he was only chosen to govern some Houses in quality of Prior which Employs he for no other reason accepted but he might not disobey his Superiors Cardinal Caraffa having been named Soveraign Inquisitor heard of his Merit He sent him to Bergamo to order the Process against certain Hereticks For besides his extraordinary Piety he was very Learned in the Holy Scripture and in Divinity which he had a long time taught in his Order with the Title of Doctor Cardinal Caraffa well satisfyed with his Activeness and Fidelity which were of proof against Sollicitations and Menaces sent for him back to Rome where his Service was very useful to him in the same Functions This Cardinal being after Julius the Third and Marcellus the Second who both reigned but a very little while advanced to the Churches Throne under the Name of Paul the Fourth gave the Bishoprick of Nepi to Michael Ghislieri so was he call'd amongst the Dominicans and Two Years after honoured him with the Sacred Purple though Cardinal Charles Caraffa his Holynesses Nephew opposed his Promotion He afterwards made him chief of the Inquisition giving him far greater Power than any who had before him filled that place and extoll'd his Capacity in the presence of all the Cardinals He made himself many Enemies by Honourably asserting the Interests of Religion but was nevertheless chosen Pope the Fifth day of January Anno 1566. Those who seem'd the most contrary to his Election were the first to give him their Voices He shewed so much indifference therein that when according to Custom they came to ask him whether he consented to what the Conclave had done in his behalf he for some time doubted whether he should accept it and received the Tiara with as much Moderation as he had testified little desire to obtain it In the mean time this Man full of Humility without Estate without Birth and without Favour supported only by his Innocency and the uprightness of his Intentions manifested no less Greatness of Soul than Zeal and Devotion At his Entrance into the Pontificat he set about restoring the Discipline which had been long corrupted A Work undoubtedly Laborious but which he Gloriously accomplisht by being himself the first in diligently observing his own Ordinances and severely punishing the obstinate and Refractory By proposing Recompences only to those who endeavour'd their amendment the Court of Rome was in so short a time purged of all the Vices which dishonoured it that 't was scarce credible he alone should have performed what several of his Predecessors never durst attempt The Respect and Veneration that was had for him prevented his Orders and every one amended his Manners through the Sole Fear of displeasing him The Corruption was grown so great in the whole Ecclesiastical State that Wisdom and Modesty rendred Men contemptible and nothing made them valued but Libertinism But Pius the Fifth took such good order therein that Virtue regain'd the place whence Vice had driven her The Banditi were become so formidable by their Assassinates and Robberies that the Towns themselves were not safe from their Insults This Holy Pope caused these Thieves to be punished with so much Severity that his Subjects enjoyed a Calm and Repose the like of which had not yet been seen in any State of Italy He had so little Ambition to advance his Family that 't was only at the Instant Request of the Sacred Colledge that he gave the Hat to his Nephew Michael Bonelli his Sisters Son who had also taken the Habit of St. Dominick though he loved him tenderly as being a Person of great Wit and Virtue He took from him the Office of Treasurer of the Church worth ten Thousand Crowns a Year some time after he had given him it and sold it to Cardinal Cornaro for Four Hundred Thousand Franks which were employed in Equipping the Fleet of the Holy See. His Nephew willingly parted with it offering him also whatever was left him of his Benefits for so Holy an use as that He entertain'd a young Bononian that was his Kinsman named Paulo Ghislieri who had a great inclination to the Wars and could not have fail'd of succeeding in it But the Pope understanding that he had an habit of Lying would not see him but banish'd him from Rome with Prohibition of ever returning thither whatever Intercessâ—â—n the Princes and Cardinals made in his beâ—alf By so admiâ—able a Conduct â—e merited the Esteem of all the Christian Princes though no Pope of a long time had so little Condescendence for them or more vigorously oppos'd all their Enterprizes against the Honour or Interest of the Holy See. He rejected the Counsels of those able Politicians who pretended to govern the Church according to the Wisdom of the World and said that the Vicar of JESUS CHRIST ought to be ignorant of State-tricks and to demand of GOD alone Strength necessary for the supporting this Burden This sole Confidence gave him such an Authority that he alone engag'd the King of Spain and the Venetians in the League and gave the Form and Motion to this long and difficult Work. THE CONTENTS OF THE FIFTH BOOK HUgh Buoncompagno chosen Pope under the Name of Gregory the Thirteenth His Birth and Fortune Designs of Gaspar de Coligni Admiral of France Condition of the two Fleets Louchali's great Ability Unwillingness of the two Generals to Fight Each of them slips an Opportunity of gaining the Victory The Turks shut up in an Harbour The Christians will attack them Don John carries back the Spanish Fleet into Sicily The Venetians Complaint against him 'T is refâ—rrâ—d to the Council of Ten to treat secretly a Peace The Turks make themselves Masters of a little Place and Fort. The Republicks Complaints to the Pope Great Contests at Rome about augmenting the Navy The Pope grants Don John the Liberty of Haly's Son. This Prince sends him back to his Mother without any Ransom A witty Saying of the Bassa of Negrepont Prisoner at Rome The Pope exhorts the French King to enter into the League Reasons of the Power and Greatness of the Realm of France Causes of its last Misfortunes Peace and Alliance between France and Spain Henry's lamentable Death Jealousie between Catherine de Medicis and the Cardinal of Lorrain Conspiracy of Amboise Death of Francis the Second King of Navarre declared Regent during the Minority of Charles the Ninth Duke of Guise assassinated before Orleance Battel of St. Denis Anne de Momerency Constable of France mortally wonded Battel of Jarnac Prince of Conde slain after the Fight Conduct of Admiral Coligni Cardinal Ursin Legat in France Conditions on which the Emperor will enter into the League Peace concluded at Constantinople between the Grand Seignior and the Venetians Copy of the Treaty sent to Venice All the Christian States offended at this Agreement The King of Spain receives the News of it with a great deal of Moderation The Pope drives from his Presence the Venetian Embassadour who came
him to declare War against Philip having often represented in the Council that there never could be so favorable an Opportunity and that all things promised an advantagious Success In the mean time the King of Spain's Letters to his Holiness put the whole Court of Rome in a rage and the Venetians fill'd all Europe with Complaints and Murmurings saying that the Spaniards not only abandon'd Christendom but deliver'd it up to the Infidels That the Discontents and Divisions of France were only Pretence to make the Republick lose the Benefit of the Victory of Lepanto by giving the Barbarians Leisure to set forth a new Navy The French that were at Rome used the same Language The Cardinal of Lorrain and the Embassador du Ferrier stiled these Reports an Imposture and Calumny publickly declaring that the Spaniards endeavour'd dexterously to cast their Perfidiousness on the French. Some believ'd that Philip the Second intended by this manner of proceeding to try the Popes Patience with a Design to attempt greater matters in case he found him of an easie and Flexible Temper But Gregory without examining whether the Spaniards Excuse were true or false dispatcht away two Prelates Salviati and Ormanet the latter into Spain the former into France to prevent the War that was ready to break forth between these two Crowns Salviati being arrived at Paris writ him word that he found no appearance of Division in that Kingdom and that the King and his Ministers laught at the Spaniards absurd Pretences for deserting their Allies The Pope in the mean time could not suffer so open a Violation of the League in the beginning of his Pontificat His Predecessor had granted the King of Spain the raising of about an hundred Thousand Crowns a year on his Clergy on condition to maintain Threescore Gallies against the Infidels and of this his Holyness demanded the Performance The Spanish Ministers answered him they had no orders about it and Address being made on his behalf to Don John he offered Twenty Gallies in case the Cardinal Granvelle and the Spanish Embassadour would consent to it These two Ministers consulting of this Affair were of opinion that instead of the Threescore Gallies demanded by the Pope there should be only Two and Twenty granted to the Venetians on the one side for fear of rendring them too strong and on the other to enable them to support and continue the War. They were delivered to Colonni who immediately went with those of the Holy See and some of the Republicks to join the rest of the Venetian Fleet at Corfou The King of Spain and his Subjects were become odious to all the other Nations of Europe for having so shamefully gone back from the League and abandoned the Common Cause as well as that of the Venetians Philip having received Advice thereof from several parts and amongst the rest from Don John of Austria re-call'd the natural Inclination he had for his Honour and the advancement of Religion and sent Orders to Don John to pass with all his Forces into Greece and to behave himself in this War with all the Valour and Fidelity he expected from his Obedience Don John had no sooner received this Order but he writ to Colonni But this Letter having been differently reported the Original falling into the Author of this History's Hands he thought it his Duty to set it down here in its very Words Don John of Austria to Marco Antonia Colonni HIs Catholick Majesty having recovered Valenciennes and driven thence the French who still continue Masters of Mons and Haynault the Perplexity of his Affairs in the Low Countrys not hindring him to satisfie his other Obligations has commanded me that leaving all things else I should with the whole Confederate Army carry the War into the Morea I am extreamly pleased with imparting to you such Agreeable News upon which I am sure you will take good Measures I am of opinion to let the Greeks know that we shall soon be upon their Coasts to maintain them in their purpose of declaring for us in the mean time attempt nothing of Consequence without me only hinder the Isles from being plundred and stay for me to the end we may all together make a greater Effort I write to the Marquess of St. Cross and send him Word that in what place soever he receives my Orders he incessantly repair with what Vessels he has to Corfou where I shall no sooner arrive but we will begin the War. I desire you to keep the Soldiers in Discipline and above all things to prevent the breaking forth of any Quarrels between the Spaniards and Italians nothing more troubling me than to see these two Nations at difference I will set Sail at the first Arrival of the Vessels Communicate this News to the Venetians to whom I have not leisure to write I believe you will take my Word for the good Faith and sincere Intentions of the Catholick King. Colonni received this Letter in the way between Corfou and Cephalonia and having read it call'd a Council The Venetians still fearing some disappointment from the Spaniards gave little Credit to this News and were of opinion to keep on their way remonstrating that the State of Affairs imposed on them a necessity of continuing this Navigation alone if their Allies either stopt or turned back and in effect Don John having recommended to them the confirming the Greeks in their Intentions to revolt and the securing the Republicks Frontiers 't was impossible to do either the one or the other if the Fleet returned to Corfou wherefore Colonni and Andrada Commander of the Spanish Ships were of the same Mind with the Venetians Being then arrived at Cephalonia and Zant they re-assured their Allies against the Fright the Turks Fleet had given them and sent discreet Persons to the Greeks inhabiting the Mountains of Morea to renew the Intelligence and stir them up afresh to Rebellion Steering towards Cythera now call'd Cerigo they met Leoni and Soriano Captains of the Venetian Gallies who were ordered to go upon Discovery These Two Officers told them that the Enemy was not far off riding at Anchor under the Walls of Malvasia which is the ancient Epidaurus of the Greeks That their Fleet was composed of above Two Hundred Gallies and many other Vessels but that though this was the greatest Navy they ever had at Sea neither their Hulls nor Furniture was any way comparable to the Christians and that there was great likelyhood they would not expose themselves to a Fight The Confederates Fleet consisted of an Hundred and Forty Gallies Six Galeasses and one and Twenty great Vessels fitted for War though laden with Victuals and Ammunition The General resolved the next day to seek out the Infidels and draw them to a Battel But Colonni altered this Resolution fearing that if the Turks continued in their Post the Retreat of the Great Vessels might become dangerous this sort of Ships not being very sure in Fight for though
THE HISTORY of y e WAR of CYPRUS THE HISTORY OF THE WAR OF CYPRUS Written Originally in Latin. With a New Map of the Island LONDON Printed by J. Rawlins and sold by Randal Taylor near Stationers-Hall 1687. Licensed November 26. 1686. RO. L'ESTRANGE TO THE Right Honourable GEORGE Lord JEFFREYS Baron of WEM Lord High Chancellor of ENGLAND and One of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council My Lord YOur Lordship I hope will pardon the Boldness of this Dedication and permit the Presenter of it to pay that Honor and Veneration which is due from All to your Lordship's Eminent Character and most Illustrious Merits To which nothing can do greater Right than what has come from the Mouths of the late flagitious Rebels themselves who were so highly sensible of your Lordship's Wisdom and Courage in opposing their Hellish and Damnable Designs that their Principal Leaders were us'd to please themselves with nothing more than with the Thoughts and Wishes of making your Lordship a Sacrifice to their Malice and Revenge I will not attempt to speak here of what you suffer'd for your Inflexible Loyalty from a Seditious Cabal nor of our Obligations to your Auspicious Conduct which nipt the growing Faction in the Bud and stopt the Torrent of Enthusiastick Frenzy and by a bold Stroke of Justice set at Liberty those who were condemn'd unheard to a perpetual Confinement It were a Task too hard for me to undertake a particular Description of these and other Instances of your Lordship's Goodness and Courage which will be the chief Subject of the most lasting History of our Times All that I pretend to is to make some publick Acknowledgement of the just Sense I have of your Lordship's Great and Exemplary Virtues and to testifie in all Sincerity that I am My Lord Your Lordships most Obedient and humbly Devoted Servant Robert Midgley TO THE READER THE Title of this Book seems to promise but a narrow History and those that only like great Revolutions and variety of several Events which have happened in a long Sequel of Time will not perhaps be much prepossessed in its Favour The Conquest of an Island altho' honour'd with the Title of a Kingdom which was compleated in the second Campaign will appear to them too short to furnish an Historian with choice Materials But supposing the Interest which all Europe had in this Affair did not make it as indeed it did one of the most famous Accidents of the preceding Age yet the taking of Nicosia and desolation thereof being the Capital City of the Island of Cyprus the Siege and Surrender of Famagusta which capitulated not till after a four Months vigorous Resistance and the memorable Victory of Lepanto deserve the exact Care which the Bishop of Amelia has taken in Publishing them The Republick of Venice never saw her self so threatned by the Ottoman Empire as when Selim the Second form'd the Design of snatching from her this Kingdom and never Enterprize was carried on in the Divan with more dexterity and secrecy The Church then govern'd by Pope Pius the Fifth who was since Canoniz'd was at the same time attack'd by several Reformers authoriz'd by Secular Powers and the Infidels who always make advantage of the Disunion of Christians improved so favourable an opportunity to the enlargement of their Territories and Religion The Pope alarm'd by the foresight of these Misfortunes dispatch'd Nuncio's sent Legates to all the Princes of Europe and not content with these his good Endeavours set out a Fleet at his own Charge and offered to conduct it in Person for the Venetians Every Prince consented or refused to enter into the League propos'd by his Holiness according as he was interessed to break off or keep in with the Port and the Advantage he found in the Ruine or Preservation of the Republick But the Course which the King of Spain Philip the Second held is a Piece of the most refined Policy The Legate had no sooner represented him with the danger wherein the Republick lay but he undertook to send a great Force to its Assistance and gave Orders at the same time for the equipping of a considerable Fleet. All Christendom could expect no less from a Monarch who wore so many Crowns and honour'd himself with the Title of Most Catholick King. But his Design was only to merit this Title in appearance seeing the slowness which he used in making ready this Fleet and the secret Orders he gave to Requiescens Chief of the Council to Don John of Austria tended only to ruine the Republick and by this means reduce Italy under his Power The Ministers and Venetian Generals happily penetrated into the secret Designs of Philip and gave speedy Notice to their Masters The Venetians justly grieved to find how unsincerely they were dealt with made no scruple to accommodate themselves with the Turk without the participation of the Confederates altho' this was expresly forbidden by the Treaty they made with the Christian Princes It is in the summing up of this variety of Interests that our Author dives into and discovers the Intrigues and Motions of the principal Courts of Europe and we may well credit his Abilities and Faithfulness from the Part which Cardinal Commendon gives him in all these important Mysteries of State. THE CONTENTS OF THE FIRST BOOK A Description of the Isle of Cyprus The Manners of its Inhabitants The Dryness of the Territory It s Abundance Malignity of Ayr. Its different Possessors Conquered by the Romans from the Kings of Egypt King Peter massacred by his Subjects The Genoeses take Famagusta Catharine Cornaro espouses King James Demits his Crown to her at his Death She retires to Venice and delivers the Kingdom into the hand of the Senate who fortifie Nicosia the Capital City of the Island Solyman the Father of five Children Selim the youngest succeeds him His Inclinations Mahomet Chief Visier Jealousie of Mustapha and Piali touching the Favour of Mahomet Selim despis'd by the Souldiers Blind Obedience of the Musulmans Vnhappy State of the Jews They retire from Spain into Portugal Their Obstinacy Selim excites the taking of the Isle of Cyprus Hospitals and Moscs built by the Sultans with the Spoyls taken from the Christians Selim designs the Conquest of Cyprus for the building of an Hospital and a Mosc Discourse of Mustapha to engage him in this Enterprize Mahomet endeavours to divert him from it He advises him to succour the Moors in Spain A great Dearth in Italy The Arsenal of Venice is burnt The Disorder which this Fire causes The Senate mistrust some Conspiracy A Jew call'd Miches is suspected The News of this Fire carried to Constantinople The Artifice of Mahomet to deceive the Venetians The Ambassador of Venice discovers this Minister's Secret. The Grand Signior sends a Denunciation of War to the Republick The Doge returns his Answer in Writing The sudden Death of Lauredon Doge of Venice Mocenigo succeeds him The Epirots treat with the Venetians
His Speech concerning the War with Greece 283. Hated by Pope Gregory and why 368. Rome's Envy against him and the Venetians 369. His means to appease the Pope 369 370. Paul Vrsin one of the Heroes in the Confederate Army 220. He takes and ruines the Castle of Margariti 266. Peace concluded upon by the Venetians with the Turks 363. How it was taken by their Confeder s. 365. c. Pendengia a Region in Cyprus 2. Perteau Piali strangled 174. His perfidy at the Surrender of Dulcino 184. He in vain sollicites the Catarians to a Surrender 185. He infests Corfou 187. His opinion about avoiding a Battel with the Christians 232. He doubts the event before the Battel begins 241. Being overcome he makes his escape 249. Banished from Constantinople by the Grand Seignior 273. Peter Justiniani and the Knights of Malta their Valour in the Sea Fight 248. He is taken Prisoner but released ibid. Peter King of Cyprus his Character 7. Conquers Alexandria ibid. Goes to Rome to the Pope ibid. Makes War on the Cypriots ibid. Kill'd by the Artifice of a bold Woman 8. Peter Fregosa 9. He makes himself Master of Famagusta and how ibid. Pedro Pardo sets on foot a false Report That the Christian Fleet was vanquished 316. Peter Strozzi worsted by Cosmus de Medicis 161. Philip the Second his Answer to the Popes Legate about entring into the War. 127. Another to Cardinal Alexandrine 156. His Letters to Gregory XIII ibid. Receives the News of the Peace made with the Turks indifferently 265. Philip Bragadin desirous to pursue the frighted Turks by Sea is refused it by Venieri 263. Piali a Foundling 18. Selim's Son-in-Law ibid. Mahomet's Enemy 23. Deprived of his Dignity but re-inveâ—ted with it ibid. Admiral of the Sea and Navy 86. He designs first to besiege Famagusta 88. Chid by the Grand Seignior 118. His Successor who 174. Pius the V. Pope gives the Venetians leave to transport Corn from Anconia 51. Averse to the Venetians at the beginning of his Pontificate 61. Helps the Venetians in the War. 64. Instigates the King of Spain to a War. 65. Endeavours to joyn him in a League 126. Consults his Cardinals and Legates upon the same 129. Is very earnest in the business 131. Sends Philip threatning Letters upon it 132. Sends M. Antony Colonni to aid the Venetians 139. Commands Articles of a League to be drawn 154. c. Hires some Gallies of Don John. 151. Why he desired Margaret the King of France's Sister to be given in Marriage to Sebastian King of Portugal 158. Gives God Thanks for the Victory of the Navy 260. Commands Colonni to be honourably entertain'd at his return 261. His Munificence towards him and his Son Ascanius 262. Venetians counsel him to remove Venieri 269 270. Gives a reason for the carrying on the War. 285. Falls sick 287. What he thought his best Physick ibid. His Holy Death and Elogium 281. His Family and his Works 288 289. He gives the King of Spain power to levy a Fine upon the Clergy 303. Pisani rased by the Turks 184 185. Plague rages in the Venetian Fleet. 60. Podocatero besieg'd 92. Pompey Colonni 69. The Pope sends him into Spain 137. Popes Navy pursues the Enemy and why 152. Prey devided after the Victory by Sea and why 256. Prosper Colonni 257. Protheno an Island 320. Ptolemy King of Aegypt Lord of Cyprus kills himself 5. Publius Clodius taken by Pyrates 5. Let go free ibid. He made Cyprus a Province of the Roman Empire ibid. R Ramagasio Sequani Knight of Malta his Skill and Valour in Sea Affairs 250. Requiescens his Opinion about the War with the Turks 218. Rhetimo in great danger of being besieged 175. Richard King of England takes Cyprus by Force 6. Rocas Count Governour of Cyprus in the Kings absence 7. Takes upon him the King's power ibid. Accused acquitted ibid. Through his fault the Turks get upon the Walls of Nicosia 106. His Death ibid. 107. The Turks insult over him being dead ibid. Rome its gratitude and thankfulness for the news of their Navy's Victory 262. S Salt the Staple Commodity of Cyprus 4. Salomon a Jewish Doctor sent to mediate a Peace between the Venetians and Turks 265. Sapienza an Island 320. Sasines a Region in Cyprus 2. Sciara Martinengo Providor of Cataro 183. Being stript of his Arms at the taking of Dulcino he is let go 184. Scutari's being taken omitted by the Venetians 180. Sebastian King of Poland his Answer to Cardinal Alexandrine concerning the League 157. His Piety and Religion 158. Sebastian Venieri takes Supoto 58. Succeeds Zani in his Admiralship 122. He in vain attempts the taking of Durazzo 153. Loses seven Ships ibid. He Advises Don John to make hast 222. Advis'd to avoid a meeting with Don John. 230. His Valour in the Sea Fight 250. Gets in favour with Don John. 253. He is against a wholsom advice and vexes Don John again 255. Made Friends by Colonni 256. His vain Counsel after the Victory 263. He in vain attempts to take Leucade 266. Admiral of the Navy displaced 270. Commanded for his Honour to have a care of the Adriatic Gulph 271. His Fortune and Life ibid. Sedition in the Navy 226. Selim Solyman's Son and Heir of the Empire 16. Governour of Adrianople and Cilicia ibid. His ill manners ib. His Drunkenness ibid. His Intemperance in all sorts of pleasure ibid. Contemn'd by the Soldiers 20. A Favourer of the Jews ibid. He commands Mustapha to be beheaded 23. Why he design'd to invade Cyprus 51. His Inconstancy 35. Offended with Mahomet 43. His Letter to the Venetians requiring the rendition of Cyprus 52. Sforza Pallavicinus Captain General of the Land Forces 59. Admitted one of Zani's Counsel 66. His opinion about not engaging the Enemies 80. Sforza Count of St. Flora Counsellor of Don John. 218. Sinam Bassa of Aegypt 23. He accuses Mustapha ibid. Siroc sent before into Cyprus with Twenty Five Ships 92 93. Solyman takes ill Cyprus being set upon by the Turks 14. His Sons 15. He commands Mustapha his eldest Son to be killed ibid. Besieges Belgrade takes Rhodes and very much incommodes the Venetians 32. He threatens them 33. Soriani the Venetian Embassadour lov'd by Pope Pius 132. His praise ibid. Strophades 320. Suda burnt by Perteau 155. Supoto taken by the Confederates 57. The Turks re-take it 179. Taken again by the Christians 266. Restor'd to the Turks again 362. Swedish Prince 326. Salviati Bishop goes Legate from the Pope into France 302. School master makes himself head of the Cypriots 73. Spaniards disgusted at the Popes preferring Colonni before Don John. 261. They aim to turn their Arms upon Africk 280. Their Councels in War 282. Their Delays give cause to suspect their Fidelity 217. Their Opinion of the reasonableness of the War 223. Dissention between them and the Venetians 276. Spaniards generally hated 303. Ships of Burthen not to be trusted to 306. A Ship sent to succour the Christians wonderfully prevented