be seen at Geneva an Inscription of Marc. Aurelius which gives some credit to our first conjecture for Heliogabalus reigned so little a while and behaved himself so unworthily and cruelly that this alone is sufficient to carry us off from believing he had the least thought to become Benefactor to a City for which he had not any kindness The Annual Manuscripts of Geneve which are not very old and the Author call'd the Citizen relate that when Aurelian had conquered Tetricus he re-built Geneva and Orleans to which he gave the name of Aureliana but after his death the former of these Cities took again its name of Geneva But all this is uncertain being not founded on the testimony of any ancient Author Sabellicus is perhaps the first who hath brought it to light in these last Ages There are some sayes he who assert that Geneva was then built by Aurelian during the War with the Gaules he means re-built 'T is added likewise that this Emperour granted to Geneva several neighbouring Lordships Fairs and Priviledges which made it famous and occasioned its being called Emporium Allobrogum But of all the Gifts the Romans bestowed on them I find none more remarkable or advantageous than that of a Roman Lord named Lucius Julius Brocchus which I read in a neat Inscription which Mr. Godefrey caused to be brought into his House from the Channon's Street In my opinion it is the curiousest Monument of Antiquity to be seen in this City and which deserves to be kept as the greatest treasure in the Common Hall. Guichenon mentions it in his History of Savoy but carelesly according to his manner The Scituation of Geneva in former times and before the coming of our Saviour and in the following Ages was as we shall describe it Its Walls reach'd no higher than the height of the little Hill on which S. Peter's and other Streets are built they were triangular after the same manner as the City The Gate of the Castle above the Borough de Four which was one of the Gates of the City made one point of this Triangle The second Corner was where hath since been built the Bishop's Palace and the third was on the highest part of the City near the Buildings which were called heretofore Boyaus Tower. So that the circuit of the Walls was from the Gates of the Castle and reach'd behind S. Peter's Church very near the foundations and so went thorough Perron's Street where 't is likely there was a Gate to come down to the Lake from thence it reach'd the length of the Channon's Gardens where there still remain some marks in the ruines and going through the Pelisserie they extend to that place which they call the City corner where may yet be seen the ruines of a Gate from whence it appears that the Wall was as high as that Hill which reach'd to the Castle Gate and was of the same height with those Houses at this day to be seen where the large Palace stood And in effect the ancient Buildings in that part of the City have Walls in thickness equal to most Cities There might likewise probably be a Gate on the Walk leading to the large Palace The Castle Gate was so call'd because through it was the ready way to the Castle of Gaillard the usual Dwelling-house of the Earls of Geneva The Borough of Four in ancient times was only the Suburbs which in the Language of Savoy were call'd Borg de Feur which is to say an Outward Borough from whence hath remain'd to it the Name of Bourg de Four. The low Streets which are now call'd Les Rivieres because they were near the Bank of the Lake and the adjacent parts of S. Magdalene and the lowest places of the City were not then as now in the Heart of the Town and the Buildings afterwards raised were alwayes heretofore accounted but as Suburbs Since that time the City hath enlarged it self and there is still to be seen near Longemale a great Arch called the Ivory Arch not that the Gate was Ivory as some have imagined but because it was the Gate which led to Yvoire which is a Borough three Leagues distant from Geneva on the Lakes Bank on the side of Chablais The Suburb of S. Victor which was on the same side with de Rive was demolished in the time of the Wars with Savoy and Fortifications raised in its stead THE HISTORY OF THE CITY and STATE OF GENEVA BOOK II. From the Birth of our Saviour to the Year 1536. THE time when first Geneva received the Christian Faith hath been hitherto no less uncertain than the Original of that City Observe here what the ancient Chronological Manuscripts written sixscore years since do tell us Whilst the people of Geneva say they were wholly addicted to Heathenish Superstitions our Saviour desirous of their Conversion sent thither first Nazarius S. Peter's Disciple who converted amongst others a young man a Genevois named Celsus who was baptized and sealed with his Blood the testimony of the Gospel having suffered Martyrdom a while after together with Nazarius 'T is thought they were buried in S. Gervais for which reason the next Street joyning to the Church hath taken its name from their bodies being interred there The Manuscripts and after them the Author called the Citizen do add That the Christian Faith newly planted was watered by the industry of Paracodus or Paradocus one of our Saviours Seventy Disciples who came over into Gaule with Denis the Areopgite that having together founded the Church of Geneva Denis went to Paris and Paradocus tarried at Geneva This is the tradition of former Ages in which there appears nothing of solidity These Chronologists seem plainly to have taken this Story of Nazarius and Celsus out of the Golden Legend which relates these two Saints came to a City of the Gaules called Gemellus and were there Martyred and Buried at Milan I cannot well understand how they should take Gemellus for Geneva this is certain that S. Nazare hath been heretofore the Patron of the City of Autun where there is yet a Church which is dedicated to him and S. Celse it is called by the name of S. Nazaire There was to be seen an ancient Coin which confirms it seeing we read on one side of it S. Nazarius and on the other Hedua Civitas which is the City of Autun The Learned Monsieur Petau was of this mind thinking the resemblance between Nazare and Lazare had caused them of Autun in time to receive S. Lazarus for their Patron whom they would make us believe dyed in their City soon after his arrival in Provence all which hath no other foundation but an uncertain tradition Concerning Denis and Paracodus observe what is said of them in the year of our Redemption 194. according to Baronius Victor Bishop of Rome wrote to Didier Bishop of Vienna touching the Celebration of the Feast of Easter This Didier was
was Bishop fifty years and had been present at the Council of Tournus in the year 1117. dying in 1120. the same year Humbert of Gramont was chose in his place who would not consent to the Grant bestowed on Ame Earl of Genevois by his Brother saying He could not consent to the Churches wrong So that the quarrel increasing betwixt the Earl and Bishop the Council endeavoured to make them friends but their obstinacy hindering the Archbishop of Vienna Metropolitan of the Province and Apostolical Legate being deputed for that purpose united them The chief Articles were as followeth First That the Bishop should have the Administration of Justice and Lordship in the City the Coining of Money and Confiscations of Estates as likewise the Fines of those who had dwelt a year and a day at Geneva That the Earl should not build any Fort without the Bishops consent That he should have a Vidame or Lieutenant for Secular Affairs That he should moreover do Homage to the Bishop not respecting any one but the Emperour before him and several other Articles touching Toll Forfeitures and Fines This Treaty was carryed on at Seyssell in the year 1124. After the death of Humbert of Gramont Ar dutius a Lords Son of Foucigny was elected Bishop of Geneva Bernard who was then Abbot of Clervaux and who was afterwards Canonized lived in his time and wrote two Letters to him which were very remarkable in these terms calling him Ardutius To Ardutius Elect Bishop of Geneva BEing perswaded your Election comes from God seeing you have been chosen by such an unanimous consent of both Clergy and Laity we therefore congratulate you for the Grace bestowed on you I will not flatter you saying God hath recompensed your merits for you ought rather to think it is not in consideration of your Righteousness but his Mercy If you look upon it otherwise which God forbid your rise will be your fall If you acknowledge his Grace take heed lest you have received it in vain Be holy in your Life and Office and if Holiness of Life did not precede your Election at least let it follow it Then we shall acknowledge God hath prevented you by his Grace and we hope you will increase and grow in it We rejoyce that you have been established as a faithful and prudent Servant over your Lords houshold that you may be one day possessed as a Son of all your Fathers Inheritance Otherwise if you mind more the making your self Great than Good you may rather expect to be punished than rewarded But we wish and desire of God this may never happen being ready to assist you according to our small power in every thing which is meet and reasonable To Ardutius CHarity hath inspired me with the boldness to tell you the Seat dear Brother which you have lately obtained requires a man of great merit which we are sorry to find wanting in you or at least not to have preceded your Election as was sitting In truth your pass'd conversation hath not been like that of one who was to take upon him the Episcopal charge But how Cannot God from these stones raise up Children to Abraham Is not God able to make those virtuous actions which should have preceded to follow afterwards Which we shall hear with joy if it so happens This sudden change from the hand of God will be more acceptable and surprizing than if it had preceded by the merits of a pass'd life We shall acknowledge it is the work of the Lord and a work worth our admiration So S. Paul from a Persecutor became the Doctor of the Gentiles and S. Matthew taken from being a Publican to be an Apostle and S. Ambrose from the Court to the Dignity of a Bishop Nay we have known some Seculars enter upon this Charge to the Churches great advantage In short it hath often happened that where Sin hath abounded Grace also hath super abounded You then dear Brother being animtated by these examples gird up the loyns of your mind amend your Life and Studies call your self to an account at night for what you have done amiss in the day endeavour to imitate S. Paul in being an honour to your Office You will bring honour to it by Gravity in your Maâ—ners and Deliberation in your Counsels and Justice in your Actions these are the chief ornaments of a Bishop Do all things by deliberate counsel Take only advice of virtuous people Let such have the management of your affairs who may 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 of your holy conversation And in so doing you will procure a good esteem We recommend to your Charity our poor Brethren near you namely them of Bonmont and Hautecombe by which means you may give us proofs of your love towards us and your neighbours THE Bishop Ardutius as well as his Predecessor had enough to do to withstand the Earl of Genevois who being a Secular Prince would not acknowledge any dependance on the Bishop and Chapter of Geneva possessing himself of several Lands and Jurisdictions belonging to them so that Ardutius was forced to have recourse to the Emperour Frederick Barberossa who procured him the Popes Bull for confirmation of all his Rights Some time after this he made an agreement with Amé Earl of Genevois to the same effect as his Predecessor had done before him and in the year following mention being made of the Earls Office or Duty it was expressed in these terms Comes fidelis Advocatus sub Episcopo esse debet the Earl ought to be the Bishops faithful Steward Which was further confirmed by a Bull from Pope Adrian the Third given at Lateran But the same Emperour who had made such a Grant to Ardutius gave to the Duke of Zeringuen the Soveraignty over three Cities namely Syon Lausane and Geneva Amé the Second the deceased Earl Ame's Son who departed this life in the year 1162â— having insinuated himself into this Dukes favour had obtained of him the Soveraignty of Geneva at which Ardutius being allarm'd goes directly to the Emperour who was then at Besancon to whom he represents the Churches Rights and so prevailed on the Emperour that he repealed this Donation by two express Declarations as granted by surprize Which Declarations may be seen at large in the Book called the Citizen This Bishop appeared mighty zealous for the Rights of the Church but in truth he designed chiefly thereby his own private interest The Emperour remitting the sole Authority and Rule to the Bishop thought to preserve the Town under a good Pastor and by this means to keep off Strangers from all pretensions to it Whilst in the mean time on these Priviledges and Concessions these Bishops have strengthened their claims of Soveraignty over this City which say they the Citizens have consented to without contradiction which they would never have suffered had it been against their minds To which they of these last Ages who will
not acknowledge their Soveraignty have answered in the Book called the Citizen and in their Chronological Manuscripts that the Bishops have never had any other right to Geneva but as Governours of the Chruch to which belonged the City and suburbs according to an ancient Decree recited by the Author of the Citizen Notorium quod Ecclesia Gebennensis domina est princeps unica in solidum civitatis suburbii Gebennensis It is well known that the Church of Geneva is the only Dady and Princess of the City and Suburbs of Geneva That the Bishop himself when chosen was sworn to maintain the Priviledges and Liberties of Geneva that the great confidence they had put in their Bishops was the cause why they took no more notice of the encroachments on their Liberties that the Emperour could neither grant to the Duke of Zeringuen nor to Bishops the Soveraignty of an Imperial City as theirs was without the suffrage of the whole Empire That even when the Bishops were in most credit it then appeared that the right of Soveraignty was in the people That the Bishop was chief after the same manner as the Dukes of Venice and Genoâ—a for all publick Acts and Declarations ran in the names of the Bishop his Vidame or Steward the Syndicks and other good Men of the City The Bishop was chosen by the Laity as well as Clergy His Chapter consisted of thirty two Chanons of S. Peters Church the greatest part of which were Civilians he had moreover for Assistants in Secular matters four Syndicks twenty Counsellors at Law and one Treasurer who were all chosen by the people To these twenty five were added thirty five more to advise with upon any important occurrence and from hence they have risen to the present number of two hundred and have at length extended to the ta king in one out of every chief Family in the City The Bishop was obliged to confirm whatsoever passed They have farther affirmed that the Syndicks had power to coin Money and the care and charge of the Town without the Bishops intermedling the Jurisdiction and Imprisonment in the Night and Sovereign Judgment in matters of Life and Death provided the Prisoners were not Ecclesiasticks That in Cases which called for Mercy the Bishop had power of pardoning but rather by his Episcopal and Ecclesiastical Authority than Secular that in business of great concernment he could do nothing without the people that the Commonalty and Syndicks should make what Alliances they pleased without the Bishop intermedling As in the year 1285. with Amé Earl of Savoy and in the year 1515. with Fribourg with Bern in the year 1526. That the City Revenues should be divided amongst them and that the Syndicks should have one third and that in short Charles V. writing to Geneva in 1530. directed not his Letters to the Bishop but to the Syndicks Council and Commonalty of the City and treating with it as an Imperial City in these terms Honorabilibus nostris imperii sacri fidelibus dilectis nostris Syndiâ—is Consulibus ac Civibus Civitatis Imperialiâ— nostrae Gebennensis And in other Letters written in French the same year To out trusty and well beloved Syndicks Citizens and Inhabitaents of our Imperial City of Geneva But to return to our History Ardutius having held the Episcopâ—l See fifty years left Nantelinus his Successor who had the same difference with William Son of Amé Earl of Genevois Neither could it be arbitrated by the interposition of the Archbishop of Vienna so that this Bishop was forced to enter into a League with Thomas I. Third Earl of Maurienne and Savoy Which Earl set forth a Declaration wherein he asserted That he had not the least design on the Priviledges and Liberties of Geneva neither would he accept of that City if offered him The Bishop invested him with several Lands and Castles about Geneva which the Earl of Genevois pretended to belong to him And these were the Motives of the War between the Earl of Maurienne and the Earl of Genevois who had drawn to his side the Lords of Focigny of Gez and the Dauphin of Vienna The Earl of Genevois came by the worst and was constrained to yield after the death of Nantelinus to the Arbitrement of the Archbishop of Vienna and Ayme de Granson then Bishop of Geneva But between Nantelinus and this last mentioned Bishop the List of Bishops place Bernard Chabert who succeeded him about the year 1206. and became Archbishop of Ambrun in the year 1212. They of S. Martha make Humbert II. to succeed him whom we find not in the Annals of Geneva but in stead of him Lewis of S. Claude and after him Peter of Sessons Armé de Granson who held the Episcopal Seat forty years built the Fort of Peney two Leagues distant from Geneva upon the Rhosne That of La Bastie which is but a Cannon shot distant from the Town was built the year before by Gerard of Terny who did Homage to the Bishop and Church of Geneva Monsieur Lewis Moreri who made the Historical and Geographical Dictionary observed when he was at Geneva in the Arms belonging to the Bishoprick something as he thought more particularly relating to the Family of the Grandison's whence he inferred That Fort was built by that Bishop and that he was of the Family of the Grandison's in Comte But he found after he had more narrowly viewed them that these were not the Arms of the Family of the Grandèson's which bore a party par pale in Silver and azure banded with Gules charged with three Shells in Sable for the Scutcheon of these was not party par-paled neither were there three Shells in them as Monsieur Moreri imagined but three Dolphins which was the Arms of John Bishop of Râ—chetaille as we shall shew in its place Henry or Hubric Prior of the Chartreuse de Portes in Bugey who was chosen after him governed that Church seven years and had some small difference with the Lord of Gez called Simon of Joinville concerning several Villages which he held of the Bishoprick but this being composed some years after there arose the same variance between him and the Lord of Terny which was ended after the same manner At length this Prelate being sorry he had left his former manner of life quitted his Bishoprick and betaking himself again to the same Profession dyed a Chartreuâ— Monk in the year 1275. Aymé of Menthonay succeeded him and after him Robert of Geneva Channon of Vienna Son of William Earl of Genevois but he enjoyed it but two years In the mean time here had passed some acts of Hostilty between the Earls of Savoy and of Genevoiâ— The first of these who was Amé IV. came to Geneva where with threatnings he demanded they should pay him the charges of the War which he had been at against the Earl of Genevois upon the Cityes
account William of Constant who was then Bishop would have him be satisfied with what he had already gotten without the City fearing to give him footing within He also proposed an agreement to be made with the Earl of Genevois but that party which was for Savoy carried it They granted him what the Earl of Genevois possessed carried fore in the City and were willing he should use the City as a place of retreat to defend his neighbouring States In this reciprocal Alliance he promised on his part to defend them at his cost That he would not conclude any Peace without their consents And that there should be a free commerce betwin his Courtrys and the City Which Treaty was observed whilst he and his two Sons Edward and Amé the Great lived The Bishop seeing the greatest part on the Earls side was forced to agree and confirm it So that at this Treaty it was concluded That the Earl of Savoy should become Earl of Genevois But the name of Earl being hateful to the City he was content with only that of Vidame which signifies the same with Vice-Dominus he had also a Bayliff who was called in the Language of that Country Chatelatn du Vidomne But he acknowledged his dependance notwithstanding on the Bishop and Church of Geneva who granted him this during their pleasure But in process of time the Princes of Savoy encreasing in power scorned to be acknowledged by a Word importing Subjection wherefore they gave their Bayliff this Title of Vidame Six years after Humbert Dauphin of Viennois who was one of the Earl of Genevois's Confederates set upon the Town whilst the Earl of Savoy was fortifying it that he might make him quit so advantagious a Post Bâ—atrix of Savoy Mother-in-law to this Dauphin assisted him with a considerable number of Souldiers which she had caused to be raised in Focigny He would have secretly surprized the City on Sunday after the Ascension but he could not carry it so sliely but his design was discovered Notwithstanding which he fell on the Suburbs and burnt a great part of them and encamped before the City intending to besiege it and win it by Assault The Earl of Savoy was not in the City and the good Bishop William of Constance knowing not which way to turn himself in this affair writ to the Dauphin very submissive Letters entreating him to desist from his purpose but all his submissions and Tears were ineffectual For the Dauphin attacked the City with all his Force and had near won it had not the Citizens defended themselves most gallantly and forced him to raise his Siege but in requital he pillaged the Castles of Thy and Sala belonging to the Bishop and placed therein Garrisons The Bishop finding himself not able to encounter him with Secular Weapons makes use of the Spiritual Sword and Excommunicates him and his Mother-in-law About the twenty seventh of October in the same year and a Month after he aggravated his Excommunication The Earl of Savoy having taken the Field to repel the Duke marched to L'Ecluse and the Castle of Laye which places were very advantagious to him William of Constance being dead one called Martin succeeded him who held that Seat but a very small time and had for Successor Aimé du quart who had been Chanon and Chanter of the Church at Lyons He found himself likewise to be in the same troubles as his Predecessors occasioned by the differences betwixt the Earl of Savoy and Genevois and inclining sometimes to one side and sometimes to the other he caused himself to be suspected by both parties Amé Earl of Genevois built the Castle of Gaillard a League distant from Geneva from whence he made inroads into Savoy Nevertheless he paid Homage to the Church for several Lands and made an Alliance with the Bishop and Commonalty of Geneva This Bishop made a remarkable Decree to wit That they should begin the year from Christmas and not as heretofore from Easter And in the year following he made a Declaration by consent of the Earl of Savoy touching the Office of the Vidame or Steward The enmity continued betwixt the two Earls Amé III. Son of Amé the II. Earl of Genevois would drive away Edward who was then Earl of Savoy and hinder his settling himself in Geneva where he continually strengthned himself Fain would he have gotten the other out that he might come in and joyning with the Dauphin Hugues he deals with the Governour of the Castle of Entremont who was the Earl of Savoy's Vassal and so far prevails with him as to obtain liberty to put in there a Garrison from the Dauphin Whereupon the Earl to whom this place was of importance leaves Geneva to take if possible this Castle again But whilst he was busied about this Siege the Earl of Genevois accompanied with the Dauphin Lord of Focigny came to the Bridge of Arve where he desired to speak with some Chanons and Citizens who inclined to his side He shews them they could promise to themselves no advantage in driving him away and receiving in his stead the Earl of Savoy who had deserted them in their necessities that he could if he pleased enter by force and put all to Fire and Sword were he not withheld by the fear of God the respect which he had for S. Peter who was Patron of the City and the kindness which he had for them who took his part in it That he had more right than his Enemy and that if they would not receive him as a Friend he would treat them as Enemies The Deputies finding his request reasonable made an alliance with him under which they also comprehended the Dauphin mutually promising to defend one another and maintain the Priviledges of the City But when it came to have the peoples consent they of the Faction of Savoy would by no means hear of it so that one half of the Town took up Arms against the other The Captain of the Castle in the Isle was for the Earl of Savoy and he of the Borough of Four for the Earl of Genevois Each of which parties betook themselves to these two Captains The first of these puts in a Garrison into S Peters and under the Piazzas whilst the others introduce the Earl of Genevois and Dauphin into the City by the Ivâ—ry-Gate called then by the name of Porta aquaria with both his Horse and Foot. Notwithstanding all which the Faction of Savoy prepares to encounter them animated by Widon Tavel Guiges of S. Apre Vincent Frombert and Perissodin of Bourdignin who were principal Men amongst them The Earl of Genevois was routed one hundred thirty and two being left dead upon the place The Conquerors lay hold on the chief of the contrary Faction causing Jacquemet and Peter Bosselets to be hanged and confiscated the Goods of several others of their accomplices In the Month of August these two Lords
return and having been repelled they plunder the adjacent parts of the City and demolished the Castle of Ville le Grand which belonged to the Bishop The year following was remarkable for several Jars between Lewis of Savoy Lord of Vaux and the Bishop of Geneva The first of these had caused Money to be coined in Nion which was within the Diocesse of Geneva which the Bishop would not suffer But referring the Case to Arbitrators it was declared That the said Lord might coin Money of mixt Metal of a different Stamp from Geneva even within the Liberties of the City provided he did Homage for this to the Bishop and Church of Geneva a fourth part of the Profits whereof should go to the Bishop This happened about the beginning of April and in the following Month dyed Amé Earl of Genevois Son of William II. and was interred at Montagny after a long War with the Earl of Savoy for the recovery of his right Neither ought the year 1309. to be forgotten being remarkable for the wrangling of the people with the Bishop for the Citizens having made open complaint against him pretending he had usurped over them he therefore cites them to appear before the Metropolitan of Vienna and they notstanding to his decision he excommunicates them and by this means made them condescend to his will. The people were assembled by the found of a Trumpet and ringing of the great Bell together with the Bishop and Clergy in the Church of S. Gervais where the Bishop was acknowledged Lord and Prince with all Jurisdiction and mixt Empire and that the Syndicks should not do any thing to the prejudice of his Authority Being moreover ordered to satisfie for the damages which came by the aggressions of the Citizens since the War with the Earl of Genevois and farther to build Halls at Molard a two thirds of the profits of which should come to the Bishop and the other to the Citizens for reparation of the City Gates And this was like a clap of Thunder to the liberty which Geneva hath and doth yet pretend to Reminding one day a Genevoise of this he answered me That this Passage made rather for their Liberties than against them For says he The complaint of the people was a certain token of the Usurpation of this Prelate and that Excommunication shewed very well the violence they suffered that what was forced was invalid and might justly be repealed That the Burgundians had after the same manner usurped over their City which had not therefore lost its Right But we may observe that it was not only the Bishops of Geneva who had possessed themselves of the Temporalities of their Diocess according to Monsieur Chorier in his History of Dauphine where he tells us The Prelates alone were the obstacle to the ambition of the Dauphins respect to their Authority carried it Frederick I. had given the Citys of Gap Valence Grenoble and Die and that of S. Paul three Castles to be held by Homage to their Bishops with all the Rights of the Regale In the Letters Patents of these Concessions he gives them the Titles of Princes which was an honour common to all Bishops But nevertheless their Successors have established pretensions to false and imaginary Principalities Howsoever the case was this Aimé du Quart enjoyed not long the effect of his Excommunication nor the Grant of Henry the Eighth who gave him the Assessment of a Denier on every Bushel of Corn and two on every Gallon of Wine which was transported out of the Town in consideration of those great services he had received from him This Priviledge was given him from his Camp before Bresse the third year of his Reign on the first of October Peter of Focigny Provost of the Chapter of S. Peter was chosen in his place the Thursday after Easter and the year following William the Third Son of Amé Earl of Genevois did him Homage for his Earldom for his Commission of Terny Balleyson Remilley in Albany Monfalcon Les Eschelles and for all that he held in the Courts of Arve and Rhosne the Marches of Thonon and Dependances on the Castle of Chatillon save the Fidelity due to the Emperour whereupon he fortifies Gaillard on the Arve and places there a Garrison which might serve for a place of retreat to his Souldiers returning from their Inroads into Savoy On the other side the Earl of Savoy caused the Castle of Malvaz on the Marches of Gex to be re-built But two years after they were both demolished upon the occasion of a Murder Edward of Savoy Son of Earl Amé did likewise homage to the Bishop Peter of Focigny and they promised mutual assistance But this hindered them not from demolishing some time after the Castle of Genevois in Focigny belonging to the Bishop on the other side William Earl of Genevois enraged against the City cut down the Vines on the side of S. Victor and Edward in requital took the Castle of Seyssel almost at the same time that the said William dyed after whom succeeded his Son who continued his hostility against Geneva coming oftentimes with them of Focigny plundering the Countrey-houses about the City The eighteenth of March in the year following a great Fire happened at Geneva all the Lakes side burnt down as likewise the New Street called De la Riviere which from that time was named La Rotisserie The Book called the Citizen mentions another fire which happened in the year 1330. but he is mistaken by a whole Age as we shall make apparent in its place This year 1330. was remarkable by a Battel fought under the Castle of Monthouz between the Earls of Genevois and Savoy two thousand men lay dead on the place but he Earl of Savoy kept the Field The Chanons of S. Peter made their advantage of it by an Anniversary which was established to pray for the souls of the slain and the Prebend of that day was of seven Florins value to every one of them Hugues of Genevois took the Castle of Ville le grand part of which he demolished the Earl Amé of Savoy and Lewis of Savoy pursued him but he had already made his retreat and they reduced the Castle to its first state The City had never been well setled since the last Conflagration which was also followed by another greater than the former For on the fourth of September being Sunday there was two thirds of the City burnt down together with the Cloister and Chanons houses and Bishops Court and S. Magdalens quarter the whole Church and Parish of S. Germains with the Bells Reliques and Vestments belonging to the said Church there perished eighty persons besides Peter of Focigny being dead was succeeded by Alamand of S. Joire after he had governed one and thirty years In the same year dyed Amé the Fifth Earl of Savoy who left his Son
several small skirmishes on both sides on the Bridge of Chancy where some remained on the place and Seyssel was forced to yield to the strongest Duke Charles the Second being dead there started up in Foucigny one John Gay of Megiva who raised the Peasants into a Mutiny against the Nobility who oppressed them setting before them the hope of Liberty and the example of the Cantons of Switzerland with whom and the City of Geneva they might make a League These Peasants to the number of sixscore wore Red Coats who set upon the Gentry of the Countrey without any exception but the Lord of Bresse having gotten them of Berne and Fribourg to send to them Deputies they drew to Geneva the chief promoters of these Tumults and with fair promises softned them and sent them home but being scattered they were laid hold on and hanged Bishop Champion after the usual Oath called a Synod in which the Decrees and Constitutions of the Bishops were reviewed and amended which were Printed in the same year under the Title of Constitutions of the Synod of the Bishoprick of Geneva He dyed two years after having held the Seat but four years Philip of Savoy being but seven years of age Son of the Lord of Bresse was chosen in his stead at the suit of Blanche Mary of Montferrat Widow of Charles the First Pope Alexander the Sixth who confirmed his Election assigned Aymâ— of Monfalcon Bishop of Lausane and the Bishop of Nice to be his Guardians which Philip was Bishop under four Dukes of Savoy Charles his Uncle Philip his Father and Philbert and Charles his Brethren As he increased in years he grew more fit to be a Soldier than a Church-man as his Uncle Lewis before him 'T was commonly said of him that he was more fitting to be made a Duke than his Brother Whilst he was young and his Father alive he was forced to wear an Ecclesiastical Garb but after his death Charles then being Duke and very familiar with him he threw it off but not the Revenue Return we now to the Government of Philbert This Duke came to Geneva with his Bastard Brother René They were so greatly pleased with the City that they desired leave of the Bishop and Council to keep Courts of Justice in it only for their own Subjects which was granted them for some time Philbert giving himself over to pleasure left the management of his affairs to René a fierce and imperious young man and who watched all opportunities to make his brother Master of Geneva that he might be revenged on the Syndicks who had refused to let him have some Writings wherein the City were concerned his first attempt was the imprisoning of a Genevois called Peter Levrier by virtue of Letters Decretory from the Duke The Lieutenant of Gex had laid hold on him near the Town-house from whence he carried him to the Castle of the Isle which was the Dukes abode whereupon the Attorny-General and Syndicks made their complaints to René shewing him that such an imprisonment was wholly unlawful forasmuch as that jurisdiction and power belonged only to the Bishop his Vicar or Steward or other secular Officers so that not being able to suffer such an action they desired the Lieutenant should bring back the Prisoner to the place from whence he had taken him upon which there was an Act made in favour of the Bishop Church and Syndicks These last returned him the same measure for being informed that a Savoyard called Thomas Papuli had coyned brass mony in the City having given notice to René of the power and jurisdiction of the Church and City they sentenced the malefactor to have his right hand cut off before his own door and from thence to be led to Champel where he was beheaded and his body to hang on the gallows and his hands and head to be set up in the place called the Liberties A marriage was resolved upon between the Duke of Savoy and Yoland of Savoy his Cousin German the better to strengthen him in his Countrys but she died before the marriage could be consummated and was buried in the Chappel situated at the Cordeliers of Rive René who had the sole management of affairs intrusted him by his brother endeavoured to strengthen his Authority and make him absolute in Geneva both publick and particulars had every day some new oppression laid upon them although he received from both more respect than he deserved for he had every day Presents made him in hopes they might at length win him by kindness and keep him from enterprizing any thing against them by which means he received more profit than the whole revenue of that City amounted to all which could not make him desist from his violences For remembring there was a gentleman called Eyria who in the time of the deceased Duke had been in great credit and whom he could not then injure he was resolved now together with his whole family He therefore accuses him to have designed to poyson the Duke by a perfumed Apple for a confirmation of this produces two witnesses who make Oath they heard him together with a Physitian at Lyons contriving how they should effect it the Duke being easie to be wrought on believed it whereupon it was resolved that they should surprize the Physitian they sent therefore to Monlâ—el the Provost of the Dukes houshold who desired the Physitian by his man to visit him the poor Physitian who mistrusted nothing as being innocent came to him without delay where instead of a Patient he finds a Provost who seized on him and carried him away bound hand and foot to Geneva where he was thrown into the Prison of the Island and Judged by the Provost At which the Syndicks and people were exceedingly moved and complained to the Duke shewing him this was an infringement of their Liberties and Jurisdiction which the Duke himself was sworn to observe yet did not René forbear to pass on putting him to the Rack and made him confess and accuse whom he pleased which done he caused him to be beheaded and set up his Quarters in the Liberties notwithstanding the Citizens opposition Afterwards he seized on Eyria and most of his kindred and friends whom he had caused to be accused by the Physician and would have dealt after the same manner with them but several Persons of Quality having interposed their sentence was deferred and René began to grow odious to the people The Duke after his affianced Ladies death espoused Margaret Maximilian's daughter who was first betrothed to the young King Charles of France but being repudiated by him and married afterwards to the King of Castile after his decease she was married to this Duke Philbert They made their publick entrance together into Geneva which put the Town to great charge in Plays Masquerades and other divertisements This drew insensibly the Youth into
succeeded by Denis who was followed by Paracodus to whom Victor wrote to the same effect So that here is already a great mistake to believe that Denis and Paracodus first planted the Christian Faith at Geneva for seeing they were both Bishops of Vienna then chief City of the Allobroges it is hence most likely they sent some to Geneva to preach the Gospel it lying in their Circuit But that which gives greater confirmation is what hath been found written in an old Manuscript Parchment Bible in the Library at Geneva viz. Genevensis Ecclesia à discipulis Apostolorum Paracodo ac Dionysio fundata Viennensibus Episcopis that is to say Paracodus and Denis Bishops of Vienna who have founded the Church at Geneva were called the Apostles Disciples because they taught the same Doctrine So that Paracodus could not be one of the Seventy Disciples seeing he lived towards the end of the second Century Likewise some would make him Contemporary with S. Irenaeus who was Bishop of Lyons and suffered Martyrdom under the Emperour Severus about the end of the same Age before which time the Gospel had made but small progress in Gaule as we may read in Gregory of Tours At the end of this fore-mentioned Manuscript Bible there is a list of the names of Bishops of Geneva which is now almost worn out with these three Verses towards the end of it Hos mensae Christi constat libamine pasci Vascula terra Dei proprio de sanguine facti In templo Domini prisca de Gente notati The first we meet with in this Catalogue of Bishops is Diogenus the next Domnus whom they of S. Martha call Dominius and so in order Salvianus Cassianus Eleutherius Theolastus Fraternicus Pallascus all which flourished about the third and fourth Century but we know nothing more of them than their names The fourth Century was lamentable to several Countreys by the Invasions of those Nations which began to tear the Roman Empire Geneva cruelly suffered so that in a Council held at Turin in the year 397. there was care taken for its reparation And from that time encreasing in Authority it presided over the neighbouring Countreys even to the Alpes it being agreed in this Council that the Bishops of Metropolitan Cities should be acknowledged Primates of their respective Provinces so that the Primate of Geneva had under him the Chablaises and Genevoises About the beginning of the next Century after the death of Theodosius the Vandals over-ran the Gauls one part of them setling themselves in the Countrey of Vaud to which it is thought they gave the name They built likewise several Borroughs which occasioned their being called Bourguignons at which time there was one Isaac called by others Isarius Bishop of Geneva whom S. Euchere mentions in the Life of S. Maurice These Bourguignons established a Kingdom amongst them whose first King was Gundicaire or Gonderic who dying divided his Realm between his four Sons Gondebaud had Vienna Chilperic Lyons Godesigile Geneva and Gotmar Besançon Sidonius Apollinaris who lived in those times gave them the name of Tetrarchs These Brethren being at variance Chilperic and Gotmar drave Gondebaud from his Territories but he having vanquished them returns in which conflict Gotmar was slain couragiously defending himself Chilperic who was taken Prisoner was beheaded and his Wife thrown into the Rhosne But some years after Cloüis King of France having espoused Clotilde Chilperic's Daughter that he might be revenged on Gondebaud for his cruelty proclaims War against him Godesigile to whose share Geneva had fallen joyned with Cloüis against his Brother Gondebaud who being vanquished was forced to receive Laws from the Conqueror He therefore renders himself Tributary to Cloüis and left Vienna to Godesigile but Gondebaud re-took Vienna and the wretched Godesigile was slain in a Church by the Sword. Cloüis moved at this barbarous action drove out Gondebaud and gave his Son Sigismond the Kingdom 'T was this Sigismond who founded on the Alpes S. Maurice's Monastery which foundation was subscribed by Maximus Bishop of Geneva This same Emperour caused to assemble the Council called Ponense Paunense or Epaunense as Mr. Chorier hath very well observed in his History of Dauphiné and after him the Abbot in his Epitome of Councils at Ponas near Vienna in Dauphiné Maximus was also at this Council His Successor Pappulus was present at that of Orleans After him the Manuscript Bible afore mentioned recites Gregorius Nicetius Rusticus Patricius Hugo the First Andreas Graecus and Domitianus whom they of S. Martha call Donatianus There is an Inscription in S. Victor relating to this Council which is this Haec acta sunt Episcopo Genevensi Domitiano These things were done when Domitian was Bishop of Geneva 'T was also in his time the Body of S. Victor was transported from Soleurre to Geneva Salonius his Successor was present at the Council of Lyons and Paris There hath been a Bishop of Geneva of the same name in the last Age The Bishop of Geneva writ himself Salonius Episcopus Genavensis After him succeeded Cariatho one of the Domesticks of King Gontran of Burgundy This King encreased the Church Revenues and was the Founder of S. Peter's Cathedral Monsieur Morus the Author of an Harangue Entituled De duobus Genevae Miraculis proves by some passages out of Avitus's Homilies that it was he who consecrated that Church there being there before a Temple dedicated to Apollo But the building was intermitted till the year 990 at which time the Emperour Othon caused it to be continued and Conradus finished it in the year 1024. But I doubt whether we ought to credit those Chronological Manuscrips which relate that under the Reign of Gontran a certain City named Taurodinum was overthrown into the Rhosne by an Earthquake whose course being stopped there followed such a great Inundation that it ran over the Walls of Geneva But there is not so much as any single Geographer who mentions this City Monsieur la Mothe le Vayer relates the matter after a different manner and more likely to be true Marius saith he Bishop of Laufare reports in his Chronicle that the Hill which he calls Tauretunensem in Valay fell so suddenly on a Castle and neighbouring Burroughs that it overwhelmed all the Inhabitants being followed with such an Inundation of Water as very much damnified the City of Geneva Appellinus whom some call Abelenus succeeded Cariatho The Legend of S. Columban Abbot of Lussienx mentions him he lived till the year 613. The French King Clotairius the Second drove out the Burgundians from the Countrey of the Allobroges and setled Magistrates at Geneva Dagobert his Son succeeded him and Theodoric second Son to Dagobert built several Churches according to the relation of Volfangus Lazius whose words are these Theodoricus secundus ultimus Merovingiorum in Burgundia qui cum ex Brunchilde uxore nihil procreasset multa
Amé the Sixth his Heir who since was the Earl of Verd because at a Tilting in Chamberey he and his company were attired in Green and being very young when his Father dyed he had for Governours Lewis of Savoy Sieur of Vaux his great Uncle Vassal of the Church of Geneva and Amé Earl of Genevois his God-father He did Homage to Alamand in the Castle of Clermond upon condition this should not hinder the Rights of the Church of Geneva forasmuch as the said Earl could not by reason of some urgent affairs be present at the said Church or Cloister according to the manner of his Predecessors The Earl of Savoy likewise promised great matters and charged his Vidame or Bayliff and all his Officers at Geneva to observe the agreement made by him and to suffer the Citizens to enjoy their full Priviledges But in the same year he requested of the Emperour Charles the Fourth the Vicaridge of the Empire in that Countrey and obtained his desire so that strengthened with this Title and with that of Vidame or Steward he laid claim to the Temporalties of Geneva as Amé the First Earl of Savoy had done before him The good Bishop Alamand being deceased William of Marcossay obtained this Dignity and a while after the Emperour Charles the Fourth came over to Geneva The new Prelate and Syndicks by order from the great Council humbly besought him to revoke the Grant of the Vicaridge given to the Earl of Verd neither had they any difficulty to obtain their suit For the Emperour by a Decree in Council declared he meant not that the Vicaridge given to the Earl of Verd should extend it self to the Temporalties of the Church and particularly of Geneva whereupon he issues out an Order like unto that made by Frederick but he Earl of Verd refusing to obey it he was suspended by the Emperour till he quitted his claim after the same manner as it had heretofore happened to Earl Amé in the time of Nantelinus the Bishop This Emperor made two Deeds of Revocation the first at Francfort on the 10. of Sept. 1366. and the other in the same City on the fourth day of the aforesaid Month. In the first he annulls and makes void the Vicaridge granted by error to the Earl Amé of Savoy by consent of the Princes of the Empire and restores them to their ancient Liberties The second was in the nature of a Mandate to the Archbishops and Officers of the Empire to publish it in all parts to the end the said Earl might not pretend ignorance In the year following there was a third Declaration made at Hertingfeld in which he expresly revokes the Vicaridge heretofore granted at the importunate suit of his dear Cousin Amé Earl of Savoy making for ever void all Power Jurisdiction and Right which either he or his Successors might claim on Geneva or its Dependencies qualifying the said City with the Title of Noble Member of the Empire Finally upon the Contumacy of the said Earl there was issued forth a fourth Decree given at Prague the fifteenth of February to strengthen this Revocation under penalty of one thousand Marks of Gold the one half forfeited to the Treasury and the other part to others Yet the Earl restored not what he possessed to the Church of Geneva whereupon the Bishop of Marcossay applys himself to Pope Gregory the eleventh whose Seat was then at Avignon into whose hands they both resigned the difference promising to stand to his decision The Pope enjoyned the Earl to relinquish whatsoever he had belonging to the Church and to deliver to the Bishop the Imperial Letters relating to the Vicaridge continuing to him the right the said Earl had to the Vidomnat or Stewardship and to the Castle of the Isle which he did by an Act made at Thonon restoring to the Bishop and Church of Geneva whatsoever he had taken from them promising inviolably to observe the said agreement This was Published on All-Saints day in S. Peters Church so that William having settled the Church in peace died and was buried in S. Peters on the left hand of the Quire having presided eleven years John of Murel or Morellis succeeded him and was made a Cardinal by the Antipope Clement the Seventh After him Ademarus Fabry a Domicâ—â— Fryer was Elected and only ruled three years The Author of the Book called the Citizen ranketh him thirty five years before but it is certain then Alamand of S. Joire held that seat and they of S. Martha cite the Acts of the Consistory of the Vatican of the 17. July 1385. And moreover a Bull of the Antipope Clement the Eighth of the 21. of August in the same year which make it plain that he lived much about that time He published an Act to confirm the Liberties and Priviledges of the City directed to Jaquement of the Hospital and James Ramus promising for himself and successors truly to observe it This was Printed since the year 1507. And contains several Articles some of which are not worth our notice the chief of them are That all Processes brought before the Vidame or Steward shall not be transacted in Writing but by word of mouth in the Mother Tongue That Criminal Cases should be Tryed by the Syndicks chosen by the Citizens That no one should be put to the Rack by them That it should be lawful to none but Citizens to sell Wine That the care of Watching the Town should be committed to none but Citizens And that niether the Bishop or any other deputed by him should exercise any Authority after Sun-setting That the Citizens Burgesses and Freemen of the City might choose every Year Syndicks or Recorders for the Town â— to whom the Commonalty should give full Power and Authority In the mean time the Earls of Savoy that they might get footing by degrees in the City and procure the peoples favour sometimes applied themselves to the Bishop otherwhiles to the Syndicks and sometimes to both together that they and their Court might be admitted to sojourn there prefixing commonly a certain time which when expired they desired a prolongation of it declaring they had no design on the City by these permissions Sometimes also they would require leave to do justice on their Subjects who now and then were found in the City during their abode There is to be seen a dozen of these Acts and Concessions since the Year 1390. to 1513. The Earl made moreover an Authentick Act dated the 26. of April 1391. By which he Declared that also what concerned the exercising of Authority by Lewis of Cossonney and his Council resident at Geneva by the Concession of the Bishop and City He did not mean this should derogate from their Power and Priviledges nor by this Deed they had obtained to assume any power or advantage over the said City Made at Geneva the said Year in the presence
of Cossonney R. of Chalens G. Marchandy Galey of Very and signed with the Seal of the abovementioned Earl. William of Lornay chosen after Ademarus presided twenty years This Bishop Cited by his Chancellor Humbert of Villars the Earl of Genevois and Lord of Terny upon case of Felony for which he was declared an Outlaw and his Lands forfeited to the Church It was thought the Bishop could not be judge in his own Cause but it being not his but the Churches interest the sentence was held valid About the end of the Fourth Century the Emperor Wencestaus made a declaration to the same effect as Charles the Fourth touching the Revocation of the Earls Grant and farther confirmed the Cities priviledges in such terms that no Emperors or Kings of the Romans should at any time violate them which was done at Prague the 22. of June 1400. Humbert of Villars Earl of Genevois dying without male issue in the month of March 1400. leâ—t his Countreys to Odo of Villars his Uncle who after h ehad held them a year agreed with Amé the Eighth who laid claim to them and so ended the quarrel between the two Earls Nevertheless Blanche Humbert's daughter laid claim to the succession and appeared before the Bishop by proxy requiring possession of Remilly promising him to do homage for it She was answered that the said Lands were fallen to the Church That moreover Amé the Eighth Earl of Savoy terming himself also Earl of Genevois had already requested this investiture and promised homage for all the Lands of the said Earldom so that they could proceed no farther till she had agreed with the above mentioned Earl which done she should be gratified in any thing reasonable as it appears by an Authentick Act of the 13 of March. Amé the Eighth got the better in this contest and did homage in the Church of S. Peter before the great Altar according to Custom and because the Lordship of Terny was judged lapsed to the Bishop and Church of Geneva the said Bishop and Chapter willing to gratifie the Earl gave it to Girard of Terny on condition he should hold it from Amé the Eighth and the said Amé should pay homage for it to the Bishop and Church of Geneva William of Lornay dying John of Bertrandis was chosen in his stead who was Doctor in the Laws and Chanon of S. Peters he was sworn on the great Altar and promised the Chapter and four Syndicks deputed by the Commonalty to maintain the liberties and priviledges of it which was confirmed also at the same time by the Emperor Sigismond against the Earldom of Savoy's Vicar General shewing him likewise how unreasonable he was in requiring homage of the Bishoprick and Citys of Lausane Geneva and Valay of whom none was due that the said dignity was revoked by Charles the fourth his father wherefore he admonisht him to desist from such a demand not troubling any more the said Cities which belonged only to the Empire The Bishop of Bertrandis was present at the Council of Constance where John Huss was burnt and had some place of eminency there for he was a Cardinal and very learned being suspected to lean towards Huss his Opinions From Constance he went into Spain to the Antipope Benoist and passing over to Monpellier he obtained of the French King Charles the Seventh that the Genevoises should not be molested by his Subjects under pretence of the difference betwixt them and the Earl of Savoy setting before him that they not being subject to that Earl they therefore ought not to be dealt with as Savoyards The year following he accompanied the Emperor Sigismond to Geneva in honour of whom there was made for three daies together solemn processions The said Prelate built new Halls to the Charge of which the Syndicks offered to contribute provided they might have a third part of their Revenue Some say that he also founded the Chappel of the Maccabees joyning to S. Peters Church but it was more likely John of Brognier as we shall make it appear afterwards who was also Cardinal of Ostie John of Bertranais became at length Archbishop of Tarentaise having been nine years Bishop of Geneva It was this Emperor Sigismond who erected Savoy into a Dukedom and created the Earl Amé the Eighth Duke at Monluel About a year after he came to Geneva with Pope Martin the Fifth in company of Fifteen Cardinals He had his Lodgings at the Cordeliers de Rive and sometimes after presented his request to Pope Martin to obtain the Soveraignty of Geneva pretending it was the Churches Interest in general This was granted him provided he could get the Bishops consent whereupon he addresseth himself to John of Pierrecize the present Bishop promising him if he gave his consent such a Reward as he should never have occasion to repent of his kindness The Bishop replied he was newly entered in that Office and not being as yet sufficiently acquainted with it he referred the matter to the Clergy and people of whom notwithstanding he would ask advice He caused the people then to assemble in S. Peters Cloister on the last of February the Bishop opens to them the Dukes suit and first produces the Request presented to the Pope for that purpose which contained what follows That at Geneva and the adjacent places there were several Gentlemen of considerable Estates who protected them who had been guilty of crimes in the City and thereby escaped unpunished the Bishop wanting power to make himself obeyed if the Duke of Savoy did not interpose which is the reason they could not live peaceably in the said Town for which cause the supplicant would willingly give the Bishop a recompence far exceeding this Lordship in value And for asmuch added he as it is impossible holy Father to prevent these dissentions That it would therefore please your Holiness to inform your self of the truth of the matter so that the Temporal jurisdiction may be transferred to your devoted Son Amé Duke of Savoy who passionately desires to remove these scandals preferring above all things the exercise of Justice and publick Peace Which request was passed by Pope Martin on the 28. of March 1419. And at the end of it was written So let it be if expedient and pleasing to the Bishops of Grenoble Maeon and the Abbot of S. Sulpice of the Order of Cistern Monks in the Diocess of Belay He set before them likewise how the Duke not content with this had required a Commissioner to execute the Commission which he had withstood and in fine he had made him an offer of exchange whereupon he desired their opinion and whether he should continue his Oppositions with the assistance of the Church and City alone The Citizens and Syndicks having heard the forementioned business and having withdrawn to consider on it unanimously made answer in the
name of the Commonalty by Hudriol Heremite a Citizen that seeing for near four hundred years the City and dependances had been under the power of the Church under which they and their predecessors had received gentle usage and been governed in peace it seemed to them neither profitable nor honourable for the Church and Prelate but rather dangerous and of bad consequence to the State and Commonalty to think of any Translation or Alienation and although that in times past there have been greater occasion for it than at present seeing there were Territories and Lordships contiguous to Geneva such as of the Earl of Vaux Lord of Statigny and the Lord of Gex brother of the Earl of Genevois and several others then living who disturbed the peace and quiet of the Prelate But now all the said Lordships being ended and reduced under one single Prince the Duke of Savoy who exercises Justice in his own Dominions and keeps a good correspondence with them his Neighbours They would never permit any alteration but would remain both they and their successors under the Government of the Church and Prelate Requiring him therefore according to his duty and Pastoral charge in pursuit of the Oath which he had taken at his entrance well and faithfully to govern the Church and keep its Rights as he had hitherto done promising for their parts to afford him any requisite aid and assistance against any who should molest him The Bishop thereupon makes an accord with the Citizens and Syndicks never to suffer any alteration or change in the State without the express consent of the Syndicks and Citizens Which he solemnly vowed to observe according to the usual Ceremony at his first entrance with his hand upon his breast and the Syndicks and Counsel took their Oath on the four Evangelists This Treaty is intitled in Latine A Transaction between the Reverend father John Patriarch and Minister of the Bishoprick of Geneva on the one part and the Citizens Burgesses and Commonalty of Geneva on the other against the endevours and suit of Duke Amé to Pope Martyn At the bottom of which are written the most part of the Names and Sirnames of them who were present at the said Council general who represented the Commonalty being in all to the number of 727. There being likewise the four Syndicks Aymé Sallanche a Lawyer Peter Gaillard Nicod of Vigier and John of Jussy After whom some of the principal Chanons set their hands Namely John and Amé of Arenthon Anselm of Chesnay Chanon of S. Peters Rodolphus of Porta and John of S. Thomas Divinity Professors Bartholmew Lombard Dr. of Laws Aymé Maillet Raymond of Orsieres Henry of Barmes Lawyers Mounsieur Authony Dr. of Physick Peter Roset Pancasel de la Rive Aymonet Fabry Nicolas of New-Castle Mermet Lulin Jaquemet Gautier John de la Roche James Revilliod Henry Chevalier John of Boloz Girard Milliet In short the said Act was signed by four Notaries Fulsend of Bruille John of Vaud Nicholas Chevrier and Anthony Fontanelle in the year and month aforesaid All persons who were interessed in the City were very well satisfied at this days work and they had new cause to rejoyce some months after by a declaration from the Emperor Sigismond which contained that Geneva was an Imperial City terming it Nobile Imperit Membrum wherein are mentioned at large the priviledes of Geneva which he declares he would take into his protection strictly charging all Princes Barons Captains and all other Officers of what quality soever and especially Amé Duke of Savoy not to molest in any sort the said Patriarch and Bishop of the Church of Geneva unless they would incur the indignation of the sacred Empire given at the Monastery of the Royal Court near Prague the sixth of June 1421. Signed Michael Chanon of Prague It is likely it was this Prelate who built the Bishops Palace his Arms standing on the outside of it which is a Band charged with three Dolphins For Frison in his Book intitled Gallia Purpurata blazons the Arms of this Bishop with Gules on a golden bar charged with three Dolphins in azure moreover in these Arms there 's behind the shield an Archbishops Cross which cannot agree with Amé of Gransons as we have already mentioned seeing he never was an Archbishop whereas John of Pierre-scize hath been Archbishop of Besançon and Roüen After John of Pierre-scize whom others call John of Rochetaillé there was chosen in his place John of Brievecuisse or of Courtecuisse Confessor to the French King Charles the sixth and Bishop of Paris who was Bishop of Geneva but one year he was of the Country of Normandy and had left Paris because he had opposed the K. of Englands interest there hath been one of this same family Bishop of Grenoble This last Bishop of Geneva was succeeded by John of Brognier who was born in a mean Village near Annecy called Brogny where when a Boy he kept Swine A Cardinal passing by took a likeing to him and carried him with him to Avignon where he brought him up to Learning It is reported before he went thither he came to Geneva to buy a pair of Shooes at the Taconnerie which is the street wherein is sold Leather and Shooes for Tacon in the ancient Language of the Savoyards signified Leather but he having not mony enough to pay for them the Shoomaker observing his perplexity said to him Go go friend you shall pay me when you come to be a Cardinal which proved a kind of a Prophecy for being one he called to mind this man and requited him with the Office of Steward of his Houshold He was called Cardinal of Ostie and it is for this reason that John of Bertrandis having had the same Title it was thought it was he who built the Chappel joyning to the Maccabees which at present is called the Philosophy School for it is certain it was John of Brognier who founded it seeing there is yet seen a little Hog carved on the outside of it which he caused to be set up for a memorial of his profession and in several parts of his Arms which are a Cross doubly traversed covered with a Cardinals Cap. The same Arms are in a Chappel at Brogny which he likewise founded as Mounsieur Morery hath observed passing through this Village he lies buried in the Chappel of Geneva and had for his successor Francis of Mies Priest of S. Marcel his Nephew or Sisters son some name him Francis of Savoy Severt would have him called though I know not with what reason John of Chalan which is the name of a Noble Family in the Country of Vaud In the Year 1430. there hapned a great Fire at Geneva which the Book called the Citizen affirms to have happened in the Year 1330. telling us he had it out of a Manuscript belonging to the Library at Geneva several others have mentioned it after him for most Authors
have Chissy seized and brought to the King that he might be made to discover all the Bishops intrigues He came then to Geneva with three or four of his brethren and staid there about fifteen days pretending their journey was only to see their friends and recreate themselves awhile In the mean time there came several into the City to help his undertaking and to lay hold on Chissy they being advertised where he lay with the Bishop as Pommieres himself was accustomed to do when he was in favour they ventured to take him in the very Bishoprick For though the Bishop had guards as is usual with great persons yet he minded not whether they kept strict watch but permitted them to go about the Town at their pleasure so that they served only for show In the morning as soon as ever the gates were opened Pommieres and his company made a shift to get entrance into the Chamber where the Bishop and Chissy lodged the latter of which they made rise and drew him out of the room in his shirt into the street where their horses were ready they set him on one his hands being pinioned and carried him thus out in his shirt through the gate of Rive the Bishop not daring to utter a word but the youngest of Pommieres brothers was wholly taken up in the entertaining some Ladies whilst his brethren were getting away The noise of this rape being spread over the Town they were immediately all up in arms which the young Pommieres perceiving too late he sets spurrs to his Horse thinking to pass through the gate of Rive as they did before him but finding it shut he turns his horse thinking to get through Corraterie but it was too late for they had began already to fasten it he endeavoured nevertheless to get out but as he was under the wicket they let fall the Portcullices which lighting on his horses crupper struck him to the ground so that he was taken and led to the Bishop who put him into the hands of Chissy's relations to keep him till the other should be restored as they were forced to do a while after The Bishop John Lewis was resolved not to pass by this affront but to be revenged whereupon he caused the Bishop of Viviers to be watched notice being given him that on a Sunday he had appointed to treat some Ladies in Piedmont he thereupon takes horse with about forty more and arrives at Piedmont where De Pommieres was enters without opposition for little did they think of him and finding him at Table immediatly killed him and some of his companions In the same year there was a great scarcity of provision so that a Bushel of Corn was valued at fourteen shillings which was likewise followed by so great a mortality that 7000. died in the City The Bishop John Lewis went the year following to Turin and died also a while after of a Pestilential feaver This Bishop was a younger brother of a couragious and undaunted spirit a lover of War but unfortunate yet of a free and generous temper amorous and revengeful against those who had affronted him but on the other side very ready to forgive when there was occasion as he made it appear by this instance for being in love with a Millers wife and the husband finding him in the Chamber with her could not refrain from thrashing him soundly till he had left him near dead on the floor yet John Lewis passed it by and gave him the Cloaths he wore when he beat him After his death there rose a great contest between the People Pope and Chapter concerning the choice of a Successor The people would have Francis of Savoy Archbishop of Aux brother to the deceased and the Chapter would have Vrbain of Chivron but the Pope not liking either of their choices gave the Bishoprick to the Cardinal of S. Clements his nephew called Dominique of la Rovere This Cardinal thinking it a hard matter to settle himself in this Bishoprick against the will of both People and Chanons he therefore makes an exchange with John of Compois Bishop of Turin But Chivron who was chosen by the Chanons not willing to resign his pretended right thereupon arose a great strife but at length this last carryed it and enjoyed it for some time Vrbain of Chivron in requital resigns his right to Francis of Savoy whom the people approved of who entred by force with his brother Philip Lord of Bresse Compois having heard of his coming got away in the night so that on the 25 of July Francis and Philip made their entrance into the Town and put therein a Garison a while after came their Nephew Duke Charles who was highly honoured and treated by them for they spent at one entertainment above four hundred Crowns which was a great deal of mony in those days On the other hand Compois goes to Rome to make his complaint to Pope Sixtus who judged he had right to the Bishoprick from which he had been unjustly thrown out which Francis not yielding the Pope excommunicated the Town which lasted three months but at length Chivron having gotten to be Archbishop of Tarantaise by Francis of Savoy's means all was pacified for Compois had given him the next presentation to this Archbishoprick whereupon he resigned the right which he had to the Bishoprick of Geneva to Francis who being sworn took upon him only the title of Administrator or Protector of the Church of Geneva Duke Charles the second of that name Duke of Savoy son of Charles the first and Godson to Amé the ninth advertised by his Uncle the Bishop of Geneva of some Acts and Decrees set forth by his Council held at Chambery to the Church of Geneva's prejudice he therefore repeals and makes void the said Acts strictly charging his Officers to forbear proceeding thereupon which was given at Pignerol the 14. of December 1489. These Letters were delivered to the Council of the Earl John of Genevois Uncle by the Fathers side to the said Charles The Earl dispatched Letters of Credence promising more care for the time to come The Duke likewise sent to the Council of Geneva intreating them to let him remain there some time as his Predecessors had done before him The Bishop being dead at Turin the Chapter chose Charles of Seyssel who enjoyed the Bishoprick for some time but Anthony Champion President of Turin and Chancellor of Savoy who had been married and was then Bishop of Mont-Devis in Piémont obtained of the Pope the Bishoprick of Geneva and Charles of Seyssel having been chosen in due form and manner would not give him place whereupon there arose a great strife and Law-suit betwixt them so far that Champion having gotten a Decree from the Metropolitan of Vienna against Seyssel and assisted by the Lord of Bresse came resolved to obtain his right either by fair means or foul There were
year following that the Walls about the Suburbs of S. Gervais were finished for the necessary expences of which there was an Excise laid on Wine and Mony raised by way of loan The Duke likewise gave his assistance but they procured a Writing under his hand that he sent workmen to advance the work not as a Prince who had right to the Town but onely out of kindness as a neighbour but his after-carriage answered not these his declarations He was a Mediator of the Peace made betwixt the King of France and the Confederate Switzers which induced him to believe his credit was so great with the King that with the joynt sollicitation of the Confederate Switzers he should be able to procure the establishment of the Fairs in Geneva from which he promised himself a double advantage First for that he should have Toll paid him for the goods brought through his Country And Secondly get footing in Geneva and by degrees subject it to himself He got then the Confederates to insert this Article in their Treaty and to send at the same time Deputies to Geneva promising them again their Fairs if they would agree to these following Articles First That the City and Bishop should appoint an Officer to keep account of the profit of each Fair one third part of which should be given to the Duke Bishop and City Secondly That the City should once a year make a Present to the Duke Thirdly That the warding the Gates should belong to the Duke during the time of the Fairs Fourthly That the Duke should have henceforward Fines paid for every new building both in City and Suburbs All which was proposed to the Consideration of a general Council assembled the twenty second of July and was as generally rejected the Duke gave not over his pursuit for this but tried other ways which were likewise to as little purpose the meeting held at Baden no more answered his expectation than the former Corn being very dear in this year Francis Mallet Governor of Berne and Dean of the Chappel of the Maccabees a native of Chambery lent to the Lords of the City his Plate which they caused to be Coyned to buy Corn which was given to the poor and for a requital was made a Citizen gratis In this year there was an insurrection of the people against the Vidame or Steward Aymé Consilii the occasion of it was this There were two Prisons in Geneva and to each of them a Jaylor one was only for the Clergy and was called the Bishoprick the other for Laymen in the Isle of Rhosne of which the Vidame was Governor having under him a Jaylor who having been excommunicated for a certain summ of mony which he owed and not obeying the sentence was aggravated and the Creditor would constrain him by the Bishops Authority the Bishops Treasurer went to the Isle to take him and carried him to the Bishoprick giving him in Charge to the Jaylor of that Prison the Vidame supposing the Bishops Officers had not any such power on the Dukedom demanded his Prisoner of the Bishops Jaylor which he refused excusing himself in as much as he dared not do it without his masters consent The Vidame enraged at his denial caused his Sergeant to seize on him and carry him to the Prison of the Isle which coming to the Treasurers ear he ran about the City crying out like a mad man help help Gentlemen against the Vidame who imprisons our Princes Officers for doing their duty the people thereupon tumultuously gather about the Vidame's house and would break open the doors but some in Authority coming in the mean time the Vidame surrendred himself to them and so there followed no other mischief he was carried to the Bishops Prison but at length this breach was made up and the Prisoners on both sides released notwithstanding the Duke when he heard of this was not satisfied but came from Chambery to Geneva with the Bishop desiring to have these mutinous persons as he called them punished but the Bishop having made full inquiry into the business found that the Vidame was in the wrong which he shewed the Duke but he was not thereat satisfied for that which was reason to the Bishop was not the same to the Duke The former of these thought they which had laid hold on the Vidame had reason to maintain his Authority as being their Prince and the Duke on the other side believed they had proceeded contrary to equity forasmuch as he esteemed himself Prince of Geneva he would therefore have the Bishop put to death the Authors of this Sedition whom he thought were those who had obtained the freedom of Fribourg for he would not do it by his own Authority lest he should provoke this Canton and the Bishop not consenting he was so enraged against him as to tell him he had made him Bishop but he would deprive him of that dignity and make him the poorest Priest in his Diocess but the Bishop dying at Moirane some time after his return from our Lady of Puy saved him that labour Geneva much lamented his loss having been ever a maintainer of the Priviledges both of Church and State. The Pope and Duke having heard of the Bishops decease were both concerned in the choice of a Successor The Pope would dispose of it as he had done heretofore but the Clergy and Laity of Geneva would not lose their right in this affair whereupon they betake themselves to their Arms and shut the City Gates assembling in S. Peters Church to chuse their Bishop they could not pitch upon a fitter person that Amé of Gingins Abbot of Beamont and they were induced to such a choice by these following considerations He was a Chanon and of a noble and ancient family and moreover allied and beloved by the Confederates who held at that time a good correspondency with Pope Julius the second he was also very zealous for the Liberties and Priviledges of both Church and State and of a very comely personage whose onely fault was that he was too great a lover of the female Sex. The Chapter then having chosen him by the peoples consent dispatched a Messenger to the Confederate Cantons desiring their commendatory Letters to the Pope to obtain his Confirmation which being obtained the Envoy sets forward to Rome all at this good Bishops charge but the Lords of Savoy were not all this while asleep for John of Savoy Prothonotary of Aâ—x whom we have heretofore mentioned got the start of him who is the same whom the Author of the Book called Christian Gaul terms John Francis of Savoy and whom Severt takes for the Bishop John Lewis John of Savoy was born at Anger 's being son to a poor woman of the said Town who could not be lavish of that which she never had although free enough of her body she lived in the same condition when the Bishop of
debated before the Cantons till the year 1530. All outrages on either side were forbid during this process but there always hapned some disturbances For to hinder the insulting of the Dukes party by the fear of disobliging the Switzers there were six persons constantly residing at Berne and as many at Fribourg The Bishop undertook to bring in again the exiled Mammelusses the Council agreed to receive the most moderate of them paying as a Fine Eighteen thousand Crowns of gold but the Duke hindred sometimes threatning to deal with them as enemies if they did and otherwhiles promising to introduce them all in general upon honourable terms The Articles of Burgership being made ready when they were to be signed several of the Dukes party absented themselves and from that time they were suspected a little while after there was a Diet held at Soleurre in which the Confederates answered the Dukes Embassadors that they should not mention any more that matter seeing he could not prove that he had any right to Geneva and Lausane who on the contrary had produced their Titles The Duke meditating revenge prohibited all Merchandises and provision to be carried out of his Dominions to Geneva but a Herald from the two Cities of Berne and Fribourg passed through Geneva in his journy to Chambery to give notice to the Duke that his Ambassadors would not be heard in the general Assembly in Switzerland till he had taken off this prohibition and reduced things to their former state which he did some days after publickly in appearance but he sent notice about privately that he would have the former Order observed and that his Subjects should be ready in their Arms at the first ringing of the Bell and beat of Drum. Towards the end of this Year arose a difference about a Prisoner of the Mammelusses faction whom the Syndicks condemned to be beheaded as a Taytor to the Bishop and City but his kindred obtained their consent to request the Bishops pardon which should be produced at the place of Execution with this proviso that he should remain in Prison till he had paid a Fine but the Bishop stood at the Castle gate and gave him his Pardon and the Officers unbound him and let him go at which the poor man was so transported with joy that although full of the Gout he ran to the Prison and entred into it joyfuller than he went out having never since felt his distemper The Dyet held at Berne on the 22. of December 1526. had again ratified the Burgership with Geneva and concluded to return the Copy of the Alliance made with him because it was made without the peoples consent In the month of May another being held the two Cities of Berne and Fribourg sent to the Duke who was at Chambery to demand the Letters of Alliance which he would not grant no more than he would make satisfaction for the damages done to Geneva and do justice on the Murtherers his Subjects who had killed a Genevois named Gentil and some other persons neither would he suffer the fugitive Mammelusses to plead their cause at Geneva upon Letters of Safe-conduct offered by the Bishop The Syndicks being informed that there were Soldiers lying in Ambuscade at Lancy beyond the Bridge of Arve commanded Besançon Hugues Captain-General of the Town to take care accordingly who caused the Gates to be shut the Chains to be extended and an Alarm to be sounded Which the Enemies perceiving and finding they were discovered withdrew It was known afterwards that it was the Captain of the Dukes Guards who had gathered some Troops to take the Bishop Peter of Baume at our Lady of Grace's Church where he went usually to Mass every Saturday but by good fortune he was not there that day it is thought they designed to put him to death and to chuse another in his room which obliged him to withdraw secretly into the Franche-Comt◠having first cancelled the Letters Testimonial which he had heretofore made against the Alliance of the Town with the Confederates Fifteen days after he sent the Syndicks a Copy of a Letter dated the first of April which the Emperor had written to the Duke of Savoy which fell into his hands in passing through S. Claude the Contents of which were that his Imperial Majesty having understood that they of Geneva had made an Alliance with the Cantons for to maintain themselves against the Dukes oppressions and his Officers who had violated the Bishop and Cities priviledges it enjoyned the said Duke to forbear his pretensions for the time to come of Sovereignty otherwise he would make it appear that this displeased him for he would maintain whatsoever his predecessors had established in this Imperial City The two Cantons of Berne and Fribourg wrote likewise to the Duke not to molest their Allies of Geneva The Mammelusses finding they could not prevail with the Cantons to enter again the City removed their suit to Vienna but the general Council being met there was a Copy of the Imperial Letter read by which they were in hopes to find that Geneva was not subject to Vienna and from thence forward it was concluded that no person for the time to come should prosecute any cause in that Court. The Bishop Baume desirous to shew his affection to the City and the care he took for its interest made himself a Citizen thereof as appears by an Act dated the fifteenth of July 1527. at which the Duke being enraged seized on the Abbies of Sure and Pignerol which belonged to him which he offered to him again for the Vidomat or Stewardship The Bishop likewise at the same time remitted the cognizance of civil Causes to the Syndicks to lessen the charge which persons were at in his Court. After the Mammelusses faction there arose another out of the City which did much hurt to the Citizens which was the Confraternity of Gentlemen of La Cuillier or the Spoon with whom were joyned some disaffected Chanons of the Dukes party This Fraternity was instituted in the Castle of Vaud where some Gentlemen being at Table eating amongst other things Broth with Wicker Spoons they bragged that they would make them of Geneva do the same They hanged each of them their Spoons about their necks for a note of distinction and those Francis of Pontverre Sieur of Terny a man couragious and skilful in warlike affairs for their Captain they had from that time several meetings to consult on their design at which the Duke was not at all pleased fearing it would end in his prejudice They did great hurt to Geneva wasting the Country thereabouts and misusing them whose business led them to the City Complaints of this were made to the Cities who instead of Soldiers sent Embassadors which these Gentlemen valued not They excused themselves on account of the troubles which the change of Religion had produced in Switzerland
they intended not thereby to prejudice the Bishops authority nor the Clergies priviledges The Tryal was prosecuted upon condition both parties should submit to the Syndicks decision in the mean time a Messenger returned who had been sent to the Bishop into Franche Comté who brought word that the Bishop would have Furbity sent back to the Spiritual Court. The Deputies from Berne returned and made the same demands as heretofore telling them moreover that their Superiors meant that Furbity should be tried by the Syndicks and not by any others They required further that a Minister should be permitted to Preach in the City to them who would hear him and in case of refusal to renounce their Alliance In the mean time there continually hapned some quarrel between the Citizens of both parties Amy Perrin of the Protestant party almost mortally wounded a Catholick Preacher called Besancon and Nicholas Pennet Warder of the Bishoprick of the Catholick party killed with a Dagger Nicholas Porral on the contrary side which made both parties take up Arms and had not the Deputies of Berne interposed there had been more mischief yet they would not lay down their Arms till Justice was done on the Murtherer who had gone and hid himself with Portery the Bishops Secretary in S. Peters Steeple that he might at midnight ring the great Bell but the Syndicks understanding where he was went thither and took him at eleven of the Clock at night and the next morning condemned Pennet to lose his head which made all quiet again There were found in Portery's Closet blank Bills signed with the Dukes Coat of Arms as also an order for the constituting of a Governor over Geneva in Temporals as the Bishops Lieutenant with power to punish the Lutherans There were likewise found Letters from the Bishop dated the twelfth of January 1534. which were read in the general Council at the time of the Election of the Syndicks upon which occasion the Bernoises earnestly exhorted the Council not to suffer after this manner their priviledges to be invaded seeing they alone were Judges in matters of Life and Death putting them in mind of the last War which the Bishop had been the chief instrument of in promoting it that for their parts they would maintain the Alliance with all their power Whilst Portery's Indictment was privately drawing up his Relations produced the Bishops pardon but the Syndicks would take no notice of it saying he stood convicted of Manslaughter Sedition and Conspiracy together with the Bishop against the liberties of the City so that he was executed They had a while before appointed a disputation to be held betwixt Furbity and the Ministers before the 200. which was afterwards Printed the Council after it was ended condemned Furbity to a publick Recantation to be made in the same place where he had injured the Bernoises and their party and according to this sentence he was led on the Sunday following to S. Peters Church where was given him what he was to say in Writing but-when he was got up into the Pulpit he began as he was accustomed with the sign of the Cross and implored the assistance of the Holy Ghost through the intercession of the blessed Virgin. The Bernoises and Protestants of the City seeing this hindred him from proceeding in his Sermon saying he came there to make his Recantation and immediately he was haled down from the Pulpit and kept close Prisoner The Deputies from Berne were instant with the Council touching four Articles First They demanded justice to be done on the Preacher who they said had injured them Secondly They represented that the Lent Preacher in the Convent of Rive taught erroneous Doctrine which they delivered in Writing Thirdly They required that one of their Ministers who had been expelled the Town might be recalled Fourthly That a Church might be granted them for one of their Ministers to Preach in during their abode in the City To which the Syndicks and Council thus replied First Concerning Furbity that he should receive such punishment as his faults deserved Secondly That the Preacher of Rive should be warned to Teach no other Doctrine but what is maintained in the Holy Scripture Thirdly That they could not Repeal the Sentence of the Ministers banishment Fourthly That they might chuse what place they liked best for their Chaplain to Preach in In this same day there arose a great disturbance in the Church of S. Francis de Rive occasioned by a Protestant Minister's contradicting a Catholick Preacher on the first Sunday in Lent and it seldom hapned otherwise at all Sermons On the first day of March after this Preacher had ended his Sermon the Protestants animated by the presence of Baudichon Amy Perron and several other Citizens who had heard him caused Farel to get up into the Pulpit And this was the first Sermon the Protestants heard in publick at which some Counsellors made their complaints to the Council setting before them the danger that might ensue thereupon Deputies from Fribourg likewise came to make their complaints to the general Council upon the leave granted to the Lutherans to Preach notwithstanding they had promised to live as heretofore and that they had already given them notice that if they suffered any innovation they would break off their Alliance They were answered that they approved not of it yet could they not withstand the desires of the Gentlemen of Berne who had brought these Ministers along with them and that they ought not for this to break off with them but rather aid them against the Bishop who would deprive them of their priviledges There were also Deputies sent from Geneva to Fribourg on purpose to appease them but to no effect for they broke off the Seals from the Articles of Agreement saying they would have nothing to do with Lutherans nor with people who would not obey their Bishop and sent to Geneva for their Articles of Agreement The Protestants had taken possession of the Church of Rive in which they Baptized Married and Administred the Communion The two parties about this time were equal in power great was the division in families here the wise against her husband and there the father against his son who used one another perhaps like Turks or Jews It was observed that on Whitsun-Eve the heads of all the Images standing over the Church gates were cut off in the dark no body knowing the Author These heads were found in a Well at which the Syndicks being troubled caused them to be set together the best they could the Protestant party every day gained ground Lewis Bernard Priest of S. Peter's Church laid down his Gown and having taken to wise Amy Perrin's sister was married by Peter Viret The Bishop of Baulme coming to Chambery towards the Duke of Savoy notice thereof was sent to them of Berne who writ to his Highness that they had been informed
the Ambassador with the greatest signs of respect but as to the business of Geneva he would not concern himself with it whether he feared the charge would be too great or that he thought the enterprize too difficult There was then at Rome a Genevois named Francis Fabry Son of Peter Fabry of one of the chief Families in Geneva who was Bishop de la Cave Sixtus had some conferences with him which proved not ineffectual for the Pope answered at length the Ambassador That if it were a War wherein Religion was concerned it were then fitting he should be interested in it as being head of the Church but if it was a War which concerned the State he could not in Conscience employ the Churches Treasure in maintaining other Peoples interest The Duke was not a little displeased at this answer and being of a cholerick temper he could not forbear saying in a passion That Sixtus had rather shed the blood of Catholicks at Rome than that of Hereticks at Geneva At the same time he wrote to his Ambassador to return home And that if he could not subdue the Genevoises by the help of the Spiritual Sword he would try what he could by the Temporal one which no Priest was able to withstand The Count Olivarez who had received Orders from Spain to promote as much as in him lay his Highnesses interest comforted his Ambassador in this following manner after he had in vain endeavoured the same thing Alas said he I know very well the temper of the Ecclesiasticks of this Court and especially of this Pope whom I have often dealt with His Highness ought not to expect any thing from him towards the War with Geneva For should be take the City he would keep it himself Wherefore I believe it would be better to let that City alone for these Hereticks respect the Duke and bring him profit by trading with his Subjects whereas if it should fall into the hands of the Ecclesiasticks they would not fail to trouble the Duke and Neighbouring Princes So that the Dukes Subjects would be losers by it and would find such a Neighbourhood uneasie to them The Duke taking advantage of the disorders which the League occasioned in France had seized on the Marquisdom of Saluces at which the French-King Henry the Third requiring satisfaction sent Nicholas Harlay Sieur of Sancy to the Genevoises to stir them up to make War against the Duke knowing well the differences betwixt them Sancy promised on the Kings part to send them Men and to bear all the charges of the War and to let them hold whatsoever they should take from him The Council was divided about the matter some alledged That Henry might die and his Successors forget the kindness received from them That the Duke would be sure to remember it and be revenged when he was able That War was hazardous and that the City was not in a capacity to hold out long in case it should he besieged Others on the contrary represented That in obliging a great King they might thereby procure an able Friend in their time of need that the Duke had declared himself an open Enemy that the French-Churches would be more kindly used upon this account and that the Prince Palatine and the Switzers would furnish them with mony sufficient to carry on this design This last advice was followed and afterwards Sancy went to stir up the Switzers whom he promised that the Duke should be attached on the other side from Dauphiny The Prince perceiving this tempest which threatned him would have made himself Master of Lausane and the Country of Vaud under the conduct of the Baron of Hermance whose Troops lay about Thonon and Ripaille The Bernoises perceiving the Dukes design on their Country were easily won to enter into a War with him In the mean time the Genevoises edged forward by Sancy's Letters set out from the City with six Companies of Foot and three Troops of Horse in the Evening under the command of the Sieur Quitry a French-Gentleman and a Knight of the Order who was sent to them together with the Sieur of Baujeu by the French-King for to command their Forces who in the same Night seized on the Castle of Monthoux having forced open the Gate with a Petard In the Morning they took the Town of Bonne with its Castle standing at the entrance of Focigny And from thence marched along the River of Arve where they broke down the Bridges of Tremblieres and Buringe to hinder the Enemies passage They presented themselves before the Castle of S. Joire a place of strength and the Key of the Baillage of Chablais with a design to win it not only for the importance of the place but likewise to find Letters and Commissions concerning the enterprises on the States of Berne and Geneva of which the Baron of Hermance the Lord of this Castle had been the principal promoter The Castle being taken these said Instructions were found in it and great store of Arms and Provision besides They returned having left a Garison in this place without the loss of a Man because that the Duke seeing neither Switzers nor Grisons in the Field did not imagine the Genevoises had dared to brave it thus in his Dominions But the Country sounding an Alarm he sent away several Troops from Remilly to observe the Enemies motion The Genevoises animated by this success marched out the next Night after their return to besiege Gex and in the Morning made their approaches to it But the besieged pretended to capitulate yet after several messages from both sides this Treaty proved ineffectual so that the Soldiers in the Castle began wholly to defend themselves against the Assailants some of whom were wounded and two or three killed Yet at length foreseeing their ruin if they held out till the Cannon played they surrendred it up and received a Garison that Night The next Morning Claudius Pobel Baron of Peter and Governor of Gex rendred himself to Quitry at his discretion who made him Prisoner of War together with two Captains an Ensign and eighty Soldiers who were all Piedmontoises and were carried away the same Night to Geneva These last were all soon released except those who would again take part with their Enemies But the Baron had his lodgings assigned him in a Councellors House till he paid his ransom The Duke having notice of this siege sent away Sonas Governor of Remilly to succour the place He set forth with eight Troops of Horse and nine Companies of Foot but hearing of its surrender he came and presented himself before Bonne having first repaired the Bridge at Buringe There were not above ninety Soldiers in this Town and some Peasants who were sent thither to work on its Fortifications one Captain Bois was left Governor of the place Sonas perceiving they were prepared to receive him turned aside to seek other more favourable occasions In the mean
his intrigues The Baron of Aubonne who was likewise his Brother-in-law was at the same time a prisoner in Berne upon suspicion of Treason Chenalat being pressed confessed his intelligence with most solemn protestations that he had no other design than only to draw mony from the Marquiss but this saved not his head The Republick sent afterwards John Diodati and Thedore Trochin Professors in Divinity into Holland to reside as their Deputies in the Synod of Dort whom the States had invited together with the English and Dutch Divines to oppose the Doctrines of Arminius at their departure they were each of them presented with a Medal by the States The Duke of Savoy having begun to make great Levies alarm'd thereby the City of Geneva Monsieur d' Alincourt who was Governour of Lyons sent notice thereof to the King who was sollicitious for their preservation and desired that he might be informed if any thing was undertaken against them this occasioned the fortifying of S. Gervais Mottet an Engineer whom the Prince of Orange had sent drew a Trench which reached from the Rhosne as far as the Lake the better to shelter the Burrough being assisted by Ferault a French Gentleman who had â—led to Geneva In this same year on Whit-Sunday there hapned such an Earthquake that the Ministers in the time of their Preaching were fain to hold fast by the Pulpit for fear of falling In the following year there died a Woman who was learned both in Greek and Latine and who had passed through her Exercises in Philosophy in the Colledge She was M. Offredy's Wife a skilful Physician who writ several Commentaries on Hippocrates And lie having but bad eyes his Wife assisted him in his Studies writing his Bills and reading to him A National Synod of the Protestant Churches being held at Paris the Ministers of Geneva wrote to it that they being conformable to the French Churches in Essentials they would likewise be the same in indifferent matters and give the Communion henceforward with unleavened Bread as the Bernoises had already began to do adding moreover that the Elders should no longer give the Cup as they were wont but the Pastors after the same manner as in the French Churches Tronchin being injoyned by the Council and Consistory gave notice hereof to the people one Sunday night after Sermon and shewed the reasons moving them to this change in so indifferent a matter Some small differences had like to have broke the peace for although it was agreed in the Treaty made at S. Julien that there should be a free Trade yet had the Duke strictly forbidden any Corn to be Transported to Geneva and the Council by way of requital prohibited the carrying out of Iron Salt or any other Commodities into Savoy but Wake the English Ambassador passing through Geneva and observing how scarce Corn was amongst them interceded for them to the Duke and got off the prohibition The Marquis of Bade a Lutheran Prince being stript of his Estate by a Decree from the Imperial Court withdrew to Geneva with his Wife and a Minister The Council permitted him to have preaching in his House for his own Family but several Germans inhabitants of the City and others resorted thither at which the People muttered saying That in time the Mass would be permitted to be read in the City seeing Lutherans were permitted after this manner The Council of twenty five understanding the matter sent a Syndick and the Lieutenant to intreat him not to let any Citizens into his house at Sermon time which request of theirs he despising instead of granting it sent them word that the City belonging to the Empire and he being one of its Princes he had as much right there as they had themselves some say that he lifted up his hand to strike the Syndick which caused the Magistrates to repeal the permission they had granted him at which he being inraged left Geneva and withdrew to Thonon where the Duke permitted him the exercise of his Religion Another great Lord who in the Year 1624. had withdrawn to Geneva as to a place of refuge ended his daies there his name was George Erasmus of Tzernembel an Hereditary Baron of the Marches of Esclavonie and of Carniole who had been formerly Counsellor to the Emperors Rodolphus the second and Matthias the first and one of the Directors of Bohemia but after the new Kings defeat he was forced to give place to the Victorious and to flie out of the Empire He came to Geneva with his Wife and Daughter and another Relation and was a second Job in his miseries and afflictions for having been deprived of all his Offices and tortured with the Gout and other vexations both of body and mind he at length had news brought him that his son who stayed behind to gather up the pieces of his shattered fortune was drowned and all that he brought with him so that having nothing left him but patience the Magistrates and the Church gave him a monthly allowance for his families subsistence and continued it after his decease he was honourably interred in S. Peters Cloyster according to his quality Emilia of Nassaw Princess of Orange and sister to Prince Maurice and Widow to Don Emanuel son of Anthony King of Portugal after that the Spaniard had made himself Master of that Kingdom she came and dwelt at Geneva with her six daughters but having purchased a Castle near Nyons she withdrew thither She died in the year following and was interred at Geneva in the Chappel on the left hand of S. Peters Quire. This Princess although of great quality resided several years at Geneva living in a condition much beneath her quality and desert her Daughters were married to ordinary Gentlemen of the Country of Vaud one of them who had espoused Colonel Grol was buried near her Mother in 1647. Madam the Dutchess of Rohan remained for some time in the City with her Daughter and afterwards went to Venice Geneva likewise served for an Asylum to the Sieur of Aubigné a French â—entleman who having published his History of France had thereby so much displeased the King that he would have him taken into custody for it and moreover his Son whom the Jesuits had won to their party heightened the Kings displeasure against his Father but he foreseeing their design took about thirty thousand Crowns of gold which he hid in the Saddles of his Horses and fled to Geneva about the year 1619. He was received by the Magistrates and Church with great respect for they had been informed of his zeal for the Protestant Religion and of his valour and conduct in Military affairs So likewise when there was any kind of Fortification undertaken they always asked his advice It is said that he had a secret enabling him to speak to any person a hundred paces distant from him and they who stood by should
L. Ducenarii de exact Trib. ne ducenarii plus quà m quadraginta octo in singulis habeantur The Greeks used the same word Photius Biblioth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where I believe the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ought to be corrcted and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 put before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 making it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Perennia is not the name of a Roman Family but rather Herennia to which this Publius Herennius belonged Ducenarius or Receiver of Tributes XLVIII In the Village of Meyseri three or four Leagues distant from Geneva between Beauregard and Nermier on a Column EPI SEVER CAI SABADIA M.. RIBTO T. IX DESIC .... III P. P. PT ET ANTONIN ... TII ... P. C. IIII COS. DESG GVichenon who thus describes it in his History of Savoy thought he had discovered that the ancient name of Savoy had been Sabadia and which consequently had been in use in Severus his time Inscriptions are in truth of great use in the knowledge of History and Geography but when they are ill transcribed and so by consequence ill misunderstood they commonly introduce several errors And this may serve for a proof of all the rest for there never was such a word as Sabadia and the whole of that Inscription produced by Guichenon is a confused piece of nonsence in which a man may make some uncertain guesses For thus it ought to be restored Imp. sEPT SEVERO Aug. ParthiC ARAB. ADIAB Pont. Max. TRIB POT IX COS. II. DESIGN III. P. P. ET m. AurE L. ANTONINO TRIB POT III. COS. DESIGN M. P .... So that it will be no hard matter for us to understand how Guichenon in these two words ARAB. ADIAB should make such a mistake This Column was a Millenary Stone erected in the time when Septimus Severus Augustus surnamed Parthick Arabick Adiabenick was Emperor who took on him these names because he had vanquished the Parthians Arabians and Adiabenians when he was chief Prelate having exercised the Office of Tribune nine times and having been then twice Consul and designed again to the same Office being entrusted for the third time with the power of the Tribuneship under Marcus Aurel. Anotoninus his son and designed Consul M. P ... signifies Millarium positum or posuerunt or as others expound it Milliaria passuum to which we must add the number of Miles which is worn out Upon which I would advertise the lovers of Antiquity that a man must use his own judgment in the Reading of Guichenon He hath collected several Inscriptions which are not in Gruterus but we should have been farther obliged to him had he been more exact Lo here is one which he hath pitifully deciphered XLIX At the Castle of Monfalcon IVN. AL AVG. MA. IEIS CASIROR S. III. MIVS HO NORARIVS PROC AVGG H. CAES. Observe how I have restored it IVLIAE AVG. MA TRIS CASTROR SEPTIMVS HO NORATVS PROC AVGG ET CAES. THis is an Inscription set up in honour of Julia Augusta the wife of Severus to whom as we learn by the Medals and Inscriptions there was given the name of Mater Castrorum the Mother of Armies The Stone having been engraven by the order of Septimius Honoratus Procureur or Lieutenant to the Emperors Severus and Caracalla and of Geta Cesar who was designed to the Empire These corrections may be proved to be right by uncontroulable reasons but it is not necessary to lose time in these matters seeing they will appear thus to any person who is versed in ancient Inscriptions L. This and the following fragment are to be seen over the Gate Du Bourg of Four at Geneva .... S. N. PATRIT ... AS ... P. P ... .... RITFERO ... AE ROMV ... D. ... NIVGIT .... LLI ... S MIL. LEG XXII ADI ... FECTVM ...... BI ... OICA ...... THere can be nothing else made of this but that it had been engraved by a Tribune or Colonel of the twenty second Legion called Adiutrix LI. In the same place .... ADVS REX C M MO IVMENT PROP. ... PATIO MVT ... CA THis might relate to Gondebaud King of Burgundy who dwelt at Geneva and the first Line might be GVNDEBADVS REX CLEMENTISSIMVS for in the Ancient Courts we read indifferently Gundebadus Gundebaldus and Gundebaudus There is kept in the Town-house several ancient Urns the greatest part of which are very large because one of them served a whole Family There is one of these at Monsieur Mestrezat's the Professor on whose Handle there are these Letters C. V. VA. which perhaps are the Letters of the Potters name LII A fragment of the Epitaph of Ansegisus Bishop of Geneva standing at the Corner of the Channons-street in Monsieur Tremblet's House NON MERITIS PRECOR VIV ... PRAEVALEAT PIETAS QV .... ET QVICVNQVE LEGIT E .... SIMQVE SVIS PRAECIBVS F .... ADSIT ALMIFICVS VICTOR .... PERPETVIS VALEAM .... ANSEGISVS ERAM P .... SIS MEMOR IPSE MEI .... HE died in the Year 840. those kind of cornered C's which are in the Original were in use in those days Near the Temple of Cologny there is seen the remains of a Character like this where we find GISVS EPS that is to say Ansegisus Episcopus But it is great pity that this Epitaph is not intire it consisted of four Dystichs In the first of which he seems to say that he desires not to be judged according to his merits but according to his faith and trust in Gods mercy In the second he recommends himself to the Readers prayers In the third he implores S. Victor's help and the Churches out of which this Epitaph was taken when that of S Victor was pulled down to make fortifications and in the last Dystich he declares his name to be Ansegisus and entreats again the Reader to remember him in his prayers LIII At a little Gate of S. Peter's-Church on the Shoulders of this Apostle's Statue PETRE AMAS ME TV SCIS DMN QA AMO TE ET EGO DICO TIBI PASCE OVES MEAS THis is several hundred years old as may be seen by the Characters although they are not Gothick So it is likely to have been made in the time when Conradus was Bishop who finished S. Peters Church MODERN INSCRIPTIONS I. On a Bell which belonged to the Dominicans and which hath since been used for a Clock in Monnoye Reverendissimus Dns Jo. de Brogniaco Eps Ostien S. Roman Ecce Cardinalis Vicecancellarius me fieri fecit Anno Mcccc quinto Die xx mensis Decembris Ave Maria. JOhn of Brognier was Bishop of Geneva in 1423. and was Cardinal and Bishop of Ostie in the year 1405. as it appears by this Inscription so that this quality of Cardinal Bishop of Ostie could not be attributed at the same time to John Bertrandis Bishop of Geneva in 1414. according to Roset's account in his Chronological Manuscript II. In the Philosophy-School or Chappel of the Cardinal
of Ostie L' AN MCCCC XIIII was made this Inscription which was Engraven by M. John Prindal Sirnamed de Brucesses Pfues which you may read if you please THis Inscription may serve to convince those who will notallow this Chappel to have been built in 1416. or in 1414. of the same date with this Epitaph by the Cardinal John of Bertrandis who was then Bishop and not by John of Brognier who was but in 1423. but this reason is not so prevalent as the Arms of John of Brognier and of his Nephew Francis of Mies which are to be seen there and this Stone perhaps might have been brought thither either when it was finished or perhaps since III. At S. Gervaises Steeple Anno MCCCCXXXV ET ... IANVAR ...... THis was dated from the Year 1435. when this Steeple was repaired by Francis of Mies Bishop of Geneva IV. In S. Peter's Church round a Tomb-stone HIC IACET VENERABILIS ET EGREGIVS VIR Dnus Ansermus de Chenay Can. Eccliar Viennen Gebenn QVI OBIIT Die XXVII mensis Octobris Anno Dni M. o. CCCC o. XXXVII o. Cujus aia in pace requiescat Amen THis is the ancientest of all the Chanons Epitaphs in S. Peters Church It is in Gothick Letters and the Arms of this Anselme of Chenay are joyned with it The Shield is charged with two Bends The Bishoprick of Geneva was under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan of Vienna so that there was great Communication held betwixt these two Churches The Canon is signed in an ancient Act cited by the Author of the Book called the Citizen in p. 256. V. In Verdaine-street on a Gate belonging to the Hospital which was heretofore the Convent of S. Claire PATRONVS NOSTER MILES GVI LLIERMVS BOLOMERIVS FABIVS IN ANNO MCCCCXLIII NOS FVNDITVS INSTAVRAVIT THis Inscription informs us that the Noble William Bolomier Fabius had founded the Convent of S. Claire at Geneva in 1443. his Arms are engraven on it of ... with a pale of Gules and for his Crest a Dogs head This William of Bolomier was Chancellor of Savoy and the Dukes chief Minister of State there but three years after this foundation viz. in the Year 1466. he was thrown alive into the Lake with a stone about his neck for having falsely accused of Treason the Lord of Varembon You may read this History at large in Guichenon's History of Savoy page 508. Roset tells us that the Colledge of Geneva was built in 1558. in the same place where Bolomiers Hutins lodgings lay It is very likely they were called after this manner because he had several houses near the Convent of S. Claire and that he took thence an occasion to build anew the said Convent VI. At S. Peters Hic jacet Reverendus Pater Dns Humbertus de Chilliaco Vtriusque jur Doctor sancte sedis Aplice prothonotarius Canonicus Ecclie Geben hujus capellae fundator qui obiit die VI Augusti Anno Dni MCCCCLVII cujus aia in pace requiescat THis is in Gothick Letters on black Marble at the entrance into the Chappel of which he was the Founder ten years before his death there is written in the windows of it these words Dns Humbertus de Chilliaco 1447. This Humbert of Chilliaco was qualified Doctor of Laws and Prothonotary of the Apostolick See which I believe was but onely a bare title without any profit and Channon of Geneva he departed this life in 1457. Chilly is a Village five or six Leagues distant from Geneva from whence his Family spâ—ang VII At the same place Hic jacet Nobilis Potens vir Gallelius .... Ginessiati qui obiit die IIII. Februarij Anno Dni M o. CCCC o. LXIX Aia Requiescat in pace Amen THis is written in Gothick Letters and hath the Coat of Arms belonging to it joyned with it which are three Barrs wavy The termination i makes me apt to believe that this Ginessiati was an Italian VIII At the same place Hoc Antro recubat R. Pr. Grener inclyti de Viry Amblardus prot ..... MCCCCLXXV die VIII Septembris AMblard Prothonotary of the family of the Viry's departed this life in 1475. the Eighth of September This which follows is of the same stock IX Near the same place Marmoreo tegitur isto vir generosus venerandusque pr Dns Petrus inclyta Viriacorum famila insignis hujus Ecclie Annorum 4 o super ...... Canonicus prebendatus pro suo tpe oes impetus magnanimiter ..... Anno salutis 1494. PEter de Viry Channon of Geneva was of the illustrious Family of the Viry's This Epitaph is engraven in Roman Letters and the Coat of Arms adjoyning thereunto is a Shield paly and over all a bend and charged with a Crescent in Chief and under the Shield is written Viry Menestrier in his Abridgment of Blazonry p. 85. yet blazons them of this Family of Viry in Genevois paled with silver and azure without and bend or crescent Perhaps there are labels belonging to them X. Near the same place Hic jacet Venerandus Petrus Ferodi de Grandivalle in legibus licent .... confrater confratrie Sancte Trinitatis can cus Geben generalem expectans resurrectionem qui obiit anno Dni MCCCCLXXXXVI die V. mensis Novembris THis is in Gothick Letters and the Arms belonging to it are an Anchored Cross this Confraternity of the Holy Trinity of which this Peter Ferodi de Grandeval a Licentiate in the Laws was one had been established at the Gray-Fryars of Rive as I have learnt by the remnant of an Inscription at Chapoterie where this Convent heretofore stood XI In the same Church in Roman Letters Reverendus Pr Dnus Andreas de Malvenda utriusque juris Doctor sedes Applice Prothonotarius ac hujus insignis Ecclie canonicus cantor defunctu occubat in tumulo Orate Deum pro eo Migravit e seculo anno salutis 1499. die 21. mensis Julij THis is an Epitaph belonging to Andrew de Malvenda Channon and Chanter of S. Peters at Geneva Doctor of Laws and Apostolical Prothonotary There is a great Vineyard near Geneva called still by that name of Malevendes and there is farther a famous Author of the same name the Arms engraved on this Tombstone are a Flower-de-Luce the Crest is a Hat with three Tassels They are moreover to be seen painted in the Church-windows in green colour with the Flower-de-Luce XII Another in Roman Letters Hic jacet No. lis Gondissalvus de Malvenda Burgen Geben Me .... obiit dictus No. lis Gondissalvus die 25. mensis Augusti 1505. dicto anno M. die mensis ... THis Family descended originally from Spain and the Christian name of this Malvenda was Spanish Gonsalve Burgensis Gebennensis Citizen of Geneva This was the way of speaking in those days his Coat of Arms were in a shield impaled in the first side of which there is a Flowerd-de-Luce as in Malvenda's Coat XIII Another in Gothick Letters
Genevoises 180 Crequi passes through Geneva 182 City divided 186 Chillon Castle besieged 111 Carolyn maintains the lawfulness of the Mass 113 Chenalat executed for Treason 172 D DVke of Savoy makes new attempts on Geneva 124 Des Plans a Traytor to the City 124 Duke advances to attack the Fort near Arve 131 Dukes Army approaches 141 Duke of Savoy desires the French King to desist from protecting Geneva 146 Duke dispatches Messengers to all parts to publish his good success 152 De Vic Ordered to assure the Genevoises of the French Kings favour 161 Duke of Rohan's Funeral 178 Discourse of the Rhosne ibid. Deodati ' s death 179 Duke of Savoy quarters great number of Soldiers round about Geneva 183 Diligence of the people in working at the Fort 185 Discovery of a late design on Geneva 187 Deputies dispatched from Geneva 190 E ENglish Church at Geneva 120 Earthquakes 125 Esgaillon beheaded 135 Ebbings and flowings of the Rhosne 184 Emperor ' s Embassador passes from Geneva 191 F FRench designed to be Massacred in Geneva 120 French Kings complaint against Geneva 121 Famine in Geneva 126 Fort of Arve demolished 144 Fire on the Bridge of Rhosne 186 G GEnevoyses sally out against the Savoyards 110 Gex surrendred ibid. Grybalde propagates Servetus his opinions 120 Gentil disputes against Calvin 120 Grimaud endeavors to spread the Plague 123 Gex surrendred 128 Genevoyses engage the Enemy 132 Gex surprized 134 Genevoyses shamefully worsted by the Savoyards 137 Genevoyses defeated 138 Genis taken by surprize 161 Giovani accuses an eminent person in the City of Treason 170 Gothefredus his Latin Inscription 179 Gautier hanged 180 Genevoyses fortify their City 184 H HEnry the third of France makes an Alliance with the Switzers 123 Hermance layes an ambush for the Genevoyses gathering their Wine-Harvest 139 I JEws request to Geneva 125 Jubilé at Thonon where the design of scaling Geneva was laid 149 K KIngs Army attached by the Savoyards 141 King of France declares Geneva comprehended in the Treaty 149 King of France comes to Lyons 181 L LA Cluse surrenders 111 Lentilles spreads the Plague in Geneva 117 La Cluse attempted by the Genevoises surrenders 134 Lurbigny defeats the Savoyards 136 Lancy demolished 143 Letter of the Genevoyses to the Sieur of Guiche 156 Letter of the French King to the Genevoyses 157 Landgrave of Hesse makes the City of Geneva a Present 166 Lectius dies at Geneva 170 M MAss abolished 111 Mare committed to Prison 114 Marquis of Vico comes to Geneva 119 Mercier the Minister flead alive 133 Maillet committed Prisoner 158 Marquis of Bade retires to Geneva 173 N NAtional Synod at Paris 172 Noroy secured 189 O OLivarez Counsel to the Dukes Embassador 127 P PEney blown up 110 Peace concluded 145 Peace concluded between the Duke and Genevoyses 163 Philippe kills a man with his Leading-staff 115 Plague at Geneva 116 Pope requested to assist the Duke 126 Prince Palatin's entertainment at Geneva 187 Prince George dies there 189 R RIchardet kills himself by a fall 115 Regiment of Soleurre attached 130 Roset Harangues the Queen and Dauphin 191 Roset dies at Geneva 169 S SAunier teaches School at Geneva 111 Saunier with others banished 114 Syndicks still Catholicks in their hearts 113 Servetus comes to Geneva 119 Spiffame his Tragical end 122 Sancy animates the Genevoyses against the Duke 127 Savoyards attack the Forces from Berne 132 They set upon three Barks bound for Geneva 135 Sonas slain 142 Sadeel dies at Geneva 143 Serres dies at Geneva 145 Sonas bleeds at Nose 151 He together with six others first climb up the City walls 152 Sarraz in compiles a Book called The Genevoise Citizen 163 A Sergeant executed 170 Spies sent into Savoy 184 Savoy and Geneva differ about the imposition of Salt 190 Spanish Embassador passes through Geneva 191 Stouppe intercedes in the behalf of Geneva ibid. T TOurnon his Harangue to the Lords of Berne 157 Terrail his designs on the City of Geneva 167 His designs on Geneva discovered 168 He sets out from Savoy for Flanders ib. Apprehended and executed 169 V VErsoy besieged 133 Valour of a Captain 140 Valour of a Taylor 155 W WArning given to the City of Geneva 149 Warning given a second time to them 150 Z ZUrich makes a perpetual Alliance with Geneva 126 THE END Ancient names of Geneva Volateran Marlian Paradin In his Opuscula Munster calls it Mirae vetustatis Vrbem Scituation of Geneva Antiquity of Geneva Derivation of the word Geneva The Genevoises formidable to the Romans 125. years before the Birth of our Saviour 122. years before our Saviour Paul. Orose 108. years before the Birth of our Saviour The Genevoises protected by the Romans against the Switzers 102. years before the Birth of our Saviour 60. years before our Saviour 58. years before our Saviour Helvetians invade the Gaules There are some marks of this to be seen near Gingin about a league from Nyons and four leagues from Geneva Julius Caesar's name yet retain'd in divers Families at Geneva A Roman Colony sent to Geneva Deseruere cavo tentoria fixa Lemanno Lucan Geneva burnt in Marc. Aurelius his time 274. years before our Saviour Geneva rebuilt Sunt qui Gebennas in Allobrogibus ab eo conditas expeditione illa Gallica dicant See the Inscriptions Scituation of Geneva Turris Botuli Geneva first received the Christian Faith. Amongst Monsieur de Peiresk's Papers 194. years after our Saviour 198. 194. Sundry Bishops of Geneva In the third and fourth Century 397. 426. 440. 466. 517. 549. 570. 573. President Fauchel mentions it 613. 620. Theodorick second Son to the French King builds several Churches in Geneva 650. 726. 773. Rhegino Abbot Genuam Civitatem veniens Synodum tenuit and Charlemain comes to Geneva and sets up there his own Statue 816. About the year 860. 876. 879. 930. 1050. 1050. Three Lords lay claim to Geneva 1120. Disagreement between the Earl of Genevois and Bishop of Geneva 1124. Bernard Epist 27. The first Letter Second Letter S. Bernard recommends to the Bishop the Religiouses of the two Monasteries in his Diocess 1153. 1157. 1162. The Bishops of Geneva's claim of Soveraignty over Geneva 〈…〉 1185. Dated 1211. 1219. 1220. Fort of Peney built by Aymé of Granson Bishop of Geneva quits his Bishoprick 1261. 1266. 1268. 1282. 1285. Articles of agreement between the Earl of Savoy and Bishop of Geneva 1290. 1291. Humbert Dauphin of Viennois assaults the City of Geneva 1291. 1303. William of Constance dies 1304. 1306. 1307. Earl of Genevois treats with the City 1307. Earl of Genevois defeated 1308. Earl of Genevois dyes 1309. The Bishop and City disagree The Bishop of Geneva's Authority over the City considered 1310. 1311. 1312. A new Bishop chosen 1313. 1317. 1319. 1320. 1321. A great Fire at Geneva 1330. A Battel fought between the Earls of Genevois and Savoy 1334. 1342. The Earl of Savoy dycs 1346. 1356. 1365. Gerard Tavel Rodelphus de Postella Peronnnet of S. Germain
the Gout which was accompanied moreover with filthy Ulcers that left him nothing but skin and bones It is reported likewise that after his decease his body was found to weigh not above twenty eight pound before his death he resigned his Benefices to Peter of Baume who was of the family of the Earls of Montevel in Bresse Regent of the Abby of Sure and St. Claude who declared his Predecessor died with great remorse especially for the disturbances he had occasioned in Geneva which he intended to bring wholly under the Dukes subjection Soon after him died Consilii who a while before had been discharged of his Office of Vidame His death was as tragical as his life infamous his house was the rendezvous of all debauched persons his wife serving as a Bawd by which trade she got wherewithall to keep house De Sardet one of the two hundred Gentlemen belonging to the Court of France and of the Family of the Vitry's frequented there with a hundred others more he lodged in the house whilst his mony lasted but having consumed it all in feasting and extravagant entertainments Consilii pretending to be jealous of him thought by that means to get rid of him but the Gentleman enraged at his baseness their quarrel proceeded so far that Sardet's Valet meeting one day Consilii in the open street accosted him with these words ' S Death Mr. Whoreson You have made my Master beat me and therefore now I will be revenged of you for it which said he struck him into the belly with his knife and fled out of the City Consilii was carried home and died immediately upon it The good Gentlewoman his Wife counterfeited great sorrow and pretended to be very much incensed for awhile against Sardet but he made his excuses to her and the better to make his peace with her they were married together Sardet died some time after and she becoming a widow the second time made use of that little beauty she had left her to draw young men to her house till Old Age finishing his spoils on her had wiped out all her charms and she ended the rest of her daies in an Hospital On the twelfth of April in the year following Peter of Baume having been chosen Bishop made his entrance and took the Oath given him by the Syndicks on the Bridge of Arve the people made great preparations for his reception but he would have them reserved for the Dutchess who was shortly to come there as indeed she did awhile after with the Duke and were magnificently received The Youth of the City were sumptuously apparelled in Damask Silk and in Velvet and Cloth of Silver armed each of them with a Half-Pike But the comeliest sight was a Company of Amazons who were Women richly attired their Petticoats trussed up to their knees carrying a Dart in their right hands and in their left a Buckler or Shield gilded with silver after the manner of the ancient she-Warriers They were led by a Spanish Dame the wife of Francis of S. Michael Sieur of Avoully who was to complement the Dutchess in her own Language They bore in their Colours the Effigies of a large handsom Woman the Daughter of an Apothecary called great James who could flourish a Colours with the most expert Ensign The Dutchess had desired for her welcome to have her lodgings in the Townhouse but it was denied her A rich Merchant offered her his own house which was more stately and convenient than it but she would not accept of it Their entrance was after this manner The Dutchess was carried from the Bridge of Arve in a triumphant Chariot drawn by four Horses which were covered with cloth of gold set with precious stones which dazled the sight of the beholders The Duke her Husband followed mounted on a Mule together with the Abbot of Beaumont and one of his Gentlemen all three cloathed after the same fashion with gray Clokes and Caps to pull over their necks The Dutchess having passed over the Bridge was met by these Amazons whose Captain presented her with a Spanish Sonnet full of Elogies high Encomiums and offers of the Towns service but she was so far from thanking them that she would not so much as cast her eyes towards them Afterwards she was met by the young men who receiv'd as little respect from her as the former at which the Citizens were displeased saying they paid her not these respects out of any sense of duty but only to testify their affection to her as friends Whereas on the contrary the Dutchess who was a Portugais shewed she esteemed them not only as Subjects but as Slaves after the Portugais fashion There were some who were of opinion that they should do well to pull down the Theatres and Scaffolds erected for their divertisement seeing she seemed to take no delight in what they did for her saying further It were better to employ the mony spent on these entertainments in fortifying the Town and keeping them out than in drawing of them in After which sort they wounded themselves with their own weapons Yet they continued to feast them being attended by the whole City with all the signs of mirth and jollity The Dutchesses reservedness was excused by some saying che eran los costumbres de Portugal that it was the Portugal fashion Yet she did make the Ladies a sumptuous Feast attended with Balls and Masquerades and Farces so that since Philberts time the City had seen no such divertisements There was likewise a Turney kept in which the Townsmen shewed themselves as expert as the Courtiers in short this year was spent in devising how to make the Duke and Dutchess welcome furnishing both them and their train with provision and houshold stuff as well for delight as necessity It may be truly affirmed that they were better obeyed and served at Geneva on courtesie than they would have been at Chambery by obligation The year following the Dutchess was delivered of a Son who was baptized at Geneva He was named Charles and died awhile after in Spain before his father could make him as he had vainly promised Prince of Geneva the Dutchess passionately desiring she might enjoy with this son the Sovereignty of that City for she used to say in her own Language che era muouch buona posada that it was a very good place to make an Inn of About this time the Emperor and King of France were at variance and would each of them fain draw the Duke over to their side but he kept himself Neuter being the Emperors Brother-in-law and Vassal and the King of France his Uncle The differences between Luther and the Pope began to break out about this time The Duke making use of this juncture of affairs to fish as we say in troubled waters and wholly to subdue Geneva to himself The Walls and Ramparts were no ways amended and the Bishop although well affectioned to the liberties of the
Town and the priviledges of the Church yet might easily be prevailed on being very amorously inclined and addicted to those pleasures which soften the severest minds and stifle the most commendable virtues having moreover several considerable Benefices in the Dukes dominions of which he might be deprived if he opposed the Duke Moreover the Youth of the City were so effeminated by Courtly delights that they were more desirous of a Licence for their Debaucheries than passionate for the Liberties of the City The Vidame Salaigne being deceased the Duke had put Verneau in his stead who was caused according to ancient Custom to swear to be true to the Bishop but the Duke pretended it was to him or his he ought to do it the Bishop made some small opposition and appeased the Duke the best he could The Duke to pluck this thorn out of his foot found out a means to send the Bishop into Piedmont in the Emperors service which he dared not refuse as belonging to the Emperor He left his brother S. Sorlin at Geneva to govern in his absence who being likewise addicted to his pleasures left the management of all affairs to the Episcopal Council It was consulted one day whether the Vidame his appeal should be carried to the Dukes Council or not the greatest part of the Councellors were his Subjects born and leaned to the affirmative Levrery alone Judge of excesses son of the other Levrery whom we have aforementioned maintained the Duke had no Authority in Geneva and that the Appeal should be brought before the Bishop of which the Duke having notice by his Favourites he sent for the Episcopal Council who all went except Levrery He made several complaints and used some threats toward them but they laid all the blame on Levrery whom he commanded to bring along with them promising he should have no ill usage who coming into his presence the Duke spake thus very huffingly There are some among you who say I am not Lord of Geneva and no body answering he added it is one Levrery is it not will not he be here Levrery presenting himself it was I my Lord said he but when I said this it was in Council for which I am not to be questioned Get you gone said the Duke and make it appear by good sufficient proofs in three days time otherwise look to your self Levrery departed the more troubled by how much the more he saw it difficult to produce the City Writings seeing they were in the hands of those who were affectioned to the Duke so that his friends could not better advise him than to get out of the way but he would not take their advice chusing rather as he said to die in maintaining S. Peters Authority and the Cities priviledges as Berthelier had done before him He remained in the City beyond the time prefixed by the Duke coming and going as before which the more enraged his Highness who believed he did it out of contempt he caused him then to be laid hold on by his Bayliff and some Gentlemen as he walked out of S. Peters Gate they brought him to the Duke who coming out of his Palace was going to our Lady of Grace's Church to hear Mass to the end he might be near the Bridge of Arve and speedily retire into his own Countrys in case the people should attempt his rescue but there was no danger of that for they were afraid of making the matter rather worse than better should they have appeared in his behalf S. Sorlin had withdrawn himself to Remilly that he might avoid the obligation of defending Levrery The Prisoner clothed as he was in a Velvet Jacket was set upon a sorry horse as if he were some rascally fellow with his hands tied behind him and his legs fastned under the horses belly and was led in this equipage to Bonne accompanied with a crew who ceased not all the way to injure him but especially one Francis Noel who to ennoble himself would be called Mr. de Bellegard by the name of a certain Farm. This person although formerly he had been his great companion yet was more severe upon him than any of the rest but his baseness was well requited having broken his leg before he came to Bonne where they delivered Levrery to the Bayliff after they had searched him The next Morning the Ladies who had honoured the Dutchess at her entrance into Geneva came to intreat her to pacify the Dukes anger against poor Levrery but in vain for he had already sent the Provost of his Houshold the Confessor and Executioner to Bonne Where they were no sooner arrived but the Provost according to his Instructions caused him to be put on the Rack and required him to confess his Accomplices He answered he had none at which the Provost resting satisfied without further discourse Sentenced him to be beheaded which was executed the same Night by Torch-light after he had confessed himself to his Ghostly Father and that he had written on the Prison wall the same words as Berthelier had done before him It is said when the Executioner led him to the place of Execution in the Castle he spake aloud as he went these words God give me grace to die for S. Peter ' s Authority and my Countries Liberty This business astonished the Citizens who complained of their Pastors forsaking them and in this general consternation the Duke might easily have made himself Master of the City but by good hap he withdrew to Thonon and from thence to Piedmont where Francis the First being taken before Pavie he left his side and came over to the Emperor Charles the Fifth In this Year Claudius Richardet one of the Syndicks of the Eidgnots Party declared in Council That the City had been at great charge in entertaining the Duke the Revenues thereof being exhausted they knew not after what manner and that it was fitting Boulet the Treasurer should be called to an account for it Who being one of the Faction of the Mammelusses and enraged at the matter cried out in a passion What must we still be governed by these Eidgnots The Syndick taking now his turn to be angry broke his Syndical Staff on the others Head. Boulet thereupon makes his complaint to the Dukes Council at Chambery who granted him a Writ to cite them of Geneva to make their appearance He set it up at the Bridge of Arve The Syndicks regarded it not saying That neither the Duke nor his Council had any authority over them But they were condemned for their contempt and in pursuit of this their Estates which lay in Savoy were confiscated The Genevoises sent their Deputies to the Duke and Bishop desiring them to maintain according to their Oaths the Liberties of the City But the Duke made them no satisfaction The Bishop pretended to be troubled at it although it may be judged he was very well pleased as we may believe by what follows For having