperour would be incensed against them who had so often sought vnto them for new confederacy to the which they had neuer consented But they were most of all troubled to see the Turkish army to depart from Constantinople whereof men spake diuersly notwithstanding that the Turkes did promise them in no sort to meddle with any thing which did belong to their Common-wealth and that captaine Polin who was to goe along with it had assured them of the like who by his Kings commandment had changed his minde Yet the Senate not relying ouer much on all these promises determined likewise to arme the number of three score Gallies and to appoint a Generall ouer them which was Stefano Tepulo a man very famous for his rare vertues and deserts whereof they forthwith aduertized all Princes to the end that the making ready of their fleet might not make them to suspect that they had any sinister meaning saying that the Republike had armed certaine Gallies for the defense of their owne subiects and for the gard of their sea-coasts and they commanded their Generall to visit the Islands vnder their dominion and all their forts vpon the sea to giue order and prouide for all things necessary with expresse charge to auoide all occasions that might giue the Turkes any cause of distrusting their friendship towards them whereinto they very well knew that Doria would haue oftentimes cunningly drawne them The Turkish nauall army in the meane time consisting of sixe score saile departed from Constantinople vnder the command of Cariadine Barbarossa captaine Polin going along with him and comming to Negrepont where it made some stay to take in souldiers and other necessaries it sailed to the Hauen of Figara and from thence directed their course towards the West and hauing passed the Far of Messina came neere to Calabria where landing certaine of his troupes he tooke the city of Regio and after he had spoiled it and scoured the country round about the castle still holding out he did re-embarke his people and held on his course towards France and by the way he tooke in water at the Isle of Ponze and next at Ostia vpon the Riuer Tiber whereby Rome was in alarme but Polin did by letters assure the Gouernor of the towne that no harme should bee done to any one vpon the coast then hoysing ankors and still coasting along the Riuers of Tuscany and Genoa he arriued in the Hauen of Tolon where finding two French Gallies hee was by them conducted towards Marseilles whither the Kings other foure and twenty Gallies came Barbarossa went on shore where hee was magnificently entertained in the city together with great numbers of Ianissaries Polin riding post to finde the King and to receiue his commandements whom Barbarossa was enioyned wholly to obey did speedily returne to the army which being encreased by sixteene French Gallies and certaine shippes wherein were sixe thousand foote-men hee departed from Marseilles and sailed with a faire winde to the hauen of Villafranca to beseege the city of Nice which the Duke of Sauoy then possessed which had euer belonged to the crowne of France The Artillery and souldiers beeing landed the City for certaine daies was battered whereby it was enforced to yeeld without being sacked but the Marquis of Guasto hauing victualled the castle and Barbarossa being diswaded from makeing any longer aboade there Autumne being very farre spent raised his campe and returned with his whole fleete to the hauen of Marseilles Now the Venetian fleete beeing truely aduertized what course the Turkes held and how that Ianetin Doria was gonne into the Leuant did entertaine time in the Gulphe the Generall thinking it more safe and proffitable to prouide for that which concerned themselues and to auoide occasion of meeting with the others that he might take away all suspition of being desirous to helpe or hinder their deseignes The Emperor at the same time resoluing to goe into Germany to stirre vp that country against the French King hauing first caused the Estates of Spaine to accept the Prince Don Philip his sonne for their King came to Barcelona where finding Doria with forty Gallies and certaine ships he imbarked himselfe with the Spanish fantery and came to Genoa Vpon the report of his arriuall in Italy the Venetians chose foure Ambassadours to wit Carlo Morosin Gabriele Veniero Lodouico Faliere and Vittor Grimany to meet him as he passed
knowing that therein he had done no great good seruice to Religion that he had broken with the Pope and nothing preuailed with the Almains wherevpon he sought to moderate the conditions with which it had beene published The Venetians on the other side perceiuing that the assembly of the councell though they would not openly hinder it was not pleasing to the Pope as being made in an vnfit time and place and by meanes not beseeming the dignity and authority of the sea Apostolike would not send their Ambassadors thither Concerning the accord treated of at Constantinople of which al men hoped for a prosperous end by meanes of a long truce of many yeeres certaine difficulties arising about the restitution of some few castles in Hungary it ended by a short suspension of armes for one yeere with an intent neuerthelesse as Solimans selfe did say and write to the French King that after the matter should bee well debated in Ferdinands Court the Ambassadours might returne to the Port the next yeere following with new Commissions to strenthen the peace with a longer terme In the meane time a new Contention arose betwixt the Turkes and the Venetians about the confines of Dalmatia where the Sangiacks of Bossina and Clissa being desirous to disturbe the peace for their owne particular profit or else to spoile the country or to receiue so me presents of the Venetians would haue vsurped a great part of the territory of Zara saying that a country contayning nine and forty villages did belong vnto them as dependances of the castles of Nadin and Laurana which by the last accord remayning to the great Lord they said did likewise belong vnto him with all their territories wherevpon they forbad the inhabitants of those places vpon grieuous penalties to acknowledge any other Lord but Soliman This new trouble did greatly vex the Venetians the country in question being of great importance both for it selfe and for the preseruation of the city of Zara and although their reasons were vnreasonable in regard that Nadin and Laurana small castles had no territory belonging vnto them but did with the other villages nere adioyning depend on Zara the chiefe city of the Prouince yet neuerthelesse fearing least the strange and insolent proceedings which the Turkes are wont to vse in such businesses who hold it for a law that the whole country whereon the horse of the great Lord hath once trod doth belong vnto them might occasion longer strife had recourse to Soliman who referring the decission of that controuersie to the Sangiac of Chersega and to two Cadis these men are ordinary iudges in law was desirous to haue whatsoeuer they should set downe to be executed who were to meet in the same place with the Commissioners of the Signory The Senate did for that purpose choose Lodouico Rayniero who handled the businesse so wisely and discreetly with the Turkish officers as the whole territory in question was quietly adiudged to the Republike of Venice The same yeere deceassed Prince Landi leauing behind him a great and singular reputation to haue well and wisely gouerned the Common-wealth for the space of sixe yeeres and eight monthes and lieth buried in Saint Antonies Church Francesco Donato was chosen in his place FRANCESCO DONATO the seuenty ninth Duke ABout the beginning of the yeere 1546. all those that desired the peace of Italy were afraide least it would be shortly shaken with new troubles because that the peace betwixt the Emperor and the French King the principall Articles thereof taking none effect was so badly assured as there wanted nothing but a fit time to take armes The French King by the sodaine death of his sonne the Duke of Orleance hauing not obtained the Duchie of Milan promised vnto him by meanes of the marriage had not for all that lost his desire to recouer it the Duke of Sauoy likewise could not be restored of his State the King still detayning it vpon sundry pretences hoping to enforce the Emperor to some other conditions by the restitution thereof seeking thereby to obtaine his desire An other new matter happened in Italy which gaue cause of feare of some new troubles for the Pope perceiuing al his deseignes to fal out contrary to his desire for the aduancement of his house hauing cut off from the Churches demaines the cities of Parma and Placentia which Pope Iulius the second had annexed therevnto gaue them in see to Petro Lodouico his son on condition to pay a yeerely rent of eight thousand crownes to the Church and in recompence thereof to make ouer to the sea Apostolike the Dutchy of Camerin and the Signory of Nepi wherwith his son Octanio had beene inuested This Cession did so much displease the Emperor as he could by no meanes be induced to giue the Pope the inuestiture of those two cities which he demanded hauing beene in formet time incorporated into the Dutchy of Milan This resusal of the Emperor had equally incensed both the father and the son so that Petro Lodouico would willingly haue embraced the first occasion offered against the Emperour and the Pope distrusting both the Emperour and the French King resolued by all meanes to maintaine and defend what he had done concerning the erection of the new Dutchy in the person of his sonne who discoursing with the Venetian Ambassadour told him into what danger Italy was like to fail so soone as the French King should be at peace with the King of England which at that time was treated of and that the Emperor if he could not at the Dyet of Ratisbon draw the Protestant Princes to his desire would bee enforced to make warre vpon them therefore he did exhort the Senate to ioyne with him a firme and sound intelligence as it behooued them for their common interests and for a greater assurance he caused the new Duke to send Augustino de Landes his Ambassador to Venice who acquainting them with the new grade and dignity which he had lately obtained did in his name offer both his State and person to the seruice of the Signory The Senate did very louingly thanke him for his offers offering him the selfe same but in generall termes which could not tie them to any thing because they would not thereby giue his Holinesse any hope by their meanes to raise any troubles in Italy then prouiding for the defense of their owne States and foreseeing what might happen they tooke into the seruice of the Common wealth Guido Vbaldo Duke of Vrbin in quallity of Generall of their forces by land with a yeerely pension of fiue thousand crownes and fifteene thousand crownes for an hundred men at armes and a hundred light horse which he was bound to haue continually ready for the seruice of the Signory But the troubles wherein the Emperor and the French King were engaged was cause of the safety of Italy because that the one notwithstanding all his attempts could not get Bolloigne
hee feared vnlesse hee were releeued to bee enforced for the conseruation of his owne State to ioyne himselfe with some one or other and to deale otherwise then hee desired This demand was thought to be very suspitious and ful of cunning they supposing that the French went about by this meanes to sound their meaning the better to draw them to some confederacie or at least to discouer some-what of their interior purposes wherupon the Senate was of opinion to answer him in generall termes Now it had aboue all thinges desired the peace of Italy and that to those ends it had vsed al possible means with the Pope and others besides according as it had seene occasion but 〈◊〉 nothing preuailed therein they were at least resolued to keep themselues in peace and in their ancient neutrality and the better and more honorably to doe it and with greater assurance other men being armed they thought it â—…it to arme and by prouiding for that which concerned them had together taken care for the preseruation of the Dukes state in regard of the particular affection they did beare him and for their owne interest likewise being in manner inseparable with his by reason of the neere neighborhood of their States This answere not satisfyieng the French they resolued to discouer themselues more plainely to the Senate seeing that all men knew that they did meane to en terprize some matter of consequence vpon Italy for which Lodouico Alemani beeing sent to Genoa had vnder sundry pretences attempted to raise his faction there and craued in the Kings name that it might please the Genouois to lend him their hauen for his fleet to lie in safety where hee might land those troops which he intended to send into Italy Now the Cardinall Tournon beeing at the same time at Venice whither he came from Rome vpon the Popes commandement that all the French Cardinals should leaue the Citty King Henry wrote vnto him that he should in his name expose to the Prince and Senate in open Councell the State of the affaires of Italy the occasion and intent for which and with which he had resolued to send his troopes to the aid of Duke Octauio and to defend his cause That hee thought he should performe a noble part and worthy a great Prince and which in particular ought to be pleasing to the Princes of Italy to defend an Italian Prince weake and vniustly oppressed by the violence of other men who had cast himselfe into his armes and protection that he could hardly be perswaded that the Pope would hinder the defense and preseruation of his owne vassall with an other mans armes and aid seeing he himselfe was able to giue him small releefe and that beeing so defended he could least of all beleeue that the other Italian Princes would crosse him in going about to moderate the Emperors greatnesse and curbe his vnmeasurable desires aiming as all men did plainly see to rob weake Princes of their States and to bring Italy into bondage that the matter it selfe was able to giue sufficient testimony that his deseignes tended to none other ends seing that he stood vpon those termes that without needing the Citty of Parma possessing so many townâ—…s in Piedmont the passages lay open to himt through which hee might march against the State of Milan but because hee then knew that his actions were sinisterly interpreted he was resolued to giue ouer that enterprize yet neuerthelesse he could not be perswaded but that the Venetian Senate beeing so great and wise a Prince in Italy on whose authority all others were at last to depend would be mooued with these troubles which drew after them sundry others of very great importance that he did excuse that which the Pope had done as falling out by constraint rather then of set purpose being incompassed with feare in the midest of the Emperors power and armed forces as also in regard of the Councel already published with very dangerous deseignes the Hereticks of Germany being come to it but when his Holinesse should be assured that other men would aid him it was not then to be doubted but that hee would embrace some other resolution seeing that to quit the Emperors friendship in such a case might rightly be termed a setting of himselfe at liberty The Senate gaue the King thankes and did highly commend his generous deseigne of defending such as are destitute of helpe yet they were in good hope that by an accord already treated of with the pope who did not resist it those businesses might in som sort be composed The King notwithstanding continued the war although contrary to his desire he found none in al Italy Octaâ—…io â—…arnese excepted whom hee might bee assured did fauour him but resoluing to declare him-selfe afterwards more openly against the Emperor hauing sent other forces into Piedmont hee did vnlooktâ—… for cause diuerse places to bee assailed which were kept by the Imperialls some of which hee tooke hee did at the same time proclaime warre by sea commanding the Prior of Capua brother to Pietro 〈◊〉 Admirall of the French Galleys that scouring the seas hee should fight with the Emperors vessels whereby it happened within a while after that Doria wâ—…th his Galleys conducting Maximillian King of Boheme and his wife from Barcelona to Genoa he hardly escaped the French fleet yet neuerthelesse some of his vessels that lod'g behinde were taken and brought to Marseilles But the Kings treaty with Duke Maurice of Saxony Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg and other Princes and free Citties of Germany was of faâ—…re greater importance all these beeing merueilously distasted of the Emperor though vpon sundry occasions some beeing not able to digest the wrong done to the Landgraue whom the Emperor kept prisoner contrary to his promise and others beeing prouoked against the Emperor for matters of Religion King Henry resoluing vpon this league and hauing imparted it to Giouan Capello the Venetians Ambassador resident with his Maiesty hee did assure him that hee would in person goe into Germany earnestly entreating him to follow him thither to the end as it was supposed that hee might haue occasion to practise some confederacy with the Venetians or at least to keepe the Emperor in perpetuall iealouzie and suspition The Senate although it had determined not to enter into any farther allyance with the French did thinke it against reason to deny the King that as well to shew their good meaning towards him as in regard of the profit and commodity which the Republick might receiue thereby to the end that the Emperor who by reason of Parma and Placentia and other his actions which all Italians did greatly suspect might know that a more strict alliance might bee easily contracted betwixt the French and the Venetians to the great danger and preiudice of his Estates in Italy The Pope in the meane time beeing mooued with these troubles and considering that himselfe hauing beene the motiue thereof
this day The Venetians in the meane time beeing vnwilling to bee surprized if they should happen to be enforced to take armes receiued into their pay Sforza Palauicin Marquis Cortemajor a very famous captaine then they sent Ieronimo Grimani Ieronimo Zene and Marc-Antonio de Mulla Ambassadors to Pope Pius the 4 an inward friend to the Common-wealth who entertained them very louingly and hauing giuen them audience in the Chamber of Kings hee did greatly commend the Republike promising to fauor and augment it with all his power who being desirous to roote out heresies which on euery side troubled the Catholike Religion did by his briefe cause the Generall councell to be published at Trent in the Octaues of Easter of the yeere following exhorting the Prelats to come thither and Christian Princes either to come or send their Ambassadors In this manner ended the yeere 1560. wherein Francis the second French King deceased and Charles Maximillian Duke of Orleance his brother succeeded him in the Kingdome of France being twelue yeeres of age and was called Charles the ninth In this meane time the ouerture of the councell still continued at Trent whither the Pope sent seuen of the chiefe of the Colledge of Cardinals famous both for learning and good life namely Hercules Gonzaga of Mantua Ieronimo Seripand the Neapolitan Giouan Moron of Milan Stanislaus Hosius a Polander Lodouico Simonete a Milanois Marâ—…-Sitic a German and Bernardo Nauigera a Venetian The Emperor likewise sent his Ambassadors thither who were Sigismond Thuonius Archbishop of Trent and Antony Muglitius of Morauia Archbishop of Casurgia Those of the French King were Regnard Ferrier a very learned man and well seene in the tongues and Lewis of Saint Gelais Lord of Lansac Knight of honour to the Queene the Kings mother For Philip King of Spaine there was Claudio Fernandes Earle of Lunel a very noble person and for the King of Poland Valentine Herbutus a Polonois The Venetians sent thither Nicolo de Ponte and Matteo Dandulo men much renowned for their singular learning and knowledge in many matters they were accompanied by Antonio Milledonna the Secretary a man of so rare excellent a wiâ—… as being employed in some actions in that holy assembly he made him selfe to be admired of all men Toward the latter end of the same yeere the last Session of the General Councell was held at Trent and about the beginning of the yeere following that which had there beene concluded was sollemnly published and sent to Rome to Pope Pius the fourth who in the open consistory of Cardinals accepted and ratified it commanding it to be receiued ouer all Christendome At this councell were present diuers great Prelats of the Venetians State all borne at Venice namely Bernardo Nauagera Cardinall and Legat in the councell in stead of Seripand who died there Giouan Treuisan Patriarke of Venice Daniele Barbaro chosen Patriarke of Aquileia Piâ—…tro Lande Archbishop of Candie Marco Cornare Archbishop of Spalatra Philippo Moceniga Archbishop of Cyprus Antonio Coceo Archbishop of Corfou and afterwards clarke of the Chamber Lodouico Pisani the Bishop of Padua and afterwards Cardinal Georgio Cornare Bishop of Treuiso Iulio Contaren Bishop of Bellun Tomaso Bishop of Cap 〈◊〉 Giouan Francisco Commendune Bishop of Zant and Cesalonia and afterwards Cardinall Pietro Barbarico Bishop of Cursoles Pietro Contaren Bishop of Bassus Dominico Bolano Bishop of Bressia Federico Cornare Bishop of Bergamo André Moceniga Bishop of Himosia Ierâ—…nimo Treuiâ—…an Bishop of Verona Ieronimo Ragazzone Bishop of Famagosta Matteo de Priuli Bishop of Vincenza â—…rancisco Contaren chosen Bishop of Baffus Giouan Delâ—…ino Bishop of Torcelles and Ieronimo Vielmo Bishop of Citta-noua all men of singular knowledge and admirable learning At the beginning of the councell there arose a controuersie which did greatly trouble the Pope betwixt the Ambassadours of France and Spaine about precedency each of those Kings beeing desirous to haue their Ambassadours to take the chiefest place next to the Emperours Ambassadour King Philip sent word to the Pope that his pleasure was to haue the chiefe place assigned to his Ambassadour or otherwise hee gaue him to vnderstand that hee would not onely call home his Ambassadour from the Councell but likewise all his subiects King Charles protested against it saying That if they went about to doe him that wrong to take from him the place and ranke which his predecessors had euer held as well in regard of their nobillity and antiquity as for the great benifits which the Church of Rome had receiued from them hee would not onely call home his Ambassadours but himselfe together with his whole Kingdome would depart from the obedience of the sea Apostolike The Pope to preuent the inconueniences that might arise thereby did decree by the aduise of the consistory of Cardinals That the French Ambassadour should keepe his vsuall ranke and place and that hee of Spaine to giue some satisfaction likewise to that King should sit in the middest of the Cardinals below the Priests and aboue the Deacons by meanes whereof the whole matter was pacified About the same time there happened a very strange accident at Rome the like whereof had neuer before beene seene which was thus certaine young men of verie good place beeing prouoked by a vision which they said they had receiued from Angelles how that to the Pope then liuing an other diuine Pope should succeed him who should bee the onely Monarke of the world commanding both the Spirituall and Temporall iurisdiction and should bring all men to the knowledge of the true God and they being desirous to haue it sodainely come to passe not tarrying till the Pope should die his naturall death resolued to dispatch and kill him whilest as his manner was hee should giue audience and one of their number called Benedetto Accolto tooke vpon him to strike him as hee should read a supplication that hee would present vnto him but when it came to the execution so great feare and amazement seized on him as hee withdrew himselfe all trembling wherevpon one of the conspirators fearing least that they should bee discouered went presently to the Pope and opened the whole complot to him so as they were all apprehended and publikely executed In other places great numbers of pirats scoured the Adriattick seas so that nothing could escape their hands comming euen as farre as Chioggia The Venetians disdayning these incursions sent Christofero Canalis against them who departing cheerefully from Venice with foure Gallies did so narrowly pursue them as he tooke part of them whom he forthwith hanged and chased away the rest so as by that meanes the nauigation was assured Toward the latter end of this yeere the Emperour Ferdinand died whom his sonne Maximilian before crowned King of the Romans succeeded who so soone as his fathers funeralls were ended did forthwith march against the Transiluanian to reuenge the wrongs which he said he had done
arriued in a lesse welcome manner he was most graciously entertained His Holinesse applauding his proceeding generally But quite contrary was his opinion of Doria whom he said behaued himself more like a Pirate or newtral then one of the Christian party The end of the tenth Booke of the sixth Decade The Contents of the first Booke of the seuenth Decade THE farther expectation of al men after the famous victory of Lepanto The Venetians preparation against the spring The Emperor beeing solicited by the Pope and Venetians to enter into the league refuseth it The French King Kings of Portugall and Poland doe the like The Spaniards seeme vnwilling by reason of the troubles of Flanders The Venetians great preparations to passe into the Leuant The Turkes scoure the seas whilest their fleet is making ready The death of Pius the fifth with the creation of Pope Gregory the thirteenth Don Iohn his allegations for his stay at Messina Souranza comming thither solicits Don Iohn to depart and vnite himselfe to the Venetian fleete The cause of Don Iohns delay Souranza bringeth supplies to Corfou Iealozies betwixt the French and Spaniards by reason of the troubles of Flanders with the French Kings complaint against the Duke of Alua. The Spaniards are iealous of the French The Pope and Venetians send Ambassadors to the most Christian and Catholike Kings to remooue their distrusts Vluzzali Generall of the Turkish fleet putteth to sea The Senats resolution perceiuing the delays of the Spaniards Don Iohn certifieth Marc-Antonio Colonna of his departure The Christian fleet notwithstanding leaues Corfoù Vluzzali determineth to fight with the Christian fleet The Christians resolue to assaile the Turkes The enemies alter their purpose and refuse battaile The death of Sigismond King of Poland The Venetian General intending to giue battaile encourageth his soldiers And lastly the retreat or rather flight of the enemies The first Booke of the seuenth Decad of the Historie of Uenice THE victory of the confederate Princes ouer the Turkes who by their fortunate successe had till then made themselues terrible to all nations had begot such expectation and hope in most men as they supposed a fit occasion was now offered to reuenge all former wrongs and that the Ottoman Empire forsaken of her late felicity would be ouerthrowne by the power of Christian Princes perswading themselues that the onely report of the arriuall of the Christian fleet was sufficient to open a way to gallant enterprises and conquests and to cause the inhabitants of the Prouinces possest by the Turkes to reuolt who did deadly hate their religion customes and gouernment But the discreeter sort were not transported with such idle suppositions nor fed with such vaine hope considering the euent of things by reason and not by affection knowing that so long as the Turkes land forces the true foundation of their Empire were vnshaken there was no likelyhood at all to preuaile against them nor to hope on the peoples reuolt who commonly are wont to produce cleane contrary effects and especially in the Ottoman Empire where subiects are poore and needy wanting commanders armes and meanes so that their commotions can not greatly hurt the Turkes or profit others and that the Greekes accustomed of a long time to seruitude had lost the greatest part of their ancient generosity The Venetians vpon these considerations were carefull to make new warlike preparations to augment the number of their Gallies to refresh their army with new souldiers and generally to prouide whatsoeuer should be necessary that they might speedily send their fleet into the Leuant against the Turkes But Christian Princes shutting their eyes in regard of their owne particular affections did not apprehend the fit occasion offered to abate the power of so great and terrible an enemy and in a manner enuying one an other they discoursed thereof as though it had beene a forraine warre wherein notwithstanding consisted the common safety and reiected the good fortune which the former prosperous successe did promise them for the Emperor being entreated and solicited by the Pope and Venetians to embrace the cause and being likewise perswaded by the Catholike King who to that end had sent Don Pedro Fassardo to him still persisting in his vsuall delaies and irresolutnesse alleadged new but greater difficulties and wanting will was very glad to entertaine any excuse to free himselfe from it therefore he demanded to haue ready money giuen him insteed of those foote forces which they offered and sufficient caution for it in some free townes of Germany adding farther that he would be assured of the continuance of that supply for a long time and that to those ends they should insert more strict and expresse obligations in the Articles of the capitulations this hee propounded onely for a shew knowing well enough that they would neuer be granted and it was likewise knowne that hee had prepared the tribute and already made choice of a messenger to carry it to Constantinople Charlâ—…s the French King on the other side solicited by the Pope not to be wanting to all Christendome in such an expedition answered that he would first vnderstand the Emperours resolution and so soone as his forces were ready hee would not faile speedily to send his aide to ioyne with the land-troupes of Germany vnder the conduct of his brother the Duke of Aniou but that hee neither could nor ought to suffer his sea-forces farre inferior to those of Spaine to ioyne with them At the same time the Cardinall Alexandrine hauing executed his commission in Spaine was by the Popes commandement gon in Portugall from whence they hoped to procure thirty vessels of warre for seruice of the Christian fleet the King did honourably entertaine him yet hee could draw nothing from his Maiesty but generall promises whereby he saw that the King inclyning wholly to the enterprize of Barbary against the Moores did not greatly respect matters farre from home Not long after Antonio Tepulo hauing accomplished his Ambassadge into Spaine went thither likewise verily perswading himselfe that the newes of the late victory would the easier haue induced that King to embrace the league wherein a very honourable place was reserued for him the Confederates fortunate successe inuiting him therevnto together with his owne interest that the vnbridled greatnesse of the Turkes might bee abated whom not without cause hee might feare would prooue bad neighbours to his Indies All this could not procure the King to incline to the league nor could the Ambassadors draw any other promise from him then this That hee would the next yeere send foure thousand footmen to the seruice of the league and ioyne some few of his owne vessels to the Confederates fleet the which he could not then doe because that certaine French Protestants of Rochell did ordinarily make incursions vpon his territories and sea coasts whereby he was enforced continually to entertaine certaine armed vessels to resist them and the Moores of Fesse and of
Candy hoping that by his wisdome and discretion Don Iohn being put in minde of his former honor might bee speedily induced to depart Souranza departed from Corfou with twenty fiue Galleys hauing foule weather all the way at last arriuing at Messina hee was honorably entertained by Marc-Antonio Colonna excusing himselfe and imputing it to the tempest that he had not met him farther at sea they both went to Don Iohns Pallace and at the gates were receiued by the Count of Piega his chiefe Steward and principall Gentlemen of his houshold conducting them into the Princes presence who with all honorable curtesie welcomed him seeming highly contented with his comming Soranza began to acquaint him with the cause of his arriuall together with the state of matters and incredible desire of all men to see him at Corfou he informed him of the great number of Galleys soldiers abondance of victuals and munitions where with two and twenty ships were loden that they onely wanted the conuention of the fleets which they all desired in so important an action in regard whereof hee was sent to acquaint him with the stare of the Venetians nauy and to waite vpon him to Corfou That the Venetian Captains who had a long time bin in readinesse would attempt nothing without his presence notwithstanding that they had beene often inuited therevnto by report of the enemies weaknesse and by their wrongs and spoiles committed in the Islands vnder their dominion That the Senate and euery particular man desired to haue the glory and honor of all enterprises bestowed vpon him for which cause especially they had hitherto kept their whole fleet in harbor being wel assured that his arriuall at Corfou would be no longer deferred that his own present comming to Messina was rather to honor then hasten his departure saying that nothing would be more dangerous to the league then continuation of delay Marc-Antonie Colonna did in the Popes name second Soranza telling him how much his Holinesse desired the prosperity of the league and conuention of the fleetes Don Iohn seemed not to distaste this motion excusing his delay by sundry impediments hapned promising euer after to vse all possible speed and to take order for the present rigging of an hundred Galleys which should bee man'd with forty thousand footemen of seuerall nations But the effects were not answerable to his words for at that time there were but three score Galleys in the hauen of Messina and of those which the Duke of Sessa was to bring from Spain there was no newes at all Besides the old soldiers refused to go any farther vnlesse they might receiue certaine moneths pay which was due vnto them for their former seruice Yet they dayly fed the Venetian Prouidator with sundry hopes and faire promises and the better to beguile him they imbarked three thousand Italian foot in thirty Galleis vnder the conduct of the General of Naples giuing it forth that they were to goe before to Corfou there to expect the remainder of the fleete In these delayes did they waste time and halfe Iune was spent without any exploit vpon the enemy or any certaine hope or resolution what to do his Holinesse so licitations being therein of no more force then that of the Venetians for the Pope hauing often by letters and lately by his expresse messenger the Bishop of Odiscalca hastned Don Iohn he went about to satisfie him with good words faire promises so far as the nauy was blest by his Holinesse Nuncio processions and prayers appointed to be made and a day prefixt taken for their departure In the end D. Iohn knowing no more how to excuse his delay beeing on euery side solicited to depart the Marquis of Santa Cruz arriuing with the Galleys of Naples and Don Iuan de Cardona with those of Sicill his owne Admirall Galley beeing likewise ready was constrained to discouer the truth of the mattetr which was that hee had receiued expresse commandement from Spaine not â—…o carry the fleete into the Leuant by reason of the Kings doubt of the Frenâ—…h which had restrayned his commission and forces in a place from whence hee might easily depart if need should be to defend the territories of the Spanish King Souranza vnderstanding the true cause of D. Iohns delay and perceiuing his own earnest soliciting to be in vaine thought it fit before his departure at leastwise to trye if for the honour of the league he would lend him part of his nauy which being ioyned to the Venetians at Corfou might preserue the glory and reputation which it had formerly wonne yet because he would not bee seene in it himselfe he caused Collonna to demand it wherevppon the Councell beeing often assembled they at last resolued to lend him 22. Gallies and 5000. foot but because many of them were to be drawn from the Garrisons of Calabria their departure was yet longer delayed Gâ—…lles Andrada Knight of Malta had command of the Gallies as Generall to the King and Vincento Tuttauila Count of Sarna commanâ—…ded the soldiers With these Gallies and those of the Church 13. in number eleuen of the Duke of Florence and two of Michaele Bonello brother to Cardinall Alexandrine the Prouidator Souranza returned to Corfou and by the way Marc-Antonio Collonna displayed the enseigne of the league and held the place of Generall The Intention of the Spaniards published it was euery where reported that the whole force of the league would not for that yeare make any expedition into the Leuant and yet the Spanish Ambassador at Rome had intelligence that notwithstanding the affaires of Flanders a iourney might be made into the east and therfore that his Kings Gallies should direct their course to Affrike and likewise to releeue Sicily Muleassen King of Tunis his pursute with D. Iohn to excite him to this enterprize was caufe that al men beleeued this report and yet mens discourses were different for though the warre of Flanders was not new the accidents were so which enforced the Catholick King to haue a care of the preseruation of those Contries where the enemies forces and disorders were very much augmented For Count Nassau hauing at the beginning of the yeare taken Mons in Henault and not long after the Citty of Valenciennes his whole forces consisting of forraine soldiers and for the most part French this bred great distrust and iealouzie betwixt the two mighty Kings of France and Spayne so as the Duke of Alua then Gouernour of the Low-Contries did speedily aduertize his maister thereof the like did he to the Pope and Venetians amplifiing the matter more then needed wherewith Cardinall Granuell and the Spannish Ambassador that were at Rome wrote speedily to D Iohn willing him not to depart from Messina all Spaine beeing in alarme which did likewise put some iealous distrust in the French least the Spaniards with their nauy should inuade Prouence wherevppon they beganne to fortifie Marseilles and other important
places placing in them strong Garrisons Vppon a rumor spred abroad that the Duke of Alua should publiquely say that hee accounted warre to beee open betwixt Spaine and France the most Christian King was mooued thereat made many complaints by his Ambassadors not onely at Rome and Venice but in Spaine also beeing partly greeued that his cheefe officers did affirme so important a matter the which as himselfe detested hee supposed others would doe the like in part like-wise going about to iustifie his owne actions from which it seemed that the Duke of Aluas suspition proceeded causing him to vse such speech The Christian King affirmed that those French which had followed the Count Nassau at the taking of Valenciennes were indeed his subiects but all of them of the Protestant faction and by consequent disobedient rebels to the Crowne of France that hee had euer beene greatly greeued for the troubles in Flanders as one that in his owne kingdome had too much experience of subiects rebellion and whose part it was to roote out and not by such examples to cherish the boldnesse of vassâ—…ls against their Prince beeing as desirous of the wealth of Christendome as any other liuing although his owne particular troubles would not at that time permit him to shew it in effect and seeing with his owne forces hee could not assist them his meaning was not to hinder the good intent of others that he had some armed vessels ready not to assaile or offend any one but onely for the safety of his owne seas infested by Pyrates the number of his vessels being insufficient for any great action These or such like discourses did the French Kings Ambassadors by their maisters commandement vse in Spaine Rome and Venice and to giue the greater credit vnto them they were by Edict euery where published with a prohibition to all French men on greeuous penalties not to passe with their armes into Flanders and not satisfied here-with his most Christian Maiesty seemed at the same time to incline to the league wherevpon the Cardinall Lorraine by his commandement did often conferre with the Venetian Ambassador resident in his Court concerning that businesse whom hee went about to perswade that the French King was wholy bent to procure the peace of Christendome with a singular affection toward the Crowne of Spaine All this notwithstanding the Spaniards were no better satsfied then before saying That the French did but this to coulor their practises and to open themselues a way to assaile the Catholick Kings territories in sundry places That they had certaine notice how that the King of Nauarre and the Admirall Coligni did openly vrge the most Christian King to vndertake that warre whom hee must needs please in regarde of his owne particularinterest the chiefe Lords and Princes of his Court mainteining that France would neuer bee at quiet vnlesse the King did resolue vpon some forraine enterprise wherein to employ both Catholicks and Protestants and among others that of Flanders seemed the easiest for many respects That he might make that warre with some coulor by reason of the claime of the Crowne of France to those Countries in which warre without all question the Queene of England would willingly haue a share in regard of her distast of the Catholik King That the marshall ot Montmorency went into England to none other end then to conclude the League with the English and that both of them together beeing freed from other troubles might the easlier enuade the Netherlands Besides that the French Kings league with the Turke made them to suspect that hee went about to procure the Turkes Army to enuade the Catholick King as they had done in former times especially seeing it was reported that the Turke had giuen the citty of Tunis to the French King and promised with his forces to defend it against the Spaniards The Pope beeing greatly mooued at these delayes as well for the common interest of Christendome as his owne reputation which hee accounted to bee much blemished in that hee at his first comming to the Papacy hauing freely confirmed the league the Nauy should now become idle and vnprofitable or else be imployed to any other end which the King of Spaine could not doe it beeing set forth at the Clergies cost by permission and authority of the Sea Apostolick onely against the Turkes This caused his Holinesse to send new messengers to D. Iohn to command him speedily to depart and ioyne with the Venetians fleet and on the other he councelled the Venetians to dispatch speedy Ambassadors to the French and Spanish courts to root out all suspitious doubts and distrusts betwixt those Kings and particularly to incite the Catholick Maiesty to send away his fleet without any more delay according to the articles of the league His Holinesse sent his Nuncios for that purpose Antonio Maria Saluiati Bishop of Saint Peposito the French King and Nicolo Ormaneti Bishop of Padua to the King of Spaine The Emperor likewise vsed meanes to attone these two Kings being mooued therevnto by sundry particular respects of his owne but the Venetians more then any shewed themselues earnest and ready in this businesse as well in regard of their owne interest as for that they were loath to giue the Pope any cause to suspect that by not stirring in so important a deseigne their mindes were turned to peace and thereby to distaste him of the league They then according to his commandement chose two Ambassadors namely Giouan Micaele for France and Antonio Tepulo for Spaine who made hast to those Courts Michaele being come into France did briefly acquaint the King with the Senates desire to see a firme and assured peace established betwixt Christian Princes that being afterwards vnited they might turne their forces vpon the common enemy he told him that the Venetians were much discontented with the rebellions of Flanders and with the iealozies which therevpon arose betwixt his Maiesty and the Catholike King which if they should haue lasted could not but haue procured great hurt to Christendome but by how much the matter was great and important of it selfe by so much the lesse could the Senate be induced to beleeue it being well acquainted with his Maiesties discreet loue and affection to the common good And because the perswations of those who are enemies to peace and who for their owne particular interest are wont to diuert Princes from their good and honourable deseignes the Senate would not be wanting therein following the custome of their ancestors to imploy in that businesse the fauour which it particularly presumed to haue with his Maiesty to exhort him to stop his eares to such inducements and if peraduenture he had already entertained them that it might please him in the behalfe of Christendome and for his particular loue to their Commonwealth to cassier them to the end that the Catholike King freed from that doubt might freely harken to the enterprises of the
Leuant and obserue the Articles of the league The King gaue a willing eare to this discourse saying that the Senate was in no sort deceiued of his exceeding loue towards their Commonweale and least of all in beleening that he was desirous of the wealth and aduancement of Christendome that the troubles of Flanders had neuer pleased him that he had vsed all possible meanes to keepe his subiects from being adherents or supporters of those Rebels but that the condition of those times and the present wretched estate of his Kingdome would not permit him to tame the insolency of some that loued innouation who were not to be wondered at if after they had raised troubles in his owne Realme went about to doe the like in his neighbours Dominions that it had neuer beene by his consent for that would haue hurt the Catholike King and done no good to France but on the contrary would haue procured new troubles which might easily incite the Catholike King to an agreement with the Flemings and afterwards to make warre vpon him in Daulphiné or in the Kingdome of Nauar by which meanes in seeking to carry the war into a forraine country he might be enforced to bring it into his owne at such a time when the forces of his Realme were wasted and diuided by long ciuil wars The Queene mother being present at this discourse who at that time had great authority in managing the affaires of the Kingdome desirous to preserue peace would needs with her owne hand write to his Holinesse to assure him of her willingnesse in all things to follow his aduise and councell and that if her sonne the King had raised forces it was not don with an intent to hurt any but only to serue and defend himself from the Spaniards who were reported vpon no iust cause to haue taken armes The Catholike King on the other side before Tepulo his arriuall at his Court resolued to write to Don Iohn That all other respects laied aside hee should make hast with his Gallies to ioyne with the Venetians and with them to saile into the Leuant being herevnto moued by intelligence of the French Kings affection towards him or else for that he did not much feare his power hauing recouered Valenciennes or because he would not so much honor the French as to haue it said that for feare of them he had giuen ouer so important an enterprise as that against the Turkes or that which is most like to be true because as became a wise and vertuous Prince he would in no sort omit that wherevnto he was obliged by the league but whatsoeuer it were that caused this resolution it is certaine that it proceeded from his owne proper motion and that he did write so to Don Iohn before he acquainted his councell therewith fearing least they should propound some difficulties which might haue diuerted him from it as in former times Antonio Tepulo in the meane time being come into Spaine and aduertized of the Kings determination did not speake any thing of the French iealozies or vniting of the Nauies but only intreated the King to permit D. Iohn in regard the time of yeere was almost past for sea-affaires to winter in the Leuant mooued therevnto by sundry reasons which much imported the Venetian Common-wealth The King neuerthelesse alleadging many reasons to the contrary would not grant his request either of his owne proper motion as being vnwilling to hazard too much on fortune or else being so aduised by such as were not greatly affected to the league Now whilest the confederate fleet went slowly forward the great and mighty Turkish nauy scoured the sea For Vluzzali being made Generall thereof besides the gallies which he had receiued of Carazzati had with great speed rig'd and man'd an hundred others with al which departing in great pompe and magnificence from Constantinople he had already past the Streight of Gallipolis and came forward intending to wast and spoile the Isle of Candy and other places belonging to the Venetians according as he should haue intelligence of the progression of the Christian fleet certaine newes being at that time brought to Venice of the stay and delaies of the Spanish fleet which did much discontent them and made them wonder that the Spaniards who at first had been so desirous of the league should after such a fortunate and vnhoped for successe fearing some vncertaine and remote dangers wholy depriue themselues of the present and assured beauty thereof The Senate not being able to discouer wherevnto those delaies tended thinking it vaine to expect their assistance any longer determined to write to Generall Foscaren that without any longer expectation of the conuention of the fleets so soone as the Prouidator Souranza should returne to Corfoù he should put to sea to encourage their subiects and assure their owne territories proceeding warily to embrace such occasions as God shold offer him for the honor and profit of the Commonwealth Foscarin receiuing this commandement tired with his idle aboad there so soon as the Prouidator Souranza Colonna came to Corfou propounded the departure of the nauy into the Leuant wherevnto all men consenting they began to consult about their iourney But Antonio Colonna did freely and with great affection vtter his good meaning towards the affaires of the league and in particular to the profit aduancement of the Venetian Commonwealth much bewayling the time lost and the diminution of their forces neuerthelesse he willed them to hope well assuring them that the Spanish Kings intention was honorable and the Pope very earnest in soliciting him and that Don Iohn with the residue of the fleet would shortly meet them yet though the Popes subiect and seruant to the King of Spaine he was resolued to spend his life in that enterprise it importing the Venetians particular seruice whom hee knew were more interessed in that warre then any other Generall Foscarani replied that the State was well acquainted with the Pope and Catholike Kings loue and they of the States affection and inclination to the league as the proceeding herein testified but Colonnas vertue zeale to the common good of Christendome and particular affection to the Venetian Commonwealth was not only manifested to themselues but to the whole world by so many noble seruices in aduancement of the league yet himselfe could not choose but lament that so many fayre occasions presented they had not imbraced them as they deserued But since it was fruitlesse to call backe time past and they not able to remoue the impediments detayning D. Iohn in Sicely the onely remedy hereof is to redeeme delayes past with present expedition and to set forward against the enemy inferior to themselues both in number and vallor And seeing it hath pleased the diuine prouidence conducting humaine actions in by-wayes to vs vnknowne that the confederate fleeet should bee thus disioyned let vs see if wee can set vpon them
being taken away our forces would ioyne set forwards against the enemy we were enforced to leaue our Islands as their prey to call home our fleet with greater blemish to our reputation expence of lost time then the vniting of our forces would haue profited vs and lastly when fortune hath offered vs many vnhoped for faire occasions to ouer-throw our enemies wee haue beene constrained to omit them beeing forsaken by our friends who vnseasonably dislodged from the Hauen of Nauarin with no honorable but a very preiudicious resolution But what need I to rehearse things so lately done Wee are reduced to such extremity as wee are not able alone to maintaine warre against the Turkes and wee know by experience that the company of others who should ayde and assist vs is rather a burthen and impediment to vs at first it promiseth much but afterwards it growes cold and in deed doth rather encrease then diuert our dangers Wee were perswaded that there would not onely be a sure correspondency betwixt the Pope Catholick King and vs but that the confederacie of these three Potentates would haue incited all other Christian Princes to take armes with vs against the common enemy especially after that notable victory which all men thought would haue procured the Turkes finall ruine but beeing now confirmed by sundry proofes wee may perceiue that this opinion was rather conceiued according to our owne desire then the certainty of the matter Shall wee still then continue in the same error and ground the conseruation of the State and the whole fortune of our affaires on vncertaine foundations and hopes which haue so often deceiued vs Questionlesse it was a generous resolution not to grant the insolent demands of Selim constantly to maintaine the cause of Christendome in no sort to degenerate from our Ancestors who haue euer brauely pursued those enterprises by which they hoped to purchase greatnesse and glory to their Common-wealth but now when wee haue couragiously taken armes and with fortunate successe wonne the battaile hoping for greater matters I know not by what disaster wee can reape no fruite thereof and in fighting wee hazard all and by winning gaine nothing to continue still the same deseignes and dangers without any profit after that the opportunity which together with the victory offered it selfe for the execution of some great enterprise hath already escaped vs will bee rather thought obstinate rashnesse then any zeale to Christian piety or desire of true honour If wee consider the quality of our forces and State wee shall easily perceiue that there is nothing more hurtfull or ill beseeming it then to draw the warre out in length Because that our affaires doe still impaire the leagues forces depending on sundry councels and many times on contrary respects and although they are great doe neuerthelesse become vaine and vnprofitable and then the discommodity of maintaining them for our part is very great by reason of the excessiue expences wee are to bee at for want of men and especially Rowers Most part of whom the late warre hath exhaust not to bee supplyed but with great cost and vncertaine whether with any But if wee shall view our owne estate in a true not flattering glasse wee shall discerne it to bee rather great then strong at least not equiualent to such an enemy An other maine consideration is the distraction and remotenesse of our territory neerer danger then succour requiring diuerse Armies to secure so diuerse places How then is it probable continuance of this warrre shall not more weaken vs then the enemy prosecution of the late victory in deed gaue vs some hope for so wee might haue dispatcht it But how this opportunity is lost and the effects of loosing it ate experience doth teach vs. Now our hope is fledde to the enemy Can then any man doubt but that wee should welcome peace offering hir selfe to vs Since we cannot protect our State by warre why should we not by peace wee know that the Bascha Mahomet alwaies inclining to amity hath vsed their late ouerthrowes as inducements to draw his master to entertaine milder conditions Yf we now reiect his offer he may perhaps reiect vs heereafter Who could haue immagined that the Turks out of the wracks and ashes of their last Fleet could so sodainly haue raised another and with it not only secure themselues but inuade vs what cleerer demonstration can we haue of their Potency or more insallible prediction of the warres euent if after ouerthrow they could doe all this what might we expect after victory I would entreat those which stand for war to satisfie me if domestick occasions imploy the aid of Spaine at home or any priuate respect diuert it to Affrick our props then failing how are wee able of our selues to stand Dependance vppon others may make vs neglect our owne strength and when danger is at our doore it will bee to late to call for helpe from Spaine Portugall or Germany or for them to preuent those Mischeefs which wee already suffer These infirmities the enemy discouering he will grow more insolent and bee so farre from offering that he will not accept any conditions of peace It is pollicy therefore my noble Lords since we haue not reaped the fruit of victory to prouide that we vndergoe not the calamities of ouerthrow that the expence of so much blood time and treasure may purchace safety hough not conquest Wee must not to confidently rely vppon the hazard of battaile whose euent is euer vncertaine som-times not greatly profitable Let vs rather trust to the cleernesse of reason then blindnesse of fortune alwayes an enemy to great actions Peace may perhaps set open some fairer breach to warre heereafter The world can make no dishonourable construction heereof nor our Consederates condemne vs but themselues wee hauing alwaies beene as foreward in the warre as they backward Who can tax vs beeing neglected by others if we secure our selues We follow but the president of the Spaniards and end the warre as they shunne it Nay one of the Catholick Kings cheefe Councelors hath made our Apologie heerein who suspecting this treaty affirmed his maister had no cause to censure ill if the Venetians without violating his entertained the Turkes freindship vpon honorable termes If this peace should soone breake yet we should get breath a thing necessary to the weaker and wearied party All things vnder the Moone are infected with her mutability mens councells and actions altring like themselues Let vs then imbrace this meanes of our safety God in whose protection this State hath euer beene hath vsed this scourge of war to discipline not wound vs and will at his leisure open some vnexpected way of farther happinesse The Princes speech together with his authority was of great force wherevpon the Senate sent presently a new commission to the Baily to reuiue the treaty of peace with ample power to conclude it on the aboue mentioned conditions The great
Christendome and particular profit of the Venetian State they likewise in acknowledgement of his loue would be ready to doe the like for him when need should bee and generally all Spaniards as well at Rome as in Spaine approued it Many discoursing why the Spaniards did so modestly carry themselues therein said that in accusing the Venetians they feared to vrge them to iustifie their owne cause and to taxe the actions of some of the confederates the precedent yeere others said that though the league were broken they would not for all that wholly forsake the Venetians friendship whom in other matters they might neede But I thinke they did it of their owne proude nature beeing willing to let the world see that they did not greatly care for the breach of league accounting themselues strong enough without it to make head against the Turkish force Now the Pope continuing his displeasure the Venetians did not shew themselues stubborne but determined to send an expresse Ambassadour to Rome honorably and reuerently to appease and dispose him to receiue their iustifications Nicolo de Ponte was chosen a man of great yeeres and authority and at that time Procurator of Saint Marke Hee beeing arriued at Rome and hauing audience acquainted his Holinesse with the iust occasions which had mooued the Signory to accept the Turkes offered peace Hee told him that all their sea-coasts were in very great daunger by reason of the enemies mightie preparations the Venetians friends and Confederates delaying their aide that the burthen and expence of that warre had for three yeeres space beene very greeuous to them and their subiects who were able to vndergoe it no longer That the Venetians so long as hope of happy successe did comfort them in their miseries had contributed more then they were tied towards the expense of warre but all faire occasions being omitted they saw no reason to continue it any longer And seeing that the Common-wealth perceiued by many experiences that it could not preserue it selfe by any better meanes then peace his Holinesse ought not to take it in bad part if fitting it selfe to time it sought meanes to temporize with so potent an enemy thereby to imploy the remainder of her forces in some more prosperous action for the aduancement of Christendome and seruice of the Church as it had often done in former time That Pope Paul the third perceiuing that they had in vaine taken armes against Soliman did himselfe aduise the Venetians to peace the league beeing then as now That the Senate for diuers reasons did not impart this their deseigne to any of the confederates proceeding therein by the rule of State and by the same which the Catholike King a very wise Prince had vsed who at that time when he detained his fleet did not acquaint the Venetians with the cause These reasons did somewhat satisfie the Pope who beganne more mildly to treat with the Venetian Ambassadors The Senate in the meane time had speedily dispatched Francesco Barbaro to Constantinople to carry newes of their consent and confirmation of peace till that Andrea Badoario appointed to goe thither as Ambassador should be ready to depart to Selim for the sollemn confirmation of the Articles and with the vsuall presents Barbaro made great hast as befitted the importancy of the businesse and in 14. daies arriued at Constantinople which was at the beginning of May his arriuall was very gratefull because that the Turkes hauing daily intelligence of the warlike preparations made at Messina beganne to suspect that the Venetians had cunningly made this treaty to delay their warlike prouisions that they might with more ease surprize them vnawares and that which confirmed them in this opinion was because they had no notice of the comming of a Venetian Ambassador This sodainely caused them to prepare the fleet which had beene disarmed notwithstanding that the time was too farre spent for such actions Mahomet with sundry difficulties hauing till then deferred it to take away all occasions that might frustrate peace At last toward mid Iune the Bashas Vluzzali and Piali went to sea with an hundred and fifty Gallies thirty Foists and ten Mahonnes and sailed to Negropont where they made some aboad expecting the issue of the treaty of peace and Piali hauing intelligence from the Sanzhac of Chersega that the Ambassador and the new Baily were arriued in Dalmatia and on their way towards Constantinople did with the whole fleet saile to Modon and hearing that peace was established with the Venetians he turned his forces vpon the Catholike King scouring the sea coasts of Puglia where he burnt the city of Castres The Venetians being aduertized that the Turkish fleet was abroad and that they intended not to obserue the peace and what themselues had done was interpreted as a collour to deceiue were possessed with the same iealozies as the Turks wherevpon notwithstanding the Ambassador was already in Dalmatia the euent of his Ambassage was held very doubtfull and a decree being made that Generall Foscarâ—…ni leauing sixe Gallies at Corfou should bring the rest of the fleet to Zara and vnrig it they neuerthelesse deferred the execution thereof and sent him word to disarme only tenne of the worst and to re-enforce the rest which being done there remained with him foure score and twelue seruiceable Gallies But this did farther encrease the Turkes iealouzies All these shaddowes of false suspition being vanished and the Senate supposing that the Common-wealth was out of danger being vnwilling any longer to continue so great a charge sent word to the Generall that he should vnrigge his Gallies and returne home to Venice By this time the Ambassador Badoario arriued at Constantinople where in few words he told Selim That by how much the Prince and Venetian Senate had beene greeued with the breach of friendship betwixt the State and the Oâ—…toman family by so much more was their ioy then compleate because all controuersies ended they were now revnited as before their subiects enioying peace quiet and free traffick hoping that peace and friendship now renued would be of long continuance which the Venetians for their parts would be very carefull to obserue intreating Selim to doe the like for his part as became a vertuous and iust Prince Selim made no other answer but briefly seemed to allow that which the Ambassador had spoken and ratified and confirmed the Articles before concluded with the Baylie In this sort after that warre had continued foure yeeres peace was established with the Turke The same yeere 1573. in March Henry Duke of Aniou brother to Charles the ninth French King was elected King of Poland that Kingdome being voide by the death of Sigismund Augustus the last of the noble family of the Iaâ—…elons who had worne that crowne for the space of two hundred yeeres and because succession hath no place in that Realme being an electiue Kingdome after Sigismunds death which happened in Iuly in the yeere 1572. The
giue ouer their robbing the Dalmatian and Histrian seas sent certaine Galleys thither vnder the command of Giouan Bembo their Generall assisted by Colonell Piercente Gabutio his troopes who defeated these theeues and cleered the seas Heerein during peace did the Venetians busie themselues whilest the Turke enuaded Hungary and Transiluania But the Vsicoques in the yeare 1599. continuing their incursions the Venetians sent Nicolo Donato who succeded Bembo against them together with the same Colonell Pierconte Gibutio and his Regiment who entred and wasted their countrey tooke diuerse of theirs Castles and slew many of them Henry the fourth French King vpon diuerse iust and reasonable causes hauing obtained the Popes dispensation to repudiate his wife the Lady Marguerite of France sister to the late King and to marry an other by whom hee might haue issue craued the Lady Maâ—…y of Medicis Princesse of Florence daughter to the late Francisco great Duke of Tuscany and Neece to Ferdinand de Medicis now great Duke a Princesse beside her youth endowed with rare beauty wisdome and many excellent parts The great Duke perceiuing how honorable this match would bee to himselfe and the whole family of Medicis did willingly consent therevnto wherevpon so soone as it was determined and concluded a great Lord of France was sent thither who in the Kings name married her at Florence honoring her as his maisters wife Then all things prepared for the iourney of so great a Princesse towards the latter end of the yeare she embarked hir selfe and traine in the great Dukes Gallies sailing to Marseilles where arriuing she remained for certaine daies receauing magnificent entertainment till she might faâ—…ther know the pleasure of the King her husband who at that time made warre vpon the Duke of Sauoy for recouery of the Marquisat of Salusses which that Duke had seazed on during the ciuill warres of France His Maiestie hauing intelligence that the Queene his wife was arriued at Marseilles sent word that shee should come to Lyons whither himselfe came in post and consummated the marriage begun at Florence Italy in the meane time was in all arme because the Count Fuentes being by King Philip sent Lieutenant Generall to Milan made great leuies of soldiers both Spaniards Italians Swisses and Almaines vnder collour of aiding the Duke of Sauoy against the French King if peace betwixt those Prines tâ—…eated of at the Popes command by his Nephew the Cardinall Aldobrandini tooke not effect This troubled all Italy and especially the Venetians in regard of their townes in Lombardy The great Duke likwise grew iealous whervpon each of them armd and gaue order to fortifie their frontiers the lâ—…ke did Francisco Maria Duke of Vrbin Peace in the meane time being proclaimed at Lyons betwixt the Christian King and duke of Sauoy at the beginning of the yeare 1601. and Count Fuentes for all that not disarming but on the contrary encreasing his forces made the French King to renew his league with the Swisses and to leuy new troupes that if the Spaniard should enuade any of his friends or Confederats in Italy him selfe might speedily be able to succor him King Philip aduertized of this iealozy commanded Count Fuentes to disarme whereby al these suspitions ceased Not-with-standing the Venetians sent the Colonell Pier-conte with other Captaines into Lombardy whither like-wise by their commandement the Generall Leonardo Donato was gone together with Giouan Baptista Generall of their fantery to fortifie their frontier townes hauing discouered a plot laid to surprize one of their cheefest Citties and although Count Fuentes by his masters commandement had deuided his Army at Milan into sundry parts namely into Flanders Croatia and to Prince Doria yet he still retained such great numbers at Milan as might iustly cause his neighbors to feare and suspect The Venetians likewise armed certaine Gallies and two Galeasses Diuers causes mooued the Venetians to doe so but cheefly because Prince Doria by King Phillips commandement hauing rigged a mighty fleet houered vp and downe the mediterranean no man knowing his deseigne in the end he cleered this doubt for he sailed to Argier in Barbary making an attempt there which by reason of sundry difficulties had no good successe In the yeare 1602. the fort called Palma Noua by the Venetians was ended and is thought to be one of the goodliest in all Italy which beeing inhabited they there beganne to build faire houses and goodly Pallaces so as in a short time they hope it will prooue as populus as strong The Senate afterwards perceiuing that one of the mouthes of Po would in time choake vp with aboundance of earth the Hauens of Chioggia and Malamoc to the great preiudice and hinderance of the Citty of Venice which by that meanes would loose the ordinary trafficke and commerce of those Hauens caused a great trench to bee made through which they diuerted that mouth of the Riuer another way making it to fall into the Sea at a place whereas it could doe noe more hurt At the same time Philippo Pascalic arriued at Venice returning from his iourney against the Vsicoques hee was sent by the Senate as Prouidator Generall of Dalmatia wherein hee got great commendation hauing defeated those theeues who were afterwards wholy rooted out by the Archduke Theodoro Balbi likewise Prouidator of the Gulphe did put the Pirates of Barbary to flight who scouâ—…ed the seas almost to Venice from whom hauing taken three Galeots and set many Christian slaues at liberty hee did so terrifie them as they durst no more come into those seas The great Dukes Galleys had the like good hap which according to their custome sailing in the Archipelago to meet with Turkish Foists and to spoile their sea coasts incountred the Galleys of Rhodes which they fought with tooke some of them and carried a rich booty to Florence But not to stray farre from the Venetians the Clergie of Prague hauing vehemently contested against Doctor Francisco Zabarello for the â—…ute prefer'd to sell certaine antient Church lands The Senate made a decree that the Church should not appropriate vnto it selfe rents possessed by the Layety grounding that decree vpon a prohibition made by the Senate in the yeare 1333. that no lands should bee giuen or bequeathed in perpetuity to Churches within the Citty and Dutchy of Venice and if any were left vnto them they should bee sold by a certaine time prefixt and the money alone to be theirs alledging for reason that the Clergie who pretend themselues and goods to bee exempt from all necessary charges belonging to the Common-wealth the number of them dayly increasing and on the contrary that of the Citizens still decreasing who serue and busie themselues in the ciuill gouernment and the quantity of their goods wheron the publick reuenew depends beginning to faile in the end all wealth would of necessity fall to the Clergie This law was variously obserued till the yeare 1536. when it was
reduced to this forme That none of what quality soeuer should giue lands to the Church but onely for two yeares space in which time they should be sold and if the sale were not made by the Clergie a ciuill Magistrate should bee appointed to doe it This beeing considered by the Senate hath euer since beene generally practised ouer the whole Venetian state The yeare 1603. the Councell of the Preguays at Venice decreed that no Venetian cittizen of what degree or quality soeuer should in the Citty without the Senates consent build any new Church Hospitall or Monastery not that the Senate would wholy prohibit such buildings but because the Prince and Senate as Superiours would consider whether it were needfull or not there beeing in the citty one hundred and fifty Churches Monasteries Hospitalls and other like places of deuotion The yeare following 1604. the Venetians inioying peace warre remooued it selfe to other places as Germany the Leuant and Flanders In the yeare 1605. Pope Clement the eight falling sick on the twelfth of February dyed on the third of March following hauing gouerned the sea of Rome thirteene yeares his body was carried to Saint Peters Church and buried in the Clementine chappell which himselfe had built Then the Cardinalls entring into the Conclaue elected Alessandro de Medicis Cardinall of Florence sonne to the illustrious Octauio who beeing Archbishop of Florence was made Cardinall by Pope Gregory the thirteenth and beeing chosen Pope tooke vpon him the name of Leo the tenth The Romaines were very glad of his election but their ioy lasted not long for hee dyed of a Feuer the twenty sixth day after hee was made Pope Some thought hee was poysoned but his body beeing opened in the presence of diuerse Physitions they found it otherwise hee lyes buryed in Saint Peters Church The Cardinals proceeding to a new election and desirous to make haste the Cardinalls Farnese and Montalto went to Cardinall Aldobrandini intreating him to name three among the whole Colledge of Cardinalls Tuscus and Baronius excepted and they would choose one of the three Wherevpon the Cardinals Clement Arragon and Borgesius beeing named Borgesius as best beloued was presently saluted Pope by way of adoration intitling himselfe Paul the fift This Pope descended from an ancient family in Syenna was sonne to a Romaine Gentlewoman his Father comming to dwell at Rome But the Venetian Clergie notwithstanding the Senates decree did dayly more and more augment their reuenues and possessions as well within the Citty as abroad the Senate for reducing their whole State to one conformable custome had before as hath beene said diuulged their law ouer all their dominions and added therevnto a prohibition that none within their Citty or Signory vnder what coullor soeuer should sell giue or in any sort alienate lands to the Clergie without the Senates permission which should not be granted but with the same solemnities vsuall at the alienation of the publick reuenue and all alienations made otherwise to bee declared voide the lands confiscate and Notaries punished The Pope at the beginning of his Papacie hauing notice of this law did duly examine it and would in no sort approoue it but toward the end of October the same yeare complained thereof to the Venetian Ambassador at the time of publick audience saying That whilest the Sea of Rome was vacant the Venetians had made a lawe which prohibited the Clergie to purchase lands adding though it were made vpon important occasion and by vertue of a former dedree yet the Cannons disanulled them both therefore his pleasure was to haue them reuoked inioyning the Ambassador in his name to signifie as much to the Signory The Ambassador did what the Pope commanded and within a while after receiued instruction and Commission from the Senate to acquaint his Holynesse with the equity of their cause and iustice of their law together with the Signories power and authority to make such decrees The Pope confident in his owne opinion said aloud That he gaue him audience onely to content the Venetians and not to admit any of his propounded reasons or excuses then made an other complaint about the detaining of a Channon of Vincenza and the Abbot of Nerueze both of them accused of notorious crimes and within a while after another concerning the law forbidding to build Churches without permission beeing resolute to haue those two lawes reuoked and the prisoners deliuered to his Nuncio residing in Venice And on the tenth day of September making two Iniunctions one concerning the two lawes and the other about sentencing the Clergie hee sent a Commission to his Nuncio to present them resoluing vpon their answer and refusall to proceed to excommunication But the Nuncio beeing peraduenture mooued with pitty because the Senate at that time had chosen an extraordinary Ambassador by humble meanes to seeke to diuert his Holinesse from his resolution and to induce him better to consider of the matter delaied the presentation of those iniunctions which the Pope tooke in bad part wherevpon in all hast he sent him an expresse commandement to present them without farther delay In regard whereof vpon Christmasse day when Duke Grimani lay at point of death and that the Signory and Senators were assembled some of whom had receiued the holy Sacrament and others were ready to receiue the Nuncio craued audience and presented the two iniunctions which notwithstanding the Dukes death happened the day following were not opened till after the election of the new Duke Prince Grimani hauing gouerned nine yeares and odde moneths departed this mortall life in the Christmasse holy-dayes in the yeare 1605. his funerals ended Leonardo Donato Knight and Procurator of Saint Marke was after the 〈◊〉 manner chosen in his steed on the tenth day of February 1606. LEONARDO DONATO the 90. Duke AFter his election the two iniunctions beeing opened were both of one substance containing that his Holynesse was aduertised that the Venetian Senate had decreed diuerse things contrary to the liberty of the Church and authority of the Sea Apostolick and diuulged ouer all their Signories certaine lawes particular to the Citty of Venice forbidding to build Churches and Monasteries and to allienate secular possessions to the Clergie without the Senates permission which as repugnant to the Churches liberty his Holynesse declared to bee of no force and they who had made them to haue incurred Ecclesiasticall censures commanding them on paine of excommunication presently to reuoke and breake those lawes threatning to proceed farther if they obeyed him not To this the Senate answered on the 28. of Ianuary the same yeare 1606. That with greefe and amazement it vnderstood by his Holynesse letters that hee disliked the lawes of the Venetian common-wealth prosperously obserued for many ages and neuer till then taxed by any of his predecessors the reuocation whereof would ouer-throw the foundation of their State that hee accounted those lawes to be contrary to the authority of the
to Venice ibid. Berengarius defeated by the Hunnes 40 Battaile betwixt the Venetians and the Hunnes 41 Buriall of Pietro Candiano and his young sonne 47 Berengarius and his sonne Albert defeated 51 Bishop of Grada his present to the Duke 56 By what meanes the Normans grew great 65 Beamond assailed by Alexis subiects 73 Battaile betwixt the Christians and the Infidels 74 Beamond giues the first assault to the Citie of Antioch 76 Beamond his great authority 78 Bethlehem Braim Berithon 80 Bodies of S. Theodore and S. Nicolas brought to Venice 84 Baldwin king of Ierusalem 85 Beamond is set at liberty and returnes to Antioch ibid. Baldwin surnamed Burgensis king of Ierusalem 86 Baldwin taken prisoner by Dalochus king of the Parthians 89 Barbarians defeated by the Venetians before Ioppa 91 Building of the hospitall of the publike charity 95 Baldwin of Flanders chosen Emperour of the East 121 Boniface king of Thessaly 124 Bishops Sea at Malamoc translated to Chioggia 127 Benedicto Treuisano 141 Brent and Bachillion turned backwards 142 Bolognians intent discouered 154 Bolognians defeated 155 Buconio his 〈◊〉 166 Braue resolutioÌ„ of a great captain 183 Bressia besieged by Luchin Visconte 187 Bressia and Bergamo taken by Luchin ibid. Building of Saint Anthonies Hospitall 194 Battaile betwixt the Venetians and Genoueses 203 By what meanes the plot was discouered 208 Base retreat of the Almans 226 By what means the Isle of Tenedos came into the Venetians possession 232 Battaile at Sea with the Genoueses 233 Bebia recouered 264 Bressia and Senia taken by Lauretano 267 Boucicault a French man Generall of the Genoa-army 281 Both fleets dissemble ibid. Bathes in time past at Veroâ—…a 286 Boldnesse of Picinino one of Philips Captains 312 Brissels taken 315 Battaile betwixt the Venetians and Philip. 319 Bressia somewhat relieued 362 Barbaro his politick wisedome 368 Bressians terme Barbaro Father of their countrey ibid. Bressians are put to rout 369 Braue message of the Gouernour of the old Pallace to the Prince of Mantua 376 Bressia is relieued with victuals 379 Borsia de Aeste is put to rout 384 Bregnan Trioill and Rimolca in the Gyradade recouered by Sforza 385 Battail of Anglare betwixt Picinino and those of the league 386 Bressians recompenced for their loyalty 388 Bistice assailed by the Venetians 396 Bologneses hauing recouered their liberty craue the alliance of the Venetians and Florentines 399 Bertoldo D'Aeste is slain at the siege of Corinth 433 Bartholomeo of Bergamo bringeth forces into Tusâ—…anie 440 Battell of Molinella ibid. C CReation of Tribunes 8 Comming of the Lombards into Italie ibid. Churches builded by Narses 9 Church of Grada made Metropolitane by the Pope 10 Church of Grada robbed ibid. Complaint against the Tribunes 11 Creation of Exarch 14 Conspiracie against the Duke 20 Cruel death of the bishop of Grada 21 Conspiracie against the Duke discouered ibid. Cause of the warre betwixt the two Empires 22 Comming of Theodosius to Venice 34 Citie of Crotona ibid. Citie of Venice new fortified 39 Ciuill warre betwixt the Hunnes 40 Commachians vanquished 43 Complaints against the Narentines 45 Church of the Augustines builded 46 Complaint of Vitalis bishop of Grada 51 Ciuill discords 53 Cruell intent of the Calloprini ibi Calloprini returne to Venice 54 Cittie of Pharos destroyed 58 Conditions of peace graunted to the Narentines ibid. Church and Monasterie of Bennet builded by the Phaledrini 60 Conspiracie against the Duke and his banishment 61 Centranico deposed from his dignitie is by the people shorne and made a Monke 62 Custome of taking a Colleague into the Principalitie abolished 63 Crueltie of the Mahometans 70 Charlemain his exploits against the Infidells 71 Complaints of the Christians before Antioch 78 Caesarea 80 Christians besiege Ierusalem 82 Christians take Ierusalem 83 Castle of Soball built by Baldwin 86 Chioggia built with the ruines of Malamoc 87 Ciprians Monasterie built ibi Caloman king of Hungary dieth sodainely 88 Croatia brought vnder the Venetians obedience ibid. Conditions graunted by Varimond to the Venetians 92 Christians stratageme before Tyre 93 Corfu taken by the Venetians 98 Contagious sickenesse in the Venetian armie 103 Creation of the Ten. 104 Crüeltie against the Law of Nations 105 Cruell determination of a woman ibid. Christian Princes arriued at Venice 116 Complaint and request of young Alexis 117 Constantinople besieged by Sea and Land 118 Constantinople besieged the second time 121 Constantinople yeeldes ibid. Coronation of the Emperour Baldwin 122 Cause why the Emperour Emanuell hated the Venetians ibid. Colonie sent into Corfu 127 Count of Auxerre chosen Emperor of the East ibid. Count Mailloc his enterprise vpon Candie 130 Colonie sent to Candie 131 Candace taken by Tepulo 132 Cyani willingly deposeth himselfe 134 Constantinople besieged againe by Vattasus 137 Craft and subtâ—…ltie of the Genoueses 138 Court of Requests established in Venice 139 Citie of Pola taken and ruined 140 Cittie of Epidauro called at this day Maluasia 149 Crueltie of the Greekes and Genoueses 150 Christians in Syria diuided in to sacâ—…iöns ibid. Cania in Candie ruined by the Genoueses 152 Certaine Genoa ships taken by the Venetians ibid. Carolo and Andraea Dandulo Generalles of the Venetian Armie 165 Cydon in Candie taken by the Genoueses 166 Cittie of Ferrara recouered by the Popes Legate 168 Conspiracie of Tepulo ibid. Conspirators purpose ibid. Conspirators assaile the Dukes pallace 169 Course of the warre with those of Escalla 176 Cause why the Paduans reuolted from those of Escalla 185 Caminensis wife slaine in the habite of a seruant 186 Charles son to the king of Boheme incamped before Feltra ibid. Citty of Feltra taken by the king of Hungary 187 Candie is appeased by the Rebells punishment 191 Certaine Lords of Candie doe rebell ibid. Chiefe conspiratours punished 208 Cause of the warre betwixt the Venetians and the king of Hungarie 212 Commissioners sent into Candie to appease the troubles 216 Calergo the murtherer taken 218 Candiots resolue to yeeld to the Genouese ibid. Candiots crueltie to the Venetians 219 Candiots defeated 220 Citie of Candace yeelded ibid. Candiots defeated and put to flight by Giacomo Bragadino 222 Contareni his fault inexcusable 225 Carrario his purpose discouerd 226 Cause of the fourth warre with the Genoueses 231 Carrario beginneth warre against the Venetians 234 Cause of the taking of Famagosta ibid. Citties of Cesalta and Saligetta taken 237 Caballa of Verona Generall of the Venetian footmen 241 Carrario ioyneth himselfe with the Genoueses 242 Chiurani for not doing his duety is condemned to perpetuall imprisonment ibid. Cap-darger taken by Carrario 245 Common coÌ„plaint of the people 246 Charles sonne to Lewis King of Hungarie commeth before Treuiso 248 Charles returneth to Hungary 249 Citizens resolution ibid. Caloianes earnest intreatie to the Venetians for succour 252 Cornari seizeth on Brondolli 253 Carolo Zeni arriueth in the hauen of Chioggia 255 Cap-Histria taken by the Genoueses and giuen to the Patriarke of Aquileia 264 Carolo Zeni Generall of the Venetian armie 266
will Testament 31 Infidels aduertised of the Christians enterprize 72 Infidels retire 74 Ierusalem 80 In whose time the Turkes recouered the holy land 95 Incursions of the Bandetti of Zara. 118 Isaac the Emperour ratifies what his sonne had promised 119 Isaac deliuered out of prison ibid. Isaac dieth sodainly ibid. Isle of Candie giuen to the Venetians 122 It is lawful for all men to defend their owne 138 Iâ—…ppa besieged by the Barbarians 91 Inconstancie and lightnesse of the Greekes 151 Ingratitude of the Venetians neighbours 153 Incursions of the Turkes 175 In what place and manner the battell was fought 203 Ingratitude of a son to his father 232 In what maner Pisani fortified Venice 247 In what place Zeni receiued newes of the losse of Chioggia and the Cities siege 252 Ielousie betwixt Pisani and Thaddeo Iustiniano 254 Iohn d' Agons a Frenchman Generall of the Venetian Armie 257 Iustiniano is sent to Apulia to forrage 259 Iustiniano is taken by the Genoueses ibid. In what esteeme the Citie of Verona is 286 Incursions of Nichola Stella vpon the Lucan territories 324 Italus of Friull and Giacomo Guiuano are put to death 401 Inestimable valew of the treasure of Venice 410 Inuention of the Art of Printing attributed to a German 431 Isle of Lemnos deliuered to the Venetians 436 Isle of Delos described 451 Italian Princes send a present to Matthias King of Hungarie 479 L. LOmbards giue limits to the Venetians 8 Luitprand Duke of Forleini 11 Leo the Emperor giues many goodly reliques to the Prince 28 Lewis King of Germanie Tributary rie to the Huns. 40 Leo the Pope comes to Venice 64 Leo the Pope vanquished by the Normans 65 Length of the siege of Antioch with the want in the Armie 78 League with Wilâ—…iam King of Sicill 100. League of Achaia with the Venetians 150 League renewed betwixt Paleologus and the Venetians 155 Ligustick and Lybick warre had almost one selfe same end 163 League and alliance against those of Escalla 176 Lewis King of Hungarie defeated before Zara. 195 Luchin Vermio of Verona Generall of the land Armie 217 Lightnesse and inconstancie of the multitude 218 Lithernians returne to the Venetians obedience 223 Liberall offer made to the Senate by a Citizen of Chioggia 250 Loretta recouered 256 Leopold accepteth the Venetians offer 278 Leopold his proud answere to the Paduan 273 Leopold entreth Treuiso ibid. Leopold rendreth Treuiso to Carrario vpon conditions 277 League against Galeas Viscont ibid Ladislaus selleth Zara to the Venetians 290 Lauretano respected and beloued of euery one 352 Lauretano besiegeth Sermone 360 Legnaga is taken 365 Longina is taken by Sforza 369 La Garda Bardolin and Lansiza are taken 383 Lionello d' AEst commeth to Venice 397 La Marca reduced vnder the Popes obedience 400 Lodes and Plaisancia yeeld to the Venetians 404 Leonesio his death 421 Lauretano his exploits in the Isle of Nigrepont 425 Lamentation and great courage of a woman 465 Lodouico Lauretano commeth from the Popes Legate 470 League betwixt the Venetians and the Kings of Portugall with the cause of that league 518 Law of Nations violated 524 Luca Pisani his opinion on Sanseuerino his designe 525 M. MAcrin Gouernour of Hungarie ouercome by the Huns. 3 Monegario his miserable end 19 Miraculous aparition of S. Marke 30 Malamoc ruined 32 Moores returne into Italie 34 Murcimirus King of Croatia sends Ambassadors to the Duke 57 Molloc Gouernour for the Greeke Emperour deceiueth his fellowes 66 Murasis yeelded 76 Moores came into Dalmatia 35 Michael the Emperour driuen from Constantinople 66 Murderers punished 36 Malamoc burnt and drowned 87 Myrtillus issued from meane parents 120 Myrtillus speach to the people Ibid. Myrtillus flight 121 Meaning of the Prophecie 123 Modona and Corona receptacles of theeues and Pirates ruined 125 Mount Ida. 130 Michael Paleologus his treacherie 148 Mastin beggeth peace of the Venetians 181 Mastin raiseth his campe from Pontremolle 182 Mestra yeelded to the Venetians 185 Mastin incampeth to shut victuals from the Venetians 186 Marsilio his answere to the Venetians 188 Mastin imploreth aid of the Duke of Bauiere ibid. Mastin enforced accepteth peace on any conditions 189 Mastin made a gentleman of Venice 190 Manner of Phalerio his conspiracie 207 Marco Cornari Vice-duke during the troubles 209 Miserable death of Andrea Cornari 217 Marco Gradonico murthered in the Palace 218 Mocenigo his resolution 223 Marsilio Carrario forsaketh his brother 230 Mestra besieged by the Carrarians 237 Mestra relieued by the Venetians ibid Mutatio his answere to the Venetians and Genoueses ibid. Market place of S. Marke paued with bricke 280 Malateste giues ouer the Generals place 284 Massolerio conuicted and punished for treason 287 Milanois offer to Philip. 314 Malateste Generall of Philips Armie 320 Marquis of Montferrat commeth for refuge to Venice 334 Mellato his valour 343 Mellato conducteth the Venetian Armie 346 Mantuans excuse 347 Mellato speedily dislodgeth 348 Martinenga's and Auogadres in Bressia are reconciled 349 Mellato commeth forth of Bressia and is constrained to returne 353 Mellato departs from Bressia and marcheth towards the mountaines 354 Mantuan fortifieth Po. 356 Mellato made Generall of the Venetian Armie 357 Mellato prouides to relieue Bressia 359 Mantuans plot to send the warre farre from his owne Countrie 362 Mantuans pollicie for the passage of his gallies 363 Mantuans gallies passe into the Adice 364 Mellato fortifieth the passages neere to Torbolles 372 Malateste Prince of Cesenna is taken prisoner 373 Maguis entreateth the Prince of Mantua not to spoile Verona 375 Mantuan proclaimed Prince of Verona ibid. Mantuans preparation for defence of Verona ibid. Maguis brought before Sforza is clâ—…ered 377 Malatestes take the enemies partie 379 Mellato his death 396 Mount Barri is taken 403 Milaneses suspect Sforza 408 Manerbia and Ponteuico yeelde to Sforza 421 Malateste besiegeth Sparta 437 Mocenigo his answere to Canalis 447 Mocenigo his first exploit 448 Mocenigo his Oration to the Popes Legate 451 Mocenigo his incursions into Asia 454 Mocenigo his answere to the King of Cyprus 469 Micra is taken by composition ibid. Mocenigo his answer to the Ambassadours from the King of Cyprus his sister ibid. Mocenigo his answere to Lauretano 470 Mocenigo aduertised of the enemies purpose 474 Mocenigo his diligence to relieue Cyprus 475 Mocenigo punisheth the murtherers of Cornari 476 Mocenigo is chosen Gouernour of Cyprus ibid. Matthias King of Hungarie a great souldier 479 Mantuan Prince goes to the Confederates Armie 509 Mantuan discontented leaueth the Armie 510 Maximilian is chosen King of the Romans 521 N. NArses comes into Italie 9 Narses answere to the Empresse ibid. Narentines rodes euen to Caorli 35 Narentines great incursions 55 New officers sent to the Cities newly conquered 58 Normans driue the Saracens and Greeks forth of Italy 65 Nicholas the Pope Tributarie to the Normans ibid. Normans defeat Molloc 66 New titles giuen to the Duke of Venice 68 Nicea besieged 73 Nicea yeelded and vpon what conditions 74 Number of
French king 37 Cause of the Venetians hatred to the Duke of Ferrara 25 Confederacie a new betwixt the Emperor the French King 37 Concorda takeÌ„ by the Popes army 39 Cardinall of Pauia dealeth badly with the Duke of Vrbine 45 Cardinall of Pauia slaine by the Duke ibid. Confederacy betwixt the Pope the king of Arragon and the Vene tians 47 Cardinall of Medicis prisoner at Milan 56 Cremona taken and sackt by the Spaniards 67 Constancie of the Venetian Senate 74 Compromise made by the Pope 75 Citie of Vdâ—…na abandoned to the enemies 79 Countrey of Frinl acquit by meanes of the taking of Frangipan 85 Cardinal of Syens Oration to the Suisses 95 Cardin. makes vse of false rumors 96 Charles king of Spaine chosen Emperour 118 Commissioners of the Emperour and the Venetians meet at Verona 120 Conditions of agreement betwxt the Pope and the Emperour 126 Colonna fortifieth Milan 130 Cremonia yeelded to the enemies 136 CreatioÌ„ of Pope Adrian the sixt 138 Creation of Pope Clement the seuenth 142 Cause of the French kings discontent with the Emperour 145 Conditions of peace propounded by the Pope 146 Children of France in hostage for the king their Father 156 Confederates send Commissioners to the king of England ibid. Capitulation of Cremona 161 Colonessi enter Rome violently ibi Chiefe Articles of the treatie 163 Confederates prouide to resist the Emperour ibid. Confederates consult about the siege of Naples 167 Confederates Armie still followes the Imperials 171 Cardinals meet at Bolognia to treate of the Popes deliuerie 177 Cause of Andrea Doria his reuolt 194 Capitulation about the yeelding of Auersa 198 Confederates take Pauia 200 Castle of Genoarased by the people 201 Citie of Cambray chosen for the treatie 212 Circumcision of Solimans children 226 Castle of Milan and the Citie of Coma renared to Duke Sforza 228 Coron Patras takâ—… by Doria 223 Cariadin Barbarossa his great experience at Sea 241 Cariadine taketh Thunis 244 Creation of Pope Paul the thiird ibid Cariadine his fleet 247 Confederacie confirmed betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians 249 Causes of the kings discontent with the Duke of Sauoy 250 Confusion of the Venetian Army seeing the Turks lie neere them 262 Canalis commanded by Soliman to send to the Venetian Senate ibid. Candiots preparations for their defence 280 Capello his answer to Doria 288 Capels speech to Doria to prouoke him to the battaile 290 Confederates Armie commeth to besiege Castelnouo 293 Castelnouo taken by Barbarossa 300 Cantelmo departeth from Venice without any commission 304 Cause of the warre of Hungary 312 Controuersie betwixt the Venetians and Ferdinand put to compromise 319 Cardinall of Ferrara exhorteth the Venetians in the French kings behalfe 324 Capitulations of the peace betwixt the Emperor the French king 325 Commissioners decide the controuersie betwixt Ferdinand and the Venetians 326 Contention betwixt the Venetians and the Turke 328 Cardinall Farnese commeth to Venice 334 Cardinall S. George sent Legate into France 336 ContentioÌ„ concerning the place where the Councell should be kept 340 Cardinall de Monte chosen Pope called by the name of Iulius 3. 341 Catherine Zeni sent Ambassador to the Turke 342 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the memorie and execution of the Last will of Cardinall Zem. 356 Creation of Pope Pius the fourth 363 Cardinall Caraffa and three of 〈◊〉 â—… 〈◊〉 are put to death 363 Charles the ninth French king ibid 〈◊〉 sent by the Pope to the 〈◊〉 ibid. 〈◊〉 of bringing Ambassa dors to the great Turke 368 Counsaile of Mahomet the Vizier 〈◊〉 371 Chancellor of Persia his answere Concerning the Emperours de 〈◊〉 378 Contents of Selims letters to the Venetians 380 Count Roccas slaine 391 Citie of Nicosia taken ibid. Cyprus yeeldeth to the Turkes 392 Colonna escapeth two great dangers in his returne homewards 397 Colonna his remonstrance to the Venetian Senate 4â—…0 Christians surprize the enemies by 〈◊〉 409 Care of those in Famagosta for their 〈◊〉 412 Cornia his speech confirming Barbarico 419 Catholicke kings resolution before the Ambassadors arriuall 458 Colonna his aduise ibid Colonna his opinion concerning 〈◊〉 setting forward towards the enemie 459 Christians dâ—…scrie the Turkish fleete 460 Christians discampe from before 〈◊〉 467 〈◊〉 mouing the Senate to embrace 〈◊〉 473 Charles of Lorraine Duke of Mayâ—…n 〈◊〉 the confederates flâ—…ete 465 Cause why Amaraâ—…h hated the Emperor 480 Contention betwixt the Venetians and the knights of Malta 485 〈◊〉 of Pope Sixtus the fift 486 Creation of Pope Gregorie the fourteenth 489 Creation and death of Pope Inâ—…o cent the ninth and the creation of Clement the seuenth 490 Cardinall of Florence Legate in France 492 Creation of Pope Paul the fift 495 Censures against the Venetians are publâ—…shed 496 Cardinall Perron conferres with the Pope 498 Commission is giuen to Cardinall Ioyeuse to reuoke the censures at Venice ibid. Cardinall Ioyeuse his reception at Venice 499 D DVke of Venice his answere to the French kings Herald 14 Duke of Ferrara declares himselfe against the Venetians 17 Duke of Ferrara defeateth the Venetians nauall Armie 26 Duke of Ferrara takes Loretta ibid. Difficulties concerning the agreement betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians 58 Diuers Venetian young Gentlemen sent to Padua and Treuiso 7â—… Death of Lewis the twelfth French king 88 Dissension among the Suisses in Milan after the battaile 99 Duke of Burbon Vice-Roy in the Dutchie of Milan 104 Demaunds of the Venetian Commissioners 120 Duke of Milan coÌ„meth to Pauia with sixe thousand Lansequentes 134 Different opinions in the Senate concerning their alliance with the Emperour 139 Duke of Vrbin Generall to the Venetians 1â—…0 Duke of Burbon forsaketh the French kings partie ibid. Duke of Vrbins difficultie to executâ—… the Senates command 142 Duke of Albany inuades Naples 146 Duke of Burbon commeth to Milan 157 Doria suspected to relieue Genoa 159 Duke of Vrbin brings supplies to the siege of Verona 161 Duke of Burbon marcheth into the field in dâ—…spite of all difficulties 189 Domnico Veniero put to his triall 172 Duke of Burbons speed in his march to Rome ibid. Duke of Burbon assaults the suburbs of Rome 173 Death of Duke of Burbon ibid. Duke of Vrbin taketh Perusa 178 Duke of Brunswich commeth into Italy with great forces 191 Duke of Brunswich ioyned with Anto nio de Leua besige Lauda ibid. Duke of Vrbin runneth to the defence of his owne state 208 Duke of Milans great humilitie to the Emperour 202 Doria his subtile meaning 233 Duke of Ferrara reconereth Modena and Regâ—…o by the Emperours sentence 234 Dandulo banished at his returne to Venice 239 Death of Pope Clement the 7. 244 Death of Francis Sforza Duke of Milan 248 Duke of Sauoy denieth the French king passage 249 Difficulties to accord the Emperour and the French 250 Doria his incursions causeth the Turks to suspect the Venetians 261 Doria his policy to enforce the Venetians to ioyne with him 262 Description of the Isle of Corfu 264
to Varesa against the French King 32 Speech of agrement betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians 43 Sundry thoughts of the 〈◊〉 44 Suisses defie Gaston of Foix 47 Suisses come into the Dutchie of Milan ibid. Suisses returne home againe 48 Strange miracle in amine 49 Suisses hatred to the French King 57 Suisses discontented make warre on the French 62 Suisses great boldnesse and their victorie at Nouara 64 Selim marcheth into Asiawith an Armie prepared for Europe 76 Strasoda and Montfalcon taken by Frangipan 78 Senate recompenceth Sauorgnane 80 Selims victorie against Ismael 85 Soliman entreth Hungarie ibid. Suisses determination in the streights of the mountaines 92 Suisses retire to Nouara 93 Suisses retire with soft pace to 〈◊〉 97 Siege of Bressia resolued on 100 Senates recompence to the widowe and children of Aluiana 101 Suisses nature 106 Senate disburdeneth the Common-wealth in time of peace 115 Selims victories 116 Selim takes Cà iro ibid. Selim graneth the Venetians demands ibid Soliman resolueth to inuade Hungarie 121 Suisses leaue the French Campe for want of pay 128 Sforza arriueth at Milan 134 Suisses boldnesse in assailing their enemies 136 Sundry opinions on the publication of the League 147 Senates answere to the Imperials ibid. Sorrow of all France for the kings captiuitie and the Councels resolution 152 Senates answere to the French Commissioner ibid. Senates answere to the Lord of Langi 159 Senate after the taking of Rome determine to oppose against the Emperour 176 Sundry opinions about the Popes deliuerie ibid. Strife betwixt the Confederates concerning the taking of Alexandria 181 Solimans liberalitie to the Venetians 183 Senates answere to the Pope 188 Sundry opinions of the Imperials Captaines ibid. Sixe Cities appointed to the Venetians by the agrement of the League 190 Secret practises betwixt the King and the Venetians 203 Senates suspition concerning the kings comming 207 Soliman taketh Buda 218 Sundry opinions in the Senate concerning the motion of peace with the Emperour 219 Soliman restoreth Iohn king of Hungarie to his Kingdome 223 Soliman suspecteth the Venetians 225 Solimans purpose to enrich Constantinople 226 Solimans designe against the Christians 229 Soliman with his Armie commeth into Hungarie 232 Sundry opinions in the Senate concerning Canalis cause 240 Senate acknowledge Canalis seruice by recompencing his sonne 241 Solimans great preparations for warre 242 Senates holy resolution 243 Senate sendeth eight Ambassadors to the Pope 245 Soliman aduertiseth the Venetians of what hee had done in Persia. 247 Soliman consenteth to make warre on the Emperour 253 Soliman aduertiseth the Venetians of his determination ibid. Sundry reports concerning the Turkish Armie 256 Senates care for meanes to discharge the expence of warre 257 Solimans discontent for two accidents 260 Soliman resolueth to warre on the Venetians 262 Senate determineth to fight with the enemie 264 Soliman dislodgeth from Corsou 267 Soliman determineth to assaile Naplesin Romagnia ibid. Scardona taken by the Venetians 269 Soliman seemeth to desire peace with the Venetians ibid. Senate determines warre against Soliman 274 Senate vseth meanes to get money to defray the expences of the warres 276 Succours sent to Antiuari 283 Sibensans braue resolution ibid. Sundry opâ—…nions of the Turkish Armie 286 Sundry opinionsin the Confederates Councell 293 Spaniards insolencie 294 Senate resolueth on peace with the Turke 295 Senates answere to the Emperours Ambassadour 296 Spaniards not being able to keepe Castel-nouo offer it to the Venetians 300 Senates answere to the Ambassadors of the Emperour and French king 305 Sorrow and griefe of those of Naples and Maluesia when they vnderstood the conditions of peace 309 Soliman incensed against Ferdinand determineth to make warre in Austria 312 Senate refuseth to haue the Councell held at Vincenza 314 Senate refuseth to make any new alliance 315 Senates answere to Polin 316 Senates answere to the French ambassadors and their answere to Ferdinand 318 Sharpe warre about Morea 322 Senates answere to the Cardinall of Ferrara 324 Soliman falsly informed of the Venetians 327 Senates answere to the Protestants 333 Siennois rise against the Spaniards 336 Solimans armie against the Persians 339 Soliman makes truce with Christian Princes ibid. Strife betwixt the Emperour and French King ibid. Soliman sendeth imperious letters to the Emperour 340 Senate sendeth Ambassadors to the Pope 341 Strossi his pollicie to victuall Parma 344 Senates answere to the Cardinall of Tournon 345 Senates answere to the Prince of Salerne 352 Spaniards demaunds vpon the Treatie of Peace with the Pope 360 Senate of Milans answere to the king of Spaine concerning the Inquisition 369 Selim resolueth to inuade the Isle of Cyprus 371 Senate aduertised of the Turkes enterprise 373 Supplies sent to Cyprus 375 Selim sendeth a defiance to Venice vnlesse they would surrender Cyprus 379 Senates answere to the Chiaus ibid Senates answere to Selims letters 380 Selim discontented for the small respect giuen his Chiaus 381 Situation of the Citie of Nicosia 387 Sundry opinions of the Captaines of the Christian Fleet. 393 Spaniards idle excuses 395 Sebastiano Venieri made Generall in Zanne his sted 397 Senates answere to Colonna 400 Sâ—…pplies sent to Famagosta 402 Small hope in the reuolt of the Turks subiects 449 Spaniards feare least the Veâ—…etians make Peace with the Turke 452 Souranza honourably entertained by D. Iohn at Messina 454 Spaniards iealous of the French mens actions 456 Senates resolution perceiuing the Spanish delaies 458 Situation of the Castle of Nâ—…uarin 466 Spaniards desirons to returne into the West 468 Spaniards conference with the Venetian Ambassador 471 Senates resolution to peace 473 Sundrie opinions concerning the Venetians peace 476 Sundrie prodigies seene in the ayre 483 Senates decree against the Cleargie 494 Senates answere to the Pope 496 T THe king of Arragon commeth into the Realme of Naples 5 The false reports which the Pope threw abroad against the French king 6 The Senates answer to the Emperors Ambassadors 9 Truce betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians 11 The Pope ratifieth the Treatie of Cambray 13 The Duke of Venice his answere to the French kings herald 14 The kings resolution to enforce the enemies to fight 15 The great progression of the French Armie 27 Treuiso continueth obedient to the Venetians 18 The Venetian Ambassadors come by night into Rome 22 Treatie of Truce betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians broken 26 The kings anger against the Suisses 28 Those of Mirandola yeeld vpon safetie of their liues and goods 39 Triuuleio his Oration in defence of his opinion 40 The king sendeth the Bishop of Paris to Mantua 42 Triuulcio taketh Concorda 43 Triuulcio draweth neere to Bolognia 44 The kings forces in the Dutchie of Milan 47 The Pope will by no means haue peace with the French 56 Triuulcio of opinion to abandon the Dutchie of Milan 57 The Treatie betwixt the Emperour and Venetians handled 58 The king prepareth for his returne into Italy 60 The whole Dutchie of Milan yeeldeth to Sforza 64 The French kings submission to the
Pope 68 The incursions of Rance de Cera Gouernour of Crema 69 The tenour of the Senates letters to Aluiana 74 Troubles in Asia 75 The Emperour Maximilian prouoketh Selim against the Venetians 76 Traitor punished 77 To what intent the Spaniard spake to the Venetians of peace 88 Those of Bressia make a sally on the Venetians campe 101 The retreat of the Venetians Armie ibid. Triuulcio leaueth his charge 104 The Emperours comming into Italie 105 The whole countrey betwixt Oglio Po and Adda yeelds to the Emperour 107 Truce renewed betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians 117 The King of England chosen Vmpier betwixt mightie Princes 124 Traitours in Milan giue aduertisement to Prospero Colonna 128 Triuulcio taken prisoner by the Imperials 129 The protestation of the Emperor and King of Englands Ambassadors in Senate 139 The French King will by no meanes discampe from Padua 148 The French King is taken by the Imperials and the Armie defeated ibid. The Emperours speech and gestâ—…re vpon newes of the victorie 149 The King of Englands courtesie towards the French king 154 The King of Englandes aâ—…nswere to the Commissioners of the league 156 The two Armies of the Pope and the Venetians march together to Milan 157 The offer of the Pope and the Venetians to the King 159 The King of England offereth the Pope a great summe of money 163 The Emperours preparations by sea and land ibid. The two Armies of the league and Imperialles at once in Tuscanie 171 The king of Fraunâ—…e and England resolue to free the Pope 176 The Emperours dissimulation concerning the Popes taking 177 The French kings great preparations to send into Italy 179 The Turke being assailed by Marcello hath speedie reuenge 183 The Emperour commaundeth the Pope to be enlarged 115 The French kings answere to the Venetians Ambassador and his determination 206 Treason discouered in Barletâ—…a 207 The two Armies of the French and Venetians distrust one another 209 Triuulcio his request from the king to the Venetians 213 The Emperours arriuall at Genoa 212 The Kings request to the Venetians 215 The king entreateth the Emperour to make an accord with the Venetians 216 The Emperour is desirous of an accord with the Venetians 218 The Emperour is crowned at Bolognia 224 The Emperours gift to the Venetian Ambassadors brought into the publike treasurie ibid. The Turkes complaints against the Venetians 226 The Emperour granteth an Interim concerning the difference in Religion 228 The king of Hungarie seeketh peace of the Emperour and Ferdinand 230 The Emperour with a mightie Armie encampeth before Vienna 232 The Emperours and Solimans nauall Armie 233 The Emperour returneth into Italie 235 The Turkes recouer Coron 243 The Turkish fleet scoureth the Sea-coast of Calabria 244 The Emperour seeketh to the Venetians 245 The Emperour for the Venetians sake doth maintaine the Duke of Vrbins caufe 246 The Emperours preparations for Africke ibid. The Emperours great Armie for his voiage into Affricke 247 The taking of Thunis and Bonna 248 The Emperours captious answere to the Venetians concerning the State of Milan ibid. The Emperour challengeth the French King to single fight 250 The Emperour enforced to retire forth of Prouence 251 The three chiefe pointes which the Pope handled with the Christian Princes 252 The French king sendeth an Ambassador to Venice to draw them from the Emperour ibid. The king purposeth to vse the Turke against the Emperour 253 The king commeth to Lyons to go into Italy 257 Three sundrie accidents that caused warre betwixt Soliman and the Venetians 260 The Turks of Obrouazzo retire to the Castle 269 Treatie of peace betwixt the French king and the Emperour broken off 276 The Emperour declareth that hee could not take Armes for the league ibid. The Emperour and French King refuse to sâ—…e one another at Nice in the Popes presence 277 The Turkish feastes of Baieran 278 The Turks wast Dalmatia 281 The Turkes take the Castle of Laurana 282 The Turks leaue Dalmatia and goe into Hungarie 283 The Turkes arriuall makes the Venetians quit Obrauazza 284 The Turks wonder at the Christians boldnesse 286 The Turkish Gallies put to rout by the Armie of the league 287 The Turkes come forth of the Gulph and put themselues in battaile 288 The Turkes purpose broken by Doria 289 The Turkish Armie retireth into the Gulph of Larra 292 The Emperours excuses for not performing his promise 295 The Turkes great preparations for recouerie of Castel-nouo 298 Truce for three monethes betwixt the Turkes and Venetians 299 Truce prolonged with the Venetians 300 The Basha his demaunds to Contaten 302 The Emperour desireth passage through France to goe into Flanders 303 The Emperour and French king send to the Venetians to diuert them from peace with the Turks 304 The Emperour commeth to Paris 307 The traitors which bewrayed Badoatio his Commission to the Turks discouered 308 The traitors punished 309 The Emperours resolution contrarie to his promise 313 The Emperour allieth himselfe with Henrie King of England 319 The Turkes take Regio in Calabria 320 The Emperour returneth into Italy ibid. The Emperour refuseth to conferre with the Pope 321 The Turke makes warre in Hungarie 322 Two Legates sent to the Emperour and the French king to procure peace 324 The Emperour and Ferdinand send Ambassadors to treat of peace with the Turke 326 Truce for one yeare betwixt the Emperour his brother and Soliman 328 Tyrannicall law of the Turks ibid. The Emperor refuseth to inuest Pietro Lodouico in the Dutchie of Parma and Placentia 329 The Emperours the French kings difficulties cause of peace in Italy 330 The Emperours complaintes against the Pope with his returne so Milan 335 The Turke sendeth an Ambassador to Venice 342 The Turkes make war in Hungarie and Transiluania 347 The Emperour sendeth the Vice-Roy of Naples against the Siennois 355 The Emperour Charles resigneth his whole state to his sonne Philip and to his brother 358 Truce granted and soone broken 358 The taking of Calais by the Guise 361 The forme of the great Turkes oath 369 The opinion of the other Bâ—…shaes contrarie to that of Mahomet 371 Treason practised by a Cypriot discouered and punished 374 The King of Spaines aunswâ—…re to the Popes conteâ—…t 376 The Turkes preparations for the war of Cyprus 378 The Emperours answere to the Venetian Ambassadour 382 Turkes repulsed from Tina 385 The Turkish fleete landed in Cyprus ibid. Turks build 3. Forts neere to Nicosiâ—… 390 Turkes take the Bulwarke Constantia 391 The Emperour resuseth to enter into the leâ—…gue 396 The Emperour will not allow of the Popes new Title giuen to the Duke of Florence 399 Tepulo his opinion tends to warre 401 The league against the Turke concluded ibid. Turkes put to rout in Candie 404 Turkes waste the Islands of Xant and Zephalenia ibid. The League published at Venice 407 Turks before Dulcigna 408 Turkes before Mandrachia 410 The king of Spaines answere to the Cardinall Alexandrine ibid. The leagues offer to
the Emperor 411 The besieged in Famagosta make a counter-batterie 413 The Tower of the Arcenall ou◅rthrowne by a mine ibid. The Turkes in pre◅ence of their Generall giue a furious assault and are repulsed 414 The Turkish fleet in the Gulph of Lepanto 420 The speech of Hassan Bascha persuading to fight 430 The King of Portugalles answere to the Cardinall and the Venetians 450 The Turkes opinion of the Christians before the battell 451 Treatie of peace broken 452 The true cause of Don Iohns delay 454 Tepulo his suite to the K. of Spaine 458 Turkes re◅ire from the Christian fleet 461 Turkes comming to relieue the Castle much annoy the Christians 467 The state of D◅lmatia during the warre 469 The Turkes build a Fort against Catharra ibi The Emperor seeketh to hinder peace 471 The Turkes deale roughly with the Venetian Bailie 474 The King of Spaine not discontented with the Venetians peace 476 The Turkish fleete departes from Constantinople 477 Troubles in the Dutchie of Vrbin 478 The king of Poland returneth secretly into France 479 Troubles in Genoa appeased 480 The Turkish Armie in the Empires confines ibi The cause of the Venetians iealousie of the Spaniards 493 The manner of reuoking the Popes censures against the Venetians 499 V VEnetians answere to the Emperour 4 Venetians greatly perplexed 7 Venetians resolute answer to the Emperors Ambassadors ibid. Venetians refuse to graunt Maximilian truce for three yeares 10 Venetians secret practises with Maximilian 12 Venetians attempt in vaine to beereconciled to the Pope and Emperor 13 Venetians astonished at sundrie bad presages ibid. Venetians recouer Treui 15 Venetians loose the battell of Gyradade 16 Venetians seeke to be reconciled to the Emperor ibid. Venetians quit Padua Verona and their places of the firmeland 17 Venetians take Padua 21 Venetians masters of the champaine Country ibi Venetian Ambassadors come by night to Rome 22 Venetians recouer Vincenza 24 Venetians nauall armie scowreth the Po as farre as Fiquerolles 25 Venetians recouer the Pollesin of Rouigo ibid. Vincentine Commissioners craue pardon of the Prince of Anhalt 29 Vincentines yeeld themfelues to the victors mercy ibid. Verona and her Territorie pawned to the French King for a hundred thousand crownes 30 Venetians recouer all the places neare to Padua which had been taken by the French 32 Verona besieged 33 Venetians raise their campe from before Verona ibi Venetians take Azola ibid. Venetians intelligence vpon Bressia discouered 36 Venetians still maintaine their forces and greatnesse 47 Venetians returning to the assault of Bressia enter the Citie 52 Venetians constancie in maintaining their alliance 60 Venetians take Valegia Pescara and Cremona 61 Venetians besiege and batter Verona 65 Venetians offers to the French King 67 Venetians loose Pescara 69 Venetian Ambassador sent vnto Selim 75 Venetians besiege Maran 77 Vitturi the Prouidator defeated and taken 84 Venetians giue great entertainement to Rance de Cera 85 Venetians send Ambassadours to the French King and to the King of England 88 Venetians desirous to drawe the Pope to their party 90 V◅netians send an Ambassador to the Pope ibid Venetians exhortation and their offer to the French King 106 Verona besieged in two seuerall places 111 Venetians remonstrance to Lautrec 112 Verona againe besieged 113 Verona consigned to Lautrec for the French King is deliuered to the Venetians ibid. Veronois ioy for their reduction to the Venetians subiection ibi Vniuersitie of Padica reestablished by the Senate 115 Venetians send two Ambassadours to the Turke ibi Venetians send Ambassadours vnto Charles King of Spaine concerning traffike 116 Vsuall trade of the venetian vessells 117 Venetians answer to the Popes exhortation ibi Venetians answer to the French king 118 Venetians Armie against the Pirates 119 Venetians suspect the French King 120 Venetians send the King of Hungarie thirty thousand ducats 123 Venetian Common-wealth christen a daughter of the French King 125 Venetians seeke to appease the Popes indignation against the French 126 Venetians disswade Lautrec from his resolution 130 Venetians leuie forces to march into the Dutchie of Milan ibi Venetians great discretion in their resolution 137 Venetians ambassage to the Pope 138 Venetians send Ambassadours to the Emperour to reioyce with him for the new league 140 Venetians preparations against the French ibi Venetians suspect the motion of peace betwixt the Emperour and the French King 142 Venetians make new leuies of horse and foote ibid. Venetians send Ambassadours to the new Pope ibid. Venetians stand in feare of Solyman 144 Venetians sought vnto by the Imperialls and the French 146 Venetians discourse on the French K. taking 149 Venetians send Ambassadours to the Emperour ibid. Venetians make meanes to drawe the King of England into the League 155 Venetian ambassadors remonstrance to the Pope ibid. Venetians answere to the Pope inuiting them to an agreement with the Emperor 162 Venetians answer to the French king concerning the renewing of the warre of Naples 172 Venetians place a garrison in Rauenna for the behoofe of the Sea of Rome 177 Vitturi contrary to the Duke of Vrbin 178 Vitturi called to account for being against the Popes deliuerie 179 Venetians oppose themselues against Lautrec his proposition to goe to Rome and leaue Milan 181 Venetians suspect the Duke of Vrbin 183 Venetians Ambassade to the Pope 185 Venetians preparations against the Duke of Brunswich 191 Venetian forces much diminished 201 Venetians keepe the Citties in Apulia 202 Venetians answere to the Kings Ambassade ibid. Venetians great preparations by Sea and Land 204 Venetians loue to the French and the Duke of Milan 205 Venetians sollicite the King to come into Italie 207 Valor of a woman in mans attire 211 Venetian Senate male-content with the French King 212 Venetians meaning for the articles of peace at the treaty of Cābray 213 Venetians answer to Triuulcio ibi Venetians recourse vnto the King of England ibid. Venetians exhortation to the Confederates 215 Venetians offers to the Duke of Ferrara ibid. Venetians answer to those that motioned peace with the Emperor 219 Venetians send Ambassadours to the Pope and the Emperour 223 Venetians send an Ambassage to Soliman 225 Venetians forbid the Knights of Maltato come no more vpon their gulfe 226 Vmpires chosen to end the controuersie betwixt the Archduke and the Venetians 228 Venetians craue the nomination of Bishoprickes vnder their dominions 229 Venetians craue the Tenths leuied vpon the Cleargie to helpe them against the Turkes ibi Venetians by chasing the Pirats secure the Seas 230 Venetians in vaine sollicite the Pope for the King of Hungarie ibid. Venetians exhort Ferdinand to peace 231 Venetians answer concerning the renewing of the league 235 Vmpires appointed with a third man to end the controuersie betwixt Ferdinand the venetians 238 venetians victorie at Sea against the Moore of Alexandria who was taken 240 venetians ships stayed by the Turkish officers ibi venetians answer to themperor 245 venetians seek to appease the strife betwixt the Pope and
ex 〈◊〉 was in the beginning The Venetians zeale to Religion The Arrian sect ouer all Italy The Venetians great modestie The first gouernment of Venice vnder Consults The Creation of Tribunes The partes of mans life compared with Cities The comming of the Lombards into Italy From whence the Lombards are descended The Lombards giue limits to the Venetians The Venetians first voyage to Sea The ancient custome of marrying their daughters The Triestines defeated The occasion of the games dedicated to the glorious Virgin Narses comes into Italie Wherein the Venetians aided Narses Churches builded by Narses The Empresse Sophia reprocheth Narses Narses auswere to the Empresse The Church of Grada made Metropolitane by the Pope Strange prodigies A great miracle at Verona The Paduan fugitiues dwell at Embragola The Church of Grada robbed Vision in a dreame Uderza ruined by the Lombards The foundation of Heracles The Episcopall See of Padua translated to Malamoc The foundation of Equiline Luitprand Duke of Forleini What moued the Venetians to change the gouernment The generall assemblie held at Heraclea Complaint in the assemblie against the Tribunes What forme they obsâ—…ued at the first Dukes election The Duke takes his oath A league made with Luitprand The taking of Rauenna by the Uenetians The creation of Exarch The troubles round about Grada The Duke murthered by his owne Citizens Difference arising about the creation of a new Duke The master or Colonell of the men at Armes Dominico Leon the first Felix cornicula the second Theodato the third Iuliano Cepari the fourth The gouernment of Duke restored A cruell and vnworthie acte A punishment of God Monegario his miserable end The first association into the Principalitie Conspiracie against the Duke What Bonitendius saith concerning the association The cruell death of the Bishop of Grada Conspiracie against the Duke discouered The Duke and his sonne expeld the Citie Who led the French Army against the Uenetians Pepin King of Italie The cause of the warre betwixt the two Empires The French takâ—… Commada The Greeke defeated before Commada Obellerio practiseth treason against Pepin The opinion of Blondus concerning the warre French against the Venetians Why the French did assaile the Venetians The Venetians 〈◊〉 allwaies kept their ancient libertie Discription of the scituation of the Citie of Venice The retreate of Valentin and all the Venetians to Rialto The auncient Malamoc ruinated The Albiolans yeeld The Venetians pollicie The Venetians resolution Different intents of the combatants The French vanquished by the Uenetians The Venetians compared witâ—… the Romans Pepin retires to the firme land Heraclea after it was repaired 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rialto chosen for the Princes ordinarie residence The Dukes Palace in Rialto Description of the Dukes Palace A verie excellent Librarie within the Prelace Wherefore they are called Pirguays Iustiniano the Dukes sonne sent to Constantinople Giouanni deposed by the people The Emperour Leo giues many goodly relikes to the Prince A conspiracie against the Prince discouered Vlric Bishop of Aquileia vanquished by the Venetians The publike games at â—…tide Succour sent to the Greeke Emperour against the Sarazens From whence came the name of Sarazens Why S. Marks bodie was brought from Alexandria The Alexandrines insolent to strangers Augustus his prouerb Pollicie of those which carried S. Markes bodie to the ships Miraculous apparition of S. Marke The prophecie accomplished Iustinians last will and Testament concerning S. Marks Church The Creation of the Deane of S. Markes Church Malamoc ruined The death of Obellerio Duke Giouanni flieth The vsurper punished Giouanni repealed Duke Giouanni deposed from his charge and becomes a Priest Pola an ancient Citie The 〈◊〉 request against those of Benâ—…c The comming of Theodosius to Venice A Sea-armiegraunted to the Grecian against the Sarracens From whence the Sarracen Moores are descended The Pirgueys Saint Peters Church at Rome taken by the Moores The spoiles made by the Moores The Moores returne into Italie Saba the Moore before Tarentum The Citie of Crotona Pythagoras and Milo the two ornaments of the Crotonians The battaile of Crotona The Greekes stir The Venetian Armie defeated before Crotona The Moores came into Dalmatia The Narentineâ—… roâ—…des euen to Caorli Pope Bennet comes to Venicâ—… The bodies of S. Pancracius and S. Sabina brought to Venice The Emperour Lotharius confirmes the franchizes of Venice Great strife among the Citivens Duke Tradonico murthered The Princes household-seruants retired into the Palace doâ—… Capitulate Three men appointed by the people to enquire of the Princes murther The murtherers punished Pouegia newly inhabited The Saracens before Grada The Sâ—…racens fought with before Grada Dorsse dura newly inhabited Vrso declared Prothospater of the Grecian Empire The Dukes brother taken by the Count of Commachia Duke Giouanni doth voluntarily depose himselfe The Duke dies fighting with the Narentinâ—…s Giouanni Parti tiatio takes again the gouernment vpon him The Citie 〈◊〉 fortified The Huns 〈◊〉 into Italie the sâ—…cond time Ciuill warre betwixt the Huns. Lewis King of Germanie Tributarie to the Huns. Berengarius defeated by the Huns. Treuiso taken by the Huns. The Huns assaile the Citie of Venice The great crueltie of the Huns. Exhortation to the Venetians The Venetians constant resolâ—…tion Battaile betwixâ—… the Venetians and the Hunnes The Venetians ouercome the Hunnes Great praise giuen to the Duke The Dukes son taken at Sea The Duke voluntarily deposeth himselfe becomes a Monke The originall of the plaies dedicated to them that are married The Commachians vanquâ—…shed Complaints against the Narentines A fleet sent against the Narentines The Dukes son which was his Colleague stirres vp sedition in the Citie The Dukes son banished the Citie A solemme oath made by the Clergie and chiefe Citizens The sonne warrs on the Venetians The Duke dyes for griefe The Church of the Augustines builded The Generall Councell held at Rome declares the Church of Grada for Metropolitan The Duke puts awaie his wife The Duke marrieth Vualdeâ—…ta daughter to Guido The Dukes tirannie Uderza taken and ruinated by the Duke The people assaile the Duke The Duke seekes to saue himselfe and his yong son The Dukes request to the people The death of the Duke and his son â—… The bodies throwne vpon the common dunghill Buried afterwards verie honourably The great harm which the fier did the same day He refuseth to take the charge vpon him The people â—…weare to the Prince The Palace and Saint Markes Church repaired Vrseolo ouercomes the Sarazens before Barri The husband wife â—…ow chastitie The complaint of Vitalis Bishop of Grada The Emperours answere to Vitalis A maruailous example of for tune Berengarius his some Albert defeated The Histrions tributarie to the Venetians Guerin comes in pilgrimage to Venice The Prince resolues to giue ouer his place How the Prince spent the time in the meane space till he departed The Dukes secret departure Otho the second hateth the Venetians Ciuill discordes The cruel intent of the Caloprini Dominico Morosino
murthered The slight of the Calloprini to the Emperour Otho with their promise to him The Emperours cruell Edict against the Uenetians Otho the second his designe The Venetians braue resolution The reuolt of Capodarger The peoples reuenge on the Caloprini The Death of Otho the second The Caloprini return to Venice Three sonnes of Stephano Caloprini slaine The Duke voluntarily deposeth himselfe The Venetians free ouer all the Grecian Empire Prohibitions to pay no more tribute to the Barbarians The Narentines great incursions The Ambassadors of Dalmatia Liburnia and Histria come to Venice to complâ—…ine of the Narentines The Ambassadors offers to the Venetians Description of Illiria Albania is a part of Illiria The Venetians Armie against the Narentines The Bishop of Grada his present to the Duke The Duke arriueth aâ—… Parenza The Duke comâ—… to Pola The occasion of his staie there The Dukes comming to Zara. Coricta and Arba rendred to him Mure emirus king of Croatiâ—… sends Ambassadors to the Duke Fortie Narentine marchants taken The yeelding vp of Belgrade and Trahu The yeelding of Spalatra The taking of Corcyra the blacke Te situation of Pharos The Venetian Gallies surprise the Hauen of Pharos Those of 〈◊〉 summoned What moued those of Pharos to defend themselues The taking of the castle and towne of â—…haros called Lesina The Citie of Pharos destroied The conditions of peace graunted to the Narentines The Duke returnes to Venice New â—…fficers sent to the Cities newly conquered The Emperour 〈◊〉 sundrie priuiledges to the Venetians The Emperour Otho comes to Venice in disguise The Dukes great wisdome The Duke permitted to associate Giouanni his sonne into the gouernment Plague and famine in the Citie The Church and Monasterie of Saint Benet builded by the Phaledrini The Dukes last â—…ill The Hadrians defeated by the Duke 〈◊〉 vanquishetâ—… the King of 〈◊〉 Conspiracie against the Duke and his banishment Pepin Patriarch of Aquileia disquiets Grada Contranico deposed from 〈◊〉 dignitie 〈◊〉 by the people shorne and made a Moncke Otho dieth in Greece Dominico Urseolo vsurpes the Dukes Pallace Great ingratitude of the Venetians The family of the Vrseoli for euer banished from the Citie The custome of taking a Colleague into the Principalitie abolished Zara taken againe which was reuoâ—…ted Pepin obeyes the Popes commandement Pope Leo comes to Venice Tâ—…o great nic eues of a woman A Diuine punâ—…shment What the Normans were and their Originall Raoul the Normans Captaine becomes a Christian By what meanâ—…i the Norâ—…ans grew great The Normans driue the Sarracens and Greeks forth of Italie Pope Leo vanquâ—…shed by the Normans Pope Nicholas tributarie to the Normans Sundâ—…ie opinions of the Normans comming into Italie Molloc Gouernour for the Greeke Emperour deceiueth his fellowes The Normans defeate Molloc The Emperour Michael driuen from Constantinople Durazzâ—… beseeged by the Normans The Venetians Armie succoreth Nicephorus The Venetians victorious ouer the Normans The Greekes ouer throwne by the Normans before Durazzo The Venetians defeated New titles giuen to the Duke of Venice The Emperour Henrie comes to Uenice Saint 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 apâ—… Who was the Author of the warre against the Turkes A wonderfull vision hapned to Peter the Hermit Ciuill warre betwixt the Huns. Lewis King of Germanie Tributarie to the Huns. Berengarius defeated by the Huns. Treuiso taken by the Huns. The Huns assaile the Citie of Venice The great crueltie of the Huns. Exhortation to the Venetians The 〈◊〉 constant resolution Battaile betwixâ—… the Venetians and the Hunnes The Venetians ouercome the Hunnes Great praise gâ—…uen to the Duke Peter tells his message to the Pope The Pope comes to the Councell of Clermont in Auuergne The crueltie of the Mahometans What Charlemaine did against the Infidels The Assemblies answerâ—… to the Pope An admirable matter The number of those who at the same time tooke the Croisado The chiefe commanders Their sundrie pâ—…ssadges Peter the Hermite ignorant of Martiall discipline Raymond a German chosen in the Hermits sted The Infidels aduertised of the Christians enterprise Raymond flies to the enemie The French arriue at Constantinople Alexis practiseth â—…reacherie Beamond assâ—…yled by Alexis Subiects Alexis and Beamond reconciled A new agreement betwixt Alexis and the ChristiaÌ„ Princes Nicea besieged The strength of Nicea Sixtie thousand Turkes come to succour the Towne Sura The Forte of the Imposts A very dangerous way Murasis A luckie euent for the ChristiaÌ„s What Antioch the Christians did besiege Beamond giues the first assault to the Citie of Antioch Antioch Saint Peters first Seate A boundance of 〈◊〉 at the beginning of the siege The Venetians fleâ—…t The Venetians defeate the Pisans at Rhodes The Venetians take Smyrna The length of the siege of Antioch with the want in the Armie The complaints of the Christians before Antioch How great Beamond his authoritie was How glad the Armie was to fight to free themselues from famine The enemies that came to the succour of Antioch are defeated Treacherie of a Citizen of Antioch The taking of Antioch The death of KIng Cassianus Why Alexis refused Antioch Rugia Albaria A great quarrell betwixt Beamond and the Earle of Saint Gyles Tripoli besicged by the ChristiaÌ„s Tortosa Gibella Agrement made with the King of Tripoly Bethlehem Zabarim The riuer Braim Berithon Cesarea Ramolles Ierusalem The description of Ierusalem Strabo his opinion concerning Moses Sinne the cause of the dâ—…struction of Ierusalem The first taking of Ierusalem by Ptolomie The second by Titus The third by Adrian The Christians besiege Ierusalem The Christians take Ierusalem Great effusion of bloud in the Temple 1099. Godfrey of Bouillon king of Ierusalem The defeate of the enemie with the number of the dead The Venetians comming into Syria The Venetians take Ascalon The Frenchmen and Venetians ioyned together The death of Godfrey The bodies of Saint Theodore and Saint Nicholas brought to Venice The Venetians agreement with Caloman King of Hungarie The Venetians take Brundusium The Hungariaus giue ouer their pretended right to Dalmatia A new fleete of Venetians in Syria Baldwin King of Ierusalem Beamond is set at libertie and returnes to Antioch The taking of Acon by Baldwin What account Baldwin made of Beamond The occasion of the Warre betwixt Alexis and Beamond The taking of Sydon The Venetians take Faronia by assault The Castle of Soball builded by Baldwin Baldwin surnamed Burgensis King of Ierusalem Great priuiledges granted to the Venetians by the Emperour Henry the fourth The Warre against the Paduans with their 〈◊〉 The Emperours mediation betweene the Venetians and the Paduans The Venetians and Paduans reconciled Two great accidents of fire hapned in the Citie Malamoc burnt and drowned Chioggia builded with the ruines of Malamoc S. Ciprians Monasterie builded The 〈◊〉 of Zara. Caloman King of Hungarie dyed sodainely Zara recouered â—…e â—…hy Venetians Croatia brought vnder the Uenetians obedience A new Armie of Hungarians in Dalmatia Ordelapho comes againe into Dalmatia Ordelapho dyes and the Venetians are defeated Truce with the King of
Hungarie for fiue years Baldwin taken prisoner by Dalochus king of the Parthians The Popes resolution for the succour of the holie Land The Venetians resolue to succor the holy land The number of the Fleet. Ioppa besieged by the Barbarians The Barbarians defeated by the venetians before Ioppa The Duke of Venice commeth to Ierusalem The lot fell vpon Tyre Description of the Citie of Tyre The Phoenicians the inuentors of Arithmeticke the Alphabet and Astronomie The conditions graunted by Varimond to the Venetians Tyre besieged The distrust concâ—…ed against the Venetians A couragious act of Prince Michaeli Proof of the Venetians loyaltie A strange case of a Pigeon The Christians stratagem before Tyre The yeelding vp of Tyre The like done by a Pigeon before Modena The third part of the Citie giueÌ„ to the Venetians Baldwin ratifies it New warre against the Greeks All the Islands of the Grecâ—…an Empire taken Zara and all the other Cities of Dalmatia recouered The Prince returneth to Venice In whose time the Turkes recouered the Holy-land The building of the Hospitall of the publike charitie The Faneseâ—… made Tributarie to the VenetiaÌ„s A new Religious order Agreement with the Pisans The Paduans defeated Rogero sonne to Guiscard King of Sicilie Emanuell his request against the Normans A new Armie against the Normans Corfu taken by the Venetians The Venetians Armie in Sicilie The death of Rogero king of Sicily A sodaine fier A league with Willam King of Sicil. Zara made an Archbishopricke The Venetians neighbours take armes against them Ulrich Bishop oâ—… Aquileia brought to Venice as a prisoner The originall of the Games at shrouetide A secret league betwixt the Greeke Emperour and the king of Sicilie The Emperour Emanuels Ambassadours at Venice The answere made to the Greeke Ambassadours Emanuel seizeth on the Cities of Dalmatia Treacherie of Emanuel A great Fleete against the Greeke Emperour A new deceit of the Greekes The contagious sicknesse in the Venetian Armie The family of the Iustinians woâ—…ne out by the sicknesse The family of the Iustinians restored The Plague very great in Venice Prince Vituliâ—… murthered The creation of the ten An example of great affection to a mans Countrey Three great Pillars brought to Venice How the Columnes were erected by whom The recompence which the Ingâ—…ner demanded Crueltie against the law of Nations Cruell determination of a Woman All the Princes of the Greeke Empire murthered The cause why Emanuell hated the Uenetians When the loane began at Venice The True cause of Vitalis his death Wherefore the Emperour Frederick hated Pope Alexander the third A generall councell published to be holden at Dijon The flight ofâ—… Pope Alexander The Emperour Fredericks rigorous 〈◊〉 against the Pope Pope Alexander comes to Venice in disguise How the Venetians entertained the Pope when they knew him A resolued Ambassade to Fredericke in the Popes behalfe At what time the Venetian Prince began to seale with lead Fredericke his answere to the Uenetian Ambassadours Frederickes menaces Preparations for warre against Fredericke The Prince imâ—… himselfe in the Popes presence Fredericke his Fleet put to flight and his sonne brought prisoner to Venice At what time the Venetian Prince did beginne to mâ—…rrie the Sea Otho â—…is discourse to his father Fredericke How farre Otho his entreatie preuailed with his Father The Emperour ariues at Venice The Emperours obedience to the Pope Diuers opinions of the Historians concerning this reconciliation How long the Venetian Princes haue vsed the Canopie Why they vse siluer Trumpets The ornaments and ensignes of the Venetian Princes The death of Prince Cyani and his last Will. The description of Saint Markes Church Who was the Author of the publike Almes The ancient maÌ„ner of distributing Almes A new manner of electing the Prince The fourth rebellion of those of Zara. Example of great loue towards a â—…ans Countrie A New Armie of Christians for the recouerie of the bolly Land Who were the chiefe of this enterprise against the Turkes The Emperour Frederick dieth in Armenia Great famine in the Camp before Pâ—…olomais Saladines Armie defeated Ptolomais yeeldeth The Pisans take Pola The Pisans defeated by the Venetians Peace granted to the Brundusians Great ingratitude and crueltie of a brother The Christian Princes arriued at Venice The number of the Christian Armiâ—… The Venetians boâ—…ntie to the christian Princes Agreement betwixt the Venetians and forraine Princes The number of the Ships for the Voyage Histria reduced to the Venetians obedience The recouerie of Zara. Yong Alexis commeth to the Armie The complaint and request of yong Alexis Yong Alexis 〈◊〉 promiseâ—… The Venetians and the Princes resolue to goe to Constantinople Incursions of the Bandetti of Zara Agreement with the Bandetti of Zara. Description of the Citie of Constantinople Yong Alexis giueâ—…h the Isle of Candie to Boniface of Montferrat Constantinople besieged by Sea and Land Theodore Lascaris sallies foorth on the Christian Pilgrims A great â—…ght aâ—… the Hauen Constantinople streightly besieged An assault giuen to the Citie The flight of Alexis Isaac deliuered out of prison The mutuall coÌ„fort of the father and the Sonne Isaac ratifies what his Sonne had promised Isaac dieth sodainly Sedition against the yong Emperour A discreet answere of the yong Emperour Myrtillus issued from meane Parents The treacherie of Myrtillus Myrtillus speech to the people Yong Alexis murthereâ—… A new Greekish inuention to deceiue the Châ—…istians The Greekes put to flâ—…ght neare the Citie A new agreement betwixt the Venetians and the Princes Constantinople besieged the second time Myrtillus flight Constantinople yeelds Fifteene men appointed to elect a new Emperour Baldwin of Flan ders chosen Emperour of the East Thomaso Morosino Patriarch of Constantinople The Princes liberalitie to the new Emperour Thrace reduced to the Emperors obedience The Isle of Candy giuen to the Venetians Thomasâ—… confirmed Patriarch by the Pope The coronation of the Emperour Baldwin The death of the Emperour Baldwin Henrie brother to 〈◊〉 Emperour of the East Prince Dandulâ—… decâ—…aseth The 〈◊〉 why the Emperour Emanuel hatâ—…d the Venetians The meaning of the prophecie Boniface King of Thessaly A Deeree of the Venetians about the possession of the Islands The cause of this decree The Venetians flecte against the Pirats Modâ—…na end Corona recepâ—…acles of theeueâ—… and Piraâ—…s â—…ned The names of the Islands passesseâ—… by particular persons Henrie the Fisher maketh aâ—…tempts on 〈◊〉 Isle of Candie The Venetianâ—… send a Colonie to Candace The Genâ—…ueses defeated by the Uenetians Pleasant games inuented at Treuiso The Paduans the Venetians quarrell at the games of Treuiâ—… The Paduans make roads on the Venetians The Paduans defeated Peace beâ—…xt the Paduans the Venetians A great cuâ—…tesie A new strife betwâ—…xt the Uenetians and Paduans The Bâ—…shops See at Malamoc translated to Chioggâ—…a A Colonie sent to Corfu A â—…dition of the â—…stantinopolitans affirming their Church not to be subiect to that of Rome The Emperour Otho confiâ—…mes the Uenetians priuileges
Triuil and Râ—…molca 〈◊〉 the countrey of Gyradadeart recouered by Sforza Sforza taketh Carauazza Piciniâ—…s proiect The battaile of Anglare betwixt Picinino and the lâ—…ague The defence flight of the Venetians The great number of prisoners Picinino dispa ireth after the losse of the battâ—…le Sfoâ—…zas great conquest Nicolâ—…o d'Aeste commeth to Sforza's Campe to 〈◊〉 of peace The Venetians take Pesâ—…ara Nâ—…colao d'Aestâ—… bringeth the Ladie Bianca to Mantua Sforza's answere to those that entreated him to go thither where Biaâ—…ca lay Raucnna vnder the Venetians The great entertainement giuen to Sforza at Venice Francisco Barbaro highly esteemed in Venice The Bressans are recompenced for their loyaltie Great triumphs at Uenice at the wedding of the Princes sonne Picinino his vnlookt for 〈◊〉 into the Countrie of Bressia Sforza recruers the bridge of Valeza The Venetians place Attendaâ—… in Mellato's 〈◊〉 After what maner Picinino incamped Sforza his speech to his souldiâ—…s The fight betwixt Picinino and Sforza is broken off â—…y the approch oâ—… night Sforza besiegeth Martinenga Philip is reduced to great 〈◊〉 The number of the Venetian armie before Martinenga Philips resolution Peace is concludâ—…d by Sforza and Philips commissioner Picinino his complaints vpon â—…he report of pence The Senates answere to Sforza Sforza is busie in hearing and satisfyng the Ambassadour Sforzas sentence coâ—…cerning the strife betwixt the Ambassours Sforza with his wife commeth to Venice Andrea Dandulo is sent Ambassador to the Soldan of Babilon Mellatos death Three new Procurators of S. Marke created The Citie of Antiuari subiect to the Venetians A great deluge at Venice Bistice assailed by the Uenetians The king of Arragons daughter commeth to Venice 〈◊〉 d'Aeste comes to venice Diuers Gallies armed at Venice against the Turkes The Christianâ—… possesse the streight The Pope and Philpâ—… dâ—…scontent The cause of Sforzas hatred taking Alphonso The Pope king Alphonso and Philip make league against Sforza Sforza sends his brother to the aide of Renatus Picinino departeth from La Marca Warre renued in La Marca Haniâ—…al Beâ—…tiuole prisoner The Bologneses hauing recouered their liberty craue the alliance of the Venetians and â—…lorentines Hanibal Bentiuole is trâ—…acherously slaine by his enemies Picinio entirely defeated by Sforza Picininos death Carpeliâ—…ns death La Marca is reduced vnder the Popes obedience AlexaÌ„der Sforza his brother reuolteth from him Italus of Friul and Giacomo Guiuano are put to death The Venetians in Sforza's behalfe denounce warre to Philip. Disgrace offered to an Ambassador The Venetians vanquish Philips forces An other victory of the Venetians The Venetians reuoke all that which had beene giuen to Sforza Philips Ambassadors come to Venice to treate of peace Pope Eugenius death Ambassadours sent to the new Pope The Princes son is confined into Candie Andrea Donato being accused to haue beene corrupted is condemned in a pecuniarie fine Carolo Montone taketh the Venetians partie Attendulo his incursions vpon the Milanois The 〈◊〉 take Brebia Mount Barriâ—… taken The plague in Venice The Anconitans yeeld to the Venetians Philips death Lodes yeeldeth to the Venetians Plaisancia doth the like An accord betwixt those of Milan and Sforza Sforza comes to the field Ambassadours sent from Milan to Venice with the Venetians answere A nauall Armie determined against the Milaneses Attenduloeâ—… incursions vpon the Milanese A motion of peace A nauall armie against pirates Vitalis Sarde the pirate hanged Alphonso imprisoneth all the venetians in his kingdome Alphonsoes answere to the Venetian Ambassadours 〈◊〉 takes the Venetians party Sforza taketh diuers townes The Venetians nauall armie is broken Sforza besiegeth Carauazza The number of both the armies Diuersitie of opinions in the venetians camp The venetians on a sodaine and vnlookt for doe assaile Sforza's campe Sforza defeateth the venetians Dandulos braue answere A new Armie of the venetians Sforza besigeth Bressia Many townes yeeld to Sforza after the battel The Milaneses suspect Sforza Sforzas resolutioÌ„ Sforzas secret practises with the venetians Accord betwixt the venetians and Sforza Sforza marâ—…heth against the Milaneses A battaile betwixt the Turkes and Christians at â—…drianople Diuers townes of the state of Milan yeeld to Sforza Sforza besiegeth Milan Coyoni his victorie The people of Milan come forth disbanded against Sforza The Milaneses feare of Sforza's Armie The famous theft which a Greeke did enterprise The inestimable valew of the tresure of Venice The theese is hanged betwixt the columnes The accuser is recompensed The Venetians suspect Sforza Alphonso expelleth the Venetians out of his dominions The Venetians nauall army against Alphonso The Gotholans are vanqâ—…shed at Ortona A motion of peace betwixt Sforza and the Milaneses Crenia yeeldeth to the VenetiaÌ„s The articles propounded to Sforza Sforzaes answer to the proposition of peace Accord betwixtâ—… the Venetians and Milaneses Sforza maketh warre on both the Common-wealths A cruel fight at the mouth of the hauen of Siracusa Ambassadors assembled at venice The venetians resolue on warre against Sforza and choose Malateste for their Generall Sforza his preparations A great dearth in Milan Sforzas wise discreet resolution The venetians Ambassador is muâ—…thered in Milan Sforza is proclaimed Duke of Milan Peace betwixt the venetians and king Alphonso An excellent example of chastitie in a Germain Ladie The Emperour Fredericke with his wise commeth into Italy The Pope honâ—…reth the venetiâ—… prince with the golden sword the girdle and ornament for his head A motion of peace with Sforza The death of Hermolao Donato The Duke of Austria commeth to Venice The king of Bossina sendeth presents to the venetian prince Coyone is on a sodaine and vnlookt for assailed by the Senates command Carolo Gonzaga imploreth the venetians aide The great entertainment giuen to the Emperour Fredericke and Leonora his wife at Venice The Senates Decrce to get money to furnish the expences for the warres The Venetian troupes come to the gates of Milan The Uenetians besiege Soncina Sforza with 20000. men commeth into the Bressan territorie The Venetians march against the enemies The number of both Armies William of Mont ferrat is van quished by Sacromor Visconte The Flarentines send to the fieÌ„ch King Coyone makes incursions on the Bressanterritorie Sforzas troupes are defeated Sforza taketh Caluisians The death of Hector Brandolino A fierce fight with victorie on neither side Sforza 〈◊〉 red to Casar Sforza resusing to fight reth retâ—… 〈◊〉 to his winter garrisons Alphonso pursueth the Florentines The Turkes intend to inuade Constantinople Stephano Porcio his conspiracie against the Pope Stephano Porcio is put to death The Florentines recouer Foglian Leonesio his death Sundrie combats and in counters betwixt the Uenetians and Sforzans King Renatus commeth to Sforzas companie Manerbia and Ponteuico yeeld to Sforza Constantinople besieged Aide entereth into Constantinople by Sea The Emperours exhortation to his souldiers The Emperour in despaire The death of the Emperor of Constantinople The Turkish crueltie Pope Nicholas recompence to as many as shold tak armes against the Turkes Sforzaes exploits
Turkes burn the country of 〈◊〉 The venetian 〈◊〉 comes too late into 〈◊〉 Croia yeelded to the Turkes They besiege Scutari Antonio Legiero Gouernour of Scutari The Turks great labour and danger to passe the sâ—…eepy mountainâ—… Peace concluded betwixt Ottoman and the Venetians The conditions of peace The Uenetians recompence â—…hose of Scutarie Variance betwixt the Uenetian Generall and the Turkâ—… The death of Iulian de Medicis The confederate Armie against the Florentineâ—… Galeaâ—… Duke oâ—… Milan slaine in a Church Roberto Malateste Generall of the Venetian Cauallerie The Arragonois defeat the Florentines Peace betwixt the Florentineâ—… and the associates Comparison betwixt the Romans and Uenetians The description of the Isle of Rhodes Ottoman besiegeth Rhodes Ottoman takes Otranto The death of Ottoman The Coritan Prince flies into Germanie The cause of the warre of Ferrara The Duke of Ferara declares himselfe an enemie to the Venetians The opinion of those disswading warre Their answere that craued war Warre is resolued against the Duke of Ferrara Two Venetian fleets The description of Lombardie The originall and spring of the Riuer Po with â—…er course From whence the Po tooke her name Fascinada The Ferrarois abandon Trccenta Castelnouo yeeldeth to the Venetians The Venetians besiege Ficarolles Hadria is taken Comachia veeldeth to the Venetians Cast peeces called Bases Some of the enemies are defeated in an Island The Venetians are put to rout and their enterprise made frustraâ—…e A fearefull assault by night The Venetians take Ficarolles Great mortality in the Venetians campe The noblest houses of Rome The greatnesse of the Ursini Alphonso aided by the Colonessi and Sauelli besiegeth the Pope A cruell fight betwixt Alphonso Duke of Calabâ—…ia and Roberto of Arimini Genenerall to the Venetians The death of Roberto of Arimini The defeate of the Ferrarois The venetian armie crosseth the Po. A parke neare to Ferrara The venetians build a bridge vpon the Po â—…eere to Ferrara Sanseuerino in battell before Ferrata The Ferraroiâ—… complaints Pope Sixtus withdrawes himselfe from the venetians friendship The Venetians answere to the Pope He excommunicateth the Venetians The state of the Rossians of Parma yeeldeth to Lodowick Two of Sanseuerins sonnes flie to the enemie Sanscuerino's Apologie to the Senate with their gracious acceptation Alphonsos great progression The Mantuan goes to the Consederates Aâ—…mie The 〈◊〉 of Lor rain returns into France The enemie 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 The enemies take the Isle of Lissa A subtill 〈◊〉 of Viâ—…re The enemie retires from Corsâ—… The Maâ—… discontented leaâ—… the armie The Venetians come to Stellata 〈◊〉 d Esâ—…e 〈◊〉 to the reliefe of Sâ—… The death of Giâ—… Hâ—… Alphonso taketh Carpinetta The situation of Valegia Alphonso vpon the Ueronois Sanseuerino coâ—… meth to Valegia Alphonso takes Azzola Parâ—… of the dukes pallace burnt Diuers expostulations vpon the yeelding of Azzola Hercules plaintiue Letters to Alphonso his brother Sanseuerins speed Alphonsoâ—…s â—…xclamations Sanseuerino's magnifiâ—…nt 〈◊〉 at Venice The Senatâ—… compenâ—…th 〈◊〉 Russians of Parma Sanseuerino comes to the new Orges The tower Tristania taken The Venetians câ—…aue a generall Councell The Uenetians receiue new supplies The arrogant brag of Porco The Venetians besiege Gallipolis The death of Generall Marcello Gallipolis taken Alphonsos Armie at Quintiana The Venetians take Calice Alphonso takes Metela A motion of peace The Venetians are put to rout Peace concluded with the Venetians Condition of peace How much the Venetians spent in this warre The Dukes pallace is reedified A great plague at Venice The Venetian gallies are assailed by Pirates Lisbone a Cittie of Portugall League betwixt the venetians and kings of Portugall The cause of this league Sanseuerino aideth Pope Innocent Sanseuerino recouereth Pontenomentana Peace betwixt the Pope and Ferdinand Sanseuerino dispoâ—…sed of his forces The venetians loyaltie Maximilian is chosen king of the Romanes 〈…〉 Ambassade into Portugall Great prosperity of the venetiaâ—… State The Princes instruction to his children on his death-bed The ceremonie at the Princes funerals A league betwixt the Pope and venetians The originall of the Rheticke warre The law of Nations violated The Almaines besiege Rouero Pietro Diede and Ieronimo Marcello Prouidators Ronero yeelded to the Almaines on composition The Venetians intreat old Sanseuerino to be their Generall Sauorgnane defeats the Almaines The Venetians are defeated Sanseuerino's resolution Luca Pisani his opinion on Sanseuerino his designe The siege of Trent is resolued The Venetians in amaze The death of old Sanseuerine the noble Venetian General The Venetians are wholly put to rout A generous act of Guido Maria de Rossis A bloudy victory to the Almanes The Castle of Arques taken and burnt The Venetians refuse thâ—… Articles of peace Peace concluded betwixt Sigismond and the venetians The venetians send a fleet to guard Cyprus What moued the Senate to desire the Realme of Cyprus The Senate send George Cornari into Cyprus The Queene resuseth her brothers request Cornari his replie The Queenes answere The reception of the Queene of Cyprus at Venice A new magistrate sent by the Senate into Affricke Contention betwâ—…xt the Emperour Fredericke and Mathias king of Hungarie The inuention of Harquebuses A decree for the exercise of youth An extreame frost at Uenice A law carefully obserued by the Uenetians Great iustice of the Venetians The death of Lorenzo de Medicis Charles the eight French king sends an Ambassadour to Venice The Venetians answere Lodouico Sforza sends Ambassadors into France to king Charles Antonio Prince of Salern incites king Charles to this iourney What moued the French Lords to perswade the king to this iourney Lodouicos feare He sends another Ambassade into France The death of Ferdinand king of Naples Alphonsos request to the Uenetians The Senate write to Lodouico in Alphonsos behalfe Philip de Comines Ambassador for king Charles at Venice The Venetians answere to Philip de Comines League betwixt Pope Alexander and Alphonso king of Naples The Venetians fleet in Sclauonia The Florentines craue councell of the Venetiâ—…s The Senates answere King Charles departs toward Italy The King by reason of his sicknesse stayed at Ast. The number of the Kings Army The King visits Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan The Dutchesse in teares fals down at the Kings feete His answere to the Dutchesse The death of Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan Lodouico vsurps the title and Armes of Duke of Milan Lorenzo and Giouan de Medicis persuade the French King to go to Florence The first resoluâ—… changed The Kings vantgard at Pontrema Finizana taken and sackt by the French Serezzana and Serezanella two strong places The Florentines in allarme The resolution of Pietro de Medicis The Articles of agreement Pietro de Medicis flies from Florence The Medici are declared enemies to their country The King giues liberty to the Pisans Aubigni with his troupes makes head against Ferdinand Bertinora taken The Venetians send Ambassadors to the King Acord sworne betwixt the â—… King and Florentines Ferdinand goes fourth of Rome
at one gate and the French King enters at an other Acord betwixt the Pope and French King Alphonso in â—… loue to his son Ferdinand deposeth himself The King comes to Velitra Cardinall Borgia flies from the King by night Mâ—…nt-fortino taken by the Kings army Ferdinand encampeth at Saint Germains Baserctreat of Ferdinands army Ferdinandis denied entrance into Naples but with his owne family Capua yeelded to the French Ferdinand flies from Naples Virginio Vrsin and Count Petillan taken by the French King Charles receiued into Naples King Charles writes to the Uenetians A Nauall army comes from Spaine to Liuorne The Spanish Ambassadors speech to the Venetians The two Castles of Naples yeelded to King Charles The fort of Gayetta yeelded to the King A league made by sundry great Princes against the French Philip de Comines King Charles his Ambassador at Venice daunted with the newes of the league The Princes answer to Comines King Charles his resolution Guilbert of Bourbon Viceroy of Naples King Charles is crowned King of Naples King Charles sends a messenger to Uenice The Princes answer to him The Popes inconstancie Great preparations made by the Venetians and Lodouico Sforza The Duke of Orleance taketh Valfenieres The French take the towne and Castle of Nouara The number of the Confederate Army The King lodgeth at Fornouo The two armies neere to one another The French army crosseth the Turo The order of the Kings arâ—… The Marquis of Mantu â—… his order to assaile the King King Charles his â—…alour His vow The King rescued by the battaile The French vantgard disordereth the enemy The King determineth to assaile the enemies in their Campe. Sanseuerin his offers The small effect thereof The King arrâ—…neth at Ast. The Venetians arme certaine vessels at Genoa against the French The Venetian flette takes Rapalla The French nauall army is defeated The number of the Army before Nauara The King resolues to hearken vnto peace A motion of peace made at Casall The Venetians are displeased with Lodouico A bold enterprise of Bernardo Contaren The Venetians take Monopoli Tee Neapolitans reâ—…ult iâ—… fauour of Ferdinand A Generall reuolt made oaer the whole Kingdome The Pisans commit themselues to the Venetiâ—…ns The Uenetians 〈◊〉 an ac 〈◊〉 with Ferâ—… Ambassadors The Venetians send aid to Ferdinand King Charles sends an Ambassador to Uenice The resolution for the defence of Pisa. The Venetians and Lodouico send ayde to Pisa. The Pisans raze their Cittadell And craue aid of sundry Princes The Venetians protect the Pisans Resolution of the Kings councell or his iourney into Italy Lodouico sendâ—… euery where to get forceâ—… to secure himselfe from the French The Uenetianâ—… ioyne with Lodouico The King takâ—…s his 〈◊〉 of the Saints Denis and Martin Ferdinand doth streightly beseege Atâ—…lla Atâ—…lla enforced to capitulate Montpensier his death Aubigni is enforced to leaue Calabria to returne into France A great desire of reuenge Tarentum and Caiâ—…tia yeeld to Frederick The Venetians hold Pisa. King Charles resolueth to afsaile Genoa Lodouicos praâ—… against the Venetians Lodouicos practises against the Venetians The Senates answer to this motion The death of Charles the eight French King Lewis Duke of Orleance French King The Uenetians send Ambassadors to the French King Incounter betwixt the Florentines and Pisans Lodouico oâ—… declares himselfe for the Florentines His practiâ—…es against the Venetians New treatie on both sides The Florentines take Liâ—… Caesar Bâ—…rgla the Popes son is made Duke 〈◊〉 Valencia by the French King Lodouico incites the Turke against the Ueneâ—…ians League betwixt the French and Venetians Capitulation of the league Lodouico amazed at the league goes about to diuert the Venetians from it The Florentines resolution conceâ—…ning Pisa. The French Kings army 〈◊〉 into Italy vnder Triuulcio his command The number of the Venetian army The Venetians refuse to giue auaience to Lodouicos Ambassador Lodouico determineth to flie into Germany Count Gayazza takes the Kings part Millan receiues Triuâ—…lcio for the King Cremona yeâ—…ldeth to the Venetians The castle of Cremona yeeldeth to the Uenetians vpon recompence The castle of Milan doth the like to Triuulcio for money King Lewis comes in post to Milan All the Princes of Italy come to him to Milan The Venetians send a fleet against the Turkes The Turke on the zâ—…ratin 〈◊〉 Aâ—…drea Gritti impâ—…isoned The number of the 〈◊〉 fleet The two fleets nere together The Venetian flâ—…et hurt by fire Turkish cruelty Gâ—…imani losâ—…th his place of Generall Lepanto yeeldeth to the Turke Zancani confined â—…o Paduâ—… Lodouico reâ—…urnes with forces out of Gemaâ—…y Lodouico recouereth 〈◊〉 Lodouico entreth Milan by the disloially of the Inhabitants The King sends an army to recouer Milan Lodouico is taken prisoner by the French and sent awâ—…y into France Lodouico Manenti sent to the great Turk The cause which mooued the Venetians to send Manenti The Turke answer to Manenti The Venetians take order for the defence of Frioul Supplies sent to Corfou The deseigne of the Turkish fleete Those of Modon fortifie against the Turke Melchior Treuisan his death Pesare Generall of the Venetian fleet Supplies enter into Modon The Turke takes Modon The Castle of Iunca yeelded to the Turkâ—… Coron yeelds to the Turke on composition A braue and bold deed of Paul Contaren The Turkish army before Naples The Turke discampeth from before Naples The Uenetians take the Isle of Legina They recouer Mitelyn Pesare assails the enemy fleet Samothrace yeelded to the Venetians Charles Contaren beheaded Coron yeelds to the Turke on composition Cephalonia yeelds to Gonsaluo Iunca returnes to the Venetians League betwixt the Venetians and King of Hungary against the Turke The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…unca The French Portugal fleets aid the Venetians against the Turke A new agreement with the King of Hungary Peace betwixt the Venetians and Turke The Portugals trade for spice The Venetians refuse to reew the league with King Lewis The death of Pope Alexander Pius Tertiâ—… Pope dies Iulius Secundus Pope The Venetianâ—… send Ambassa dors to Pope Iulius The Castles of Valdelamona and Faenza yeelded to the Venetians The Pope against the Ve netians The Popes answer to the Venetian 〈◊〉 bassadâ—… Faenza yeelded Tossigâ—…rua and Meldola yeelded The Pope reâ—…kes the Veneâ—…ians Their answer The Bisoap of Tiuoli comes againe to Venice from the Popei The Uenetians send Ambassadors to the Emperor Miximillan and the French King The Emperor Maximillians Ambassador come to Venice in the Popes behalfe The Senates answer to the Ambassadors A league betwixt the Emperor Maximillian and Lewis the French King King Lewis his Ambassador at Venice The Senates answer to the Ambassador The Venetians resolution The Popes answer to the Venetians offers Agreement betwixt the Pope and the Venetians The Popes request to the French King The Emperors request to the Venetians The Venetians answer to the Emperor Iohn Paul Baillon yeeldeth vp Porugia and her territory to the Pope The Pope threatncth thâ—…
Bentiuoâ—…es The Bentiuoles being discouraged submit to the Pope Bolognia yeelded to the Pope The King of Arragon commeth into the Realme of Naples Lewis the French King commeth inâ—… Italy The great hatred which the Pope did beare to the Venetians 1507. A strang suspition of the Pope concerning the King The false reports which the Pope threw abroad against the king Enteruiew of king of France and Arragon at Sauona Aduertizements to the Princes of Germany to cleere the suspition of the French King VVhat was concluded in the Dyet at Constance The Venetians greatly perplexed The Venetians resolute answer to the Emperors ambassadors The Emperor finde to himselfe frustrate of his hopes The Pope refuseth the Emperors request The great preparations of King Lewis the Venetians to stop the Emperors passage The Emperor summons those of Verona to gâ—…ue him passag The Emperor commeth towards Vincenza and on a sodaine returneth into Germany The Venetians great preparations The Almains defeated in the vale of Cadora The Emperor reiteraeteth his Amâ—…assadio the Venetians for passage The Senates answer to the Emperors Ambassador Aluiana his exploits in Friul An old man's speech to the Senate warrs resolued against Maximilian Flight of the Venetian Garrison Maximilians Army desolued for a small occasion The Castle of Creste yeelded to the Venetians The Venetians retire from before the Fort of la Pietra The Venetians refuse to grant Maximilian truce for three yeares Iarring betwixt the Com missioners assembled about the truce Truce betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians The French King complaineth of the truce The French King 〈◊〉 bleth What was practised vnder hand again ct the Venetians Confederacy of the Pope Emperor French King and King of Arragon against the Uenetians The Confederacy ratified by the Emperor and the two Kings The difficulty which the Pope made to ratifie the consederacie The Popes secret menaces to the Venetians The Venetians secret practises with Maximilian The Venetians great preparations for their defence Ambuscado 〈◊〉 surprise the Count Petillan The Pope ratifieth the treaty of Caâ—…bray The Venetians attempt in vaine to be reconciled to the Pope and the Emperor The Venetians are astonished at sondry bad presages The Venetians army on the entry of the country of Giradade Sondry opinions of the Venetian Captaines The Lord of Chaumont General of the Kings army The French take Treui Casal-Maior yeelded The Popes terrible monitory against the Venetians The Duke of Venice his answere to the French Kings Herald The Venetians Armie at Foutane lla The Venetians recouer Treui The Kings Armie 〈◊〉 very neer to that of the Venetians Sundry opinions in the Kings Armie The Kings resolution to enforce the enemies to fight The number of the Kings Armie The number of the Venetians Army The Kings Armie and that of the Venetians fight suriously one with an other The Venetians lose the battle of Gyradade The King take to Carauagia Bressia yeeldeth to the king How the Venetians were daunted at the report of the battails losse The Venetians offer to the Pope The Venetians seeke to be reconciled to the Emperor The great progression of the French army Al Romagnia yeâ—…ldeth to the Pope vpon the same onely of the Kings victory The Duke of Terrara declares him selfe against the Uenetians The Marquis of Mantua doth the like The Emperors army vnder the Duke of Brunswic The Venetians quit Padua Verona and ther places of the firme land The Venetians obtaine nothing of the Pope nor Emperor Hope giuen to the Venetians The Pope being mooued with pitty takes compassion on the Venetians Treuiso coâ—…tinueth obedient to the Venetians The Venetians take courage An enteruiew resolued on betwixt the Emperor and the French King The Emperour on a sodaine breaketh the enteruiew The Venetians take Padua The French Kings resolution The Venetians masters of the Champaine country New agreements betwixt the Pope and the King The Marquis of Mantua taken prisoner and brought to Venice Cadora taken and sackt by the Imperials The Emperour propoundeth to assault Venice Frangipane makes warre in Histria The Venetian Ambassadors come by might into Rome The Emperor determines to beseege Padua The great Turkes offer to the Venetian Senate The Emperors progression nere to Padua The Emperoâ—… beseeged Padua The number of the Emperours army The number of the army in Padua The Count Petillan hath the command in Padua The King of Hungary will by no meanes make warre on the Venetians being solicited therevnto Assault giuen to a Rauelin of the city Assault giuen to the breach of the Bastion of Codolongaâ—… These that came to the assault retire There Emperor raiseth his campe from before Padua The Emperor reâ—…rneth into Germany Contention betwixt the Pope and the King VVhat the Popes meaning was The Popes answer to those who hindered the Venetians absolution The Venetians recouer Vincenza The Imperials succor Verona with men and victuals The Venetians nauall army scoureth the Po as farre as Fiquerolles The cause of the Venetians hatred to the Duke of Ferrara The Venetian General builds two Bastions on the two banks of Po. The Venetians driue the Ferrarois from the Bastions The Venetians recouer the Pollesin The Venetians prouide for Legnaga Suaua and Vincenza The Duke of Ferraradeseateth the Venetians naual army The Duke of Ferrara takes Loretta The Emperour goeth to bold a Dyet at Inspruch A treaty of trnce motioned betwixt the Imperor and the Venctians broken The Emperors proposition to the French King The Pope absolutly the Venetian Maximillian and the French King are displeased with the Pope for absoluing the Venetians The Popes bad meaning to the French King The Kings anger against the Swisses VVherevnto the Popes actions tended The enterprize vpon Verona discouered The Pope in batred to the King doth assaile the Duke of Ferrara a new The French King greatly perplexed The Lord of Chaumont taketh the Pollesin of Rouigo The Vincentine commissioners craue pardon of the Prince of Anbalt The Vincentines yeeld themselues to the victors mercy The French beseege Legnaga Legnaga taken The death of the Cardinal of Amboyse The Lord of Chaumont takes diuers places which stopped the Emperors comming into Italy Verona and her territory pawned to the King for a hundred thousand crownes Monselesia with her Castle taken ruyned The Lord of Chaumont with his forces returneth to the Dutchy of Milan The Popes discontent against the King The Popes secret practises Genoa assured for the King The Popes army taketh Modena Six thousand Swisses come to Varese against the king The six thousand Swisses returne home into their contry for want of victualls and mony The Venetians recouer all the places neere to Padua which had bin taken by the French Verona besieged The number of the Venenetian Army The Venetians raise their Campe from before Verons The King of Hungary summoneth the Venetian Ambassador The Venetians take Azola The Marquis of Mantua is set at liberty Enterprise vpon Genoa The Venetian fleâ—… shâ—…'t by
The King of France and England resolue to free the Pope The Cardinals meet at Bolognia to treat of the Popes deliuery The Emperors dissimulation concerning the Popes taking The Venetians preparations by Sea land The Venetians place a Garrison in Rauenna for the behoof of the Sea of Rome The Duke of Vrbin taketh Perusa The Duke of Vrbins preposition Vittury is contrary to the Duke of Vrbin VVhat great forces they were to haue to free the Pope from prison Vitturi called to account for being contrary to the Popes deliuery The kings great preparations to send into Italy Andre Doria in the Kings seruice The number of the Venetians army The Pope inclineth to agreement Articles of agreement betwixt the Pope and Emperor How the Venetians behaued themselues vpon this agreement Sondry opinions in the Confederats army about the Popes deliueryl Lautrec ente reth the Dutchy of M â—…lanwith great for ces Bosco and Alexandria are taken by Lautrec Strise betwixt the confederats concerning the taking of Alexandria The Venetians oppose themselues against the Lord Lautrecs proposition to goe to Rome and to leaue the State of Milan Pauia is taken by Lautrec Genoa reduced vnder the Kings obedieence The French and Uenetian fleet are scatered by tempest The Turke be ing assailed by Marcello had his speedy reuenge Marcello dieth by the way for greefe Solimans liberality to the Venetians Lautrec leueth Milan and marcheth towards Rome VVhat mooued the Lord Lautrec to change his determination The Venetians do suspect the Duke of Vrbin VVhat moued the Venetians to eat the chardge of the wavve in Lombardy A cotorable excuse of the King of England to the Venetians request The French king and Venetians demands VVhat was the Emperors meaning concerning peace An accord in de with the Duke of Ferrara The marquis of Mantua ioyneâ—… to the league The Emperor commaedeth that the Pope should be enlarged The Pope complaineth of the imperialls dealings The Venetians Ambassad to the Pope The French Kings Ambassador to the Pope The Popes excuse because he would not enter into any new consedera cy VVhat the Popes Intention was Lautrec marcheth towards Naples The number of the Imperial army The Popes demands to the Venetians The Popes excuses to the French King Sundry opinions of the Senate concerning the Popes demand The Senates answere to the Pope Sundry opinions of the Imperial captaines The Imperials embrace the opinion of Alarcon Lautrec resolueth to fight with the enemy Lautrec defiâ—…th and prouoketh the Imperial army to battaile The Imperials retire towards Naples The confederates take Melfi Ascoli Barletta Trani and diuers â—…ther towâ—…es yeeld to the confederates Lautrec marcheth with his army towards Naples Lautrec encampeth within two miles of Naples Six Cities appointed to the Venetians by the agreement of the league Monâ—…pli and Trani yeelded to the Uenetians The Duke of Brunswich commeth into Italy with great â—…orces A vaine and rediculous challenge The Venetiaâ—… preparations against the Duke of Brunswich The Duke of Brunswich being ioyned with Antonio de Leua doth come and beseege Laudâ—… Brunswich returneth into Germany Pozzuolo takenâ—…y Lautrec An enterprize of the Spaniards against the Gallies of Philippin Doria A policy of the enemies The Imperials â—…e 〈◊〉 at sea The number of the dead of the prisoners The great commodity which the arriuall of the Generall of the Venetian Galleys brought to the confederates The Lord of Barbezieuâ—… commeth to Sauona A fierce incounter of those of â—…he league and thâ—… Imperialls The 〈◊〉 of the Aâ—…my of the league before Naples The great sorâ—…w of the Lord Lautrec The Lord Lautrecs nature Greâ—…t sicknes in the French Campe. André Doria 〈◊〉 from the Kings seruice The cause of André Doria 〈◊〉 reuolt The Popes answer to the King concerning the entertainment of Andrew Doria Articles â—…fgreement betwixt the Emperor and Doria The great discomodity which the reuolt of Doria did procure The wants of the army besoâ—…e Naples Disorders 〈◊〉 the army The Lord Lautrec greeuously sick The Lord Lautrecs death The Marquis oâ—… Saâ—…usses Generall â—…f the Army aftâ—…r Lantrecs death The Marquis with the Army retireth to 〈◊〉 The Capitulation about the yâ—…elding of Auersâ—… Genoâ—… by meanes of Andrè Doria 〈◊〉 from the King to the â—…peror The Venetians great preparations The number of the Venetians sorces The Duke of Vrbins determination The proposition of the coâ—…nt Saint Paul The enterprise of Milan broken The Consederates besiege Pauia The Conseâ—…erates take Pauia Nouara and diuerse other townes yeeld to the Consederates The Lord Saint Paul leaueth Milan to go to the releef of Genoa The lord Sâ—… Paul his aeseignes to re leeâ—… Genoa proouetâ—… vaine Castle of Genoa raced by the People The Genowaies fill the Hauen of Sauona with grauell The Venetiâ—… forces 〈◊〉 diminisâ—…d The Venetians keepe the câ—…ties in Paglâ—…a The French Kings instance to the Veneâ—…ians in the Popes behalse The Venetians answer to the Kingâ—… Ambassadâ—…r The Vâ—…counts offers to the Pope The Uenetiaâ—… offers to the Pope so that peace might be procured Sâ—…cret practises betwixt the King and the Venetians The Emperorâ—… great preparations to coâ—…e into Italy The Popes intention The Uenetians intention The Venetians great preparatioâ—… by sea and 〈◊〉 The Venetians loâ—…e to the French and the Duke of Milan The â—…esolution of the assembly held aâ—… Venice by the Confederatâ—… The King determineth to make warre iâ—… Spaine The resolution of the Venetian councel vpon the Kings comming into Italy The Kings answer and determination The Venetians care to pâ—…serue the placeâ—… which they held in Puglia The Lord Chastillon commeth to Venice and makes a shew that hee would gâ—… into Puglia The Senaâ—…s suspâ—…tion â—…cerning the Kings comming The Venetians soliciâ—…e the King to come into Italy The bandetti of Naples come into the field Aquila is recouerâ—…d of the Imperials Martrica taken by them Treason discouered in Barletta Monopoli beseeged bâ—… the Marqit of Guasto The Maâ—…quis giueth an assault â—…o 〈◊〉 â—…ity to his lesse The Marquis reâ—…ireth from before Monopoli The city of Brundusium yeeldeth to the Venetians The Prince of Orange deâ—…ermineth to goe to Peâ—…sua The Duke of Vrbin runneth to the defense of his owne State The Prince of Orange changeth his determination The Duke of Vrbin being come backe to the army determineth to beseege Milan Enteruiew of the French Venetâ—…an armies The two armies distrust one an other The Lord S. Paul resolueâ—… to execute the enâ—…erprise of Genoa Antonio de Leua assaileth the Lord Saint Paul The number of the Venetian army Antâ—…io de Leua followâ—…th the Dukâ—… 〈◊〉 Vrbin in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cassaâ—… Part of the enemies are defeated by the Duke of Vrbin Gâ—…eat valor of a woman in mans attire The Duke of Vrbîns enterprize to defeate the enemie The enimes 〈◊〉 beaten by the Duke of Vrbiâ—… The doubts and feare of Antonio de Leua Antonio de Leua retireâ—…h 〈◊〉 Milan The report of the Lancequenâ—…ts
the Turkish army Barbarossa his considerations vpon those sundry opâ—…nions The number of Barbarossas slect Barbarossa sendeth sorth fifty Gallies to discouer the Christian army The Turkish Gallics are in a manner put toâ—…out by the army of the league Doria in sauor to the enemies causeth his army to retire The Turkes come forth of the Gulphe doe put them selues in battaile Doria his remonstrance 〈◊〉 the whole army Capello his answere The resolution to giue baitaile reioyceth the â—…hole army The Turkes purpose broken by Doria â—…arbarossa repentcth his comming sorth of the Guâ—…phe of Preueze The order of Barbarossa his Army The enemies got into a placâ—… of safety thorow the fault of those of the league VVhat Doriâ—… purpose waâ—… Capels speech to Doria to prouoke him to the battaile The whole army crieth out for battaile A beginning of the battaile a sarre off Doria his retreat encourageth the Turkes The Army of the league returneth to Corsou The Turkish Army retireth into the Oulph of Larâ—…a All men cry out vpon Doria 〈◊〉 soâ—…row for his fault Sundry opinions in the confederates councell The Confederates Army commeth â—…o besiege castelnouo The Spaniards insolency The most part of Barbarossas flâ—…et is cast away by tempest Doria his excuses because be would not fight with Barbarossa Doâ—…ia with his galleys retireth â—…nto Sicyll The death of the Tâ—…uke of Vrbiâ—… The Emperors excuses for not performing his promise The Emperors 〈◊〉 ayme The Senate resolueth to be at peace with the Turke Grâ—…tti goeth to Constantinople to treat of an agreement The Emperors Ambassador doth in the Senate complaine against this agreement The Senates answer to the Ambassador An. 1538. The Senate prepareth for the conseruation of their sea townes Agreement betwixt the Pope and the duke of Vrbin The Turkes great preparations for the recouery of Castel-nouo Draguts policy to encompasse the Venetian Galleys The Basche complaineth to Gritti against the 〈◊〉 Truce for three 〈◊〉 betwixt the Turkes and Venetians Petro Zene 〈◊〉 chosen Ambas sador to goe to Soliman The French Ambassadors deseigne Truce is prolonged wiâ—…h the Venetâ—…ans The Spaniards not being abâ—…e to keepe Castel-nouo offer it to the Venetians Castel-nouo it taken by Barbarossa Barbarossa suâ—…moneth the Gouernor of Cataâ—…ra to deliuer the towne vnto him The Gouernors answer to Barbarossa Barbarossa doth in vaine giue assaults â—…o Catarra Doria his proposition to the Prouidator Contarâ—…n The Prouidators answer to Doria The Bashaâ—… demands to Contaren The Ambassadors answer to the Bashas The Senates doubt vpon those newes The French Kings loue towards the Venetians The Emperour desiâ—…eth passage through France to goe into Flanderâ—… Sundry opinions in the Senate Dearth of victuals in Vâ—…nice Cantelmo departeth from Venice without any commission The Emperour and French King send to the Venetians to diuert them from peace with the Turkes The Marquis of Guasto his speech to the Senate The Senates answere to the 〈◊〉 These cause of the Popes doubt and discontent The Pope sendeth the Cardinal Farnese Legatinto France An Hungarian Ambassador coÌ„meth to Venice Lodouico Bâ—…doario is chosen Ambassador to goe to Soliman VVhat the Senate did enioyne the Ambassador The Emperor commeth to Paris 1540. The answers of the Emperor the French King to the Venetian Ambassador The Senate resolueth on peace with Soliman Badoâ—…rio is greatly 〈◊〉 Peace conclu ded with the Turkes according to their owne mindes The Trâ—…itors which bewâ—…ayed 〈◊〉 commission to the Turkes are discâ—…nered Force is offered to the lodging of the French Ambassador The traitors are punished The French king complaâ—…neth to the French Ambassador The Ambassadors braue answer The sorrow greefe of those of Naples and Maluesia when they vnderstood the conditions of the peace The 〈◊〉 Moceniga his oration to the people of Naples Naples and Miluesia are consigned to the Turke The great hope of a long peace The cause of the warre of Hungary Soliman incensed agoinst Fer dinand determineth to make warre in Austria The Emperors resoâ—…ution contraâ—…y to his promise The King resoluâ—…th to vse the 〈◊〉 aidâ—… against the Emperor Rincon and Fregosa being seâ—…t Ambassadors to Soliman are marthered The kings complainâ—…s against the Emperor The reasons that moâ—…ued the Venâ—…ians to keep themselues 〈◊〉 The Senate refuseth to haue their Councell heldaâ—… Vincen za Peace confirmed betwixt the Turkes the Venetians The Venetians are greeued for that there is not a Duke of Milan The Venetians are solicited to leaue their neutrality The Senats refusâ—…th to make any new alliance The French King is incensed against the Emperor Polin soliciteth the Venetians to make a league with the French King The Senates answere to 〈◊〉 The French king at one time raiseth three armies against 〈◊〉 Emperor The King is 〈◊〉 with the Venetian Polin iis practâ—…ses against the Venetians Miranis taken â—…rom Ferdinand The Venetians doubts vpon the taking of Maran The Senats answere to the French Ambassador The Senats answer to Ferdinad The Vâ—…netians raise the sort of Maran The controuersie beâ—…wixt the Venetians and Ferdinand is put to compromise An. 1543. Great preparations for war on all sides The Emperor allieth himself wiâ—…h Henry King of England The Pope goeth about to make alliance with the Venetians The Senaâ—…es aâ—…swer to the Pope The Venetians doe arme for their owne safety and defense The Turkes take Regio in Calabria Barbarossa his fleet at Marsâ—…illes Barbarossa taketh the city of Nice and then râ—…turneth to Marseilleâ—… The Emperor returneth into Italy The Popes desâ—…ignes to confer with the Emperor The Emperor resuseth to conser with the Pope The Pope and Emperors enteruiew at Bussâ—…tisto no purpose The Turke maketh warre in Hungary A Turkish Ambassador commeth to Venice Sharp war about Maran A motion made to the Senate for the hauing of Maâ—…an Agreement betwixt Strossi and the 〈◊〉 concerning Maran The Venetianâ—… excuses to the Emperor and Ferdinand concerning Maran An. 1544. The Emperorâ—… and French Kingspractizes to draw â—…he Venetians to their party The Cardinall of Ferra a exharieth the Vâ—…netian In the French Kings behalfe The Senates answer to the Cardinal Anew practize to draw the Venetians to the league with the King Two Legats sent to those Princes to procure peace The English do beseege 〈◊〉 A Spanish Frier beginneth the treaty of peace betwixt those Princes The Capitulations of the peace Both sides complaine of the Pope Diuers opinions concerning this peace Barbarossa his cruell spoiles as he returned home The Emperor and Ferdinand doe send Ambassadors to treat of agreement with the Turkes An. 1545. These Princes Ambassadours come to Constantinople Commissioners decide the controuersie betwixt Ferdinand and the Venetians Solimen is 〈◊〉 informed of the Venetians VVhat did mooue the Emperor to solicit truce with Soliman Truce for one yeere betwixt the Emperor his brother Soliman Contention betwixt the Venetians and the Turke A tyrannicall law of the Turkes An. 1546. The Pope giueth Parma and Placentia in
title of Dutchy to his sonne Petro Lodouico The Emperour refusâ—…th to inuest Petro Lodouico in the Dutchy of Porma and Placentia The new Duke his offers to the Venetians The Emperors and the French Kings difficulties were cause of the peace of Italy The Venetians resoâ—…s â—…o diuert the Pope from medling with the Protestants The Senats answer to the Pope and the Emperor The Venetians grant passage to the Pope and Emperors troups The number of the Emperors Army VVho they were that took part with the Protestants The number of the Protestants Army The Pro testants suite to the Venetians The Senaoes answere to the Protestants The Duke of Saxon and the Landerâ—…ue of Hesse their suite to the Venetian Senate with their answer The Venetians gentle answer to those of Aus bourg The Venetians are in some doubt seing so many soldiers in Italy The Popes discourse to driue the Venetians from their suspition The Protestants take Chiusa The occasions of the enemies losse The Cardinall Farnâ—…se commeth to Uenice VVho be Venetian Gentlemen with their Preâ—…ogatiues The Popes complaints against the Emperor The Emperors complaints against the Pope The Emperor returneth so Milan The Sienois rise against the Spaniards The Emperors deseigns in Italy The death of Petro Lodouico the Popes Sonne The death of Francis the first French King Henry the eight King of England Henry the Second French King The Senate sendeth Ambassadors to the new Fench King And to Edward the Sixt King of England The Cardinall Saint George is sent Legat into France Petâ—…o Strossâ—… sent sor into France to troble the peace of Italy Horratin Farn se marrieth King Henries daughter Gonzaga â—…xeu sethâ—…im concer ning the death of Petro Lodouico The Pope anâ—… French King do solicitâ—… the Venetians against the Em peror The Senates aâ—…swer to the Poâ—…e and French King Sundry practises in Italy An. 1548. The French Kings doubts and deseignes The Pope is greatly â—…erpiexed The Pope to 〈◊〉 the Atmains sendeth a Legat into Germany Solimans Army against the Persians Soliman maketh truce with Christian Princes Strise betwixt the Emperor French king Soliman sendeth Imperioâ—…s letters to the Emperor Contention concerning the place where the Councel should be held The death of Pope Paul the third Parma is kept by Camillâ—… Vrsino The Cordinâ—…ll de Monte is chosen Pope and called by the name of Iulius the third The Senatâ—… 〈◊〉 Ambassadorâ—… 〈◊〉 the Pope Horatio Farnâ—…se putteth himselfe and family into the French Kâ—…ngs protection Presages of great warres The Turke sendeth an Ambassador to Venice Catherin Zene 〈◊〉 sent Amâ—…assador to the Turke An. 1550. A 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 An. 1551. The Pope not thinking there on causeth great warres in Italy Proposition of an agreement about Parma VVho hindred the Emperor from allowing of that agreement The Pope seeketh meanes of agreement with the 〈◊〉 King The warre continueth in Italy Strossi his pollicy to victuall Parma The Duke of Florence taketh the Emperors party The Duke of Ferrara craueth à duice of the Venetians how to behaue himselfe in those troubles in Italy A discreâ—…t answer of the Venetians to the Duke of Ferrarâ—… Instructions sent by the French King to the Cardinall Tournon to be propounded to the Venetian Senate The Senates answer to the Cardinall Tournoâ—… The Germaine Princes treate with the French King against the Emperor The Pope by his Legate goeth about to attâ—…ne the Emperor and the French King The King inciâ—…ed agaiâ—…st the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 biddeth annates A great Turâ—…ish fleet at Sea The course held by the Turkish â—…leet at Sea The Turkeâ—… make war in Hungary and Transiluania Fâ—…rdinand doth 〈◊〉 enioy 〈◊〉 All Germany is bandâ—…d agaâ—…nst the Emperor and his brother Ferâ—…inand Ferdinand to free himselfe from war wiâ—…h the Turke offereâ—…h to pay him tribute Friar George the Câ—…rdinall is murthered The Venetians preparations when they heard how the Turkes armed Metz is taken by tâ—…e French The French King commeth as farre as the Râ—…ine in fauor of the Prâ—…testant Princes 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 of â—…bourg The Prince of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The enterprise of 〈◊〉 propounded to the King The Prince of Salerno his proposition to the Venetian Senate The Senotes answers to the Prince of Saâ—… The Pace of châ—…usa is taken by the Protestants Peace betwâ—…xt the Emperor and Germaine Princes The Prince of Salerno â—…neth to Venite from the king The Oration of Selua the Frech Kings Ambassador to the Venetian Senate The Senats answere to the Prince of Salerne and the French Ambassador The enterprize of Naples being found very difficulâ—… is reâ—… by the King The Almanis band themselues against the French King concerning Metz Thou and Verdun The Emperor sâ—…ndeth the Viceroâ—… of Naples against Sienna The Kings demand tâ—… the Siennois The Viceroy of Naples spoileth the country of the Siennois An. 1552. The councell of â—…enne reuiueth the memory and execution of the lâ—…st will and testament of the Cardinal Zene The death of Edward the sixth King of England The Duke of Florence sendeth forces against the Siennois An. 1553. An. 1554. An. 1555. The death of Pope Iulius he third The election of Pope Paul the fourth The Emperor Charles resigneth all his States to his sonne Philip and to his brother Ferdinand Truce granted and soone broken An. 1556. The Pope an enemy to the Spaniards The Duke of Alua taketh diuers townes from the Pope The Venetians being entreated by the Pope vse meanes to pacifie the Duke of Alua. Octauio Farneze 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Dutchy An. 1557. The Duke of Guise commeth into Italy The losse of the battaile of Saint Lawrence and the towne of Saint Quintins The Spaniards demands vpon the treaty of peace with the Pope Peace betwixt the Pope and Spaniards VVarres betwixt Solimans two soones An. 1558. The taking of Calais Francis Daulphin of Viennois marâ—…ieth the Queene of Scots The French take Thyonuille An. 1559. Peace concludâ—… betwixt the 〈◊〉 and Spanish Kings The Pirates pursued by Bembo saue â—…hemselues in Durazzo The death of Pope Paul the fourth A Popular commotion in Rome Venetian Ambassadors to the French King The creation of Pope Pius the fourth The Cardinall Carassa and three of his kinsmen are put to death The death of Andre Doria The Venetians send Ambassadors to the Pope The ouerture of the councell of Trent An. 1560. Charles the ninth French King The Cardinalâ—… seâ—…t by the Pope to the the councell The Venetian 〈◊〉 that were present at the councell of â—…rent The Pope endâ—… the controtronersie betâ—…ixt the Ambassadors of France and Spaine A strange accident at Rome The Venetians chase away the Pirats Maximilâ—…an Emperor in 〈◊〉 fathers stead An. 1565. The great harme with the Inquisitiâ—…n doth after the manner of Spaine The Senate of Milans answer to the King of Spaine concerning the Inquisition The Venetianâ—… answer to the Pope The Death of Pope Piuâ—… quarâ—…us à nd the election of Peus quintus The death of Soliman before Zighet
to take the Citâ—…y The estate of the beseeged 〈◊〉 them to yeeld The Captains sâ—…ndry opinions The beseeged resolue to yeeld on composition 〈◊〉 giuen on both sides The artiâ—…les of the 〈◊〉 Mustapha his seigned curtesie Bragadin 〈◊〉 to Mustapha his tent Mustapha his 〈◊〉 â—…cliy More then barbarous cruelty Great impiety against the dead The Bascha returneth to Constantinople The vniting of the Confederate fleet The Aduise of D. Bernardino de Requesens for fighting or not fighting with the enemy Barbarico 〈◊〉 speecâ—… peâ—…swading to fight Cornia his speech confirming Batbaricos The Turkish fleet in the Gulph of Lepanto An accident which had like to haue bred great miâ—…chiefe Don Iohn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against Venieri Venieri his answer to them The order and forme of the chrâ—…stian battaile Don Iohns Oration to his soldiors The speech of Hassan Bascha perswadiâ—…g to fight Mehemet Bey bis speech dissweding from fight The order of the Turkish flect Ali Basha his speech of incouragement to his captaineâ—… and soldiers at the inâ—…ant of battaile The memorable battaile of Lepanto Small hope in the reuolt of the Turkes subiects The Ueneâ—…ians preparations against the spring The Emperors excuses to free himselfe from entring into the league The King of Portugals answer to the Cardinall and Venetians The King of Portugals promises The Pope soliâ—… the King of Poland Bascha Mahomet soliciteth the Emperor The Pope and Venetians doubt 〈◊〉 Turkes 〈◊〉 of the Christians before the battaile The 〈◊〉 of peace beoken Rumors diuâ—…lged by the Spaniard The Spaniards feare least the Uenetians make peace with the Turks 〈◊〉 of Pius Quintus The Venetians solicite the Cardinalls in the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 The enterprize vppon Castelno â—…o propounded to the Senate The attempt vppon Castel-nouo in vaine Soranza is honorably enterteined by Don Iohn at Messina His Remonstrance to D. Iohn The Spanish delayes The true cause of Don Iohns delay D. John leadett the Venetians 22. Gallies The French King â—…orhideth his subiâ—…cts to goe into Flanâ—…ers Râ—…asont alleadged by the Protestants to moouâ—… the French King to warre The Spaniards are iealous of the French mens actions Ambassadors 〈◊〉 from Venice to France and Spaine The Venetian Ambassadors discourse to the French Kinâ—… The French Kings answere to the Venetian Ambassador The mother Queene of France writeâ—… to the Pope The Catholick Kingâ—…s resolution before the Ambassadors ariual Tepulo his sute to the Kinge of Spaine The senates resolution when they perceiued the Spanish delaies Colonna his â—…duice General Foscarini his answer to Colonna Colonna's opinion concerning the setting forward towards the â—…mies Gâ—…l Andrada his opinion Don Iohn certifies the Venetians that bee will shortly bee with them The fleet departeth notwithstanding The Christians descry the Tur kish fleet The number of the Christian and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ulâ—…zzalies policy The death of Sigismond King of Poland The Christians flâ—…et desâ—…rieth that of the Turkes The Turkes retire from the Christian fleet Vluzzali determineth to assaiâ—…ls D. Iohn â—… proposition made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 witâ—… securâ—… D. Iohn Difficultieâ—… arising about the meeting of Don Iohn Quirini sale conducts the great vessels to the fleet The number of the confederate fleet The order of the Confederates fleet The Confederates error The enemies 〈◊〉 to Modon Ulâ—…zzali inâ—… not to fight Charles of Lorraine Duke of Mayen in the 〈◊〉 fleete 〈◊〉 of the Turkish fleet A vayne and vnprofitable engin The situation of the Castle of Nauarine The Turkes comming to releeue tâ—…e castle doe much anoy the Christians The Confederats discampâ—… from before Nauarin Don Iohns excuses Tluzzali returnes to Constantinople The Cousede rate fleet coms to Corfou The Spaniards desirous to returne into the west Don Iohn goes to Naples 〈◊〉 to paine The Venetians complaine to the Pope Venieri his hoâ—… noroble entertainment and welcome at Uenice 〈…〉 The Turkes build a fort against Catarin The Uenetians take the sort They ruine it by a myne Motion of Peace at Constantinople with the Vene tian Baily The Senate at first makes no great account of peace Peace is propounded in the Councell of Tenne The Spaniards conference with the Venetian Ambassador The Emperor seekes to hinder peace Prince Mocenigo his oration to the councell of Tenne The Senates resolution to peace Causes moouing the Senate to imbrace peace The Bishop of Aix Ambassador for the French King at Constantinople The Turkes deale roughly with the Venetian Bayly Peace concluded betwixt the Turkes Venetians Articles of peace Sundry opinions concerning the Venetians peace The King of Spaine iâ—… not discontented with the Venetians The Venetians send an expresse Ambassador to the Pope The Ambassadors excuses to the Pope The Turkish fleet depaâ—…teth from Constantinople The Ambassadors speech to Selim. An. 1573. Henry Duke of Aniou chosen king of Poland Troubles in the Dutchy of Vrbin Don Iohn goes into Affrick The death of Selim Emperor of Turkes The King of Poland returnes secretly into France The entertainment giuen to the French King at Vienna in Austiiâ—… The Dukes of Ferrara and Neuers come with King Henry to Venice The French Kings magnificent reception at Uenice The death of Cosmo de Medicis first great Duke of Tuscany Troubles in Genoa appeased An. 1575. The Venetians scare The Turkish army in the Empires confines The cause why Amurath hated the Emperor Amurath confirmes peace with the Uenetians The Prince Seâ—…ates vow to God Great charity of a Prelat Price set vpon all wares The Pope sends a golden rose to the Venetian Prince Brescia afflicted with the plague Sundry prodigies seene in the ayre Ambassadors sâ—…nt to the King of Spain Decrces against the Venetians superfluous expences A Decree against superfluous dyet A Persiaâ—… Ambassador 〈◊〉 to Veniâ—…e Vpon what occasion the Pope caused tenne daies to be taken from the yeere Contention betwixt the Venâ—…tians and Knights of Malta A Uenotian Gentleman is exâ—…cuted to satisfie the Turke The creation of Pope Sixtus the fifth A Dutchesse iâ—… cruelly murthered in Paduâ—… The murtherers are put to death Pope Sixtus death with the creation of Pope Vrban the 7. Creation of Pope Gregory the 14. The deceit of a Greeke The Venetians are iealous of Turkeâ—… and 〈◊〉 The building of the bridge of Rialto The death of Pope Gregory the 14. The Creation and death of Pope Innocent the 9. The Creation of Pope Clement the 7. A Prodigie The Institution of the Uenetian Academy A sollâ—…mne Amâ—…assage from Fâ—…ance to Rome The Venetians send Ambassadors to the French King The Pope blâ—…sseth and absoluâ—…th the â—…rench King The Cardinall of Florence Legat in France The Venetians defeat the Vsicoques Henry the 4. motioneth a marriage with the Princâ—…sse of Florence The Kings mariage celebrated at Florence Italy zealouâ—… of the Spaniardâ—… Peace betwixt the French King and Duke of Sauoy The caâ—…se of tâ—…e Venetianâ—… icalou siâ—… Diuers Pirates are defeated The Senates Dâ—…cree agaâ—…nst the Clergie A decree concerning building of Churches The death of Pope Clement the viii The election of Pope Leo the 10. and his sodaine death The creation of Pope Paul the fift The Pope complaineth to the Venetian Ambassador The Popes resolution vpon the Venetians refusall The Senates answer to the Pope The censures against the Venetians are publishâ—…d The Venetians make a declaration vpon the Popes excommunication The French King mediates peace betwixt the Pope and Uenetians Cardinâ—…ll Perron 〈◊〉 with the Pope The Pope grants a commission to the Caâ—…dinal Ioyâ—…use The Commission is giuen to Cardinal Ioyâ—…use to reuoke the censures at Venice 〈◊〉 Articles on which the iâ—…terdiction was reuokâ—…d The Cardinals reception at Uenice After what manner the prisoners were deliuered The manner of 〈◊〉 the censures The Duke reuokâ—…th his first declaration The Senats doubt
houses neere to the Cittie with firie arrowes which hee shotte from his Gallies The affaires of the Empire being thus troubled Emaâ—…uel by his Ambassadours had recourse vnto the Venetians of whom in respect of their ancient friendship he freely craued helpe in his great need or if he asked it too late that they would yet reuenge the wrongs done vnto him Therefore they prepared a mightie Fleete which being in readinesse in the Hauen after that certaine Gallies which were abroad were by a decree called home the Prince set forward against the enemies But Historians make no mention at what time these Gallies which were called home departed from Venice We must beleeue they were those which the Venetians did entertaine for the defence of the coaste of Syria according to their promise made to Baldwin as some Authors doe affirme The Fleet being departed from the Citie sayling on the maine and grieuously tossed with a mightie tempest did put it selfe into the Hauen of Caorli a territorie of the Forlani where the Prince falling sicke and perceiuing his disease growing worse and worse and that there was no hope of his sodaine recouerie after he had committed the charge of the Armie to Giouanni his brother and Reyniero his sonne he returned to Venice Emanuel likewise had armed a great number of vesselles which hee committed to the charge of one of his Lieutenants with all authoritie at Sea He came by Land with his forces into Albania where he besieged the Citie of Bùtritot But during these atchieuements the Venetians after they had slaine diuers of the enemies and taken many prisoners tooke the Isle of Corfu by force Some neuerthelesse affirme That the Island was rather recouered that they did not fight on the maine Sea and That the Kings Fleete being dispersed and defeated the Venetians tooke foureteene of his Gallies who after they had left strong Garrison for the guard of this Island sailed forthwith into Sicilia where so soone as they arriued there is no sort of crueltie which they committed not They did put all the Prouince to fire and sword burnt diuers Cities cut downe the Trees plucked vp plants by the rootes and carried great numbers of prisoners with them to Venice By meanes whereof the Empire was not onely protected as at other times by the Venetians forces but restored to her ancient splendor and maiestie which would hardly haue beene done without their aide The Princes death which hapned before the Armies returne hindred the publike ioye for such a victorie who deceased the nineteenth yeare of his gouernment Dominico Morosini was by a generall consent chosen in his place ¶ DOMINICO MOROSINI the 37. Duke of Uenice ABout the same time as some write Rogero King of Sicilie deceased who was an enemie to the Venetians This Prince after diuers great atchieuements hauing subiected vnder his power the Citie of Thunis in Africke caused in his life-time these Latine verses to be engrauen on his kinglie sword Appulus Calaber Siculus mihi seruit Apher Which may be thus englished The prowd Calabrian beares my yoake Black Affrica I tam'd Sicilia's Island felt my stroake with'Pulia Naples nam'd Sixe galleies were sent the same yeare to defend the Sea-coasts on which the Pirats made ordinary incursions who sailing on the maine tooke fiue Galleies of Ancona which Guiscard one of the Pirats of his time did commaund who being taken was presently hanged About the same time likewise diuers buildings aswell publike as priuate were consumed with fier in our Ladies Island no man knowing from whence it came Besides at the same time the foundations of the great Tower was laid which is right ouer against the market-place and is a verie admirable peece of worke For it is reported that the foundations of the same great Masse are laid so deepe vnderground as there was more time spent therein than on the whole worke besides The top thereof glistering with gold is of such heighth as a man may not only from thence see round about the Citie but likewise discouer a great way off at Sea towards the South and East in such sort as the brightnesse therof doth appeare like a luckie starre two hundred stadij in length to those which saile from Histria and Dalmatia The Polani with diuers other of Histria did by their thefts trouble the Gulfe The Dukes Sonne with Marino Gradonico were sent against them with fiftie Armed Gallies Pola being besieged by them the inhabitants at their first arriuall sued for peace which was granted them on condition That they should no more robbe at Sea and pay yearlie two thousand weight of oile for S. Markes Church The Parenzans likewise being moued with the like feare promised to giue them aide as oftentimes as the Duke should goe to the wars The Emonians promised as much with a yearelie tribute of oile Some did besides acknowledge them for their Soueraigne Lords promising to free all the Venetian Merchants from subsidies and impositions Those of Aâ—…cona likewise at the same time made a league with the Venetians The like did William King of Sicilie who succeeded Rogero in regard whereof he graunted diuers priuileges and immunities to the Venetian Marchants which frequented the Faires of Sicilie Pope Anastasius at the Venetians entreatie erected the Church of Zara into an Arch-bishops See whereunto he subiected all the Cities of the neighbour-Islands Yet I am not of opinion that the same was done so much in fauour of those of Zara who were not at the same time greatly affectionate to the Venetians as in hatred to the other Cities of Dalmatia which for the most part being reuolted from the Venetians did at the same time obaie the King of Hungarie If this be so as diuers likewise affirme it we must thinke That Dominico Michaeli at his returne from Syria did not recouer Spalatrá Trahu nor any other Citie in Dalmatia but only Zara or else of a certaine That this Archi-episcopall erection was in the daies of Vitalis Michaeli the second in whose time we finde Trahu Spalatra Ragusa and diuers other Cities of Dalmatia to bee possessed by the Emperour Emanuel The Church of the Virgin which the crossed Friers possesse was built at the charges of the Gussoni an honourable familie as that likewise of St. Mathew toward the which Bernardo Cornari did freely giue the ground This is all which is obserued to haue hapned at home or abroade vnder this Princes gouernment who died the eighth yeare of his Principalitie and was buried in the Church of Holie-Crosse ¶ VITALIS MICHAELI the second the 38. Duke of Venice VItalis Michaeli the second succeeded him who after he had wholly rooted out all ancient emulation betwixt the Venetians and the Pisans made a league with them The Venetians vnder this Princes gouernment took part with Pope Alexander the third vpheld by the kings of France and England against Octauian the Anti-Pope who was alone fauoured by
the Emperour Frederick Barbarossa who for this cause commaunded the subiects of the Empire which were neere neighbours to the Venetians to ouer-runne them At the Emperours commandement those of Verona Padua and Ferrara so soone as they had ioined their forces together did assaile and take by force the Cape of la Mothe But vnderstanding that the Venetian Armie approached which vpon the first report of the enemies rising was prepared they soone dislodged after they had spoiled the Towne and carried awaie the inhabitants as prisoners The Venetians not meeting with the enemie fell on the Territorie of the Hadrians to reuenge the iniurie done to their subiects Vlrich Bishop of Aquileia presuming on these troubles for he likewise fauoured Octauian came with a great troope of Forlani and tooke the Citie of Grada not so much in hope to keepe the place for hee had none at all as to take thence the rarest and richest things and to carrie them to Aquileia But being taken with the manner by the Prince his vnlookt-for comming himselfe with twelue of his Channons and manie others of note were brought prisoners to Venice From whence soon after he was discharged on condition To send euerie yeare at shrouetide a fat Bull with twelue wilde Boares which should be slaine in the Market-place in the presence of all the people for a perpetuall testimonie to posteritie of their victorie But some Authours referre this to the gouernment of Angelo Partitiatio which wee haue heeretofore mentioned But I thinke the errour proceeded hence-from that they deliuer the same to haue hapned in the time of Pope Alexander not making mention of which Alexander Whilest these things were done neere the circuites of the Citie the Emperour Emanuel attempted by new sleights to gripe from the Venetians Who hauing made a new League with William king of Sicilie had giuen his daughter secretly to him in marriage or else of a certaine some hope of new affinitie For if the same had bene done vnder-hand I know not with what face he could haue entreated the Venetians to make warre on him because that euerie one would haue perceiued his dissimulation by solliciting forraine Armes against him with whom hee had contracted new friendship and alliance Now therefore that he might with-draw this King from the Venetians whose faithfull friend hee knew him to be and who as then were ignorant of what had passed he requested them by his Ambassadors to aide him against him Some write that after the agreement was sworne to there arose some dissension betwixt the Emperour and the King If it were so the matter is answered for otherwise it would be a hard matter to beleiue that such affinitie and alliance betwixt so great personages could bee contracted vnknowne to the Venetians or at least could be long concealed from them Therefore the Grecian Ambassadours receiued this answere that the Venetians could not by the Law of Nations nor by their ancient custome take Armes without a cause against him who was their good friend and confederate But that the Emperour Emanuel might wholly make vse of their meanes as of a Nation which did greatly affect him so farre forth as their honour and conscience would giue them leaue though they could not at that time send him aide without great breach to their reputation and publike loialtie The Ambassadours were with this answere dismissed who were no sooner departed from Venice because there was some likelihood of discontent about this answere but they sodainely decreed to send to all Venetian Marchants trafficking at the same time in Greece to returne home speedily to Venice The Emperour who before then bare them no great good will thinking by this refusall to haue a iust occasion to make warre vpon them seized on the Cities of Spalatra Trahu and Ragusa but it is not knowne whether it were by force or by a voluntarie yeelding of the inhabitants Then adding treacherie to treacherie he did feigne that hee seazed on them only to constraine the Venetians to renew the league with him and with no intent to detaine them Therefore he intreated them by his Ambassadours to suffer their merchants to vse their trafficke in the accustomed faires of Greece and that hee would shortly let them vnderstand how much hee did loue them and was mindfull of the benefits which hee had receiued from them as from his good friends and companions in Armes The promise of so great a Prince did indeed moue the whole Citie but much more the remembrance which he said he carried of the benefits which the Greeke Empire had in times past receiued from their Ancestors Vpon which assurance hauing reuoked their former decree they permitted euerie one to saile into Greece Whereupon a great number of Merchants did sodainely depart who stirred vp by profit went thither being followed by two Ambassadours sent to renew the league namely Sebastiano Cyani and Auria Maripietro who were scarce come to Constantinople when Emanuel at a day appointed for the same purpose caused ouer all his Empire all the Venetians to be taken with their ships and merchandize commanding them to bee streightly kept till his farther pleasure were knowne and their money and goods to be shut vp in the publicke warehouses The Ambassadours amazed at the newnesse of this deed for they durst not by the law of Nations hurt them leauing Constantinople returned into Italie Some who in this rumult and feare had put to Sea arriued sooner at Venice than the Ambassadours and did report that by the treacherie and disloyaltie of Emanuel all their Countrimen a few excepted were imprisoned and their shippes and goods seized on in the hauens and faires of Greece The vnworthinesse of the matter did greatly trouble the whole Citie But calling to minde that there is nothing sooner punished among men than trecherie being resolued to reuenge this wronge they sodainely prepared a mightie Armie A hundred gallies were as they say in as many dayes with a meruailous couâ—…age readie to set saile with twentie shippes of burthen And hauing besides sent to all that were abroade in trafficke of merchandize to returne to Venice by the first of September after they had receiued the supplies of Histria and Dalmatia the fleete set saile vnder the commaund of Michaeli He first tooke Trahu by force and wholy ruined it whereby wee may perceiue that they had voluntarily yeelded to the Greekes Ragusa likewise being recouered the walles next to the Sea-side with a tower were beaten downe to the ground whereon the Emperours Armes were ingrauen This being done in Dalmatia they came with a faire winde into the Isle of Nigrepont where Prince Michaeli preparing to besiege the Cities notwithstanding that they were furnished with good garrisons was disswaded from it by the Gouernour of the Island who being amazed to see so great an Armie or perhaps not ignorant of his masters meaning to abuse so mightie an enemie by some
all that induce him to make any braue resolution nor hinder him from thinking on an accord determining to accept such an one as it should please the conqueror to offer him rather then with his owne forces and those of his friends and confederates oppose himselfe against the violence that might bee offered him and hee had already begun to treate with the Viceroy fearing least the Imperiall forces beeing destitute of all meanes should come and fall vppon the Church territories and on those of the Florentines The Viceroy gaue a willing eare to the agreement which the Pope craued knowing of what importance it was for the confirmation of the victory and for the drawing of himselfe and the Armie forth of many necessities where-with they were oppressed supposing likewise that by his example all the other Princes of Italy dooing the like it was no more to bee feared that the French would euer afterwards come and raise any tumults in Italy The Venetians hauing discouered this treaty and knowing how many inconueniences the Popes safety would bring vpon them they not beeing able to diuert him from his intent proceeded slowly in their determinations without breaking off altogether with the Imperialls nor likewise contracting any other alliance with them but they sought to perswade the Pope that for their last refuge because they would not bee found vnfurnished if the accord which hee sought to make show of haue no good successe to leuy ten thousand Suisses and at the same instant to dispatch a Nuncio to the King of England to entreate him to succour Italy in such an vrgent necessity that they likewise would send an Ambassador to the same King to make the like request whereby they hoped to obtaine some speedy ayde of him such great enuies and distrusts had that victory procured vnto Charles But the Venetians perceiuing that the Popes intent did wholy tend to an agreement with the Imperialls they likewise resolued to follow him therein seeing they could not doe otherwise Therefore the Viceroy hauing sent Iohn Sarmiento to Venice to aduertise them of the victory they courteously enterteined him with great demonstration of loue towards the Emperor and they sent word to Lorenzo Prieuli and André Nouagero who beeing already gone in Ambassage towards Charles did tarry at Genoa that they should prosecute their iourney into Spaine to reioyce with him in the Senates behalfe for his gotten victory and to excuse their delay for not sending their Forces to the Imperiall Campe. Now the Emperor beeing aduertised of this fortunate successe albeit in his heart hee was pricked forward with a desire of glory and greatnesse which made him very ioyfull yet neuerthelesse shewing by his speech and outward gesture a wonderfull modestie hee assured all men that hee would vse it as it beseemed that speciall fauour which God had done him and for the good and quiet of all Christendome Wherevpon hee forth-with sent the Duke of Sessa to the Pope to offer him peace and to assure him that hee was wholy disposed to the peace and quiet of all Italy Hee caused the same speech to hee deliuered to the Venetian Senate by Alonzo Sanchez his Ambassador and by the Prothonotarie Carracciola who remained at that time in Venice But by how much the Imperialls seemed to desire peace and alliance with the Potentates of Italy at such time when as they should rather haue beene sought to then haue solicited others by so much more they gaue suspition that they practised high and secret enterprises hurtfull to the liberty of Italy which caused the Venetians to temporize without concluding or reiecting those treaties which the Emperor motioned The end of the fifth Booke of the fifth Decade The Contents of the sixth Booke of the fifth Decade THE sorrow which did afflict all France for the Kings imprisonment and the Councels resolution The Venetians answer to the French Commissioner Accord betwixt the Pope and the Emperor The Marquis of Pescara demandeth the Castles of Milan and Cremona of Sforza Accord betwixt the Pope and the Venetians The curtezie which the King of England vsed towards the French King Agreement betwixt the Emperor and French King The King complaineth of the Emperor A league concluded at Coignac betwixt the Pope the French King the Venetians and Francis Sforza The King of England is entreated to enter into the league with his answer Lauda is taken by the Confederates The Duke of Bourbon commeth to Milan The Armie of the league retireth from before Milan The offer of the Pope and the Venetians to the King concerning the enterprise of the kingdome of Naples Genoa is besieged by the Confederats Francis Sforza deliuereth the Castle of Milan to the Emperor The Citty of Cremona is deliuered to the Confederates Rome is surprised by the Colonnesi and the Pope maketh an agreement with them The King of England giueth a great summe of money to the Pope The Emperors preparations both by land and Sea The Confederates prouisions to resist the Emperor The great leuy of Lanfquenets made by George Frondsperg in the Emperors behalfe The Marquis of Saluffes crosseth the Po with his forces Foscare exhorteth the Florentines to continue firme in their league The Spanish Nauall Army flieth from the Confederates The Pope seeketh an accord with the Viceroy Frossolona is in vaine besieged by the Viceroy The Confederates Army in the kingdome of Naples Aquileia in Abruzzo taken The Confederates take the Burrow of Sea The Confederates summon the Citty of Naples to yeeld Great disorder in the Armie of the league for want of pay The Duke of Bourbon commeth into the field to beseege Rome Accord betwixt the Pope and the Viceroy Cottignola is taken by Bourbon Great troubles in Florence Bourbon beeing come neere to Rome craues passage of the Pope to goe into Naples The Duke of Bourbon assaileth Rome His death Rome is taken by the Imperialls And lastly the great cruelties which they there committed The Sixth Booke of the fifth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THe newes of the battailes losse with the Kings taking beeing brought into France the sorrow and griefe which afflicted the Lady Regent his mother and all the subiects cannot bee imagined yet neuerthelesse like a discreet and vertuous Lady shee determined by all meanes possible to redresse it and for that purpose hauing sent for all the Princes and Lords which were in France to come speedily to Lyons where shee then lay to determine and prouide for matters concerning the Kings liberty and the Realmes safety It was there resolued to send to forraine Princes to vse meanes for the Kings deliuery and among others to the Venetians and Gaspar Sorman beeing to that end sent to Venice from the Lady Regent hee declared vnto them in her name that albeit the Realme of France did not feare the enuasions of any but was strong and mighty enough to defend it selfe and willing to employ all her power for her Kings
Rouigo 84 A Croizado in Hungarie against the Turkes 85 Ambassadors from Venice with their request to the king of England Aluiana relieueth Vincenza 92 Agreement contracted with the Suisses and broken the same day 94 Aluiana his enterprize vpon Bressia 100 Aluianas death ibid Asola and Lona taken by the Venetians 101 Articles concluded betwixt the Pope and the French king 103 Assault giuen to Verona 111 Assailants retire with losse ibid Alliance renewed betwixt Soliman and the Venetians 119 After what manner the Pope would consen◅ to the French kings propositions 120 A league betwixt the Emperour and the King of England 137 Ambassadours of the Emperour and the King of England meet at Venice ibid. Articles of the alliance made betwixt the Emperour Francis Sforza and the Venetians 139 Accord betwixt the Pope and Emperour 152 Accord betwixt the Pope and the Venetians 153 Articles of the agreement ibid. Agreement betwixt the Emperour and French king 154 Armie of the league retireth from Milan 157 Aquila taken by Rance de Cera 168 Andrea Doria in the French kings seruice 179 Articles of agreement betwixt the Pope and Emperour 180 A colourable excuse of the king of England to the Venetians request 184 An accord made with the Duke of Ferrara 185 Ascoli and diuers other townes yeeld to the confederates 190 A vaine and ridiculous challenge 191 A policie of the enemies 192 An enterprize of the Spaniards against the Gallies of Philippin Doria 192 A fierce encounter of those of the league and the Imperials 193 Andrea Doria reuolteth from the kings seruice 194 Articles of Agreement betwixt the Emperour and Doria 195 Aquila recouered of the Imperials 207 Antonio de Leua assaileth the L. S. Paul 210 Antonio de Leua followeth the Duke of Vrbin in his retreat to Cassan. ibid. A discourse made in Senate conc◅rning peace with the Emperour 219 A discourse against the former 220 Articles of peace betwixt the Empe rour and the Venetians 222 Almaines require to haue a Generall Councell 227 A league betwixt the Pope Emperor and all the Italian potentates the Venetians except 235 A fight at scabetwixt the Venetians and Turkes 240 A new practise betwixt the Pope and the Venetians 246 Aiax Basha perswadeth Soliman to make warre on Italy 253 A league betwixt the Pope the Emperour and the Venetians against the Turke 265 Andrea Doria chosen General of the Armie for the league by Sea 274 A Treaty of peace betwixt the Emperour and French king broken off 276 Ambassadors chosen at Venice to be present at the assembly of Nice 277 A worthy recompence 279 Armie of the league returneth to Corfu 290 All men crie out vpon Doria 292 Agreement betwixt the Pope and the Duke of Vrbin 298 Ambassadors answere to the Basha 302 An Hungarian Ambassador commeth to Venice 306 Answere of the Emperor French king to the Venetian Ambassador 307 Ambassadors braue answer 109 A Turkish Ambassador commeth to Venice 322 Agreement betwixt Strossi and the Venetians concerning Milan 323 A new practise to draw the Venetians to the league with the king 324 A Spanish Frier biginneth the treatie of peace betwixt the Emperour and the French King 325 A tyrannicall law of the Turkes 328 Ambassadors frō Venice to Edward 6. king of England 336 A generall dearth 342 A discreet answere of the Venetians to the Duke of Ferrara 345 A great Turkish fleet at sea 347 All Germanie banded against the Emperour and his brother Ferdinand 348 Almans band themselues against the French concerning Metz Thou and Verdune 354 A popular commotion in Rome 362 A strange accident at Rome 365 A mischieuous practise of a reuolted Iew. 368 Arcenall of Venice burnt 370 Answere of the French King and Queen his mother to the Pope 377 Astor Baillone Generall in Cyprus 385 A fierce assault giuen to foure bulwarks at one time 390 An assault giuen to the bulwarke Constantia 391 Articles of peace propounded by the Venetians 399 Articles of the league 403 Arriuall of Don Iohn with Spanish forces 411 Articles of the Capitulation at the taking of Cyprus by the Turks 416 Adu◅se of Bernardino de Requesens for fighting or not fighting with the enemie 418 An accident likely to haue bred great mischiefe 420 Ali Bascha his speech of encouragement to his Captaines and souldiers at the instant of battaile 440 Attempt vpon Castelnouo in vaine 453 Ambassadors sent from Venice to France and Spayne 457 A vaine vnprofitable engin 466 Articles of peace betwixt the Turkes and the Venetians 474 Ambassadors speech to Selim. 478 Amurath confirmes peace with the Venetians 480 Ambassadors sent to the king of Spayne 484 A decree against superfluous diet ibid A Persian Ambassador comes to Venice 485 A Venetian Gentleman executed to satisfie the Turke ibid. A dutchesse is cruelly murthered in Padua 486 A prodigie 490 A solemne Ambassade from France to Rome 491 A decree concerning building of Churches 494 Articles on which the interdiction was reuoked 499 After what manner the prisoners were deliuered ibid. B BEntiuoli discouraged yeeld to the Pope 5 Bolognia yeelded to the Pope ibid. Bressia yeeldeth to the king 16 Bishop of Gurcia cōmeth into France from the Emperour 37 Bentiuoli with the French are in Bolognia 44 Breach made at Bolognia 49 Bergamo expelleth the French 52 Bergamo taken and soone lost 84 Battaile renued betwixt the French and Suisses by breake of day 97 Bressia besieged by the Venetians againe by the French 101 Bressia yeeldeth on composition 108 Belgrade taken by the Turkes 123 Battaile of Bicoca 136 Bosco and Alexandria are taken by Lautrec 181 Brunswich Duke returneth into Germanie 192 Brundusium yeeldeth to the Venetians 208 Barbarossa spoileth the Islands of the Archipelago 278 Barbarossa cōmeth into Candy 280 Barbarossa his retreat from Candy 281 Barbarossa his consideratiōs vpō the sundry opinions of the Turkes 287 Barbarossa repenteth his comming forth of the Gulfe of Preueze 289 Barbarossa summoneth the Gouernour of Catarra to deliuer the towne vnto him 300 Barbarossa his vaine assaults to Catarra 301 Badoario greatly perplexed 308 Barbarossa his fleet at Marselles 320 Barbarossa taketh Nice ibid. Barbarossa his cruell spoiles in his returne home 326 Baily of Venice his remonstrance to the Bascha Mahomet 379 Bascha Mahomet reniueth the trea tie of peace 398 Badoario contrary to Tepulo 401 Bascha Mahomet his proposition to the Venetian Baylie 405 Bragadino his exhortation to his souldiers 412 Bragadino comes to Mustapha his tent 416 Barbarico his speech perswading to fight 419 Basha Mahomet solliciteth the Emperour 451 Bishop of Aix Ambassador from the French king at Constantinople 473 Bressia afflicted with the plague 483 Building of the bridge of Rialto 489 C CAstle of Creste yeelded to the Venetians 10 Confederacie of the Pope Emperour French King king of Arragon against the Venetians 12 Casal-Maior yeelded 14 Cadora taken and sackt by the Imperials 21 Count Petillā cōmander of Padua 23 Contention betwixt the Pope and the