too much trusting the Spaniards to put the whole Affairs of Italy into their hands that they had condescended that an Italian Duke should be Master of Millan because they knew he was rather to be a Prince in appearance than in effect whereby they hoped they might reduce that State upon the first occasion that should be offered under their Dominion That therefore moved by the same Interests they profess'd now to defend Maximillian Sforza that they might make use of the Millaneses and of the Switzers to drive the French out of Italy whom they thought they ought only to fear That it might clearly be seen the Spaniards did no less aspire to the Empire of Italy then did the French but whereas these made their way by open Force the others finding themselves to be too weak sought to work their ends by cunning and by cozenage and did under a colour of Friendship with the Italians undermine their Liberties That therefore it was very advantageous to suffer the Forces and Reputation of an other Forreign Prince to increase in Italy to obviate their Power since that the Italians who had been so long afflicted with War were not able of themselves to defend themselves against Forreign Nations The Venetians did by these reasons make good their Counsels and Actions but whilst these things were in Treaty with the Pope all sides made diligent preparations for War Nay Princes seemed to be the more set thereupon for that Leo by his various thoughts and promises made many of them hope to be able to maintain the War by his Help and Authority But the Venetians were more sollicitous in this business then the rest as those who found themselves most necessitated to continue the War therefore they raised men diligently in all parts to make up an Army They sollicited the King of France continually to come speedily into Italy shewing him that the Victory consisted chiefly in celerity That if such Cities as were not yet provided of Garrisons should be on the sudden assaulted they might be easily reduced into their Power But that if the business were spun out in length greater difficulties would daily arise King Lewis being moved by these Exhortations bent himself wholly upon this War and being desirous to imploy his whole Forces therein he agreed with Ferdinando to lay down Arms on the other side of the Mountains for a certain time This King was so carryed away with a vain glorious desire of recovering the State of Millan as he valued neither fear nor infamy So as not caring what blame he might incurre thereby he by this suspension of Arms gave over his Friends and Kinsmans Cause the King of Navarr who for having taken part with the French was a little before driven out of his Kingdom by the Spaniards and reduced to a miserable condition And being likewise advertised of great preparation for War made by Henry King of England a powerful Prince to assault France he contemn'd the Forces of that Kingdom though they had oft times made the French feel them to their Cost For having already in his mind taken in the whole state of Millan and taken the Victory for granted he thought he might bring back his victorious Army time enough to defend his own Kingdom before the English devested of all Military Preparations by reason of their long Peace could provide all things necessary for so great an Enterprize All the Kings men meâ— then according to Orders in the City of Susa that they might the more easily pass from thence into Italy Lewis Lord of Tremuglia a Personage very famous both for his Birth and for many places which he had discharged was made chief Commander of the Army Yet the War was for the most part govern'd according to the pleasure of Giovanni Giacomo Trivulcio who was at that time in great estimation for his great experience in Military Affairs 'T was said that the French Army consisted of about 20000 fighting men 〈…〉 muster'd 8000 choice Italian Foot to which were added 200 Câ—rassiers and 500 light Horse and a great Train of Artillery which did much strengthen the Army Two noble Venetians Domenico Contareno and Andrea Loredano were the Commissaries general whose particular care it is to provide Victuals Monies and all things requisite for the Army and then to be assistant in their Advice to the Captain General in all difficult businesses for the Venetians do themselves execute all the places of the Militia by Sea but in Terra firma by their ancient wont and the Custom of their Fore-fathers they manage their War by Forreigners At this time Bartholomeo Alviano was Captain General of the Venetian Army who being lately returned from France and Count Pitigliano being dead was chosen by the Senate to succeed in his place with the same Conditions which were granted formerly to Pitigliano His yearly pay was 50000 Duckets and he was bound to keep still on foot 300 Curassiers and 500 Cross-bow men on Horse-back to be ready upon any occasion to serve the Common-wealth This man when his place was conferr'd upon him went to the Army which was then upon the Banks of Adice and thinking it fit to be speedy in the business began forthwith to exhort the Senate that he might anticipate the time and that they would suffer him to march with his Army into the state of Millan whilst the Enemy were unprovided of aid and the Cities ungarrison'd That all other attempts would be in vain or to very little purpose that it was requisite that the Venetians should run the same fortune as did the French in 〈◊〉 War That if Affairs should go well with them it was no question but they were to share in the good Fortune but if otherwise they had no hope neither of getting any thing nor yet of keeping any thing that they had lately re-gained But the Senate after they had well and narrowly examined the business resolved that the Army should not pass the Rivers of Po and Ada for what remain'd they left the whole managing of the War free to Alviano with leave to direct his Forces and Designs whither he should be invited by the negligence of the Enemy or advised by his own Industry and Reason There was not as yet any certain News come that the French were past the Alpes therefore the Senate thought it a rash Counsel to leave their Countrey exposed to the Injuries of the Enemy and to send their Army to a place from whence in any case of adverse fortune they could not return But Alviano being very fervent in all he took in hand and very quick and bold thinking that the occasion and the present condition of Affairs invited him so to do resolved to advance immediately with his Army and took his way first towards Verona hoping to get that City Pandolfo Malatesta was taken into pay by Cesar at this time and made Governour of one of the Towers who allured by greater rewards had sided with the
any thing and somtimes making new demands as That all such as had been banished from their Country by the Venetians should be thereunto restored together with some other such like things whereof no mention had been made in the articles of Truce and whereby a firm agreement might be rather kept off then made Some moneths being thus spent in vain Cesar's were sent for home by their fellow Councellors of Ispruch Yet at this very time the Embassador of Venice had great hopes given him at the Emperors Court of a good issue of this business promise being made that new Commissioners should be chosen who should be sent with better Instructions to Friuli that being near the places of most important differences they might decide them the sooner and with more ease All Charls his chiefest Ministers of State shewed that he had a great desire to live neighbourly with the Venetians and to make a firm peace with them whereby it was clearly seen that Cesar desired friendship with the Venetians and that he cunningly prolonged the accomodation of differences with them so to get them to make a straiter League with him and forgo their respects with the French whose friendship they seemed to value so highly as he had but little hopes to agree with them answerable to his need and designs unless they were moved thereunto out of some such necessity But the Venetians replied that they much desired peace and quiet that the institution of their Commonwealth had alwaies been such and that they would use the same means but that it became them in honour to keep their plighted faith wherefore they must profess clearly that they could not nor would not do any thing which might any ways cross their League with the King of France But since I shall several times have occasion to discourse of things that past between these two most famous Princes both in this and in other ages and with whom the Commonwealth had both War and Peace and several Treaties of things of very great importance it will not be far from the purpose of this our discourse to know some thing of their natures and customs for as they were both of them very desirous of Empire and Glory so they took several ways to arrive at this their end Charls was very wary quick of foresight mature at deliberation grave at business wonderful patient and much given to perseverance whereby he knew how to wait for time and opportunity and to make use of them to his best advantage But Francis was of a magnanimous spirit which made him willingly embrace any thing whereby he might purchase the applause of being generous and honour in war he desired to overcome his enemy rather by true valour then by advantages and craft His words and countenance discovered his most inward thoughts Cesar loved men that were wary and warlike his words were few his thoughts deep he was very ambitious but not very open therein striving still to cloak his aspiring after greatness under the pretence of uprightness and common Interest But Francis favour'd and embraced all such and was very liberal unto them who were rare at any profession he affected to be thought eloquent affable civil liberal and was chiefly desirous of warlike glory Neither did he conceal this his desire but discover'd his will and thoughts by his words and actions These two Princes did at the same time but by several ways endeavour friendship with the Common-wealth that they might make use of her Forces in their Affairs in Italy in which businesses this year was spent without coming to any conclusion in any one thing In the beginning of the next year which was the year 1520. the peace of Italy began not only to be disturbed but even Christendom in several parts to be molested with great mischief and dangers Which though they were fore-seen by all none did seek to prevent for Soliman finding himself very prosperous and not willing to grow effeminate through idleness nor to degenerate from the Worth of his Ancestors resolved to wage War as it was formerly suspected in Hungary hoping thereby to reap the greater glory for that the fame of that Nation was very great for War and because though that Enterprize had several times been undertaken by his Predecessors it was not as yet brought to a good end Therefore the year 1521. being begun Soliman march'd with a powerful Army from Constantinople himself in person into Hungary At which great warlike Preparations King Lodowick being much troubled not finding himself able to support so great a bulk of War and the danger growing every day more apparent he did again by new Embassies sollicite all Christian Princes to succour him in the defence of his Kingdom and therein befriend all Christendom To this purpose he sent Philip More Bishop of Agria to Venice who being brought before the Duke and his Senators spoke to this purpose My King most Illustrious Prince and you famous Senators doth so much confide in your faith humanity and power in the strait conjunction which for these many years hath been between your Common-wealth and his Crown as that for the common Interest of both States for the Iustice of his cause and out of the usual custom of your selves and your Ancestors you will favour what is just and assist him with your help who in this eminent War of the Turks would make his chief recourse to you and communicate his Affairs and Needs first to you Hoping not only to find you ready in your selves to do what you are able for the defence of his Kingdom but that by your power and intercession you will apply your selves to other Princes and facilitate their assisting of him and truly reason tells us that the first applications belong to this Common-wealth when opposition is to be made to the increasing of the Ottoman Empire for as her opportunity is great of troubling this Enemy by the power she hath at Sea so for the neighberhood of so many of her States she ought to covet the abasing of it and to be careful that together with the ruine of others her own danger do not encrease Therefore if you my Lords will be the first who shall move other Princes to take upon them the defence of the Kingdom of Hungary so as the courage of this new and fiercely minded Emperour may be allay'd who will leave nothing unattempted whereby he may hope to purchase Glory and Empire you will reap the fruit of real and true Honour of great safety and of the increasing of your State Consider Gentlemen to what an height the Ottoman Family is risen of late years And chiefly if I may be permitted to say so through the negligence of Christian Princes for meeting with no obsticle he marcheth on apace to Supream Monarchy if Constantines entreaties and protestations had been listned unto when Mahomet assaulted Constantinople assuredly the Grecian Empire would not have been destroy'd Nor would the like of the
the French but that she might the rather recover her liberty by means of their Forces so much the more easily for that being now Lorded over by several powerful Princes every one of their Authorities would become weaker and less formidable and one not bearing with an others greatness it might so fall out as she might shake off the yoke of all forraign Nations That if she should now sit down by so great injuries done her by her Collegues she would assuredly be hereafter scorn'd by all people and injur'd without any manner of respect that this might be argued by the French mens so much desiring amity with the Common-wealth for no other reason save only that they knew how generous and powerful she was by the revenge which she had taken of them From this diversity of opinions and contention the advice for War or Peace was carried on uncertainly The doubtfulness of the thing it self was rendred yet more doubtful by the nature and condition of those with whom they treated For the Emperour Maximillian was of a lively Spirit able Body patient in undergoing Labor and with all was well acquainted with Military Affairs But his driâ—ts and affections were contrary to one another He was hasty in Council his Speech and Actions differ'd he willingly imbraced all that was presented unto him but did not much minde the effecting of them The Name of the Empire was large and magnifick but this Dignity was rather sustained by an appearing greatness then by any real strength It was otherwise with King Lewis the power of whose Kingdom was very great and his desire of War no less But his desire of Dominion was such as he made it lawful to break his word and to violate all Justice which the Venetians were sufficiently taught by the remembrance of their late received Injuries Therefore as his Friendship seemed in some respects greatly desireable so in some other it was as dangerous and suspitious No certain hope was to be built upon the Popes nor the King of Spains promises their assistance being weak and uncertain and their Counsels not very sincere which was sufficiently witnessed by their past Actions So as it might easily be known that their thoughts were set only upon their own particular designs not upon the preservation of the Common-wealth Hence it was that the hopes and hazards of War were equally poysed The Senators opinions being thus divided the good Fortune of the Common-wealth did at last decide the business which had destinied her to a larger and more lasting Empire For this business being long discust by the Colledg of the Savii who are sixteen pickt out by the Senate distinguisht amongst themselves by several degrees of Dignities and by distinct Offices to whom it belongs to advise of all publique Affairs and report them to the Senate it was by a joynt Vote propounded that by all means the League was to be made with the French whereby the Common-wealth might be freed from the Treachery of the Confederates The Senate was well pleased with the agreement and with almost an universal consent the renewing of the War was agreed upon and that the business might be the more easily proceeded in they not having of many days received any Letters from Gritti the Senate sent one speedily away to treat the business with the King and Luigi di Pietro Secretary to the Council of Ten was chosen out to this purpose He was enjoyn'd first to endeavour Gritti's liberty if it were not already granted him For the Senate had at the same time chosen him for their Embassadour authorizing him to confirm the agreement and to bind the Common-wealth by oath to the observancy thereof but that if Gritti's setting at liberty should be too long delayed that he himself should act that part with the King that he should leave nothing undone to get Cremona and Giaradada to be restored to the Commonwealth but that if he should finde no hope thereof he should not notwithstanding delay setling the agreement provided that things agreed upon should imediately be put in effect and that the Kings men should forthwith come into Italy For all the hopes of Victory seemed to consist in making haste and in the terror of a sudden War whilst the Enemies being but yet weak might be easily supprest But before the Secretary could get to the Court of France the Pope unexpectedly dyed notwithstanding which News he was not sent for back it being uncertain who should be chosen next Pope and no less uncertain how he would stand affected to Venice and howsoever the Senate thought the Friendship of so great a King must be a great Establishment and Reputation to their Affairs It was said that a great affliction of mind was the chief cause of Pope Iulio's death for being very much subject to passion and immoderately desirous of Glory he could not long lye under the grief hearing his advice mightily blamed by all men That by his too much severity he had forced the Venetians to make Friendship with the French and was cause of re-kindling the War in Italy which not long before he had much to his Praise extinguished It was evidently seen by many signs that Iulio was of a very eager Spirit which neither his Age nor Dignity was able to correct or temper As soon as the Secretary was come to France the King granted Gritti his full Liberty and the League was suddenly concluded upon these conditions That Cremona and Giaradada should be understood to be annext to the State of Millan and to belong unto the King but that Brescia Burgamo and Crema should remain free to the Venetians and that the King should quit all his Claim or Right therein to them That the Collegues should be bound to assist each other and to run the same fortune in War till such time as the King should be Master of the whole State of Millan and that likewise the Common-wealth should be re-invested in all that she was possest of in Terra Firma before the War That all Prisoners on either side should be set at liberty and restored to their Goods and Countrie and that free commerce might be granted both in the State of Venice and in France It was afterwards added that by joynt consent they should use all diligence to draw any Prince of Italy into the League and particularly the Pope who if he would enter thereinto should be allotted the first place The League being thus concluded and establish'd by Oath on all sides free power to depart the Kingdom was permitted to Gritti to Bartholomeo a' Alviano and to all the other Prisoners Things being thus disposed of and confirmed the Senate thought it was fit to give an account thereof to the other Kingdomes and chiefly to the King of England which by publique order was done by the Common-wealths Embassadour then resident in that Court Who said That the Venetians moved by the Counsels and friendly Advertisements of that King had the more
interim many Colours of the Switzers came opportunely to Millan commanded by Alberto Pietra to the number of 4000 of the Cantons of Seduno and Berne who were very welcome to the Souldiers and Citizens By their coming the faces of things altered all fear fled from the French to the Imperialists for the City being munited by such supplies so as it was not to be taken but with expence of much time and labour they within thought themselves safe enough since Cesar could not tarry long before the City for want of money victuals and of all things necessary Wherefore the French began to be of better heart and on the contrary Cesars hardships grew daily greater and greater But he was chiefly troubled with jealousie of the Switzers for calling to mind the past and present affairs he found that there were many of that Nation as well in his camp as in the City whom the French might easily win over unto them by their moneys which he could not so easily do by reason of his want thereof Moreover that that Nation had always unless it were upon some occasions in these latter times been great friends to the French And that they had always hated the greatness of the Emperours These considerations occasioned much fear in him and took from him the chief ground work of his hopes of Victory He likewise thought with much more commotion of mind upon Sforza's latter fortune near Novara where he was delivered up into the hands of the Enemy by the perfidiousness of those people He therefore held it the better counsel to free himself from that danger by reason of the Switzers fickleness At last his mind being agitated by such like thoughts as these and fear growing more powerful in him he resolved to quit his Army without having attempted any thing and to return himself into Germany Wherefore taking only 200 Horse along with him he gave out that the cause of his departure was only to provide monies for the payment of the Army and that he would speedily return to the camp But the Souldiers seeing their chief Commander gone began every one to do what he thought best for himself The Switzers went to Lodi and ruinating the Country every where sack'd the City And would have continued to commit the like Out-rages had not the Switzers which were in Millan protested that unless they would give over those injurious Proceedings they should be forced to come out against them together with the French and Venetians so as Switzers fighting against Switzers they were to imbrue their hands in one anothers blood The former Switzers for this respect forbearing doing any other damage after having made some peaceful abode in those parts some few days returned all of them to their own homes except it were some few companies who went with their Commander Morco Setio to the custody of Verona whither Colonna went also with his Horse and with the Spanish and Dutch Foot who were before drawn out from that Garrison The rest of the Spanish and Dutch Foot returned by several ways into their own Countries having been much prejudiced in their journey by the Venetian Horse Soon after the Emperours departure came the Marquess of Brandenbourg to the camp with a certain sum of money who though he did his best to rally the Souldiers that dis-banded yet things being already grown to great confusion and the Moneys that were brought not being sufficient to satisfie all he could doe no good Thus a great Army which was at first so formidable to the Enemy being in so short a time vanisht to nothing not any danger at all having befalen it may teach us that men are oftentimes deluded in their Councels by various accidents and meet with much unexpected ends And that we are often times deceived through hopes and fears arising out of meer opinion without discerning any thing save the first appearances In this preturbation of Affairs the no great good will which was between the Pope and King of France began to be more manifestly known sprung from former reasons which were unknown till now for King Francis complained that the Pope out of some bad intention had forestowed the sending of such recrutes unto his Army as by agreement he was bound to doe that he had privately incited the Switzers against him and had given many other signes of his bad inclination towards him Certainly 't is worthy note since occasion leads me thereunto with how many several affections and sometimes contrary within themselves the mindes of Princes are agitated Pope Leo and King Francis thought when they parted at Bullen that they had sufficiently provided for their Affairs and that the Friendship and League that was confirm'd betwixt them was likely to last long and to be cause of much safety to them both But soon after construing the same Affairs otherwise they began to doubt that the things agreed upon between them would not be observed so as each of them grew jealous of the other The Pope being conscious how bitter and open an Enemy he had already shewed himself unto the French how often he had abused their hopes under a fained pretence of Friendship that even then when they were in treaty of reconciliation he would not satisfie him in many things prest hard upon by the King in behalf of his Friends and Confederates began to doubt the King of France could never be his true Friend Moreover calling to minde the many injuries done by the two preceding Kings Charles and Lewis to the house of Medici he could not perswade himself that then when the French hoped to get some principal places in Italy King Francis could willingly tollerate the greatness of Lorenzo de Medici should still increase whereby he had opportunity given him to revenge the ancient injuries done to the prejudice of his reputation and to the States which he held in Italy On the contrary the King thinking that the same reasons remained still which had formerly disgratiated him with the Pope and that this the Pope's ill will towards him was the more increased by how much his power was increased in Italy and was become more formidable to him interpreted all things to the worst and according to this his aprehension that Leo had concealed his truest intentions from him that it was necessity which had made him accommodate himself to the condition of the times at their meeting and that as soon as he should meet with any means of hurting him this would evidently be seen The Venetians labour'd oft to free these Princes of these suspitions and sought by all means how to reconcile them for they knew how much it imported the strength and reputation of the League that the Pope King of France and Common-wealth should hold true intelligence together and did of all things abhorre to be necessitated to take up Armes against the Church wherefore passing by the injuries they had received from Leo they desired to have him less their Enemy The
tryed both prosperous and adverse fortune and who was lately return'd to his Country after having been many years banish'd for that being General at Sea he had not made good use of occasion in fighting and in overcoming the Turkish Fleet at Lepanto Grimani took upon him the place of Duke the Common-wealth being as you have heard by what is past in Peace and Tranquillity But such seeds of discords and war between Princes were already sown as it was to be feared they might bring forth new troubles in the Common-wealth and perhaps necessitate her to take up Arms again for Cesar who was already gone to Aquisgrane in Germany where he took upon him the first Crown of the Empire had still a great desire to come into Italy wherefore he had often times sollicicited the Venetian Senate to joyn with him thinking that the Friendship and Forces of the Common-wealth would be of great importance for his designs Therefore amongst other things he promised to invest them fully with all those Towns and Territories which he then possess'd and unto which the Empire laid any claim or pretence which the Venetians who knew that by just title and right they had long belonged to them did little value and therefore this was of no greater force then his other promises to make them alter their first intentions Wherefore they delay'd sending to congratulate with him according to custom for his acquired Dignity and having chosen Francisco Contarini for their Leiger Embassadour in the place of Gaspero Contarini who had stay'd at that Court the usual prefix'd time lest they might give any the least suspition to the French of their joyning with Cesar in any undertaking they retarded his expedition Wherefore Cesar dispairing to make the Venetians forego their friendship with the French he took a new resolution which was to send Monsiâ—ur Philiberto Embassadour to the Court of France with a resolute intention as he would have it believed either to agree with the King of France touching the Affairs of Italy excluding the Venetians or else that they being jealous thereof might at last be moved to joyn with him so to shun the greater evils which they had a little before had tryal of by the joyning of those two Crowns against the Common wealth And that he might leave nothing unattempted he by his Embassadour who was then resident in England complained grievously to the King thereof whose Authority was then so great as he was made Arbitrator and Moderator of all the important businesses which past amongst the Princes accusing the Venetians for that not having observed what they had promised in the Agreement made with Maximillian they had refused peace when he had offered it them But the Princes did the less believe these things for that Cesar at that same time that he seemed so much to desire peace was known to prepare for war Therefore King Francis acquainting with great sincerity the Venetians with this whole Treaty would not listen to Cesars Proposals but growing rather every day more and more desirous either to fall foul upon Cesars Territories or else to defend his own Dominions from being assaulted by him he applied himself to confirm his friends thereby to increase his power and reputation he therefore spoke with the King of England at Ardes a Town in Picardie to confirm the peace made between them but a little before and having a daughter born unto him he desired the Senate that she might be held at the Font by their Embassador and proceeded very civilly in all things with the Commonwealth But for all this the League which had been long treated of at Rome was not yet concluded but the Articles being drawn up by common consent and the Venetians having sent sufficient Commissions to their Embassadour then resident at Rome to ratifie them the Conclusion was defer'd by reason of new difficulties which arose For the King of France who was at first content that the League should aim onely at the peace and safety of Italy to the which the other Italian Prince being invited there was place reserved for such as would Confederate to the end that they might join in the Common cause made now new proposals which aimed at other ends moved thereunto either out of new desires or out of some new occasion seeing Cesar busied about many weighty affairs for there were many Commotions in many of the chiefest Cities of Spain which in a tumultuous manner sought to withdraw themselves from Charles his Government and constituting a popular Government to injoy Liberty as many Towns in Germany doe Besides many of the Princes and people of Germany shewed themselves to be but badly satisfied with the new Emperour for divers of his actions especially for Luther's being banished by Imperial Proclamation at the Dyet at Wormes so that he had reason enough to be troubled Wherefore the King of France thinking that those dangers were sufficiently secured which had first made him endeavour the League being little satisfied therewith as humane mindes especially those of Princes disquieted with new longings are easie to give way to new desires he more fervently coveted greater matters thinking that he had now a fitting opportunity offered him to oppose Cesar's greatness which did already grow too immoderate and particularly to drive him out of his Territories in Italy wherefore he made his forces move towards Navarre to assist the King and repossessed him of his ancient States which were formerly taken from him by King Ferdinando and did little less then discover his intentions openly in the Treaty of League with the Pope and Venetians The Pope moved by these or by some more hidden reasons he likewise being full of new cogitations began to propound new Articles in the conventions of the League desiring that it might be specified that all the Colleagues should be bound to assist him in punishing the Churches contumatious Subjects whereby it clearly appeared that his ancient desire of driving Duke Alfonso d'Este out of the Dominions of Ferara was risen up in him again which was nothing else but to kindle a great combustion in Italy for the less able the Duke knew himself to be to resist the power of the Colleagues by reason of his small forces and the little love his Subjects bore him the more he should be inforc'd to have recourse to Forraign aid for his defence and to leave no stone unturned The Venetians knowing that whereas they desired to procure quiet and safety both to themselves and to all Italy the way would by these new Obligations be opened to new troubles and to greater dangers they began likewise to proceed more slowly in concluding the Agreement For they maturely considered that it made not for their good wholly to break the Truce for five years confirmed by Cesar and to anger the King of England who they knew would not be pleased with the new Confederacy he having done many friendly offices to the Emperour Whilst the business
come himself to Venice to justifie his actions the Senate either being better informed or that they might the better accomodate themselves to the time and affairs would not suffer him to leave the Army but removing away the Guard from his Wife and Son seemed to be satisfied with him But the Venetians since they could not make Lautrech alter his resolution made their men come into Lombardy which were then about fifteen thousand foot having left three thousand five hundred Light Horse with Lautrech for the enterprize of Rome being thereunto moved out of the pressing care which they had of retaining the Towns which they had recovered in the Dukedom of Milan the weight whereof lay only upon the Common-wealth Francisco Sforza being so exhausted of money as he was hardly of himself able to maintain the ordinary Garrisons of the City much less to bring men into the Field as he was bound to do by his Articles and as was necessary to resist the Forces which were prepared by Antonio da Leva Moreover the respect of their own affairs did not a little move them and the fear of bringing the danger home unto themselves bereaving their Country of defence by sending their Forces so far off and especially because they heard that many armed people were gathered together in the parts about Tirol and that great provision of victuals and munition was made in the City of Trent to be sent into Italy And this fear made the greater impression in them because now Ferdinando of Austria who had quieted the affairs of Hungary by the victory he had gotten over Giovan the Vayvod of Transilvania had better conveniency to attend the affairs of Italy as he had oft times seemed very desirous to do Wherefore thinking it necessary to encrease their Army to the number of twenty thousand foot and to make greater provisions to maintain another great War the Senate entreated the King of England that he would be assistant to the Commonwealth and to the cause of Italy by contributing part of the expence in so great a need to the payment of that Army which was to maintain the Liberty of Italy which he had so often promised to defend But the King affirming still that he would make War upon Cesar in Flanders and free Italy from any such danger by diverting his Forces shewed that it was good for the common service to lessen the provisions which were destined for such enterprizes so as the Commonwealth being to be alone at so great expences and the publique Treasury being already much exhausted by the so long War was forc'd to have recourse to many extraordinary ways for the raising of monies Amidst all these preparations for War the business of Peace was not notwithstanding quite laid aside but the Emperour seeming to desire it had several Treaties with the King of France and with the Venetians somtimes apart for particular agreement and somtimes joyntly for a general peace The demands which were made on the King of France his part and on the Venetians were That Cesar should set the King of France his Sons at liberty That he should free the Pope and forgo whatsoever he held that belonged unto the Church That he should restore Francisco Storza Duke of Milan unto his State and that he should remove all his forces out of Lombardy and out of Rome Which Cesar neither wholly accepting of nor yet altogether denying he sought by various difficulties to hold on the more certain resolution chiefly by demanding a great sum of money of the Venetians whereby holding the business on foot but full of doubts he desired to take the advantage of time and to steer his course according to the event of the affairs of Italy and according to the preparations made by his Brother hoping the mean while to conclude the particular agreement with the King of France more to his own advantage to whom as the King acquainted the Venetians afterward he did at last propound The excluding of all the other Colleagues and the appropriating of the State of Milan to himself Whereby and by his first resolution in all his Treaties of having Sforza's cause decided by Judges and that in the mean while he should keep the City of Milan in his own name and with his Garrisons it might easily be conceived that all his Treaties tended only to this that the Confederates Armies being disbanded he might put himself in safe possession of the State of Milan so as all thoughts of Peace being laid aside War was again denounced by the Confederates to Cesar wherein thinking that it might make much for their advantage if they could draw the Duke of Ferara and the Marquis of Mantua into the League and having tryed them both they concluded with the Duke of Ferara to receive him into their League upon condition that he should maintain two hundred Curassiers at his own charges in the Colleagues Army and that he should contribute ten thousand Ducats monethly for the space of six moneths towards the payment of the Foot For which the Confederates were to take him and his State into their protection After which agreement a large and stately Palace which did formerly belong to him in Venice was restored unto him But the Treaty was somwhat more difficult with the Marquis of Mantua for he desired to be declared Captain General of the League in Lautrech's absence To which the Venetians would not consent in respect of the Duke of Urbine But at last Girallimo Zane Podesta of Verona being gone to Mantua in the publique name to treat of this business he concluded it without that condition taking the person and the State of the Marquis into the Confederates protection But Cesar seeing he was to make his party good against so many enemies and desiring to make his cause appear less dishonest and by so doing to sever the King of England perhaps from the rest of the Confederates he resolved at last to give the Pope his Liberty To which purpose he sent sufficient commissions to the Viceroy and to Don Hugo di Moncada who being dead the Viceroy concluded the Agreement The Pope being to leave according to former Articles Ostia Civita Vecchia and Civita Castellana in the Emperour's possession and paying the same sum of money though with some further respite of time And passing his word above all things else that he would not oppose Cesar in the affairs of Naples nor of Milan The Colleagues in the beginning of the year one thousand five hundred twenty eight prepared to make War with most powerful forces both by Land and Sea and chiefly to fall upon the Kingdom of Naples as the King of France had long before desired and intended Wherefore he prest the Venetians that they would encrease their Gallies to the number of twenty four according to the first capitulations But they said they had fully made good their promise with the former sixteen because of these there were eight Bastard Gallies every
make that City the Seat of the Empire to abound in all things and especially in Gold to which purpose he had forbidden men of all Nations to buy any Silks or Spices and had already bought a great quantity of these merchandize with his own monies that he might bring them to Constantinople The Venetians were much troubled at these proceedings for though the Turkish forces seemed to threaten other parts yet their power encreasing by the ruine of other Princes it would become likewise more formidable to them and the going out of the Fleet would alwaies be occasion of trouble and of expence to the Commonwealth especially if the Fleet should come as it was said it was to do into the Gulph of Venice where the Western Vessels came oftentimes to pillage with much insolency And the removing of Traffique from the usual places did much disturb their Merchandizing and the ancient Navigation of their Galeasses which were wont to go every year to Sâ—ria and Alexandria The Venetians thinking how to give a timely remedy to these things exhorted the King of Hungary who was found to have some inclination to make peace with the Archduke Ferdinand to pursue it and thereby to rid Christendom of so many occasions of danger and prejudice They likewise encouraged the King of Poland who had formerly interposed himself in this business to re-assume the Treaty of Agreement They sought by many endeavours with the Bashaws at Constantinople and especially with Luigi Gritti who grew daylie greater in favour and authority there to keep the Grand Seignior from sending forth his Fleet by shewing the care and diligence used by the Commonwealth in keeping the Sea open and free from Pyrats and likewise from his other intention of bringing the Merchandize of Soria and Alexandria to Constantinople shewing many inconveniences that would arise thereby so as without any considerable advantage to Constantinople and to the great prejudice of his other Provinces and of his Imposts traffique would lessen by leaving those of the Western parts no occasion of making those Voyages if they should not be permitted to send forth so many sorts of Merchandize which they vented in great quantities in those Countries and wherewith they contracted for Spices and other Merchandize more then with ready money But to take all occasion from the Turks of sending out Gallies and especially into the Gulph of Venice the Senate ordered the Commissary of their Fleet that he should warn the Gallies of Malta not to come into the Gulph nor to prejudice any Vessels which sailed into the Eastern Seas which were guarded by them which if they should deny to do that then he should endeavour to disarm them The Turks thought themselves very much inâ—ur'd hereby and complaining of the Venetians they said that it did not suit with the friendship which they profess'd to hold with the Grand Seignior to suffer that the Turks who were their friends should be so much prejudiced at their own homes and before their faces especially since their security was to rely upon the provisions and forces of the Commonwealth in which respect to preserve her jurisdiction and to shun occasion of disorder the Turks forbore sending any men of War into the Gulph At the same time Cesar having summoned a Diet of all the German Princes in Augusta many things appertaining to the State and to Religion were therein treated on The Protestants insisted chiefly in demanding a General Councel wherein their opinions concerning the points of faith might be examined and decided which they did not out of any desire of sifting ouâ— the truth but because they believed that the Pope would not give way thereunto lest they might enter into some other Treaties whereby his authority might be endangered so as they thought they might have good occasion thereby to foment their false opinions amongst the people The Emperour seeking how to appease so many humours and how to cut off this root of greater evils propounded the business to the Pope who looking for little good thereby nay rather occasion of greater disorders and yet being unwilling to seem to refuse it sought to spin out the business at length alledging many respects which gave just occasion of delay and chiefly the discords which were then on foot amongst Christian Princes to appease the which he said it would be best first to think how they might all concur joyntly to assist and favour the Counsel But the Protestants growing more earnest in this their desire and the Popes fear increasing he who greatly detested this sort of people began to propound that they might be prosecuted by temporal arms which he oftentimes mentioned not onely to Cesar but to the Venetian Senate also to whom be sent an express Nuntio to exhort them to use their Counsels authority and forces herein and to make Cesar undertake this business the more willingly he offered him a certain sum of money But the Senate were much of an other opinion and fought to disswade the Pope from it Whose piety when they had praised they shewed him afterwards that to take up arms at this time and without any pressing occasion was no better then to shew his fear the more is a just cause which he would go about to secure by preventing by way of Arms the power which the concourse and favour of the people might bring unto the adverse party Than it became those who sustained the cause of Religion to try all things especially by Scripture and by reason Moreover that the Protestant Princes would be necessitated to procure forces and more followers and their cause would be more favoured by the people and have some fair appearance since they were to withstand the violence of Enemies that the Princes of Italy were wholly exhausted by the so many wars That it was to be suspected to what party the Electors of the Empire would adhere in such a case they being more desirous of agreement then of war as appeared by their Embassadours who were sent to the Emperour at Brussels That the Hans Towns of Germany were resolved not to assist Cesar if he should go about to attempt any thing rather by power then by reason That Cesar was not able of himself to raise sufficient forces to oppress the Princes and people who were in commotion There appeared such reason in these things and the Authority of the Senate was so great from whose advice the Pope had very much differed as changing his opinion he forbore sending his Nuntio to Cesar as he had intended to do and suspended any such Treaty And truly it was thought to be a much wiser course and better becoming the condition of the present times to think rather of sustaining the Turkish Wars and to keep the forces of Christendom united as much as might be especially those of Germany who were to withstand the Turks first violence For it was held for certain that Soliman whose haughty mind must needs be scandalized for his being
That Soliman 's anger would not be a little encreased by the refusing his offers who held himself scandalized by what the Fleet had done and as was said by the Grandees of that Court by the small account that was made of his person no Embassadour being sent to him when he came so near the States dominions as was usually done upon like occasions to other Princes Moreover this silence would make the Turks more diligent in making the greater preparation for war since they must needs finde we had no minde to have peace In fine that to advance so far in the treaty of League without proposing any thing of peace had no other aspect but of enforcing the Senate to embrace the resolution of continuing in war which if well weighed was of all things most to be abhorred But these things were thus answered by those who thought it the safer safer way to treat of League then of Peace That they were not alienated from the thought of peace but did endeavour to provide so for the emergencies of the present times as they might be able to sustain war That therefore they did not without just cause forbear writing at the present to Constantinople lest they might make the Christian Princes jealous whereby they might slacken their providing for war That there remained many things yet to be considered before the League could be concluded wherein time might be protracted and when things should be drawn nearer to a head they might have better occasion to know the Turks mindes and so bear both the League and Peace in hand at once and pitch upon what might be thought best for the Common-wealth That too much haste could onely discover their weaknesse the more unto the Turks and make them more insolent in their Articles of Agreement the which the more they should seem to desire it would be had upon the harder tearms That no matter of expence was to be had in consideration since howsoever they were to arm themselves and to treat of peace with their weapons in their hands not to prejudice the conditions of peace and not to commit themselves too rashly to the discretion and faith of their perfidious enemies These reasons were alleadged for the League and the businesse at Constantinople was deferr'd But at last many being desirous that somewhat should be written and that the businesse should not be totally given over it was proposed unto the Senate That the Consul might tell the Bashaw Aiace That the Common-wealth had great reason to complain of Soliman who unprovoked by any publick injury had broke the peace and sent his men in hostile manner to Corfu without expecting Orsino's return sent by his consent nay by his order to Venice and with promise not to attempt any novelty till by his return it might be known what the truth of those passages was which the Turks took ill and who was really in the fault That it had alwaies been the stedfast intention of the Senate to preserve peace and amity with that Empire and that upon occasion of so many wars made by Soliman they had never disturbed his enterprises but had alwaies kept their word inviolably and kept constant to their neutrality That at this very time Generall Pesaro dreamt of nothing lesse then of impeding his Captains designes no not of giving them any suspition but that he was come into the Gulph to joyne with the other sea-Captains and shun such accidents but that being driven by the winds he was forc'd to passe into the Rivers of Puglia where the Turkish Fleet lay That they did believe Soliman stood well affected to the Common-wealth as he was affirmed to do and well inclined to peace since being a just and a wise Prince he knew it became him to preserve friendship with the Venetians who had given him no occasion to the contrary Nor was it fitting that good intelligence between Princes should be broken by the inconsiderate actions of any particular Officers That therefore they were confident he would restore the goods of private Merchants which were detained who upon the faith of so great a Prince were perswaded to trade in his Dominions Their intention hereby was that the Consul seeking by such discourse as this to fift somewhat more particularly into the Turks thoughts should begin if he should find any good hopes to commence the Treaty of peace This proposall being made in the Senate three daies were spent about it which being over there wanted two votes to make the businesse be resolved upon so as there was nothing decided in the point though it had been long disputed by personages of great dignity and authority The promises of these Princes had made so great an impression in the minds of all men as confiding very much therein and being therefore desirous to shun any the least suspition that the League was not really intended by them they would listen to nothing which might perswade to the contrary Don Lopes the Cesarian Embassadour hearing of this irresolution he hoped that the Common-wealth might be brought to a nearer conjunction with Cesar He therefore renued the motion of uniting the Fleets which had formerly been made by him and Doria He appeared in the Colledge and laboured much to perswade that for the common service no longer delay should be made in giving order to our Generalls to go to Messina and joyne with Doria's Gallies who he said had sufficient commission from the Emperour in that point and that he should not be wanting in any thing which concerned the good and safety of Christendom and in particular that of the Common-wealth He shewed That the Emperour stood very well affected to the common good and that his forces should be answerable to this his affection for besides the Fleet now in being other ships of all sorts were arming in the Spanish Havens and great provisions of men and monies were raising throughout all his dominions That the Emperour Charles desired to justifie himself alwaies before both God and man that he had discharged his part gallantly not having spared either expence or labour to quell the pride of the enemies of Christendom That he had therefore at all times solicited other Princes whose interest was concern'd in this common cause to know the dangers which grew daily greater tending to the ruine of Christianity which he by reason of his greatnesse might live freer from then any other but that he did more value the common good then his own particular concernment That there needed no new examples to shew that the weaknesse of Christian Princes and the exaltation of their enemies proceeded from their own luke warmnesse That the last unfortunate successe of Rhodes might be considered which being assaulted by this very Soliman and not succoured by any Christian Prince fell miserably into the power of the Turks to the so much losse prejudice and shame of all Christendom But that there was some excuse for those successes then since those Princes
to relieve those who should be in most need He ordered Antonio Doria who commanded the greater Vessels that going before the smaller gallies he should indeavour to get the winde of the Enemy to the end that he might fall upon them with a fore-wind and disordering them by his Artillery might weaken them and discourage them before they should come up to fight with our Gallies But the Turks on the other side indeavouring the same advantage laboured by all means possible to get before the Christian Fleet and by advantage of the winde to be the first that should fall on which Doria being early aware of made his Fleet bend towards land endeavouring to keep the enemy from getting that hand but the winde which had begun to blow soon failing it was very hard to observe these orders The smaller Gallies were imploy'd and much pestred in haling the greater Vessels yet they were all so fervent upon fighting as over coming all difficulties by their industry and labour the two greater Venetian Vessels the Gallioun commanded by Alessandro Bondulmiero and the Barza commanded by Nicolo Trivisavo were already got to the designed place which being excellently well provived of Artillery stood before all the squadrons like two strong Towers to sustain and break the first violence of the Enemy Barbarossa when he saw the ships make towards him before the winde slackned fearing lest he might be forc'd to fight with the great ships which was the thing he most desired to shun began as it is said to repent his being come out of the Gulph of Prevesa and there was so great a fear generally throughout the whole Turkish Fleet as many of the Turks began already to recommend themselves to the Christian slaves who were aboord their gallies Yet Barbarossa reassuming courage did whatsoever became a good Commander to do and thinking of nothing but battel sought to make what advantage he could both of time and place he labour'd chiefly to get to the head of the Island Santa Maura whereby shunning the incounter both of the ships and Galliouns he might wheel about and assault our Fleet on the back which being desirous to keep their greater and lesser Vessels joyn'd together had much adoe to change scituation without disorder He therefore ceased not to incourage his men both by perswasions and threats not to be affraid he laid before them the reward and punishment of their good and bad behaviours he told them there was no cause of fear that they were the same Musselmans who had ever been victorious in all Wars under the happy conduct of Soliman the Great and fortunate Prince against the Christians a people more wonted to wantonnesse than wars and to save themselves more by flight than by military valour that every mans last day of life was prefixt but the acquitting themselves thereof either with praise or dispraise depended upon their own wills that for his part he would not be wanting in any thing that belonged to a good Commander that the battel might be fought upon all advantage And truly all men thought that Barbarossa did that day whatsoever could be expected from a wise and valiant Commander and shewed himselfe greatly experienced in the Militia and at Sea For he did so dispose and order his Gallies as every one of their Captains knowing and observing his place as though the Fleet did many times wheel about in severall manners yet was it still well ordered and fitted for battels and ready to put on any whatsoever resolution The Turkish Fleet was divided into three parts Trabaâ—che commanded the right wing and Selecco the left both of them experienced and well reputed Commanders and who had carried themselves well in the late Wars in the middle was Barbarossa with the body of the Battle wherein were the greatest number of Gallies Traguti a famous Commander of the Pirats went before all the rest with a squadron of fly-boats some more nimble Gallies as it were to chalk out the way to the others and to begin first to molest the Enemy with his fleeter Vessels and therefore freeer from danger The Turks were it either by reason of the slow or irresolute advancing of our men or by their own diligence and good fortune the Sea being calm so as the greater Vessels could not make use of the wind did first possess the Land-shore which the Commanders of the League had first designed to do and being gotten into a very convenient station a good way off from our ships they stood a-front the Christian Fleet to observe her motions thinking themselves already safe since they saw the Confederates would not hazard a battle without the greater Vessels and to tow them further on being within sight of the Enemy was not without danger and required time and difficultie so as it seemed to be in their choice whether they would fight or no But Doria wheeling this mean while about the ships and being followed by all the fleeter Gallies kept not onely the Enemy but even his ovvn men long in doubt vvhat he vvould do Every one vvith their Provv turn'd upon the Enemy stood expecting when they should advance and begin the battel But through their so long delay and vvasting of time the Turks had leasure to retreat to an advantagious place and to avoid the battle Doria's design as he aftervvards affirmed vvas to deceive the Enemy who being doubtful vvhat he meant to doe he thought they would keep fast in that part of the Sea where they were and close together so as he having disposed of his Gallies in a long rank might take a larger bout and assault the Turkish Fleet on severall parts at one and the same time But Barbarossa being aware of his intention made more haste as hath been said to the Land-shore keeping the Prow or fore-Castle of his Gallies still turn'd upon our Fleet and still getting Rome-ward as far as he could from our greater ships During which time the Confederates Fleet to the wonder of all men standing as it were immovable idly looking upon the insulting Enemy and letting the opportunity slip Generall Capello and Grimani cry'd aloud Let us lose no more time let us not lose the hopes of a certain victory And Capello going about in a little Vessell incouraged to battel his words and courage were applauded by all and being come to the gallie where Doria was he said Sirs Let us charge the flying Enemies time occasion and the souldiers votes invite us thereunto the Victory is ours I will be the first that will fall on I expect nothing but command to begin the conflict Capello was an old man 73 years of age of a good aspect and comly personage stout minded and reverenced for his age and held to be very wise and well experienced in Sea-affairs which gave the greater authority to his advice and incouragement And truly all men were so very desirous to fight as nothing was heard but Fall on fall on Victory
the House of Austria and out of those of the Dukes of Bavier and Cleves and of the Marquis of Brandeburg which Princes adhered unto the Emperour So as he might muster about 40000 Foot and 5000 Horse At the same time the protestant Princes whose chief Commanders were Iohn Frederick Duke of Saxony Elector of the Empire and Philip Lansgrave of Hesse endeavoured to get more Lords and German Cities to joyne with them and used all the means they could to encrease their numbers making profession to defend the liberty of Germany and causing those who joyned with them to swear fidelity to the Empire which they said Cesar would possesse himself of as of his own peculiar State and turn it into a tyrannicall Government Wherefore many chief Lords and Cities embracing this as the common cause took up Arms against Cesar as the Duke of Wittemburg the Count Palatine the Communalty of Argentine â—lms Franckfort and Noremburg the City of Auspurge being long before declared These sent their Embassadours to Ulms where a Dyet was intimated to treat particularly of preparations for war any where there was such a concourse of almost all Germany as thed soon got an Army of 80000 Foot and 10000 Horse with which Forces they hoped the rather to beat Cesar and to drive him as they said out of Germany for that they saw he could not raise any considerable Army of Germans they onely apprehended forrain souldiers and chiefly the Pope's Italian Foot which they being desirous to keep from comming they writ very earnestly to the Venetian Senate declaring the good-will they bore to the Common-wealth which was highly esteemed by the whole German Nation desiring them that they would not afford passage to those people which the Emperour sought to bring in to their prejudice and to enslave all Germany to the pernicious example of all other Countries The Senate replyed to this That they did very much cherish the friendship of those Princes and of all those people to whom they had alwaies corresponded with like affection and esteem of their particular persons and of the whole noble German Nation But that their Country being plain and open they could not hinder souldiers from passing through it unlesse by strong force of Arms which their Common-wealth was not wont to do unlesse to their declared enemies Soon after there came particular Letters from the Duke of Saxony and from the Lansgrave wherein declaring their designes and their necessities and that they had taken up Arms in their own defence they desired to be befriended by the Common-wealth with a certain sum of mony Which desires of theirs were much furthered and assisted by the King of England who employ'd his secretary therein he being then resident in Venice who presented these Letters The King was moved to defend the cause of these men though not altogether openly either for their joynt dissenting from the Church of Rome or for that he was not well pleased with Cesar for the agreement with France and that he was troubled at his greatnesse But the Senate continuing their wonted answers said That they esteemed those Princes as their very good friends and wish'd them all good successe but that they could not pleasure them in this lest they should offend other princes whose peace and friendship they desired to preserve These respects being set aside the Senate seemed very well minded toward the German Nation Also when the City of Auspurge had by expresse Letters recommended their Merchants to the protection of the Common-wealth many whereof were already in Venice and others came thither daily in greater numbers by reason of these commotions that their persons and goods might be safe For after this City had declared enmity to the Emperour they had received ill usage in other Cities where they had been for their own private affairs Answer was made that the people of that City and all other people had alwaies been welcome and well received as if they had been their own Citizens and that they would still keep all tearms of justice and civility with them The City of Venice keeps alwaies great commerce with Germany because of many things which come from the Levant which the Germans have need of and which are brought unto them by Venetian Merchants ships as Spices Cottons and severall other Merchandizes and likewise many other things which grow abundantly in their Country are brought to Venice and carried from thence to other parts to the great advantage of private men and of the publick customes wherefore for the better conveniency of the German Nation there was long before this a great and Noble Pallace or Warehouse built in Venice upon the Rialto standing upon the Canale Majore in the fairest and most frequented place of all the City where usually many of this Nation are and whereof many of them finding themselves so well treated live all their life chusing this City for their Country where they purchase Estates and build particular Houses to themselves Whilst all sides were thus intent upon making War and that a mass of Souldiers being got together they were ready to march news was given out that peace was made and though the conclusion thereof was not certain it was most certain that messengers were imploy'd on both sides to treat thereof whereat the Venetians were not a little troubled considering that when so great Armies were in Italy they might peradventure betake themselves to other enterprises and other States being unprovided might cause much apprehension in them all Therefore the Pope fearing lest the Senate might joyne in some straiter friendship and Intelligence with some others which might be contrary to his designs discourst long with the State 's Embassador shewing that he had been alwaies desirous to keep the peace of Italy for the Common good but that he had continually had a particular eye to what might concern the Common-wealth's safety and greatnesse he wisht him therefore to assure the Senate of his good-will and that he would keep good intelligence with him still which would be the way to preserve both their States and the rest of Italy quiet That he had renewed this his desire purposely at this time when he himselfe being armed and free from offence it might be believed that it was not fear but true zeal which made him thus unbowel himselfe unto them But the indeavours of Peace proving vain the Armies of both sides were drawn into the field in one and the same Country for though the Protestants which was the denomination they gave themselves who were in league against the Emperour by reason of their protestations made in matter of Religion indeavouring to do that for themselves which they could not get others to do to wit to stop the passage of such as came against them through Italy had possest themselves of the Castle of Chiusa in the County of Tiroll placed amongst the Mountains by which way they thought the Enemy was to passe But the Papall and
especially in their constant opinion that the enterprises of Barbary should be particularly named in all the Articles of the War alledging that without this hope the King could not get that sum of monies out of Spain which was requisite for the expence he should be at in the League But the Pope who proceeded with great sincerity in all things and aimed onely at the universall good of Christendom sought sometimes to temper the Spaniards immoderatenesse by reason sometimes by seeming angry protesting that unlesse they came to a speedy resolution he would withdraw all those acts of favour and all those immunities which he had granted their King for the raising of monies to this end Nor was he wanting in using his endeavours with the Venetians he exhorted them to accommodate themselves even to such resolutions as might not be over advantagious encouraged them to hope well and promised that he would never abandon their cause nor be wanting in favouring and assisting them to his utmost The Cardinalls deputed to this businesse siding sometimes with the one party sometimes with the other that they might the more easily bring them together laboured very much to put an end to the Treaty Morone a man of much experience in the management of important businesses and very wel-spoken adhering often to the proposalls made by the Venetian Embassadours as those that aimed most at the common good endeavoured to remove the Kings Agents from their peculiar interests or rather to make them more capable of truth Is it not most true said he that by fighting the Turkish forces in the Levant where they are strongest the Catholick King will not onely secure the Spanish seas which he shall hardly do by the Affrican affairs but will also procure safety to his other Dominions for many years nay perhaps for ever For when the enemies Fleet shall be ruined and when he shall be weakened in the very heart of his Kingdom by the losse of places neer to Constantinople which is the seat of his Empire Who can doubt but that Algeers Tunnis Tripoli and other Towns that lie further off will suddenly fall without either pain or peril into the Kings power As on the contrary there is nothing more certain then as long as the Turks shall continue strong and keep their forces entire it will be a very hard matter to get those Towns and almost impossible to keep them of which we have late and assured experience since in that respect the Emperour Charls the 5th could never get the City of Algeers though he did very much desire it For it was judged it would be rashly done to attempt any such action in the summer when the Turkish Fleet would be at her strongest and if it should be attempted in autumn it would prove more troublesome more dangerous and no good would be got thereby by reason of the short time that the Militia could keep in field and by reason of the hasards at sea which the Fleet should be exposed unto But if such things were feasable certainly greater victories were not to be laid aside for them upon such an occasion as this nor were such hopes to be lost But time and occasion must be waited for to bring things to maturity and in the mean time the preservation of the Kingdom of Cyprus in the power of Christians and which was the chief cause of this Treaty should be endeavoured Wherefore to make any particular mention of the Affrican parts in the present Articles of this League would be nothing but to wrest it from its true end and vainly to beget jealousies in the Colleagues And yet I pray you what of tie or what of caution is had by these expresse words Is it not clear enough that the League being made against the Turk and against his Dominions it is to be understood that those places which he holds in Barbary are therein comprehended against which the forces of the League shall turn themselves when reason and the condition of affairs shall advise thereunto To do it at another time would be prejudiciall and not to be wish'd for by him who aimed at what was good Nor was it to be said that the Colleagues were at liberty to deferre the enterprise it was rather to be believed that they would all concur the more willingly therein the Venetians in requitall of the good they had received and the Pope seeing that now the greatest dangers of Christendom were over The King's Agents being convinc'd by these and by the like reasons betook themselves to other excuses saying That they would write to Spain to know the Kings pleasure more particularly therein Hereunto were added other difficulties for the Spaniards endeavoured to lay some note of jealousie upon the Venetians by obliging the Colleagues under the penalty of Ecclesiasticall Censure to observe what should be established by the League every one seeing plainly whither such a condition tended and how unequall it was in many respects chiefly because the Catholick King was free from any such danger by his own grandezza There were often disputes likewise touching who should command the Fleet in chief the Spaniards craving the prerogative not onely of naming the Captain Generall which was easily condescended unto but to substitute any other with the like authority in the absence of him that should be chosen So as diffidence encreasing by means of these things the businesse of the League began to cool very much which was begun with such fervour At which the Venetian Senate being the more troubled because it was far from what they hoped for at first they resolved to send another Embassadour to Rome deputed particularly for that Treaty to shew the Pope how desirous they were of a conclusion and their constant resolution to continue the war and also to put the more reputation upon the businesse by its being negotiated by two of the Common-wealth's Representatives and this was the rather thought fitting because the Embassadour Suriano had given occasion of speech that he had given way to some of those things which were yet in dispute nay such as had been alwaies gainsaid by the Senate Iovanni Soranzo was chosen for this Embassie who though he joyned very wisely with Suriano to have the League concluded yet meeting with the same difficulties he could do no good So as to the wonder and grief of all men the time was unusefully spent which should have been rather now employed in executing things resolved upon then in resolving upon what should be done At the same time the Treaty of the League was continued at the Imperiall Court but with no better successe for the Emperour having spent many months under severall pretences herein being desirous to keep from declaring himselfe as long as he could said at last that having made Truce with Selino for eight years whereof onely three were as yet expired he thought he was bound in honour to observe what he had promised But that though he should be
place and Iacopo Foscarini was made Commissary Generall of Dalmatia Luigi Georgio went to Corfu and Marino de Cavalli to Candia the former in the place of Venierâ— who was chosen to be Generall of the Fleet and the latter in Mula's place who could no longer attend that charge by reason of sicknesse By reason of these extraordinary expences which amounted to 300000 Duckets a month it became them to use all means possible for the raising of monies wherefore the number of Procurators were again encreased sale was made of other publick goods and monies by severall bargains brought into the Exchequer wherein to make the Citisens more willing and ready Doge Mocinego encouraged them all he could and was still the more carefull and diligent in making all sorts of provisions as being very ambitious of glory He was much afflicted that his government should begin with the losse of so noble a Kingdom Wherefore the great Councill being one day assembled the Doge standing up spoke thus If ever citisens of any Common-wealth had a noble occasion to shew their generosity their desire of glory and of the common good you now have it to shew your worth in preserving the splendour and dignity of this your noble Country which the industry and perpetuall labours of our Ancestors hath to their immortall glory purchased We through their deserts and as the reward of their wisdom do now enjoy a Common-wealth which for excellency of government exceeds all the most antient and modern Common-wealths and is not much inferiour to any of the famousest for Forces and Empire And since the condition of times and place will not permit that greater perfection can be added to it in civill affairs nor perhaps that her antient glory may be increased by military actions by enlarging our confines which are every where environed by powerfull neighbours yet ought we with like endeavour and vigilancy minde the preservation of so miraculous a work recommended to our care to the end that we may leave it such to others as we have received it from our fore-fathers whereby we shall purchase no small praise We being now to govern our selves in a heavy war against the fury of so powerfull an enemy whose forces I confesse are to be feared but with wisdom not pusillanimity but so as fear may make us more diligent more joynt constant and firm in all labour and danger and not to slacken that fervour wherewith we undertooke the war nor to take us off from our noble and generous resolution of defending our Dominions against the unjust forces of those that seek to oppresse them Let us call to minde with how much praise and wonder to other Nations our fathers and grandfathers withstood the violence of almost all the Princes of Christendom who joyntly conspired the ruine of our Empire so as finally by their worth the fortune of the vanquishing enemy was overcome and by adversity the Common-wealth wone more glory and honour And if the losse of all our Dominions by Terra Ferma the having so many and so potent enemies and so neer at hand could not prevail over our noble Ancestors certainly if we will imitate their domestick worth the first frowns of fortune will not at all prevail over us nor not onely not discourage us but not make us forego any thing of our former hopes The losse of Nicossia is assuredly very sore but not such as may not be repaired The fortune of war at first is very uncertain and various but at last she associates with true worth and the most valiant are at the last the most glorious Our forces God be praised are yet safe and entire and such as had it not been for want of diligence and good advice in our Commanders or it may be for want of better fortune the enemies might have had no cause to rejoyce Our Common-wealth could at one and the same time make war in severall Countries nor did her being assaulted by Bajazet Prince of the Turks make her lay down the Arms which she had taken up against Lodowick Sforza Duke of Millan fighting on the one side for their own defence and safety on the other for the honour of the Venetian name and out of a desire of making new acquisitions Nor are these things so far out of our memory as that we not rather say we have seen them than heard of them We may hope for these and greater things if there be in us the like worth agreement and readinesse to maintain and defend the publick safety and dignity Wherefore though we may assure our selves that all other Christian Princes will for their own interests favour and assist our cause against the common enemy who is now become so formidable to them all yet we must repose our chiefest defence in our selves constantly believing that every ones particular good is inseparably annext to the preservation of the liberty and prosperity of this Common-wealth which being safe and powerfull whatsoever else is most dear unto us wives children friends and goods will be the more safely preserved from injuries and we shall have great rewards of honours and many other things reserved for us Therefore as the charity we bear to our Country comprehends all other loves to whatsoever we esteem dearest so he who is truly set on fire therewithall knows no danger shuns no inconvenience values no expence but freely sacrificeth himself and all that is his to this his true Mother and Nurse from whence he must acknowledge he hath received all things Then you Gentlemen who have still agreed in all things else must vâ—â— and contend onely in this generous emulation who shal contribute most and readilieâ—â— to the service of this his Country in this her so great necessity Let those who for their age or experience in the Militia or Sea-affairs are able to serve in person either by way of command or as private persons put themselves into the Fleet and such as are fitter for counsell let them busie themselves in thinking upon in minding and in providing for all such things as may secure the present dangers and may make way for better fortune In this the thoughts of all true Venetians ought to be busied this ought to be the true and onely â—ime and end of all their discourses and actions in these so dangerous times But above all things let every man according to his ability contribute monies to the Common-wealth which is the very â—inews of war assuring himself he can put it forth to no better advantage the little that he laies out hereupon preserves all the rest not onely his estate but his honour children and life none of which will be safe from the injuries of the insolent victorious enemy nor can any thing be dear or delightfull to him the prosperity and pristine greatnesse of this city being lesâ— We see how wonderfull readily noâ— onely thâ—se who live under the wings and protection of this Dominion who may be perswaded to
THE HISTORY OF VENICE In the Times of Popes Iulius the 2d Leo the 10th Adrian the 6th Clement the 7th Paul the 3d Iulius the 3d Emperors Maximilian the 1st Charles the 5th Kings of Spain Ferdinand the Catholique Charls the 5th Kings of France Lodowick the 12th Francis the 1st Henry the 2d Kings and Queens of England Henry the 8th Edward the 6th Q. Mary Q. Elizabeth Dukes of Venice Leonardo Lordano Antonio Grimani Andrea Gritti Petro Laudo Francisco Donato Written Originally in Italian By PAULO PARUTA PROCURATOR of St Mark. Likewise the WARS of CYPRUS By the same Authour Wherein the famous Sieges of Nicossia and Famagosta and Battel of Lepanto are contained Made English By HENRY Earl of MONMOUTH LONDON Printed for Abel Roper and Henry Herringman at the Sun against St Dunstans Church in Fleetstreet and at the Anchor in the lower Walk of the New Exchange 1658. HENRY Earl of Monmouth TO THE READERS His Country-men IN my Author's Sololoquie in the latter end of his Politick Discourses wherein he gives you a short Relation of his Life He mentions this History of his which he terms Opera buona degna a good and gallant Work I took his own word for the Approbation thereof and truly I finde he hath made it good and if I have not injured him in making it speak my Language I am very confident you will be of my opinion for you will finde in it great variety of History handsomly woven and delightful intermix'd with Negotiations Treaties of Warre and Peace Leagues and Confederacies made between Christian Princes several Speeches and Orations made upon many several occasions and strongly argued and indeed whatsoever may make a Book seem pleasing to the Reader Which that it may do to thee is the wish of Thy Compatriot MONMOUTH An Alphabetical Table of the most Remarkable Passages contained in the Twelve Books of the present History of VENICE A ADrian a Fleming chosen Pope 196. He endeavours to compose the Differences thâ—â— were between the Christian Princes ibid. He honourably receives the Venetian Embassadors 197. He dies 204 Agostino Abondio Secretary hanged for revealing the secrets of the Venetian Senate 588 Alfonso Duke of Ferrara and his Designs 167. Is in League with the French and the Venetian 176. Hath many private Discourses with Burbon 244. Ioyns in League with the Princes of Italy 267 Admiral of France sent by King Francis into Italy with an Army 201. Draws neer to Milan and takes Lodi 202. Is driven out of Italy by the Imperialists and the Venetians 205 206 Andrea Gritti a prisoner in France 8. Is chosen by the Venetians for their Embassadour to that King 12. Comes along with the French into Italy 19. Is created General of the Venetian Navie 164. Is chosen Duke of Venice 204. Perswades the Senate to defend their Country 425 He dies 556 Andrea Doria a Genouese serves the Pope with eight Gallies against his own Country 231. Is suspected by the Colleagues ibid. Hired by King Francis to serve him 258. Qâ—lts the King of France and agrees with the Emperour 284. Censures past upon him for the business of Prevesa 440 441 Antonio Grimani chosen Duke of Venice after he had been many years banished 171 Antonio da Leva commands the Garrison in Pavia Comes with an Army into Lombardy 180. Routs the French Camp and takes their General prisoner 309 310. Goes to fall upon the Venetian Camp and is repulsed with loss 310 311 312. Is declared Captain of the League Is chosen Governour of Milan He dies The Authour what he proposeth to write of in this History 3. Whence he takes his Rise ibid. The great Army â—f Charls the fifth in Italy 315 B BArbarossa a famous Pyrate taken into pay by Soliman 339 Takes in the Kingdom of Tunis Driven thence by Charls the fifth Saves himself in Algiers Counsels Soliman to make War upon the Venetians 384. Takes some of their Islands in the Archipelagus and is Soliman's only General at Sea 420 421. Leads out the Fleet in the service of the King of France 593 Bartolomeo d'Alviano set at liberty by the King of France whose prisoner he was 12. Is chosen by the Venetians for their General 16. Takes Cremona and other places 17. Goes against the Imperialists 47. Fights Cardona and is beaten 48. Passes to Friuli and beats the Imperialists 70. Succoureth King Francis in Battel 113 114. Goes to assault Brescia 119. Dies before it 120 A Battel between the French and the Switzers near Novara 25 26. Alviano and Cardona at Olmo 48 49. King Francis and the Switzers before Milan 112 113 114. The same King and the Imperialists at Pavia 218 Bernardino Frangipane a Venetian Rebel 57. Seizeth on the Fort of Marano 58. He relieves Marano and routs the Venetians 60. Takes Strasoldo and Monfalcone ibid. Falls upon Ossofo 64. Is beaten thence 71. Taken prisoner and carried to Venice ibid. Brescia taken by the Spaniards 28. assaulted by Alviano for the Venetians 119. Much straitned by the Venetians 127. Relieved by the Germans ibid. Besieged again by the Venetians French 131. Assaulted by the Venetian and French Forces 139. Taken by the French and yeilded to the Venetians 140 141 C CAuses for which the Venetians may not easily fall out with the Turks 161. Why Charles the fifth drave the Turks out of Tunis Why Soliman turned the War against the Venetians 381. Why the Peace treated of between the Emperour Charles the Fifth and Francis King of France came not to a conclusion 416. What at last moved the Emperor and the King of France to make peace 603. The cause which moved Charls the Fifth to make peace with the Turks 608 Cardona General of the Spaniards in Italy 27. Takes in Brescia and Bergamo 28. Makes many shot at the City of Venice from Margera 38 39. Assaults the Venetian Army and is repulsed 45. Fights it and routs it 48 49. Recovers Bergamo 85 86. Charls of Burbone sent by King Francis into Italy 99. Left by King Francis to govern the affairs of Italy 129. Returns into France 139. Declared Lieutenant General for Charles the Fifth in Italy 203. He relieves Milan 229. Promiseth his Souldiers the sacking of Florence and Rome 224. Slain with a Musket shot as he scaled the Walls of Rome 250 Charls Duke of Burgondy Prince of Castile King of Spain 130. Stands for the Empire 162. Declared King of the Romans and Emperour by the name of Charls the Fifth 163. Intends to pass into Italy with an Army 165. Desires the Venetians to joyn with him 171 177 192. Makes a League with the Venetians 199. His Designs after the Victory gotten of the French at Pavia 221. Comes to an agreement with King Francis and sets him at liberty 224. Restores the Dukedom of Milan to Francesco Sforza 324. His designs upon Milan after Francesco's death 364. Cattaro assaulted by Barbarossa and defended by the Venetians 563 564. Clement the 7th Pope 204. Treats with
Duke which is the highest degree of the Common-wealth there began some appearance of peace and quiet after so many troubles for the French who had been the beginners of the late Calamities were already driven out of Italy and had the Mountains given them for the bounders of their Empire and together with them it was thought that the sink of all other mischiefs was thrown out It was to be conceived by no improbable Arguments that Peace would be acceptable to all those who had any Dominion in Italy Caesar was not thought to be able of himself to make good the War having no hope of assistance from the French and invironed with many necessities wherefore it was likely that he would give way to some agreement nor were the Venetians averse unto it being now by the continual troubles of so many sore wars invited to rest The Pope who had wont to boast that he by Counsels had freed Italy from the slavery of the French it might with reason be thought that nothing could be more desired by him then this That since he had much inlarged the Churches Dominions and re-invested the Duke of Millan in his State the Affairs of Italy might begin to be in a better condition by injoying peace And it was very manifest that Ferdinand King of Spain was to desire peace more then the rest This wise Prince knew that it was by Peace that he was to confirm himself in his new possession of Naples and by his own industry or other mens negligence increase his Force and Reputation therefore under appearance of the Common good but indeed minding more his own advantage he had oftentimes sent Embassadours to Caesar and to the Venetians labouring to compound their differences But hardly did this light begin to appear out of cloudy by-gone-times when suddenly it vanished Some seeds of the former mischiefs remained yet in Italy for the strong astles of Genua Millan and Cremona held still for the King of France and many factious men began to desire Novelties and to the terror of all men news was spread abroad of new stirrings in France which as it was believed would suddenly break forth into open war Lodowick did greatly desire to recover the State of Millan and his ancient Reputation and he was much the more incited by the discord of the Colleague Princes hoping that he might easily divide them and get some of them to joyn with him when he should send his Army into Italy He therefore sometimes egg'd on Caesar to war against the Venetians and sometimes the Venetians against Caesar. He offered all his Forces to each of them he propounded great rewards of Victory he made himself appear to them to be in a condition of joyning with any one of them when the other should undervalue his Friendship Moreover to the end that a more firm and inviolable agreement might be made between them he promised Caesar to give him his Daughter Renea for wife to his Nephew Charls or else to his Nephew Ferdinand and to give with her for Portion the State of Millan when it should be regaind by their joynt Forces The Pope was hereat greatly troubled for he saw that great dangers were threatned to Italy by the power of the French which he did no less hate then fear but he was much in doubt which side he should favour If he should lean to Caesar he feared least the Venetians having no hopes of peace should have recourse to the friendship of the French and should endeavour to secure themselves by their Forces so as he should lose all that Glory which during all the time of his being Pope he had so much laboured after And on the contrary if he should lose Caesar by assisting the Venetians he thought he had not sufficiently provided for all dangers and being very jealous he perswaded himself it might easily happen that Caesar siding with the Council at Pisa which the King of France had long before set up against him and which was at this time removed to Lions his Glory and Dignity might be exposed to great danger But a fervent desire to get the City of Ferrara did most of all prevail with the Pope in making him alter his first resolution of assisting the Venetians Rejecting therefore at the last all things which might perswade him to the contrary he resolved to be govern'd by Caesars Interest and whereas formerly he had wont with great dexterity and humanity to exhort the Venetians to Peace he began now to threaten them severely if they did not accept thereof upon whatsoever severe condions as soon as it should be propounded Whereby he hoped to induce Caesar to give over the defence of Ferrara which losing his assistance must needs fall into his hands But the Venetians being certainly advertised by their Embassadour Francisco Foscari of these the Popes new inventions began to listen to the reasons which had been many times before urged by Andrea Gritti of joyning in League with the French This Andrea being taken Prisoner in Brescia and afterwards carried into France was for his wisdom good behaviour and affability very well esteemed of by all men and especially by the King and kept with great respect and honour so as he now convers'd and treated in the Court much liker an Embassadour of his Country than a Prisoner the Venetians thought it an unworthy thing and not to be endured that their prosperous Success in War against the French had brought them no advantage by reason of the great Injury that was done them by their Friends and Confederates who notwithstanding would have it believed that they had undertaken that War chiefly for the Venetians good and that their Common-wealth might flourish again By which appearances the Venetians being nourisht in hopes they were the cause why they willingly continued the War underwent much labour and danger not sparing for expences but as soon as the French had a way made them for the League Constanso Ferrario was suddenly sent to Venice to negotiate it not without the Kings consent and knowledg This man brought Letters with him to the Senate from Giovanni Giacopo Trinusio one who was then in great Authority with the King wherein he appeared to be very well inclined to the Common-wealth and then shewing the reason which had moved him to send this his Servant of purpose to them left the whole Authority of negotiating and concluding the business to him that it might be the more closely carried this business of Treaty touching the League with Ferrario was committed to Antonio Iustiniano one of the prime Senators and who was then in great esteem for his Wisedom These after divers meetings agreed that some things being altered which the condition of the times did require those capitulations should continue which were made some years before when the Venetians joyn'd in League with the French against the Sforza's Gritti was made acquainted with all this and was desired that he should by all means
was much afraid that as soon as Selino should be rid of civil Wars he would turn himself against the Christâ—an Kâ—ngs and be the cause of much mischief Which mischiefs though they were fore-seen by all men yet not any one appear'd to provide for the common safety Wherefore the Venetians though the greatness of the Ottoman Empâ—re did more molest them then others yet suffering under many adverse Fortunes and weakened by many Wars and knowing that they could neither extinguish nor lessen his Power they thought it their best course to keep him their Friend and to accommodate themselves to the times Therefore Aâ—tonio Giustiniano was chosen to be sent Embassadour to Selino who wâ—â— in name oâ— the Common-wealth to congratulate his accession to the Empiâ—e and also to ratifie their ancient Friendship with the Ottâ—mâ—n House and to establish Peace The Venetian Embassadour was received with great Honour and alacrity by Selino in the City of Andrinopoli where he and his Army winter'd Selino knew he could no ways better secure his Dominions in Europe then by Peace at this time when he was to pass armed into Asia to oppose his brother Achomate and by suppressing him to end the War Achomate was fled to Armenia the Leâ—s where bewailing his Fortune and desiring aid of the Neighbouring Kings he had got together a good number of men being assisted and succour'd by many and especially by Hysmae Sofi Kâ—ng gf Persia who had sent many Troops of Persian Horse into Achomates Camp by which Forces being enheartned he had already taken many Towns in Capad câ—a and hastned to assault Selino who was not yet very well provided to resist him Therefore Selino finding that offer'd him which he did so much desire he willingly embraced the Venetians Friendship promising to keep it always inviolably Thus the Peace was renewed and established almost upon the same terms that formerly it was made with Bajaset Herein regard was had to contract such an Amity and good Intelligence on both sides as not only the States â—f both Princes should be free and secure from War to be made bâ— eâ—ther of them against the other but that the Venetian and Turkish Subjects who â—ad traffique much at that time in eithers Iurisdiction might have free and safe Commerce and also that safe Harbour might be permitâ—ed to the ships of bâ—th parties in all their Countries and that their Navigation by Sea should not be hindered The Venetians reape much advantage by the frequency of Merchants who do bring in and export great store of Merchandize into Venice where for this their Interest they procure that people of all Nations may inhabit safely there and exercise Commerce Giustiniano having agreed thus upon all things he return'd for Venice And Selino sent his Embassador Alembâ—i along with him to the end that what had been concluded by the Embassadour might be confirm'd by the word of the Prince He also gave credential Letters to Alembei to present unto the Senate wherein highly magniâ—ying his own Power according to the usance of that Nation he exhorted the Venetians to keep Friendship with him which he promised should on his side remain firm and inviolablâ— for ever The Turkish Embassadour being come into the Senate House Duke Loredano did before him in his own Name and in the Name of the whole Common-wealth swear to observe whatsoever Giustiniano had concluded and agreed upon Selino free from fear of any War in Europe since he had made Peace with the Venetians and renewed League with the Kings of Poland and Hungary having speedily muster'd as many Horse and Foot as he could march'd towards Amasia to suppress Achomate before he grew too strong Fortune favour'd his Designs for Achomate whilst he made too much haste and rashly put himself upon the event of Battle with but half his men was routed in fight his Army made to run and he himself by Selilino's Commandment was slain After whose death all Asia the less fell without any dispute into Selino's hands who grew so proud by this good success as he began to promise unto himself already the Government of the whole world And having ended all civil Dissentions by the death of almost all his kindred of the Ottoman Family and being become sole lord of all the strength and riches of that Empire he thought he should meet with less difficulty in all other things His mind was chiefly set upon Italy thinking he might easily subjugate it since it was very weak and much wasted by long Wars He was hereunto likewise sollicited by Maximillian the Emperour who for many years past had left nothing untry'd whereby to plot the Venetians ruine He shew'd him how opportune a time it was to make this War since Selino might assault the Venetians in their Maritime parts whilst he himself molested them by Land and kept their Forces busied elsewhere But it does not appear with what Preparations of War or against what State more particularly the Turks designed this Enterprise It is most certain that Maximillian had sent his Embassadours to this purpose to Constantinople and that his Embassage being heard many Mariners were listed old Gallies were new calked and new ones built and Order was taken for all things belonging to a great Maritime War These things were done in the Winter but the next Spring News came to Constantinople that Amurate son to the late Achomate who was not present at the Battle unfortunately fought by his Father and who was the only Surviver of Bajazets Race being fled into Persia was unexpectedly entred Capadocia with many Horse and Foot laying the Country waste and had what by Force what by fear reduced many Towns of that Province into his Power At which Selino was the more troubled because he knew the Sophy King of Persia was the chief occasion of this and of the other troubles which he had formerly received from his brother Achomate whose Fame being very great both for extent of Empire and Glory of War Selino though his own Dignity reproached and lessened if he should any longer suffer such Injuries to go unreveng'd Wherefore quitting all other thoughts he resolved to go for Asia with all those men and that Preparation for War which he had formerly intended for Europe Which as is confess'd by all fell out very happily for the Princes of Christendome since just then when the War was hottest amongst them this powerful Prince whose Enmity threatned great danger to their States was inforced to forbear those his designs being busied in other War By reason of these Selino's Prosperities and for the immoderate desire of rule which was seen to be in him Pope Leo began to be not a little troubled he thought it became him and his place to imploy all his power and diligence to keep these potent and formidable Barbarians from growing more powerful who were already so much increased both in all things belonging to the War and in the extent of Empire through
he was the more fervent herein for that he thought he had just cause to undertake this War since new reasons were added to the ancient pretences which the Kingdom of France had to that State for he had married Claudia eldest daughter to King Lewis to whom the state of Millan might seem to belong her Father being â—on to a daughter of Iovan Galleazo Visconte But the desire of redeeming the ancient reputation of the French Militia which he knew was much lessened by the unfortunate success of the battle before Novara by the dishonourable conventions made with the Switzers at Dijune and by the loss of two noble cities Terroana and Tornai which were taken by the English prevailed most with this young King who was desirous of Military Glory Which mischiefs King Lewis could not remedy for just when Fortune began to smile upon him and that the honour of France began to revive he dyed Francis therefore thought he had a fair occasion offer'd him of doing what he so much desired if by his Forces he should win a noble Dukedom which did of right belong unto him by which Enterprize the Glory of his name would be much increased and the Power of France and whereby way would be made for greater atchievements He therefore together with the Government of the Kingdom took upon him the same thoughts of renewing the War in Italy wherein his Father in Law Lewis had been much vers'd And knowing that Friendship with the State of Venice might make much towards his getting the Victory as soon as he had taken the Crown upon him he writ kind and affectionate Letters to the Senate wherein he acquainted them with his being King and shewing a ready and good affection towards the Common-wealth he seemed to desire to know their opinion touching their renewing of their League with the Kingdom of France and that if he should find them disposed like himself the League and ancient Friendship might easily be renewed to the common good He made the Bishop of Aste signifie as much unto them who was then in Venice having been sent Embassadour thither by King Lewis Wherefore the Venetians who at the same time coveted friendship with the French and desired that they would come into Italy and who as soon as they had heard of Lewis his death had charged their Embassadour Marco Dandalo that he should endeavour to pry into the secret counsels and intentions of the new King and should begin to treat of renewing the confederacy when they had received these Letters and Embassies from the King seeming to put an high esteem upon his Friendship they humbly thanked him for his affection to the Commonwealth and for his desire to assist them They promised to correspond with him in love and affection saying they knew very well how much it imported both of them to keep the Forces of France and theirs joyn'd together by reciprocal obligations of League That they were therefore ready to renew the present League and would always be ready to assist him in getting some Footing in Italy and in aggrandizing his Power so as he might be a terrour to his Enemies and a friend and sure help to the Common-wealth Moreover the Embassadours who were sent as you have heard to the Kings of France and England and who being upon their journey had tarried at Lyons after Lewis his death were ordered to go on and had commissions sent them to renew the League with the King of France These when they were come to Court did easily renew the League upon the former Articles To which the King was already so much inclined and treated with such fervency of the Affairs of Italy as he labour'd in all his discourses with the Venetian Embassadours to shew them what reasons had moved him to undertake this War affirming that he would never lay down Arms till he had gotten the state of Millan and till the Common-wealth had recovered all the Cities which she had lost and were returned to her former Dignity The Venetians were very glad of this the Kings resolutions and fearing lest this so great fervency might as it often falls out be by some new accident abated they shewed him how that the chiefest hopes of Victory lay in expedition to the end that the Enemy whose Forces were now much diminished and their resolutions doubtful and uncertain might not have time to recrute and re-assume courage and that the City of Crema this mean while which was known by experience might be a great help towards the recovery of Millan might not run any farther hazard which having for so many years undergone the inconveniences of War was now brought to great extreamity and that the Truce made with their Enemies being now near an end stood them in no stead for they had heard it credibly reported that Prospero Colonna had assembled his Forces together from all parts and prepared to besiege that City That the Senate would not be wanting in any thing that was in them to do who had already begun to raise new Souldiers and to provide Arms Money and Ammunition Moreover that though the War were chiefly to be made by Land-men yet thinking it not fit to lay aside the thought of ordering their Fleet that they might upon occasion therewith molest the Enemy they had resolved to rig out many Gallies entreating his Majesty that he would do the like The Embassadours having thus done all they had in command with the King at Paris they went into England to fulfill the other part of their Embassie where being graciously received they shewed in their first Audience The Venetians great sorrow for the death of King Lewis husband to King Henry's Sister a great Friend to the Common-wealth They then told the King how highly the Common-wealth was bound unto him for that in the Agreement made formerly with King Lewis and lately with King Francis he desired that she as a Friend and sharer with him in all his Fortunes might be particularly named and included in the League But afterwards at a more private Audience they earnestly desires him that he would by his Authority and by his exhortations confirm the King of France in the mind he seemed to be in of intending the Affairs of Italy and of sending assistance speedily to the Venetians and that in the mean time peace and friendship should be held inviolably between them from which great safety was to arise to both their States and much advantage to all Christendom that the Senate of Venice for their parts would never be wanting in any thing which might make for the gâ—od of the Crown of France or that of England and did very much desire that these present Kings as their Predecessors had done might know that the Common-wealth was much bound and tyed unto them This Embassie being done Giustiniano stay'd behind with Henry to treat of the Common-wealths affairs but Pasquillio return'd to France and being come to Paris he met with Letters and
not look the Enemy in the face but had yielded the field unto them They therefore considered that though they should resolve not to give Battle yet they might chuse some strong place opposite to the Enemies Quarters wherein they might keep and observe Cesars ways and search into his counsels and then change place and purpose according as time and occasion should counsel them Yet because the French were of a contrary opinion the whole Army was brought from the Territories of Brescia and brought into those of Cremona whither the Duke of Burbone was come but a little before with his Horse and Foot Their intention was to wait for the Switzers here who were not yet past by and to keep them from passing Maximillian being this mean while past over the River Adice with all his men came to the Town of Guscolenga having met with many Souldiers from Verona in his March as also with Mark Antonio Colonna with 200 Horse for the Venetian Army being drawn off they thought they might find all things sure in that Country Cesar being entred into the Brescian Confines resolved before he would go any farther to possess himself either by fair means or by foul of the Town of Asola which is the first Town on that side of the Country thinking it neither became his safety nor his honour to leave any place behind him in the power of the Enemy whereby they might keep back victuals from his Army But this proving a business of great length by reason of the Defendants valour all other warlike Proceedings were impeded and in the mean time the French had better opportunity to increase their Army Much praise was attributed for this to Francisco Contarini Commissary of the Town to Antonio Martinengo and to all the rest as well Souldiers as Citizens that were in the Town for having with so few men but much courage withstood so great an Army and by defending Asola frustrated the Forces of so great a Prince and much lessened his reputation since with expence of much time and labour he could not get so small a Castle Yet the Switzers had won such reputation and credit in their last Skirmishes as the French resolved neither to keep where they were nor to hazard themselves upon the event of Battle unless their Army were munited and increased by the same Nation Wherefore Maximillian being gone from before Asola after having spent much time there in vain for fear lest by keeping so great an Army so long a time before so little a Town his Souldiers might be discouraged and might miss of doing greater matters the French Commanders when they heard of his being gone called suddenly a Council of War wherein they resolved to raise their camp and to carry it to the River Ada hoping that by keeping upon the Banks thereof they might hold the Enemy play and hinder them from passing over the River But the French and Venetians were not well gone from thence when all that lay between the Rivers Poe and Adice fell into the Emperours hands except Cremona and Crema which redounded so much to his honour and to the terrour of the others as the French neither confiding in themselves nor in others march'd away with their Army so suddenly and so fast towards Millan as it was doubted whether they went thither to defend the City or to be defended themselves by the Walls thereof Maximillian making use of opportunity pursued those that fled and began already to promise all good success unto himself and staying six miles from Millan he let the City know That if it did not surrender all the sooner it must look for all severity But if it would yield to him of its own good will it might presume of obtaining many immunities and much more freedom in all things Affirming that he was come into Italy with intention according to the custom of his Ancestors of taking up the Ensigns of the Empire in that City and to drive the French from thence and out of that State who were unjust and unlawful Lords thereof and to recover the right dues of the Empire This Message was answered as pleased the French that the State of Millan which was formerly a member of the Empire was sever'd from thence by authority of the Emperours and for a certain sum of money which was paid down for it that therefore Cesar had now no more pretence to that City which both by right of inheritance and right of War was lawfully possess'd by Francâ—s Vallois King of France that therefore the Millaneses would keep that City for their legitimate Lord to whom they had sworn Loyalty and that they had so provided for all things as they doubted not but to be able to defend the City against all injurious violence Yet all things were full of fear in that City the Citizens and Souldiers doubted much what the issue of the War would be and not knowing well how to provide for their own safeties which they more minded then the preserving of the State for the King all their consultations were full of fear and doubts Amidst these doubts and difficulties the Venetian Commissaries especially Andrea Gritti who had most power with the French being firmly resolved to defend the City Exhorted all the rest to do their utmost and to be of good courage they put the Citizens sometimes in mind of the Kings humanity towards them sometime of what punishment they were to suffer if they should often provoke his anger they likewise apply'd themselves to many of the chief of the Army entreating them and conjuring them that calling to mind their late Victory and the Glory which they had wone they should resolve upon serving the King and the Venetians That the cause and common interest was the same therein and that the business it self was not desperate if it were couragiously and constantly defended to what purpose said Gritti do the French take such pains and put themselves into so much danger to what purpose do they send so many Armies into Lombardy if at the very first appearance of the Enemy all defence must be given over and those things must be yielded which they have gotten with long War and with much expence yea even of their own bloud We as knowing the Senates intention and the like of our whole City of running the same fortune with the French will willingly expose all our men and all our Forces not refusing to endeavour every thing even to the utmost Thus by Gritti his counsel and exhortation the Suburbs of the City were set on fire to the end that the Enemy might not make use of them for their advantage great Guns were placed upon the Walls divers Corps de guarde were ordained and all things were prepared for defence These provisions did somewhat cool the Enemies courage and afforded them occasion of many doubts and difficulties so as taking time to think what to do those within began to be of better hopes for in this
the Pope and to the Venetians that their States would be in great danger if the new Emperour might be permitted to pass Armed into Italy he therefore propounded that a firm League and good Intelligence might be established between them three whereby each of them should be bound to defend the Honour and Territories of the rest against whosoever should go about to injure them and particularly to oppose Charles his Forces if he should come with an Army to Rome to take upon him the Emperial Crown as it was thought he intended which could not be done without much danger to whosoever had any State in Italy as well by reason of all Emperours ancient pretences as for what was discovered to be in the mind of this new Cesar. The King of France did so much apprehend this as he perswaded the Pope to send Charles the Crown of the Empire by way of Bull before he should be resolved to come into Italy which being better examined by the Venetians was found to be rather prejudicial then good for the common Interest for this would not have been sufficient to have altered Cesar's desire that indeed was not to take upon him the Ensigns of the Empire but to get more Territories in Italy The Venetians readily assented to the proposition made by the King of France of a new confederacy having the same fear and the same desire to secure themselves from Cesar's getting farther footing into Italy And these were increased by the mischiefs they suffered in the late years by being of themselves to resist the Forces of so many Princes They therefore said that as it had alwaies been their firme and constant resolution never to part from the friendship of the Crown of France so upon this occasion they were to set the higher value upon it as that by which they might recieve the greater advantage wherefore they would still adhere to his counsels But the Pope being irresolute was assaulted by variety of reasons and diversity of affections for he thought himself not safe from the fear of Cesar's Forces without the favour and friendship of the King of France having manifestly opposed his Election by shewing his incapability of receiving the dignity of Emperour he having sworn at his being invested into the Kingdom of Naples that he would never indeavour it nor accept of it of which Oath the Pope had not as yet freed him On the other side the Dyet at Worms being intimated wherein Luther's doctrine was to be treated of not only concerning the Tenets of faith but even of the Popes authority Leo thought it imported much upon this occasion to keep Charls his friend at least not to incense him with new Leagues lest he might become less diligent in proceeding against Luther and in condemning his Tenâ—yts whereby his authority might encrease to the great disparagement of the church of Rome The Pope was likewise much troubled that the reputation and power of the French should be encreased whereby they might be confirmed in their possession of the State of Milan Proceeding therefore slowly and irresolutely he seemed desirous to joyn with the King of France and with the Venetians in defence of the common cause but when the business drew to a conclusion he would not yeild that any agreement should be made in writing saying That it was not good to expâ—se themselves to danger by writing whereby the business wherein secresie was chiefly requir'd might the more easily be made known That the words of Princes to do what was agreed upon between them might suâ—â—ice The business drawing thus out at length and the King of France growing with time somwhat more cool in his former fervency the Venetians began to grow jealous lest he might hold some secret intelligence with the Emperour which might be the chief cause of the Pope's irresoluteness and of the so long delay in confirming the things agreed upon This suspition was fomented by many things as the certain knowledge that Monsignor di Chiures a Spaniard was gone from Cesars Court into France to agree of an Interview with the King of France as was by them given forth and that in this Interview the Peace should be confirmed which was made some moneths before between the King of France and the King of England wherein Charls being named as one of the chief contractors he had not as yet ratified it Moreover the articles wherewith the King said he had dispatched away Monsieur di St Marscho from France were kept very secret when he was come to Rome and also the said St Marscho departed from Rome before the League was established when there was most need of his presence for the consummation thereof and left none with the Pope in the King's behalf but Alberto Carpi who was so grievously sick as he was not fit for any negotiation These were things which argued strongly that the King had altered his mind Yet the Venetians continuing their former resolution of not foregoing the friendship of the French acquainted the King with this their jealousie but did not seem any way to resent it nor to alter their resolution Nay they said they did assure themselves that if the King had an intention to make any new confederacy with Cesar their Commonwealth should be mentioned and comprehended in the agreement whatsoever it should be so as whatsoever differences they had had with Maximilian should now be accommodated with Charls and all occasions of new troubles should be laid aside But on the other side Charls when he was declared King of the Romans having peradventure his thoughts bent upon the affairs of Italy as hath been said and knowing it would become him chiefly to hold fair with the Venetians seemed very desirous to agree those differences with them which had been formerly between the Common-wealth and his predecessor Maximilian and that his actions might correspond with his words he had sent his Commissioners to Verona with full power not only to Treat of the things appertaining to the last Truce of five years but also to accomodate all those other particulars which in the former agreement made two years ago were not yet decided Commissioners on all sides being met Francisco Pesaro for the Commonwealth who was chosen many moneths before for this employment and four of the chief Councellors of Ispruch in the Emperours behalf to whom he had particularly committed the business and Iouanni Pino being likewise sent thither as Embassadour from the King of France who as hath been said was made Arbytrator in the differences which were by reason of the last Truce The Venetians propounded that all Towns which were taken in the last War should be restored by both sides and that all things should return to their former condition alledging that only such an agreement could put an end to all past differences and bring a certain and a long peace But the Imperialists finding out somtime one difficulty somtimes an other spun out the business not concluding
with all men and who was then Moderator in the weightiest affairs of Princes touching preventing Italy from the eminent dangers threatned her by Cesar's greatness wherein they hoped to finde that King the readier because it was very like that such a Victory would purchase Charles much envie and might alienate the minde of Henry more from him who being haughty and ambitions would unwillingly see him so eminent above all others and to become Lord of Italy Yet the Venetiens finding the Pope still inclined to accord with the Imperialists they as resolving not to part wholly from his courses began to think upon some conditions and therefore the Viceroy having sent Iovan Sermento to Venice to give them an account of the victory they treated very civilly with him seeming to bear good will to Cesar and ordered Lorenzo Priuly and Ardrea Navagiero who being formerly destined to be sent to Charles had by publick directions tarried at Genua to pursue their journey and go to Spain to congratulate with him for the Victory which he had wonne and to excuse their slowness in sending their men to his Camp But Charles when he had received the news of his Armies so prosperous success though he did inwardly rejoice being inflamed with a desire of glory and Empire and hoped for better things yet shewing great moderation in his words and outward appearance he said he would as it became him to do use this signal favour which God had been pleased to bestow upon him to the service of Christendome and to universall agreement Wherefore he sent the Duke of Sesta not long after to the Pope to proffer him peace and to assure him that he very much desired the Peace and Tranquillity of Italy He made the like be done to the Venetian Senate by his Embassadour Alfonso Sauces and by his Secretary Caracciolo who was not as yet gone from Venice But the more the Cesareans seemed to desire Peace and League with the Italian Potentates at a time when they might rather expect to be desired then to desire others they gave the more suspition that their secret thoughts were pernitious to the Liberty of Italy The Venetians did therefore temporize neither concluding nor excluding these Treaties and this the rather because Propositions made unto them by the French caused them to suspend their judgements Gasparo Lormano being come at the same time to Venice being sent thither by the King's Mother who was then Queen Regent of France who shewing That the Kingdome feared no offences that it had fores sufficient and ready enough to be imploy'd in the recovery of their King desired the Senate that they would not abandon so glorious a cause and so advantagious for their Commonwealth but that they would joyn with the Lords of France to set her Son at liberty by force of Arms whereby the safety and liberty of Italy would likewise be had To which desires the Senate shewing first the great resentment they had of the Kings misfortune and that they wish'd very well to the honour and welfare of the Crown of France did not as yet give any positive answer but reply'd only that the weightiness of the proposition required time and advisedness to ground any solid resolution thereon But in the mean while the Pope who had sent the Archbishop of Capua to that purpose to Spain ratified the agreement which was formerly made with the Viceroy including the Senate of Venice if they would declare their consent thereunto within twenty days Wherefore the Senate was almost necessitated to dispatch the treaty by many though unresolved endeavours with the Emperours Embassadours and that they might accommodate the most important businesses for some others remained undecided Pietro Pesaro was sent to Milan to negotiate with the Viceroy But the French did not for all this forbear pressing their desires not having altogether quitted their hopes of making the Venetians joyn with them though the Popes authority and advice had as then drawn them to be of a contrary opinion They therefore sent the Bishop of Baiosa to Venice and Ambrogio da Fiorenza who in the name of the Queen Regent and of the whole Kingdom did upon more mature advice make better grounded proposals then the first were touching the League and freedom of the King in which respect but much more because every day new and clearer signs were discovered of Cesars ambition and of his Counsellours designs which were all bent to make him absolute Master of Milan and to put a yoke upon Italy the French Embassadours had attentive audience given them in the Colledge and the business was taken into new consideration and put into a way of Treaty At this time the Marquis of Pescara was come into Milan with 3000 Foot 200 Curassiers and a good number of light Horse and had desired the Duke that he would cause the Castle of Milan together with the like of Cremona to be delivered up unto him publiquely affirming that he was sent by Cesar to take possession of Milan in whose name all exactions expeditions and the whole administration of Government was made and he endeavour'd to make all the Cities swear Fealty unto him Wherein though the Pope did appear very much in striving to make Cesar keep his articles of confederacy and assign over the State of Milan to Duke Francisco Sforza yet it did no good sometimes one reason sometimes another being alledged for the delay thereof and amongst the rest that he had treated of delivering up the Castle of Milan to the Venetians A thing which was never so much as thought upon much less negotiated by any of the parties These things did alienate the minds of the Venetians from the Emperour dayly more and more and increased their jealousies and made them not adhibite faith to what Gaspero Contarino who was their Embassadour with Cesar did inform them of being made to do so by him that Cesars mind stood well affected to the quiet of Italy and to a general peace Therefore the Venetians seeking out an occasion to break off the treaty of agreement proposed divers difficulties the chief whereof was that the Duke of Milan being one of the principal Contractors the League could not be well concluded if it were not first known what was to become of him and of his State The dispatch whereof was thought to be cunningly delayed which made them believe that these calumnies were forged which were laid upon Sforza thereby to bereave him of his State with an intention to keep it though large promises were made that it should be given to the Duke of Bourbone or to any other that the Collegues should like of The Pope likewise beginning to discover these artificial proceedings of the Imperialists did no longer believe any thing they said Wherefore to proceed speedily against the common danger he resolved to joyn in a good and strict intelligence with the Venetians quickly since there would be some difficulties in concluding the French in the
by the Duke nor had in such consideration as he thought was due to his reputation and degree but were rather despised as comming from one of another profession and who as the Duke had wont to say ought not to meddle in matters which belonged to military men So as to give the Pope satisfaction the Senate ordered the Duke that for the future he should acquaint Guicchiardini with all businesses of importance which were treated of in the Camp All things appertaining to the Fleet were this mean while prepared for that some attempt might be thereby made upon Cesar's Territories The Venetians to this purpose chose Luigi Armero for their Commissary and sent him to Corfu where the other Commissary Iovan Moro was with the Fleet from which Armero was to take 12 Gallies and come along with them with all speed to the Sea Coasts near Rome to joyn with those of the Pope and of the King of France and then joyntly fall uppon such Enterprises as might be for the service of the League Divers things were propounded touching whether the Maritime Forces were to go The Pope desired that they might go into the rivers of Pugliae to break the designes of the Collonesi and to divert their Forces in those parts who having raised 7000 foot and a good number of horse in Naples began to be very formidable unto the Pope But the King of France and the Venetians thought it would be more advantagious for the League to have them go against Genua as well for the fitness of that city for other actions as for that if they should succeed well therein it would add much to the reputation of the League Pietro Navarro was declared Captain General of the Confederates Fleet a man of long experience in war who though he were propounded by the King of France yet he received stipend from the other Confederates but the Gallies belonging to the Church and those of the Commonwealth being already in a readiness those of France were slow in comming with the Captain General which gave them just occasion of dislâ—ke and of no slight suspicion that the King of France his ends aimed onely at his own advantage dispising the interests of the League of which his mind there appeared other signes for but little of 40000 Duckets which he was bound to send into Switzerland for the levying of 10000 Switzers was as yet sent thether whereby the League lost no little reputation And though the Venetians had sent Secretary Sabbadino thether to solicite the raising of those Foot yet could he not much encourage them nor hasten their departure nor was there any news heard of any preparation made by the King to make war upon Cesar on the other side of the Mountains as by his Articles he was bound to do But the King besides some excuses which he made finding how ill the Colleagues were satisfied by their pressing sollicitations or else being conscious of his own faultiness and fearing that therefore the Pope and the Venetians laying aside his interests as he seemed to have little valued theirs might treat of peace with the Emperour apart by themselves sent Monsieur di Sange into Italy to excuse his tardiness with directions that he should first pass thorough Switzerland to sollicite the departure of those of that Nation or at least to make it be beliâ—ved that he had done what he could therein He therefore coming first to Venice and then to Rome used the same endeavours in both places laying the fault of the slowness of the French mens passage into Italy upon the Commanders and other officers and affirming the Kings very great desire to prosecute the war and that he would not onely make good his Articles but exceed them by increasing his Forces for besides the forenamed Fleet he was rigging up many tall Ships in Britannie that he might come forth the stronger and suppress all the Forces that the enemy could make by Sea and that he was no less carefull of levying the Switzers and that by his procurement the general Dyets were summoned wherein all things should be resolved in favour to the League But he chiefly assured them that the King would not treat of any agreement save such as should tend to a generall peace and so as the other Colleagues should be content with The King did likewise attest this his resolution to Iovan Battista Sanga who being sent as aforesaid by the Pope to the King of England stayed some dayes in the Court of France for same business The Venetian Senate taking these assurances very thankfully and seeming fully to believe them answered That they never doubted the King's good intentions towards the Leâ—gue and particularly towards their Commonwealth as knowing both his wisdom and his ancient affection to the Venetians they therefore promised That not only in thâ—â— cause wherein their common interests were concerned but in all other things and at all other times their Will and Forces should be inseparably joyn'd to his And as for any Treaty of Peace they never were averse from it nor had they taken up Arms to any other end but that they might come to a safe peace Therefore as far as it might stand with the Dignity of the League and the Confederates safety they should be very glad of it Yet knowing that such a peace was rather to be desired then hoped for at this time the Pope and the Venetians endeavouring to incite the King's mind the more to War resolved to let him know that if they should get the Kingdom of Naples his Son should be King thereof the Commonwealth retaining such a part thereof as should be answerable to their deserts labour and expence To correspond whereunto the King made a new offer of other three hundred Lanciers and twenty thousand Ducats more monethly for the service of the League if the enterprize of Naples should be undertaken The Commissary Armero was come from Corfu to Terracina with thirteen Galâ—es where meeting with Andrea Doria who was come thither with eight Gallies for the Pope's service they went in company together to Cevita Vecchia and from thence to Ligorn where they met with Pietro Navarro with sixteen of the King of France his Gallies and being resolved to reduce Genua to the King of France his devotion to the great advantage of the Colleagues they made Frederick Fregose who was Archbishop of Salerno head of that Government and came with their Fleet first to Porto Venera which Town together with that of Spetia and with all that part of the River till you come to Monaco yeilded soon to the Colleagues Then dividing the Fleet Dâ—ria and the Veneâ—ian Commissary went to Porto Fino twenty miles from Genua and Navarro with the French Gallies to Savona which City willingly yeilded unto him The first and chief designe of the Leagues Commanders was to keep Genua from being victualled by Sea and the City being but badly provided of victuals and not knâ—wing well how to come by
pretentions or so much as thoughts upon the affairs of Italy Which since it cannot be entirely effected by us answerable to our occasions and desires yet wee should indeavour as much as in us lies to keep their persons far from henâ—e for we may be sure that the sight of these noble provinces of Italy will kindle in them who are easie to take such Impressions a greater desire of possessing themselves thereof and that by their presence those things will be much increased which we would lessen For where a great prince is in person he aâ—ds much of reputation to his affairs and he may easily and by many wayes purchase unto himself favour authority and power Wherefore do we not think then of some other means of keeping Cesar out of Italy since there be others whereby we may much better effect our desires without these dangers For say the King should resolve to pass over the Mountains it is not likely that that would keep Cesar from coming also into Italy by sea nay it may be if â—e were less resolved to do so this would make him do it the sooner lest he might sâ—em to yield unto a Prince who is not only his rival in glory but his open and declared enemy as if he should confess that after he had divulged he would make such a voyage he had forborn doing so for fear of him leaving his Army and all that he is possest of in Italy a secure prey for others But if on the contrary the French will resolve to march with powerfull forces to the Confines of Spain and assault some of their Frontier Forts what reason is there to believe that when the Emperour shall be molested in his own Dominions he will abandon their defence to fall upon Italy a business of such difficulty and that he will leave his own affairs in apparent danger out of uncertain hopes of getting what belongs to others Hannibals example is very remarkable and may be very well paralel'd to this which we now treat of whom the Romans could never get out of Italy till they resolved to assault Affrica and so compel him to turn those forces which he had long made use of against them to defend his own Country Moreover it is an excellent rule when the fire of war cannot be totally extinguished to keep it as far from our own houses as we can and to carry it elswere and we who see that Italy is made the seat of war whereinto so many Transalpine Forces have had recourse to vent their fury and glut their wicked wills to the great prejudice and almost total ruine thereof shall we mediate the coming in of new forreigners thereinto so to continue those miseries and to make them more and to foment that fire in our bosomes which hath long burnt to our great cost and prejudice if the King of France shall come into Italy we are sure we shall rekindle a new and heavy war for either Cesar will resolve as I verily believe he will do to come in person with so much the greater forces for that he shall know he is to meet with so much the slouter resistance or else he will send the greater forces into Italy and will adde thereunto as much as he is able in the Kingdome of Naples and Dukedome of Milan for it is not to be imagined that whilest he shall be safe at whom and sufficiently powerfull and victorious in Italy he will abandon his fortune and forego the possession of so many places which he is master of in Italy for fear of the coming of the French And why should not we think that the king may be of himself well inclined thereunto whom we hear that moved thereunto by these reasons hath set his thoughts upon Spain and that he already begins to prepare for it So as the moving him to make war there will not oneâ—y be advantagious for us but we may the sooner obtain our desires I know not therefore what we have to commit unto our Embassadour Navagiero 's charge in this point since the Kings will and our advantage concur therein And certainly if we know how to use the time and occasion which is offered us we may hope that the King by the authority of this Senate and by Navagiero 's wisdome and eloquence may be perswaded to confirm his opinion in molesting the Emperours Dominions with new wars and with Forces befitting the cause and the grandure of his majesty and of his kingdome whereby we shall not onely attain unto our chief end of keeping the Emperour for the present out of Italy but we may hope to find him the easier to be brought hereafter to make a fair agreement Many were pleased herewith but it was opposed by many others particularly by Marc Antonio Cornaro who though by reason of his years he was of less Authority yet he was of great esteem for his eloquence This man in answer to what Mocenigo had said spoke thus If it were as easie to find out a remedy for the so many miseries of Italy and for our molestations and dangers as we have just cause to commiserate the condition of these unfortunate times I should very much approve that we should think of what might secure us not onely from our present dangâ—rs but from all those which may a long time hereafter befall us But I am shrewdly afraid that whilest by an immature cautiousness we fear every thing and would foreseâ— and provide against whatsoever accidents may occur we ruine our present condition and lose the opportunity of applying those remedies which doubtless may help us at this our present and greatest need Concerning Cesar 's coming into Italy as we may be sure thereof unless his way be stopped so is it for many reasons very much to be feared He is at the present possess'd of almost all the Kingdome of Naples and of a good part of the Dukedome of Milan he hath powerfull Armies in boâ—h thesâ— Countreys Genua also a city so opportunely situated for the affairs of Italy hath put it self into his protection If he settle himself in these several parts by his coming into Italy and by extinguishing the remainder of the French Army what hopes have we of ever driving him out he pretends to possess the Kingdom of Naples by right of Inheritance and by the investment of the Pope himself we may see how he means to behave himself concerning the Dutchie of Milan since making divers subterfuges he could never be brought to assign over the City of Milan to Francisco Sâ—orza as by agreement he was tied to do On the other side the King of France is not now possess'd of almost any thing in Italy He hath put the Towns of the Dukedome of Milan which he hath gotten by his forces into the hands of Francisco Sforza in the Kingdome of Naples he quits the Towns of Puglia to us and is content that a particular King be put over the rest He hath
weak foundations his own affairs stood and how impossible it was for him to maintain an Army and tarry any longer in Italy That it is a general rule what is acceptable and advantagious to an Enemy is to be shunn'd as that which may produce contrary effects to the adverse party That this which had an appearance of humanity and looked like a desire of peace and quietness was only a piece of cunning in the Imperialists to conceal their weakness and to make it be believed that they intended the common good when they did only endeavour their own advantage But suppose said these men that we may do well for the present tâ— agree with Cesar it will be fitting at least to expect what the result will be of the convention at Bullognia where Cesars mind and intentions may be better discovered especially touching the settlement of the Dutchy of Milan upon which the best grounded resolution of peace ought to depend by the obligation of ancient and new confederacy and by the disposition of the Commonwealth her self introduced by many weighty Interests That it was also probable that the Pope though he were not very well pleased with them as touching the towns in Romagna would not notwithstanding for the Churches interest and his own break the friendship and peace between the Emperour and the Commonwealth the safety and honour whereof did finally result to the accommodation and grandezza of the Apostolique See as that also the present peace would make for the business of Florence which the Pope did then so fervently endeavour to the end that all other respects and jealousies being laid aside Cesar might for the Popes satisfaction turn his Forces into those parts and bring them to a sooner and a more certain end These reasons wrought much upon the minds of many men who being now wonted to War were unwilling to lay down Arms unless with great honour and safety to the Commonwealth insomuch as they did for that time forbear the chusing of Commissioners to send to Mantua to treat of peace and resolved to send Secretary Andrea Resso to the Marquis To return their thanks for his offer and for the good Will which he seemed to bear to the Commonwealth excusing themselves for that they could not at the present resolve upon a Treaty since the Emperour and the Pope were to meet quickly at Bullognia to find out an accommodation for all the affairs of Italy and for that Bishop Bosoniences the Popes Nuntiâ— had interposed himself in that business and particularly in what appertained to the Commonwealth This mean while the Pope being gone from Rome went to Spoleti and from thence to Bullognia to expect the Emperour who came thither some few days after the five and twentieth of October which was the day the Pope entred that City As soon as they met the Treaty of Peace began both of them seeming desirous to settle Italy in a firm condition of quiet The first and most important businesses to be accorded were those which concerned the Duke of Milan who after many former practises and endeavours for which the Protonotary Caracciole and Don Garziadi Padiglia were gone with several propositions from Piacenza to Cremona resolved having formerly obtained a safe conduct and being councell'd so to do by the Venetians who for his greater honour sent their Embassadour Mark Antonio Veniero to accompany him to go himself to Cesar in Bullognia for one thing which made the business more difficult was that Cesar took it ill that Francisco Sforza should not humble himself to him as it became a Vassal of the Empire to do and that he did negotiate his business either too arrogantly or at least distrusting too much Cesars either justice or clemency The first thing which disturb'd this Treaty which was before brought near a conclusion was that the Imperialists would have the Cities of Pavia and Alessandria delivered up into their hands as pledges for the observancy of what should be agreed upon which Sforza following herein the counsel and opinion of the Senate who had put great Garrisons into those Cities and had lent the Duke ten thousand Ducats to maintain them utterly refused to do This demand having renewed in him and in the Venetians their former jealousies that the Imperialists desired to appropriâ—te the State of Milan unto themselves wherefore the Pope desired those Cities might be deposited into his hands which the Duke said he could not do without the consent of the Venetians alledging that it would be better to refer the discussion of his cause to the convention at Bullognia And thus he spun out the time without coming to any conclusion When Sforza was come to Bullognia where he was graciously received by the Emperour his business was brought to this conclusion the Pope interceding therein to whom Cesar had promised that he would not dispose of the State of Milan without his consent that his cause should be decided by Justice Whereunto the Duke did more willingly consent then to any other proposal to shew that he relied upon his own Innocence and upon Cesar's Justice But the Venetian Senate seeing that the agreement with the Duke of Millan which had been the chief cause of beginning the war and of the continuance thereof was in a fair way of being concluded sent Commissions to Gaspero Contarini who was their Embassadour with the Pope to treat and conclude of peace if they could agree upon particulars they having been very much and with great expressions of love solicited thereunto by the Pope who promised to interpose both his authority and favour with Cesar concerning this Treaty The Embassadour Contarini when he met the Emperour at his first entrance into Bolognia was very graciously received by his Majestie but nothing was as yet treated of saving general civilities which shewed a good inclination to friendship and peace When the Embassadour had made it known that he had Commission from the Senate to treat of an agreement and that therefore he desired to know upon what tearms it was to be made The Emperour seeming to correspond very much in a will and desire to peace deputed the Lord Chancellour Granville and Monsieur di Prato to this negotiation in which Treaty the Pope himself would intervene At first there was great hopes of comming to a speedy agreement but when they drew near a conclusion new doubts and difficulties were started which made it be believed that but little sincerity was intended therein chiefly for that though many endeavours had been had the Imperialists could not be brought to remove the Dutch Foot from the State of Venice who continued still to the number of about ten thousand in the Territories of Brescia and did prejudice the Country much And moreover twenty five Gallies being parted from Cevita Vecchia to go for Naples it was publickly said that these together with four more which were in that Haven were ordered to go into Puglia So as all expences and provisions
being exhausted by the late wars they could not well find monies for so great an expence therefore they were forced to have recourse to other means amongst which they thought that to seize on the Tythes of the Clergy within their Dominions which were very many was a very good course which they endeavour'd to obtain of the Pope wherein they proceeded with him with much dexterity and humanity But yet they could not overcome many difficulties which stuck with him so as the business was protracted nay to a double displeasure of the Venetians he designed to lay two tenths upon all the goods of the Ecclesiasticks throughout Italy meaning to make use of these monies as he said in assisting the Catholick Cantons of the Switzers against which the Hereticks had taken up Arms. So as the Commonwealth was not only deprived of this benefit of Tythes which being to be taken out of the Incomes of their own Territories seemed imployable for the benefit thereof but occasion was thereby given of greater disturbances by the jealousies given to the Turks that these monies raised in the Popes name might be for the service of some League to be made against them Yet the Senate though they were deprived of these aids and of all hopes of ever attaining thereunto the Pope being mightily scandalized for that out of confidence of obtaining this favour they had begun a little too early to exact them would not delay making requisite provisions but overcoming all difficulties resolved for the present to arm fifty Gallies which were forthwith put to Sea in excellent order But this great noise of war did soon after cease of it self for Soliman being gone into Andrinopolis with intention as was given out that he might mind these preparations the better gave himself so to the delight of hunting and did so defer the affairs of war as he did not this year trouble any place with his Forces Yet the Venetian Fleet was not all this while idle the Sea being full of Pyrates who assembled together in great numbers infested all the Seas and disturb'd navigation and commerce But these were driven away in all parts and many of their Vessels were taken and destroy'd to the general advantage and to the great praise of the Venetians At this same time the King of Hungary though he kept himself in good order for war and that his forces were greater then Ferdinando's yet were it either that he did expect succour from the Turks for his greater security or that he feared the aid which Charles was said to prepare for his brother or that he desired to accommodate his affairs rather by treaty then by arms by reason of the little confidence he had in his own Subjects did not attempt any thing Thus Arms being suspended as it were by a tacit consent on all sides he sent Iovanni Lasco Embassadour to the Emperour from whom not being able to get any resolution Lasco past on to Ferdinand and meeting with no less doubts and difficulties touching his proposals in him he intended to go to other German Princes to treat of his Kings affairs with them but his safe conduct being deny'd him by Ferdinando he was forc'd to return to Hungary But King Iohn made it known by other means in the Dyets which were held in several parts of Germany and especially amongst the Hereticks that he might keep Ferdinand from being assisted by them that Soliman would esteem them his friends or enemies who should appear friends or enemies to the Kingdom of Hungary And leaving nothing unattempted he sent his Embassadours also to Venice desiring the Senate that they would mediate both with the Emperour and Pope to imbrace his cause and bring affairs to some composition wherefore the Senate knowing that King Iohn was resolved to try all extreams so as he might keep his Kingdom and that the Turks were still ready to defend him they that they might remove all new troubles and dangers from Christendome readily imbraced his cause and moved the Pope in his behalf But they could not do much good therein for the Pope were it either that he did rather favour Ferdinando then King Iohn or that he was really so minded seemed more inclined to have the business decided by Arms then by Treaty So as the rumours of war beginning again to be renewed and Soliman having more certainly published his resolution of coming with very powerful forces into Hungary to recover the City of Strigonia which was possess'd by Ferdinando the Pope sent his Nuntio the Bishop of Verona to Venice to require the Senate to delare what their intentions were and what they would do if the Turks should return with an Army into Hungary and to desire them that they would joyn with the rest of the Princes of Christendom in shewing their good will to oppose these common Enemies The Senators werâ— very doubtful what to do herein they were set upon on one side by their zeal to Religion and State Policy by reason of the great danger which accrew'd to the Commonwealth by the increase of their Neighbour the Turks forces who were Enemies to all Christian Princes And on the other side they were afraid they should find but little constancy in the Princes and that to shun more uncertain and farther distant dangers they might run upon such as were certain and present Their inward thoughts were very fervent but they cooled therein apace when they considered the nature of the business The Enemy being very strong and their friends not likely to agree in uniting their minds and forces and that these very things had been many times proposed rather to shew an appearance of zeal then out of any resolution or well grounded hopes of effecting the thing propounded So as neither totally imbracing this invitation nor yet seeming altogether averse thereunto they return'd this answer to the Pope That the desire of the good of Christendom was ancient and hereditary in the Venetian Senate but that as this made them readily willing to do any thing tending to the service thereof so did it grieve them that the present condition neither of times nor affairs would suffer them to shew it That the greatest Princes of Christendom were now at great odds so as there was small hopes that they would joyn their forces against these common Enemies That the Commonwealth was too weak of her self to oppose the Turks with any hopes of much advantage That they might affirm their State did confine for the space of two thousand miles leading from Cyprus to all Dalmatia upon the Turks in whose power there was always likewise great numbers of their Citizens and of their subsistances to a great value which things imposed upon them a necessity of temporizing with the Turks and which would not easily permit them to declare themselves their Enemies That they did notwithstanding very much praise the wisdom and piety of the Pope in fore-seeing and in providing against the dangers of Christendom but that
and Sea Captains meeting together they resolved to send the Gallies immediately back to Barbary and took order the mean while for curing the Turkish Captain using him civilly and excusing their fault by the errour of night When this News came to Venice the Senators were for the same cause greatly troubled and the rather for that the Harvest proving very bad this year and they having hoped to feed the numerous Inhabitants of the City with corn which they expected out of Turky from whence they had not only obtain'd transportation of corn but had begun to load divers of their ships therewithal they feared lest this offence might be done unseasonably For the Turkish Officers who were upon the shore side had already without expecting any farther Orders from the Court embargode the Venetian ships which were at the loading places ready to carry corn away For this it was propos'd by some that another Commissary should be chosen in lieu of â—analâ— who should be deprived of that place and sent for back to give an account of what he had done But this action was by others stoutly defended as done by military reason and worthy to be rewarded not punished for that it did not become the dignity and honour of the Commâ—nwealth which was so highly esteemed to punish or but to appear inclined to punish such servants who behaving themselves well and valiantly had discharged the trust imposed in them faithfully Thus these proposals being laid aside it was resolved by a joynt consent to send Daniel de Fedirici Secretary to the Pregadi to Constantinople who was a discreet man and well experienced in other affairs that he might justifie what was done viva voce to the Bascia and to Solimans self shewing the necessity which had inforced our Captain out of apprehension of the armed Vessels which came so near him and by the darkness of the night to fight their friends Gallies and that on the other side the sudden sending back of those and the good usage of their Captain might sufficiently prove their sincere good will towards the Grand Signior The admittance of these things was much furthered by the good offices done by Ebrahim and Gritti but especially by the new war of Persia on which Soliman having already fix'd his mind he would not promote any thing that might divert him from it Thus these commotions being honourably appeased at Constantinople Canale reaped the more praise and glory who dying not long after in the same charge the Senate in acknowledgment of his long and faithful service granted a certain annual Revenue in fee during Canales life time to his Son Antonio in the Island of Corfu Canale was certainly a gallant man in his time and very famous for his experience in Sea affairs and for his noble daring which made him easily attempt whatsoever difficulties These things hapned in the Venetian Fleet but that of the Emperours after it had tarried long about Naples and Messina went boldly on to relieve Corone though her Captains knew that the Enemy was very strong in those Seas And they were successful therein for according to their intention they brought relief to their men who were besieged in Corone and were already reduced to the utmost extremity But conceiving some better hopes afterwards of greater success and victory against the Turkish Fleet which leaving the way open to its Enemies did by its direct running away declare the weakness and fear thereof it proved by fault of the chief Commander or by the perpetual misfortune of Christendome vain and to no purpose Nay it may be said that this cowardise of the Turkish Commanders proved more prejudicial to Christendom for Soliman not satisfied with those to whom he had committed the Government of his Fleet and blaming their fear and want of experience sent for Cariadino nick-named Barbarossa who of a Pyrate being become a Prince did then command over the City of Algiers and gave him the charge of his maritime affairs This man was very expert at the Mariners art and having roved a long time with armed ships upon the Sea knew very particularly all the Christian situations and Sea-coasts about Barbary and had got a great repute by many prosperous successes against the Moors in the African Rivers and particularly by the rout which he gave the Spanish Gallies as they past four years before under the Government of Don Hugo di Moncada to Genua to find out Doria He may be said to be the first that taught the Turks how to manage a Fleet all things else belonging to the maritime Militia who had hitherto minded the grounding and increasing of their power only by Land Armies By his counsel the arming of Gallies with Slaves was first instituted which were formerly used to be armed with raw and unexperienced men by him were many other orders made whereby the Turkish Fleets are become more formidable to Christian Princes Soliman being resolved to make use of this man gave the Venetians quick notice thereof to the end that they might treat with him if they should meet him hereafter as with one that appertain'd to his Court knowing that he was continually pursued by their Gallies as one who had done them much prejudice And truely he was afterwards an Instrument of much mischief to Christendom and particularly to the State of Venice as shall be made known by what succeeded At this time for all these eminent dangers that threatned Christendom the Pope was notwithstanding so intent and more then ever fervent in his accustomed desires of exalting his Nephews and his Family as he had had secret Treaties with the King of France of a Marriage between Katharine to his Nephew Lorenzo de Medici and Henry Duke of Orleans the King 's second Son to effect the which he promised the King to come to Nize The News of this interview being noised abroad though the business which was there to be treated of was not certainly known did much trouble the Venetians chiefly because it was given out that the Emperour was to meet there also The actions of these Princes were therefore diligently observed by the Senators who had learned by what had pass'd at the Diet at Cambrai and by more recent affairs that all things ought to be apprehended and suspected from the ambition of Princes But the interview which should have been in Iuly being put off to September the true cause of this meeting was discovered for the better ordering whereof the Bishop of Faenza met at Nize for the Pope and Monsieur Le Grand for the King which freed the Venetians of their jealousies The Pope acquainted them afterwards with his designe and with the cause thereof wherein not concealing his intention of his Neeces Marriage any longer he thought to disguise it in other colours and that he did not look so much at his own particular interest in this Treaty as at the common good and the safety of Italy Which he knew and which
equally ballanced as may be doth much concern the safety and liberty of all Italy and particularly the reputation and grandure of this Common-wealth not to secure the one altogether nor to make the other totally dispair of our friendship which is the onely means of keeping the one from over-much exceeding the other and from securing their affairs in Italy which most weighty consideration hath made us not sâ—ick to side sometimes with the one sometimes with the other as hath stood most with the times and with our interests It is now 13 years since that being then in League with the King of France and seeing the Emperours forces increase so fast in Italy and the French succours come on so slowly as it was thought impossible to uphold them any longer we followed Cesar's fortune did what our own safety and service advised us to do and adhering unto Cesar did help him to drive the residue of the French Army out of Italy but soon after the French faction growing powerfull by King Francis passing over the mountains with a strong Army we forewent our new Confederacy made with the Emperour and did re-establish our ancient League with the King of France whose affairs proving afterwards unfortunate and contrary to the first hopes his Army being routed and himselfe taken prisoner we to preserve our selves early from being injured by the Conqueror did side again with Cesar whose greatnesse growing suspitious and seeing our selves then free from the former danger of his forces as soon as we found the King of France who was now set at liberty minded to make war with Cesar we took up Arms with him to drive the Imperialists out of the Dukedom of Millan All these things hapned within lesse than two years space and I my selfe was present in many of them as Commissary of your Armies and certainly it was wisely done to sute our selves to the various conditions of times by doing which we have preserved the Common-wealth and reduced her at last to peace Then since the same respects continue shall we proceed otherwise Why shall we by seeming inseparably united to Cesar force the King of France to give over his thoughts of Italy and leave the Emperour sole Arbitrator thereof by doing thus we shall at one and the same time purchase hatred from the French neglect from the Imperialists lessen the reputation of our Common-wealth and make the way easie for Cesar to inthrale whole Italy To what purpose is the unconstancy and uncertainty of the King of France urged if we do not at all now treat of relying upon his word And say we should treat thereof such a conferacy could not occasion us so much trouble or danger but that our appearing to continue so constant to Cesar might be cause of more Nor do I say that we ought to treat with some reservation with the King of France for any respect of the King himselfe for any service that we have received by him or out of hope of what we may receive though if I should say so it is not so long since we recovered Verona by the assistance of his forces but that it might procure me some belief It is our own service and good which makes me advise thus which should perswade us to take this course Therefore as I shall not easily advise since the present times do not permit it that we should enter into assured and present troubles of a new War so shall I not counsell quite to forgoe the thought of the Emperour 's too immoderate greatnesse which hath cost us so much labour in the hardest times preâ—erring the security of our Common-wealth and our posterity for which the Senate is much to be praised before any accommodation we could receive by peace We may by this time know what Cesar's intentions are and that it is now more to be feared than ever that he will subjugate all Italy He hath drawn us into confederacy with him by giving us good words and by promising to put a Duke into the State of Millan But do not his actions shew how careful he is to make good this his promise If then we do desire to bring him to this since we cannot now use open violence let us at least make him somewhat jealous of our friendship and assistance for it may very well fall out that fearing lest by our alienation he may shamefully lose that State he may resolve to leave it with honour and praise by some fair way of accommodation as he lately did when he was contented that Francisco Sforzza should be repossessed thereof The respect of our present troubles and dangers of the Turkish Forces being added to these considerations I think we ought not to forgoe the gravity and maturity with which the Senate is wont to proceed in matters of much lesse moment for it is evident that the too much hastning of this our resolution and the two soon declaring of our selves will increase the Turks jealousies that we are joyn'd with Cesar to their prejudice and cannot but much injure our affairs and bring us upon some precipice Moreover I know not why we ought to value the intercession of a puissant Prince and one so highly esteem'd by the Turks as is the King of France so little I am not perswaded that a treaty of Peace and Agreement propounded by a personage of great power would be displeasing to us if we were in open War with Soliman And now that our businesse is depending in my opinion more inclinable to peace than war shall we not believe that the French may by their indeavours the more easily divert it be it but by acquainting them with the easinesse of the enterprise wherein their intentions and designs against the Imperialists and us will be assisted Much more may be said upon this occasion so as my discourse thereupon must be long though contrary to my custome but I forbear to say many things purposely that I may not seem to distrust the wonted wisdome of this Senate to which it may seem very conformable to keep the more certain determination of our will therein undetermined as also the opinion that the King of France or any others may have thereof who may Comment upon this our answer we shall have time for a better grounded and more mature resolution the waiting for which in difficulties hath alwaies been thought to become a wise and prudent Prince According to this mans opinion the Senate took time to deliberate upon an answer and upon dismissing Count Rongone This mean while certain news came to Venice that Soliman was come with his Army to Vallona and that his Fleet passing by Corfu had saluted the Fort by shooting off their Guns according to the military fashion in token of friendship and were with like shot amicably answered by our men and that they had committed no hostile act neither in that Island nor elsewhere but that some of his men having taken away certain goods from some of
formerly been his own restored unto him with a particular declaration that the Empire of Constantinople should belong unto the Emperour without prejudice to the Common-wealth for what belonged to her to which likewise La Vallone and Castel-Nuovo should be reserved as things appertaining to her and that a fitting proportion of what should be gotten should be reserved by way of pre-eminency for the Apostolick Sea That in other things whereunto none of them pretended every one of the confederates should partake thereof according to the proportion of his expence in the war that if the Island of Rhodes should be recovered it should be restored to the Knights of Ierusalem There was no mention made of the King of England in these Capitulations but the Venetians thinking they might receive no little aid from this King who was master of many Forces and of great Authority sought by their Secretary Girollimo Zuccato then resident with him to make him favour the League and desired the Pope to do the like which he did But he thinking himselfe scandalized for not being particularly named in the Capitulations would not give ear thereunto but complained that he and his Kingdom were not taken into such consideration by the Colleagues as they ought to have been And for the King of France there appeared new signs every day that he had no minde to enter into the League wherein the increase of his Rival and perpetuall Enemy's forces and reputation the Emperour was treated on The League being concluded and established in manner aforesaid the Venetians ordered their General Capello that if the Turkish Fleet should come into the gulph he would tarry behinde in the Levant so as he might the easlier passe into Sicily or whithersoever he were to joyn with the Confederates Fleets This course was judged good to incourage those of the Levant and to indammage the Enemy according as occasion should serve and that they might not lessen the Garrisons 2000 foot were raised and forthwith sent to re-inforce the Fleet. Some were of opinion that the Generall should have free leave given him to do upon all occasions whatsoever he should think would be best for the Common-wealth They urged that since all accidents which might occur could not be fore-seen and according to which the Generall was to order his designs and to steer his course it was a dangerous thing to binde him up by Commissions and to force him to do what peradventure might be contrary to reason they instanced in the successes of the last year wherein the having given limited orders to Generall Pesaro had been the cause of great disorders which proved at last the breaking out into war Yet the consideration of not retarding the joyning of the Fleets prevail'd as also a certain indignity which as it was thought it would prove if the Generall should think of retreating as if he shun'd the Enemy and should therefore withdraw himselfe with his Gallies into the waters about the City whereby so great a preparation should prove vain But above all things they vvere very solicitous in providing monies whereby to supply their expences A Bank vvas therefore erected in the Exchequer wherein as many as vvould bring in any Monies into the publick Treasury vvere promised to be paid fourteen per cent during their life Much severity vvas used in calling in such Monies as were due to the Common-wealth Three other Commissaries were chosen for what should be borrowed Girollimo Marcello Bernardo Moro and Giulio Contarini but no use could as yet be made of the Clergies goods for though the Pope had transmuted the favour whereof he had before given so favourable an intention to the Senate to wit That he would permit them to alienate ten per cent of the Clergies Revenue till it should amount to a million of Gold or that they should raise it in five years space by so many Tenths of the same goods yet he had never given out his Briefs for either of these finding out severall excuses and delaies at such a pinch Many propositions were made for the raising of monies but the Senate proceeded with great respect and caution not to do any thing at this time which might peradventure lessen the peoples affection to the Common-wealth they would not therefore accept of the proposall of selling the Commons though much money might have been made thereby there being great store of them throughout the whole Terra ferma But for all this scarcity of money they spared not for any thing that was necessary for War victualls were provided from all parts and ammunition Ordnance were cast such Ladders Pick-axes Spades and other tools as the Duke of Urbine gave order for for Land-service were made in great abundance The Duke seemed very desirous to do great things in service to the Common-wealth and aspired to the obtaining immortall glory by war and truly the Senate confided very much in his worth and Loyalty in so much as the Pope threatning to make war upon his State by reason of his pretence to the Dukedom of Camerino as being held in fee-farm of the Church and which was then fallen to the Duke by the right of his wife the Senate dispatcht away one of their Secretaries speedily to Rome and obtain'd that the Duke should not be molested therein as long as he was imploy'd in the common service of the League or particularly by the Common-wealth He therefore caused two gallies to be prepared the one for himselfe to go in person to the Fleet the other for his Son to go in and chose his very good friend Barnard Sagredo one much esteemed of him by reason of his great experience at Sea to govern them the Senate being desirous to shew how acceptable this the Dukes good will was to them who had said he would bring his wife and family to live in Venice freely gave him one of the noblest Pallaces of the City but whilst he was carefully ordering all these affairs going to Pesaro to take order for his own particular businesse he fell into a great sicknesse which kept him from going to the Fleet. At the same time severall Negotiations were had of Peace between Caesar and the King of France both of them seeming to be desirous thereof to which purpose their Agents were forthwith sent to Canus a place between Parpignon and Narbonne but the whole time being spent in contentions no good came thereof For both these Princes Commissions were bounded and limitted in that very thing whereon all other resolutions did depend Cesar not giving way by any means to the restoring of the Dukedom of Millan not the King of France that any thing should be treated of the prime Article whereof should not be the restitution of that State Many things were propounded to bring these Princes to an Agreement chiefly the marriage between Mary Daughter to the King of Portugal lately dead and to the Queen then wife to Francis King of France and Neece to Cesar and
restoring of Castel Nuovo He alleadged that the Common-wealth was to disburse the pay which was behind hand to the Spanish Foot for having guarded the Fort And touching the speedy dispatch of the Fleet that he intending to go in it himself in person there was was need of greater Forces and preparations and consequently longer time would be required But in some of these things reason and in othersome both reason and actions shewed that he aimed not at equity nor at the common good His words were very magnificent and his promises great but not without great suspition that his onely end was to keep the Venetians ty'd by the league to the end that he might make use of their Forces and friendship as far as might concern his own service not the common good for it was understood that Protestations were made in severall Courts which were held in the Kingdom wherein he was advised by the chief men of the Provinces not to depart the Kingdom Moreover he was so bare of money as if he had really intended to go himselfe in person with the Fleet he would not be able to maintain the expences which his comming would occasion out of these reasons it was conceived that the Venetians had not onely cause but were necessitated to think more of Peace then of War they were the more incouraged to attend this treaty of Peace out of hopes that they might obtain it of the Turks upon reasonable conditions For the Turks proceeding with more respect had made the Bailo be removed from the Tower del mare Magiore to Constantinople and likewise gave notice that they would quickly set all the Venetian Merchants at liberty which they accordingly did giving them time to negotiate their businesse being bound one for another not to go themselves in person nor to send their merchandize out of the confines of the Ottoman Empire There was likewise one Antonio da Modone come to Venice who lived then at Zante and brought Letters with him written to him upon his own private occasions by Gianusbei wherein he affirm'd the Grand Seigneur and the Bascia were well inclin'd to peace so as if an Embassador should be sent to that purpose to Constantinople some conclusion might soon be had in the point wherein Gianusbei willingly offered his best indeavours provided he were desired so to doe Out of these respects the Councill often thought it fit to begin a Treaty of Peace But to the end that the businesse might be carried with more secrecy and reputation they would not send at that time any publick person to Constantinople but gave commission to Lorenza Gritti natural Son to the Doge to go to Constantinople under pretence of following his own private affairs and particularly the recovery of certain merchandize belonging to a Brother of his lately dead at Constantinople His Commission was first to treat of a generall Truce and to insist thereupon as much he could that he might bring it to some conclusion But if the Turks should not assent thereunto he was then to advance the treaty of Peace for the Common-wealth wherein the former Capitulations were to be observed and all places taken by either party in that War were to be restored The King of France had likewise interposed himselfe in this Treaty of Truce who to this purpose had sent a servant of his to Constantinople but it was soon seen there was small hopes of bringing this Treaty to a good end for the Turks seemed to be very farre from comming to any agreement with Caesar having propounded and procured peace with the Venetians purposely that they might turn their Armies the more commodiously and with the greater force against him As soon as Gritti's going to Constantinople was divulged though the true occasion thereof was concealed it was soon suspected that he went to treat of Peace wherefore Don Diego Hurtado di Mendosa who was then Embassador from the Emperour at Venice discovered this his suspition in a private Audience in the Colledge modestly complaining that they should think of making an agreement with the common enemy and not comprehend the Emperour therein who was a friend and confederate of the Common-wealth and afterwards he in a long Oration disswaded them from treating of peace with the Turks What assurance said he what security can you have that these Barbarians will stand to the Agreement whereunto they shall assent not out of any desire of peace which they use naturally to abborre nor out of any good will to the Common-wealth since they hate the very name of Christian to death but onely out of some particular end or accommodation of their own that they may dissolve this league weaken the chiefest Potentates of Christendome and oppress the rest If it be the matter of expence which makes you alter your mind from continuing War you ought to consider that Peace doth not free you from it but renders it vain and uselesse for the Emperour will by no meanes be brought to an agreement with the Turks and whilest these shall be in Arms and shall have two great Fleets at Sea will you wise Seigneurs be unarmed will you trust the safety of your State to the uncertain faith of others Surely no body will believe it It would be a thing certainly to be desired that your State had not so formidable Neighbours as are the Turks and that you might injoy quiet and tranquillity free from so many jealousies and disaccommodations But since the present condition of times and affairs is such as that expence danger and labour must be undergone it should be thought a great good fortune that in this age and upon this occasion there is so powerfull a Prince in Christendom as may by his Forces counterpoise the Turkish power and who out of his desires and well-wishings to the common good is ready to expose not onely his Forces but his very Person to the hazard of War so to abate the pride of these common Enemies To this answer was made That the Common-wealth had been already two years in league yet she might truly affirm that it was she alone that had hitherto withstood the brunt of the Turkish Forces that the reasons were well known which had hindred the requisite speedy assistance and did therefore believe they might light upon the like misfortunes again Yet they had alwaies born and still did bear great respect to the Confederates That the King of France had indeavoured a generall truce at Constantinople that by accepting and favouring this Treaty he thought he did what concern'd the common service and that whereby the Common-wealth might reap many advantages and if nothing else the benefit of time which the Emperour himselfe thought very necessary for the well ordering of all things touching his voyage to the Eastern parts The like passages were had at the Court between Caesar himselfe and the Venetian Embassador But they produced no effects neither of spurring up Caesar to prepare for War nor of
come unto your ear which is That the assignment of this City and of the neighbour City Malvesia over to Soliman by the agreement made at Constantinople was a resolution put on by necessity not by choice You may have known upon many occasions but chiefly in these your last troubles wherein to assist you the Common-wealth readily exposed a great part of her Forces to great dangers what love she hath alwaies born unto you She hath furnisht you with Monies Souldiers and Victuals to keep you from falling into the hands of the Enemy who threatned to put you all unto the sword and to lay your City desolate Nothing hath been left undone to keep you her dear and well beloved subjects from falling into the power of others very great Fleets have been prepared immeasurable expences In fine for this cause the weight of an insupportable War hath been the longer sustain'd And what greater sign can the Common-wealth shew of the affection she bears you in the present condition of affairs and in this your afflicted Fortune then that which she now does by promising to give other convenient habitations where she might best to those who shall desire to go from hence to keep them in her protection to assist savour and nourish them It hath been said by wise men that that place ought to be truly thought a mans owns Country where a man can injoy any good And what is better and more to be desired than to live under the Goâ—vernment of a moderte and just Prince Fortune though never so averse hath not been able to bereave you of this You shall continue under the Dominion of the Common-wealth you shall have abodes allotted you in another Country where you may live though not so commodiously as here yet freer from the perpetuall fear and danger of the Turks to which it may be said you were continually exposed Many men being too numerous at home have of their own choice parted from thence and committing themselves to fortune have quitted their native Country to get new and uncertain habitations by force of Arms To have a safe and certain place of refuge in times of misery hath wont to be so great a consolation as greater prosperity hath often made men forget what was past 'T is true it had been more to be desired to have still lived in peace that the Enemy had never besieged this City that they had not set their minds upon subduing it or in such a case to have had Forces sufficient to repulse them and to revenge injuries But since neither of these hath been either in our power or in yours in the condition wherein we are what is there more to be done than for us to play the part of a good Prince and Pastor by keeping your persons in our protection since we are not able to carry away the walls and houses of this City and for you to rejoyce at this your Prince his affection and to accommodate your selves to Time and Necessity your persons shall be preserved your posterity educated and you valiant Fathers shall be get generous Children Who knows but that they may work your revenge Great is the vicissitude of worldly affairs and the greatest Empires are as well subject thereunto as other things Our Common-wealth will assuredly be alwaies ready to take up Arms against these Enemies when there shall be such an union amongst Christian Princes as it may behoped Christendom may reap good thereby Therefore as it is necessary so is it wisely and safely donne to seek to live and to hope for better things Whilst the General spoke tears fell from all the Auditors eyes occasioned no lesse through tendernesse of affection then through griefe The Generall used afterwards the like words with those of Malvesia whereupon the Inhabitants being a little comforted after the sorrow they suffered for so sad newes most of them prepared to be gone taking what they had of best along with them and soon after in November the Articles of Peace being confirm'd Commissary Contarini went to those shores with 20 Gallies and many other ships of severall sorts whereinto having taken all the Artillery Ammunition Goods Souldiers and persons of those Inhabitants who would depart He by Orders from Constantinople delivered up the keys of those two Cities to Cassin Basshaw of Morea who with some few entred the Towns and after our men were gone the Gates were opened and free entrance was given to the Soudliers who were there abouts Things being thus brought to a peacefull condition the Generall and the Commissary disarmed leaving out only the usuall number of Gallies to guard the Gulph and for the safety of Navigation But when Commissary Contarini came to Venice he was commanded by Pietro Mocenico Advocate for the Commons to come into the Advocate 's Court and give an account according to the Senate's Order three years before of what â—ad hapned at Puglia when he sunk the Turkish Galley but the businesse being argued in the Senate and Contarini's cause defended by many of the Senators the Advocates command was taken off and he freed of all fault the occasions being ceased which had made his fault appear the greater his worth remaining in him which had alwaies been commended by all men and his deserts increased by the service he had done during all this Warre Nicolo da Ponte pleaded amongst others in his defence who speaking often in the Senate began to be highly esteemed for his Eloquence and growing to greater dignity after many years imployment in the highest concerns of the Common-wealth is arrived at the Principalitie which he now worthily possesseth The year 1540. brought forth no other more noble accidents being memorable enough for the Peace made with the Turks wherein the Common-wealth prosperously continued for the space of thirty years her affairs in Terra forma being likewise quiet at the same time by her friendship with the Christian Princes so as I shall have but little to write of these times yet because the Senate being made acquainted with the chief businesses which past between the Christian Princes interposed her Counsel and Authority either in respect of her selfe or others I will relate in this my History such passages of these Times as do appear to me most memorable and for some concernments of the Common-wealth which I have undertook to write of The End of the Tenth Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK XI THE CONTENTS THe hopes of peace and quietnesse soon vanisheth upon new accidents The death of the King of Hungary and Ferdinando's pretentions to the Kingdome Soliman distasted and War made by him upon the House of Austria New distastes between Caesar and the King of France The King of France is much troubled at the death of his Ambassadour Rincone What Caesar's designes appeared to be The Venetians resolve to be Newters They excuse themselves to the Pope for not granting him Vicenza for the Councill to be held in An
towards the common good and particularly towards your prosperity to know your own greatnesse and forces and withall to know the opportunity nay the necessity which the condition of the Times and the designs of other Princes doe put upon you to imbrace these great offers which are made you the which I knowing them to be effectually such hath made me to undertake this imployment the more willingly as thinking I shall not do service onely to the King therein to whom I stand so much indebted but that I shall also procure the liberty and greatness of Italy Your not having formerly agreed with our King and accepted his offers hath not been esteemed a coolnesse in your affection towards the Crown of France since there have been sufficient both modern and ancient Testimonies thereof nor to any little credit you give to the Kings promises since this Common-wealth hath to her great advantage joyn'd in league so often with his predecessors and with himselfe nor yet to want of Counsell or care in Government your Senate having alwaies been a more vigilant Guardian then any other Potentate not onely of your own Country but also of the liberty of others and for a long time a true defender and Arbitrator of the affairs of Italy but for that in a businesse of so great moment as this you have been pleased to proceed with all maturity lest you might repent too late the having quitted your Neutrality and have entred into the charge and trouble of War so as there is none who can as yet blame this your resolution but all things which might have caused any doubt are now so ripened that there is no time left for longer delay Caesars ends and intentions are now too well known to be wholly bent upon making himselfe supream Monarch and in particular Lord of Italy Him hath the King opposed in these things with all his might and for this is he the more hated by Caesar because he sees he withstands these his machinations and that he is ready not onely to defend his own affairs but to become a refuge to others who have need of assistance against this powerfull Enemy and hath been able hitherto by the Forces of his own Kingdom to oppose the violence of the Dutch and Spanish Forces able to frustrate Caesars hopes to maintain his own Dominions and to repair the eminent dangers of other men But now that Caesars power is so increased by having the Forces of Germany of the Swissers and of the King of England joyn'd with him as that every other Prince ought to be jealous of him and to be awakned at the aspect of such greatnesse which is in an instant both born and sprung up and to provide against it before the mischiefe be grown greater which threatens all men The King of France his Forces are certainly very great his mind very ready to imploy them all against Caesars immoderate greatnesse wherein he will value nor labour nor expence nor danger being resolved to run all fortunes and never to lay down Arms unlesse overcome by utmost necessity or that there be no occasion to make use of them but that he may secure these his intentions the most he may to shew that he doth not undervalue the forces and assistants of others when the common cause is in question it is therefore that he hath made known these his most important respects to you Gentlemen 't is therefore that he hath opened his most inward thoughts unto you and hath indeavour'd a new conjunction between this Common-wealth and his Kingdom because when the wills and forces of these two Potentates shall be joyn'd and that it may in reason be thought that the safety of their states is in a good part provided for Caesar may be made to divide his Armies and no longer think upon usurping other mens Estates but upon defending his own The King doth therefore desire and this it is that he wills me particularly to propose unto you that your Fleet may be brought to the Rivers of Puglia where the Towns being unprovided of Garrisons the people well affected towards the Common-wealth and declared enemies to the Spaniards there may be hopes of doing much good speedily And on his part he offers to maintain alwaies 15000 choice Foot in Piemont or where else you shall please whereby the Imperialists being curb'd your State by Land may be safe from all danger nay the Dukedom of Millan and the Duke of Savoy's whole State whose interest is the same with Caesars will be sorely indangered In this Proposition all things will be maturely considered it will be sufficiently known that all things do therein concur which may make a Prince take up Arms the necessary defence and safety of his own affairs hopes grounded upon good foundations to increase Dominion the assured purchasing of a powerfull and faithfull friend in all Fortunes The very resolutions of your Senate shew that Caesars greatnesse ought to be esteemed a sufficient cause to make your Common-wealth take up Arms to keep off further dangers which much to your praise have constantly for so long a time maintained Wars not being frightned by any danger nor changed for any expence or trouble onely to keep the State of Millan from falling into Caesars hands For you know it was too great a danger to have so powerfull a Neighbour But if these things were apprehended when they were farther off and the suspitions therof indeavour'd to be secured how ought they to be suffered now that they are at hand when Caesars counsells are sufficiently known when his cunning is discovered and when there is no more hope left that he will quit the State of Millan Can it be thought a good and wholesome counsell to neglect the occasion now which was more desired by you then than any thing else to oppose Caesars vast designs and not to suffer the Malady to grow to such a height as that no remedy will be found for it Consider I beseech you if it should so fall out as all human things are subject to various changes That the Kingdome of France assaulted by such powerfull forces I will not say should be lost but should be so weakened as that not any Prince should for many years be able to counterpoise Cesar 's power Who sees not to what condition the liberty of Italy would be reduced Who can think himself free from his injuries for not having offended him Who can hope to work upon his haughtinesse by submission Who can think that his insatiable thirst after Government can ever be satisfied by any acquisition Cesar will say that you have opposed his greatnesse because you have not favoured him that you have not valued his friendship because you would not make a straiter conjunction with him though it be known he sought thereby to put greater ties upon you for his own advantage So as it cannot be thought safe for you to keep at this time in your Neutrality for it doth neither
making any mention of her but with much prejudice to her affairs and not acquainting her with any such resolution And that the estimation he seemed to put upon the Common-wealth proceeded onely from his own interests which when they were severed from those of the Common-wealth he valued her honour nor safety no longer Yet in this variety of opinions all agreed in preserving friendship with the Crown of France as they had done of late years without quitting their Neutrality Wherefore as soon as they heard of King Francis his death they chose two Embassadours Vector Grimani and Matteo Dandelo who were to go forthwith for France to condole according to custome with the new King and Court-Lords and then to congratulate the King's succession to the Crown affirming that the Common-wealth was willing and ready to continue peace with the same observancy with Henry as they had done with his father and according to the usuall and antient affection born by the Venetians to the Crown of France The Italians made lesse account of Henry's of England's death he being lesse interessed in the affairs of Italy by reason of the far distance of his State but the Venetians valued the friendship of that King and Kingdom more then the rest not for any reason of State but for that by holding good intelligence with the English they received many conveniences in their Merchandising for divers sorts of Merchandise were usually sent from Venice to England so as the commerce with that Nation was very advantageous to the Venetian-Citizens and Merchants Wherefore the Common-wealth kept usually an Embassadour in Ordinary in England who being upon some occasions removed in the time of war with France upon the ensuing peace the same King desired the Embassadour might return and Bernardo Navagiero was chosen for that employment whose journey was stopt by Henry's death who by reason of this commerce had tane a great affection to the Venetians and did much favour the affairs of the Common-wealth in her times of greatest trouble as may be known by the precedent Narrations And though being alter'd in his own conditions his minde was sometimes alter'd in this point and his friendship lessened he continued notwithstanding to make much of those of the Nation particularly of the Nobility in whom upon many occasions he did confide in many most important businesses and lately in the Treaty of peace with France he made use of Francesco Bernardo a young man full of spirit who for some occasions of his own kept in that Kingdom and past often by order from the King into France and was the chief instrument in making the peace King Henry was succeeded by his son Edward who not being yet eleaven years old the government of the Kingdom was put into the hands of some of the chief Barons The Senate chose Dominico Bolani their Embassadour for England who met with excellent correspondency in the chief Lords and those of greatest authority touching the maintenance of friendship and commerce with the Venetians with promises of giving fair entertainment to all Venetians who should come to that Island But the peace between the English and the French lasted but a while the Inhabitants of both Nations being naturally enemies for the King of Scotland having left one onely daughter heir to his Kingdom King Edward's Governours desired she might be married to their King so as those two Kingdoms might be joyned under one Government as they are joyned in neighbourhood But the Scots abhorring to be brought under the obedience of the King of England to preserve the honour of their Kingdom and through a naturall hatred which they bear to all the English would not give ear thereunto and had recourse to France for help if the English should endeavour to compell them by force of Arms promising their Queen to Henry for wise to one of his sons together with the succession of that Kingdom and obliging themselves to bring her into France as a pledge of their fidelity These offers were the readilier accepted by King Henry who took upon him the protection of the Infant-Queen and of the Kingdom of Scotland For that being desirous of acquiring new Dominions he was not well pleased with the agreement made by his father whereby the City of Bullen was to remain in possession of the English So that a bitter war began already to be kindled between these two Kingdoms Those that dreaded Cesar's power did much dislike to see the new King busied in this enterprise whereby he was to give over the thoughts of Italy and leave Cesar free to prosecute his own designes But of all others the Pope was most troubled hereat who not onely for the common cause but for his own private interests also had designed to bridle Cesar's greatnesse by the French forces He therefore resolved to send Cardinall St. George into France to procure as it was given out that the French Prelates might come to the Councill of Bullognia but indeed to make the King set his minde to oppose Cesar's greatnesse offering him therein his friendship and assistance Whereunto Henry willingly listned as he who being strangely ambitious of warlick glory would not let any occasion slip of making war upon hopes of doing some remarkable action for which the Pope was thought a very fit instrument in regard of his forces for the opportunity of affairs in Italy and much more in respect of his authority Wherefore being easily perswaded to attempt novelties he set his minde upon encreasing his faction in Italy by all means that he might and to gain friends and amongst the rest he sent for Pietro Strozzi whom he honoured with the Order of St. Michael which was then in great esteem and given onely to people of great birth and such as had deserved very well of the Crown of France esteeming him for the vivacity of his spirit for his being an enemy to quietnesse and for his being greatly followed by out-lawed Florentines and others to be an apt instrument to make some important commotion for the service of the Crown of France by disturbing the affairs of Italy He also fomented the rising of those of Sâ—enna and incited them to defend their Liberties out of hopes of his assistance but the Pope and King of France between whom a union was already setled and confirm'd Horatio Fernese Son to Pier Luigi having married a naturall daughter of Henries bent chiefly all their indeavours to get the Venetian Senate to joyn with them whereupon they thought they were to ground their chief foundation of attempting any thing in Italy against Caesar to which purpose the King sent Monsieur de Soissonne to Venice a man of great account for his births sake and to the same purpose made use of Monsieur de la Casa who was the Popes Nuncio there These hoped to finde the Venetians more ready hereunto than they had been formerly for what hath been already said of Cesars Atchievements and particularly in consideration of
to increase some jealousies that were conceived of him that he as well as the other Italians did not approve of the Imperialists proceedings nor of Caesars own intentions Which suspicion was much increased by the new Fort which they built in Sienna which was commonly called the Ceppo or Stocks of Tuscany The Duke of Ferrara who as vassall to the Church ought to have proceeded with much circumspection following his own dependencies and passions did adhere sufficiently in his minde and in underhand-helps to the French faction Wherefore to keep those that were besieged in Parma from being relieved with victualls and other things from that side the Imperialists had taken Brisello and two other little Castles belonging to the Duke which stood upon those confines The Duke being much moved at these things sent his Embassadour Girolino Serofini to Venice to be advised by the Senate how to govern himself in these hard times and so sad occasions for he was resolved to walk in the same steps the Senate did and follow their wise counsels particularly in keeping himself Neuter but that he had not forces enough of himself to do so So as unlesse he should receive some assistance he feared he must be enforced for the preservation of his State to side with some one and to act contrary to his desire This was thought to be a piece of cunning whereby the French desired to spy into the Venetians intentions that they might draw them into some confederacy or at least discover somewhat more of their meanings Therefore the Senate thought fit to answer in very generall tearms That the Senate had ever desired above all things that the peace of Italy might be preserved to which purpose they had used severall endeavours both with the Pope and others as they saw needfull But since they could do no good thereby they would at least keep themselves in peace and in their former neutrality which that they might do with more honour and safety to the Common-wealth since the rest stood upon their Arms they were resolved to Arme also and by providing for their own affairs they would have respect to the preservation of the Duke's State out of the particular affection which they bore unto his person and for their own interest which by reason of the neighbourhood of their Dominions was almost inseparable from his The French not being satisfied with this answer thought to discover unto the Senate as it was already generally known their intentions of attempting some important novelty in Italy to which purpose the King had sent Luigi Alemanni to Genua to make that City upon severall pretences joyne with his faction and particularly that he might have the use of their Havens for his Fleet to put into and to land the men which he designed to send into Italy And Cardinall Tornone being then at Venice whither he had retired himself when together with the other French Cardinalls he was commanded by the Pope to depart from Rome he was ordered by King Henry to appear in the Colledge and in his name to acquaint the Doge and Senators With the condition of the affairs of Italy with the occasion which had moved him and with his intention to send his forces â—o assist Duke Octavio and to maintain his cause wherein he thought he did a generous act and what became a great Prince and which he thought would please all the Italian Princes since thereby he undertook the defence of a pettty Italian Prince who was unjustly oppress'd by others and who had had recourse to him for protection That he could not dream the Pope would have been displeased that a vassall of his should be preserved by the forces and assistance of another not being able of himself to defend himself and that he did much lesse believe but that the other Italian Princes would be pleased that Cesar 's greatnesse might be moderated and some bounds put to his vast desires which were bent as was clearly seen to thrust the weakest to the wall and to enslave all Italy That the act it self might testifie that his thoughts were bent upon nothing else since he was in a condition as not needing the City of Parma by his being possest of so many Cities in Piâ—mont he had opened his way to what he designed to do against the State of Millan But that â—ince he now understood his actions were otherwise interpreted he had resolved to give it over Yet he could not be perswaded but that the Venetian Senate being so great and so wise a Potentate in Italy and upon whose authority the rest would finally depend would have that care and consideration of these commotions as many other of their important consequences did require That he did excuse what the Pope had done as actions rather of necessity then free-will being overcome with fear both by reason of Cesar 's so great power and of his so many armed men in Italy as also by the Councill already intimated out of weighty and dangerous designes the German Hereticks being to convene therein But that if he could be assured of the company and assistance of other Princes doubtlesly he would be of another minde for to sever himself from Cesar 's friendship in such a condition of affairs might be tearmed a regaining of his liberty The King was very much thank'd for these his overtures and counsells and his generosity in defending those that were the weakest and stood most in need of his assistance was commended and they hoped that by the Agreement wherein the Senate had already interceded with the Pope and which he seemed not to dissent from affairs might be quieted The King for all this did not forbear prosecuting the war though he could not according to his desire hope to meet with any that would receive or favour him therein in Italy except Duke Octavio Nay being now resolved to declare himself more openly against Cesar he sent more souldiers into Piemont and suddainly assaulted severall places that were guarded by Imperiall Garrisons some of which he quickly took and ordered that the Gallies which were forty in number commanded by the Prior of Capua brother to Pietro Strozzi and which roved upon the Seas might upon all occasions evill intreat the Imperiall vessells And it hapned soon after that Doria who as he was conveying Maximilian King of Bohemia and his wife in his Gallies past from Barcellona to Genua scaped narrowly being assaulted and fought with by the French Fleet whereof some Vessells which were behind were notwithstanding taken and carried to Marcelles But the League which the King of France negotiated with Duke Maurice of Saxony with Albertus Marquis of Brandenberg and with other Princes and Hans-Towns of Germany all of them unsatisfied though for differing occasions with Cesar was of much more moment some of them were highly incenst at the Lansgrave being detained prisoner contrary to Cesar's parole as some of those Princes affirmed and others were incited to novelties for fear
Naples to go with 5000 Foot what-Dutch what-Spanish the Kingdom being now free from the danger for which the Garrisons of those Cities were increased with these men into Tuscany and indeavour the reducing of the City of Sienna to his devotion again It was thought that this success if the French-mens designs should prove secure would be very prejudiciall to the Emperour's affairs in Italy for though the French profess'd in words that they had tane upon them the defence of Sienna to free it from the oppression of the Spaniards and to restore it to its former dignity and freedom yet their intention was too well known For refusing propositions of Agreement which were offered they would continue their Garrisons in that City that they might make use thereof and of other places which they had gotten to raise men in Italy and for other designs of theirs So as in reward of Liberty the King of France required of the Senesi that they would declare themselves to be friends to his friends and Enemies to his Enemies The Vice-roy then desiring suddenly to obey Caesars Commands obtained passage through the Churches Territories which the Pope said he gave way unto because he knew not how to hindâ—â—â—im He entred with his Army into the parts about Sienna which he plundered and took some weak Castles which soon yielded but the stronger places were so well munited as the Imperialists were forc'd to keep long before them the whole force of the War almost was reduced to about Monte Alcino whilst which Fort was preserved Sienna which was excellently well provided of all things was in the lesser danger That which made the Senesi chiefly so resolute to defend themselves was the fear of being severely punisht by Cesar if he should regain the City and their hopes of not being long troubled with the Imperiall Army by reason of the dangers which befell the Kingdom of Naples by the Turkish and French Fleets The Venetians indeavoured to quench this fire which was kindled in Italy The End of the twelfth and last Book of the first Part of the Venetian History THE HISTORY OF VENICE The Second Part. Written by PAULO PARUTA Procurator of St. MARK Wherein the War made by the League of Christian Princes against Selino Ottaman upon occasion of the Kingdom of Cyprus is contained in three Books BOOK I. THE CONTENTS THe cause of the War of Cyprus How that Island fell to the Venetians Tribute paid for it to the Turks who desire the possession thereof notwithstanding Soliman does nothing therein His successor Selino is enclined to this enterprise out of divers respects He confirms the Articles of Peace with the Venetians and doth other things which make him appear more given to peace then war But soon after he deceives mens thoughts and consults about the taking of Cyprus He is disswaded by Mehemet but being perswaded by others he undertakes the enterprise Many tumultuous risings are appeased by him The dearth of the year 1569. Fire in the Arsenal the same year The Consul advertiseth the Senate of Selino's resolution but is not much believed but by reiterated advices they begin to look about them Provisions made Consultatitions had how to use the provisions which are made They minde the Garrisoning of Cyprus They acquaint the Princes therewith 〈◊〉 the Pope His answer He propounds the joyning of the Spanish and Venetian Fleet. Treats thereof with the Catholick King who promiseth among and permits that the League be treated of in Rome The Pope 〈…〉 aid of the King of Portingall but cannot 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 â—reat with Cesar and the Pope with the King of France but to 〈…〉 purpose The Italian Princes are 〈◊〉 to the League 〈◊〉 between the Pope and the Duke of Ferrara Quieted by the Venetians The King of Persia is solicited to make war with the Turks but in vain Hostile acts on both sides The Turks diligence in their preparations Diversity of opinion touching the managing of the war The Consulls carefulnesse to acquaint the Senate with all the proceedings A Châ—aus is sent to Venice by the Turk His proposalls and his answer Divers discourses touching what had past with the Chiaus His return to Constantinople and what effects it wrought with the Turks and with Selino The death of Doge Loredano and election of Mocenigo The Treaty of the League appears too cool in the Emperour and in the King of Spain An account of the Venetian Fleet and the progresse thereof The Pope's Fleet. Sebastiano Veniero takes Sopoâ—o The Turks trouble The General consults touching what the Fleet shall do It is resolved to take Malgariti but it is not done The Gallies of Candia expugne Brazzo di Maina and joyne with the Fleet The union of the Pope's Spanish and Venetian Fleets The proceeding of the Turk's Fleet. Tine is valiantly defended by Girolamio Paruta A description of the Island of Cyprus The Turkish Fleet comes thither and the mischief which it does What and how many the Garrisons of the Island were The Turks resolve what Fort they shall first assault They go to Necossia What terrour they infuse there The Army incamps without any hinderance The description of Necossia The Bishop of Baffo's Oration to the Necossians exhorting to defend themselves and to perseverance The Turk's Fortifications The Necossians sally out and assault the Turks but are repuls'd and slain The Turks do much molest the City A generall assault wherein the Turks are worsted A new assault The City taken and all put to death They go to Famagosta and what they do there The proceedings of the Christian Fleet. It resolves to go to the relief of Cyprus What and how great the Fleet was Upon the newes of the losse of Necossia they take a new resolution and return back An insurrection in Albania and the proceedings there Treaties of a League made at Rome and the difficulties which are met with therein A League treated with the Emperour with little better successe The Venetian Fleet resolves to relieve Famagosta Severall accidents which fall out there Considerations upon what hapned this present year THe War made by the Common-wealth of Venice against Selino Ottaman when his Empire and fortune was at the greatest height both by Sea and Land in defence of the Kingdom of Cyprus he being the most powerful Emperour of the Turks and in League with some of the chiefest Princes of Christendom may be numbred amongst the most remarkable things which hath hapned in our times or in the memory of our fore-fathers or in whatsoever other former Age The War being undertaken with much fervour and warlike preparation on both sides and with no lesse indignation then power whilst not onely the ablest Nations but such as did differ in Customes Lawes and Religion did contend for the priority of the Militia and for the glory of the Empire so as the present War contains events which for their variety and greatnesse may afford such delight and help as the knowledge
store of Gallies There were eleven Governours chosen of the greater Gallies and Francesco Duodo was made their Captain one highly esteemed for his valour and knowledge in Sea Discipine and eighty were chosen to be Governours of the lesser Gallies who were all of them chief Gentlemen of the City and such as were best experienced in Sea affairs Pietro Trono was made Captain of the Frigats and they resolved to arm a Gallioune very artificially built before by Vittore Fausto a learned man and who had a particular excellency in composing Sea-Engines Girolimo Contarino was made Captain thereof but Girolomo Zane Procurator of St. Mark was to have the supream Authority over the whole Fleet He was held to be very fortunate both in his own private condition and in the publick imployments who had alwaies govern'd himselfe therein with much integrity and wisdome These things being thus ordered they apply'd themselves diligently to see them performed and all provisions were so easily and readily had as exceeded expectation Concerning the using of these Forces some propounded that forty Gallies should speedily be sent towards the Levant who keeping in Candia should be ready to make use of such occasions as time and the Enemies proceeding should offer They considered that to shew this courage at the first would adde comfort to the subjects and reputation to their affairs and on the other side would infuse doubts and confusion into the Enemy and retard their expedition For it was likely they would not venture to come forth of the Strait of Galipoli without their intire strength when they knew they should meet with such resistance The which was known would be of so much the greater help for that they understood afterwards that the Turks feared this more then any thing else and that therefore they had been extraordinarily diligent in sending out 25 Gallies that they might carry the Ammunition which was prepared for the enterprise of Cyprus early from Allessandria which if they should be intercepted by our Gallies they knew their whole design would be lost To this it was objected that it might prove to be of greater danger then security for that the Turks did alwaies keep so many Gallies ready for the usuall guard of some of their places as that many Pirats Vessels being added thereunto as was usually done in time of War they might trouble our Gallies and perchance endanger them which they thought was the rather to be shun'd for that they had great hopes to do some remarkable action by using all their forces joyntly together Therefore laying all other thoughts aside for the present they seemed all of them to be chiefly troubled how to put sufficient Garrisons into the Forts of Cyprus Some were for the furnishing them so with men as if they were never to be relieved and for providing to relieve them so as if they had never been Garrisonized But as the one was variously incommodiated by the shortnesse of time by want of vessells and by fear that the enemy would be out very strong and very betimes so they thought they could not repose any certain hopes in the other by reason of the enemies powerfull forces and out of the various events of war and of actions at Sea This mean while whilst they were treating whom they should send to bear chief sway in Cyprus together with succour Eugenio Singlitico Count di Rocas a noble Cyprian who at this time discharged the office of Lieutenant Generall of the Militia by Terra Ferma and was for the most part resident at Venice readily offered himself to relieve his Country at this her so great need and to serve his Prince And being speedily dispatcht went his way in a ship with a 1000 Foot and was by the Senate made chief Commander of all the Cavalry of that Kingdom Girollimo Martiningo conductor of the Gens d' Armes readily and generously offered himself to raise 2000 Foot within a few daies in the States of other Princes and to go with them himself to the relife of Famagosta and to stay there to defend that City Thus having in a very short space much to his praise put all his men in order and brought them to Venice to embarque both them and himself in ships destined to that purpose he would shew himself with all his souldiers to the City appearing in a military habit in the Piazza of St. Mark a thing well worth the seeing for the sight of so proper men adorned with bright Arms and variety of other noble ornaments did much delight the unskilfull multitude who being pleased with the novelty of the spectacle considered not what the progresse and end of war might prove For these so many and so valiant men did all perish in a short time some by suffering some by the sword of the enemy and Martiningo's self falling grievously sick through the inconveniencies of Navigation dyed before he could arrive at Cyprus being herein the lâ—sse fortunate that he did not die in Battle and crown his glory with a more noble death He was much praised for his loyalty and for the service he shewed to his Prince The Senate when they were certain of these the Turks designes and preparations made an account be given thereof by their Legier Embassadors to almost all the Princes of Christendom wherein the Venetians were the more solicitous being moved thereunto not so much out of hope of getting them to joyne in their defence as that they might not seem to scorn the help of others and that confiding too presumptuously on their own strength the event of that War wherein the common cause of Christendom was concern'd might be the more endangered They therefore acquainted them with the weight of what War the Common-wealth was to sustain and with the dangers wherewith at the present they were threatned but wherein all Christendom would in time be concerned So as some Senators were not listned unto who advised to do what they were able speedily and of themselves lest by relying upon the uncertain hopes of others they might either slacken their own provisions or being allured by the no-certain promises of Princes quite give over all thought of any treaty of peace Pope Pius Quintus sat then in St. Peters Chair who being but of a mean extract and exalted to that Supream dignity out of the fame of his integrity made good the opinion of his worth and his so great authority Wherfore the Venetians addrest themselves to him as to the chief head of Christendom and as to a person of singular goodnesse intreating his assistance and that he would perswade other Christian Princes to embrace the common cause Michielle Suriano was at this time Embassadour for the Common-wealth at Rome whose experience in State-affairs was the more set off by his learning He adding to the Pope's already good inclination many weighty perswasions did continually excite him to take to heart the Common-wealth's cause in this time of so great danger He
sometimes urged the examples of other Popes who had at other times readily assisted the Venetians against these enemies to the faith of Christ sometimes he remembered the services done by the Common-wealth to that See for which she had alwaies so readily exposed her forces against powerful Princes But he oftest mentioned the great eminent danger of the other Christian Kingdoms and chiefly of the Church-Dominions if the Common-wealth of Venice should be weakened which was held by all men to be the surest Bulwork of Christendom The Pope being by these perswasions wrought upon very much to defend the Venetians shewed a very great zeal to the common good and an ardent desire to provide for what was needfull for this War and to assist and sustain the Common-wealth that her dignity might not be supprest by so potent an enemy nor her dominions and forces weakened Yet calling to minde what had been done formerly upon like occasions by other Popes and lately by Paul the third in the League made against Soliman he desired to be pardoned if he did not all he desired to do deploring the condition of his times wherein the monies of that See were much exhausted and also by reason of the commotions in France wherein the City of Avignon was much indangered being put to great expence and trouble Therefore though he often moved in the Consistory that the defence of the Venetians might be embraced that they might be assisted in this their necessity and though their cause was approv'd of in the Colledge of Cardinalls and generally favoured yet they came to no particular declaring what they would do onely it was granted at the first that they might raise 100000 Duckets for the maintenance of that war by a generall tax upon the Venetian Clergy from which no Prelate of what condition soever should be exempted The Pope propounded afterwards that the King of Spain's Gallies might speedily joyn with those of the Venetians whereby to make a powerfull Fleet to oppose the Turks and to disturb these their first designes And that in the mean time a League might be treated of with the said King and the other Princes of Christendom whereby their forces might for a long while be established to oppose the Turks And having made this be signified to the Senate by the Embassadour Suriano exhorting them to assent to this proposition and to put this businesse into his hands who as the common Father would be very zealous of the good of Christendom and would have a particular care of the good of the Common-wealth He found them all very well inclined to follow his authority and advice He resolved at the same time likewise to send Ludovico de Torres Clark of the Apostolick Chamber into Spain to Philip of Austria the Catholick King to exhort him to assist Christendom readily against Selino Ottaman enemy to himself and to the Catholick Faith which he did particularly professe to protect as by the glorious name acquired by the pious and generous actions of his Ancestors he was bound to do He therefore laid before him the great danger wherewith divers States of Christian Princes were threatned by the Turkish Fleets which though it was given out they were intended against Cyprus yet was it not certain but that they might easily and speedily fall upon his Dominions which though they were not for the present molested with war yet were they in the future the more exposed to the incursions and assaults of the Turkish Fleets when the Venetians should be weakened in their Maritime forces and the Turks Empire encreased So as he was to esteem the interests of that Common-wealth inseparably joyned with his own That the Ottaman Empire was a common enemy to all the Potentates of Christendom and more strong and powerfull then any one of them apart But that if all or most of the Christian Princes would joyne together they would exceed the Turks in power and might hope not onely to resist them but perhaps to beat and conquer them That the King was to consider that if he should not aid the Venetians at this their so great need he would lose much honour amongst the Turks making either his weaknesse clearly appear as if the Moors insurrections were sufficient to keep him so employed as that he could not make use of his forces elsewhere or else that he held but bad intelligence with the Common-wealth or with other Christian Princes by not moving against his enemy being invited by so fair an occasion but abandoning the common cause That he had used the same endeavours to the Venetians who had readily referred all things to him promising to stand to all that he should decree nor was their truth herein to be doubted since they knew by experience they could not ground any safety to themselves by peace with the Turks Moreover that great respect would be given to his authority since he had the spirituall arms in his hands and did declare himself to be the head and manager of all this businesse These things were prudently and effectually represented to the King of Spain in the Pope's name by Torres who presented him likewise with a Brief wherein the Pope did much deplore the miseries of the present times remembring therein particularly the many mischiefs which Christendom had suffered in severall parts through the wicked conspiracies of men branded with heresie and severall infamous vices who rebelling against God and against their Princes had with much audaciousnesse and fury shaken severall whole Provinces of Christendom and sought to corrupt the into grâ—ty of the Catholick Faith To which inward grievances other mischiefs and greater dangers were added by forrain enemies Soliman having attempted by great forces to bereave Maximilian Cesar of the remainders of the Kingdom of Hungary which fire of war was likely to have burnâ— forth throughout all Germany had it not been extinguished by Soliman 's death But that now new combustions and calamities did seem to threaten Christendom that therefore he knew it became him to have an eye to these commotions and to denounce so great dangers to Princes wherein he was to addresse himselfe chiefly to the Catholick King and to excite him to be the first that should embrace the defence of Christendome since God had endowed him to that purpose with greatest power and command That for what concerned himself he would not be failing in any thing that lay in him nor in pouring forth prayers continually to God that he would look with the eyes of mercy upon our actions These were the endeavours used by the Pope to the Catholick King who listning thereunto with much benignity and attention seemed to be very much rejoyced thereat shewing a very good inclination to the common welfare and to put an high esteem upon the Pope's authority and advice But because the King was then in Cordua and was to expedite the affairs in the Courts of Castile he excused himself that he could not give a positive
answer to the particulars propounded by Torres in an expresse memoriall till he should come to Sivill Yet Torres soliciting his expedition with reiterated endeavours as he who knew nothing could be so prejudiciall to the businesse in hand as delaie nor nothing so helpfull as speedy resolution He got the King to promise him that he would give order that his Gallies and those of his stipendiarie and confederates which were about 75 to boot with those of Spain which by reason of the commotions in Granada were to tarry in those Seas should be all brought to the Island of Cicily with particular Commission to John Andrea Doria who had the command thereof to follow the Pope's commands touching the time and manner of joyning with the Venetian Gallies and to undertake the voyage and businesse of the Senate He likewise obtained orders to the Viceroyes of Naples and Cicily that they should furnish the Venetian Fleet with as much corn as they could conveniently spare out of those Kingdoms But as for the League he would not at that time determine any thing since the King said It would require mature consideration But soon after when he came to Sivill he resolved of his own free-will though it was thought he was perswaded to the contrary by many to send sufficient Commissions to Don Jovan di Zuinga who was then his Embassadour at Rome and to the two Cardinalls Gravelle and Pacecco to treat of the League and to conclude it it being thought fit 〈◊〉 viating the delaies and difficulties which the far distance of Countries might occasion in a businesse of such concernment that the whole Treaty should be reduced to the City of Rome The Venetian Senate had sent orders to their Embassadour Sigismonde de Cavalli their Embassadour at the Catholick Court to be aiding to Torres in his negotiations the King affirming that when he should know the Pope's proposalls finding him very well inclined to the common good he would willingly accept of his counsells and exhortations and would readily do whatsoever should be resolved of in Rome and established by the Pope's authority and by the consent of the Princes That he very well knew what the present mischief was and what the eminent dangers of Christendom That he would not be wanting in any thing which might remedy them and not onely to sustain the dignity and state of the Common-wealth but the reputation of the name of Christian. These endeavours wisely performed by Cavalli prevailed very much in bringing the King to put on this resolution and being severall times efficaciously reiterated by Lunardo Donato who at this time succeeded Cavilli they did help very much to keep the King in this good minde and to overcome many difficulties which were importunely promoted by many of his Counsellors and State Officers Donato having purchas'd much favour and reputation in the Court by his worth and grave Eloquence Torres having thus dispatcht his Commission in Spain that he might fully compleat the Pope's orders past suddenly into Portugall having first got Letters of recommendation for what he was to treat upon from Ioâ—e the Kings Mother who was then at Madrid Sebastian the first was at this time King of Portugall a youth of some seventeen years old religiously educated under Don Luigi Gonzabell a Jesuit one well esteemed for his integrity and of great Authority with the King wherefore the Pope promised himself all the assistance that could be expected from him for the service of Christendom He therefore desired that the ten Gallies which were continually kept arm'd in that Kingdom might passe along into these Seas together with those of the Catholick King and joyn with the Venetian Gallies But the King shewing great obsequy and reverence towards the Apostolick Sea and much desire to satisfie the Popes request in this so pious and profitable enterprise excused himself that his actions could not correspond with his inclinations for that his Gallies were for the most part disarm'd by reason of the Plague which had been the year before in Lisbon and that it was not possible for him to arm them so soon as that they might be fit for service that year so as Torres his journey into Portugall as to that point proved to no purpose But he began an other businesse with that King which was to procure the consummation of his Marriage with Margaret sister to the King of France which had long before been treated of but to no effect by the Catholick King But it hapned very unseasonably at this time that the Pope's power was not great with the Emperour by reason of his being offended with him for having granted a new title of great Duke of Tuscany to Cosmo de Medici Duke of Florence which being done not onely without Caesar's knowledge but as he said contrary to his will expresly signified by his Embassador then resident at Rome he thought his honour much concern'd therein and the Authority of the Empire so as being much scandalized thereat he in his Court declared this act of the Popes to be invalid and had already sent his Embassadors to Rome to protest the invalidity thereof unto the Pope Therefore the Pope minded the Venetians that they might do well to work the Emperour to be a friend herein which when he should declare himself so to be he the Pope would not be wanting to make him the more fervent therein by his exhortations and expresse Nuncio's At the same time therefore when the Treaty concerning this Confederacy was promoted at the Catholick Court Iovan Michiele the Venetian Embassadour an able man and very dexterous at the management of important affairs had given a beginning to the same at Caesar's Court He told the Emperour that now the occasion was given of doing that which he himselfe had often wisht for before and whereby he might safely assault the Turkish Territories on that side whilst they being busied at Sea would not have opportunity to relieve them That he was not therefore to wait till this War being ended and their Empire secured by their Sea-Forces the Turks might turn all their Forces to prejudice him from which danger how little safe he was by the League with the Turks and their plighted faith he might easily perceive by Selino's having broken peace with the Venetians and by his having violated his Oath for no other cause but that he would govern the whole world To which Caesar seeming to assent he readily answered He would not be wanting to his own good and to the good of Christendom but exhorted the Venetians to accept of and to prosecute this War with a constant and magnanimous resolution saying that their noble daring would make all other Christian Princes the more willing to assist and back them which they would never fail to do if the Venetians were not faulty to themselves For his own part they might promise themselves a ready resolution that he knew the Arch-Dukes his Brothers would be of the same
much incouraged to hold out by the love which those Inhabitants bore to the Common-wealth and by the scituation of the place which is naturally very strong For the Fort had but one front to defend which lay towards the south East which by reason of its hight was safe enough and was surrounded every where else by an unaccessible Rock â—â—ali being gone from Castel Rosso which is seated upon the head of Nigraponte after Sun-set came early the next morning before the Island of Tine where landing about 8000 foot he made them presently march towards the Town which was five miles from the shore hoping to take it by assault But the Governour who was alwaies vigilant discrying the Fleet before it came to the Island and indeavouring at one and the same time the safety of the Islanders and of the Fort gave the Islanders timely notice of the Enemies approach by shooting off of Guns so as they might get time enow to get within the Town and by them he might the better resist the assault which was made that very day and wherein the Enemy were repuls'd and much galled by the Artillery as they retreated in so much as they were forced to keep aloof off and quarter that night in the plain called St. Nicholas The next day landing some great Guns they intended to batter the Fort but finding by the scituation of the Place that that design would prove vain they incampt about it hoping that many men being gotten into the Town they might take it by siege Wherein having spent 12 days and solicited the Governour in vain by Letters containing both threats and great-rewards to surrender the Town and finding him still more resolute to defend himselfe they resolved to be gone having first ransackt the whole Country fired the farm Houses ruin'd the Churches and kild all the cattle This action purchas'd great praise to the Governour who was not at all daunted at the sight of such forces had valiantly sustain'd the assault and in so great commotions of War preserved that Island which lay in the very jaws of the Enemy and rendred this their first design vain The Turks leaving the Island of Tine went to Rhodes where having staid a while and designed what they would do they came to Fenica Hither were all the Souldiers brought which were to come aboord the Fleet which being altogether made above 200 Sayl whereof there was 150 Gallies and of the bigger sort some vessels for burthen one Gallyoune six Ships and a great number of lesser Vessels for carriage called by the Turks Caramusolini and about fifty Palandarie which are made like small Gallies but somewhat larger in the Poope and higher on the sides and much covered containing about a hundred Horse a peece The Turks parted with these forces from Fenica and steered their course towards Cyprus but because the actions of greatest importance in this War hapned in this Island the possession whereof was the cause of the War it will be worth the while to acquaint you with the State and most remarkable proprieties of this Country before we proceed to the Narration of what was there done The Island of Cyprus lies towards the Levant in the furthermost part of the Mediterranean which according to the severall Provinces which lye upon it hath severall names given it The Island looks on the East towards Soria with which if we will credit the testimony of the Ancients she did at first joyn in a Terra Ferma On the West lies Panfilia which is now called Sarmania On the South Aegypt and Caramania on the North which is the ancient Cilicia on which side this Island lies nearest the continent It is seven hundred miles in compasse extending it selfe about 200 miles in length East North-East towards the Levant but in the largest part it is not above seventy miles over It is of a very good Air being placed in the beginning of the fourth Climate under the ninth Parallel so as it produceth almost all things belonging to humane life in great abundance and perfection And though hardly the fifth part thereof he cultivated the half thereof lies every other year follow yet is it so fruitfull as it hath not onely wherewithall to supply the necessity of the Inhabitants but to serve Forrainers Besides Corn it yields much Sugar Cotton Saffron and many other things which are transported into forrain parts It abounds in Salt-pits which though they be now reduced to the third part of their former number yet as much pure white salt may be taken from thence every year as will load one hundred great ships It abounds also in severall sorts of Creatures excellently good nor doth it want Mines of the most pretious Mettalls By reason of this great plenty of all things it was anciently called Macaria as if Blessed which made the Poets fain that the goddesse Venus was born here and did delight to live here as in her proper 〈◊〉 Wherefore the Cyprians erected a famous Temple to her in the City of Paphos It was celebrated by antiquity as the seat of nine Kings having within it thirty Cities which though according to the custom of modern daies they be greater in number then reality yet there remains many worthy memorialls of their pristine grandeâ—sa and prosperity And there are yet seen the ruines of severall Cities as well Maritime as Inland which are wholly destroyed But at this time her chiefest Towns are Nicossia Famagosta Baffo Cerines and Limiso which latter two were onely reduced into any strength there not being any other place in the whole Island able to resist the Turks power though Cerines hath held out long formerly against lesser forces The Inhabitants of this country were so highly esteâ—â—ed for worth in war and for experience at sea as Alexander the great forbore to molest them with his Arms. And we read in modern Histories that they did many memorable acts in the businesse of the Holy Land and in Soria against the Infidells This Island was Tributary to the greatest Empires of the world for following the fortune of other Eastern people it became obedient to the Kings of Aegypt and to those of Persia and lastly to the Romans When the Roman Empire began to decline it was possest by the Sarasins which the Turks make use of at this time to shew they have some just pretence to this Island affirming that they found in their Hâ—stories that their fifth Captain of the Mahometan Religion after Mahomet had acquired and possest it and that there were the Sepulchers of many Musselmans which they could not suffer to remain in the power of those of another Religion But it was recovered from the Sarasins by the Christians in the year 1122. and joyned to the Kingdom of Jerusalem when they went to the taking of the Holy Land And after severall accidents being separated from thence it was governed for many years by Lords of its own under the protection of the Emperours of
your Princes desires but labour by all possible means to confirm them in this their good intention nay solicite and provoke them indeavouring that as their interests cannot be separated in respect of Religion nor State so neither may their Forces nor minds be divided but united together by the firm bonds of charity and common safety so as they may become a terrour to those enemies whom rather our own discords than any worth in them hath made to undervalue us But let us overcome our selves and our affections and we shall easily overcome others The Forces of these three Potentates being firmly united will be such and so many as we may promise thereby unto our selves noble and assured victories Besides we do not doubt but that our example will invite the Emperour and all other Christian Princes to partake with us not onely in our labours and expence but also in glory We will use our authority with them will pray admonish and solicite them to enter into this holy League and not to be wanting to their common safety honour and duty to the end that howsoever our conscience may tell us we have not failed in any thing in the discharge of that place whereunto God hath called us And if it shall be thought that our presence may further the businesse and that our authority and example may move others the imperfections of old age shall not detain us from willingly exposing our life to all danger and labour to whom nothing can be more welcome then to die for the glory of Christ and for the good of Christendome The Embassadours and the two Cardinalls seeming to be much affected with these words humbly thanked his Holinesse and promised to lend all their assistance with sincerity and diligence in so important and pious a businesse and which was so much desired by their Princes as well for their own particular interests as for the common good of Christendom But all these vvords though much magnified by all parties produced not answerable effects for every one minding their own ends as those differ'd so differ'd they in their opinions and the conclusion of the businesse was spun out to an unseasonable length wherein many months were spent in vain The Pope deputed five of the chiefest Cardinalls of the Court to intervene in the Treaty in the name of the Apostolick See Alexander the Popes nephew Morone Cesis Grassi and Aldobrandino with whom when the two Spanish Cardinalls and the Spanish and Venetian Embassadours begun to treat they presently met with many difficulties The Signory of Venice because all her Territories by Sea are first exposed to the violence of the Turks and because the League lessened not the expence of so many Garrisons in their so many Cities and Maritime places and did not secure their affairs but that they were to be at greater expence and danger being desirous to reap some advantage which might be ansvverable to so many inconveniences propounded things which tended to the abating of the Turkish power and to the destroying of their Fleet and to the bereaving them of some of their Dominions that for the future they might not fear their forces Which things though they might also bring advantage to the King of Spain yet was not the event so certain nor the profit so apparent and at hand Therefore the King's Commissioners thinking that if their King's Dominions were not more safe were yet further from danger proposed temporising and rather to wait for the advantage of time then to expose any thing to fortune They therefore endeavoured the making of a perpetuall League and upon such tearms as tended more to defend themselves then to offend the enemy by which League the Catholick King would have reaped much good for by being as he alwaies was at open wars with the Turks he made use of the credit and forces of his friends without drawing a new enemy upon himself and by encreasing his power much at sea and carrying the war far off he freed his Dominions from the expence of Garrisons and from being molested by the Turkish Fleets which things did not onely not put him to greater expence but which is but seldom seen war brought safety and advantage to him For to boot with the lessening of his ordinary expence in maintaining souldiers in so many maritime parts he reaped so much profit by the immunities granted him by the Pope which were now the greater by the new concession of the Croysado in the Indies as did largely supply the charge he was at in his Fleet for during the League the revenues of the Crown of Spain were encreased to about two thousand millions of gold These were the Kings thoughts which were nourished and fomented by divers of his State-Ministers chiefly by some of those with whom the Treaty of the League at Rome was entrusted for it was generally thought that their opinions corrupted the Kings good intentions and was the occasion of depriving Christendom of the good which men thought might have been expected upon this occasion had it not been for them And yet they themselves that were the raisers of so many difficulties propounded contrarieties And as if they had thought it nothing to abase the Turks power and to save themselves from the present danger began to propound other things whereby utterly to destroy the whole Mahometan Sect and all their Empires constantly affirming that this League was to be declared to be not onely against the Turks but generally against all Infidells intending thereby also to extirpate the Moors and the Ottaman Empire being overcome to proceed on to the King of Persia to the end that Christendom might be for ever secured from these barbarous Infidells The vanity of which proposition appearing too plainly they bounded that Article afterwards within narrower precincts and would have ill Siriffo or King of Barbary and the Moors and others depending upon the Turks to be named as enemies to the League But notwithstanding when any thing of action was propounded they appeared to be very backward they would not consent to what the Venetians desired to wit That the forces of the League should be intended to continue for at least two or three years and that they should be such as might be employed in the greatest enterprises of the Levant for the common advantage of the Colleagues Against which it was objected That Princes could make no certain resolution in things which depended upon the variety of severall accidents that therefore they were to inform themselves of the Turks preparations and designes and resolve accordingly upon the Leagues forces and what they should do every year in Rome Which being but a semblance of satisfaction was thought would really hinder or retard all good successe the chiefest time for action being thereby to be spent in disputes This intention of the King's Agents aiming too much at their own accommodation and at the prejudice of the common cause appeared yet more plainly in other things more
whilst vainly relying upon far distant and fallacious treaties of peace we will bereave our selves of the assistance of other mens forces and of our selves onely withstand the violence of such insolent enemies I must oppose what is propounded and speak my contrary opinion For I think it very pernicious to resolve upon nothing and to spend our time onely in speakingâ— for by so doing we shall at last be deprived of those helps which we have for some months past sought towards the conclusion of this League though the Colleagues were not unwilling to assist us Most illustrious Senators I finde that our mindes are rather altered by this deliberation then the condition of affairs Did not we know that we had to deal with a powerfull enemy when with such zeal and generall consent we resolved upon this war when we refused all treaty of agreement whereunto we were invited by the comming of the Chiaus and readily entertained the confederacy which the Pope offered us Were we not acquainted with the uncertainty of war and with the usuall difficulties met withall in the colleagueing of Princes Yet since we saw no trust could secure us from these barbarous Infidells whose power and ambition doth daily increase and that the delaying of war did not free us from danger but did rather encrease it for we hoped that the honesty and justice of our cause might at last after severall both good and bad adventures prevail and make us victorious since we intended by our dexterity and patience to purchase the good-will of other Princes and making them sensible that their interests were concerned in ours draw them to a reall and firm confederacy that the common cause might be agitated by joynt forces and advice It was these reasons and not chance that moved our Senate to take up Arms and to undergo the hasard and expence of war and to treat upon the speedy conclusion of the League And shall we now suffer the first unfortunate successe in war the first difficulties arising amongst the confederates as if all our generousnesse and constancy were past not onely cool our former fervour and make us forgoe our former resolves but so to bereave us of all counsell as involved in ambiguity we shall not know what to pitch upon which whilst we do not having neither peace nor league suffer all conditions to be uncertain every thing suspected and all businesses to go backward When if we shall duly consider things as they are in themselves uninvelloped in our own affections we shal find it evident what we are to do For all respects concur in prosecuting and in stipulating a speedy confederacy Advantage and Honour advise unto it our security is great and great the glory which we may hope for thereby And if there shall ever be a time to think upon this union certainly the occasion is now offered us not onely out of necessity to oppose the formidable greatnesse of the Turks but by reason of the opportunity we have now to do it Certainly this is the time since we finde all Princes not onely willing but in a posture of power to undertake it Who finds not an ardent zeal in the Pope of exalting Christianity Do not all the King of Spain 's actions shew how great a lover he is of peace how well content he is with what is his own and onely desirous to abase the Turkish power that they may not molest his Dominions nor disquiet his peace It cannot be denyed but that the Emperour is sufficiently desirous of glory and of recovering the Kingdom of Hungary whereof he is for the greatest part at this time deprived by these common enemies which he hath witnessed by his late taking up Arms against Soliman And if these do not readily satisfie our desires we may be sure the hinderance proceeds from necessity and not from want of good-will The Pope's Exchequer is exhausted he hath been forced to impose taxes upon the Ecclesiasticks to procure mony for this war nay by the contribution of Monks in our State wherefore he must proceed more reservedly in granting Tenths and other aids The King of Spain is so oppress'd by the burthen of governing so many Dominions as he must manage his affairs by the hands of severall Ministers and by the advice of many which sometimes retards maturity and is the reason why his intentions are not so easily made known nor produce not conâ—ormable effects so soon The Emperour hath not forces enough of himself and cannot dispose of the German forces without the consent of the Princes and Hans-towns therefore he is slow in resolving upon what both his words and reason shews he is willing to do But certainly the death of the Transilvanian is luckily hapned at this time which will necessitate Germany to take up Arms and to embrace this occasion unlesse she will suffer that Province to fall under the obedience of the Turks and thereby encrease her dangers These hinderances then which arise from usuall difficulties which are inseparable from such businesses nay from all weighty affairs ought not to beget difficulties or jealousies in us nor alienate us from the friendship of those Princes in whom we finde no ill towards us but rather many signes of good-wishes towards the welfare of our Common-wealth Whereunto if we were to be perswaded by no other reason nor arguments we cannot certainly fail if we measure the mindes of those Princes but by their own interests wherein how much the neerer they are concerned in this war and in our behalf we ought to rest the more assured that they will not abandon us and with us themselves Does not the Pope see that the ruine of this Common-wealth would draw along with it the ruine of all Christendom and that neither his Court nor he should be secure in Rome Does not the Catholick King know that if Candia Corfu and the other Islands be lost Cicily and Calabria will be the frontiers against the Turks that if the enemy grow stronger by the ruine of others his danger will be the greater and that by how much the forces of this Common-wealth are weakened the withstanding the Turkish Fleets will light the more heavy upon him The Emperour can never be sure to have his Dominions safe whilst he hath so potent a neighbour and must know that how much the later other Princes are in lending us their assistance and how much the lesse they shall be we shall be the sooner perswaded to accept of any agreement which will be nothing else but to afford time and convenience to this Common enemy to turn his Arms against Hungary and against the Empire Wherefore shall we then admit of doubts without reason and let slip those things which are in our own power to rely upon what depends upon the will of others and chiefly of those whom we have great reason to suspect by reason of their accustomed cunning and of their late deceits The conclusion of the League is certain the
earth they digg'd out very forwards there remained sufficient space between the ditch and the bank for the Souldiers to keep in making use of the earth that was thrown out as of a Parapet behind which they might with aim shoot at the walles These Ditches and these Rampiers were so many and so disposed of as the whole Army was safely lodged therein though very near the city being as it were buried between those Mountains of earth so as from the walls of the city nothing of the Enemies Camp could be seen but the tops of their Pavillions In the same plain the Turks made ten Forts standing at severall distances 50 foot broad in the front which were secured with rafters of Oak woven together so artificially and so strong as the middle being fill'd with earth with bundles cinders sacks of wool and such like things those Forts were made defensible against any thing that could prejudice them and if any of these works were at any time thrown downe by shot from the city the number of pioners was so great as they were speedily restored to their former condition so as for above halfe a miles space from the Arsenall to the Limison Gate the walls were plai'd upon by continuall shot These were the forces provisions and designs of the Enemy by which the defendants being made more industrious and vigilant prompted thereunto by their own gallantry and by the danger they were in the souldiers and citisens were not wanting in any thing that might make for the defence of the city Thus at first though they were not so many as might counterpoise the Assalliants forces they sallyed often out to skirmish with the Enemy and to disturb their works thereby to shew their generosity and to lessen the Enemies confidence They were very diligent in securing the Parapets in making in-works in making new Cavalliers and in mending the old ones and sparing neither for labour nor ingenuity there was not any hour wherein they were idle nor any day wherein they had not new inventions All the Artillery whereof some new ones were cast and so their number still increased were brought to that part of the wall where the battery was expected Luigi Martiningo as Captain-Generall of the Artillery had the particular care thereof who had six underneath him who commanded all the Cannonieres so as all things were very well ordered They prepared likewise many artificiall fires to be used in severall manners which being made by excellent Masters did very good service and that they might not fight at once against the Enemy and against their own inconveniencies they put all uselesse people out of the city to the number of above 8000 which not being any ways injured by the Turks went to their country houses and mustering the rest there were found to be 7000 men fit for action in the city 3500 Italian foot and the rest Grecians who behaved themselves with much valour and fidelity in these actions These were still incouraged to defend the city out of hopes of glory and ample rewards wherein as in all things else Marc Antonio Bragadino who was then Captain of Famagosta and chief Magistrate of the city was very diligent and won much praise and the danger increasing by the Enemies nearer approaches Bragadino sought to incourage the Souldiers Telling them the time was now come wherein they were to shew their true valour which he saw them for these many last months nobly prepared to do That no greater glory had hapned to any in this our age then what was novv prepared for them by preserving a Fort so far from all other parts of Christendom against the power of the Ottaman Empire nay by thereby keeping a flourishing Kingdom from being inslaved by Barbarians Wherefore said he are you most valiant Souldiers directing his speech to the Italians com from parts so far off exposing your selves to the certain inconveniencies and great dangers of long Navigation if not to give good proof of your worth and by your merits to purchase the prime honours of the Militia You have now met with that you so much desired you have a large field wherein to exercise your patience your industry and all military virtues This City being assaulted by powerfull enemies and the eyes of all the world being set upon the event of this siege Nor is my confidence lesse in you Citisens and in all the rest who have entred into this Militia who have given so good testimony not onely of fidelity and constancy but of true valour Having performed all military actions as well and readily now as ever did any ancient Souldiers Your generosity is such as will not suffer you to let any other advance you in the defence of your selves country wives children and estates every one of you will with a noble emulation seek to exceed other in pains-taking and in exposing your selves to danger Let not the number of the Enemy any whit affright you for certainly it is lesse then it is noysed to be or then their empty Pavillions cunningly make shew of the most and valliantest of them being wasted partly by sufferings and part of them being gone to their own homes to enjoy the wealth they got at the sacking of Nicossia the example whereof ought to make you more vigilant but not more fearfull For we are certain it was not the valour nor industry of the enemy which gave them the victory but the defendants negligence who thought as I believe that it was bare walls not bodies of men that went to the defence of a City The hopes we have of speedy relief may make even cowards valiant which notwithstanding none of you ought to consider that you may not thereby lessen your courage but rather place your hopes in your selves and believe that you carry your fortune in your right hands Thus ought all valiant men do whereunto you are perswaded by infinite examples where worth and fortitude of minde have overcome invincible difficulties But we have an other greater hope of safety and victory since we defend so just a cause against so wicked and perfidious enemies whom peradventure divine providence hath permitted to be prosperous hitherto that the fortune of war altering their fall may be the greater All humane and divine reason doth therefore perswade us to drive away all fear and to hope for good and happy successe from our own daring These words were accompanied with great acclamations and expressions of joy every one striving to shew confidence and encouraging others readily to undergo labour and danger and the commanders to encourage their souldiers not onely by words but by example having already excellently well ordered all the guards went themselves to lodge upon the walls at the foot of the rampier that they might be present at all actions and partake in labour and danger By this time half May was over and all things were ready prepared on all sides chiefly the souldiers mindes which were miraculously disposed as
been therein injured by whom alone as some of his followers sought to perswade him such justice should have been done But Colonna and others who were lovers of justice and who were much troubled that the most important businesse should be disturbed by so small occasions did labour to pacifiâ— Don Iohn shewing that there was no cause of offence given him that the place wherein the fault was committed was sufficient reason for him to punish it who commanded there That the Venetian Generall might use his authority in such particular affairs wherein the common interest was not concerned and that that time and that occasion did particularly require it to the end that Commanders might not be bereft of that obedience which was alwaies so usefull in War but most necessary there where there were souldiers of severall Nations and under Commanders of severall Dominions Wherewith though Iohn's anger was in a good part satisfied yet was he not altogether appeased insomuch as absolutely denying to treat of any thing with the Venetian Generall the most important businesses were negotiated by Commissary Baâ—berigo who with singular dexterity and wisdom sought to keep upon good tearms with the Spaniards which was then more necessary then ever the enemies Fleet was very strong and very near the businesse which they had in hand with all the League 's forces was of greatest importance So as continuing without more dispute in their first resolution of going to Cefaloma as soon as the winde should serve they pursued their voyage and passing on the 4th of October by the Channell of Viscardo on the 5th the Fleet went to the vale of Alessandria where many ruines of the antient city of Samos are yet to be seen Here by the relation of Gita ' Andrea of Iovan Battista Contarini and by Letters from Paolo Contarini Commissary of Zante the same things were confirmed which they had formerly heard of the Turkish Fleet and chiefly of Uluzzali's being gone though his voyage was diversly spoken of some saying that he was gone with fifty Gallies to Modene and others that he was gone with somewhat a lesser number to Barbary Wherefore all of them being of opinion that they were fully informed of the enemies forces and of their condition and that they might hope to finde them in the Gulph of Lepanto and fight them upon advantagious terms the Venetians met together to consult what was to be done On the one side they were very desirous to fight and had great hopes of victory on the other side they were very doubtfull what to do and feared much any good successe by reason of the Spaniards various and uncertain proceedings so as they knew not well what resolution to take By saying nothing they did not onely give over their hopes of good successe but suffered their Fleet to be exposed to great danger by reason of the enemies being so near and they were debar'd advising thereupon according as the importancy of the newes and the businesse required by reason of the Commander's simulation In this ambiguity they resolved to send Colonna and Commissary Barbarigo upon the occasion of the newes which they had received to Don Iohn and that without mentioning any fighting they should endeavour to perswade him to continue his first resolution of advancing and to think onely of doing what was already resolved on without any further consultation Yet some proposed the enterprise of S ta Maura and other things but much difficulty was found in them all Wherefore the next night the Fleet went from the Haven of Alessandria and steering towards the Gulph of Lepanto came to the Cutzolary Rocks the next morning by Sun-rising which was on the seventh of October At the same time the enemy hearing by Caracoza that the Christians Fleet came forward and was badly provided of men Alâ— were it either that he had received such expresse orders from Selino or that aspiring after glory being thereunto egg'd on by the Trophies which the other Bashaw had wone by land-enterprises which made him desirous to do some notable action by sea prepared to go out of the Gulph of Lepanto and to meet the Colleagues Fleet with intention to fight them promising unto himself a glorious victory And yet being desirous to have the opinions of the chief Commanders therein he found some doubtfull and others of a clean contrary sense Pertau as being of chief authority and knowing himself out of emulation of glory to be more subject to suspicion did neither give his free consent nor openly contradict it But Siloco Sangiacco of Alessandria an aged man and of great experience at Sea disswading from the proposall laboured to prove that this advice was full of danger and that the advisers thereunto might be the more subject to blame for that such a resolution would not onely be taken without necessity but unseasonably and without reason Our arms said he have hitherto been victorious we have ruined many of the Enemies Islands taken so much booty brought away so many 〈◊〉 and taken two Towns in Albania opportuvely seated whereby we have much increased the Ottaman Empire nor was it to be esteemed lesse boldly done to have advanc'd so far and approached with their Gallies so near the lery city of Venice and scorning the so great preparations of the Enemies Fleet to have withdrawn their forces to the defence of their own shores and made the memory of that expedition perpetually glorious What greater prosperity what greater renown could be now expected That some bounds were to be put to the desire of glory and Empire and that they ought not so often and at th time tempt nay tire fortune which never smiles long upon any body especially in affairs of War that they had made war with the Venetians for the getting of Cyprus which was succesfully by force of Arms now reduced under the Ottaman Empire so as the cause of that war was now decided VVhat should now make them hazard the dubious event of battelâ— and not onely afford those Enemies a means but even force them to fight whom if they the Turks knew how to make use of the present occasions they might without unsheathing a sword force to return with shame home to their own Havens for want of bread leaving them the effect of victory gotten without any hazard so as being confounded and amazed by so many bad successes they would not hereafter dare to agree in joyning so many forces together as now they had done wherein that they had done their utmost might be witnessed by their so long delay of putting out together to Sea and by their unwanted boldnesse of advancing so far knowing that they had so great a Fleet as might counterpoise their Enemies therefore it would be much more wisely done to keep within that Haven where they were defended by two Forts and had good store of Victualls and all other conveniencies and where the enemy durst not approach them that those things were truly advantagious
Turkish Fleet and by hindring the Turks further progresse they were very reserved in falling upon any other undertakings lest if they should prove prosperous the Venetians power and reputation might grow too immoderate whereby the Spanish Fleet might meet with another weighty counterpoise and greater then peradventure might be thought convenient for the safety of the territories which the King of Spain was Master of in Italy Nor wanted there those that said the Grandees of Spain did envy Iohn's glory and that therefore they had held forth his too great Grandezza to the King of Spain as a thing that might cause trouble and danger to his Dominions But what the true cause of these proceedings was is unknown for the Spaniards were so close in concealing their counsells as without appearing alienated from having the Fleets meet or from the enterprises of the Levant for fear of the French or out of any other respect they still affirmed the contrary giving daily hopes that they would go to Corfu which they were very crafty in doing for they knew very well that if the Venetians should have any the least suspition of being abandoned by the Colleagues they would be forced to come to some agreement with the Turks which for some other respects would be inconvenient for the Spaniards for then they must of themselves alone withstand the forces of so great a Potentate against whom they had alwaies profest enmity Thus and for these reasons did not the Spaniards discover their intrinsicall thoughts but finding sometimes one cause of delay sometimes another spun on time without doing any thing At this time did Pope Pius Quintus die which caused a generall grief being taken away very unseasonably when Christendom was was in so great need for he being a sanctified man and very zealous of the common good and consequently of great authority and reverence with all Christian Princes was held by all to be an excellent means of keeping up the League and of encreasing the power and reputation thereof giving also great hopes of making way for some notable acquisition by the Christians and for the suppressing of the barbarous Infidells As soon as his death was heard of the Venetian Senate wrote suddenly to the Colledge of Cardinalls praying them that they would not suffer the affairs of the League to slacken wherein the late Pope had been so zealous since any the least protraction might prove very prejudiciall and might hinder the happy proceedings against the enemy They were all of them very well minded to pursue the war and that they might proceed the more resolutely the employment was presently confirmed to those very Cardinalls who were formerly deputed by Pius Quintus to negotiate the affairs belonging to the League who were very diligent in ordering all things necessary But the interâ—all of Popedom was but very short for the Consistory of Cardinalls meeting they the very first day chose Hugo Buoncompagno Cardinall of San â—esto Pope who took upon him the name of Gregory the 13th a Bulligonesse by Nation a Doctor of Law who had lived long in the Court of Rome and was held to be a just man but of a soure and austere nature well minded but meanly witted and not much experienced in managing of State-affairs This election was much favoured by the Spaniards and particularly by Cardinall â—ranville were it either that Hugo whilst he was Legaâ— in Spain had won the Kings favour by his integrity or else as some others said because he was known then to be so moderate a man as that it was thought when he should be Pope he would prove such a Prince as in many respects would make for the advantage of the Catholick King particularly for the safety and preservation of his territories in Italy Pope Pius Quintus his death brought great disturbances to the uniting of the Fleets though Gregory as soon as he was crowned confirmed the League in the same manner as his Predecessor had done For Don Ioâ—n who sought to protract time began more to scruple his departure considering that he could not of himself resolve to move with his Fleet any where unlesse he should receive new orders from Spain which he notwithstanding giving hopes should be suddainly had according to the common desire was the reason why the Venetian forces did as yet nothing and continuing still the same course he according as he thought time required his answer did continually inâ—imate his suddain departure affirming it so particularly as that he writ to Generall Foscherini he stayed onely from comming to Corfu in expectation of the Duke of Sessa who if he should not come all the sooner he would assuredly come away without him Nay he blamed Colonna's counsell who expecting some few gallies from Florence did so long delay his comming to joyne with them The Senate had commanded Generall Foscherini to wait for the comming of the Spanish gallies and not to attempt any thing nor to employ those his forces in any enterprise whereby the common concernment and further progresse might be retarded But the Venetians being desirous that their Forces might be somewhere felt by the Enemy resolved to attempt Castel Nuovo Sâ—iâ—rra Martiningo being the chiefe adviser thereunto who having been the preceding year at Catarro and having had opportunity to inform himselfe well propounded it as a thing easie to be done This man was born in Bressia of a noble Family though illegitimaâ—ely and being banisht upon occasion of private enmities had been long in the French Wars where he had won much repute for military valour And upon occasion of this War he had noâ— onely obtained a safe conduct but was made as it is said Generall Governour of Albania every one conceiving well of him His advice being imbraced and his speeches believed all things werâ— provided which he desired as necessary for this action The taking of Castel Nuovo was very much desired by the Venetians not out of meer consideration of the thing it selfe it being a little Town of no great circuit not very strong nor well inhabited but for the many advantages which might be had thereby For it stands almost in the mouth of the Gulph of Catarro near whereunto the land thrusts out and streightens the Channel so as they who are the possessors thereof may hinder any from passing further into the Gulph which winding towards the Levant makes an other great Creek which is safe from storms wherein any Fleet how numerous soever may upon any occasion ride safely and in the utmost part thereof stands the City of Catarro which cannot be by any other way supply'd with Garrisons Victualls or any other necessaries it being invironed every where on the Lands side by the Turkish Territories Sciarra having imbarkt himselfe at Chioggia with 5000 foot whereof many were French gallant men and very well disciplin'd went with great expectation of success towards the Gulph of Catarro bringing orders with him to Generall Veniero from the Councill of
Vicenzo Tuttavilla having the command of the souldiers With these and with the gallies of the Church which were 13 in number 11 of them belonging to the Duke of Florence and 2 to Michale Bonello brother to Cardinal Alessandrino did Commissary Soranzâ— return to Corfu the whole Fleet comming along in company to the Straits of Messina from whence Don Iohn past to Paâ—ermo and when they were parted Mark Antonio Colonna set up the Standard of the League supplying the place of Generall thereof â—â—is the Spaniards resolution being published every one firmly believed that the enterprise of the Levant would be no further proceeded in this year by all the forces of the League And the Spanish Embassadour at Rome did already say that the affairs in Flanders could not be setled time enough for the going of the Fleet into the Levant and that therefore the King would turn his forces into Africa that they might not be altogether idle and to case Cicily of them for a while This opinion was the rather believed by reason of many things that hapned and especially for that much provision was made upon the Spanish coasts for refreshing the Fleet and because it was known for certain that Muley Assam King of Tunis was willingly listned unto who then was with Don Iohn and affirmed that those people were very well disposed towards the Crown of Spain and were ready to rise and put themselves under his subjection if they should finde any forces to back their rebellion This the Fleets suspension afforded subject for severall discourses some said That the King in making this League had respect to his own peculiar interests since otherwise he could not have obtained from the now present Pope the confirmation of what was granted him by Pius Quartus of raising monies from the Ecclesiastick goods for which he was bound to keep 100 gallies to guard those seas and that moreover he was perswaded thereunto out of other weighty considerations For if the Venetians onely were to withstand the Turkish forces and should peradventure make any acquisition they would get so much reputation at sea as they might 〈◊〉 with him for power and on the other side if they should fare ill and should suffer in their Dominions the Turks power would be so much the more encreased and become infinitely formidable And then again if the Venetians should fail in their hopes of such assistance it might be believed they would easily give way to some agreement and so those forces which were prepared against them might be turned Westward upon the Kings Dominions That therefore having taken upon him the common cause upon these reasons and bound himself out of these respects to maintain it he could not with any justice turn those forces to his own private and which were before obliged to the common service of the League That the wâ—â—s of Flanders was not any thing of new whereby the King should put on such a resolution for that war was already begun when the League was stipulated Nor were there even then wanting suspitions of commotions in France for the Agreement being made being made between the King of France and the King of Navar and the Admirall there was reason to believe that the French who are naturally lovers of novelties and who were then long verst in Arms would not keep quiet but would betake themselves thither where they should finde best opportunity to make war Thâ—â— it was very clear that by the conventions of the League each Confederate might of right claim interest in the forces of the rest upon requiring observance of the Articles agreed upon That before the League it was in the Kings power to employ those assistances where and when be pleased but since he had freely of his own will bound himself to limited time and forces he could not regulate them according to his own occasions 〈◊〉 alter them without the Confederates consent Others affirmed the contrary that the Catholick King had abundantly discharged the duty of a Christian Prince and of a friend to the Common-wealth of Venice since unobliged thereunto he had readily assisted the first year of this war with all the sea-forces he was then master of the common service of Christendom to the particular advantage of Venice That it waâ— in his choice whether he would engage himself in this war or no not being thereunto enforc'd by necessity or at least that being unlimited either in point of time or forces he might have governed himself according to his own peculiar interests That notwithstanding he would engage himself with the League to make the Confederates confide the more in him and that they might have the better foundations for designing their enterprises which they were to make against the enemy That this had been the cause of very great good since the Colleagues forces being fastned together by this bond and to the same end had gotten so great and so famous a victory over the Turks That since the Kings interests were not like those of the Venetians it was to be highly valued that he would suffer the Fleet to run the same hasâ—â—ds That iâ— ought not to be wondered at if the King having had so great a shaâ—e in this victory should endeavour to reap some particular advantage thereby by sending his Fleet now that he had bereft the enemy of their power at sea and that he might safely do it to the enterprises of Barbary which were specified in the Articles of the League and which were so much desired by his poeple to bereave the Pirats of their receptacles from which the Spanish Seas could by no other meanes be secured That it was much more lawfull for him to make use of his own Forces for the defence of his peculiar affairs at a time when his Confederates the Venetians were in a great part free from being offended by the enemy What reason what wisdome was there that he should abandon his own Dominions to assault those of other men and to suffer the like or greater dangers increase at home that he might carry them to the Enemies That it was true the Wars of Flanders was no new thing but that the accidents were new which forc'd the King to think upon the preservation of those Countries wherein disorders were multiplyed and the Enemies Forces increased These and such like things were alleadged according to the variety of mens judgements and much more of their affections but to the end that the cause of a businesse of such importancy whereby the hopes of much good to Christendom were interrupted may be made known it will not be far from our purpose that we acquaint you a little more particularly with the present condition of affairs and with the occasions of jealousies which arose between the two most powerfull Kings of France and Spain in a very unseasonable time In the very beginning of this year the Town of Mons in Flanders vvas lost and not long after Count Nassaw
times and upon whatsoever events before any other Friendship which might be propounded to them but also if occasion should require be as ready for their service to undertake new enmities that the condition of times had often caused an interruption of their offices of good will which was not notwithstanding irradicated out of their minds And that though the Embassadours should find a ready willingness in the King concerning the Affairs of Italy and of the Common-wealths Interests they would not notwithstanding forbear to make use of publick authority to exhort him to come as soon as might be into Italy promising him that the Venetian assistance should be such and so ready as it was not to be doubted but that being joynd with his Forces they might break the Forces of the common Enemies and taking from them that which they had injuriously possessed reduce such things under the Dominion of the King of France and of the Venetian Common-wealth as did belong to each of them The Embassadours were enjoyn'd to perform the like offices with the King of England that there had always many good offices been mutually observed between the Kings of England and the Common-wealth that they were confident that Henry would carry himself so as they shewed not need to desire any farther demonstration of Love from him but that he would of himself do whatsoever he knew might make for the good of the Common-wealth But that they should chiefly entreat him to endeavour the increase of the King of France his affection towards the Common-wealth and by his exhortations incite him to send his Forces away immediately into Italy to their succour whereby great glory would redound unto his name This was that which was given in charge to the Embassadours But whilst they were upon their way King Lewis fell sick and dyed It was thought that his death would have caused great alteration of Affairs The Embassadours were not recalled but commanded to go on and for what concern'd their Embassie they were to expect new commissions from the Senate King Lewis afforded the Common-wealth of Venice occasion of proving various successes of Fortune His Friendship was useful to them at the beginning for they made good advantage of his asistance to revenge the Injuries done them by Lodowick Sforza so as she got Cremona a great and rich City and for a while the favour and friendship of so great a King seemed to win the Common-wealth no small credit with other Princes but afterwards when not to part from the Friendship of the French the Venetians took up Arms against the Emperour Maximillian they fell into great troubles and dangers Moreover Lewis was the first Authour and Driver on of the League of Cambray which was cause of great ruine to the Common-wealth as may be partly known by what you have already heard Lastly he who had plotted so great mischiefs against the Common-wealth re-assuming his first affection towards her began to desire and to endeavour her exaltation and did at this time use all the means he could to make her return to her former Power and Honour And certainly the Common-wealths recovery of her State in Terra firma afterwards by the asistance of the French must be chiefly attributed to Lewis who did use the same various and uncertain Proceedings all his life time so as he made others by reason of his inconstancy make trial of Fortune several times so did not he neither continue stedfast either in prosperous or adverse fortune nor did he long make trial of the same luck All humane Affairs are for the most govern'd by such mutual alterations The End of the Second Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK III. THE CONTENTS FRancis Duke of Angolema is declared King of France He is well minded towards the Common-wealth which send Embassadours to him their Proposals to the King They go from thence to England Pasqualio sent to the Duke of Burgony Martin Georgio Embassadour at Rome The Pope cannot be reduced from his obstina y by the new Venetian Embassadours The King of France prepares for War he goes to Lyons The Switzers differences are adjusted by the Emperour and Ferdinand the Pope enters into League with Cesar. Embassadours sent by the King of Poland to the Senate The French enter Italy Alviano recovers Lodi The Armies are described Sedunense his Oration to incourage his men to Battle Colonna taken Prisoner A bickering between the French and Switzers before Millan The business succeeds well at last on the French behalf by Alviano's succour The number of the dead and the Victory uncertain Millan is in the French mens hands Sforza surrenders the Castle and himself The Kings Entry into Millan Alviano attempts the taking of Brescia and dyes there Giovan Giacomo Trivulcio succeeds Alviano The Spaniards defend Brescia stoutly The Venetians recover Peschiera and other Towns The Bastard of Savoy joyns with the Venetian Army departs from the Camp Pietro Navarro serves the Venetians he endeavours to take Brescia but in vain The Pope and King of France speak together at Bologno Brescia is relieved by Roncandolfo Wherefore the Venetians retreat from thence Trivulcio being distasted leaves the Army Theadoro Trivulcio succeeds him The King returns to France Andrea Trevisano near Barbone The Pope endeavours to alienate the Venetians from the French but fails therein New Wars made by Cesar by the King of England and by the Pope Cesar prepares to enter Italy The Venetians recall the French and take 8000 Switzers into pay Cesar attempts to take Asola but fails therein the French being afraid to retreat to Millan and are incouraged by Gritti Cesars Army is dissolved Brescia returns under the Venetian Government Lotreco betakes himself slowly to the Enterprize of Verona He retreats at last and is distasted by the Senate who are jealous of his Actions The King of France and Duke of Burgony meet at Brussels Divers difficulties which arise there an agreement is made at last by which Verona returns to be under the Venetians THeir time of rejoycing for the death of King Lewis who were troubled at the power of the French in Italy lasted but a little but the Venetians hopes began quickly to revive who desired the return of that Nation into Italy to reduce their Affairs to a better condition who were likely to have suffer'd longer by the late Kings death for Prince Francis Duke of Angulesne to whom by their ancient rights of that Kingdom he being descended of the House of the Capets and the nearest a Kin to the late King the succession did belong was declared King of France He being young and of an eager Spirit of a lively and ready wit greatly desirous of War and all things fitting for War being ready and prepared by King Lewis every one thought that the new King who suddenly had his eye upon Millan and wanted not Forces to assault it would forthwith send a powerful army to that purpose beyond the Mountains and
said King not to offend one another nor to assist or favour either others enemies whereby some hopes of Peace was commenc'd and moreover the Venetians agreed to renew their former interrupted confederacy with the King but with a particular condition of not being bound to assist him in this present business These things being privately concluded the Senate excusing themselves for not making their men advance answered the Emperour's Agents who still prest for a resolution That they could not disobey the Pope the rather for that it was hoped Peace would ensue thereupon whereof the Pope with Cesar's consent had begun to Treat they therefore would not interrupt it by fomenting the War or occasioning the prolongation thereof The agreement being thus established the King sent Monsieur di Ron Cafore to congratulate the concluded League and to testifie his continual good will towards the Commonwealth though through the malignity of times and through various accidents their friendships had been interrupted He exhorted the Senate not to trust the Imperialists and promised that he would never forego the Common-wealths friendship He afterwards desired that this League which was privately concluded should be presently published wherein he found the Venetians of the same opinion thinking it would be a means that when the Imperialists should know those Forces were now against them which they hoped would have helped them to make them quit the possession of that Dukedom which they knew they could not keep and so come to some agreement whereas on the contrary nourishing themselves with hope of being assisted by the Venetians they would continue making provision for war and growing in time stronger it would be harder to come to any agreement afterwards But the Pope advised the contrary alledging That it was fit this confederacy should be kept secret to the end of reducing the Imperialists to greater necessity and danger which they would be when the French should be past over the Po as they said they would do promising that they would pass back again whensoever the Pope should please but he was forc'd almost to discover it being to grant passage to the Duke of Albenyes men who was sent as hath been said by the King of France into the Kingdom of Naples Wherefore the Pope seeming as if the Duke had violently usurped licence to pass with his men thorow the State of the Church and Tuscany and that he was wholly minded to stand a Neuter and to endeavour a general Peace He began to proceed with protestations admonishing both the Princes to lay down Arms and to put whatsoever either of them was possessed of in the State of Milan into his hands that so they might come to make a firm Peace wherefore the Imperialists growing jealous that the Pope had agreed secretly with the King of France as indeed he had and might seek to bring over the Venetians also to the French party they offered the Senate to refer the investing of Francisco Sfâ—rza to them and the pitching upon what sum of money the Duke should pay unto the Imperialists for it which the Venetians refused to do saying That such a decision did not belong unto them but to the Pope There were many things which past at the same time between the Imperialists and the King of England to move him to make War the next year against the King of France to the which purpose the Cavalier Cassal was come to the Imperial Camp which made the Imperialists more fervent in their own defence for that they hoped the King of France being molested in his own Kingdoms might be forced to pass speedily back again over the mountains to defend his own affairs the convention made between him and the Pope and the Venetians being not yet published For the news being confirmed of great preparations made by the King of England which was thought would make the French turn their forces elsewhere the Venetians did not much minde the divulging of it But the event of the business of Lombardy and of all those councels was finally to depend upon the success of Pavia the Siege whereof continued longer then was expected whereat the Pope and the Venetians were exceedingly troubled not so much for that the length thereof did much defacilitate the good end of the business as that they feared the French Commanders impatient of so long delay might perswade the King to come to a day of Battel with the Enemy whereby together with that Army the safety of their States and of the Liberty of all Italy would be put to the arbitriment of Fortune and Italy having no other means of making opposition would be left in prey to the Imperialists if they should prove victorious Whereat the Venetian Senate being troubled they did very much solicite Ronchfancora laying before him that the interest of the Confederates and the Kings own safety and glory and victory did wholly consist not in hazarding any thing but in making good use of time and of his enemies disorders and wants The like desires the Pope made likewise known to Alberto da Carpi Embassadour at Rome and did also send an express messenger with the same desires to the Camp But all these endeavours did but little good the King shewing himself every day more and more resolved not to rise from before Pavia but rather if the Enemy should draw nearer come unto a Battel whereby he was unnecessitated to hazard his own fortune and the like of his confederates which were all exposed to danger Wherefore the Pope the Venetians and Florentines resolveâ— to joyn in a defensive League for the preservation of their own States being to this purpose to take ten thousand Switzers into pay upon the common expence and each of them to encrease their own forces as much as they could which things whilst they were slowly and with various resolutions discuss'd the rout of the French Army ensued together with the death of many of the chief Lords of the Kingdom and the imprisonment of the Kings own person The Cesarians were come from Lodi to relieve Pavia which was reduced to a great scarcity of all things they being gotten to be strong enough and for Foot almost equal to the French Army though far inferiour to them in Horse and drawing near to the French Camp they forced the King either to suffer them to relieve Pavia or to come to a day of Battel the thing which they desired that they might put their desperate affairs to the utmost tryal and fortune favouring their forwardness they had the opportunity of assaulting the King in the Park where he contrary to the opinion of his best experienced Commanders would needs stay So as the French not being able to come into the field till it was too late nor to make use of their Horse wherein they did exceed the enemy the whole Army was routed and put to flight and the King taken Prisoner Monsieur d'Alanson only escaping with the Reer This so great and
signall Victory gotten by the Imperialists against the French was cause of much trouble to the Venetians knowing that a heavy load lay upon them for the Counterpoise of the French failing and all the other Princes of Italy being weak and full of Terrour by reason of this so mighty success they were almost of themselves alone to defend the liberty of Italy against the power of Cesar which was increased greatly by this his late good fortune nor could they hope that he would contain his Forces within the Confines of the State of Milan it was rather to be believed that his Army pursuing the victory would enter into the neighbouring States whereunto their being so unprovided to make any stout resistance might very well invite the Imperial commanders The Venetian Forces were onely of some consideration for they had 1000 Curassiers 600 Light-horse and 10000 foot they therefore resolved to make use of these forces and to increase them and to exhort the rest of the Princes of Italy to do the like and to arm themselves so strongly as they could But their chief study and care was to joyn themselves with the Pope for they believed that all the Potentates of Italy would finally depend upon his Authority and that there might be thereby some hopes of good They therefore solicited the Pope often Shewing him into what great dangers Italy was brought which if they should not receive some sudden and powerfull remedy they would increase so fast as all labour and industry and expence to prevent eminent ruine would be in vain That Cesar 's actions did clearly shew what his thoughts and intentions were since he had not assigned over the Dukedome of Milan to Francisco Sforza as by his Confederacy he was bound to do but that having defeated the French Army so as there was now no more fear of any enemy he did notwithstanding keep his souldiers still in that State placed Garrisons in the Cities and would have all things done by his authority and in his name and that certainly Cesar had so fair a way opened unto him of making himself master of Italy if the Italians would stand idle and leave their affairs to the discretion of others as one that were never so moderate having so fair an occasion could not abstain from turning his thoughts and Forces upon the taking of Territories so ill defended and that in such a case the State belonging to the Church would be no freer from offence then the like of their Commonwealth but would rather be in more danger because her weakness did the more expose her to injuries Nor did such thoughts and actions as these want several appearances of a fair collour far war Chiefly by reason of the League made by the Pope with the French which being come to the knowledg of the Imperialists they seemed to be more troubled thereat because it was made contrary to their opinion or sense they put him in mind that it became not a wise Prince to think upon giving satisfaction when he was able to take up armes and to depend upon himself and his own Forces and that truly the most expert men thought it a more easie thing far the Italian Princes to joyn together and being joyned to defend themselves against the Emperours Forces if the Pope would declare himself to be head and authour of such an Union For the Florentines were alwayes at his command and had now particularly signified their will and readiness to defend themselves by Francesco Vettori whom they had sent to Rome to that purpose thereby to invite him to take upon him the common defence That the Duke of Ferrara would be ready to do the like in consideration of his own State and to free himself from the contumacy which he was run into with the Church whereof he had already given sufficient signes he having sent an express messenger to Rome presently after the defeat of the French to offer the Pope 250 Curassiers 400 Light-horse and all his other Forces for the defence of the Apostolick Sea and for the welfare of Italy That the other lesser Princes could not nor would not sever themselves from the authority and from joyning with the forenamed with whose joint forces the Duke of Urbane did promise to defend all their States That it was to be considered the Cesarians wanted money and that the souldiers chiefly the Dutch being much behinde hand for pay â—ere readier to mutinie and to return home then to fall upon any other Enterprise without being paid their Arrears That the State of Milan was totally exhausted and unpeopled That the name of a Spanyard Emperour's Army was already much diminished and to conclude That part of his men were sent from Lombardy to resist the Duke of Albany These things though they were very punctually represented by the Venetians and diligently listned unto by the Pope yet were they not able to infuse any hope into him or to keep him from precipitating into an agreement and from thinking of securing his affairs rather unworthily by receiving any whatsoever condition from the Conquerours then by his own forces and by the aid of other Princes and Confederates so as without so much as expecting Cesar's will or any orders from him he had begun new Treaties with the Viceroy being hereunto induced by an immoderate fear that the Emperours army should be necessitated to pass thorough the state of the Church or else thorough Tuscany and to bring either the one or the other and peradventure both of them into great trouble and danger The Viceroy listned willingly to the Treaty of agreement promoted by the Pope knowing that peace and union with him did greatly concern confirming the Victory and freeing the Army of many necessities which it then suffered under whose Authority being as he believed to be followed by the other Princes of Italy the State that was won would be secured for the future from the French Forces who could not hope to do any good in Italy without the assistance of some Italian Prince These considerations being discovered by the Ventians who knew that such a security would at last cause more danger to them and could not notwithstanding keep the Pope from making this Agreement they proceeded slowly in their Councels not making the Imperialists dispair nor yet joyning in any streighter friendship or confederacy with them but they perswaded the Pope that to the end he might be provided for all events in case the agreement should not be made good he should forthwith send Monsignor Verulano who was long before destin'd thether into Switzerland to make 1000 Switzers come in presently to the defence of the Liberty of Italy the nation being greatly ambitious of the name of Liberty and that he should with the like diligence dispatch away a Nuntio to England whether the Common-wealth would at the same time send Lorenzo Orio whom they had chosen for their Embassadour to negotiate with the King thereof who was in great esteem