one lower farther neer to the riuer with crooked turnings by which the kings armie marched which was said to consist of more then two thousand lances six thousand Swisses and twelue thousand foot as well French as Italians with great store of Artillery and Pioners the other farther off from the riuer and the shorter way the which led directly for the passage of the VenetiaÌ„ army wherin were 2000. men at armes more then 20000. foot and great numbers of light horse some Italians and some Albaneses there beeing nothing betwixt the two armies but bushes shrubs which hindred either army from seeing one another The two armies marching in this manner the French vantgard conducted by Charles of Amboise the Venetians rereward conducted by Aluiana encountred one another Aluiana not thinking to fight that day did not march in good order But perceiuing himselfe to bee so neere the enemy and in such a place as hee was enforced to fight aduertised the Count Petillan who went with the Vantgard of his necessity crauing his ayde The Earle sent him word to march on still and to eschew the fight according to the Senates determination Aluiana in the meane time placed his footmen with sixe peeces of Ordinance on a little rising and then assailed the enemies with such force and fury as hee enforced them to giue back but the Armies battaile wherein the Kings person was comming forward the chance of the Dice soone turned albeit Aluiana for his luckie beginning had promised to him-selfe the victory who running vp and downe now heere now there encouraged his soldiers They fought on all sides with great fury The French were on fire by their Kings presence who not sparing himselfe was exposed to all dangers and did not cease where need was to command and encourage his souldiors The Venetians on the other side full of valour by reason of their first good successe did fight brauely But at the last after long fight and the Venetians loosing rather their strength then their courage not turning their backs to the enemies they fell downe in a manner all dead vppon the place and chiefly the footemen some of whom affirmed that there were eight thousand of them slaine there Barthelmew Aluiana was taken prisoner who beeing hurt in the eye with his face all bloudy was brought to the Kings Pauillion Such end had the battaile of Gyradade which was fought on the fourteenth of May in the yeere 1509. The King in memory heereof caused a chappell to bee builded on the place of battaile which hee called Saint Maries of the Victory then because hee would not loose his opportunity hee came to Carauagia which yeelded vpon composition and foure and twenty-houres after the Castle on no condition hauing beene beaten with the Artillery Bergamo did the like the next day and the Castle a day after From thence hee marched towards Bressia which by the councell of the Gambares did cast off the Venetian yoake and yeelded to the King and the Castle two dayes after did the like on condition that all that were within it might depart the Venetian Gentlemen excepted because the King would not haue them comprized in the composition of townes not for hatred that he did beare to them but in hope to draw great summes of money from them The newes of the battailes losse and of the kings progression after that did afflict Venice with such griefe and vniuersall feare as it is scarce credible so great it was For from all parts of the citty people ranne to the publick Pallace with great cryes and pittifull lamentations where the Senators knew not on what to resolue their Councell beeing dulled by dispaire so weake were their remedies At the last taking courage they determined to vse meanes to bee reconciled in any sort whatsoeuer with the Emperor and the Catholick King not mentioning the French King because they did as much distrust his hatred as they were fearefull of his Armes The Senate then did write to Dominico Grimani and to Marco Cornare sonne to the Prouidator both of them beeing Cardinalls at Rome to promise and offer to the Pope in the Senates name that the Citties which hee demanded in Romagnia should bee yeelded vnto him by meanes whereof they besought him not to abandon the common-wealth to the pleasure and dispose of barbarous people such as the French-men were who if they should once become maisters of all Lombardy the Popes them-selues should not bee safe in Rome They likewise decreed that Antonio Iustiniano who being chosen Prouidator for Cremona was ready to go thither should directly go to the Emperor Maximillian conclude a peace with him if it were possible on any terms whatsoeuer That the Senate was ready to deliuer to him Thryeste Portonoue and the other lands which they had taken from him the yeare before and that the Signory would acknowledge to hold of him whatsoeuer it possessed in Frioul in Lombardy and in the country called old Venice So weake and vncertaine were their remedies as if one of these two did not helpe to repulse the audatiousnesse of the French they had not any sure meanes left to stay them Neuerthelesse makeing a vertue of necessity they consulted for their defence how to prouide mony to wage new companies for those which remaind aliue after the defeate were bereft of strength and courage They determined likewise to augment their army by sea whereof Andre Treuisan was Generall with 〈◊〉 Gallies to oppose against that of the enemies which was preparing at Genoa But the French Kings sodaine speed did preuent al their Councells vnto whom since the reduction of Bressia Cremona was yeelded the Castle expected which the Venetians yet held Pisquetona did the like then hee marched towards Piscara to take the Castle for the towne was yeelded And as they began to batter it the Swisses and Gascons made a furious entry by small ouctruâ—…es in the walls and slew all those that were within it except the Captaine and his sonne who were Venetian Gentlemen who were both by the Kings commandement hanged on the Castles battlements to the end by that example to moue those of the Castle of Cremona not obstynately to make defence nor to hold out till the very last The King in this manner in lesse then fifteene dayes after the victory had recouered the Castle of Cremona excepted all that which did belong to him according to the diuision which had beene made at Cambray The Pope had enuaded the Citties of Romagnia with foure hundred men at armes foure hundred light horse and eight thousand foote-men and with the Duke of Ferrara his ordnance vnder the command of Francisco Maria de la Rouera his Nephew Sonne to his brother Iohn who with that army scoured from Cesenna to Ceruia then tooke the towne of Sauarolla betwixt Imola and Faenza and that of Bre siquella with the Castle and all the other townes of the
his part because his enterprizes proceeded not from any particular interest but from a sole and sincere desire of the liberty of Italy but he could not hope much from them by reason their treasure was exhausted and them-selues oppressed with sondry difficulties The French King beeing by so many experiences assured of the Popes bad meaning towards him determined to strengthen him-selfe as much as he might with the Emperors friendship and to passe in person the spring following into Italy to make warre on the Venetians or on the Pope according as the state of his affaires should petmit The end of the eight Booke of the fourth Decade The Contents of the ninth Booke of the fourth Decade WIth what boldnesse and resolution Pope Iulius marched against the Duke of Ferrara and beeing not able to ouercome him by temporall armes he vsed spirituall A Generall Councell published at Lions A new Confederacy as well offensiue as defensiue betwixt the Emperor and the French-King How greatly the marche of the French Army toward Bolognia did afright the Pope and all his Cardinals The Lord of Chaumonts retreate into the Dutchy of Milan The Duke of Ferrara defeateth the Venetians nauall Army The Popes Army taketh the Citty of Concorda Mirandolo taken by the Confederates The King doth wholy resolue to make warre on the Pope The Death of the Lord of Chaumont where vpon Triuulcio is made Generall of the Army A great Earthquake at Venice and in the Countrey neere adioyning The Popes Army is defeated before the Bastida Geniuola The French Kings discontent for that the Emperor consenteth to a peace with the Venetians The King of Arragons secret practises against the French King The Cardinall of Pauia flyes from Bolognia at the arriuall of the French The flight of the Duke of Vrbin Generall of the Popes Army Death of the Cardinall of Pauia slaine by the Duke of Vrbin The French King greatly desireth to bee at peace with the Pope How the Venetians did still maintaine their forces and greatnesse A new confederacy betwixt the Pope the King of Arragon and the Venetians The Swisses come downe into the Dutchie of Milan The Army of the Confederates before Bolognia the which is releeued by Gaston of Foix. And lastly how the Confederates Army dislodgeth from before Bolognia The ninth Booke of the fourth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THe Pope continuing his displeasure against the Duke of Ferrara omitted all other designes onely to pursue this and to this end hee came to Bolognia at the later end of September by his presence to hasten matters and to giue the greater authority to his affaires resoluing to assaill Ferrara both by land and water with all his owne forces and those of the Venetians who at his request sent two armed fleetes against Ferrara which being entred into the Po by the Fornaces and by the hauen of Primara made great spoile on the Ferrara territory the like did the Popes forces at the same time and yet they came not neere to Ferrara where besides the Dukes forces were two hundred and fifty French lances and the Popes army was not suffitient to assayle the Citty by land For allbeit the Pope gaue pay for eight hundred men at Armes six hundred light horse and six thousand foote the complete number of so many was greately wanting as also for that by his command Marke Anthony Colonna and Iohn Vittelli were gone with two hundred men at armes and three hundred foote for the gard of Modena In regard whereof he requested seeing that the Venetians had in a manner recouered the country of Friull that part of their army might be brought on the Ferrarois He did more-ouer expect three hundred lances which the King of Arragon was bound to send him according to the articles of the inuestiture of the realme of Naples making account vpon the arriuall of all these forces to assaile Ferrara for his part and that the Venetians should doe the like for theirs hee perswaded him-selfe that the people of the Citty would forth-with take armes in his behalfe against the Duke and hee would not harken to those who told him That it would not so fall out in regard of the garrison within it which was sufficient to defend the Citty and to hinder the people if they were so bent from reuolting About the same time an intelligence which the Venetians had on the Citty of Bressia was discouered the Author whereof Earle Iohn Maria of Martinenga was beheaded there Now the Pope perseuering in his hope did promise to him-selfe though all his other forces should faile to be able to take Ferrara with his owne and the Venetian fleets notwithstanding al the reasons giuen by his Captaines to the contrary but he found himselfe to be deceiued For the Duke comming forth of Ferrara did assaill the Venetians fleete which was entred by Primaria and comming to Hadria with two Galleis two Fusts and with diuers small boates hee did easily defeate it then hee went to meet with the other the which consisting onely of fustes and other small vessells had entred by the fornaces and was come to Puliselsa which attempting to retire into the riuer Adicé by a chanell neere at hand it could not by reason of the shallownesse of the water where-vpon being assailed and beaten with the enemies ordnance those of the fleet not beeing able to defend it were enforced to forsake it and to vse meanes to saue them-selâ—…es and their ordnance The Pope perceauing that his temporal armes were not of force to execute his deseignes made vse of spirituall and did publickly excommunicate Alfonso of Este and all those who were or should come to his aid and namely the Lord of Chaumont and all the cheefe persons of the French army The French King who already vpon the Popes behauiour determined to call a generall councell against him and had caused all the prelates of his Kingdome to meete at Orleans and afterwards at Tours hauing notice of his Ecclesiasticall censure executed so rashly vpon his subiects was of opinion in this assembly where he was present diuers times that before hee would free him-selfe from his obedience to send Ambassadors to him to aduertise him of the articles concluded on by the French Clergy against which if hee thought to except he should be cited to the generall councell which all Christian Princes had determined should bee assembled by a certaine day According to this resolution the Councell was published at Lyons against the first day of March next ensuing Within a while after the Bishop of Gurcia sent from the Emperor arriued at Tours where his entertainment was sumptuous which shewed how greatly his comming was desired with whome the King continuing to treat of matters which had already beene handled at the first they seemed to bee very casie but they were afterwards drawne forth at length as well by reason that the Emperors answers were very slow
whereof haâ—…ing acquainted Lautrec entreated him to send him more aide that he might the safelier goe to the assault Now al-be-it Lautrec had meanes to doe it for the commodiousnesse of going from one army to an other vpon a very strong bridge ouer the Adicé and that he did often promise to do it did neuerthelesse delay the matter And the campe had already laine fifteene daies before the towne the enemies were reduced to extremity the cannon had beaten downe a great space of the wall the souldiers within the City were wearied with continuall factions they wanted powder the captains and the townesmen did not agree together and yet for all that none of these matters could mooue him to make hast to force the City Newes in the meane time came to the campe how that great numbers of Almaine foot-men were comming to releeue the beseeged These newes did amaze Lautrec more then there was cause and distasted him of continuing the seege so as hee thought on nothing more then how to retire his army into some place of safety The Venetian Prouidators being aduertized of this sodaine resolution came vnto him where after diuers remonstrances of the great blemish he should doe to his honour and reputation to raise his campe they infinitely entreated him with great earnestnesse to temporize for a while longer and not to depart till the enemies were arriued that they might see what they were But all their entreaties could not diuert him from his first resolution Whereupon he commanded on a sodaine to discampe so as all his troupes went to Albareda Paul Gradonic the Prouidator and Iohn Paul Manfron remained for the gard of the bridge with eight hundred horse as well men at armes as light horse-men and two thousand foot fearing if the same were broken their army might want victuals but they tarried not long there for they forth-with went on to Villa Franca where they fortified their campe In the meane time Rocandolf Colonel of the Almaine foot the French and Venetian army being retired entred Verona without any empediment and hauing releeued it with victuals and new souldiers in their stead that were hurt returned into Germany wherevpon the Prouidators did againe solicite the Lord of Lautrecto returne to the seege of Verona and not to spend time so vnprofitably But Lautrec comforting them vsed diuers excuses for his slownesse assuring them that the City of Verona should shortly be reduced vnder the Venetians power The Prouidator hauing seriously ruminated these words in his minde beganne to doubt of some treaty which did not appeare and namely because that at the same time as the campe dislodged from before Verona the report was that a messenger came from France to Lautrec who had secret conference with him and entreated him to keepe close his comming Therefore the Prouidators did earnestly entreat Lautrec to discouer vnto them what hee knew thereof to the end they might be no longer enforced to entertaine so great an army which charged the Republike with a merueilous expence the Senate likewise being aduertized by the Prouidators of what had past had the same thoughts at such time as they had newes from their Ambassador in the French Kings Court of that which had passed at Noyon Because that King Francis beeing desirous that the Venetians should haue time to consult of their affaires would forthwith haue them to be acquainted with the treaty of Noyon betwixt him and the Arch-duke Charles to the end that the Commissioners of both Princes comming to Brussels should find all difficulties to be taken away and resolued on The summe of the treaty concluded at Noyon was thus That there should be a perpetuall peace betwixt the French King and the King of Spaine and a confederacy for the defence of their States against all men in the which were comprehended all other Princes friends or allies of either of them That King Francis should giue the Lady Renè daughter to the late King Lewis in marriage to the King of Spaine That the said King should within a certaine time re-deliuer the Kingdome of Nauarre to her antient King That the Emperour might within two monthes enter into that peace and though he should enter into the league the French King might helpe the Venetians to recouer Verona the which if the Emperour would within sixe weekes commit to the King of Spaine with power to giue it freely to the French King to dispose thereof as hee should thinke fit the King should pay vnto him a hundred thousand crownes and the Venetians an other hundred thousand part whereof should bee paied at the consignation thereof and the rest within sixe monthes after and that he should likewise be acquitted of three hundred thousand crownes which he had receiued of King Lewis whilest they were confederates The Venetians doubting whether the Emperour would accept of peace on these conditions did not cease to solicite the Lord of Lautrec to beseege Verona and also in regard of the summe of money they were to pay which they desired rather to recouer by armes But peace was more agreeable to the French King then force being desirous of accord with the Emperour yet neuerthelesse Lautrec not knowing how to excuse himselfe to the Venetians who had made what prouisions soeuer hee craued as also because the Lansequenets did no more refuse to goe to the seege he condescended to their request and went againe and encamped before Verona Now whilest the French on the one side and the Venetians on the other were busied in the battery nine thousand Lansquenets arriued who were sent by the Emperour to releeue it For the Emperor being solicited by the Cardinall of Syon and by the King of England would not harken to a peace so as his commissioners were ready to depart from Bruxels without any conclusion when the Emperour vnderstood that the French King had made a league with all the Swisses by meanes of a great summe of money for then he seemed to be very desirous of peace with the French and Venetians al-be-it that at the arriuall of these nine thousand Lansquenets the campe did rise from before Verona and was retired to Villa-franca The matter then was concluded at Bruxels as well with the King of Spaine as with the Emperor in the manner aboue said the which going slowly on was hastned by King Francis on condition that there should be truce with the Venetians The whole businesse being thus ended the Bishop of Trent was sent to the Lord of Lautrec to consigne the City of Verona in the King of Spaines name to the French King within the space of sixe weekes according to the contents of the Capitulation the which was done on the fifteenth day of Ianuary 1517. after the Venetians had paied the first fifty thousand crownes and fifteene thousand to the foot-men that were in the City wherevpon at the very instant the Lord of Lautrec in the name of
sicknesse beganne to decrease there was seene in a night on the easi side of the Island a great cloude of fire which giuing light for an houres space as if it had beene noone dayes did to the great terror of the beholders runne through the ayre as farre as Spina longa and there fell into the Sea where for a long time it burnt in the water and at last it vanished Now the Citty of Venice hauing beene as all men know and as wee haue declared in the first booke of this History builded by those who flying from the fury and incursions of barbarous nations retired into those lakes where it now standeth and in the same manner as it beganne hath still daily augmented and encreased so as till this day many famous men learned in all arts haue come thither from all parts of Christendome as to the Sanctuary of the Muses where those which are excellent in any art whatsoeuer are so honored and cherished by the nobility as they presently forget their natiue Contrey making their perpetuall abode there where vppon it came to passe the same yeare that certaine fauorers of learning hauing honorable command in the Citty propounded the building of an Academy there where by turnes they would meeet and read publicke lectures in that art which euery man profest and to this end nine gallant spirrits ioyned together Pompeo Limpia de Bari Lucius Scarannus de Brindiz Fabio Paulino de Vdina Giouan Baptista Leone Georgio Contaren of Venice Guido Cassono de Serauall Theodore Angelucio de Bella forte in la Marca Vnicentio Galieno the Roman and Giouan Paulo Gallucio de Salles and laid the foundation of this vertuous work choosing a fit place for the purpose where continuing their ordinary lectures the glory and reputation of this Venetian Academy extended so farre as diuers notable men haue since then come thither whereby it is daily much beautified and augmented Thus ended this yeare At the beginning of the next which was 1593. though the Venetians sought to satisfie the Turke by keeping the Vscoques of Segna from scouring the Adriattick Seas yet not relying on their perfidious promises beeing aduertised that they made great preparations by land and Sea they re-enforced the Garrisons of Candy which were much weakened by the late pestilence then perceiuing that the Turkish Army which came from Constantinople made incursions through Croatia and approached the Contry of Frioul belonging to their state resolued to build a fort vpon the Confines thereof at al times to defend the Contry from the Turkes incursions they committed the building thereof to skilfull Ingeniers and to some of the cheefest Senators which for that it is seated in a goodly soyle tenne miles from Vdina and within halfe a mile of the Emperors territories was called Noua Palma The same yeare Henry King of France and Nauarre after sondry battailes and ouerthrowes of his enemies did through the instruction of the Arch-bishop of Bourges and sundry Doctos of Paris require to bee reconciled vnto the Roman Church and on the fiue and twentith day of Iuly made publick profession thereof in Saint Denis Abbey before the said Archbishop accompanied by the Cardinall Bourbon Archbishop of Rouen nine Bishops and diuerse other Prelates and Religious men protesting to liue and dye in the sayd Catholick religion and to maintaine it with and against all men hee made profession of his faith accomplished all ceremonies requisite in so solemne an acte and then receiued absolution to the wonderfull ioy and applause of the people Not long after this publick conuersion the King sent the Duke of Neuers and other Prelates to Rome by them to present his obedience to the Pope and to witnesse his desire to imitate the example of the Kings his Predecessors and by his actions like them to merit the title and grade of the Churches eldest sonne and to intreate his Holynesse to approoue his conuersion and to honor him with his blessing The Pope after sundry honors done to the Duke of Neuers would not at first endure to heare tell of the King notwithstanding that the Duke and Prelates which accompanied him assured him that his conuersion was true and vnfeigned and therefore humbly besought his Holynesse to beleeue it which hee refusing to doe would neither absolue the King nor ratifie that which had beene done at Saint Denis The French in the meane time perceiuing that the King had abiured his former errors and was become a Catholick and afterwards crowned and annoynted at Chartres with the holy oyle according to the ancient custome of the French Kings all rebellious citties one after another returned vnder his obedience The Venetians sent Ambassadors to the French King to congratulate his conuersion and to reioyce with his Maiesty for his happy successe in recouering the greatest part of his kingdome At the beginning of the yeare following 1595. Amurath the Turkish Emperor dyed Mahomet his eldest sonne succeeded him who calling all his brethren into his chamber caused them to bee strangled in his presence The Pope beeing aduertised of the French Kings good successe who still humbled himselfe to the Sea Apostolick and had againe sent Dauid du Perron Bishop of Eureux to Rome to procure his absolution was willing to grant his request notwithstanding many were of contrary opinions Wherevpon comming one Sunday morning beeing the eighteene of September in his Pontificalibus into Saint Peters Hall hee approoued King Henries abiuration with all ceremonies therein requisite receiuing him to fauour and into the bosome of the Church with his blessing Apostolicall inioyning him due penance which done Drums and Trumpets sounded in signe of ioy and Cannons thundred from Castle Angelo all men reioycing at his good fortune the Spanish Ambassador excepted who in his Maisters behalfe protested that the same act could not preiudice his Kings titles During these solemnities at Rome Pascale Cicogna Duke of Venice dyed beeing foure score and fiue yeares old hauing gouerned the Common-wealth nine yeares one moneth and fifteene dayes hee lyes buryed in the Church of Santa Maria de Cruciferi MARIN GRIMANI the 89. Duke MARIN GRIMANI Knight and Procurator of Saint Marke succeeded him beeing beloued of all men for his rare vertue and charitie to the poore The Pope in the meane time to confirme what hee had done to the most Christian King sent the Cardinall of Florence his Legate into France who was honorably entertained at Paris where hee made some aboade for open warre beeing denounced betwixt France and Spaine the Pope became a Mediator of peace and to that end sent the Generall of the Fryers a Sicillian with ample Commission together with the Legat to treate of peace betwixt those two great Kings hee had receiued the like authority from the King of Spaine and in the end after sundry goings too and fro peace which all men desired ensued the yeare 1598. The Venetians perceiuing that the Vsicoques did not
possest a little towne neere to Amastra and that they went ouer all the Countrey to meete with the Henetians as if they had beene no where to bee found But all of them doe in a manner affirme that this nation of whom wee speake did come from Paphlagonia The which XENODOTVS did not only maintaine but thought that the Cittie of Amisa was the same which was afterward called Henisa Howsoeuer those which thinke so bring in for their proofes the industrious care which both these nations had to breede Horses and Mules according to the testimony of HOMER who saith And from the Henetians come strong Mules And albeit this great Poet spake then of those of Asia STRABO a very diligent obseruer of Antiquitie maintaines that euen almost in his time the choicest and best Mares came from the Venetians inhabiting a parcell of the Adriaticke Sea which were highly esteemed for their singular pace and swiftnesse These things indeed and diuers others doe cause me to follow the opinion of those which say that the Henetians came into Italie with ANTENOR and were afterward by the altering of a letter called Venetians ANTENORS comming into the Adriaticke Gulphe is not only proued by the Venetians who were his fellowes but because the place where they first arriued was called Troy which name the Burrough hath euer since carried These men hauing first of all driuen away the Euganeans which inhabited this Countrie which lies betwixt the Sea and the Alpes did build the Cittie of Padua After that they did in processe of time so encrease as they did not only make themselues masters of that which did belong to the Euganeans whose power in times past was so great as it contained according to the opinion of CATO in his booke of originals foure and thirtie Citties but of diuers places of Bressia and Furli which they named Venetian For what places soeuer they conquered were afterward called Venice Some haue confined this Countrey with the Riuers of Po and Adda with the lake of La Garda in old time called Benac with the Alpes and the Adriaticke Sea PLINIE comprehended on the East side thereof Aquileia and STRABO on the contrary cuts it off After this sort did the ancient Venetians extend their Dominion in length and breadth in the pleasantest Countrey of Italie But the scituation of the places rather then this peoples manner of life did alwaies procure enuie to the ancient State of the Prouince For on the one side the ordinary thefts of the Liburnians and the fearefull and continuall roades of cruell nations on the other did hinder them from enioying any long rest so as it oftentimes happened that by how much their publicke and priuate affaires did seeme to be increased by some relaxation from forraine warres by so much the more were they miserably ouerthrowne by these sodaine stormes and alarmes This nation without this had beene most happy in regard it wonne by right of warre the goodliest Countrie of Italie for their dwelling For beside that it is enuironed on the south side with a most calme circuite of the Sea which makes it capable to receiue all maner of forraine marchandize it is moreouer watered with most pleasant Riuers by which all that comes from the Sea is easily transported into the middest of the Prouince It aboundes in Lakes Pooles and Forrests the territoric being meruailous fertile in Corne Wine Oyle and in all maner of Fruites It is stored besides with goodly Houses in the Countrie with Townes Castles and Citties very much recommended for their situation and circuit of their walls whereof we will heereafter make mention in his place But let vs now returne to these new inhabitants who from the time that their affaires grew prosperous were seldome freed from forraine warres It would bee too long and tedious a labour orderly to set downe in so ancient a matter their paines and trauaile as also it not being my meaning to insist farther on the deedes of the first Venetians Now after diuers and sundry roads of the Barbarians and that by continuall wars the one against the other from their beginning euen to the time of ATTILA their substance had beene continually wasted and were besides daunted by the fearefull assaults of the Gothes A greater danger than all the rest did on a sodaine assaile them The Huns conducted by ATTILA sonne to Mandluc with a horrible spoile did cast themselues into the Prouince This Nation as saith PRISCVS came from Scithia and dwelt neere to the Riphean mountaines After a long siege they tooke Aquileia spoiled and wholly burnt it They destroyed after the same manner Concorda Altina and almost the whole Venetian Territorie At the fearefull report of these warres the Venetians and the rest of Italy were in alarme long time before But in this trouble the Venetians were more amazed than any others as beeing accustomed euer to endure the first assaults of the Barbarians It is reported that at the same time great numbers of men left the firme Land and retired into the Islands where Venice now stands but at the enemies approach greater numbers ran thither Certaine vnknowen Historians who haue written this Historie haue in such sort ordered the warres of the Huns as it seemeth that Attila did twice enter Italy the which none of the most trustie haue noted but all of them say that neither at the same time nor yet all together went to dwell in one selfe same place The same authors doe affirme that diuers of the choisest men of Padua began the retreate and that vnder their conduct this runaway multitude arriuing at the mouth of the Riuer which was then very deepe whereby the name of Riuo alto remained to that place the fitst foundations of the Cittie were there laid And that those of the Countrie of Padua who fled being possessed with the like feare began to people Chioggia Malamoc and Albiola They affirme besides that diuers of Aquileia withdrew themselues at the same time into the marishes of Grada But so soone as Attila was gone they ranne in troopes from the fieldes along the Sea coasts to the neighbour Islands That the Aquileians put themselues into Grada a place neere to the firme land enuironed with water The runawayes of Concorda possessed Caorli and the Altinoes sixe small Islands neere togeather which they called by the names of the gates of their lost Cittie Tourcella Maiorba Buriana Muriana Amiana and Constantiaca This is in a manner all that which those Authors haue left vs in many words of the originall of the Cittie whom I finde almost to agree in euery point with the rest who haue written the same Historie except in this where they are of opinion that the Huns entred twice into Italy I suppose that this error proceeded from that they did reade that in the time of the Huns they did twice retire themselues from the firme Land to those Islands and
ancient Venetians in that change after they had carried away with them their wiues and children and the richest goods they had did retire themselues at leasure into the places of most safety But being hindred by the incursions of the Hunnes all along the Sea-Coasts from tilling the Earth the poorest amongst them gaue themselues to fishing and to make salt or else to transport their neighbours Merchandize esteeming that gaine more honest than to till other mens ground some of the richer fort gaue themselues to the â—…raffick of forraine Merchandize others keeping their houses applied their wits to beautifie their Citie with new lawes and customes and yet neuerthelesse such was their care of Iustice and right was so maintained amongst them as in so great a multitude of people no strife could be perceiued The first and cheefest thing they gaue themselues to was the care of Religion and by so much the more as they perceiued any great danger towards from the enemy The presence of certaine Prelates did augment in them this common affection to godlinesse who for feare of the enemie to Christians had with their Countriemen retired themselues thither Their helpe came in good time not only concerning the Ministery of sacred things but to retaine this City as yet ignorant in ancient pietie and Religion from being infected with the poison of the Arrian heresie seeing that contagion did no lesse ouer-runne the whole Prouince than the Armes of the Hunnes After that they did contend and debate among themselues not on voluptuous matters but on pietie and continence Riches and other things whereof men at this day make so much account made no distinction amongst the Citizens for honor but wisedome only They did not regard mens sumptuous clothing but their goodnesse and to such without seeking for it did they freely offer their places of honor In a word a man would haue imagined that multitude not to haue beene fugitiue Citizens but Philosophers at their quiet studie And because wee would not haue any man thinke that wee feigne this matter to embellish our Storie any one that hath the leisure may reade that which Cassiodorus of Rauenna hath written concerning the ancient state of the Citie The poore saith hee and the rich liue there peaceably together vnder one selfe same equality of lawes without any difference of dwelling not knowing what enuie meaneth and ordering their liues in this manner they eschew the most common vice in the World I passe ouer the rest of his long letter which Bonitendius hath inserted in his Commentaries Such was the beginning of the Citie of Venice and after such a kind of life and in such exercises did she spend hir childhood afterward by hir virtue it grew and waxed strong And because wee haue as I thinke amply and sufficiently declared what hath beene the beginning of this great State we will speake some-what of hir first gouernment For I perceiue that those who haue written the Venetian Historie doe likewise varie in this Some of them say that the Common-wealth was first gouerned vnder the Consulary dignity by those who dwelt at Rialto They doe more-ouer affirme that Galieno Fontano Simion Glauco and Antonio Caluo who were then Consuls at Padua at such time as the first foundations of the Citie were laid at Rialto were the first that in qualitie of Consuls did gouerne the Citie at hir birth Some thinke that these men were the Authors of the Paduans flight and that their first arriuall was in that place and likewise the first buildings According to others I finde in these mens stceds Alberto Phalerio Thomaso Candiano and Paulo el Conte The third yeare of the Cities foundation they created new Consuls for two yeares Marino Linio Hugo Fusco and Luciano Graulo They say that these men were likewise created at Padua and sent to Rialto from whence may be easily gathered that the Cities foundation was altogether before the comming of Attila Marco Aurelio Andrea Clodio and Albino Moro were Consuls at the third election for the two yeares following I doe not finde who succeeded them But it is credible that this forme of Gouernement lasted till Attilas comming at which time all Ilands thereabouts being peopled in stead of Consuls they created Tribunes All of them in a maner say that the same hapned a little after Attilas comming and that about the sixtie yeare of the Cities foundation the Tribunarie dignitie began in the Ilands which were already inhabited For the Creation of the Tribunes the businesse was first of all debated as the maner is by a fewe after that it was concluded in a generall assembly of the Ilanders that euery Iland should haue a Tribune the Magistrate to be yearely hee shoulâ—… doe Iustice to his fellow Citizens and punish offences with seueritie But that which concerned the generall State of the Commonwealth was referred to the generall assembly of the Ilanders to be determined of That which we haue hitherunto said if it be narrowly obserued belongs to the Cities originall We will hereafter begin to speake of her infancie For diuers Historians greatly delighted in this kind of writing in number of whom is 〈◊〉 who haue distinguished the increasing of Cities according to the seuerall parts of mans life Infancie Childhood and Youth Now the Tribunarie Gouernment which neerely followed the originall thereof shall be rightly termed Infancie Wee will then set downe in order what passed within and without the Citie during the same after that we haue acquainted the Reader how that in the time of the Lombards which was during this Infancie the Citie receiued a meruailous increase For it hapned that the Venetians hauing scarce time to breathe after the Warres of the Hunnes did perceiue on a sodaine the Lombards so called by reason of their long Beards to be entred into Italy vnder Albinus their eleuenth King who at their arriuall did possesse and subdue all that which had beene shaken they did forthwith sease vpon all that which the Venetians held in the firme Land not daring to assaile them at Sea because they knew their strength to be great or else it may bee they deferred to doe it till a more conuenient time This Nation as it is reported came from Scandinauia an Iland of the Germane Sea who hauing often a long time before enterprised on the Prouince of the Romanes which lies about the Riuer of Danubie vnder Geodich their King he being dead they passed into Hungarie vnder Andouinus his successour then vnder Albinus thirtie eight yeares after their arriuall in Hungarie they came furiously into Italy where their power did so encrease as they haue commanded there more then two hundred yeares At the arriuall then of this people the whole firme Land belonging to the Venetians lost her libertie with the name of Venice and the Venetians State which was in the Ilands was limited from the Cape of Rising so named at this day euen
to the Marshes of Grada as witnesseth Paul Deacon in his Historie of the Lombards Now seeing we haue begun to speake of the deedes and maners of the Venetians we will of set purpose omit the residue of this Nations exploites except so much as may seeme to belong to our Historie I will then declare in order all that which these new Ilanders did in common during this Infancy before the comming of the Lombards The most ancient is as they say a happie Voyage which they made at Sea which gaue beginning to their future Marine Dominion The Histrians and Dalmatians did disquiet the State of this new Citie by incursions and robberies so as the Ilanders could keepe nothing safe from them I know not whether hatred moued them thereunto enuying to see so great a power as that was likely to be in time to encrease so neere them or else whether it were the ancient disposition of that people to robbe and spoyle at Sea Some doe belieue that the same was then done at the intreatie of the Triestines who more then any other grew very iealous of the prosperitie of this new Citie Against these the Venetians with a common consent Armed themselues and hauing met them in the maine Sea they brauely defeated them and by that losse constrained them wholly to abandon the same It is reported that at this Battell certaine games were vowed to the honour of the glorious Virgine Marie but others set downe other occasions of those games much differing and more likely to bee true For they hold that the Countries custome was to be troth then daughters in the Church carying their dowries thither to bee publikely seene It hapned by chance that whilest they celebrated such a ceremonie in S. Peters Church which stands now in that part of the Citie called the Castle the Triestines who had already profest themselues their enemies came in a night from Sea with two Galloyes and ambushâ—… themselues in certaine places neere vnto the Citie Iâ—… the morning about such time as they celebrated the ceremonie they came into the Church and caried away the Priest of the place with a great number of people and much wealth Pietrâ—… Candiano who then was Duke thinking it needfull to vse diligence in so desperate a matter did forthwith man the Gallyes with numbers of 〈◊〉 all sortes and followed the enemies whom they oâ—… Marshes of â—…aorli as they were parting the spoyle They easily defeated 〈◊〉 hauing reskewed the Prelate Citizens and their goods hee entred the second day of Februarie two dayes after his departure into the Citie as it were in triumph But because the feast of the Purification of the blessed Virgine hapned vpon that day it is reported that those games were first ordeined for the happie successe of that voyage But being brought in for deuotion sake they haue beene since depraued and corrupted by the dissolutenesse of those who succeeded who enuying one another haue brought in for the adorning of them an exceeding aboundance of Gold and precious stones Now these Pirates being driuen from the Sea-coasts next vnto the Citie and the Venetian name becomming famous and esteemed of all their neighbours soone after the Eunuch Narses Lieuetenant to the Emperor Iustinian but a man valiant and carefull arriued who being come into Italy in the time of the Gothes to free it from their bondage was with the consent of all men succoured by the Venetians But we are not certaine whether it were with Armour Victuals or Ships which he greatly needed for the passage of the great Armie which hee had brought For so soone as he had sent twelue thousand Lombards whom he chiefely trusted before Aquileia against the forces of Totila who was by the commandement of the Barbarian camped vpon the bankes of the Riuer Adice he resolued to passe along the coast to Rauenna by the Adriaticke Sea which hee could not doe without a great number of hired Ships in regard all those places were either filled from the Marishes which ranne into the Sea or else from the mouthes of great Riuers which held the same course It is most likely that this iourney which otherwise would haue beene most hard and painefull for him was by the Venetians helpe made easie who were men that very wel knew the places and skilful in Sea-matters It is to be noted how that Narses for the great seruices which the Venetians did him in that Warre did build in that new Citie with the spoyles of the enemies two Churches one to S. Theodore the Martyr which at this day ioynes to S. Markes Churche and the other to the Saints Menez and Germinian which is right ouer against it in the Market place This is that Narses who after he had driuen the Gothes foorth of Italy valiantly ouercome so many barbarous Nations and setled peace and quietnesse in the Prouince being iustly moued with the Letters of the Empresse Sophia who at the same time commanded the Easterne Empire by meanes of her husbands basenesse reproaching him with his former condition and calling him home in derision to spinne and weaue like an effeminate Eunuch did solicite by great promises Albinus King of the Lombards to march from Hungary to trouble the affaires of Italy The which he had secretly before then giuen her to vnderstand who had wronged him saying That it would come to passe that he whome to please his detractors shee thought fit to be sent home as a woman to carde and spinne would shortly spinne her such a threed as neither her proud selfe nor those who had so freely slaundered him should be euer able to vntwist And wee must not wonder as hath beene already said that Narses at his comming into Italie was aided by the Lombards who at that time had no power in the Prouince for hee sent for that aide such as it was foorth of Hungarie Wee haue briefly heretofore declared from whence this Nation is descended because our purpose was from the beginning not to straiâ—… farre from the affaires of Venice Now in the time of the Lombards Paul Bishop of Aquileia transported all the treasure reliques and seruice of his Church to Grada where in times past the Church of S. Euphemia had beene builded Pope Pelagius at the request of Helie who succeeded Paul or according to Probin following the opinion of some did decree that in the generall assemblie of all the Prelats the Church of Grada should be Metropolitan of all the Churches in the Venetian countrie and of the Citie called Aquileia the new which some affirme to haue learned by the most ancient letters pattents of the Cittie About the same time did diuers prodigies appeare Armies of fire coloured with bloud were seene in the aire The Earth brought forth a meruailous and incredible aboundance of all manner of fruits There happened besides ouer all the Venetian countries and almost ouer all Trans-alpine Gaule so great a
meanes shake Whereupon those vvhich desired the good and profit of the Common-wealth did resolue sodainely to elect a nevve Duke who should represent the whole honour and maiestie of the State and haue power to assemble the generall Councell at such time as the important affaires of the Common-wealth should be in question to choose yearely Tribunes in euery Island from whence the appeales should come before him and moreouer if any man had obtained any dignitie Prelatship or benefice by the suffrages of the Clergie or of the people hee should not enioy the same without the pleasure of the Duke ¶ PAVLVTIO of Heraclea the first DVKE of VENICE THis thus concluded Paulutio of Heraclea a man of singular iustice was by the consent of all men declared Duke the yeare according to some of the Cities foundation 282. or as others write 297 and yet as some others affirme 276. They all agree that the Tribunarie power did gouerne more than two hundred and thirtie yeares But in this first Dukes election they did not keepe this manner of choosing as wee see to bee at this day obserued in the creation of Princes but they then proceeded therein more simply For ambition being not as yet crept into so religious a Citie no bribing for honors they had not in those elections respect to wealth nobilitie and other such like matters but onely to the vertue of the person by which meanes they obtained it and not by cunning But although vertue and wisedome was respected aboue any thing yet neuerthelesse because men beleeue that wee can be neuer sure enough of that which is deerest vnto vs it is reported that the new Duke was constrained to sweare well and faithfully to prouide for whatsoeuer should be fit for the honour of the Common-wealth and the Venetian name After he had taken his oath this new Magistrate was honoured with diuers noble ensignes whereby that soueraigne dignitie was made more illustrious and yet for all that I will not affirme that all the magnificence which at this day the Prince enioyeth was giuen him at the same time for it is certaine that part of them was giuen him a long time after and taken from else-where Now so soone as this new Duke was fully installed hee determined to free the Common-wealth from this warre And the better to effect it hee entred league with Luitprand some say he ouercame him in fight He extended the limits of Heraclea from the Riuer of Piauo vnto the little streame called Piauicolle By his authoritie rather then by force he brought the Equilines vnder his dominion some name the Iesulans for the Equilines which makes me to beleeue their opinion in some sort to bee true who thinke Equiline and Iesulan to be one selfe-same place though different in name who at the same time had forsaken the Venetians Those of Tourcelles in the meane space builded a sumptuous Temple to the glorious Virgin where they placed the bodie of Saint Heliodore of Altina with diuers other Reliques ¶ MARCELLO of Heraclea the second Duke of Uenice THese things effected Paulutio dyed after hee had reigned twenty yeares and six moneths Marcello of Heraclea was by the common voyce chosen in his sted Wee doe not finde in all the time of his gouernment which lasted nine yeares any memorable matter to haue hapned Which in my opinion caused diuers Historians to leaue him out in the Catalogue of the Dukes naming Horteo Hipates surnamed Vrsus next after Paulutio Howsoeuer they say that he was a vertuous man wise and reasonably well inclined to Armes though his hap was to dye after he had gotten more reputation by peace than by warre ¶ HORTEO called VRSVS the third Duke of Uenice HOrteo whom we say was surnamed Vrsus succeeded Marcello The Lombards at the same time tooke Rauenna a verie ancient Citie The Exarch who commanded therein fled for succour to the Venetians Pope Gregorie did likewise by letters entreate them to aide the Exarch against those insolent Barbarians The Venetians much affecting the Pope willingly graunted thereunto and comming before Rauenna with a mightie Armie did forthwith take it and being taken gaue it to the Exarch It is reported that the name of this newe Magistrate was instituted at the same time by one named Longinus whom the Emperour Iustinian sent into Italie in Narses sted to commaund with soueraine authoritie Prodeus of Vincenza a valiant man and of great reputation among the Garrison of the Citie died in that warre Paulus Diaconus in his Historie of the Lombards sets downe this exploit so doth Bonitendius the Secretarie who hath inserted in his Commentaries the Copie of the Popes letters written to the Venetians to the same purpose The Venetians in the meane time were in tumult round about Grada because Calixtus Bishop of Aquileia disdaining as it is thought that the new Church of Grada should preceed his which was verie ancient ouer-ranne the bounds of Grada But the Pope commanding to desist the matter was forthwith ended There arose after that great dissension which in a manner produced a ciuill warre greatly disquieting the State neere to Heraclea It is said that the Dukes insolency was the certaine cause of this commotion For the Iesulans not being able anie longer to endure his presumptuous pride armed themselues and ioyned battaile This proude Duke marched against them meaning to bring them to reasonable tearmes and they fought on either side with more fiercenesse and hatred than force At the last after diuers losses on either parte the Heracleans being wearie of the warres did on a sodaine turne all their hatred towards the enemies vpon the Duke as one whom they knew to be the author of all those miseries who was vilanously murthered by his owne Cittizens about the latter end of the eleuenth yeare of his Magistracie The Heracleans being amazed at the newes of the Dukes death remooued their dwelling soone after as it is thought to Malamoc no man knowes whether it were because they hated those places for the murther committed on the Duks person or else for that the same place was too neere the firme Land and by that meanes more subiect to the ordinarie incursions of the enemies Some affirme it hapned by reason of the warre which arose betwixt the Heracleans and the Equilins Those which are more curious alleadge cause wholly different from these and denie that these places were thus abandoned by and by after the murther And to speake truly this first cause seemes too friuolous to make so populous a Citie at an instant to change her dwelling The troth is that long after the Dukes murther during the principalitie of Mauritio and Giouanni his sonne Heraclea and Equiline were abandoned as shall be hereafter declared in his place I will now returne to that wherein the Authors agree among themselues For Vrsus being slaine in regard the Islanders could not agree about the creation of a
great troopes and retired themselues to Malamoc and to Rialto But it seemeth that the Authors doe greatly differ concerning the destruction of Heraclea and the troubles of those times Bonitendius disposeth the affaires of those dayes in such sort as hee saith that Prince Mauritio in whose time Charles King of France had wholly abolished in Italie the power and ancient Kingdome of the Lombards enemies to the Pope by reason whereof he was made Emperour the affaires of the Venetians not being verie safe neither at home nor abroad amiddest those tumultes of Italie had drawne in to the gouernment of the Common-wealth by hauing wisely appeased the quarrels of the Citizens and brauely defended their frontiers rather by sufferance then approbation of the people a new and pernicious example in taking Giouanni his sonne for Colleague in the Principalitie which fell out vnhappily not for himselfe who was old and dyed soone after but for his sonne which furuiued him and his sonnes sonne associated by his father after the Grand-sires example ¶ GIOVANNI the eighth Duke of Uenice BEcause in the gouernment Giouanni did not follow his fathers steps and that besides his other mischiefes committed in his place hee sent Mauritio his sonne with a mightie Sea-armie to assailâ—… Giouanni Bishop of Grada a vertuous man in those dayes He 〈◊〉 yet the rest doe not set downe the occasion of this warre And it is to bee supposed that they did expresly conceale it because there was none at all For it comes often to passe that when a wicked man will hurt any one hee neuer regardes the occasion why This naughtie sonne hauing obeyed the commaundment of his bad father and taken this Bishop threwe him head-long downe from an high Tower Fortunato the Triestine who soone after succeeded him resoluing to reuenge the vnworthie death of Giouanni did secretly practise with certaine chiefe men of the Citie to depose yong Mauritio and his father likewise from the Principalitie who without occasion at all had committed so cruell a murther But the enterprise beeing discouered hee with certaine of his adherents withdrew himselfe to Treuiso among whom were Demetrio Marmani Foscaro de Georges and Obellerio of Malamoc who at that time were Tribunes Fortunato departed from Treuiso and went into France to the Emperour Charles at whose suite saith Bonitendius the Emperour commaunded his sonne Pepin who by Pope Adrian was named King of Italie to make warre vpon the Venetians and that in the meane time in hatred of the murtherer Maâ—…ritio and his father it hapned that Obellerio of Malamoc who as hath beene said did follow the Bishop Fortunato to Treuiso being declared Duke both the father and sonne were driuen forth of the Citie the one being oppressed with olde age went to Mantua and the other into France by meanes whereof Heraclea as the place of their birth was wholly with the places adiacent destroyed Some say that Iohn was sent by the first Mauritio to assaile Grada to reuenge the death of Bishop Giouanni slaine in that place in which charge not bearing himselfe faithfully It is supposed that Fortunato was displeased with him Neither is it certainly knowne how long these three commanded one after another Yet Bonitendius sets it briefly downe thus That the first Mauritio gouerned three and twenty yeares accounting nine wherein his sonne was his Colleague who after that commaunded as long alone and after hee had associated the young Mauritio they were both expulsed the seuenth yeare of their association Some hold that in the time of the first Mauritio the Church of Oliuolla called afterwards the quarter of the Castle was by Pope Adrian erected into an Episcopall Seeâ—… the Islands of Rialto Lupria and Dorsse-dura which were called twinnes being vnder the iuridiction thereof Some doe besides set downe that at the same time the Scopares an ancient Family as then in Venice builded the Church of Saint Moses of an excellent structure according to the Cities abilitie in those dayes and enriched it with goodly presents And moreouer that Saint Michaels Church which at this day hath many markes of antiquitie neere to Brundula was repaired and enriched by a stranger named Sergius who hauing a long time beene sicke of an incurable disease was in the night time diuinely warned in a dreame that if he did visit a Church which was neere to Brundula he should be healed of his sicknesse And because it came to passe according to the prediction he did sumptuously repaire the same Church and bestowed on it many rich presents ¶ OBELLERIO the ninth Duke of Uenice LEt vs returne to Obellerio who in his absence being created Duke as hath beene said comming to Malamoc hauing for a time commanded with the peoples great good liking did associate his brother Beato for Colleague This man went to Constantinople to the Emperour Nicephorus where he was nobly entertained and honored with certaine markes of the Empire In the meane time Valentin his younger brother was by the people giuen to Obellerio for his Colleague But we finde the Historians so much to varie concerning the occurrents of these times as wee can hardly iudge which of them best deserues to be followed There be others which say that Obellerio beeing expulsed by his brother Beato had recourse to the Emperour Charles whose daughter he married promising to the King to betray his countrie and that the French being fedde with this hope did sodainely marche against the Venetians that hauing in a moment seised on all the Sea-frontiers he came to Malamoc which he found not inhabited from whence he sought to passe ouer to Rialto by boate whither hee had heard the Prince and people were retired but being there beaten by a furious tempest he lost the greatest part of his Armie and was enforced to retire without doing any thing worthie of note Touching this and the rest which may easily be refuted all of them almost doe affirme that Charles was not the chiefe leader of this enterprise but his sonne Pepin And the easier to vnderstand how it hapned we must search the matter from farre to the end we doe not too much straie from the Venetians From thence we will continue our historie where it behoues vs lightly to passe ouer that which diuers haue left in writing in a long and prolix stile more than needed The Lombards Kingdome being extinct as wee haue said and the affaires of Italie setled by Charles or Pepin his sonne who was afterward installed King the Venetians being in the meane time freed by the agreement betwixt Charles and Nicephorus there hapned strife betwixt the two Empires about Dalmatia It is reported that by the same agreement whereof we now spake it was expresly mentioned that Dalmatia should be a Prouince of the Grecian Empire The Romans not well digesting that such a maritime Prouince so neere Italie should be cut off from their Empire after they had a long time debated thereon both
because there was some likelihood that the state of the Common-wealth could not bee on a sodaine established but that greater troubles were to be expected in a Citie newly mutinied for her Princes massacre to the end to make the people more obedient he bound them vnto him by oath and protested that hee would in no sort endure any enterprise to bee vndertaken against himselfe nor the State whilest hee should manage the soueraigne dignitie And because the Pallace had beene burnt he transported the ensignes and Ducall dignitie into his owne priuate house meaning neuerthelesse to returne to the Pallace so soone as it should be reedified His gouernment began by repairing these two places which he did at his owne costs more magnificently than they were before Now the Church being thus beautified hee caused the bodie of the Euangelist which few people thought had escaped the fire to be brought againe into it He gaue besides to the same Church a table of gold richly wrought at Constantinople which hee caused to be dedicated with greate solemnitie on the high Altar About the same time or a little before the Sarracens being entred in two companies into Italie after they had taken Capua they beseiged Barri by land and Sea a towne seated betwixt Brundusium and the mouth of the Riuer Aufida the poore inhabitants where of enduring all miseries through want of foode were succored with victuals by the Venetians fleet vnder the conduct of Vrseolo But because the Barbarians did notwithstanding ouer-streightly presse those of the towne Vrseolo accompanied with the aide of Greece came and fought with the enemie on the Sea and hauing defeated the greatest part of them and put the residue to flight he purchased great glorie to the Venetians He had but one sonne by his wife Faelicia and as soone he was borne they both vowed chastitie He gouerned the State in the meane space with such wisedome and integritie as men did easily perceiue by his carriage that he had not accepted the charge thereof for any desire that he had to command but for the good onely of the Common-wealth in such sort as a peaceable gouernment had succeeded the tumults of the deceased Duke if certaine Authors and Ministers of the late Duke Candianos furie had not resolued to trouble the publike peace At these mens perswasions Vitalis Bishop of Grada who was as hâ—…th beene said reiected by his father vnder colour of entring into religion fled into Lombardie to the Emperour Otho the second where after hee had greatly complained of the miserable death of his father Pietro hee besought him with great instance to reuenge it in regard he had beene some time his frend and guest Happily some would say that hee was iustly slaine but they could not say so of the young infant his brother whom they had cruelly murthered in his fathers armes He did moreouer manifest his owne banishment which his very enemies lamented wherein he was likely to wax old and to die farre from his natiue Countrie if he were not by some forraine aide reestablished in the Citie from whence he had beene so vniustly driuen by his fellowe Citizens His complaint and teares did greatly mooue the Emperour Otho who seemed priuatly to be greatly displeased at his guests miserie whereupon after hee had giuen him some hope of returning into his Countrie hee willed him to be of good courage and to be merrie in his companie till a fit occafion were presented to send him home which he promised shortly to effect with all his power Vualderta in the meane season Vitalis his mother in law being come along with him went to Adheleta Othos mother who then laie at Placentia and by her meanes she was soone after with the consent both of the Prince and people admitted into the Citie It is not vnnecessarie in regarde it bolongs to our Historie briefly to rehearse by what meanes Adheleta returned to the Imperiall dignitie from whence she fell by the decease of her first husband She married first of all the Emperour Lotharius a great friend to the Venetians He being dead Berengarius his successor confined her for euer into the Castle of La Garda whereof the goodliest Lake of Italie doth at this day beare the name where she was brought to such pouertie as begging her bread by letters and messages she led a miserable life Whereby wee may leame that there is no man so great did not the foolish admiration of wordly riches make men forget their weakenesse but may confesse that there is nothing in this world so firme and certaine which a man may promise to himselfe long to enioy Adheleâ—…a escaping secretly from this place came to Verona to Alard who as I thinke was Bishop of the Citie for it is certaine that the familie of the Alardi are at this day of great account there This man because hee had no place where he might hide such a Ladie sent her to Accioni his vnkle who was in times past a good friend to Lotharius who hid her a long time in a countrie-house tenne miles distant from the Citie vntill such time as knowne to himselfe alone she married for her second husband Otho the first who carried her into Germanie by whom he had a sonne which was the Emperour Otho the second of whom wee euen now spake Who after he had not onely defeated Berengaria and Albert his sonne but wholly ouerthrowne them and by their ruines confirmed the Empire to himselfe hee made peace with the Venetians at the request of his mother Adheleta against whom he was incensed for the murther of Prince Candiano About the same time there arose a new strife with those of the Cape of Histria which was soone appeased by the meanes of a new League wherin it was expresly couenanted That they should paie vnto the Venetians euerie yeare an hundred Hogsheades of wine The Bishops of Grada haue for a certaine time gathered this tribute in the peoples name Thus stood the State of the Common-wealth which was sodainly depriued of the presence of this good Prince by an vnheard-of accident A certaine man named Guerin comming from Aquitaine in pilgrimage to Venice to visit Saint Markes bodie was brought before the Prince according to his appointment which was that all those who should come to the Citie for anie deuotion should be bountifully entertained in his Pallace This man hauing a great while discoursed of religion and of Pennance for this stranger was by profession a Moncke brought the Prince by little and little to this passe who of himselfe was sufficiently addicted thereunto as he forthwith thought vpon meanes how he might giue ouer the gouernment And to put it in practise hee craued but so much time of the stranger as was sufficient for the quiet setling of the Common-wealth and hauing prayed him to returne within a yeare he dismissed him Vrseolo in the meane time gaue himselfe to
determined in the Venetians absence to succour the Citie so that it is reported there was a cruell fight neere to the walles and that the Greekes beeing vanquished and one of the companions of the Empire beeing slaine Alexis saued himselfe by flight by meanes whereof the Durassians beeing constrained to yeeld became subiect to the enemies power And not long afterwards the Venetians in the behalf of Alexis came against the Normans almost in the verie same place where the first battaile was fought but the euent did much differ from the former For the Venetians being vanquished receiued so notable a losse as of all that great fleete which Siluio had brought with him a small number was saued part being drowned and the residue taken This purchased the Prince great hatred and enuie For at his return to Venice the people deposed him in the thirteenth yeare of his gouernment Diuers do confesse that the Venetians and the Greekes were vanquished before the Port of Durazzo but that the losse was not so great as wee haue said it was but only that the battaile was very bloudy on either-â—…ide and that so soone as the Norman began to haue the better Alexis fled on the left hand towardes Peloponesus and Siluio on the right hand towardes Venice They doe besides denie that hee was deposed from his gouernment but that the two and twentieth or as others say the three and twentieth yeare of his Principalitie hee fortunately deceased and was honourablie buried in Saint Marks Church ¶ VITALIS PHALERIO the 32. Duke of Venice SIluio being dead Vitalis Phalerio was with the generall consent chosen in his sted His first proposition was no lesse honorable than profitable for the Common-wealth For so soone as hee was declared Prince he propounded to the People to send Ambassadours to Constantinople to the Emperour Alexis to obtaine of him that Dalmatia and Croatia which they had taken from the vsurpers and purchased by right of warre might for euer remaine to the Venetians It was likely that the Emperour would easily grant their request in regard of the kindnesse which he had lately receiued from them The Ambassadours were Dominico Dandulo Andrea Michaeli and Iacomo Auro But in sted of these I finde in some Authors Ciani Vitalis and Antonio Alexis did freely graunt their requests whereby the Venetians haue euer since by iust title possessed Dalmatia and Croatia And Phalerio was the first according to some Annalists who in his titles did beare these Prouinces I finde likewise that about the same time the Greekes and the Venetians fought vnder Phalerio before Durazzo with Guiscard but the issue thereof was as successelesse as vnder Siluio The Emperour Henrie came from Treuiso to Venice to visit Saint Markes Church whose miraculous apparition was a little before diuulged euerie where It is reported that for a time it was not known in what part of the Church his bones did rest so as the coÌ„mon people cryed out that he had retired himselfe into some secret place as though he meant to conceale himselfe from the peoples sight whereupon the whole Citie being desirous to know his resting place prayers and fasts were appointed euery where then diuers Bishops being followed by the Clergie and people came in procession to his Church where it is reported that after diuers prayers he did miraculously shew himselfe to his Citizens by putting out of his armes forth of the earth and that then to the peoples great contentment his body was taken vp and carried to a more honorable place and it was decreed that none but the Prince and the Procurators of the Church should know his resting place and it is thought that at the same time they dedicated a new Church vnto him more rich and sumptuous than the former Phalerio did afterward repaire the Burrough of Lauretta decayed by antiquitie and reducing it into the forme of a little Citie he did enrich it with diuers liberties and priuiledges to make it thereby the more to be inhabited After he had made this reparation we finde no other matter done by him abroad nor at home hee departed this life the twelfth or according to some the thirteenth yeare of his Principalitie ¶ VITALIS MICHAELI the 33. Duke of Venice VItalis Michaeli was chosen in his place In his time and vnder his gouernment a mighty Armie was sent into Siria for to recouer the Cities and places of the Holie land But because wee know that the Venetians haue had share in diuers great exploits executed by the Christians in Asia I haue thought it not impertinent to touch briefly in order what was done there to the end that by that which shall be set downe it may be easily knowne what the Venetians did in that iourney The Author then of this warre as some write was a French Hermit named Peter who going on pilgrimage to the Sepulcher of our Lord Iesus Christ did vnderstand of Simeon Bishop of Ierusalem and of other Christians who were there in small number in what distres and miserable seruitude this holie Land where the Sauiour of the world did redeeme vs was held by the cruell Mahometists That there was no place in the same how holie or religious soeuer it were which that abhominable Nation had not till then defiled and contaminated by thefts murthers adulteries adding therewithall the scourges torments and wrongs which those who professed Christianitie did endure who were of necessitie either to goe from thence or resolue to dye there miserably To this was ioyned a great miracle How that vpon Easter euen about mid-night it seemed vnto Peter in his sleep that Iesus Christ did call vnto him inioyning him so soone as he should arriue in Italie he should tell the Pope and afterwards all the other Princes of France and Germanie that it would be pleasing vnto him and that he did commaund them tred Italie with great furie A verie great multitude of them leauing Scithia at that time would staie in no place til they had first seene how their friends and kindsfolke in Hungarie fared These men by continuall frequentation with the Italians being accustomed to the iournies of Italie had for the most part changed their naturall crueltie and manner of life by meanes whereof waxing more ciuill they were driuen from the places which they had gotten by right of warre by those that came after them The crueltie of this Nation is reported to be such as after that they had been in Hungarie they abstained not from eating humane flesh after their countrie manner who forthwith tooke vpon them the names of those whom they had driuen thence and were called Hungarians Those which were expulsed were likewise in times past called Huns aswell as the latter And being come into Hungarie in the daies of Attila they were afterward named Bauarians then Huns and certaine letters being taken awaie from both names it was made but one These then after diuers warlike
they made a great shout in signe of ioy some honouring the name of Christ our soueraigne king with great reuerence others vpon their knees weeping for ioy did salute the holie Citie and the holie Sepulcher But because this place requireth that we should say some-what of the antiquitie and magnificence thereof to the end that this booke grow not too big we will begin the sixt which followeth by the description of the Citie The end of the fift Booke of the first Decade THE SIXTH BOOKE OF THE FIRST DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice ¶ The Contents of the sixth Booke of the first Decad. THe sixth Booke containeth the description of the Citie of Ierusalem with the taking thereof GODFREY of BOVILLON made King of Ierusalem The Christians most happie victorie against the Turkes The taking of Ascalon with other Cities of Syria The Venetian Fleet returneth into Italie The priuiledges graunted to the Venetians in the Citie of Ferrara The Venetian Sea-armie called backe into Syria The taking of the Cities of Ptolomais and Sydon with the priuiledges which the Venetians for their part obtained therein The lucky issue of the warre against the Paduans and their confederats Two strange and wonderfull accidents hapned by fire in the Citie of Venice one after another Those of Zara and other people of Dalmatia doe rebell Prince ORDELAPHO his successe at the reprisall of the Cities in Dalmatia with his death fighting against the Barbarians The Venetian Armie at the pursute of Pope CALIXTVS returneth into Syria The Citie of Tyre besieged by Sea and Land The Tyrians yeeld The Venetian Armie returneth from Syria into Italiâ—… The building of the Hospitall of the publicke Cbaritie THe Citie of Ierusalem which we may properly terme holy is as wee haue learned seated on a high place enuironed almost on euery side with very high mountaines hauing neither fountaines nor Riuers neare to it but only Siloe which Iosephus calleth a fountaine and others a riuer This which we cannot call a riuer for the small quantitie of water which is in it running from mount Sion passeth through the vale of Iosaphat The Territorie neare to the Citie is very drie and barren and is full of Cisternes to receiue raine water The Solymi which were sometime called Lycians according to Herodotus were the founders of this Citie as the verie name it selfe doth witnesse and Cornelius Tacitus doth affirme it in that place where he speakes of the antiquitie of the Iewes Homer neuerthelesse singing the praises of the Lycians doth seeme to make a difference betwixt them and the Solymi His verse is thus This man againe warr'd on the Solymi Meaning Bellerophon who was descended from Lycia Concerning the Religion and ancient manner of life which this Nation vsed it shal not be amisse to set down what Strabo a man verie much addicted to Paganisme hath written therof For there is no man almost but hath either read or heard what the Authours of the holie Scripture haue set downe concerning the antiquitie of this place It is good then and I say lawfull to know how neere some who were stuffed with Paganish superstitions haue approched to the knowledge of the truth The common report saith he of matters beleeued concerning the temple of the Ierosolimitans doth affirme That those who are now called Iewes are descended from the Aegyptians For Moses a Priest of Aegypt being possessed with a certain Idea of Religion detesting the vaine institutions of his owne Countrie came from thence into Palestine followed by great numbers of people highly deuoted to Diuine matters He taught them how greatly the Aegyptians did erre to attribute the name of God to brute beasts and the Grecians likewise to represent their Gods vnder humane pictures and figures And that the same thing was God which had created vs and the whole world beside which we call Nature the figure of whom no man how wise soeuer durst vndertake to present That it behoued them then to reiect all those Images and Idolls and to build a Temple to the only God wherein to worship him without any superstition And that those who should liue chastly in all integritie and righteousnesse might hope for happinesse otherwise not Strabo did not know all But it is altogether necessarie to vnderstand how an Ethnick brought vp in superstition doth approue that which is directly contrarie to his law For he doth sufficiently approue that which he doth not reproue and chiefly that which hee knoweth to bee openly repugnant to the dreames of his Religion But as I said he knew not all For concerning the portraits of the Diuinitie hee seemeth as much to reiect our custome as theirs And to speake truth as much as they did it foolishly we do it wisely with an other kinde of consideration Now Moses after he had thus perswaded a great multitude of people brought them in to the same place where the Citie of Ierusalem now stands the which hee possessed with so much the more ease as for the barrennesse thereof it was desired of none being no such place as was worth the contending for by Armes For the place whereon the Citie is seated is verie stonie and ill-prouided of water Strabo would heereby inferre â—…hat Moses and those which followed him out of Aegypt were the founders of this Citie and not the Solymi He sets downe besides That there was a Quarrie of stone found in the Citie two hundred and fiftie foote in length and threescore in breadth wherewith that most magnificent Temple was builded in the Citie from the foundation euen to the toppe thereof whereof diuers haue so largely written and principally Iosephus in his Historie of the Iewes But so soone as straying forth of the right way they gaue themselues ouer first to tyrannie then to couetousnesse and vnto all other vices it came to passe that by a iust iudgement of God the Citie hath not beene only once but many and sundrie times and in diuers manner taken and afflicted For omitting that which went before the time of Alexander the great it is written That the first Ptolomie king of Aegypt did wholly destroy it Then in succession of time vnder the happie gouernment of Titus sonne to Vespasian it receiued so much the greater losse by how much before then it had offended Soone after that in the daies of the Emperour Adrian and then after him these losses following one an other it had no leasure almost to breath in the middest of so manie miseries which haue continued euen to the time of this iournie In this manner the Holie Land otherwise happie hath been a long time tormented vnder the cursed Empire of Mahomet who cruelly possessed it at such time as the Christian troopes did arriue Now after the Princes had viewed the situation of the Citie they resolued to assaile it in three seuerall places The Earles of Flanders and Chartres encamped on the North-side neere to Saint Stephens gate for neere
thereunto is a Chappell of his name because it is thought that he being throwne out of the Citie was stoned in the same place Godfrey and Tancred on the West-side and Raymond neere to mount Sion toward the South So soone as the campe arriued certaine skirmishes were made on both sides as occasion serued And the Armie in the meane time wanted no victualls as it did before Antioch by reason of the Sea which was not far of as also for that they possessed diuers strong townes in Palestine They attempted at times during the seege to take the Citie by Scalado but it was in vaine At the last bringing woodden Castles and other warlike engins before the walls the batterie was somewhat more furious than before and a breach being made they marched to the assault which lasted from the day-breake till noone with a great slaughter of our men the which did howerly encrease without anie likelihood of waxing better had not Baldwin followed by a troope of Soldiers mounted the wall on boards which the enemies had there placed to catch our engins which were brought before the walls For a while it was doubtfull what would become of them But the Citie-gate in the meane time being broken open and the wall neere thereunto beaten downe by the Ramme the victors entring on euerie side the enemie retired where at their first entrance they made in all places a meruailous slaughter without exception of sex or age Dauids tower fortified in manner of a Cittadell was forthwith yeelded vp All the furie of the fight was neere to the Temple whither great multitudes of people were retired They fought there with great losse on either side Despaire encouraged the one and shame the other because the Citie beeing taken the Temple was possessed and kept from them by a few Yet neuerthelesse they entred it by force and ranne so couragiously vpon the enemie as beeing thrust forward in front by those which followed them they which first entred were constrained to fight hand to hand with the whole squadron of the Armed enemie and were besides thrust forward by those which were behinde them vpon the points of their swords The enemies in the meane time did valliantly defend themselues whom the imminent danger did constrain to fight with hazard of all things Therefore the fight was verie bloudie not onely at the entrie of the Temple but in the middest thereof And so great was the slaughter aswell of the victors as the vanquished as the bloud which was spilt on the pauement of the Temple was a foot deep In the end the vppermost part of the Temple being not yet taken the retreate was sounded a little before night The next morrow after commandement was giuen not to hurt those that were disarmed they which defended the higher part of the Temple did sodainly yeeld In this manner was the Citie of Ierusalem taken in the yeare of our Saluation 1099. and foure hundred fourescore and ten yeares after it was taken by the Infidels and the thirtie ninth day after the Christians had besieged it Godfrey of Bouillon was by the consent of all men saluted king who after he had receiued all the Roiall ornaments except the Crowne would by no meanes be crowned saying That it did not become a Christian to weare a Crowne of gold in the same place where Christ the soueraigne king had worne a Crowne of thornes Whilst these things were done in Ierusalem fearefull newes was brought that great multitudes of enemies did approach To meete whom Godfrey after he had left a good Garrison in the Citie marched almost as farre as Asdona There they fought a bloudie battaile which for diuers howers space inclined to neither part In the end the enemies were broken and put to flight with great losse Some saie that there died the same daie an hundred thousand men The prisoners that were taken did report That the number of their Armie was fiue hundred thousand fighting men During this happie successe in Syria the Venetians departing from Smyrna after they had coasted the Seas of Lycia Pamphilia and Cilicia they arriued in Syria and kept the Hauen of Ioppa taken before by the Christians But I dare not affirme that the Venetians beeing departed from Smyrna did arriue in Syria before that the holie Citie was taken Neuerthelesse it is certaine that the French beeing encamped before Ierusalem were releiued with victualls comming from the Sea The which I can not see how it should be done by any other but by them at that time seeing that all the coast of Syria was as yet in the enemies power After the Venetians had left a sufficient garrison for the defence of their vessells they departed from Ioppa and marched in order of battaile towards Ierusalem from whence returning they tooke by force the Citie of Ascalon vpon the Sea which the French had a little before attempted in vaine and leauing French-men there in garrison they laid siege to Caypha which is likewise called Porphiria neere to Ptolomais the which siege lasted longer than it was suspected From whence because they would not liue idely they went to besiege Tiberias the which being yeelded by the inhabitants those of Caypha did soone after the like Some Authours attribute these exploits to Godfrey and not to the Venetians But I thinke them to haue beene done by a mutuall consent namely by Godfrey with his Armie by Land after the taking of Ierusalem and by the Venetians by Sea keeping way with him still all-along the coast And from thence it commeth that the Venetian Chroniclers attribute the whole to the Venetians and the French to Godfrey It is certaine that so soone as the Venetians arriued in Syria they ioyned with the French and that the affaires of the Christians were for the space of a whole yeare gouerned in the Prouince vnder the happie fortune of either of them These things being done the Venetian Armie returned to Venice And Godfrey of Bouillon soone after died It is reported that about the same time the bodies of Saint Nicholas and Saint Theodore were brought to Venice the one being laid in Saint Sauiours Church and the other in that which of a long time had beene dedicated vnto him on the banks of the Sea The Normans vnder the conduct of Roger brother to Beamond made incursions on Grecia and Dalmatia The Venetians after they had made a league with Caloman sonne to Geica King of Hungarie marched against the Normans But I know not vpon what ground the Normans at the same time made warre on the Venetians and Alexis The Venetian fleet being strengthned by the succours of the Barbarian passed into Apulia For Caloman had not only made a league with the Venetians but ioyned his forces to theirs I know not vpon what occasion this was done vnlesse it were that the Hungarians did at the same time hold some places in Dalmatia and that it grieued them
Whereupon they bethought themselues of a subtile stratagem to tie counterfeit letters to the Doues feeâ—…e instead of those which Dachines had sent to the Tyrians which imported Not to expect any succour from the King And therefore they should doe wisely seeing their affaires stood so as they must needs yeeld to giue place to the time which they were chiefely to thinke on and by a timely yeelding to prouide for themselues and their meanes These Letters being publiquely read for the Pigeon being let loose flew directly into the Citie the Tyrians being wholly discouraged did yeeld themselues the fifth moneth of the siege I know of a certaine that many will hold this which wee haue reported of the Pigeon for a fable thinking it to be against nature and so consequently vnworthie of beliefe that a bird transported into a farre Region should at a flight returne to her former nest But it is vndoubtedly true that it was so The which hath beene of ten times knowne by experience For diuers doe witnesse that the ancient Romans made vse sometimes of birds for the same purpose Plinie makes mention of a Pigeon which brought letters to the Campe before Modena I finde that Fabius the Roman Historian and Cecynna Volateran haue sometimes vsed swallowes in such like businesse But let it be granted that it may be so it is no lesse strange that these birds flying in the ayre should fall to the ground by a suddaine noyse For some doe affirme the same to haue hapned in the assembly of the Ismenians as oftentimes in other places at such time as by the meanes of Titus Flaminius all Grecia did recouer her ancient libertie Plutarch a man of singular learning hath taught the same to come to passe by the clearing of the aire because that by a suddaine crie ascending vpwards the aire is forcibly cleft leauing no support for the birds for waxing more soft and slipperie the birds fall as though they were come into an emptie place without any stay at all whereby they fall downe being stricken with the noyse as if it were with an arrow It may bee likewise according to the same Authour that this noyse engendreth in the aire a violent by-turning like to the tempest of the Sea wherewith birds being touched fall downe amazed Now the Tyrians hauing yeelded there were set vp on the Towers and highest places of the Citie the ensignes of Varimond and of the Venetians vnto whom were giuen the third part of the Citie according to the agreement the prowesse and valour of whom according to the saying of Chronicles was greatly admired in that siege The like was giuen to them in the Citie of Ascalon Baldwin returning from his imprisonment at the same time did not only approue all these things but did likewise at the ratifying thereof highly honour the Venetian Prince It is to be seene in some Authours that he vsed this preface Dominico Michaeli Duke of Venice and Dalmatia Prince of the Kingdome of Ierusalem who after he had defeated a great Armie of the enemies on the inaccessible shoare of Ascalon slaine and taken many thousands of those Barbarians and deliuered those of Ioppa from the siege where with they were shut in did enter victorious into Ierusalem Some others adding greater matters than these say That besides these things graunted at the same time to the Venetians in Syria it was confirmed vnto them ouer and aboue all the rest that whilest the Duke of Venice should make his aboad in Ierusalem hee should enioy the same honours and prerogatiues as the King did Whereas there is mention made that the enemies were defeated before Ascalon and not before Ioppa the same proceedeth from the varietie of Historians During the Venetians prosperous successe in Syria Caloianes sonne to Alexis some set downe Emanuel for Caloianes enuying that the Christians had obtained so notable a victorie and chiefely the Venetians vnto whom was ascribed all the glorie of whatsoeuer had beene then done in Syria resolued to make open warre against them In regard whereof there was some likelihood that the Venetians if they respected their owne priuate affaires would wholly leaue Syria as indeed it happened For the Prince being speedily called home vpon the first commotion of the Greekes did depart out of the Prouince who being come to Rhodes and the Townesmen refusing to furnish him with victualls he tooke and spoiled the Citie I beleeue hee had some other cause so to doe For that had beene to haue drawne a kindnesse from them perforce But it is most likely that it was done in hatred to Caloianes who had alreadie declared himselfe their open enemie which some Authours affirme or else certainely because the Venetians had in times past receiued some notable iniurie of the podians they would then at the instant call it in question hauing so fit an occasioâ—… Prince Michaeli from thence commâ—…g to the Isle of Chyos wasted it likewise and carried from thence the bodie of â—…int Isidore to Venice which was laid in Saint Marks Church in the Chappell â—…ich we haue elsewhere said was builded by Narses with the spoiles of the enemâ—…s The fleet made some staie there in regard of the great sharpnesse of the wiâ—…er From whence finding that place fit for the affaires of warre they would noâ—…slodge vntill they had taken all the neighbour-Islands from the Greekes Wâ—…eupon departing thence on a sodaine they first tooke Samos then Lesbos Aâ—…dros and all the other Islands of the Greeke Empire Hauing performed these â—…oloits neare to the Islands Ciclades they sayled into Peloponessus where he sâ—…ed on Methon at this day called Modona and left a garrison there Then commâ—…g into Dalmatia he recouered Zara as some write which had before driuen tâ—…nce the Venetian Magistrate and being thus recouered to the end that her destâ—…ction might serue for example to the neighbour Cities how in time to come to fâ—…ifie their faith so religiously sworne vnto they did for the most part ruine it Ten they recouered Spalatra and Trahu by force But other Authours haue pâ—…sed ouer in silence that which we haue now mentioned to haue beene done by hâ—… in Dalmatia All these great atchieuements luckily finished after that he had â—…amed one part by Armes and protected the other from al wrong from the Seacoast of Syria euen to Dalmatia he brought backe his Armie entire to Venice wâ—…ere hee was receiued with generall ioy And so soone as he had related what he hâ—…d done in that voyage the whole Citie did highly praise him The affaires of the Christians in Syria still declining by little and little did euery day wax worse vnâ—…ill the time of Baldwin the fifth From whom Saladine King of Egypt recoâ—…ered Ierusalem the fourescore and eighth yeare after the Christians had taken â—…t There were diuers and sundrie warlike preparations made aswell in Italie as iâ—… other parts of Europe for the conseruation of
houses neere to the Cittie with firie arrowes which hee shotte from his Gallies The affaires of the Empire being thus troubled Emaâ—…uel by his Ambassadours had recourse vnto the Venetians of whom in respect of their ancient friendship he freely craued helpe in his great need or if he asked it too late that they would yet reuenge the wrongs done vnto him Therefore they prepared a mightie Fleete which being in readinesse in the Hauen after that certaine Gallies which were abroad were by a decree called home the Prince set forward against the enemies But Historians make no mention at what time these Gallies which were called home departed from Venice We must beleeue they were those which the Venetians did entertaine for the defence of the coaste of Syria according to their promise made to Baldwin as some Authors doe affirme The Fleet being departed from the Citie sayling on the maine and grieuously tossed with a mightie tempest did put it selfe into the Hauen of Caorli a territorie of the Forlani where the Prince falling sicke and perceiuing his disease growing worse and worse and that there was no hope of his sodaine recouerie after he had committed the charge of the Armie to Giouanni his brother and Reyniero his sonne he returned to Venice Emanuel likewise had armed a great number of vesselles which hee committed to the charge of one of his Lieutenants with all authoritie at Sea He came by Land with his forces into Albania where he besieged the Citie of Bùtritot But during these atchieuements the Venetians after they had slaine diuers of the enemies and taken many prisoners tooke the Isle of Corfu by force Some neuerthelesse affirme That the Island was rather recouered that they did not fight on the maine Sea and That the Kings Fleete being dispersed and defeated the Venetians tooke foureteene of his Gallies who after they had left strong Garrison for the guard of this Island sailed forthwith into Sicilia where so soone as they arriued there is no sort of crueltie which they committed not They did put all the Prouince to fire and sword burnt diuers Cities cut downe the Trees plucked vp plants by the rootes and carried great numbers of prisoners with them to Venice By meanes whereof the Empire was not onely protected as at other times by the Venetians forces but restored to her ancient splendor and maiestie which would hardly haue beene done without their aide The Princes death which hapned before the Armies returne hindred the publike ioye for such a victorie who deceased the nineteenth yeare of his gouernment Dominico Morosini was by a generall consent chosen in his place ¶ DOMINICO MOROSINI the 37. Duke of Uenice ABout the same time as some write Rogero King of Sicilie deceased who was an enemie to the Venetians This Prince after diuers great atchieuements hauing subiected vnder his power the Citie of Thunis in Africke caused in his life-time these Latine verses to be engrauen on his kinglie sword Appulus Calaber Siculus mihi seruit Apher Which may be thus englished The prowd Calabrian beares my yoake Black Affrica I tam'd Sicilia's Island felt my stroake with'Pulia Naples nam'd Sixe galleies were sent the same yeare to defend the Sea-coasts on which the Pirats made ordinary incursions who sailing on the maine tooke fiue Galleies of Ancona which Guiscard one of the Pirats of his time did commaund who being taken was presently hanged About the same time likewise diuers buildings aswell publike as priuate were consumed with fier in our Ladies Island no man knowing from whence it came Besides at the same time the foundations of the great Tower was laid which is right ouer against the market-place and is a verie admirable peece of worke For it is reported that the foundations of the same great Masse are laid so deepe vnderground as there was more time spent therein than on the whole worke besides The top thereof glistering with gold is of such heighth as a man may not only from thence see round about the Citie but likewise discouer a great way off at Sea towards the South and East in such sort as the brightnesse therof doth appeare like a luckie starre two hundred stadij in length to those which saile from Histria and Dalmatia The Polani with diuers other of Histria did by their thefts trouble the Gulfe The Dukes Sonne with Marino Gradonico were sent against them with fiftie Armed Gallies Pola being besieged by them the inhabitants at their first arriuall sued for peace which was granted them on condition That they should no more robbe at Sea and pay yearlie two thousand weight of oile for S. Markes Church The Parenzans likewise being moued with the like feare promised to giue them aide as oftentimes as the Duke should goe to the wars The Emonians promised as much with a yearelie tribute of oile Some did besides acknowledge them for their Soueraigne Lords promising to free all the Venetian Merchants from subsidies and impositions Those of Aâ—…cona likewise at the same time made a league with the Venetians The like did William King of Sicilie who succeeded Rogero in regard whereof he graunted diuers priuileges and immunities to the Venetian Marchants which frequented the Faires of Sicilie Pope Anastasius at the Venetians entreatie erected the Church of Zara into an Arch-bishops See whereunto he subiected all the Cities of the neighbour-Islands Yet I am not of opinion that the same was done so much in fauour of those of Zara who were not at the same time greatly affectionate to the Venetians as in hatred to the other Cities of Dalmatia which for the most part being reuolted from the Venetians did at the same time obaie the King of Hungarie If this be so as diuers likewise affirme it we must thinke That Dominico Michaeli at his returne from Syria did not recouer Spalatrá Trahu nor any other Citie in Dalmatia but only Zara or else of a certaine That this Archi-episcopall erection was in the daies of Vitalis Michaeli the second in whose time we finde Trahu Spalatra Ragusa and diuers other Cities of Dalmatia to bee possessed by the Emperour Emanuel The Church of the Virgin which the crossed Friers possesse was built at the charges of the Gussoni an honourable familie as that likewise of St. Mathew toward the which Bernardo Cornari did freely giue the ground This is all which is obserued to haue hapned at home or abroade vnder this Princes gouernment who died the eighth yeare of his Principalitie and was buried in the Church of Holie-Crosse ¶ VITALIS MICHAELI the second the 38. Duke of Venice VItalis Michaeli the second succeeded him who after he had wholly rooted out all ancient emulation betwixt the Venetians and the Pisans made a league with them The Venetians vnder this Princes gouernment took part with Pope Alexander the third vpheld by the kings of France and England against Octauian the Anti-Pope who was alone fauoured by
for the greatnesse and antiquitie thereof That therefore such as are ignorant of antiquitie may not erre in the knowledge of her name it is the same Creta which the vulgar at this day call Candie by the name of a Citie as I thinke which is of late so called therein Dosiades thinks that it was called Creta by the Daughter of Hesperides And Anaximander saith by King Curetus Philistides and Crates say that it was first called Acria and after Cureta from whence we may easily gather that her name was in the future deriued Eudoxus to speake somewhat of her situation thought it to be sâ—…ated in the Aegean Sea But the most curious Authors saie that it is enuironed with diuers namely the Aegean Cretan Libian Aegyptian and Carpathian Seas Apollodorus saith that it is in length two thousand and three hundred stadij Artemiâ—…orus setteth downe foure thousand and one hundred extending from the East to the West where her out-stretched proportion is longest Some account but two thousand and her breadh to be much lesse Plinie thinckes that no part thereof doth exceed fiftie thousand paces in breadth two hundred threescore and tenne thousand in length and fiue hundred fourescore and ten thousand in compasse Her territorie besides is verie closely compacted full of mountaines and verie fertile vallies The hilles towards the West are of a meruailous heigth not giuing place any iotte to mount Taygetus in Laconia In the middest thereof where the hills seeme highest mount Ida is to be seene so much celebrated in the fabulous Poets Ephorus writes That the most ancient inhabitants of the Island were first instructed by Radamanthus to build Cities and to lead a more ciuill life and afterwards by Minos his successor strictly to obserue Iustice hauing established lawes and ordinances for the same purpose The same Author and Plato likewise did thinke That this people and the best-mannerd of Greece especially the Lacedemonians haue beene followers and obseruers of these lawes But as Strabo saith all things being altered from bad to worse this holie kind of life vanished and mens manners being wholy depraued it was first troubled by Pyrates and soone after being inuaded by the Romanes and subiected to their dominion it was for a time vnder their protection in peace and quietnesse At length that Empire beginning to decline after Constantine had translated the Imperiall seate to Constantinople afterwards vpon the diuision of that one entire Empire into twaine hauing two Emperours one for the affaires of Greece and the other of Italie this Island was euer reputed as a part of the Greeke Empire In this passage of time it was not onely molested by the Barbarians but at sundrie times greatly afflicted And notwithstanding all oppositions after the Empire of Myrtillus which lasted not long it was taken from the Greekes and ioyned to the Venetians dominion But such is the disposition of this Nation and their desire of noueltie so great as the Venetians a long time had much trouble to containe them vnder their obedience Whereupon I will here beginne to speake of their turbulent commotions Enuie which euer waites on prosperitie so soone as the Venetians possessed Candie did incite the Genoueses repining at their greatnesse to imploie all their forces which at that time were great and mightie and by some meanes or other to snatch it from them For the Island was as yet scarcely fortified with Garrisons when they attempted by some of their Nation with armed Gallies for the purpose to conquere it but afterwards with greater force when they vnderstood what was befallen to Vetrano their countrie-man whom the Venetians had put to a shamefull death wherewith being througly vexed this aemulation was conuerted into open hatred and they assayed by all meanes to winne the Candiots to rebellion Which they being readie to put in practise Count Mailloc tooke armes to trouble the affaires of the Island This man beeing couragious and sodaine in his attempts presuming on his assurance of the Genoueses forces did in a short space reduce the whole Island in a manner vnder his obedience The Venetians who from the beginning were resolued to keepe that Island by all meanes whatsoeuer did set forth a great Fleete And in the meane time diuers were of opinion after it should be recouered to dismantle all the Cities Castles and townes that were strong either by nature or arte alleadging diuers reasons for the confirmation of their saying But Rayniero Dandulo who was a man sodaine and verie rich did presently offer to keepe whatsoeuer should be recouered at his owne costs At which offer of his all the assistants blushed so as no man afterward durst speake of razing of Cities fearing thereby they should seeme vnable to keepe the Island vnder their subiection The Armie being readie departed vnder the command of the same Rainiero according to some Annalists who had more mercenarie Souldiours out of Lombardie than of their owne allies and confederates At his arriuall in the Island the Metropolitane Citie of Candace which at this day is the best for Marchants traficke of the whole Island was forth with recouered and after all the other townes and Castles Count Mailloc being brought to verie meane tearmes in a Fort and being enforced to yeeld vpon composition departed out of the Island The Candiots were alreadie brought to a reasonable good passe when as certain seditious Greekes did by their commotions interrupt the peace of the Island Rayniero speedily opposing himselfe against these combustions was slaine with an arrow shotte through his body who being carried to Candace was buried in Saint Georges Church His death being reported at Venice Giacomo Longo and Leonardo Nauigaioso were sent with speed to guard the Island and with them Giacomo Tepulo for the Islands Gouernour And in another place Raphaeli Zeno sailed towards Morea to the reliefe of Coron and Modon Giacomo Longo meeting by the way not farre from Candie three Shippes of Genoa suncke them and gaue chase to diuers others Moreouer seeing in regard of the leuitie and inconstancie of the Greekes there was no likelihood of abilitie to quiet the state of the Island without a great standing Garrison they resolued to send a Colonie thither namely horse-men of the order of Senators and foot-men of the common sort of people Vnto whom being scattered here and there in Candace and other places of the Island were great inheritances giuen to some for terme of life and to others in perpetuitie Howbeit some Authors affirme That the Colonie was sent thither presently vpon the Islands recouerie as hath beene alreadie spoken in the precedent booke Soone after the arriuall of the Colonie the Hagiostephani who for Nobilitie and riches were the chiefe of the Island being desirous of noueltie did reuolt from the Venetians and seized on Mirabeau and Sethia Giouanni Tepâ—…lo to appease these stirres called Marco Sanuto to his aide from the neighbour-Islands promising
place to the victorious Venetian But tbe better to continue the discourse of these warres which the Venetians had afterward with these proud people we must first of all set down certain matters which some Historians haue formerly mentioned to the end we may be the better enabled to quote the times which the cōfusion of Authors maketh otherwise doubtful and withall to reduce those things to our memorie which haue formerly beene spoken vpon this subiect Gradonico at the same time commaunded Histria when hee was chosen Prince of the Common-wealth Being called home to Venice hee tooke possession of his charge which hee beganne with diuine matters commanding the day and feast of Saint Katerine to bee yearely solemnized vnto whome when he was but a priuate person he was much deuoted I beleeue that the Senat in fauour of the Duke did make a decree for this purpose by meanes whereof this holie Virgin was afterward highly reuerenced in Venice her feast beeing before that time but a working day But it may be that he did it not so much for particular deuotion as because he was as some thinke chosen vpon the same day It is reported that about the same time Andrew King of Hungarie sonne to a Venetian woman of the familie of Morosini and to Stephen the Kings sonne came to Venice where he was so farre off from contemning his mothers house because it was a priuate familie in a free Citie as hee would needes appropriate to himselfe the ancient Armes of the familie by adding thereunto onely a white Crosse with a circle to the end that by that difference those of the same familie might bee knowne from the other Morosini Stephen his father was borne in Ferrara whither his mother daughter to the Prince of Ferrara after the death of her husband had retired herselfe being left with childe but being come to age hee could neuer recouer his fathers Kingdome which was possessed by his neere kins-men And being desirous as I thinke to put himselfe vnder the Venetians protection he married Thomasina Morosini by whom he had this Andrew who in time got title of Gouernour of the Kingdome and afterward that of King Some Authours referre the ruine of Ptolomais to these times but the greatest part of them affirme that which we haue reported thereof in the precedent booke The truce being expired the warre against the Genoueses was more fiercely than euer renued But the Venetians good fortune was not so apparent in the next Lygustick warre as disastrous by the occurents of the yeeres ensuing For by how much more the power of both these people were alreadie manifest to euery eie by so much greater were the warlike preparations made by either partie It was likewise euident that this their contention was not about the simple possession of Ptolomais nor for a street or Church onely but to acquire the absolute command or dominion at Sea In this quarrell the Venetians were the first in field But I thinke it was not in respect of the Genoueses assailing the Pisans at that time who after they had taken the hauen of Legorne from them and burnt it suncke diuers shippes of burthen full of flint stones and grauell in the hauen thereby to take the vse of the Sea from them For the Pisans forces had beene alreadie before that time greatly weakened chiefly by that notable losse which they sustained in the Isle of Lamel where twelue thousand of their people were slaine or taken by the Genoueses with the losse of fiue and twentie Gallies Now the Venetians to draw the Pisans forth of this danger who had in times past so faithfully releeued them in the first Ligusticke warre and to alter the course of the Genoueses victorie made hast to get before them with a great Fleet as some say of threescore and six Gallies which sailed into the Ponticke Sea vnder the command of Rogero Morosini to spoile and destroie whatsoeuer belonged to the Genoueses Others make mention of fortie six onely and others affirme that there were no Gallies in this Fleet but diuers shippes of all sorts Their first charge was against those of Pera. This place neere to Constantinople which I thinke was at the same time but a village had beene fortified by the Genoueses and was much frequented by Genoa Merchants trafficking the Ponticke Seas who for the neere neighbour-hood thereof to Constantinople and for transportation of their merchandize to and fro had the commodiousnesse of the place in singular recommendation Whether they had then determined to doe that which afterward they did to wit to enclose that place with ditches and walles knowing how fit it was not onely for the vse they then made of it but likewise for the warre I confesse my selfe ignorant This place therefore being not yet fortified was soone taken by the Venetian and consumed to ashes From thence the Armie sailed to the old Forts which the Genoueses held which being takē were for the most part burned The Genoueses in the meane time laie quiet without action Giouanni Souranza the next yeare following was commanded to holde the same course with fiue and twentie Gallies At his arriuall hee tooke the Citie of Capha by assault in Chersonessus of Tauris where being ouertaken by winter he was constrained to tarrie In this countrie being extreame cold for it doth not onely incline to the northward but lieth directly vnder it he lost nine companies of Souldiours with the extremitie thereof and the residue of his Armie likewise was greatly afflicted The fennes Meotides which are not far thence together with the Cymerian Bosphorus are so congealed with extreame cold as it is most certaine that in those places where in Sommer men fight with Gallies in Winter they combat on horse-backe on the Ice The Genoueses likewise thinking it time to be stirring sailed into the maine with threescore and six Gallies or threescore and ten according to some Authors vnder the conduct of Lampadio Doria who desirous to reuenge the losses receiued on the Pontick Sea entring tumultuously into the Gulph of Venice had directly come to the Citie if vpon report of the comming of so great a Fleet they had not bin encountred by the Venetians with greater forces than at any time before The Venetians at the same time hauing fourescore and fifteene Gallies and vnderstanding that the Genoueses were at Corfu sailed thither with an intent to fight with them For now being in number of vessells superiour to the Genoueses they would not refuse the fight being thereunto also encouraged by remembring what had passed in former expeditions They knew well enough that they were to fight against the same enemie whom they had vanquished in the battaile betwixt Tyre and Acre And the remembrance of that notable victorie at Trapani did more animate them where though they were much inferiour to the Genoueses yet in a manner they had broken them neither did they forget how often
was afterward giuen to Marsilio but he whom they nominate had no recompence Whilst these things were done at Venice Rossis tooke certaine Townes in the Territorie of Padua from the enemies and then bringing his troupes neere to the Citie he set fire on one of the Gates called Al-Saints Moreouer those of Mestra daunted a while after with a new siege wherewith they were enuironed yeelded From thence comming to Treuiso he burnt in a night two of the Citie gates The Inhabitants were so amazed in this night-assault as diuers running fort ' of the Citie in the darke on that side where the enemie was not saued themselues by flight but many of them hauing lost their way fell into the enemies hands among whom the noble wife of Caminensis was slaine in the habit of a seruant This being done they made no farther attempt against the Citie I know not whether it were because they despaired of taking it being ignorant of the great feare and amazement of the Citizens or rather because they would speedily goe to take Serrauall which according to some came at that time vnder the Venetians obedience Mastin and Albert his brother hauing vnderstood that besides the losse of so many Cities in short space their associates likewise had forsaken them and taken armes to offend them for it was reported that Luchin Visconte hauing attained to the principalitie of Milan by the death of Accion his kins-man and Phillip Gonzaga were alreadie in the field against them or else in a readinesse so to doe being enuironed with so many michiefes knew not what to resolue on nor what they ought chiefly to follow or in what place to oppose themselues against the enemies desseignes or by what meanes to relieue their Citties But in this great incertaintie of their affaires not being able to conclude on that which was most expedient for them Mastin on a sodaine with the greatest part of his forces left Padua committing the guard of the Citie to his brother Albert and came to Verona In the meane time Marsilio Rossis after hee had passed the Riuer Adice marched with those troupes which hee had receiued from his brother directly towards Mantua where ioyning with Philip Gonzaga and Luchin Visconte they consulted together of the whole matter and after marched into the field resoluing first to assaile Verona Now hauing forraged the Countrie they entred the Territorie of Verona where they made great spoyle round about the Citie which with great clamours they besieged bringing thither all things necessarie for a siege It is reported that Charles sonne to the King of Bohemia lay at the same time before Feltre with a great Armie of Germans by meanes whereof those of Escalla were at one time affailed in three seuerall places Mastin being thus vncertaine by what meanes to oppose himselfe against the enemie after hee had a while ruminated with himselfe determined like a mad man to doe it by Armes and to fight with any that hee should meete with But before he would giue battell he Knighted his sonne Francis who was yet very yong Spineta Marquis Guiao Corregiario and Paulo Aligerio the Gouernour of the Citie after which hee marched with great noyse and furie towards the enemies and in their view put his Armie in order of battell being resolued for his part to fight Rossis made a retreat so did the rest not meaning to fight thinking it more auaileable for them to draw the Warre out at length the which by all likelihood Mastin could not long maintaine than to hazard the whole by the euent of a battell In this sort making a faire retreate not giuing shew of any manifest flight they held on their way towards Mantua Mastin as proude of this retreate as if hee had wonne the battaile returned speedily with three thousand horse and certaine foote companies to Padua and from thence to Bubulente where the Venetians Fleete lay At his arriuall hee surprised twentie small Venetian vessels left for the Guard of the munition and made an attempt to take the Castle the which being brauely defended hee was constrained to depart thence and hee encamped two miles beneath the Riuer with an intent to shut vp the passage of the victuals which came from the Citie by water It is thought that he might with more ease haue executed his determination if hee had encamped betwixt Bubulente and Mestra Rossis to cause him dislodge commanded a great quantitie of woad an hearbe belonging to Fullers to be pounded and to be throwne into the Riuer to make it vnsauorie and bitter to be drunke by those of Escalla But victuals waxing scant in the Venetians Campe by reason that the enemie lay so neere the arriuall of Marsilio called thither for the purpose as I thinke was cause that the Venetians strengthned by his comming had free passage whither they pleased being little inferiour to those of Escalla in strength Pietro Rossis likewise being often prouoked by the enemie to fight did purposely refuse it For he perceiued that Mastin could not long hold out and that hee should doe vndiscreetly to hazard the fortune of a battel knowing that the enemie was already halfe vanquished and there was no doubt but that he would be ouerthrowne without bloudiâ—…ied Whilst he lay in Campe neere to Bubulente thinking greatly to hinder the enemie by keeping of the passage of the Riuer from them hee had notice that Luchin Visconte had streightly besieged Bressia which newes he very badly dâ—…ested and marched with speede through the Territorie of Padua and Vincenza to releeue Bressia which whilest hee attempted more fearefull tidings were brought that Padua was lost his brother taken prisoner with the whole garrison This losse did in such sort abate the tyrants pride as hee neuer after hoped for better successe Marsilio Carrario so soone as Mastin was departed from the reliefe of Bressia had forthwith giuen notice thereof to Pietro Rossis and leauing open the Gate of the crooked Bridge gaue entrance to him and his whole forces which they of the Citie perceiuing for there was no hostile act committed all men with great ioy ranne to meete him calling him their deliuerer and infinitely praised him But Rossis with the generall consent did in the Venetians name giue the gouernement of the Citie to Marsilio Carrario Albert and Risse Foranensis with diuers other friends and seruants of the Tyrants were taken prisoners and their goods spoyled Albert was soone after brought to Venice Rossis gaue leaue to fiue hundred Almaine horse that were found in the Citie freely to depart thence with their Armes and Horses Mastin being daunted with so many losses receiued fresh newes that Charles had taken Feltre with other Townes and anon after that Luca was besieged by Orlando Rossis Captaine generall of the Florentines and that it was not yet certainely knowne whether those of Luca were reuolted or not But that which did most
Ring which hee had on his finger let the Duke and Senate vnderstand that by our meanes the Citie hath beene this night preserued from a terrible floud And because thou shalt not faile but doe this know that he whom thou diddest see enter into his Church is blessed Saint Nicholas which yee Marriners doe so highly reuerence the other is Saint George who is gone to visite his Church and I am Marke the Euangelist the patrone of your Citie This being said he vanished The poore Fisherman emboldned by this pledge so soone as it was day came to the Palace where saying that hee would speake to the Prince concerning some important businesse he was presently brought into his presence who was accompanied by the Senate where he declared in order all that hee had seene and heard then for a witnesse to his speech he drew foorth of his bosome the Ring which the holy Saint had giuen him ouer night They were all greatly amazed at this miracle then they caused diuers solemne Prayers to be made as well in priuate as in publike in the Churches of these holy personages by whose helpe the Citie had beene defended from the present danger Besides they appointed the poore Fisherman a yearely pension out of the publike Treasurie About the same time the Ambassadours of Edward King of England arriued at Venice crauing aide by Sea against Philip the French King whom the Genoueses fauoured with all their power but notwithstanding all their promises on their Kings behalfe they could obtaine nothing Their excuse was in what great danger their affaires stood at Sea which they were constrained to defend from the ordinarie incursions of the Turkes who by the carelessenesse of the Christians were growne so mightie as they could in a moment Arme two or three hundred Gallies if neede were At the same time certaine Lords of Candie reuolted who being retired into some Fortes and Castles in the mountaines did disquiet the greatest part of the Island Nicholao Phalerio Iustiniano surnamed Iustinian and Andrea Morosino with good forces were sent against these men who were embarked in the Gallies which went to traffique in Ciprus Being arriued in Candie they assailed the enemie in three places and giuing them in a maner no time to breath they tooke from them all meanes to robbe and spoile They did moreouer propound great rewards to any whosoeuer should kill any one of those Rebels or could bring him aliue to the Venetian Magistrate hauing set downe a certaine rate for euery head but the Authours whom we follow mention not how much They being by this meanes in few dayes reduced vnder the Venetians obedience were punished according to their deserts diuers of them were throwne into the Sea but the most of them were hanged which caused those of the Iland being terrified by the punishment of those Lords to returne on a sodaine to their due obedience The Island being quiet the Generals of the Armie Nicholao Phalerio excepted who died there returned to Venice Victuals were very deare in the Citie during the principalitie of Gradonico which was very short for it lasted but two yeares and nine Moneths which time being expired he died His body was buried at the entire of Saint Markes Church The end of the second Booke of the second Decade THE THIRD BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the third Booke of the second DECAD A Great Armie prepared against the Turkes The foundation of Saint ANTHONIES Church The Venetians victorie neere to Zara against LEWIS King of Hungarie Thereddition of Zara. The Citie of Venice much shaken by an Earthquake The same Citie terribly afflicted by the Pestilence Truce for fiue yeares with LEWIS King of Hungarie Cape-histria rebelleth which causeth the Venetians to passe ouer thither The cause of the third Ligusticke warre The Venetians take ten Ships of Genoa in the Hauen of Cariste The Genoueses take Nigrepont in the absence of the Venetian Armie The Venetian and Arragonian Fleete greatly tossed by a tempest on the Ionian Sea The prosperous battels which the Genoueses had at one time against three mightie Armies neere the Bosphorus The Venetians and Arragonians ouercome the Genoueses on the lower Sea The Genouses in anger contemne their libertie who after they haue repaired their Armie take Parenza The Genoueses take diuers Ships of burthen from the Venetians at sundrie places The Genoueses defeate a great Armie of the Venetians in the Isle of Sapientia Prince PHALERIO affecting tyrannie is with his complices worthily punished ¶ ANDREA DANDVLO the 54. Duke of Uenice A Ndrea Dandulo succeeded Gradonico a man certainly of rare and singular learning and as eloquent as could be wished in one of his yeares For it is reported that he wrote the Venetian Historie in two stiles the one more amply and it may bee therefore lesse eloquent and the other more succinctly and thereby as saith Carosini more beautified and adorned Hee was besides of a meeke and liberall disposition whereby hee purchased the surname of Comifino And that was the reason as I thinke why before he was of competent age they made him Procurator of S. Marke and soone afterwards Prince For the manner was not to name any one to that dignitie but such as were already of good yeares and all Authors almost are of opinion that he was not aboue sixe and thirtie yeares of age when hee was named for the soueraigne Magistrate We finde in some Authors that at the beginning of his Principalitie according to the league made with Pope Clement other Christian Princes against the Turke the Venetians armed sixteene Gallies and gaue the command of them to Pietro Zeno who after he had sunke diuers ships of the Barbarians did by a sodaine assault take the Citie of Smyrna and where hauing slaine the Inhabitants he left a good Garrison and that soone afterward not farre from those confines the Venetians accompanied with those of Rhodes and Cyprus did oftentimes fight with the Turkes where diuers of both sides were slaine But at the last the Venetians with their Allies being defeated and put to flight part of them being afrighted escaped into the Citie the rest being enclosed by the Barbarians were all slaine At the same time Nicholao surnamed Giouanni was sent by the Senate to the King of Babylon to treate with him concerning the Venetian Merchants free traffick into Aegypt The Barbarian granted their request bnt on certaine conditions the which seeming not to bee allowed of without the Popes permission it was not thought lawfull to trafficke with the enemies of the Christian faith Marini Phalerio Knight and Andrea Cornario were sent to his Holinesse who granted that the Venetians should for fiue yeares following traffick to Alexandria with sixe Gallies Souranza by vertue of this permission was the first that vnder-tooke that voiage with two Gallies wherein Pietro Iustiniano went Consull Two yeares after Iustiniano
the multitude of causes which was dailie pleaded before them to haue any fit leisure to intend the appeales sent vp by inferiour iudges to their audience The Senate created three Auditors to looke to that businesse who according to the large extent of their iurisdiction were called the Ancients Three others were likewise created to heare the causes of strangers Besides Prince Dandulo caused all that which had beene abolished from the ancient customes to be reduced into one volume together with all the decrees made by the Senate since the principality of Giacomo Tepulo vntill that present and hauing diuided them into Chapters with a large Table he named it The sixth Booke of the Cities decrees And hauing moreouer whilst he was Procurator of Saint Marke carefully gathered together all the iudiciall acts and decrees of the great Councell he set them downe in order and noted who had beene the Authour of euerie of them and vnder whose Gouernment each of them had beene receiued and allowed There was at the same time great scarcitie of victualls in the Citie which began in Graedonico his time by reason whereof Gallies and other vessells were sent into Apulia and Sicil to fetch corne vnder the command of Marco Iustiniano We may heereby easily perceiue that this voiage for corne was before the siege of Zara the which likewise some Authors do not denie For it is certaine that this Iustiniano in that warre of Dalmatia was generall of the Land-Armie and that after Zara was was recouered he was made Gouernour of the Citie Now as all men know it could not bee that one man alone could at one selfe same time execute two so different offices It is reported that two shippes of those which went for Corne were lost by a sodaine tempest as they returned homeward and that they were neuer after heard of Others say that foure only escaped out of this storme The residue of the ships laden with Corne did fortunately arriue in the Hauen by meanes whereof the dearth ceased But this mischiefe being taken away an other presently ensued For vpon the day of Saint Paul his conuersion about one of the clocke after noone there hapned a great Earthquake which did in such sort shake the Citie as diuers publike and priuate buildings were thereby throwne to the ground The Steeples of Saint Siluester Vitalis Saint Giacomo de Lorio fell downe together with the top of Saint Angelo his Church and the left side of that of Saint Basil. The Babylonians thought for I see diuers that demaund from whence this fearefull motion of the Earth doth proceede that it happeneth by the force of some Planet meeting with the Sunne in the Region of the Earth Anaxagoras hath thought that it is engendred in the Earth by processe of time and restraining of Aire Possidonius affirmes that it is a winde shut closely vp in the bowells and concauities of the earth Plinie saith that the earth neuer quaketh but when the Sea is very calme and the aire so still and cleare as birds can hardly beare themselues vp therein and at such time as the winds are inclosed in the veines and entrails of the earth By this speech of Plinie it seemeth that the windes are the cause of this shaking the which diuers Philosophers doe likewise affirme Hee addeth by and by after An earthquake saith he is nothing else but as the thunder in the aire or an ouerture or creuase in the earth or as the lightning breaking forth violently from the middest of the cloudes the wind enclosed therein striuing to burst forth by force The Stoicks set downe diuers sorts of earthquakes opening of the earth swelling of the water and the boiling vp of the same the which is very true For at some time the earth falleth downe very low at other times it is much lifted vp and putteth forth great Mountaines in this the Riuers doe ouer-flow on a sodaine in the other sparkes of fire are seene to rebound the waters to boile ouer and sometimes Riuers to leaue their ordinarie course A fearefull sound goeth before and accompanieth this quaking sometimes like to the roaring of a Bull and then like to the lamentable cry of some humane creature or like the clattering noise of Armour according to the qualitie of the matter which is inclosed or according to the fashion of the caue and hole through which this winde passeth which resoundeth as it is said in vaulted and hollow places waxeth hot in sharp and drie places and causeth great defluxions in moist and humide places The Citie of Venice is not so much subiect to earthquakes as some doe imagine seeing among all the motions of the earth that of the waues and flouds is the most dangerous For lightning is not so hurtfull nor the shaking of buildings nor namely when the earth is puffed vp or falleth downe by an interchangeable motion because the one keepeth backe the other The safest buildings are those vpon vaults the corners of walls and on bridges leaning one against another Besides bricke buildings are lesse dangerous in such accidents than are others Those which are at Sea can foretell these earthquakes at such time as they perceiue the waues to swell on a sodaine without any winde and those which are on Land may likewise foretell them when they see birds as it were in amaze to stay their flight or when the water in Wells is more troubled than ordinarie hauing a bad tast and stinking smell for these are as it is reported the true signes and presages of future motions Pherecydes the Syrian drawing water out of a Well foretold an earthquake which hapned there Anaximander Milesius did by these signes declare to the Lacedemonians that an earthquake was at hand for otherwise hee was no God to know things to come And the truest signes of all are when the windes blow not or when the Sea is meruailous calme For an earthquake neuer happeneth when the wind bloweth or when the Sea swelleth with waues for when it blowes the motion ceaseth otherwise it lasteth fortie daies and some times longer some haue lasted two yeares But this earthquake whereof wee speake lasted fifteene daies more or lesse wherevpon all Women that were with child being touched therewith miscarried and died soone after of the contagious sicknesse that forthwith ensued This dangerous sicknesse as it is reported came from Scythia and from thence glided along the Pontick Sea and the Hellespont and at last at the same time that this great earthquake happened it infected in a manner all the West Some Authors call this disease the euill of the groine and I thinke the reason was because the first signes of that disease were small kernells in the groine then there followed an extreame heate with griefe and heauinesse in the head which caused losse of memorie so as in three daies they died And this infection was so sharpe as of one hundred that
if we become masters we may hope for a most rich bootie Furthermore the Venetians are and haue alwaies beene rewarders os braue and valorous men who being mindfull of your worth will or daine perpetuall pensions for the best amongst you and indeed for all if you doe all shew your selues worthie men To conclude if no other thing inuite you to play the men yet ought the example of your Captaine to prouoke you thereunto I commaund you then to goe out with the selfe same courage as ye shall see me your Captaine to march with He is not worthie to be termed a souldier but a base Bisonian who whilest his Captaine shall fight doth shamefully retire from the battell For my owne part if I shall perceiue any one to maâ—…ch fearefully to the fight I will be as great an enemie vnto him as to the Greekes against whom wee fight Vermio hauing spoken thus to his Souldiers commaunded euery one to bee in a readinesse to march against the enemie The Greekes in the meane time who were sent to guard the streights of the mountaines waxing more proud for their last victorie as I thinke leauing the hilles with a desire to fight came downe into the bottome to assaile the Venetians Vermio would not loose so faire an aduantage but sodainely set his forces in order of battaile The Candiots were at the first brunt in a manner broken and so narrowly pursued by the victorious Venetian who would not giue them time to knit their forces together which they attempted to doe in those streights as they sought to escape by manifeâ—…t flight The Italians followed them at the heeles and slew them euerie where so that more were slaine in the flight than in combat diuers hauing throwne away their Armes escaped into the mountaines but greater numbers did with an head-long race draw the enemie neere to the walles It is reported that the Venetians followed them so courageously as they lost many of their people at the Citie gates Those of Candace being daunted with this losse and perceiuing themselues to be besieged by Sea and Land despairing of forraine aide began forthwith to treate of yeelding Wherefore after they had taken the Venetians faithfull promise that the poore inhabitants should not be molested either in bodies or goods they sent by night the keyes of the Citie to Michaeli and to the Prouidatori Vermio being commaunded to enter with a few troupes the gates were shut after him so as the Souldiers were deceiued of the bootie they hoped for There had like to haue beene a mutinie in the Campe and there wanted no setters on to cause them not only to mutinie but absolutely to reuolt accusing Vermio and Michaeli the Generall of the Sea-Armie for depriuing the Soldiours of the bootie which they had wonne by their valour But Vermio hauing vnderstood their discontentment came amongest them and after he had sharpely rebuked the Authours of the mutinie he so farre preuailed with the Prouidatori as they presently gaue them double paie and by this meanes the matter was appeased Diuers of the enemies finding themselues guiltie of this rebellion and despairing of pardon would in this tumult haue taken Armes but they were in a moment apprehended The new Gouernour lost his head so did all the Authours of the rebellion and diuers others fled The Ambassadours who at the same time were returned by chance from Genoa falling into the Venetians hands were punished according to their deserts The newes first of the victorie and then of the taking of the Citie of Candace did greatly reioyce the Senate and the whole Citie Thanks was giuen to Almightie God in the Churches prisoners were set at libertie and diuers poore maides were married with the publique purse Tilts and Turnaments continued for certaine dayes in the Market-place of Saint Marke by young Gentlemen with sumptuous preparation who were fiue and twentie in number each of them furnishing fiue hundred crownes for the scaffoldes and other expences The King of Cyprus being returned forth of France was present at it and fought at Barriers with the sonne of Vermio a braue young man and of great hope Some say that Vermio himselfe was one of the Iudges at the Tilt. If it were so wee must not beleeue that this publique shewe was so soone made It is reported that one named Pascalis Mâ—…not who came with the sonne of Vermio wanne the glorie of the turney and that the victorie was adiudged to him which was a Crowne of gold of the valew of three hundred and threescore Crownes The Island being quiet and reduced vnder the Venetians obedience the victorious Armie returned to Venice But the alliance made with the King of Cyprus was the occasion of setting forth a new Armie wherewith the Cypriot soone after surprised and spoiled the famous Citie of Alexandria in Aegypt But hee could not tarrie long there by reason of the great numbers of Barbarians which daily ranne thither whereupon the third day after his entrie hee was constrained to dislodge and brought backe his Armie to Cyprus laden with spoile Prince Celso after he had gouerned three yeares and tenne moneths died His bodie was buried in the Caelestines Marco Cornari was chosen in his place ¶ MARCO CORNARI the 59. Duke of Uenice AT the beginning almost of his gouernment a new reuolt happened in Candie fiercer than that whereof wee now spake Diuers Greeke Gentlemen who in the last stirres had in some sorte fauoured the rebells were quiet till Vermio his troupes and the nauall Armie were gone forth of the Island For hauing then fortified the places which belonged to either partie and then from day to day practising other nouelties they did not cease to disturbe the peace of the Island vntill they had caused all places to Arme against the Venetians It is reported that Iohn Calergo was the Authour of the troubles who was one of the noblest families of the Island He hauing set vp the ensignes of the Greeke Empire proclaimed euery where That it was done for the protection of the Isle of Candie exhorting all those who loued their libertie to follow him Diuers being amazed tooke Armes Those which followed him first of all sware to destroy the nobilitie after they came on the sodaine and furiously assailed Nicholao Dandulo and his brother and hauing murthered them they seised on their Castels Nicholao Iustiniano Prouidator and Dominico Molino leauing the Citie to resist Calergo his attempts tooke certaine places from the rebels which they burnt Those of Calergo his faction on the other side being sodainely come to the Suburbes of Castel-nouo which belonged to the Venetians which were newly inhabited burnt them to ashes But the Towne being brauely defended by Pietro Treuisano the Prouidator they were shamefully put to flight and from thence they came and seized on Rethimna Those which were within it for the guarde thereof despairing of abilitie to
two thousand Treuisans to the Campe. The Thryestines being daunted to see the Venetian forces daily to encrease beganne to bethinke themselues whence they might bee releeued They resolued to haue recourse to the Duke of Austria to implore his fauour and assistance and to deliuer their Citie meanes and estate into his hands To this purpose they sent Ambassadors to him by whom they yeelded themselues to his protection and on a sodaine they set vpon the toppe of the highest tower the Dukes ensignes The Duke soone afterward came thither with ten thousand horse and great numbers of foote The Venetian in the meane time hauing spoiled round about had brought all the townes neare to the Citie vnder their subiection The Almaines at their first arriuall came and besieged the Venetians Campe with such vehemencie as in a moment they seized on the trenches The Campe would hardly haue sustained this assault had not the Souldiers and Marriners who were a farre off hearing the noise ranne to the rescue of their fellowes Those of the campe were so encouraged by their arriuall as they did not only driue the enemies forth of their trenches but with great losse constrained them to retire Truce for a day was granted to the Almaines to burie the dead Being afterwards put to flight in a skirmish and perceiuing their bad successe in releeuing Thryeste and that it was an hard matter to diuert the Venetian from his purpose with great griefe he brought backe his troupes into Germanie The Thryestines when hee was gone desparing of all other forraine aide did on certaine conditions returne to the Venetians obedience which being done the victorious Armie returned to Venice The Citie was not long at rest For a new war was raised against Francisco Carrario the cause thereof proceeded as is said from Carrario who vsurped a certaine place neare to the lakes the which belonged to the Venetian The Venetians being moued with this iniurie did forbid the Paduans the trafficke and commerce of their Citie which is as all men knowe an euident signe of future warre The neighbour Princes being highly displeased that by the Paduans meanes the trafficke was likewise forbidden to their subiects did endeauour all they might to quench this strife and to make them friends But all their attempts proued vaine The King of Hungaries Ambassadours came afterwards for the Carrarians for they said that they were vnder the protection of King Lewis and those of Florence and Pisa for the Venetians and by their meanes truce was taken for two moneths The Venetians deputed fiue commissioners and the Carrarians as many who should debate the matter and search out their bounds in frendly sort and afterwards marke their limits But they could effect nothing At the same time the Venetians were informed that the Tyrant had practised with certain bad persons to murther diuers of the Senate Diligent search was made for them ouer all the Citie and some of them were found and taken in the house of a poore woman named Gobba The womans life was saued because shee had freely confessed the truth but she was confined to prison for ten yeares All the rest were punished according to their deserts being drawn through the Citie with horses and then cut in quarters at the Colummes Their hostesse sonne who had promised to shew the murtherers those whom they should kill was hanged in the same place Not long after others being conuicted of the same crime were punished in the same manner The Senate fearing that by these murtherers the Common-wealth might receiue some great mischiefe appointed that all those who were known to be hated by Carrario should bee guarded by Armed men from their houses to the Pallace They commanded besides to looke carefully to the welles for the reporte was that he intended to poison them and by that meanes to vndoe the whole Citie The Senate were not yet freed from care when as a new feare surprized them For they suspected that some of their owne companie did by close intelligence aduertise Carrario of whatsoeuer was secretly done in the Senate Enquirie here of being made they found certaine Senators to be guiltie of that fact Whereupon those who were found least faultie were dismissed from the Senate and were declared to be for euer vnworthie to execute any publicke charge the others were condemned to perpetuall prison In the meane time the Ambassadours who had beene sent vp and downe from all sides could not preuent a future warre which the Venetians perceiuing they made speedie preparations for the same The end of the fourth Booke of the second Decad. THE FIFTH BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the fifth Booke of the second Decad. RAYNIERO Generall to the Venetians giues ouer his place soone after the beginning of the Warre with the Paduans The Venetians receiue a great ouerthrow by the Hungarians vpon the bankes of the Riuer Anaxus called at this day the Piaua The Venetians victorie against the Transiluanian with the taking of him Peace with the Paduans The Duke of Austria beginneth a new warre with the Venetians They fight with the Almanes neere to Longina Feltre besieged and the siege forthwith raised by the comming of LEOPOLDE The Austrian Marchants are prisoned at Venice Peace with LEOPOLDE The cause of the fourth Ligusticke Warre The taking of the Isle of Tenedos The Venetians driue the Greekes and Genoueses from Tenedos The Venetians Warre almost at one time with King LEWIS the Bishop of Aquileia the Genoueses and the Carrarians The Genoueses being vanquished at Sea neere to Ancia lost diuers of their Gallies The Venetians bad successe in Cyprus at the siege of Famagosta The taking of Catharra by VICTOR PISANI The Genoueses refuse to fight on the Sea of Tarentum The Paduans besiege Mestra VICTOR PISANI taketh Sabenico Trahu is twise besieged in vaine How hardly they made prouision for victuals in the Winter and the losse of a great part of the Venetian Armie by extremitie of cold PISANI hauing lost his Armie at Pola is imprisoned at Venice The Genoueses being proude of this victorie hauing greatly augmented their Armie lay siege to Chioggia IT was very likely that in these great warlike preparations by land there was neede of some one man who should be well experienced diligent and a trustie friend to the Venetians vnto whome they might as very often in former times they had done in the like troubles safely commit the charge of their Armie Whereupon they concluded for this purpose to send for Rayniero Vasco foorth of Tuscanie one of the best Captaines of his time and in the meane time to send Dominico Michaeli to the Armie to commaund there vntill his arriuall They sent with him Andrea Zeno and Thaddeo Iustiniano for Prouidatori The Rendez-uous of all the troupes was at an appointed day assigned at Mestra From thence the Armie first marched against the Paduans The
had earnestly solicited William of Escalla who had beene created a Gentleman of Venice and dwelt at the same time there to recouer the Principallitie of Verona whom after the recouerie thereof he perfidiously poisoned notwithstanding that before he had sworne and protested all loue and friendship to him and releeued him with Armes and Councell After which hauing surprised Antonio and Brunora of Escalla his children he caused them to be murthered The race of Escalla being thus extinct Francisco caused his son Giacomo or according to some his brother to enter Verona the Ensignes of the Empire and his owne being displaied before him and created him Prince of the Citie Yet not being satisfied with so great a Principalitie he besieged Vincenza hauing first spoiled the Vincenzans Territorie The Vincenzans detesting the name of Carrario resolued to endure all extremitie rather than to submit themselues to their Tyrannie They speedily sent to Katherina widdow to deceased Galeas for Carrario already made hauock of their countrie to get that by force which he could not obtain by right and intreated her to assist them against the violence of the Carrarians giuing her to vnderstand their great danger vnlesse they were speedily relieued alleaging for instance That on the one side they had Padua for neighbour where the Tyrants made their retreate and Verona on the other which they had lately seized on hauing vilely murthered their hosts and that being enuironed and shut in on euerie side they were openly pursued as enemies because they would not open their gates to the Tyrants and that the Vincenzans knew not of whom or from whence to expect reliefe but from thence where the power of Galeas had beene in force and Authoritie Earnestly therefore they entreated her presently to send them aide or if she had not the meanes so to do yet to send them word in what manner shee would will or commaund the Vincenzans to prouide for their safetie This did the Commissioners deliuer vnto her But she being a woman and troubled with the death of her husband and busied elsewhere in greater affaires For Carolo sonne to Bernabo after Galeas death began to 〈◊〉 and diuers pettie Princes of Italie had seized on the Cities which belonged to her husbands Dukedome so as she had busines enough to keepe Milan for resolution in these difficulties assembled her Councell by whom it was concluded That in regard they being so streightly pressed could not continue in her obedience it was much better for Verona Vincenza Feltre Belluna Collogna and Bassan with their dependances to be giuen to the Venetians than to leaue them for a prey to those wicked Tyrants The Venetians albeit they had already refused the offer which the Vincenzans had made to them of their Citie not that they did it to gratifie Carrario or were vnwilling to helpe their poore afflicted friendes but only for that they were ashamed to possesse the goods of an other man without iust cause so soon as they perceiued the offer to be made contrarie to their expectation by the true Lord albeit they knew that great warre would follow with Nouello they would not loose so faire an occasion Therefore they courteously entertained the Vincenzans Commissioners the chief of whom was Giacomo Thyeni sent with the Cities keies willed them after they had receiued their oathes of fidelitie to be of good cheere not to doubt but that they would deale in such sort as if this Paduan who filled all places with tumult and menaces did not desist from molesting them they would shortly set him such taske-worke as he should no more trouble his neighbours nor any else Besides seeing that the Vincenzans had esteemed from the beginning nothing to be more profitable for their Citie than to be vnder the protection of the Venetians they would take order that so loiall a Citie should neuer repent her loue and affection towards them Heereupon they willed them then to depart and to carrie home with them the ensignes of Saint Marke whom they besought to be fauourable to them both and to erect them in the publicke places of their Citie assuring them that the Prince and Senate would take order for the rest In this manner were the Commissioners sent home Giacomo Suriano followed them soone after with a good troupe of Archers for the Cities guard They sent likewise to Carrario to signifie vnto him in the name of the Common-wealth that he should abstaine from further molesting the Vincenzans because they were become subiect to the Venetians But al this aduertisement notwithstanding so farre off was he from giuing ouer his enterprise as on the contrarie in contempt of them and against the law of Nations he caused the Ambassadours Nose and Eares to be cut off and willed him besides to tell the Venetians that it was too saucily done of them to prescribe lawes vnto those who were commanders in possession That they should doe well to containe themselues within their small inclosure of the Sea and leaue Cities to those who from their Ancestours had receiued the power to gouern The Senate being mooued by the Tyrants arrogant answere would before they proclaimed open warre contract alliance with Francisco Gonzaga In the mean time the Feltrians the Bellunois and Bassans following the Vincenzans example voluntarily submitted themselues to the Venetians Colognia gaue occasion of a great battaile The Paduan euerie where opposing himselfe against the Venetians attempts did greatly molest them The Senate on a sodaine caused great forces to be leuied and gaue the charge of them to Carolo Malatesie of Arimini who was sent from Flaminio for that purpose The Armie was reported to be of thirtie thousand as well horse as foot Howbeit Carolo staied longer than was expected yet being come to Venice he was entertained with great ioye and receiued the publicke Ensignes in St. Markes Church Then marching towards the enemie he came to Mestra which was the Rendes-uous of all the Venetian troupes and diuers great personages were in that Armie who receiued good pay of the Venetians The Generall at his arriuall made certaine attempts vpon the enemie but of no great moment and therefore not worthie of memorie But in the hottest of the warre he gaue ouer his place Those Authors whome we haue read giue no reason why he did so Whilest these things were done on the firme Land the nauall armie had no better successe on the Lakes Marco Grimani Generall of the Fleet which the Senate had sent forth against the Tyrant hauing remained for a time on the Lakes neere to the enemies and caused a great number of light boates to come thither did violently force certaine of the Garrisons but being assailed on a sodaine by the Paduan neere to the Church of Saint Hilarie he was defeated hauing lost the greatest part of his vessels which the enemies drew on shoare with hookes of Iron and himselfe being
dissemble deferring the reuenge till some other time He had determined as he said afterward to succour Pope Martin whom he vnderstood to be basely dealt with by his neighbours Whereupon he gaue out that he tooke armes for that purpose and marching forward he did fight with and defeate the Florentines neere to Zagonare because as he said they would haue stopt his passage But it was sufficiently knowne to all men that Angelo Pergolesi who at the same time did so fortunately winne the battaile against the Tuscans was sent by Philip to raise the Florentines campe before Forli the inhabitants hauing entreated him so to do But vpon what occasion soeuer it was that the Armie came thither it is certaine that the warres being begun in those quarters it came to passe afterwards that the Florentines by the carelesnesse of their Captaines or rather by their owne malice as some haue thought being vanquished at diuers times after sundrie losses thought vpon nothing more than how to preserue their libertie And because there was some likelihood that they could not long without some forraine aide resist the force of Philip they resolued to haue recourse to the Venetians whome they had attempted at the beginning by diuers Ambassadors to draw into that warre At the last they sent Lorenzo Ridolpho their Ambassador to Venice to entreat and exhort them to contract alliance with them against Philip with this charge That if their entreaties would not moue the Senate that he should aduertize the Senators of the danger that was like to ensue that hauing ouerthrowne the Florentines he would striue to doe as much to the Venetians For as touching the euent of the present warre he should giue them to vnderstand that they would defend their libertie against that cruel enemy so long as their forces and meanes would giue them leaue but if he should perceiue the Venetians to incline and giue eare to the prosperous successe of Philip to assure them that it would be too late to talke of peace at such time as Florence being besieged all things should fall out contrarie to them But because it was for one man to commit the error they would endeuour to free themselues of this warre in becomming tributarie to him and then it would come to passe that the Venetians would perceiue how that it had beene more expedient for them to haue made warre in the Florentines companie vpon him who would one day become their enemie than afterward to vndergoe the whole burthen alone And being thus instructed to moue the Venetians on all sides he departed from Florence But the Senators hauing beene alreadie sundrie times importuned by the Florentines for they had still for two yeares space continued their solicitings for that purpose had to that end sent diuers times to Philip First Andrea Contareni and Lorenzo Bragadino were sent vnto him Then Nicolao Maripetro who was afterward followed by Andrea Mocenigo and the last of all was Francisco Serra one of the Secretaries all of them being commaunded to entreat exhort him to giue ouer the warre against the Florentines and hauing laid by Armes to referre himselfe to the Venetians for all wrongs which he could pretend to haue receiued of them albeit they knew well enough that if the Florentines had offended him they had alreadie receiued sufficient punishment Besides that the Venetians did highly account of his alliance the which they were resolued to entertaine so long as they should perceiue it not to be preiudiciall to their libertie Neither had they forgotten humanitie which did constraine them to haue pitie and compassion of a free people They did then entreat him if he desired to continue their allie and to haue them for his friends to make peace with the Florentines the which ought to be as pleasing to him as to any of those whom it neerest concerned Philip heard them verie courteously gaue them to vnderstand both by gesture and word that he would in fauor of the Venetians grant their demaunds yet neuerthelesse he did not cease vnder vnderstand streightly to presse the Tuscans alledging now one reason and then another and by dissembling drew the matter forth at length The Venetians albeit they knew whereunto Philips designes tended neuerthelesse because they would not seeme to doe any thing rashly they did last of all send Paulo Cornari to him to giue him to vnderstand what the Senate had determined to doe if he did not presently cease from molesting the Florentines Francisco Carmagnolla his comming to them who had forsaken Philip had in some sort heartned them to warre if so be that he did not lay aside his armes seeing they were before then doubtfull openly to denounce warre against him This man hauing vnderstood by vicious young men for so he termed them that Philip did no more beare him the same affection that he was wont with cholericke speeches and threats he forsooke him and came by by-waies to Trente and from thence to Treuiso Now this which followeth is in effect that which Cornari spake to Philip. That among all the Princes of the earth he did not know any man who was more bound to giue thanks to Almighty God than Philip Because he had not only recouered his lost principalitie for the most part but likewise by an admirable successe had wonderfully encreased it That he did peaceably enioy that part of Italie the which in fertilitie of soyle in goodly and rich Cities and in number of skilfull and ingenious men either in time of peace to till the earth or in time of war to beare Armes was not only to be compared but wholly to be preferred before any other Region whatsoeuer But his estate being such as it was he did not referre the successe therof to the diuine prouidence by saying that his youth industrie strength and wisdome were not worthie of such a fortune the which without all doubt were sufficient to conquer a verie great Kingdom or Empire being conquered brauely to desend it but that his speech rather tended to this to put him in mind that being placed in so high degree he ought not to forget humane affaires nor the vncertaintie of them but to be contented with his owne estate The which the Venetians did hope would fall out according to their desire in regard whereof they had freely made firme alliance with him for ten yeares which was not a limited treatie but a perpetuall league of friendship Which being so the Venetians did greatly meruaile that hauing recouered his fathers Dukedome with many other Cities and among others Genoa enemies in times past of their greatnesse at such time as in the middest of so many felicities he ought to take his ease he had seised on Forli in Flaminia and had marched into Tuscanie against the Florentines That they were not ignorant of the pretence he alleadged that the Florentines had contrarie to the agreement relieued the Genoueses with money
than carefully to obserue the precepts and documents which he hath receiued from his Ancestors and how to reuerence by all good meanes and offices your friendship confederacie and good will And seing that by the diuine bountie it is come to passe that it is not needful in such a bond of friendship to renew any treatie of peace or alliance betwixt you and him the Florentines must giue place and with their good leaue if they please to permit Philip according to his owne manner and that of his Ancestors to salute you most excellent Prince and all these well-beloued Senators by his Ambassadours together with the whole Citie Let it be lawfull for vs to say that Philip liueth not but for the good of the Common-wealth that the Duke of Milan an inward friend to the Venetians liues not but to preserue their dignitie and greatnesse who for the great loue he beares them and in regard of the sound alliance and contract betwixt you two and in respect of the correspondence of all fortunate and happie euents that he hath with you giues yee to vnderstand that his enemies the Florentines are ouerthrowne vndone who by euill counsell would with a shameles boldnesse haue ouer-whelmed him if hee had not diligently preuented it in a most dangerous warr This is most wise Fathers this is the chiefe end of our Ambassade This is the cause why Philip hath commanded vs to come hither Moreouer because we haue vnderstood that these men goe about with an affected speech wherewith they naturally helpe themselues and with teares and sighs say not onely in the Senate but likewise in the streets and publicke places of the Citie that they are not the cause of the warre for which they are at this day so badly delt with that Philip did beginne it he willingly referreth the whole matter to your iudgement being resolued to embrace such conditions as ye shall propound Let the Florentines if ye please come into this place and excuse themselues but let them not inuent vnheard of falsities whereby they endeuour to animate against all right and alliance your Authoritie constancie against Philip. Ye must say they beware of him if his power doe encrease For all Kings Princes and Tyrants doe enuie and are enemies to Common-wealths and doe abhorre that name They alleadge Philip of Macedon Mithridates and Antiochus I would he had remembred Porsenna who by a so daine warre did in a manner smother the Romans libertie at her first birth But he did of purpose forget it as I thinke because he would not haue it knowne that Tuscanie hath in times past brought forth any who hath attempted on other mens libertie But if they take such delight in Histories why doe they not rather alleadge Hieron Massinissa the Ptolomies and Attalus who were trustie friendâ—… to the Romans King Lewis was a capitall enemie to the Venetians so were the Carrarians but the Viscontes for a hundred yeares space that they haue enioyed their excellent State were neuer enemies but alwaies friends and allies to the Venetians The Tuscan hath not knowne this nay rather knowing it he hath like a subtill and cunning Orator of purpose concealed it Let him produce but one onely example of this family which doth so much affect you he cannot doe it and therefore it is sufficient to ouerthrow his vntruethes fables and slanders And not to speake of his Ancestors so farre off were the Venetians from euer suspecting the forces of Galeas father to this Philip which vndoubtedly were verie great as on the contrarie he did not let to ioyne his Armes with their forces the better to helpe to increase theirs As it fellout at such time as being your allie he tooke Verona Vincenza Padua and last of all Treuiso Yee haue seene this my Lords to the end that no man may reprooue me of false-hood or you may haue heard it of your fathers who were there present But the Viscontes haue euer beene enemies to the Florentines and haue still from father to sonne euen 〈◊〉 now made warre vpon them Doe you not thinke that they had iust cause so to doe Were they not by wrongs prouoked to take Armes For to speake of the occasion of this present warre by which they say they are greatly molested They complaine of the taking of For li contrarie to the Contract as if wee had neuer heard of this fable till now Philip hath giuen you all authoritie together with Prince D'Aeste to enquire this matter Why doe they not rather tell vpon what cause against all right they did succour the Genoueses with a great summe of money whilest Philip besieged them why did they attempt to shut vp all passages to the Armie of Philip which went to succour Pope Martin what mooued them to passe their bounds on the confines of the Riuer Migra why did they seize on Liuorne and would not giue audience to the Commissioners of Philip till they had head-long throwne him vnto the hazard of an open warre These are the causes which haue now mooued Philip to vndertake this warre The 〈◊〉 cause likewise had the Viscontes in times past They can impute it to nothing but to their owne manner of life their pride and couetuousnesse Let them cease then before you to blame our Prince a friend to peace and quietnesse and one that is stuffed with all bountie and liberalitie But we are satisfied being prouoked thereunto that we haue answered this little for much more which might be said which is so true as they themselues albeit they are vaine lyers dare not affirme the contrarie As for the rest we haue alreadie said and will againe say that Philip is readie and resolued to referre the whole matter to your iudgement wisedome and equitie We are come hither to this purpose and not as the Tuscan presumeth to renew the alliance which hath not yet beene violated by you nor by vs euer shall So soone as Aretine had made an end of speaking the Ambassadours were put forth of the Senate And then the Senators opinions were diuers Some cried out that Philip was to be preuented and warre to be denounced against him who drawing forth the matter in length durst not assaile them till he had vanquished the Florentines Others said it behooued them to beware least they vndertooke such a matter inconsideratly and that it was verie easie for any man to beginne warre but verie hard to end it Vpon this diuersitie of opinions they decreed to call Carmagnolla into the Senate and to heare him This man after his arriuall at Treuiso was euer highly extolled both in publick priuate by Prince Foscari and all his adherents publishing his great renowne and experience in martiall matters with his long and faithfull seruice to Philip a most vnthankefull Prince They affirmed that without all doubt vnder the conduct of such a man who knew Philips forces and was well acquainted with all his designes yea with his most inward
both Armies beein ioined together they might with more ease breake the enemies attempts This he said although he was not ignorant of the enemies designe Mellato in the meane time was readie to send Cristofero Giouanni Tollentino with their companies of men at Armes in Garrison to Verona The Mantuan was not of this opinion The Prouidatori that were present at this consultation and reposing more trust in the Mantuan than he deserued were likewise of his opinion He on the contrarie either by chaunce or else because he had some suspition not of the whole matter but of some part of the plot did still persist in his owne opinion The enemie remoued his campe from place to place whereupon the Venetian was greatly troubled to see him so often day and night to shift places who after he had spent certaine daies in such like faigned shewes all things being in readinesse about midnight he sent the third part of his forces without any rumor at all to passe ouer the Bridge which was forth of the enemies view to ioine with Gonzaga's troupes And he in the meane time still shewed himselfe on the opposite shore the better to colour his enterprize himselfe resoluing within a while after to passe ouer at the bridges of Macharia and Canet The Venetian Armie had like to haue been ouerthrowne being enclosed by the enemies ambuscado and by the treacherie of the inhabitants But that good God vnto whom as we haue often said all Republicks are pleasing and especially those whose beginning like that of the Venetians hath beene Religiously established would not suffer it to be so It happened verie fitly for this purpose that a certaine man whose name was Bareta Gotholengian sent by his compartners to the enemie to this end was taken by the Venetian forragers and brought to Mellato who after that he had promised to free him from all punishment did discouer vnto him the danger wherein the Venetian Armie was Mellato hearing it made no longer delay but sodainely discamping did with all his troupes without any danger take the way of Bressia Picinino had alreadie about the fourth watch of the night sent his forces ouer at Macharia where the troupes sent to the Mantuans Campe did goe and receiue them In the meane time word was brought them that the Venetian hauing speedily dislodged was twelue miles onwards on his waie That the inhabitants of the Countrie did not dare to mâ—…ddle with them in regard they saw no man pursue them The Mantuans reuolt being vnderstood at Venice they presently decreed to Arme a mightie nauall Armie against him of threescore and fiue Gallies and fiue Gallions with a great number of other small vessells Pietro Lauretano Generall of this Armie entring by the mouth of the Po into the Mantuans Countrie was expresly commanded to wast and spoile whatsoeuer he met with Mellato in the meane time was come to Bagnols where he had fortified his Campe with trenches and rampiers He determined to send part of his forces to Bressia which was not farre off whereunto the inhabitants of the Citie opposing and crauing to haue the guard of the Gates giuen to themselues hee thereby perceiued that the Venetians were safer abroad than in the Citie Francisco Barbaro commanded in the Towne a man verie discreet and well acquainted with affaires of importance He by good aduise hindered them from so doing shewed them the danger whereto the Cities State would be brought if those of one partie alone committed to the guard of the Citie the rest should be accounted enemies and traitours seeing they reposed no more trust in them For then they would practize nouelties and would in hate to the contrarie partie openly hazard all things possible for them The authoritie of the man did much preuaile with them and according to his aduise the Venetian Magistrates which were within the Citie garded the Gates Then he did reconcile the Martinenga's and the Auogadres together the heads and chiefe of the two factions by a new alliance wherein by meanes of Leonardo Martinenga and to the great profit of the Common-wealth he made Paris de Lodron who held certaine Castles in the Mountaines of Bressia and Pietro Auogadre who were mortall enemies good friends Picinino resolued to shut vp the Lake of Benac and the riuer Mincia from Mellato's Armie to the end it might receiue no Venetian succour and being in this manner starued for it was certain that it could get victualls no where but from the Towne he assured himselfe of the entier ruine of the Venetian forces Whereupon in this resolution he diuided his troupes into two parts Gonzaga and Lodouico Vermio did fiercely fall vpon the Verona-territorie and hauing seized on Valeza and the bridge thereof by treacherie sooner almost than their comming was knowne they made themselues Masters in a verie short space of whatsoeuer lieth betwixt the riuers Adice and Mincia The sodaine losse of Valeza was cause that Giouanni Malauolte who conducted three hundred horse from Bressia to Verona falling by misaduenture neere to the bridge into the enemies hands was wholly despoiled of his Cauallerie He did besides reduce vnder his command all the inhabitants of the Lake of Benac and the Mantuan Prince tooke Pescara seated at the head of the Riuer Mincia and Lonata vpon the Mountaines of Bressia which had beene his The Lake of Benac by some termed La Garda to speake somwhat of it is the pleasantest Lake of all Italie and is more long than broad It extendeth in length from the West to the North some thirtie miles filling itselfe with the riuers Sarca and Ponalis on the West and North side and emptieth it selfe to the Southward into the Riuer Mincia The water thereof is so pure and cleere as one may see the bottome except in the middest where it is verie deepe But it is not so pleasant in calme and faire weather as it is dangerous and terrible when it is tossed with tempests It is the onely lake of all Italie which being stirred with the wind hath her waues swelling like the billowes of the Sea It feedeth excellent fish of which the Carpes are best which are in season from the end of haruest till the beginning of the spring and are with great labour taken from forth the deepest places of the water It is moreouer enuironed on all sides with goodly Oliue trees entermingled heere and there with delicate gardens full of excellent fruite trees as Citrons Pomegranates and Peaches which the inhabitants of those places call Adams apples That side thereof which lookes towards Verona on the right hand hath besides Pescara Langissa Bardolin and la Garda whereof the Lake taketh the name the towers of Malsesina which some call Malaselse And opposite to that vpon the Lake is the Town of Sermion the Countrie of Catullus the sweet and eloquent Poet with that great huge stone a marke of antiquitie which appeares aboue water After
them and took diuers prisoners great numbers of peasants were there slain Aboue foure hundred prisoners were taken among whome were fiftie Gentlemen Italus by fauour of the night escaped to Sales The end of the third Booke of the third Decad. THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE THIRD DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the fourth Booke of the third Decad. SFORZA through the Countries of Flaminia and Ferrara leadeth great troupes first to Chioggia and then to the Paduan Territorie MELLATO ioyneth with SFORZA The Venetian passing ouer the mountaines causeth the enemie to raise his Campe from before Verona PICININO with all his forces retireth beyond the Riuer Adice The Venetians Nauall Armie is put to rout vpon the lâ—…ke of La Garda PICININO is defeated by night in the vale of Lodron SFORâ—… 〈◊〉 in battaite vanquisheth the enemies at Thienna PICININO and the Mantuan surprise Verona but not the Castle SFORZA recouereâ—…h Verona thirtie dayes after it was lost Bressia in the middest of winter is victualled by the way of the mountaines MELLATO faileth sicke PICININO sendeth forces into Tuscanie against the Florentines SForza was in the meane time come from La Marca with diuers braue men in his companie among whom were Alessandro Giouanni and Leon his brethren Roberto Sanseuerino Dominico Malateste Lodouico Duke of Hadria to whose daughter hee was betrothed Franciso Ortonio with many other notable Captaines From Esia which was the Rendezuous they came to the temple of Fortune and from thence to Arimini where mustering his troupes hee found Guido Fauentino to bee wanting who was gone to the contrarie side which when he vnderstood for a time he remained doubtfull with what place he should first begin For he perceiued it to be Philips practise by that new enemie to stop his passage into Lombardie But being sodain in his resolutions supposing that there was nothing which could more auaile their intended iournie seeing they were of necessitie by Armes to win themselues a passage to the Venetians camp than to take Rauenna and Forlimpopoli from the enemie from whence he might open himselfe a very short way into Lombardie he besieged Forlimpopoli enforced them to yeeld the second day of the siege From thence marching towards Rauenrâ—… speedy newes was brought him that the enemies had crossed the Adice and taken in a manner from the Venetians whatsoeuer they possessed on both sides the Riuer Verona and Vincenza excepted and that those of Verona were streightly besieged that the Paduans and Vincenzans hauing expulsed their Garrisons had mutined and that vnlesse he made hast it was to be feared that all would fall into the enemies hands But it is reported that concerning the commotions in those two Cities it was made by the Souldiers who by ouermuch libertie did spoile and rob the wretched Townes-men as though they had beene enemies taken in warre As for the Paduans if by reason of these outrages they tooke Armes they were presently appeased at the Gouernours comming But those of Vincenza being troubled vpon the like occasion hauing driuen away the Garrison said That they were loyall to the Venetians that they needed no forraine forces to keepe them that their constancie and loialtie was well known to the Senate and that by those Rampiers their Citie would bee better guarded against the enemies attempts than by any Mercinarie succour Mellato vpon the first report thereof went thither greatly commending the Vincenzans and exhorted them still to perseuer in their ancient loue and loialtie and gaue them leaue according to their owne desire to guard their Citie them selues These newes being greater in apparence than in effect caused Sforza to change his minde so that leauing the way of Rauenna he returned speedily to the bridge of Roncanes Then hauing enforced Guido and Francisco sonnes to Picinino to retire to Forli with a great cauallerie he departed the fifth day after by the Bolognese Territorie he came to Bondina From thence hauing sent all his baggage by the Po to Chioggia he marched by Ferrara which was opened to him to Goria and presently after to Hadria whereof the neighbour-sea taketh the name It was a Citie belonging to the Tuscans and for a long time very rich But thus much I thought good to speake by the waie because I would haue no man thinke that the Adriatick Sea did take name of that Hadria which is in La Marca Now this mightie Armie came sooner than it was looked for to the Venetians aide vpon the Paduans Territorie notwithstanding that it was to passe foure great Riuers First they made a bridge at Goria ouer one of the Armes of Po on two and thirtie long boates strongly ankored and vpon them long plankes were laid couered with sand with strong Railes on both sides for feare least the horses being frighted with the shaking of the bridge should fall into the water and twelue vessels strong lyarmed were appointed for the guard therof to the end that if the enemie should come downe the Riuer to make any attempt they might defend and guard the bridge It is reported that Sforza's troupes held it for a prodigie because that on a sodaine the Po did in such sort swell as it had almost ouer-flowed the bankes and with the inundation had like to haue drowned the Campe which lay not far from the Riuer and also for that great numbers of serpents had gotten into the Souldiers cabines The other passage was at the Fornaces on foure and fortie boats made verie fast together And because that place was more commodious for the enemie to place an Ambush twelue Gallies well armed with an hundred archers a peece were appointed for the defense of the bridge The third was at the mouth of the Adice neere to the Fossoni composed of fourescore small boats that being passed the troupes were conducted along the Sea-side to Brondolles where the Armie did likewise passe But because that passage was verie broad the bridge was likewise made longer than the rest containing 90. vessels Sforza being from thence come to the Hauen of Chioggia found three hundred small vessells ready to transport the troupes to the firme Land with the horse and foot companies who were with a faire wind carried through the Lakes which are betwixt the Sea and the Land Manie tooke great delight and especially the Generall who was well acquainted with Land Armies but not with Sea Fleetes to see at one time three hundred saile floting vp and downe with more than a thowsand other small boates of all sortes dispersed heere and there abroad which were come to meet him some to offer him their seruice others with a desire to see him some were likewise sent in the Common-wealths name to congratulate his happie passage and to present him with rich guifts The Armie being landed vpon the Paduan Territorie they numbred six thousand two hundred fortie foure horse and sixteen hundred footmen Those which make the number lesse
day-breake send Nicholao Pisani before with armed horse to discouer those suspitious wayes and chiefely the streights He presently returned galloping telling him that great numbers of enemies were at the going forth of the straights Sforza being greatly moued with his report spake to Mellato Marcello and the rest telling them That they were that day either to die in those streights or to passe forward to the enemies cost That he was certaine that the enemie before them had enclosed the going forth into the valley and that hee was moreouer in doubt that they had done the like behind them It behoued them therefore to goe forward and in the companie of Sforza and his good fortune to runne fiercely vpon the enemie That they should be well assured that there was nothing so difficult nor any power so great whichthe valour of braue men accompanied by fortune could not vanquish and ouercome And there upon he marched forward in battaile resoluing to fight with the enemie at what time certaine word was brought him that there was no danger at all and that Giacomo Morâ—…nico was beneath in the valley with a thousand Souldiers to keepe the enemies from seizing on the passages and that he might boldly march on without any feare of Ambush This newes made Sforza ioyfull who caused the ensignes Souldiers speedily to march Being come into the plaine the ensignes made a stand at Volarnea till such time as the whole Armie was embattailed that they might from thence march in a square battalion to the Citie In some Authors there is no mention of this feare nor of Sforza's speech to his Captaines At night the Venetian Armie encamped at Saint Ambrose Burrough some eight miles from Verona There they vnderstood of whatsoeuer had been done in the Citie for three daies space what attempts the enemie had made vpon the Castles and how that the Mantuan Prince being come to batter the olde Palace with his ordnance the Gouernour of the place sent him word that vnlesse he did giue ouer that manner of besieging hee would bâ—…de and lay his son Carolo on that part of the wall which he first battered that he might be beaten in pieces with the Canon whereupon the Prince being daunted with 〈◊〉 threatnings did presently withdraw the batterie Now the fourth day after they were come from the Mountaines they came to the Fort of â—…eliciana Some say that the enemies for a tiâ—…e fought at the Rampiers and trenches which they had made to keep backe the Venetians and that being driuen thence by the valour of Sforza's troups they did easily giue place And that then Sforza did with ease put a companie of fooâ—…-men into the Fort sending hâ—…s brother Alexandro Mellato and the other braue Captaines with all the cauallerie to the Bishops Gate where certaine Veroâ—…ois standing by chance were entreated to goe and open the Gaâ—…e for their friends and if they could not doe it by faire means to breake it open by force So soone as the enemies knew that it was taken and that Sforza's Souldiers were in the Citie they forthwith fled ouer the Riuer and the amazement of the horse-men neere to the new bridge was so great as the woodden bridge which stands betwixt that of stone and the Tower being broken with the great weight of Runawaies fiue Knights or nine according to some Authors fell into the water and by the weight of their armour together with their horses were all drowned only one man by the goodnesse of his horse escaped to the shoare Sforza vnderstanding that his Souldiers were in the Citie and that the enemie fled caused his foot-men to march forth of the Castle They did for a time fight vpon the bridges But fire-workes being throwne vpon that of wood and by the heâ—…pe of the inhabitants Sforza's troupes made themselues way into the middest of the Citie Thus writes Blondus But Pasius saith That the troupes came from the Castles in two bands and marched against the enemies so as beyond Saint Zâ—…nos Church which stands at the Hills foot the Cauallerie went on the left hand and the bodie of the Infantrie was sent from beyond the Fort of Feliciana and that of Saint Peter which is somewhat lower directly to the Citie and that about sunne-set there was a cruell fight with the enemie on both sides the new bridge after which the enemie fled and that in feare running by heapes ouer the bridge it brake vnder them The same Author affirmes that Giouanni Gonzaga was sore wounded in that fight whereof within a while after he died and yet for all that Blondus saith That he was slaine before the Fort of Feliciana with an harquebuze-shot before Sforza's arriuall But both of them agree that the woodden bridge was burnt by night and that the same being broken Picinino and Gonzaga who had stood all night in battaile before the Palace hauing notice of the violent incursions of Sforza's forces into the Citie did speedily retire into the Citadell Some others say That it was in the euening But whether they quitted the place then or about midnight all of them agree together that before day they speedily left Verona and went to Vigazio The enemies flight being diâ—…ulged Troillo and Ciarpelion being commanded to follow them gaue in vpon the taile of the Runawaies and slew many of them A great multitude of Mantuan peasants were taken in the Citie some of whom in hatred to Gonzaga were murthered by those whom they had rob'd Al the towns men that had kept themselues shut vp in their houses for feare of either partie expecting the doubtfull issue of the bickering perceiuing the chance of the dice to be sodainely turned the enemie in feare amaze did from their windowes raile vpon them furnished the Venetians that night with victualls light and counsell and so soone as it was day they came into the Market-place to congratulat Sforza Marcello for their victorie and with teares in their eies called them Fathers of their Countrie recommending to them all their publike and particular means and entreated them to beleiue that the enemie had not taken the Citie through the Citizens fault who were altogether innocent thereof saying that at the first newes that the Citie was taken they ranne with their Armes to haue repulsed the enemie but that they were enforced to giue place for feare of greater losse seeing the magistrates did the like And that now so soone as they saw the Venetians ensignes they had not only giuen them entrance but many of them had presently taken Armes and ioined with them to expell the enemies and had still aided the Venetians neere to the bridges The apparent loyaltie of the Veronois was much esteemed and after many embraces and salt teares shed they were willed to take courage and that none should sustaine either generall or particular losse but such as were guilty For if they could finde any one which they did
not thinke to doe that had beene Authour of that treacherie he should be punished according to his deserts Then Sforza M◅cello and the rest did comfort the sorrowfull inhabitants and did put them in hope of better fortune It is reported that Ci◅rpelion had almost spoiled Mag◅is by force dragging him like a Traitour before Sforza And that he did so constantly iustifi◅ his owne cause with that of the Citizens as he did not only cleere himselfe from all obiections but gaue them to vnderstand that the Citie had beene taken neither by his fault nor by any of the Citizens whereupon by the consent of all men he was declared guiltlesse and as one that had well merited of the Venetian State was greatly commended Sforza from the vale Clusiana had aduertized the Senate of the di◅aster of Verona and how that he was going thither with an intent to reduce it quickly vnder their obedience or else to hazard the liues of himselfe his brethren and the residue of the Armie He wished them therefore to be patient for a while and in the meane time to pray vnto God for the happy successe of that iourney for they should shortly heare either the one or other ◅he Senate after these newes were continually in the Pallace and the Nobilitie sad and disconsolate walked vp and downe the Market-place floating betwixt hope and feare when on a sodaine by letters vpon letters both of publike and particular persons they had notice of the recouerie thereof and the enemies shamefull flight the fourth day after it was lost The Cities ioy was then so great as the Senate bei◅g ouerioyed could not refraine from teares and great multitudes of people from all parts of the Towne ranne to the Pallace the Senatours and common people reioycing together Generall processions were made for three dayes together with prayers and thanksgiuings vnto God in all Churches The posts were recompenced according to their speede some more than others The Commissioners of those of Verona who came thither within a while after had audience These men with teares in their eyes did relate the wretched estate of their Citie protesting their own innocence and that the cause of their comming was to assure them of their loyaltie in generall The Senate did curteously entertaine them and congratulate the present victorie assuring them that their fidelitie had beene a long time knowne to the Prince and Senate in regard whereof they had euer beene desirous of the con seruation of that loyall Citie and that they did therefore greatly reioyce that the matter was ended without any further losse or danger to them Sforza's valour was highly commended with Mellato's prowesse and Marcello's speed for that they had opportunely recouered that which was almost lost and vanquished the enemie so soone as they saw him Wherefore they thought it not onely well beseeming but did allow of it that the Magistrates of their Citie should present Sforza with ten thousand crownes for hauing so brauely borne himselfe in that action and Mellato with two thousand The Commissioners being dismissed and rewarded returned to Verona Sforza in the meane time because winter was wel forward resolued to tarrie at Verona But his care for Bressia did greatly afflict him and the rest which caused him to leaue his winterning-place before the first of Ianuarie and returne to the siege of Aranes and Thienna The Campe abode certaine daies in the plaine of Arques where many were reported to perish with extreme cold Mellato by the sharpnes of the weather lost all feeling and was so benummed as he lay like a dead man who was presently by the Riuer Adice carried to Verona Sforza being then enforced by the vehement cold and by the enemies resistance to returne to his wintering place did send by Ciarpelion and Troyllo accompanied with three hundred men certaine victuals to Bressia by the way of the mountaines It was reported that the Bressians were reduced to such extremitie and want as they sustained themselues with filthie and vnholesome diet And moreouer That at such time as the enemies took Verona accounting all for lost and desperate they were at the point to haue yeelded which they had done had not Barbaro opportunly come to the assembly with great importunity brokē that which they had determined Besides it is most certaine that Picinino and Gonzaga had by Philips commandement sent new forces who with great heed were to keep the Bressians more closely mewed vp carefully to prouide that no victuals might from any place be brought vnto them Now S◅orzas troupes being come to Franzacorte or as others say to Guzac they fell to blowes with Philips forces who being daunted with Sforza's arriuall before day fled and lost three hundred Horse But the better to disburden the Citie freed now from the siege and in some sort from famine of so great a multitude those which had brought the victualls returned by the same Mountaines and went to Winter with Sforza The Nauall Armie in the meane time went forward at ◅orbolles where they had slowly wrought because that after the taking of Verona the Carpenters and other workmen being scattered here and there for ◅eare the worke had for a time beene discontinued Likewise Mellato who had the charge of the Hauen and the workmen by extremitie of cold which he had taken died the same winter but it happened not in the Armie as I finde in some Authors The remainder of the Winter was more free from troubles by reason of the extreme cold weather It was reported that Gionanni Cornetano of the Familie of Vitelli who commanded the Popes troupes and who for the secret practizes he then made was much suspected of the Pope had about the beginning of the spring-time made a secret league with Philip and Picinino who had concluded together That at one time Cornetano with his troupes should inuade La Marca and Picinino should crosse the Po and come into Tuscanie the one wholly to ruine the Florentines state and the other to ouerthrow Sforza's Principalitie The report hereof was hardly beleeued when Picinino vpon the eighth day of Februarie was then alreadie come forth of Garrison and with his troupes had crossed the Po. Sforza being troubled with these newes went himselfe to Venice to conferre with the Prince and Senate about the state of that Warre He was afraide least Cornetano would speedily inuade La Marca which was wholly vnfurnished of aide and Garrisons The Venetians at his entreatie sent to the Pope who dealt so with him That whatsoeuer had beene granted vnto Sforza as Prince of La Marca should in peaceable and safe manner remaine vntouched They did likewise entreate the Florentines speedily to arme and not only to driue the common enemie from their confines but to stop him if it were possible from making incursions vpon Sforza's state Picinino in the meane time made diuers and sundrie attempts on Flaminia which were valiantly
such sort lessened his greatnesse by many ouerthrowes one after an other as hee hath beene of late enforced to send to your Campe and humbly to sue for peace whereof he hath made me Iudge and Authour Your Armie is safe and in good estate wee haue recouered the Townes which hee tooke from you which are vnder the commaund of your Prouidator Besides I bring you peace if you thinke it worthie of you and such as being receiued may profit the Common-wealth Receiue it if ye so please with as good a will as it is offered But if yee thinke it more expedient still to continue the warre seeing it lieth in you to embrace which of the two yee shall best like of command what you will haue to be done As for my selfe I will endeuour if fortune answerâ—… my desire to finish this war to your contentment with as great loialtie and constancie as I haue vndertaken it and by Gods helpe to continue it to the end Sforza's arriuall was very pleasing much more his sweet and gratious speech but peace most of all For they could not haue wished for one more iust and aduantagious Therefore they highly thanked him for that by the selfe-same valour and loyaltie as hee had begunne that long and tedious warre he had brought it to the desired end And concerning peace they answered him That the Venetians were pleased with it and would hold that for firme which he had made with the enemie Hee had leaue then when he pleased to depart and to dispose they praying God that it might be to the profit and honour of the Republike and his owne of the publike businesse as hee should thinke fit For they were assured that he could doe nothing but that which would be profitable and honourable for the Common-wealth In this manner he went forth of the Senate reioicing as much for that peace as for a victorie and so returned to the Campe. From whence sending the Armie to Garrisons he stayed at Capriana to giue audience to Ambassadours who he knew would come thither to him from all parts of Italie There came to him at the same time the Patriarke Lodouico Nuncio to Pope Eugenius who taking his leaue of him to returne to Rome Blondus of Furli the Historian remained with Sforza Nerius Câ—…pare and Angelo Acciarole were sent from the Florentines Francisco Barbadico and Paulo Troni from the Venetians to the end that if neede were some might be there to defend the Venetians cause Nicholao Arcimboldi and Franchino Castellone were sent by Philip from Milan diuers others came thither as Ambassadours from other Princes and Common-wealths Philip according to his promise at the beginning hauing called backe his daughter from Ferrara did send her with a gallant Nuptiall traine to Crem ona Commissioners likewise were appointed from him in his name to giue the Citie and Castle of Cremona to Sforza for her dowrie The which to receiue together with the Ladie he came thither attended on by three thousand horse And entring the Castle glistring in Armes with a numer of his choice friends comming neare to the Ladie he spake vnto her in this manner Sforza's speech to his future Bride I Haue along time laboured my dearest Spouse to attaine to this so much desired marriage The good will which I haue euer borne to thee since I first made suite to haue thee to my Wife hath neuer suffered me to take rest but night and day thou hast beene imprinted in my minde And it did greatly despight me to see those that enuied our good fortune to haue so much credit with thy Father Philip as that by their meanes hee denied mee his Daughter I resolued either to die valiantly or else to winne thee if not by faire meanes at leastwise by force of Armes I will not deny but that I tooke armes and did enterprize a dangerous warre but it was to let thee see how that there is nothing how difficult soeuer but I would attempt for thy sake I neuer hated Philip because he was thy father and by thee my father-in lawe nor did I euer so much desire to hurt him as I was willing to keepe him from offending mee The which may easiâ—…y be discerned by the effects that ensued Hee was desirous to haue mee lay downe Armes I presently did so He made me Iudge and Vmpire of the peace I haue procured him a perpetuall peace with the Venetians Whereunto hath all this tended but to let thee know that I neuer had anie intent either to hurt thee or thine And doe not thinke because thou seest me armed that thou art sent to an enemie and not to a louing husband For it beseemeth the daughter of a great Prince to be in this manner first saluted by a souldior and great Captaine her husband There remaineth nothing to doe but that with mutuall affection we loue one another and that by thy meanes thy father may heereafter thinke well of vs And for mine owne part I will loue and honour him as our common father with the like affection as thy selfe This he spake according to Pasius of Arimini and the better to oblige the Ladie to himselfe he presented her with many rich gifts Others say that hee was betrothed vnto her in Saint Sigismonds Church without the Citie and they make no mention of Sforza's speech to his wife The Nuptialls being solemnized hee spent certaine dayes in dispatching the Ambassadours For on the one side the Popes Nuncio craued Bolognia which Picinino held and Rauenna which was possessed by the Venetians On the other side the Venetians were not well pleased because that Legnaga and those Towns which they had formerly possessed in the Gyraldade were taken from them Philips cause was well debated there as was that of Prince Gonzaga by those whom they had sent thither The one craued Lonada Pescara and diuers other Townes and the other Bressia and Bergamo two most excellent Cities In the end after sundrie contentions Sforza pronounced his sentence in this manner That Philip should pretend no claime to the Bressan nor Bergamese Territories but that those two Cities with their dependances should remaine to the Venetians Cremona and all the Cremonese should bee the dowrie of Bianca his wife That the â—…etians should surrender Martinenga to Philip with all the Cities in the Gyradade That they should haâ—…e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gonzaga should haue againe whatsoeuer belonged to the Mantuan 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…is condition neuerthelesse That after hâ—… had drawne 〈◊〉 Garrison 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he should deliuâ—…r both it and the Hauen to the Venetians That the 〈◊〉 â—…ould enioy Riua Torbolles and 〈◊〉 which they had wonne by right oâ—… Armes together with Rauenna That Pope Eugenius within two years should haâ—…e â—…olognia restored from Picinino That 〈◊〉 Fauentino hauing restored to the Florentines those Townes which â—…e had taken from them and which hee 〈◊〉 held should bee freed from his impriâ—…ent Thâ—… 〈◊〉 Genoueses
likewise there and an Argozie of Genoa of a wonderfull bignesse whereof Georgio Doria was Captaine Then three other Genoa ships of like bignesse which came from Chios arriued there being loden with men and victuals As they entred the Hauen in the Cities view the Turkes vessels went and assailed them whereupon there began a bloudie fight on both sides which lasted long without any aduantage to either partie In the end the Gallies and other vessels that lay at Anker not farre from thence comming to their reskue the Turkes quitted the place and retired to the pillars of Pera. The last that arriued there was Giouanni Iustiniano of Genoa surnamed the Long with two Argosies wherein were three hundred souldiers The Emperour hauing embraced him and entertained him with faire promises he committed vnto him the guard of the Romane gate Nicolao Molino and Giouanni Lauretano kept the gate Chersina Baptista Gritti with diuers other Venetians who by chance were at those troubles of Constantinople guarded the Pallace of Paleologus And by reason that the enemies nauall Armie had beene beaten forth of the Gulph all was safe on the Sea side The Turkes greatest furie was towards the land They had brought diuers great peeces of Ordnance in sundrie places neere to the walles and especially at the gate Sutrina There and elsewhere the continuall shot of Ordnance had beaten downe a great part of the walles But the Turke that he might diuide the forces of the besieged in sundrie places and thereby make them weaker resolued for otherwise he could not doe it to cause part of his vessels to be carried by land ouer into the Gulph He did without resistance draw seuentie fiue Gallies from the pillars of Pera into the waters of the castle neere to the walles commanded an assault to be giuen to the Citie on that side with threescore and ten thousand men He himselfe came to guard those vessels whilest they were drawne forth of the water for feare least the Armie should on a sodaine come and set fire on them He had beside planted certaine peeces of ordnance ouer-against the mouth of the Gulph opposite to the cittie not so much to batter the walls as to keep the Christian Gallies from approaching Some say that those of Pera might haue hindered the Turkes in their enterprize of carrying their Gallies into the Gulph but that they were vnwilling to doe it for feare of drawing that warlike tempest vpon themselues The Gallies being thus drawne into the Gulph there was nothing more certaine than that such ill neighbors would soone procure the ruine of the cittie The Venetians and other Christians although in number of men and ships they were farre inferiour to the Turkes did neuerthelesse resolue to assaile them supposing that by a sodaine assault they might amaze them and in that feare to set fire on their vesselles To further whose purpose the night was verie darke and mistie whereby the enemie was so farre off from discerning them as they could hardly descrie one another It is thought That the enemie could by no meanes haue discouered the intent of our men and that perhappes the Turkes nauie might haue beene defeated and Christendome thereby freed from the losse of so noble a Citie or at leastwise that it would not haue happened so soone if those of Pera who desired the ruine of the Citie had not discouered the Christians designe to the enemies By whose aduertisement Mahomet sent the same night as many souldiers to ouerthrow our nauall Armie as he had done at the former time The Captaines of the Christians vessells being full of hope and courage set forward against the enemie thinking that their comming had not beene knowne but the Turkes being prepared for fight waited for them and did not onely courageously receiue them but hauing on a sodaine discharged a piece of ordnance vpon a Candiot gallie which was commaunded by Zacharia Gria they went to inuiron all the rest The Christians being amazed to see them in that readinesse turned theyr backes One Gallie which was commaunded by Giacomo Cocco comming in considerately with two others to charge the enemie was by a cannon-shot suncke in the enemies view with all those in a maner that were in her Three and thirty men that fell into the enemies hands were murthered before the Cities gates A great quantitie of the wall in the meane time on the other side of the Cittie neere to the gate Sutrina was beaten downe This breach was foorth with repaired with new fortifications according to the vsuall maner The Turke attempted to enter the Cittie by a mine which tooke no effect for by a counter-mine it was made vnprofitable A Tower at the Roman gate which the canons had much shaken fell downe and had made a great breach and neere thereunto the enemie had raised a rampire and gabions against the Christians ordnance There was a great breach neere to the gate Chersina which caused Mahomet vpon hope to enter the cittie there to giue a furious assault The Turkes the more to amaze the besieged did before day enter the rampires with fearefull and terrible clamours The Emperour riding vp and downe the cittie incouraged his souldiers to fight valiantly for their Countrey wiues children and liues telling them That the time was come that vnlesse they did brauely beare themselues that famous Cittie would not onely he lost but the fame and renowne of ancient Greece would bee cleane extinguished Hee tolde them moreouer that they had to doe with an enemie from whom they were to expect no grace nor fauour It therefore behooued them either to liue with their Countrey or to die with her ruine This did hee speake to the souldiers as hee walked the round vpon the walles but comming to the Roman Gate hee found Iustiniano the Genouese grieuously wounded who began to talke of yeelding from which the Emperour could by no meanes diuert him It is reported that the Emperour perceiuing those that fought in Iustinians companie to thinke on nothing but flight did stand in his place with those few forces that he brought with him and that hee did brauely attempt to beate the enemies from the walles but perceiuing that his souldiers were too weake to resist such multitudes hee was well-neere ready to haue slaine himselfe But considering that it did not become a Christian to vse such desperate meanes he did intreate his owne souldiers to kill him and vpon their refusall so to doe he resolued to die more nobly For hee threw from him his Imperiall ornaments fearing if he should be knowne that they would take him aliue and with his sword in hand ran in among the thickest of the Turkes that were entring where this Prince worthie of eternall memorie fighting valiantly with the enemies was flaine by them His bodie falling downe together with that great Empire was confusedly mingled among his other subiects and being afterwards knowne among the dead bodies his head by Mahomets
commaund was stricken off and borne in triumph through the Campe and Cittie Some say that hee was smothered at the Roman Gate among the throng which fled and that hee was afterwards knowne by his Coate-armour The enemies nauall armie was not idle in the meane time for the Venetian Gallies and the rest of the Christian nauall armie with diuers others who came running to the shippes at the enemies first assault being out of hope to defend the cittie presently went their way but the Turkes tooke diuerse of them neere the sea-shoare The city was wholly sacked Virgins were defloured yong boyes forced and wines tormented with detestable filthinesse according to the maner of that cruell Nation Men that escaped death were made slaues Diuerse Venetians were on that day slaine and taken among whom were seuen and fortie Gentlemen In this manner was Constantinople the chiefe cittie of Grecia taken by Mahomet the Turkish Emperour and thus was that most ancient Grecian Empire ouerthrowne the yeare 1121. after the establishment thereof The newes of this losse gaue great terrour to all Christendome Pope Nicholas sent to Venice to haue fiue Gallies armed at his charge against the Turkes and propounded to as manie as should take armes vnder the Ensignes of the Roman church against those Infidells plenarie remission of all sinnes which they had till then committed And if anie souldier that was forth of pay should refuse to enroule himselfe for that warre hee did incurre his bitter curse The Venetians sent Bartolomeo Marcello to Mahomet to craue restitution of their countrymen with their goods An other Messenger went ouerland before Marcello who promised to returne to Venice from Constantinople within fiue and thirtie dayes The Senate was verie desirous to vnderstand what was become of those Venetians which were in Constantinople when it was taken whether they were still aliue or dead and if they were liuing in what state they were either at liberty or captiues The aboue mentioned Gallies with certaine shippes of burthen had alreadie before then sailed to sea vnder the commaund of Giacomo Lauretano who vpon newes of the taking of Constantinople retired into the Isle of Nigrepont The Senate thought vpon this new warre whilest all Lombardie was filled with armes and souldiers for Sforza hauing recouered all towns vpon the plaine approched with his armie neere to Rhoades that he might become Master of the mountaine where during his abode the townes of Romans Martinenga the Camonick valley and Brisanza yeelded to him the like did all the Inhabitants of the Gyradade Rhoades also being afterwards taken hee went to besiege the new Orgies in which meane space those of Soncina yeelded to him At the last the Orgies being recouered Romanenga who alone did obey the Venetians did voluntarily yeelde as the rest had done Afterwards there were no greater exploits done in Lombardie Toward the latter end of Haruest when Winter drew neere Sforza was desirous in the behalfe of Lodonico Gonzaga to take Asola but he was inforced to giue ouer his enterprize and to put it off till some other time as well by reason of a mightie tempest which then happened as in regard of the continuall raine that followed it Renatus being in a rage as it is supposed against the Florentines and Sforza went hisway in the middest of Winter and returned through the countrie of Ast and Thurin into Fraunce But to returne to the affaires of Greece The Venetians being desirous to vnderstand of the welfare of those who with the cittie of Constantinople had beene taken by the Turks had intelligence within a while after by some that came to Venice that the Venetians that were taken in Constantinople were prisoners and that the enemie had vsed no crueltie on those whom Fortune had saued within a while after Lauretano's letters did assure the Senate of the prisoners redemption and that the Turkes for seuen thousand crownes would set them at liberty The very same day of these newes the Popes Nuncio came to Venice who was receiued by great troupes of people Hee spake to the Senate concerning peace which he said he had motioned at Florence and said that at his departure thence he would go to Sforza to treate likewise with him And that the Pope did determine to quiet Italie the better afterwards to preuent the great daunger which threatned all Christendome from the Turkes and to that end he was desirous to be Iudge and Vmpire of that peace and that hee which should impugne it should be held as excommunicate and for an enemie not onely to Italie but to all Christendome This aduertisement beeing giuen which the Venetians did willingly entertaine hee tooke his leaue of the Venetians and went to Sforza Lauretano who had intelligence as hath been said of the taking of Constantinople was gone to Nigrepont from whence he writ to the Senators certifying them That he was resolued to tarrie there for the guard of the Island that he had sunke foure of the enemies great Gallies and thirteene other small ones that their Rowers and Mariners swimming to Land had beene all slaine by the Countrie people and that he had hanged those whom he tooke in the Gallies No sooner were Lauretans letters read in the Senate but the Popes Gallies which were readie to set saile were commanded to goe and ioine with their Nauall Armie with which Lauretano being strengthened determined to tarrie for the Gallies from Alexandria and Syria and then with that mightie Fleet to set forwards against the enemies whom he had still forborne to meddle with till such time as the troubles of Italie being pacified he might increase the number of his vessells Within a while after Christophero Moro and Vrso Iustiniano were sent to Rome to treate of peace with the other Ambassadors of Italie in the Popes presence The Venetian cauallerie before the Ambassadors departure had surprized certaine victualls from the enemie together with those which conuoied it but after that the treatie of peace was mentioned the Venetians made no more incursions into Lombardie Yet because they would not seeme quite to abandon the Prouince they sent acertaine number of Archers and some vessells thither by the Riuer Po. They did afterwards make a league with the Genoueses and those of Luca for which generall processions were made in the Citie They did likewise at the same time procure Bartilmeo Coyoni vnderhand to come and serue them But whilest this was done the Popes fiue Gallies which at the beginning went against the Turkes about the Spring-time returned to Veniee without Lauretano's leaue Giouanni Dandulo Antonio Quirini Andrea and Nicholao Contareni who were Captaines of them were by the Senates decree committed to prison Andrea Contareni and Giouanni Dandulo being found guiltlesse were acquitted and the rest condemned in a pecuniarie fine and to indure imprisonment for half a yeare were declared vnworthie euer after to haue any command at Sea And against foure
Mesquets embracing the Altars and imploring the aide of Mahomet At length the inhabitants being reduced to all extremitie did from the â—…ops of the houses throw tyles and stones downe vpon their enemies The victorious Venetians in the meane time ran vp and downe the Citie and violently drew women children maids forth of the temples the men that were vnarmed they tooke prisoners and such as made defence were slaine They tooke away their goods gold siluer and all their curious plate and spoiled all places of what condition soeuer It is reported that a young woman being perforce led towards the Gallies did by the way fall downe vpon her husbands graue and embracing it with warme teares did often repeat his name and spake in this manner O my deare and welbeloued husband the misfortune and fate of my countrey compels me whom neither loue nor force could euer change from being thine to be at this present carried away by a cruell enemie into perpetuall bondage I poore wretch am hurried from thy sight and shall neuer more behold my louing country nor this deare monument I powre these last teares of mine on thine ashes and with sighes I inuoke thy Ghost But why should I doe so I will rather die than be drawne from hence And in this manner lying close to the graue she could not be remoued thence neither by threatenings nor force whereupon a rash young souldier thrust his sword through her bodie happie onely in this to be entombed there where shee desired Balaban Gouernour of the Prouince vpon report that the Citie was taken came from the neighbour Garrisons where he lay with great troupes leuied in hast The light horse of Morea incountred him and they had scarce begun the fight when as all the other troupes from the Gallies arriued the fight for a time was equall but on a sodaine the enemie was broken and put to rout with great losse The victorious souldiers returned to the Citie from whence carrying all the bootie to the Gallies and the Citie being fired in sundrie places it was in a moment burnt to ashes Cepio saith that he saw there among other old monuments that of the excellent Poet Homer with his picture and ouer his head his name written in Greeke The towne being sacked and burnt the whole territorie was wasted Two hundred and fifteene of the enemies heads were carried to the Gallies The fleet departed thence and sailed to the desart Islands of Ionia where the bootie was sold to them that gaue most and the money according to the custome was distributed among the soldiers and marriners The fourth day after the troupes landed on the shoare of Clazomene This towne is seated in the farthest part of the Gulph of Smirna and was in old time verie famous in Ionia From thence they carried away no great bootie For the newes of the taking of Smirna had caused the people of the countâ—…ey to retire with their goods wiues and children into the mountaines verie few tarried in their houses who were carried away prisoners and with them many Camels and much cattell From thence because winter approached the two fleets left Ionia and with a faire wind sailed directly into Morea VVhen they came to Modon it is reported That the Popes Legate after he had embraced Mocenigo spake thus vnto him I will take my leaue of thee O thou valiant man and will be the publike witnesse and trumpet of thy heroicke deeds And if it shall please God to send me safe into Italie not onely the Pope and our most Reuerend Colledge of Cardinalls but all Italie together with the Princes and remetest nations of Christendome shall vnderstand what the Venetians vnder thy conduct skill and counsell haue done against our common enemies the Turkes in Asia Licia and Pamphilia Goe forward braue Captaine as thou hast begunne to inlarge the Venetian glorie to defend Christian Religion and therby to immortalize thine owne name I beseech Almightie God to fauour thine enterprizes and I hope it will come to passe that all the losses which Christendome hath sustained by this barbarous enemie shall ere long by thine onely valour and to their ruine be fully recompenced Mocenigo in his owne behalfe answered him briefly but for the Venetians he promised much prouided that the Princes of Christendome would assist them in that warre Thereupon the Legate sailed towards Italie and the Venetian went to Naples in Morea where whilest the Generall fortified the towne a young man of Sicilie came vnto him who was taken prisoner at the losse of Nigrepont and told him that he had diligently viewed Ottomans Nauie at Gallipolis and his Arsenall there and that it was an easie matter to burne them both in regard they kept no nightly watch and if that he would furnish him with some trustic marriners he should shortly finde that he had told him nothing but the truth The Venetian embraced the young man and promised him great matters The Sicilian hauing receiued sailers and a ship counterfeited the Marchant and with his vessell loden with Apples sailed to Gallipolis and all day long made sale of his trash though his head were busied with greater designes the same night hee did set fire on an hundred Gallies which were rigged but he could not burne all the rest that lay at Anker by reason of the great concourse of people that came running thither at sight of the fire This being done he sought to escape forth of the streight but his owne ship by mishap being likewise set on fire he with his fellowes were enforced to hide themselues in the next wood But when the Turkes saw the Apples float vp and downe the water and the Barke sunke not farre from thence they presently imagined that the Marchant of Apples had done the deed The next day the Sicilian and his fellowes were taken and sent to Ottoman who demaunding of this young man what had moued him to doe it he brauely and fearelesly answered That hee had done it to hinder the common enemie of Christendome and that his attempt would be much more glorious if he might as easily runne his sword through his bodie as he had set fire on his Gallies Mahomet wondering at the young mans courage did not like King Porsenna but according to his barbarous crueltie he commaunded the bodies of him and his fellowes to be sawen a sunder in the middest The Venetian Senate in regard it could not recompence him according to his desert gaue his sister a dowrie forth of the publike treasurie and to a brother of his a yearely pension during his life The Fleet wintered at Naples and the Generall was busied in prouiding all necessaries for the Citie and fleete when as letters came thither from the king of Persia and Catharin Zeno directed to the Prince and Senate containing the selfe same demaunds which the Ambassador had craued certaine moneths before Mocenigo in an expresse Galley sent them to Venice The
well aduised was carefull of all matters and so soone as hee saw the walls to be beaten downe he did repaire them with a countermure The siege which beganne in the end of Maie had continued many daies when Lauretano sent a boy through the enemies campe to let the Venetian Generalls vnderstand That though himselfe and fellowes were bold and resolute to endure a long siege yet because the euents of warre are still vncertaine they requested them to thinke vpon some meanes to relieue the Citty Triadin and Mocenigo did their best to effect that which Lauretano craued by the meanes of Leonardo Bolda and Iohn Cernouich who hauing leuied foot companies and prepared a strong fleet vpon the Lake for the enemie had Garrisons in all places comming to stroakes with the enemies returned without performance And by reason that the Countrey was couered with enemies and the Riuer bankes by which they were to passe to Scutari were manned with Turkes they had neede of greater forces and especially of horse if they intended maugre the enemies to come to the cittie whereupon the Generalls hoping that the situation of the place would defend the cittie together with the Prouidators valour and the townesmens constancie they gaue ouer all further attempts for that time Triadin in the meane time with Bembo the Prouidator by reason of the fennish aire fell sicke and not they alone but the whole fleete in a maner languished They went to Catharra to recouer their health Mocenigo although hee were crazie resolued with Maripietro the Prouidator to tarrie till the end of the siege The Turke on the other side the cittie walls being beaten downe attempted sometimes by menaces and afterwards by intreaties to induce Lauretano to yeelde But his answere not sorting to the Turkes expectation he caused certaine engines to be brought neere to the walls with which his souldiers being protected might with more safetie approach the rampires Afterwards hee commaunded his Ianissaries who were armed with swords and targets to second them Moreouer he caused great numbers of Archers to gall those that were on the wals His battaillions being thus ordered he did by day-breake march to the assault Those of Scutarie likewise prepared for defence They had great store of wildfier which at the assault they abundantly bestowed vpon the enemies They had besides laide store of great stones vpon the Rampiers and did much hurt with their Murtherers The Turks with great cries according to their manner enuironed the Citie and attempted to enter at the breach The besieged without any feare at all did brauely repulse them with shot and wild-fier which they could not escape and the huge stones being throwne downe vpon them made a great slaughter But the Turks like brute beasts marching vpon the dead bodies did fearelessely assaile the Rampiers Those of Scutarie on the contrarie did beat them thence with pikes and shot Lauretano in the meane time went vp and downe incouraging his soldiors furnishing them with necessaries and planting fresh men in their steeds that were hurt and wearied Soliman on the other side was not idle but with an yron mace did driue his slow souldiors forward to the assault At the last the Turks being tyred and mastered by the defendants valour retyred Those of Scutarie being accompanied with the soldiors of the garrison made a furious salley vpon them in their retreat and slew them on heaps vpon the dead bodies of their fellowes and then being loden with the enemies spoiles and militarie enseigns they returned triumphant to the Citie Cepio who hath curiously written the occurrents of this warrâ—… saith That three thousand Turks were slaine at this assault and the number of those that were hurt did far exceed it the greatest part of whom died soone after Those of Scutarie say That at the assaults and other incounters during the siege sixteene thousand Turks were slaine and perished All things succeeding prosperously at Scutarie Mocenigo thought good to prouide for his owne health For it was reported that Lodouico Bembo died at Catharra and that Triadan drew towards his end And fearing that the like might befall himselfe he went to Ragusa to take physicke Ragusa is a Cittie in Dalmatia builded in times past by the Epidaures in a more happie seat hauing their owne Countrie by the Goaths formerly ruined It is a free Cittie and adorned with good lawes and customes Whilest Mocenigo remained at Raguza Soliman still held Scutarie straitly besieged and was fully resolued not to haue risen from before it till he should constraine them to yeeld either by force or famine had not the warlike preparations of Mathias king of Hungarie enforced his dislodgement The Venetians from the first time of their warre with Ottoman had made a league with that martiall king and had promised to giue him a yearely pension Francisco Venieri was sent thither Ambassadour at the beginning to procure him to make warre with the Turks Giouanni Hemo followed him During the time of his ambassage he fought fortunately twice with Ali Bey vpon the frontiers of Hungaria Francisco died Francisco Iustiniano succeeded Hemo. At the last the Senate hauing intelligence of the siege of Scutarie sent Sebastian Badoario to the king with a great summe of gold At his arriuall he obtained such interest in the King not so much for his gold he brought with him as for his good carriage and discretion as procuring him presently to take Armes he did in such sort afright Ottoman as he presently wrote to the Eunuch to raise his siege from before Scutarie and to returne home Badoario by the Senats appointment tarried with the king and continued with him more than two yeares During which time the Hungarian performed many notable exploits vpon the Turks For besides sixe battails wherein he ouerthrew them he tooke Subassa a verie strong towne from Ottoman together with a thousand of his Ianisaries Besides at that time when warre was denounced to Stephen the Vaiuode and that the Turks had besieged Zuzan a verie famous Cittie so soone as he vnderstood that the Hungarian was comming thither he left his ordnance and bagage behind him and basely fled from them whereby it came to passe that the Commonwealth being supported by the protection of so great a Prince did for a time receiue no losse by the enemie In regard whereof certaine Princes and Commonwealths of Italie did at the Venetians pursute send an hundred thousand Crownes to him into Hungarie by the Bishop of Arieta and Antonio Vitturi who succeeded Badoario Soliman being called home by Ottoman did foorthwith mount his Artillerie and raised his Campe hauing besieged the Cittie almost three moneths and marched into Macedonia This report is more credible than that which saith That he discamped for feare of the great preparations which were made against him in Italie Those of Scutarie of whom two thousand died in the siege were reduced to such scarcitie of water as the
Scutari battering it continually with his Ordnance whereupon it lasted till the fifth of September at which time the Gouernour of Asia tooke Driuaste by force from whence he carried away fiue hundred of the inhabitants and bringing them in view of the Scutarians did cut them all in peeces Foure daies after Ottoman being wearied with so long a siege went from thence with the greatest part of his forces The same day he departed from Scutarie he tooke Lissa on the banks of the riuer Drimon with two Venetian Gallies wherein finding two hundred rowers and marriners he sent them to Marbeg who with eight thousand Turks continued the siege to be massacred before Scutarie This siege lasted eight moneths after and two forts were built at the mouth of the Boyano with strong Garrisons in them to keepe all reliefe from the Citie In the meane time the Venetian Secretarie began to treat with the enemie concerning peace which was graunted and concluded about the latter end of Winter on these conditions That the Venetian should giue ouer Scutarie to Ottoman with libertie to the Garrison and inhabitants to depart whether they pleased together with Tenarus a Promontorie in Laconia with the Isle of Lemnos and should pay him yearely 8000. crownes and that the Venetian Marchants might freely trafficke on the Pontick seas Peace being entertained on these conditions the soldiors and all the inhabitants came foorth of Scutarie and in regard of their ancient affection to the Venetians they rather chose to be banished from their Countrie than to vndergoe the yoake of a barbarous enemie The Cittie was yeelded according to the agreement vpon the fourth day of Aprill Of 1600. men which guarded the Citie there suruiued onely foure hundred and fiftie and of women there remained but one hundred who followed their husbands through the enemies Campe and accompanied them in their iourney As many of the Scutarians as came to Venice some of them receiued yearely pensions from the publike Treasurie others were rewarded with gouernments of Townes and Castles according to euery mans former estate and condition so as the Commonwealth suffered none of them to be vnsatisfied some write that the like was done to those which escaped from Nigrepont Peace being published did not so much reioice the Venetians tyred with long warre as it did feare and terrifie other people and Princes of Italie and not without cause For it was likely that the Venetians being at rest the Turke would make some attempts on other parts of Italie whereto he was alreadie become too neere a neighbour so as from the Hauen which he had newly gotten he might easily see it and indeed it so fell out afterwards But of this we will speake after the siege of Ottranto In the meane time the Venetians were like to haue incurred new troubles For the Summer after the peace a mightie Turkish fleete sailed into the Ionian seas against the Lords of Cephalonia This Island is opposite to Natolia from whence the Lords being expulsed Ottoman became master thereof Pietro Buaillio was at Xant with fiue hundred braue horse of Morea who not long before had taken it from the Lords of Cephalonia and till then held it So soone as the Turkish fleete came thither as to an Island which belonged to the Cephalonian Princes Loretano who was still Generall of the Venetian nauall Armie did presently follow them saying That he would neuer suffer that Island to be besieged so long as the horsemen of Morea remained there He did afterwards tell the Generall that he ought not contrarie to the treatie of peace assaile the horsemen being Venetians Both of them wrote to Constantinople the Turke to his Lord and master and Loretano to Benedetto Treuisano Ambassador at the same time at the great Lords Port. He hauing informed the great Turke of the businesse did freely obtaine from him That it should be lawfull for the Venetians not onely to draw all their horsemen foorth of the Island but as many other as would willingly depart thence By this meanes the Venetians conueied many thousands foorth of the Island who otherwise would haue been made slaues and being conducted into Morea went freely whither they pleased to inhabite The Turke after the taking of Xant retired to Constantinople These were the exploits done at Sea In Italie the Venetians before the warre with Ottoman was ended had taken armes as at other times to defend the Florentines libertie It fell out that the yeare before Iuliano de Medicis was by a conspiracie slaine at diuine seruice in St Liberatos Church and his brother Lorenzo like to haue been murthered with him but that by his owne valour and aide of his friends he escaped The Florentines being affrighted with the death of so eminent a person tooke armes and slew many that had an hand in this murther imprisoned Pâ—…pe Sixtus nephew who then was at Florence and did publikely hang Saluiato Archbishop of Pisa authour of the conspiracie with diuers others who caâ—…e to Florence to accompanie either of them The Pope incensed with the Florentines rigorous proceedings hauing first interdicted and excommunicated them raised an Armie himselfe being first combined with King Ferdinand and the Sienois The yeare before this murther committed a mightie Armie was sent into Tuscanie Frederick of Vrbin was made Generall but the whole honor was attributed to Alphonso Duke of Caâ—…abria sonne to Ferdinand a sworne enemie to the Florentines one who from his great grandfather did mortally hate them He was accompanied by Vrso el Conte Roberto Vrsino and Virginio his nephew sonne to his brother Neapolio Mathew of Champaine and Roberto 〈◊〉 Armini but this last being afterwards entertained by the Florentines was created Generall of their Armie The Florentines relying on their owne forces and those of their associates for the Venetians the Milanois Hercules d'Este and Frederick Gonzaga were leagued with them did brauely entertaine the warre But the Venetians being still busied with Ottoman both by land and sea euen in the verie confines of Italie being likewise daunted with the troubles of Milan arising by Duke Galeas death who the yeare befote was slaine in St Stephens Church by Giouanni Lamponiano and his complices at the time of diuine seruice could not so soone send aide to the Florentines But as well the one as other striuing to doe their vâ—…most sent forces to them though vnequall to the greatnesse of both Commonwealths yet at least such as the qualitie of those times permitted The Venetians sent Francisco Micaeli to the armie as Prouidator during that warre Not long before they had sent Bernardo Bembo to Florence who for the space of two yeares that the warre continued in Tuscanie did good seruice to the associates The Enemie in the meane time being backt by a mightie Armie tooke Renze Castelina Rada Broia Cachiane and mount Sabina in the Imbrian valley from the Florentines And then because Winter approached they
taken by the French notwithstanding the strength thereof Ferentino and Monte Sancto Giouanni seated on the Kingdomes confines had the like fortune where after breach made so furious an assault was giuen to it in the Kings presence who was come thither from Verula as all difficulties surmounted it was taken the same day by force and great slaughter committed there From thence the King sent one of his Gentlemen to the Pope threatning him that if he did not performe the accord which hee had sworne to hee would come backe and make warre vpon him The Pope vpon receit of the Kings letters presently commanded those places to be deliuered to the Kings officers In this manner and without great resistance did King Charles conquer that noble and magnificent Kingdome when Ferdinand by his fathers flight taking vpon him the title and authority royall assembled his forces and marched to Saint Germans where he encamped thinking to keepe the enemies from passing on any farther by reason of the fitnesse of the place enuironed on the one side with high and steepy mountaines and on the other with a fenny country and in front with the Riuer Garillan wherevpon that place is properly called one of the keyes of the kingdome of Naples But his army already terrified with the only name of the French no more shewed any signes of valour but all his souldiers wauering in a manner as much in loyalty as courage and thinking how to saue themselues and goods dispayring of being able to defend the kingdome so soone as they had intelligence of the taking of Mont Saint Giouanni and that three hundred Lances and two thousand foot approched did basely abandon Saint Germans and in such amazement retired to Capua as by the way they left eight great peeces of ordnance behind them Ferdinand and his army were scarce come to Capua when he receiued newes from the Queene that since the losse of Saint Germans the Neapolitans were risen and that vnlesse he speedily came thither some great tumult was likely to ensue vpon these newes hee presently went thither with certaine troupes of horse by his presence to preuent so great a daunger promising for to returne to Capua the next day following The Neapolitans would not suffer him for to enter with his troupes but onely gaue entrance to himselfe and family where vnderstanding their resolution which was not to endure a seege for feare least their city should be sackt caused two of the three greater ships in the hauen to bee buried and gaue the third to Obiâ—…to de Fiesca bestowing three hundred braue horse that hee had in his Stables vpon certaine citizens his friends and seruants and hauing victualled the new castle and that called Del Ouo he returned according to his promise to prouide for Capua But in his absence the city of Capua thinking hee had forsaken it Triulcio the cities Gouernor being gonne to treat with the French King his owne souldiers breaking open his house and â—…ansaking it Virginio Vrsin and Count Petillan beeing likewise gonne his whole army in a manner broken hee was enforced to giue place to the Conqueror Ferdinand beeing come within two miles of Capua was aduertized of what had past by certaine Lords sent to tell him that he should come on no farther wherevpon notwithstanding his intreaties hee was enforced to returne to Naples where hauing made some bootlesse speech to the Nobillity vnto whom the name of his grandfather and father were odious he withdrew himselfe into the new castle from whence within a while after hee departed and embarking himselfe in the Gallies which attended him in the hauen with Frederick his vncle and the old Queene and her daughter Ioane sailed into the Isle of Isehia thirty miles from Naples where hee was enforced to make triall of his vertue and patience After his departure from Naples all places yeelded to the victors fame so as two hundred French horse comming to Nola did without any resistance take Virginio Vrsin and Count Petillan prisoners who were come thither with foure hundred horse they were carried to the fort of Montdragon King Charles hauing intelligence of Ferdinands flight drew neere Naples and came to the city of Auersa betwixt Capua and Naples where the Neapolitan Ambassadors met him and presented him with their cities keyes vnto whom hee hauing freely granted sundry priuiledges and exemptions the day following hee entred Naples where with incredible ioy and contentment hee was receiued by the Nobility and people Hee had sent his captaines before to restraine the insolency of his souldiers Hee was accompanied to the Cathedrall Church by multitudes of people and from thence because Castelnouo held still for the enemies he went to lodge in the Capuan castle which was the antient abode of the Kings of Naples hauing with an incredible course of happy fortune vanquished before he was seene The King peaceable possessor of the city though not of the castles did by letters and by their owne Ambassadors gratifie the Signory of Venice for that it had kept promise with him and continued his friend The report of King Charles his arriuall and successe in the Realme of Naples was bruted so farre as the very Turke feared him because that the king had publikely vanted that after the conquest of the kingdome of Naples hee would turne his forces vpon him so as all the inhabitants on the sea frontiers of Sclauonia Albania and Macedonia presently forsooke their dwellings and retired into the firme land so as if the king had crossed ouer thither hee might easily haue conquered those Prouinces And to speake truth so soone as Bajazeth vnderstood that hee was come to Florence he beganne to trim his old vessels and to build new About the same time threescore ships of warre wherein were sixe thousand foote and three hundred horse arriued at Liuorne sent by the kings of Spaine for the gard of Sicily with Lorenzo Suares deputed by their Maiesties for Ambassador to the Venetian Senate Hee told the Senate that the cause of his arriuall with those forces was the king his Masters feare least after the conquest of the Realme of Naples king Charles would make an attempt vpon Sicily which in former time had belonged vnto the French kings That their Maiesties knowing the pride and great power of the French did suppose that the Venetians mooued with the neerenesse of the danger to see so mighty a King in Italy would be possest with the like feare and therefore had commanded him in their names to salute the Prince and Senate and to assure them that if they desired ought of them they were ready to beare a part in their fortune for in regard of their wisdome and loyalty there was no Prince or King whatsoeuer with whom they more desired to enter into league then with them That Pope Alexander likewise would make one who desired nothing more then to bee vnited with Spaine
hee houered two whole dayes before the Citty of Naples expecting some popular commotion in the Citty which had been promised but it was in vaine for the French tooke good order there for that time so that the third day after Ferdinand dispayring of any good successe made to Sea determining to returne to Ischia The Cittizens of Naples who had resolued to deliuer the towne to Ferdinand their plot being halfe discouered determined to make a vertue of necessity and to win or loose all according to this resolution secretly sent a small boate to call back Ferdinand intreating him to land all or part of his forces to giue incouragement to those that intended to rise in his behalfe Vpon this aduertizement Ferdinand returned againe before Naples and then landed a mile from the Citty which the Duke Montpensier perceiuing sallied forth of Naples with all his forces to hinder his landing The Neopolitans then taking hold on occasion presently tooke armes and at the first ringing of the Toxin or larum bell made good the gates and began euery where to cry Ferdinand Ferdinand The French amazed at this suddaine tumult thinking it dangerous to abide betwixt the rebellious Citty and the enemies determined to returne to Naples but they were enforced to fetch a great compasse to come to the Gate neere Castelnouo for that through which they came forth was seazed on by the Neopolitans Ferdinand in the meane time entred the Citty on horseback where to the peoples incredible ioy he rode vp and downe The French entring at the Gate next the Castle did their best to get into the heart of the Citty but their attempts were vayne for at euery streetes end they found resistance and night approaching they retired into the Castle to gether with the Duke of Montpensier Yues of Alegre a famous Captaine Antonio Prince of Salerne and many other French and Italian Captaines of note Those of Capua Auersa the Fort Montdragon and other townes neere adioyning and the greatest part of the Kingdome did the like Those of Gayetta going about to follow their example were with great slaughter preuented by the French Garrison who in heate of blood sackt the Citty The Venetian Senate hauing intelligence that Ferdinand had recouered the Citty of Naples wrote to Antonio Grimani that he should no more assault any towne of the Kingdome in the Venetians name but to remaine at Monopoli to know their farther pleasure The Pope vnderstanding that the Venetian fleet was idle intreated the Senate that it might saile to Naples to aid Ferdinand this was granted and Antonio Grimani leauing 100. light horse and two Gallies for the gard of Monopoli went to Tarentum which held out against Ferdinand But Grimani being there aflicted with a flix sent twenty Gallies to Ferdinand vnder the command of Contaren the Prouidator and himselfe with the rest of the fleet for he had in the meane time receiued new supplies directed his course to Corfou At the same time the Florentines being desirous by all meanes to recouer Pisa and the Pisans being to weake to resist sent secret messengers to the Venetian Senate to intreat them to receiue their Citty into their protection and to hold it for a member of their state At first the Senate found the matter to be of such importance as they made no great hast either to refuse or accept it yet at last some Senators beganne to tast this offer and to harken vnto it as they who with the deseignes and hopes embraced the entire Monarchie of Italy for obtaining whereof they supposed that the Signory of Pisa would greatly auaile them in regard that their antient vnion with other Potentates was broken and most of those who were wont to resist them weakened as also because that Citty would giue them sure footing in Tuscany and extend their bounds as farre as the lower sea and therefore concluded to accept it as an offer sent from God This opinion being approued by the greatest part of the Senate the businesse was consulted on by the councell of Tenne that the resolution of it might bee kept more secret whose opinions being various the matter was put off till some other time Lodouico likewise was greedy to impatronize this Citty and therevpon seemed very ready vnder-hand to aid the 〈◊〉 against the Florentines whom he entertained with sundry practises The Pope mooued by Ferdinands intreaties wrote at the same time to the Venetians to send part of their Army returned from the seege of Nouara to aid Ferdinand to driue the French forth of the Realme of Naples promising that Ferdinand should engage certaine sea townes to them till they were satisfied for their expence in that warre The Senate not fully resolued to send the Army to the King commanded Bernarao Contaren to go before to Rauenna with 600. light horse to the end that if they should determine to send it he might be so farre onwards on his way This beeing vnderstood at Rome the businesse was prolonged for Cardinall Ascanio brother to Lodouico made a proposition that the Venetians should assist the King in that warre and yet haue no townes engaged to them Ferdinands Ambassadors that came to Venice to make an accord following the Cardinalls aduice demanded the army but offered no pawne The Senate knowing that this was Lodouicoes practise who enuied their greatnesse did on a sudaine dismisse the Ambassadors not suffering them to remain a moment in the Citty The Ambassadors spent many dayes to pacifie the Senate and notwithstanding that they promised that Ferdinand should deliuer three of his best Citties with their territories vnto them namely Trani Brundusium and Oâ—…ranto they would hardly agree to it had not the Confederate Ambassadors there present interceded for them whereuppon a new league was made by which the Venetians hauing first receiued the three townes were obliged speedily to send 600. men at armes and 3000. foot to Ferdinand and the Treasorer to the State did deliuer to Ferdinands Ambassadors 150. pounds of gold by way of loane with diuers other conditions which the Pope approoued and ratified as one hauing interest in the Realme of Naples The League thus made Commissioners were sent to Ferdinand to receiue the three townes and messengers to the Marquis of Mantoua to will him without delay to lead his troopes into the Realme of Naples These things thus concluded and diuulged caused diuers townes in the Kingdome which the French held presently to yeeld to Ferdinand the like did the two Castles in Naples King Charles after his returne into France sent the Lord of Argenton to Venice to tell the Senate that hee accounted their State to be comprehended in the accord made with Lodouico because their Generals Prouidators were present at it in which regard he intreated the Senate to surrender Monopoli to him which their Army had taken from his subiects and that they would no more assist Ferdinand The Venetians sent him back without
territories as hee had often-times before requested them that hee might goe to Rome saying that his King would come armed for feare of his enemies Neuerthelesse hee did assure the Signory of Venice that hee and his would passe without dooing wrong to any of their subiects or else that hee would passe without Armes prouided that the common-wealth would giue him hostages for the assurance of his passage To that Prince Loredano answered that Maximillian was not ignorant how that the Common-wealth had euer beene a friend to him and to his father the Emperor Frederick and that it was not well done of him in counterchange to vse all hostile actions against them as to rauage and spoile their countrey to take their townes and castles by force whereof they had iust cause to complaine and to call God to witnesse whether they had deserued it at his hands neuerthelesse hee would propound the demand to the Senate and according to the same he would giue him answer And because Cornare had written to the Senate that Aluiana was in great hope and would in a manner bee bound that the enemies should in short space recompence the wrongs and spoiles which they had committed the Senate was of opinion to deferre the answering of Maximillians Ambassadors till such time as they had newes from Friul And so soone as they heard from thence they answered the Ambassador as they had done in times before without making any mention of the defeate of the Almains and caused him to bee accompanied thorow the Rhetike countrey to the end he should receiue no out-rage Aluiana after the taking of the castle of Cadora would not stand still in so faire away but pursuing his good fortune recouered Portonanoue then Cremousa seated on a high hill and from thence went and encamped before Gorithia which is at the foote of the Alpes strong by situation and well fortified and which hath a castle of difficult accesse But hauing planted his Artillery before the towne hee tooke it the fourth day after by composition by reason that they within wanted Armor water and victuals The Captaine of the castle yeelded vp the place in few dayes after receiuing foure thousand Ducats The Venetians made diuerse fortifications there to serue in time to come against the Turkes to stop their passage ouer the riuer Lisona Aluiana after the taking of Gorithia went to besiege Thryeste and tooke it with the Castle likewise which being seated on the Gulphe of Venice was very commodious to them for their traffick wherevpon the Venetians beeing puffed vp with their prosperous successe determined to follow the course of the victory and to make warre on Maximillian by entring farther into his countrey But Dominico Morosino Procurator of Saint Marke a man of foure-score and ten yeares of age wise and aduised began to speake and to entreate the Senate not to suffer any farther attempts to bee made saying That Germany was not pleased that Maximillian made warre on the common-wealth when as hee might freely liue at peace that it was also to bee feared that the same Germany would take it in euill part and would resent it if any farther roads were made into their countrey for they would not suffer their Imperiall dignity to be so abased and contemned That the offence which he had committed against the common-wealth was not great for which neuerthelesse thorow the goodnesse of God he had made a worthy satisfaction all his souldiers hauing beene cut in peeces in Friul Cadora and Portonanoue beeing recouered and wee haue lost nothing on the Verona territory nor receiued any disgrace And heerewith beeing satisfied without passing on any farther we shall receiue great profit by our cessation from Armes and especially the friendship and good-will of the whole German Nation of whom wee receiue infinite commodities as well for the trade of merchandize whereby our customes are encreased as for all other matters concerning prouision of victuals That it was indeed a glorious matter to vanquish a mans enemies in warre and to augment their owne bounds and confines But that it was more glorious to â—…ame and vanquish a mans owne passions and himselfe that the euents of warre depended commonly on fortune who is variable and inconstant But Councells proceeding from mature deliberation and from wisdome are firme and stable and do proffit much more then those which issue from furious rashnesse The good old man hauing vttered this speech the heate of those who craued warre was in some sort cooled and therfore they concluded nothing for that present but said only they would consider of it at more leisure But Maximilian continuing the warre in the confines beneath Verona and raising forces in diuers places of the Friull against them heerby abusing their loue warre was resolued against him on the fourth of Aprill This resolution of the Senate was on a sodain sent not only to Grâ—…tle Cornare Prouidatory but likewise to Ieronimo Contaren who was Prouidator in Histria with certaine Galleis to the end that each of them should enuade whatsoeuer they found to belong to Maximilian either on the firme land or at Sea According to this commandement Cornare and Aluiana pursuing their victory tooke Protonoue then Fume which is a Citty of Sclauonia which they burnt and passing ouet the Alpes they tooke Possonia seated on the marches of Hungary This was done in the Friul whilst not farre from Trent the Germaine Army which was come to Calliana did assaile three thousand Venetian footmen who beeing well fortefied on the hill of Bretonic fled thence neuerthelesse so soone as they descried the enemies whervppon the Germans deriding their cowardize did raze the fortifications which they had made on the hill burning the houses and then went back to Calliana But this great army of Maximilian within a short space came to nothing by reason of a contention of small importance which arose about the paiment of the Grisons who mutining therefore did spoile the victualls of the Campe by meanes whereof all things being in disorder and all the Grisons being departed the residue of the Army who were about seuen thousand men were enforced to retire The Venetians then made incursions on the neighbor Villages and came and assailed La Pietra six miles from Trent but those of Trent comming to their reskew the Venetian companies retired and went to assâ—…ile the Fort of Creste which is a place of importance which yeelded before the supplies from Trent ariued which caused the Almaines to re-assemble their foot forces and to returne with a thousand horses and six thousand Lansquenets to Calliana which is distant from La Pietra a crosbow shotte The Venetians returned to beseege this Castle of La Pietra with foure thousand horse and sixteene thousand foote determining to batter it with sixteene pieces of Ordinance The two armies were within a mile one of another each of them hauing the Castle before them But the Venetians
of most importance till such time as those great nombers of Suisses should be wasted or else some fresh supplies might come to them from France to make head against them Wherevpon he did put into Bressia two thousand foote one hundred and fiftie lances and a hundred men at armes of the Florentines into Crema fiftie lances and a thousand foote and into Bergamo a thousand foote and a hundred Florentine men at armes he brought the residew of the army to Pontuico which consisted of six hundred lances two thousand French foot and foure thousand Lansquenets But the next day letters came from the Emperour who commanded the Lansquenets forthwith to abandon the French Kings seruice they not daring to disobey departed the very same day because they were all his subiects La Palisse despayring by reason of the Lansquenets departure of beeing able any longer to defend the Dutchy of Milan did in great hast retire to Pisquetona The Venetians in the meane time hauing already taken Valegia and Piscara did still with that Army winne the Contrey as they went along Those of Cremona being wholly forsaken did yeeld to the Cardinall of Syon and gaue him a good somme of money to the end that the Suisses should not enter into their Citty The like did Carauagio and Soncino wherein the Cardinall of Syon placed his owne people in Garrison in steed of deliuering it to the Venetians as it was mentioned in the treaty of the League All other townes neere to the riuer Adda did yeeld to the Venetians the like did Bergamo with her territory by reason that La Palisse had recalled his companies which lay there to ioyne them to the army La Palisse forsooke Pisquetona and went and crossed the Riuer Adda hoping to keepe the enemies from passing the riuer if the footmen which they made account to leauy had arriued But through want of money to pay them none were raised wherevpon he retired to Saint Angello and the day following to Pauia determining to stay there But after that Triuulcio came thither to him and had shewed him the vanity of his opinion and how that it was impossible to hould back so great a ruine seeing there were no footmen in the Army nor meanes to wage new as well for the shortnesse of the time as for that there was no money to pay them he went and made a bridge ouer the Po at a place where it is most narrow to the end that the companies might more commodiously passe holding on their way towards Ast. So soone as the French had passed the Riuer Adda Loda yeelded to the confederates who being come to Pauia beganne to batter the Castle The French like-wise did soone abandon it and came to the stone bridge which is ouer the riuer Thesin fearing least it should be surprised hauing but that place alone whereby to escape from Pauia All the French men with certaine Lancequenets who were not departed with the rest being come forth of Pauia the Cittâ—… promised to pay a great summe of mony to auoyde the sack thereof Milan had already done the like compounding for a great summe and all other townes Bi essia and Coma excepted did with great desire doe the same All matters were gouerned in the name of the holy league for so all men called it and all the profit fell to the Swisses which caused many more of that nation to come downe into Lombardy and to vnite them-selues with the first In this change Parma and Placentia were giuen to the Pope The Swisses â—…eazed on Lucarna and the Grisons on Voltolina and Chiauenna Iano Fregossa by the Venetians aide in whose army he serued went to Genoa and so handled the matter as the French gouernor being expelled it reuolted and created him Duke In the like manner all the townes and Castles of Romagnia did returne to the Pope Bolognia like-wise yeelded to his officers after the Bentiuoles being depriued of all hope had forsaken it The Cardinall of Medicis had already before then escaped by meanes of some stirre which hapned of purpose as hee entred into a boate at the passage of the Po wherevpon hee was taken from the French who kept him who intended flight rather then resistance The Senate in the meane time being desirous to recouer Bressia and Coma solicited the Cardinall of Syon to come with his troupes and their army to beseege those townes who making no hast beeing loth to encrease the Venetians greatnesse came in the end and encamped before Bressia neere to Saint Iohns gate battering at one time both the towne and Castle whether the Viceroy came to them with the Spanish army The Lord of Aubigni who was within it perceiuing that in the end he could not choose but deliuer it thought it best to yeeld it together with the Castle rather to the Viceroy then to the Venetians compounding with him that all the souldiors within should depart with liues and goods The French that were at Legnaga followed the same councell Crema did other-wise which was beseeged by Ranze de la Cere with a part of the Venetians forces vnto whome Benedict Cribario being corrupted by guifts and vpon promise to be made a gentleman of Venice did yeeld the towne by the consent of the Lord De Duras gouernor of the Castle the which he would not doe to Octanian Sforza Bishop of Lodi for in the name of the future Duke Maximilian Sforza being come thither for that purpose with foure thousand Swisses In these interims the Bishop of Gurcia as Lieutenant to the Emperor went to Rome who being receiued with all honor they beganne to treat of the establishment of the common businesse and how to root out particular strife and contentions to the end that Italy being vnited together might resist the French King and the hardest matter of all this was the agreement so often treated of betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians For the Bishoppe of Gurcia demanded to haue Verona and Vincenza to remaine to the Emperor and the other townes to the Venetians for which they should presently pay to Maximilian two hundred thousand florins of the Rhyne and thirty thou sand for euer after yearely in manner of rent The Venetians would not pay rent for those townes which they had enioyed for so many yeares as belonging vnto them nor consent to giue mony and much lesse to deliuer Vincenza for diuers reasons by them alleadged The Pope did what he could to attone them now inciting the Venetians then entreating them sometimes threatning The King of Arragons Ambassadors did all they could the like also did the Swisses In the end the Bishop of Gurcia persisting in his demand and the Venetians in their refusall as well of Vincenza as of the summe of mony the Pope forsooke them protesting to their Ambassadors that he should be enforced to pursue their Republick with spirituall and temporall armes and made a league with the Emperor
army to Biagrassa whilest hee stayed there the Duke of Sauoy with the other commissioners whome the King had left at Verceill had made peace with the Swisses in the Kings name But this peace was almost in one day concluded and broken by the arriuall of new Swisses who being proud for their forepassed victories hoping to carry home with them as great wealth as they saw their fellowes laden with they would not heare tell of peace refusing to yeeld vp the valleis mentioned in the agreement so as by this breach of peace matters returned to their former difficulties and to much greater in regard of the Swisses new forces as also of those of the Viceroy and Lorenzo de Medicis who approched Milan Aluiana in the meane time sent word to the French King that he would so amuse the Spanish army as it should haue no meanes to hurt him and therefore so soone as hee vnderstood that the Viceroy was gone from Verona he left the Pollesin of Rouigo and hauing crossed the Adice he speedily came along the riuer Po with nine hundred men at armes foureteene hundred light horse and nine thousand foot with greate store of artillery neere to the walls of Cremona The King according to Aluianas letters came to Marignan to giue him more easie meanes to ioyne with the royall army and to stop the companies of the Church and Spaniards from doing the like with the enemies For it did greately import the king to haue the enemies force diuided in sundry places The King being come to Marignan stayed there and wrot to the Venetian Senate giuing them notice of his arriuall in Italy and of the fortunate successe of his affaires till then together with the hope hee had that his deseignes would prosper in regard that both their affaires were managed by one selfe-same Vnion and concord But in these interims Rance de Cera who had well demeaned him-selfe against the enemies being mooued with iealozy against Aluiana for that hee would not bee enforced to obey him as Generall if the armies should come to ioyne together craued leaue of the Venetians to depart who being not able to make them friends did freely graunt it Hee was a braue Captaine and could not abide any superior and Aluiana could not endure an equall by meanes whereof they could not agree together wherevpon hauing taken his leaue hee put him selfe into the Popes pay with two hundred men at armes and two hundred light horse Marke Antonio Colonna in the meane time who remayned for the gard of Verona made a sodaine sally with three thousand foot-men and about seauen hundred horse of all sorts and went and scoured the Vincentine Territory spoyling and wasting what-so-euer he met with Albeit this did trouble the Venetians yet could it not diuert them from their former determination which was that Aluiana should ioyne with the French army knowing well that if the French Kings affaires did prosper this could not doe amisse Foure armies were at one time in one country very neere to one another The French army was of forty thousand men among whome were fiue hundred men at armes chosen out of the French Nobillity excellently well armed and mounted who after they had seazed on Nouara and Paula were come to Marignan not farre from them lay the Venetian army of twelue thousand foot and three thousand horse which stayed at Lodi both armies being well stored with artillery Against these two were two other armies of the enemies who for the same reasons were enforced to remaine deuided one from another That of the Pope and the Florentines ioyned with the Spaniards was more esteemed for the old soldiers then for the great number and it was lodged neere to the Citty of Placentia on the banke of the riuer Po. The other was of Swisses which was said to bee forty thousand men who at the pursute and perswasion of the Cardinall of Syon kept the Citty of Milan which was well furnished with all necessaries This Cardinall returning from Placentia whither he was fled wondering that his country-men practized with the French king relying on great numbers of soldiers newly come which did fauor his party he came among them who were al in a manner diuided some of them not enduring to heare tell of war and others not of peace And causing them al to come together on a day he beganne with a very vehement and affectionate speech to incite them without any more delay to go forth the same day and assaill the French King and not to set so much before their eyes the number the enemies horse and artillery as to let it make them to forget the valour of the Swisses and the victories obtained by them against the French That it was not the artillery which gaue the victory but onely the prowesse and valour of the soldier And that besides the giuing of the victory which he assured them of they should consider the great wealth they were to get as well by the spoyle of the French army as by that of the whole state of Milan And therefore hee willed them to aduance their pikes with their vsuall courage and sound their drums and without delaying one houre of time to goe and vse their armes effectually and to glut them-selues with the bloud of those who by their pride would molest the whole world and by their basenesse doe euer become a prey to all men The Swisses beeing incited by these or such like speeches did furiously on a sodaine put on their armes and going forth of the Citty did put themselues in order of battaile and albeit it was neere night they marched towards the French Army with such courage as if they had already obtayned the victory notwithstanding that diuerse of their Captaines thought it great rashnesse and a very dangerous matter to assaile the enemy in his camp who was resolued for battaile But the Cardinall of Sion fearing least delay might produce somthing contrary to his deseignes and that as the desire of fight had easily enflamed their courages it might as easily be quenched by the remonstrance of their Captaines of the contrary part he gaue forth a false rumor among them that the French gathered togeather their baggage and prepared for their departure and that their vantgard was already forth of their Camp to goe and ioyne with the Venetian army to retire afterwards to beseege Milan wherevpon he exhorted them to make hast to surprize the enemy in disorder who little doubted thereof This exhortation was seconded by diuers Captaines of his faction who did greatly praise his councell and incited them to battaile going vp and downe the rankes making the like remonstrances wherewith the soldiers being encouraged marched on with a speedy pace towards the enemies Now the French being aduertized of the Suisses comming towards them albeit they were at the first greatly amazed as it happeneth in matters not foreseene nor premeditated they did
with ease reduce vnder their power all the townes of the Dutchy of Milan The Viceroy of Naples who all this while had not stird forth of the Placentyne Territory being out of hope to bee able any longer to gard and defend the state of Milan and fearing besides that the Pope had abandoned the league hee retired into Romagnia and from thence soone after brought backe his army into the realme of Naples The Cardinall of Syon perceiuing him-selfe to bee disgraced among his country-men for the bad successe of the battaill went to the Emperour to solicite aide the like did Francis Duke of Barri brother to Maximillian Sforza The Citty of Milan being thus abandoned gaue itselfe to the French King with entreaties that hee would forget what was past promising to bee euer after more loyall and obedient graunting to pay vnto him a very great summe of mony The King refused to enter into it so long as the enemies held the Castle but the Duke of Burbon came thither to receiue the Citty in the Kings name and gaue speedy charge to Pedro of Nauarre to attempt the taking of the Castle who promised contrary to the opinion of all-men to winne it within a moneth where-vpon hee beganne to batter it with the Canon certaine daies together then according to the vsuall manner hee made mines whereby hee blew vp the walls and towers which were of a wonderfull height Sforza being daunted when hee saw a Case-mate and a part of the wall flying in the aire and being besides ill disposed of his person making vse of the councell of some of his trustiest seruants hee determined to receiue into the Castle Antonio Bratan Doctor of the lawes to make a draught of the agreement and redition of that place which he was resolued to yeeld vp to the French King which imported that Maximilian Sforza should presently consigne to the French King the Castles of Milan and Cremona That he should giue ouer vnto him all his claime to that state and should receiue of the King a certaine somme of money for the paiment of his debts and that he should goe into France where the King should giue him a yeerely pension of thirty thousand Ducats or else should cause him to be made a Cardinall with the like reuenew There were besides diuers Suisses that were in the Castle who were all of them well satisfied and pleased These Articles being accomplished the King entred in great magnificence into the Citty of Milan enuironed with the greatest part of his cauallery Foure Ambassadors of the chiefest Senators of Venice came thither to him namely Vntonio Grâ—…mani Dominico Treuisan George Cornare and Andrew Gritti as well to congratulate him for his victory as to entreat him as hee was tyed by the capitulations of the confederacy to helpe them to recouer their Citties The King after that he had gratiously receiued and entertained them commanded speedily the bastard of Sauoy and Theodore Triuulcio to aid them with six dundred lances and seauen thousand Lancequenets But because they delayed their departure vntill they had seene what would become of the Castle of Milan or else because the King would send the same companies before that of Cremona Aluiana whom the Venetians would not suffer to follow the viceroy marched with his army towards Bressia to trie if he could take it by force according to the Senates direction who desired that all matters being laid aside he should seeke to recouer Bressia and Verona in regard whereof Aluiana hauing passed ouer the riuer Adda marched directly to Bressia the Citty of Bergamo beeing yeelded vnto him presently after the rout of the Suisses Now in the Venetians Campe there was diuersity of opinions among the Captaines some of them thinking it much better to goe first and beseege Verona for diuerse important reasons and cheefely because that beeing taken all the Townes and Castles of the Veronois would soone yeeld the which would not so fall out by the taking of Bressia The Senate at first was of this opinion but because they would not spend the time vainely in that determination they referred that businesse to Aluiana his discretion who because Bressia was neerer to the French Campe hee marched thither hoping to take it with ease for hee thought that Bressia had not so strong a garrison as Verona But Icaro the Spanish Captaine beeing wise and subtill who commanded Bressia hauing intelligence of Aluiana his deseigne had speedily caused a thousand footmen to come thither from Verona with store of victualls and other necessaries to sustaine a seege and had handled it so cunningly as Aluiana had no knowledge thereof who made account so soone as hee should approach the walles to giue an assault in diuers and sundry places But by the sodaine and vnexpected arriuall of the new ayde hee found more resistance there then hee look't for and hauing greatly laboured in his approaches a greeuous feeuer seazed on him which enforced him to leaue the Campe and to retire to Gueda in the Bressan Countrey where hee departed out of this world about the beginning of October in the yeare of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred and fifteene not beeing fully three score yeares of age wherewith the Venetians were greatly greeued but the souldiours much more who kept his body fiue and twenty dayes togeather in the Army carrying it with them when they marched in very great solemnity then it was brought to Venice where by a publique decree it was very honorably buried in Saint Steeuens Church where at this day his toombe is to be seene And because he had euer made more esteeme of honor and reputation then of wealth hauing left his wife and children poore the Senate in acknowledgement of his good seruice decreed that euery moneth three score Ducats should be paid to his widdow and as much to a sonne of his foorth of the publicke treasury so long as they should liue hauing giuen them a goodly house in the Citty with exemption from all taxes and impositions and that to euery of his three daughters should be giuen the somme of three thousand Ducats for their Dowry when time should serue After Aluiana his death George Eme the prouidator did for a while command the army The Venetians in the meane time entreated the King to giue them Iohn Iames Triuulce to be Generall of their forces as well in regard of his experience as for his renowne in martiall discipline as also because for the common inclination towards the Guelphe faction there had euer beene good wil and frendship betwixt them and the same Republick Whilest he prepared for his going to the army the Venetian companies tooke Pescara hauing not long before defeated certaine troopes of horse and three hundred Spanish footmen that went to releeue it then they recouered Asola and Lona which the Marquis of Mantua had abandoned Triuulce being arriued at the Venetian Army
receiued letters from the Senate full of congratulations and entreaties that he would carry himselfe in that place so as he had euer doone in all imployments he did likewise receiue the army at the hands of George Eme the Prouidator where he beganne to beare himselfe with great wisdome and discretion and according to the Senates desire he beseeged Bressia albeit it seemed very hard vnto him to take it without the French army by reason that the Citty was strong and that there were within it two thousand foot as wel Lancequenets as Spaniards as also because winter aproached and the weather was much disposed to raine as the euent did not deceaue his iudgement For as they battered it with the Artillery which was planted vppon the very brinke of the dike those within made a sally with fifteene hundred as wel Spaniards as Laucequenets who giuing in vpon the guard of the Artilery which were a hundred men at armes and six hundred foot they easily put them to rout albeit that Iohn Paul Manfron did in some sort stay their fury with thirty men at armes They slew about two hundred foot burnt the pouders and drew tenne peices of ordinance into Bressia so as the Venetians were like that day to haue receiued a far greater losse had not Triuulce come speedily thither with certaine foot companies and Cauallery who enforced the enemies to retire and recouered from them certaine peeces of ordnance which they were carrying away beside This disorder caused Triuulce to with-draw his armie and to lodge it more at large euen as farre at Coccai ten miles distant from Bressia expecting the comming of the French at whose arriuall so soone as Triuulce had made new prouisions of artillery and munition hee returned againe and encamped before it The French supplyes beeing conducted by the Bastard of Sauoy which consisted of fiue thousand Lansquenets eight hundred men at armes and certaine peeces of ordnance with all manner of prouision in aboundance beeing ioyned with the Venetians the Citty was by a generall consent beseeged hoping with those forces and by the Soldiers diligence casily to finish their enterprise Yet neuerthelesse it fell out otherwise then they thought for the Lanquenets refused to march against the citties of the Emperors obedience where-vpon beeing dismissed the Venetians craued Pedro of Nauar of the King who came thither in their sted with fiue thousand Gascons and French These being encamped on the one side of the towne and Triuulce on the other with the Venetian soldiers the battery beganne in diuers places the cheefe command of all matters remayning in a manner to Triuulce by reason that the bastard of Sauoy being sicke was gone from the army After a long battery no assault was giuen because those within had made diuers rampiers and very carefully prouided for all things necessary for defence so as Pedro of Nauarre had recourse to his ordinary remedies whereof hee had not as yet made vse in that seege by reason it was very painefull and laborious and for that he likewise feared least by meanes of the continuall rayne that had fallen of a long time his deseigne might not fall out as hee desired He beganne then to mine and sap the walls but those within the towne suspecting the matter because those of the Campe had giuen ouer their battery hauing dilligently searched all ouer the Citty if they could heare any noice of the miners at last it was discouered wherevpon they made a counter-mine which being filled with powder and fired they ouerthrew all that Pedro of Nauarre had done and slew his people that wrought in it so as in a moment all that was lost which had beene set forward in many daies The Venetians neuer-the-lesse did not dispaire of taking the Citty but by streightly shutting them vp to stop alsuccors from comming to them they hoped to win it hauing had intelligence of the great want of all necessaries where-with the beseeged were aflicted which at last would enforce them to yeeld especially the Almaines who are impatient of long suffering as also for that they had not receiued any pay of a long time from the Emperor by meanes whereof they refused all military obseruation and prepared them-selues to mutiny and rebellion This being reported to Triuulce he supposed that a faire occasion was offered to conquer the citty where-vpon hee resolued not to stirre from thenoe notwithstanding the sharpnesse of the winter the deepe snowes and the long time that hee had layne before it knowing how much it concerned his reputation if that which hee had begunne should not succede fortunately Hee beganne then straightly to shutte it vp on euery side to the end that no victualls might enter it nor no soldier of the towne might come forth and for this purpose hee still entertayned them with light skirmishes And because those of Verona did in the meane space scoure the Bressan Territory and molest the Venetian Army hee placed strong Garrisons in Pescara and Valegia to stoppe their incursions and to shutte them more streightly vppe At the same time that Bressia was beseeged there was some motion of peace the Pope seeking to accord the Emperor and the Venetians hoping afterwards to bee better able to conclude peace with the French But the Venetians being so often beaten with hope of those matters without giuing any trust to the Popes words did not assure their State on many but onely on the friendship and alliance with the French and to the end that their intent might bee knowne to all men they refused all conditions propounded to them whereof they were desirous to aduertize the French Ambassador resident at Venice and that in like case their Ambassadors which were at the court should acquaint his Maiesty with the whole businesse that hee might see how they accounted onely of his friendshippe as the King did the like by theirâ—… The which hee made shew of to the Emperors Ambassadors who came to him to talke of agreement from their Maister whome hauing dismissed without any resolution he did speedily aduerâ—…ize the Venetians thereof As concerning the Pope the King had sundry thoughts For al be-it his Holinesse had forsaken him at such time as hee thought him one of his greatest friends he neuerthelesse did greatly desire his friendship the which he had not left but by constraint Therefore the Pope hauing sent his Nuntio to the King vnknowne to the other confederates he was curteously entertained by him the King manifesting his hearty desire to enter into his Holinesse fauour Yet neuerthelesse resoluing not to buy that at a deere rate which was offered the Nuntio could obtaine nothing of his Maiesty till the Pope had quitted and yeelded vnto him Parma and Placentia which he held The Pope could hardly be induced to quit those two Cities At last fearing that by delaying the matter some mischiefe might arise he satisfied the Kings desire referring
who were particularly vnder the command of Triuulce were seuen thousand foot and about fiue and twenty hundred horse as well men at armes as light horse-men and there staied with the Duke of Bourbon after the Kings departure foure thousand Gascon and Italian foot-men and seuen hundred men at armes Now all these forces being vnited together with the Swisses who were already said to be arriued at Iuree to the number of sixe thousand seemed to be sufficient to defend the State of Milan and to make all the Emperours attempts vaine and vnprofitable al-be-it the report was that his army consisted of fiue and twenty thousand which were no great good souldiers especially the Almaine foot who had beene leauied forth of his countries in hast and his Cauallery was well worse so as his best forces were Swisses whom the Emperour did well not to trust ouer much as well in regard of the Nature of that Nation which is variable and inconstant as for the small loue they beare to the house of Austria so as the Emperours forces being such the common opinion was to march against them as they approched neuerthelesse they resolued on the contrary and the whole army departing from the Bressan Territory came vpon that of Cremona whither the Duke of Bourbon a while before was come with all his Cauallery and foot intending there to stay for the Swisses who were not yet arriued and likewise to stop the enemies from passing on any farther The Emperour being come by Trent to Verona went and encamped before Asola which was garded by an hundred men at armes and foure hundred Venetian foot-men where hauing spent diuers daies to no purpose he was enforced to depart thence and crossed the Riuer Oglio at Orcinouo wherevpon the French and Venetians determined to raise their campe and hauing left three hundred Launces and three thousand foot-men in Cremona they retired on the farther side of the Riuer Adicé resoluing to stop his passage But the French and Venetians were scarce gonne from thence but the whole country which lieth betwixt the Riuers Oglio Po and Adda were at the Emperours deuotion Cremona and Crema excepted the one garded by French and the other by Venetians After that the Emperour had crossed Oglio he drew nere to the riuer Adda to passe it at Pisquetona and finding the passage there to be very difficult he came to Riuolta the French lying at Cassiana on the other side of the Riuer who by reason that the Swisses were not yet arriued and that the Adda might be foorded in many places they marched away the next day to Milan whereby the Lord of Lautrec purchaced small honour who had published and written to the King that he would with ease stop the Emperors passage ouer that Riuer Maximillian being mooued at this retreat crossed the Adda then he pursued his iourney and being come within sixe miles nere to Milan he sent an Herald to summon those of the City threatning the Milanois that if within three daies they did not chace thence the French army he would handle them in worse manner then Frederike Barbarossa his predecessor had done saying that he was come into Italy to receiue according to the custome of his Ancestors one of the markes of the Empire in the City of Milan and to driue thence and forth of all the confines of that State the French as vniust and vnlawfull possessors thereof They answered the Herald according to the pleasure of the French That the State of Milan being in times past a member of the Empire was by the consent of Emperors cut off from it for a summe of money giuen vnto them in regard whereof Emperors could no more lay any claime to it the which was lawfully possessed by Francis the French King as well for that it was his owne inheritance as being likewise wonne by right of armes and therefore that the Milanois would keepe that City for their lawfull Lord vnto whom they had sworne homage and fealty Notwithstanding this braue answere the whole City was filled with great amazement and their determinations were different Some were of opinion to abandon the City despayring of being able to resist the enemies others on the contrary reiecting that councell as too base would not depart but perswaded to tarry still and defend the City and the better to doe it they resolued to retaine all the foot-men in Milan with eight hundred Launces and to distribute the residue for the gard of the neighbour townes Neuerthelesse the first councell had beene followed had not André Gritti and Andrè Treuisan the Prouidators disswaded it who by meanes of their authority procured them not to make so much haste so that as they were ready to depart certaine newes arriued that the day following Albert Peter would be at Milan with ten thousand Swisses and Grisons These newes did encourage the Citizens and souldiers The Emperour in the meane time came and encamped at Lambre two miles from Milan whether he was no sooner come but the Swisses arriued at the City This comming gaue spirit to the French but greater terror to the Emperor For seeing the City to be strengthened with such a garrison he doubted not but that the seege would be long and painefull whereunto he himselfe had no meanes to tarry there long for want of money victuals and all other necessaries for a seege as also for that he did greatly suspect the fidelity of that Nation by reason of matters past and for that the French might easily winne them for some great summe of money the which himselfe could not doe in regard of his pouerty calling to minde beside what had befalne Lodouico Sforza at Nouara there hauing beene Swisses in his army and in that of the French his enemies he feared least they should play him the selfe same tricke as they had don to Sforza because he could not pay them The Emperour beeing troubled with these and other such like cogitations feare hauing mightily possessed him determined to leaue his army and to returne into Germany hauing caused it to be giuen forth that his departure was only to prouide money to pay his souldiers and that he would soone returne againe And in this resolution he went on his way with two hundred horse onely Now the souldiers of the campe perceiuing themselues to be forsaken of their captaine beganne to take a new party as their particular profit vrged them The Swisses went to Lodi which had yeelded to the Emperour when hee crossed the Adda where hauing wasted the country round about they spoiled the towne and had continued their rauaging had not the other Swisses that lay in Milan protested against them that if they did not abstaine from so doing that they with the French and Venetians would come and assaile them Vpon these threatnings they ceassed from spoyling and hauing remained peaceably there for certaine daies they returned home into their country some
Antonio Adorni Duke of Genoa and the Marquis of Montferrat were ioyned in this league as for the Pope and the King of England they were named Gardians and conseruers of this conuention This accord beeing thus established and confirmed the Senate elected two Ambassadors to send to the Emperor namely Lorenzo Prieuli and André Nouagiero and to the Archduke his brother Carlo Contaren to reioyce with them for the new league and for to giue them ample testimony of their affection towards the house of Austria And because that Triuulcio Generall for the Venetians did greatly affect the French the Senate in that regard did honorably dismisse him seeming to be very well pleased with his former seruice by offering him a yeerly pention of three thousand crownes if he would continew with them as a priuate Cittizen till such time as a better opportunity and occasion should present it selfe but refusing their offer he went into France And in his place they chose Francisco Maria Duke of Vrbin Generall of their forces with the same conditions taking vpon them the protection of his State against all men In Italy all men thought that seeing the Venetians were contrary to the French King who in time before had fauoured him that hee would forbeare to come into Italy to enuade the Dutchy of Milan but when they vnderstood how that hee did not onely continue his preparations but that his army began already to march those who feared his victory did forthwith make a new confederacie to resist him and perswaded the Pope to bee the chiefe thereof In very deed it was a thing to be wondered at that so soone as the French King had certaine newes that the league betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians was concluded and finished hee made greater preparations then before to marche into the field where as in times past beeing solicited by the Venetians hee proceeded therein more slowly and that which is more hee bent his thoughts on the Dutchy of Milan at such time as hee had most reason to looke to his owne kingdome in regarde of the Duke of Bourbons practises with the Emperor the which beeing discouered hee forsooke the Realme and retired himselfe to the sayd Emperor according to his former proiect by meanes whereof the King determined for that time not to pursue his iourney into Italy and yet neuerthelesse keeping at home with him part of those forces prepared for the new warre hee sent the Lord of Boniuet Admirall of France thither with eighteene hundred Lances sixe thousand Suisses two thousand Grisons two thousand Valesians sixe thousand Lansquenets two thousand French-men and three thousand Italians who hauing passed the Mounts with that Armie and beeing come to the borders of the Dutchy of Milan marched directly towards Nouara the which beeing not well fortified neither with Soldiers nor Rampiers did soone yeeld the Castle excepted the like did Vigeua and all the rest of the Countrey on the hether side of the riuer Thesin Prospero Colonna who could not bee perswaded that the French King would perseuer in his determination to assaile the Dutchy of Milan for that yeare as well because that the Venetians were confederated against him as for the Duke of Bourbons rebellion had not so soone as need required assembled his soldiers who were lodged in sundry places nor made necessary prouisions for so great a motion solicited all men to vnite themselues together to hinder the French from passing ouer the Thesin The Venetians on the other side beeing aduertised of the Frenchmens arriuall did sodainly command all their men at armes to meete vpon the bankes of the Riuer Olio determining at the same time to make a leuy of sixe thousand foote and foure hundred light horse to send them according to the treaty of the Confederacie for the defence of the Dutchie of Milan and three thousand other footemen to lye in garrison in their Citties and strong Townes they made Leonardo Eme their Prouid ator generall and sent a speedy messenger to the Duke of Vrbin to will him to march forth-with into Lombardy for the execution of his charge there And hauing notice of the Lord of Boniuets progression they commauded their Prouidator to leade their forces into the Country of Giradade to assure the Citties of Bergamo and Crema and like-wise to releeue speedily the Citty of Milan whither the French did bend all their deseignes The French being come to Vigeua finding the waters of the riuer to bee shallower then Prospero supposed part of them beganne to passe ouer at a ford and others in boates within foure miles of the Imperialls Campe and made a bridge for the artillery at a place where they found no gard nor resistance whereof Prospero being aduertized did speedily send a hundred men at armes and three thousand foot for the gard of Pauia and him-selfe with the residue of the army went into Milan where by the aduice of all the Captaines hee beganne to repaire the bastions and rampiers of the suburbes which had beene neglected since the last warre so as if the French had directly come to Milan the Imperialls would haue forsaken the Citty and would haue gone either to Pauia or Coma for it was so resolued in their Councell but hauing stayed longer then they should neere to the riuer Thefin to vnite them-selues together they came afterwards to Saint Christophers within a mile of Milan and then comming betwixt the gate of Thesin and the Roman they planted their ordnance in the vantgard making shew as if they would asalt the Citty but after they had encamped there certaine daies without assailing it at all in regard of the great forces that were within it they went to Monce which they tooke with ease from thence Captaine Bayard and Frederic of Bossola marched towards Lauda on which being altogether abandoned they likewise seazed Then determining to releeue the Castle of Cremona they marched on the Cremonois and being without any difficulty come neere to the Castle they did refresh it with victualls and other necessaries and resolued to assaile the Citty The Ambassadors of the Emperor and the Duke of Milan which lay at Venice being moued by these dangers did solicite the Senate to send their forces ouer the riuer Oglio to the end that they might goe and encampe in some stronge and safe place on the Cremonois to diuert the French from the seege of Cremona albeit their whole enterprizes were onely for the taking of Milan for which part of their forces were at Carauagia and at Monce to stop the Venetian army from passing on any farther The Imperialls perceiuing the enemies intent did solicite the Venetians to ioyne with them not considering the perills and difficulties that did present themselues by meanes whereof the Senate knowing that the same businesse did depend on the sytuation of places and on sundry accidents which happened did referre the whole matter to the iudgement and discretion
the meane time their hapned a great disorder at Rome to the cofederates great preiudice who after the conquest of Cremona hoped to preuaile in the enterprise of Genoa and to bee able according to the proiects formerlie made to encampe in two seuerall places before Milan For the Colonnesi hauing assembled sixe hundred horse and fiue thousand foot marched with greate speed towards the Citty of Rome where no man thinking of their comming they entred by night and seazed vpon three gates then running vp and downe the Citty they sackt diuers Prelats houses the Pallace and Church of Saint Peter without any respect to the Maiesty of Relligion esteeming sacred matters lesse then Turkes would haue done so as the Pope could hardly retire with some Cardinalls and others whome hee most trusted into the Castle Saint Angelo the Colonnesi hauing determined to take him prisoner who without any long stay did sodainely leaue the Citty the Cardinall Colonna hauing first of all attempted in vaine to cause the people to rise in his behalfe They carried away with them in gould and siluer and other commodities more then three hundred thousand crownes The tumult being appeased which lasted not much aboue three howers D. Hugo after that he had taken assurance of the Pope went to the Castle to talk with him where vsing termes beseeming a Conqueror hee enforced him to grant a truce betwixt them as well in his name as in that of the confederates and the Emperors for foure monethes by meanes whereof the Pope promised speedily to cause his Army to repasse the Po to call home his Galleis into the Churches territories and to pardon the Colonessi and all others that had any hand in that assault and tumult That the Imperials and Colonesi with their Companies should depart from Rome and foorth of the Churches state and should retire themselues into the Kingdome of Naples This truce was for the time present willingly embraced by both sides by the Pope because the Castle was not well victualled by D. Hugo the Colonesi neuerthelesse making instance to the contrary because it seemed vnto him that he had done much for the Emperor and because that all those in a manner with whom he had entred Rome being laden with spoile were slipt away into diuers places The truce did interrupt all the deseignes of Lombardy and the whole fruite of the victory of Cremona But the Pope thinking afterwards more considerately and with a setled iudgement vpon the agreement which he had made and foreseeing into how many dangers he had throwne himselfe in time to come the better to free himselfe from those perrils wherevnto he was subiect if he should obserue the Articles of the truce wrote to his Nuncios to enquire of the most Christian King and the Venetian Senate whether he were bound to performe that which he had beene enforced to promise to D. Hugo or wholly to reiect it and within a while after he sent the Lord of Liege into France for the same purpose who at the same time was come to Rome The Pope knew very well that to obserue the truce was nothing else but to giue the Emperor meanes and time to beginne afterwards a greater and fiercer warre and to ouercome by that delay those difficulties wherewith he was pressed assuring to himselfe in the end his states in Italy to the great danger and hazard of the liberties of all the rest But his immeasurable feare diuerted him from al good councell and hindred him from well discerning that truth wherevppon the Generall of the Friers being come to Rome by the Emperors commandement to treat of peace he heard him attentiuely and exhorted the Venetians to incline to an accord saying That since they were of necessity one day to lay downe armes and beeing then inuited to doe so they ought not to contemne the occasion that was presented The Senate vpon this proposition assuted him that it had neuer desired warre but had on the contrary by warre procured an assured peace so that it might be treated and concluded by the most Christian King because that doing otherwise they should for euer alienate him from the affaires of Italy and should lose a most assured refuge in their necessities and occurrences therefore they vsed meanes to induce the Pope to temporize and to expect an answer from France that nothing did presse him to precipitate his affaires and to grant the Emperors demand on such vniust conditions as to giue him a great somme of money and besides to consigne into his hands for the assurance of the treaty Parma Placentia and Ciuita-uechia places most important of the Churches State That he was to consider that the Emperors forces were not so great as they were reported and that the greatest ayde that he had forth of Germany came from George Frâ—…ndsperg who at his owne charges had brought him an army the which beeing not able to hold out long would of necessity be shortly broken That the Garrison of Milan beeing not paid refused to obey hir commanders and would be gone On the contrary how that they expected Rance de Cera from France with a great somme of money and that there was great hope that the King himselfe who was come as farre as Lyons would in person come into Italy That the enterprize of Genoa was set forward with good successe in a word that all things promised an happy issue The Pope being vrged by these remonstrances and most of all perhaps by the wrongs which he had newly receiued resolued to hold in suspence the practizes of that new truce and to treat onely of an vniuersall peace by the aduise and consent of the most Christian King The arriuall of the Lord Russell did much auaile the resolution who beeing sent by the King of England to offer thirty thousand crownes to the Pope for the expence of the war came at the same time to Rome who did greatly solicite and exhort him to continue stead-fast in the league or else to labour to conclude an vniuersall peace betwixt the Princes of Christendome the which being approued by the Venetian Senate they wrote to Nouagiero their Ambassadour with the Emperour that he should enterpose that treaty of peace it being decreed that the agreement should bee treated and concluded in France and should afterwards for the Emperors honour and dignity be ratified and confirmed by him in Spaine The chiefe pointes of the treaty were That the children of the most Christian King should be set at liberty that Lombardy should be left peaceable and Francis Sforza restored to his State and that the Emperour should pay the King of England that which he pretended to bee due vnto him but difficulties dayly arising vpon these articles each of them prepared on a sodaine for warre The Pope sent his troupes which he had recalled from the campe of the league before the townes which the Colonesi had vsurped vpon the Churches State The
he could not according to his desire make a new consederacy because that wanting both money and forces his declaration would nothing profit the Confederates that all he could doe was to treat of peace and for that purpose he had giuen commission to the said Bishop to goe to the Emperour to exhort him with vehement speeches thervnto mixing neuerthelesse with that discourse some complaint against the Venetians for that they had possessed and did still detaine certaine of the Churches lands The Popes demand was much displeasing to the Senate not so much for the matter in question as because it was made in an vnseasonable time perceiuing very well that the Pope sought onely some occasion to breake off from them as also for that it was a matter vnreasonable rashly to yeeld vp these townes in so disodered a time and in which the Imperials did still hold many townes of the Churches State yet neuerthelesse sundry were of opinion that it was not good to breake with the Pope for any occasion whatsoeuer but that they ought by all meanes to gratifie him and for the rest to depend on his promise and good will reposing so much trust in him as that he would not forsake them This businesse being debated in the Senate Dominito Treuisan Procurator of Saint Marke a man of great reputation for his long experience and knowledge in affaires of importance declared by sound and pregnant reasons how that it was best to obserue the Pope and to render those Cities which he demanded On the contrary Lodouico Mocenigo Knight one of the chiefe Senators and who had beene of opinion to send backe the Nuncio with a refusall of his demand rose vp and hauing propounded the inconueniences which might redound to the Signory by surrenâ—…ing in so miserable a season those Cities which the Pope craued the Senators grew to be diuided some of them inclyning to one side and some to an other But at last they resolued to answere the Pope That the Senate had euer beene very desirous of peace which might be for the good and safety of the Commonwealth and particularly to the glory and aduancement of the Church and that therefore it would willingly embrace any kinde of agreement but that it behoued them first to consult together to moderate the other difficulties and that for the same end they would shortly send an expresse Ambassadour to treate in his presence of the businesse propounded by the Archbishop Sipontine and of all other matters to let him know their sincere and entire loue towards him According to this answere they on a sodaine appointed Gasparo Contaren their Ambassadour for Rome but the Pope being displeased therewith shewed himselfe more sharpe and earnest in his demaund wherevpon the Lord Lautrec hauing sent to his Holinesse the Count Guydo Rangone and the Knight Casall to vse all meanes they could to appease him they did not only loose their labour but he told them besides that if those Cities were not surrendred to him in stead of declaring himselfe for the league wherevnto they did dayly solicite him hee would vnite himselfe with the Imperialls causing his Nuncio to say as much to the King and indeed he declared by euident signes that he inclined therevnto hauing expresly sent a Nuncio into Spaine to treat with the Emperor al-be-it he affirmed that hee had giuen him commission but to treat of an vniuersall peace wherevnto if the Emperour should refuse to harken that he should denounce warre as the other Confederates had done During all these practizes the Imperiall captaines who were already passed inâ—…o the Kingdome of Naples beganne to be of different opinions For the Marquis of Guasto on the one side councelled them to march whither the Lord Lautrec lay with his army to trie if they could draw him to the fight this he did for diuers occasions which mooued him to hazard the whole on the vncertaine euent of a battaile Fâ—…st because that the Confederates were diuided amongst themselues their infantery being greater then Lautrecs for that the people of the Kingdome did dayly rise in the behalfe of the French the difficulty of receiuing any money from the Emperour and the mutines which vpon that occasion the Almaine foot men made in regard whereof it being to bee feared that the entire losse of that State would ensue he thought it much more proffitable to hazard all on the euent of battaile wherein lay as great hope of good successe as of danger and the French army being broken al the townes which they had taken would returne vnder their obedience and the Kingdome of Naples might thereby bee assured Others maintained the contrary saying That the safest way for them was to lodge in some place strong by sytuation and commodious for victuals from whence the enemies could not easily driue them where they might obserue and narrowly marke the behauior of the army of the league and according therevnto to order their owne enterprizes and if that they should perceiue the enemies to encrease in prosperous successe then to take vpon them the defense of the City of Naples because that vpon the conseruation or losse of the same did wholy depend the successe of that warre That they had receiued newes how that the Prince of Melphi and Fabricio Maraâ—…ani were onwards on their way with great forces for their reliefe that their army being therewith strengthened they needed no more to feare the enemies attempts but should be able to breake all their deseignes That it was the part of him that had charge to defend a State enuaded by a mighty army to temporize because that time doth very often bring with it great and vnlooked for commodities that without all doubt there were disorders in the enemies army and by so much the greater by how much the interests of the Confederates were different that there was nothing which could lesse be gouerned by discretion and good councell then the successe of battailes that there was none so safe and ready a way to victory nor any thing more worthy the reputation of a great captaine then to entertaine the enemie with sundry cunnings and consume him by little and little with time and discommodity the which vndoubtedly might happen to the French campe That they needed not likewise to feare but that the Neapolitans would prouide money for the necessary payment of the Lansequenets till such time as the pay from Spaine should arriue This opinion beeing accompanied with the authory of Alarçon who did constantly maintaine it was receiued for the best wherevpon they resolued to passe forward with an easie march euer lodging in stronge and safe places and in this manner to enter into the â—…erra di Lauor to come neere to the City of Naples But the Imperials beeing retired into Troy to make prouision of victuals and to enquire after the enemy Lautrec as the French are more hardy and resolute embraced that deseigne which the enemy had
quited and determined to seeke them out and to offer them battaile mooued chiefly therevnto as hee said afterwards for feare least his army should on a sodaine dissolue it selfe and depriue him of the fruite of other fortunate successes till then obtained for want of pay For payment being to come from France he perceiued that the King did openly shew himselfe to be weary of so great expences and his officers to be negligent in appointing necessary prouisions hee had besides great hope to winne the victory the Marquis of Salâ—…ss es being ioyned with him and daylie expecting the Venetian and Florentine troupes consisting of very choice footmen On the contrary notwithstanding that the number of souldiers in the Imperiall campe was not inferiour to the French their valour neuerthelesse was much diminished as well by the great sicknesse as by the disorder and excesse which they had for the space of many monthes committed whereby their bodies and mindes being become weake and effeminate had in a manner lost all their vsuall brauery and besides those souldiers beeing wont to liue at pleasure with an extraordinary liberty did no more obserue as they ought martiall discipline Moreouer Lautrec was much stronger then the enemy in cauallery and prouision of ordnance whereby it seemeth that he did not without cause perswade himselfe to obtaine the victory and to conquer that whole State The Imperiall army hauing intelligence that Lautrec approached came forth of Troy and hauing possest a little hill which rised towards the plaine did their encampe and fortifie it selfe Lautrec beeing come neere therevnto placed his souldiers in order of battaile determining notwithstanding that the Venetian and Florentine troupes were not arriued to fight with them and to offer battaile defying and prouoking them by his ordnance which plaied vpon their campe But the Imperials receiuing small hurt by the shot in regard of the sytuation of the place wherein they were and resoluing not to fight keeping themselues within their rampiers and fortifications sent forth onely some light-horse and a few Harguebuziers to skirmish with the French who marching still forward came and lodged hard by the enemies campe which they did indanger by their artillery those that were come forth to skirmish not beeing able to hinder Lautrec from comming forwards wherevpon the enemies determined to dislodge and to goe and encampe on the farther side of Troy towards Nocera where hauing within a while after intelligence that Horacio Baillone with the Florentine troupes was come to the campe of the league and that Camillo Vrsino and the Prouidator Pisani would arriue there the morrow after they resolued to depart forth of Abruzzo and to march directly towards Naples according to their first deseigne chiefly to defend that City as the principall of the whole State The Lord Lautrec being out of hope to enforce the enemies to fight who had already so openly refused it conuerted all his deseignes to make himselfe Master of the country and not to leaue any enemy towne behinde him before that he would march to Naples Wherevpon hauing intelligence that the Prince of Melfi had entred Melfi with great numbers of souldiers he sent Pedro of Nauarre thither with his Gascon companies and Baillone with the blacke bands and two Cannons who hauing battered it they tooke and â—…acked it At the same time the Prouidator Pisanâ—… with two thousand Venetian footmen tooke the towne of Ascoli and then he came and ioyned with Lautrec vnto whom were yeelded Barletta Trany and diuers others townes neere adioyning some of them being mooued therevnto by the feare of the disaster of Melfi and others by a particular affection which they did beare to the French being weary of the Spanish gouernment so as there was no other towne in all Puglia that held for the Emperour but only Mansredonia Wherevpon Lautrec hauing left for the beseeging of that City and for the gard of those that he had conquered the Venetian troupes which were in all two thousand foot-men an hundred men at armes and two hundred light horse he marched in great speed with the residue of the army towards Naples all places thorow which he passed yeelding vnto him Being come to Caforia three miles from Naples vpon the high way to Auersa hee determined to encampe there as the onely meanes to make himselfe Master thereof and for that purpose caused his army to march directly towards the City betwixt Pogâ—…o Royall and Saint Martins Mount the companies extending themselues within halfe a mile of Naples and the Lord Lautrec in person was gonne somewhat farther then Pogio royall to the Duke of Montalto his Farme where he fortified himselfe At the same time the Venetians nauall army hauing beene refreshed and restored at Corfou after the losse that it susteined by tempest neere to the Isle of Sardinia was come along the coast of Puglia being sixteene Gallies in number vnder the conduct of Iohn Mora the Prouidator because that Petro Landâ—… Generall of the Venetian gallies was gonne into Candy to appease certaine troubles of the country men in the streight of La Canea Now by the agreement and conuention of the league sixe cities of Puglia were appointed to the Signory of Venice namely Ottranto Brundusium Monopoli Poâ—…ignane Molâ—… and Trani which it had in times past enioyed and therefore the Venetians hauing besides the Gallies diuers other armed vessels did with greater courage pursue the conquest of those townes being assured besides their owne strength of the loue and goodwill of the Inhabitants who did infinitely wish for them wherevpon so soone as the army approched Monopoli and Trani yeelded to them the rest making shew to doe the like so soone as occasion should be offered But the Lord Lautrec hauing solicited the Venetian captaines to come and ioyne their gallies with Philippine Doria at the seege of Naples they were enforced to giue ouer their enterprize they being enioyned to follow his commandements for Philippin Doria was come before Naples with eight gallies onely to keepe victuals from entring into the City by sea but fearing least the beseeged sallying forth vpon him he might be defeated in regard he had no greater forces the arriuall of the Venetian gallies would assure him and more straightly shut in those of the City At this stay stood the affaires of the Kingdom of Naples whilest the Venetians were elsewhere busied with alarmes because that Henry Duke of Brunswich after a great report of his comming being solicited by the Emperour and his brother Ferdinand to passe into Italy had entred Lombardy to diuert the Confederates forces from the enterprize of the Realme of Naples the which being reduced to great extremity hee could not so speedily releeue as by this meanes The Duke of Brunswich then being come to Trent he entred Lombardy by the Veronois territory leading along with him about twelue thousand foot-men saying that he would ioyne with Antonio de
fearefull or at least to bee suspected of all other Potentates with diminuation if not of their States yet certenly of their reputation and greatnesse the facility of the enterprize there being but a sâ—…nal space of Sea for the transportation of the Turkish army from Albiana to Ottranto and at one time to scoure the Sea coast of that country The great discontent of the inhabitants of that country with the Spanish gouernment and especially of the cheefest of them who as desperate persons would embrace all occasions to open the way to higher enterprizes which might abase the Emperors authority Aiax Listibei was at the â—…ame time in great authority in the Port of the great Turke holding the place and gard of first Bascha a mighty enemy to Christians and who since the death of Ibraim had often perswaded Soliman to turne his forces vpon Christendome This man because hee would not lose the occasion and praysing the ouertures and propositions of the French Ambassadors propounded them with much amplification to Soliman vsing all meanes to incite him to the enterprize of Italy laying before him the example of Mahomet a discreet and valliant Prince who with fortunate successe did easily take the citty of Ottranto and by his arriuall did bring that whole country to extreame consusion opening him selfe a way for the conquest of Italy one of the excellentest countries of Europe had he not beene preuented by death These things being represented to Soliman did greatly preuaill with him who did couet glory and was full of pride supposing him-selfe to be highly honored in that so great a King did send to craue his aide and asistance against another most mighty Prince his enemy and hee was like-wise glad that so faire an occasion was offered to diuert him from the enterprizes of India and Persia where hee vnprofitably consumed his army where vpon he did on a sudaine consent to promise the French Ambassador that the next sommer hee would raise great forces both by Sea and Land to enuade the Emperors dominions But aboue all other things supposing it to be most necessary to separate the Venetians from the Emperor he resolued to send Ianusbei one of the Dragomans or interpreters of his Port to exhort the Senate that hee being to march with a mighty army it would shew it selfe a friend to his friends and enemy to his enemies promising them that he would take order that nothing should be hurt which did belong vnto them The Senate did forthwith answere this proposition That the republicke had euer made great account and deere reckoning of peace with al Princes and especially with the Lords of the Ottomans family with whom hauing of a long time contracted peace and frendship with a free commerce betwixt each others subiects they did at this present retaine the same desire to continue it more then euer whereof there was no need to make any more amplâ—… declaration It seemed that Soliman was wel content and satisfied with this answere who was a Prince if these quallities may be found in a Barbarian of a goodly vnderstanding and a friend to iustice and honour but diuers of his seruants being desirous for their owne interest and particular affection to disturbe this quiet and to break this peace setting foreward by a false complaint the actions of sundry officers of the Common-wealth who as they affirmed had borne small respect to the maiesty and profit of his Empire did perswade him to permit his officers likewise to vse some practises against the Common wealth of Venice that at last the matter might be brought to an open warre this being permitted diuers Venetian Marchants that were at Constantinople and other places of his Empire by reason of their particular affaires were vnder sundry false pretences committed to prison and their goods confiscate after that two Venetian shippes vpon diuers occasions were stayed the one belonging to Andrew Contaren taken vpon the Sea of Ciprus by the Gallies of the Garrison of Rhodes as a man of warre and the other in the hauen of Alexandria Soliman saying that he would vse them in his most important affaires The marchandize besides which the Venetians were wont to bring forth of Syria had an imposition layd on them oftenne in the hundred the Bailies letters to the Senate were oftentimes intercepted and without further dissembling their meaning Mâ—…stapha one of the cheefe Baschas complaining of them told them that because they were so streightly allied to the Emperor their enemy they had incurred the hatred and indignation of Soliman This gaue him some iust occasion to resent it and some collour of a lawfull warre if he had beene disposed thereunto notwithstanding that diuers other reasons and coniectures did testiffe vnto them the contrary for it was not likely that the Turke being able to make warre vpon the Emperor alone who was not very strong at Sea and easily to breake his forces would enforce the Venetians to ioyne with the Imperialls and to vnite their forces with theirs which being mighty at Sea would not only hinder his enterprizes against the states of other men but likewise greatly endanger his owne knowing very well that for the space of eight and thrity yeares the friendship and peace betwixt theâ—… had beene on both sides so carefully obserued and namely that Soliman had euer made shew both in his wordes and actions to desire nothing so much as the Venetians friendships That since then nothing had happened on the Venetians part that might alter that quiet or enforce them to take armes seeing that the Senate discreetly mesuring the forces of the Ottoman Empire and fitting their deseignes and actions to the condition of the times did with great honor and respect proceed in the Turkes behalfe prouided that the dignity of the Common-wealth might not therein receiue any preiudice temporising the best they could with so mighty an enemy whom being not able to assaile they thought it wisely done to keepe him for their friend and to expect the commodity of time or some better fortune of the Common-wealth At the same time Tomazo Moceniga Ambassador for the Common-wealth arriued at Constantinople being sent according to the manner to reioyce with Soliman in the name of the Senate for the happy successe of his warres in Persia and for his safe returne home to the Citty He hauing kissed Solimans hands and presented his vsuall guifts of rich garments he was well receiued and entâ—…rtained of all those of the Port and particularly of Aiax the Visier Bascha whoe did often-times assure him that their Lord did beare great good-will the Republicke and was verâ—… desirous to maintaine that antient peace and friendship with it so long as the Venetians should beare them-selues in his behalfe with the like offices of friendshippe That Soliman had euer vsed to keepe his word and promise and thought they ought not feare that hâ—…e would euer doe other-wise Therefore hee
to no purpose by reason of the great difficulties to establish a perfect peace betwixt these two Princes in regard of what had happened on either side and that the cause which had mooued both of them to grant the pope this enterview was but for to iustifie themselues and to make a shew to all men that they were desirous of peace but that the meanes to obtaine it were hard both their iealozies beeing equally alike to purchase the Popes fauour by allowing all his Councells and deseignes for his Holinesse euer fearing to aduance the one of them more then the other would not suffer any of them to grow more mighty by the forces and authorityes of the Sea Apostolicke and especially in Italy Some likewise did thinke that the Pope was not mooued to procure this enteruiew only for the publick and vniuersall good but for some particular profit of his owne hoping by the meanes of his presence and the meeting of these two Princes to insinuate himselfe into their fauor and to obtaine some matter of importance for the establishment of the greatnesse of his owne house as the effect did afterwards manifest hauing at that assembly concluded the marriage of the Lady Marguerite the Emperors naturall daughter and widdow to Duke Alexander of Medicis with Octauio Farnesâ—… the Popes Nephew whom the Emperor inuested with the State of Nauarre Notwithstanding that the Venetians were possessed with these doubts and suspitions the Senate neuerthelesse did not cease to doe the duty which the time re quired to testifie the honor and respect it did beare to those great Princes and cheefely to the Pope and to this end to manifest how much it desired according to their antient custome to ayde and fauour that accord they chose two Ambassadors Nicholao Tepulo and Marc Antonio Cornare to be present at that assembly to make knowne the Senates good will and withall how greatly it desired peace betwixt Christian Princes and also for to make warre vpon the Turkes Now the Pope departing from Rome in the moneth of Aprill according as it had beene determined came to Parma where he celebrated Palme-Sonday in the Cathedrall Church staying in that Citty and at Placentia certaine dayes expecting the Duke of Sauoyes resolution concerning the Citty of Nice where the assembly was to be made because some difficulties were made thereuppon not without suspition that it came from the Emperor who was desirous before his comming to the assembly to see what the Turkes progression would be But the Pope at last resoluing not to make so long stay in his iourney did set forewards directly towards Nice where at his arriuall the entry into the Citty was denied him the Gouernour thereof saying that he held that place for the Prince and that the Duke his father was not to dispose thereof where vppon the Pope was enforced to retire him-selfe into a Monastery of Moncks beeing not farre from thence whither within a while after the Citties keyes were brought vnto him The Emperor and the French King came sodainly into those quarters the one being lodged at Villafranca and the other at Villanoua beyond the Riuer Var. Yet the Pope could neuer procure them to meet in his presence because they both determined not to grant the Popes desire in that meeting which was to make them good friends and to establish a firme peace betwixt them yet neuer-the-lesse he procured the prolongation of the truce which was already confirmed for the space of tenne yeares hoping that in the meane space the hatred which was so deepely rooted in their hearts might bee worne out that beeing done euery one went his owne way the Pope towards Rome the Emperor towards Barcelona and the King iournied to Auignion from thence to returne into France But the King being come to Auignion was adnertized that the Emperor was desirous to confetre with him and that for the same purpose hee entreated him to come to Aigues-mortes where he would land which the King willingly graunting went thither where both their maiesties did carsse each other and the Emperor went and dined with the King in the towne with great demonstration of brotherly friendship Then the king wentinto the Emperors Gallie where they had long conference to gether where-vpon all men hoped shortly to see a firme peace established betwixt them but no effectas thereof could euer since bee discerned but on the contrary the Emperor perceiuing him-selfe to be assured by the confirmation of the league with the Venetians against the Turkes not alone to sustaine their attempts beganne to make greater demands to the King accorping to the treaty of Madrill the King on the other side promising to him-selfe to recouer the States which hee detained from him made great warlike preparations to assaile him in sundry places not tarrying for the expiration of the truce Now whilest Christian Princes stood vpon termes of making warre one vpon another the Turke had in the winter time prepared all that which was necessary for his comming forth into the field who like-wise remembring that which did belong to his owne religion for those Barbarous people haue some impression of diuinity in their harts did before his departure celebrate with great solemnity the feasts of Baieran those daies are celebrated and reuerenced by that nation euen as Easter is by the Christians hee caused prayers to bee made in all his Mesquites for the happy successe of him-selfe and his army Then in the moneth of March his armies by sea and land departed from Constantinople where Soliman was in person and Barbarossa neere to him who held the rancke and grade which Lufti had done not long before who was depriued of his place of Bascha and confined into Macedon But the whole army being not yet well accommodated Barbarossa in the meane time with sixe score sayle went to wards the Archipelago as to an assured booty to assaile the Islands the which beeing defended the yeare before had as then no Garrisons that were suffitient to make defence whereby it came to passe that Schiros Schiaroc Schiati with certaine others of lesse fame being first sackt and spoyled fell into the power of the Turkes There happened a memorable accident at the Taking of Schiati for the Islanders and those few soldiers that were within it hauing constantly sustained the first assaults of the Turkes building vpon the assurance of the situation of the Castle seated vpon an high place some of the cheefe amongest them were desirous either thorow feare or a premeditated malice to yeeld them-selues vnto the Turkes but fearing peraduenture to be punished for their basenesse and treachery if the matter should not fall out according to their desire did runne to the Pallace where Ieronimo Memio gouernor of the place lay hurt in his bed who by his valor giuing example to his soldiers had beaten the enemies from the wals whome they slew by whose death all matters remayning
of the common enemy For the Emperor craued that the French King might be mentioned in that agreement and enioyned to performe that which the late King Francis his father had promised him and on the other side the King did earnestly labour to haue it expressed in that treaty that the Emperor during the time of the truce should not make war vpon any Christian Prince the matter went on so sar that although the treaty was in a manner concluded King Henry did with speed send the Lord of Cottignac his Ambassador to Constantinople to crosse the accord saying that the Emperor had not consented to the truce for any other end but that hee might with more ease make warre vpon him whereby Soliman was to be aduised and not suffer the Emperors power so much to encrease who would neuer haue entertained the truce had hee not thought to profit himselfe thereby The Lord of Cottignac vsed the same speech at Venice as he passed along exhorting the Senate to vse meanes that this treaty without that clause might be of none effect which the Venetians making small account of he went forward to Constantinople where finding the truce to bee concluded and finished hee did neuerthelesse obtaine letters from Soliman to the Emperor and to Ferdinand written very imperiously but with a stile fit for a great and iust Prince how that hee had willingly granted the truce with an intent that there should bee a surâ—…ease of armes on all sides betwixt those who were friends to either party and therefore if any of the Princes mentioned in the accord should goe about to molest one another by armes hee would giue ayde and succour to the party offended against the disturber of the peace The French King in this businesse had diuerse suspitions of the Venetians who beeing desirous speedily to conclude that accord wherein they were to bee mentioned had without caring for the King their friends interest too much fauoured the Emperor and Ferdinands party and on the other side the Emperor complained of them saying That they had first giuen that councell to the French King and afterwards fauoured it at Constantinople to the end he might be more strictly enioined to be at peace with the French King by reason that they were desirous to take away all occasion of warre in Italy which was so highly displeasing vnto them At the same time the discontents betwixt the Pope and the Emperor were much encreased and men did already perceiue great signes of warre betwixt them two by reason that the Emperor continued in his resolution that the Councell should bee speedily held according as it had been published in the Citty of Trent as well to satisfie the Almains who desired it as because hee supposed that his reputation would be impaired if the Councell already published at Trent by his authority should contrary to his pleasure bee held else-where on the other side the Pope no lesse constant in his opinion would haue it to be kept at Bolognia whether diuerse Bishops and Prelates by his commandement were already come but although the Pope had commanded the Imperials to depart from Trent and to come to Bolognia saying That the Emperor without all doubt was Protector of the Councell but that hee had no authority to conuoke it did neuerthelesse tarry still at Trent obeying the Emperors authority and command who on the contrary sent to the Prelats that were at Bolognia and to the Popes selfe making great protestations and to haue more apparence on his side hee caused the Cardinal of Trent of the family of Madrucis a Prince of the Empire to go to Rome where he protested that he would not allow any other councell then that which had bin published to be held in the citty of Trent and if they should go about to crosse that and thereby be cause of infinite other miseries he did request to be acquitted of it before God and men These things being very greeuous to the Pope and hapning presently vpon the neck of the bad successe of Parma did greatly trouble him yet neuerthelesse his hope of agreement with the Emperor did make him proceed more slowly therein But during these delaies and prolongations Octauio beeing impatient of staying any longer for the euent of the businesse concerning the recouery of Parma after that he had attempted in vaine to reduce it vnder his obedience his entry into the 〈◊〉 hauing bin denied by Camillo Vrsino who commanded the citty did on a sodain determine by a precipate councell to throw himselfe into the armes of the same Spaniards of whom he had receiued so many wrongs that he might be able as the Emperors Ambassodor at Rome had craftily perswaded him by meanes of their Armes to get that Citty at which strange action the Pope greatly wondering and by reason of the greefe thereof together with his weaknesse and great age keeping his bed hee beeing foure score and foure yeares old did within a few dayes after deparâ—… out of this mortall life after hee had with great commendations gouerned the sea Apostolick fifteene yeares hauing euer shewed himselfe a good and discreet Prince and a louer of good and vertuous people and aboue all other things hee had for a time remained neuter betwixt those Princes beeing very desirous of peace and quiet The Popes death did put the Italian Princes in great feare that it would be cause of the disquiet of Italy seeing that the French and the Imperials did in diuerse places leuy forces meaning as it was thought to recouer the Citty of Parma which Camillo Vrsino did still possesse but with a very weake garrison and small prouision for the maintenance of the warre who would not obey the letters and commandements of the colledge of Cardinals who had willed him to consigne that Citty into the hands of Octauio Farnese who promised to keepe it for the future Pope This feare of troubles encreased by reason of the long time that the Cardinals spent in the creation of a new Pope for the two factions of Cardinals French and Imperials did obstinately striue one with another The Venetian Senate in these long disputations according to the custome of their ancestors would not meddle therein but ayming onely at the common good did write to the colledge of Cardinals exhorting them to choose a Pope that might bee for the wealth and commodity of Christendome The Venetians as well aduised haue neuer sought to haue Cardinals partiall on their sides nor haue medled in the creation of Popes although they had as much interest thereiâ—… as any other Prince for they beeing in the number of the chiefest Potentates of Italy there is no doubt but if they were desirous to haue a hand in it that their faction would be one of the strongest but they considered the great mischiefes which the Common-wealth might receiue by such fâ—…iendship and intelligence with particular persons in the Court of Rome and how that
delay counsailed Vitalis to send his Ambassadours to Constantinople assuring him that he knew of a certaine that Emanuel would rathet choose a shamefull and discommodious peace than warre The Bishop of Equiline who spake good Greeke and Manasses Badoario were sent thither Vitalis in the meane time went to the Isle of Chios where hee soone reduced the Citie with the whole Island vnder his obedience And because the cold grew alreadie verie sharpe hee resolued to spend the winter there and to expect the returne of his Ambassadours And for that after the taking of Chyos there was some hope of peace hee absteined from making any more incursions on the lands of the Empire Emanuel in the meane time being cunning and polliticke so soone as the Ambassadours arriued made shew in publicke to desire peace sometimes crauing such things then refusing others now approuing the Ambassadours demaunds and on a sodaine saying that he would communicate them to his Councell and so of set purpose by these delaies hee mocked the Venetians At the last the Bishop of Equiline and Manasses returned to Vitalis hauing effected nothing at all accompanied with the Ambassadours of Emanuel who arriuing at Chios and alleadging now one matter and then another caused a meruailous delaie Whilest these things were doing the contagious sicknesse seizing on the Venetian Armie did in a short space carrie great numbers of them into another world The rumour was that the wells and fountaines from whence the Venetians drew their water were poisoned by the Emperours commandement and that the contagion in the Armie proceeded from the drinking of those waters Some thinke that Emanuel came with a great Armie to the rescue of the Islands but not daring to assault the enemie he returned after hee had caused all the waters to bee poisoned It is reported that the whole family of the Iustiniani was wholly extinct by this sicknesse For all the males of this familie that were able to beare Armes did follow the Prince to these warres The Citie did meruailously bewaile the losse of this family But calling to minde that there was one of the same house yet liuing called Nicholas who hauing taken holy orders on him did serue in Saint Georges Church right ouer against the market-place or as others say in Saint Nicholas Church on the shoare messengers were by the Common-wealth sent to the Pope to intreate him to permit the young man to leaue his profession and to marrie that hee might haue children Which being granted the race of the Iustiniani which hath produced since then so many learned men and great oratours was preserued in the Citie Although Vitalis was greatly vexed with this losse and perceiued the matter to be delaied by the malice of Emanuel yet would not he seeme to keepe his Souldiers idle Therefore at the beginning of the spring he departed from Chios and came to Lesbos and from thence to Lemnos then to Scyros But because the sicknesse which was begun in the winter time did still increase and that the Souldiers and Marriners did sodainely fall downe dead in the streetes being frighted with the cries and slaunders of his owne people hee refolued to bring backe the remainder of his Armie to Venice after he had lost the greatest part thereof Some Authours write that Trahu Spalatra and Ragusa did reuolt and yeeld to the Greeke Emperour which neuerthelesse diuers doe denie whilest the Venetian Armie was on the Coastes of the Islands Ciclades and that Michaeli at his returne recouered them The Armie being returned to the Citie the sicknesse followed soone after which waxing more contagious at home than abroad diuers thousands of persons died in few dayes Whereupon the people being called into the assemblie all men laid the blame of that losse on Michaeli calling him traitour to the Common-wealth and to his owne Souldiers who seeking to please Emanuel enemie to the Venetian people had suffered the opportunitie of so godly a victorie to be snatched forth of his hands hauing abandoned his Armie to the treacheries and deceits of the Greekes whereunto as hee was readie to answere and to alleadge his excuses there arose a sodaine noise among the people which was intermingled with reproaches Hee perceiuiug it dangerous to make any stay there stept aside out of the thronge hauing no man in his companie and went along the shoare the nearest way to Saint Zacharies Church Thus escaping he met with a certaine man who fell vpon him and gaue him many dangerous wounds whereof he shortly died hauing beene deuoutly confessed the seuententh yeare of his gouernmeut Others alleadge diuers other causes of his death But it is sufficient to knowe that enuie alone procured the same And nothing did him so much harme as the ouer-great desire hee had to peace the which sincerely pursuing he hid greatly endanger the Common-wealth As concerning other matters he was a vertuous man and at the beginning greatly beloued of euery one for his wisedome His funerals did manifest the good will and affection which the people bare vnto him who in great multitudes were present at the same So soone as he was buried the whole companie came into the Cathedrall Church where to cut off those troubles and seditions which seemed to threaten the Citie being yet in an vproare for the Princes murther they chose ten from among them who did sweare at that instant to elect no Prince but such an one as should bee for the profit of the common-wealth Diuers are of opinion that these ten were not appointed to elect a Duke but only for to punish the murther and not then only but likewise euer after when any one should offer outrage to the soueraigne Magistrate whose authoritie they would haue to be sacred and inuiolate Others affirme that fortie were appointed to proceede to a new election in the place of him that was deceased Now so soone as they entred into discourse concerning a new Duke it is reported that they all with one accord named Auria Maripietro a man of singular wisedome and ripenesse of counsaile and who at that time was one of the ten But he bearing an incredible affection towards his Countrie perswaded them at the same time to make choise of some other who would be more for the profit of the common-wealth than himselfe and in so saying hee named Sebastiano Cyani a man of threescore and ten yeares old and exceeding rich protesting that he was fitter for the common-wealth being one who was not able alone to helpe it in those dangerous times with counsaile but with meanes which it did chiefly want By this mans modestie wee may easily see how free those ancient Fathers were from ambition and how zealous they were for their Countries well-fare neglecting their owne priuate profit for the good of the publike According to his aduice his fellowes declared Cyani for their Prince who was forth-with receiued by the people with great applause And because diuers
matters worthy of memorie as well abroade as at home haue beene done vnder this Princes gouernement we will beginne with those done in the Citie ¶ SEBASTIANO CYANI the 39. Duke of Uenice NOt long after hee was created Duke there were brought out of Greece some say from Constantinople but I cannot conceiue how that should be so long as Emanuel liued in ships of burthen commonly called Carraques three Columnes or Pillars of a wonderfull greatnes these ships being come into the hauen as they began to vnship one of these pillars with cables and other engines the huge weight thereof surmounting the industrie of the labourers brake all the ropes so as it â—…ell into the bottome of the Sea where it yet remaines the other two were landed with more care The which after they had laien for a certaine time on the shore no man durst vndertake for any hire whatsoeuer to set them vp The desire which all men had to see them erected was the cause that by a publike decree it was euery where published That whosoeuer would by his industrie vndertake to bring the same to effect it should bee lawfull for him to craue of the Prince and People whatsoeuer hee would promising on the publike faith that it should be giuen him Prouided that it were a matter which might honestly be demanded At the report hereof diuers as the manner is came running from all parts some for hope of reward and others being pricked forward with the desire of fame But of them al there was none which vnder-tooke the matter but only one that came forth of Lombardie who by continuall wetting with water the great cables which supported the whole weight being by that meanes brought into the Market place did set them vp in the same place where they now stand leauing a certaine space betwixt each of them And on the top of the one was set a gilded Lyon with open wings which is the badge of S. Marke and on the other the figure of S. Theodore the Martyr holding his lance and shield with the Dragon vnder his feete It is reported that he demanded for his recompence That it might bee lawfull for all dice and carde-plaiers to play and cheate betwixt those pillars without any feare of punishment I should praise thine industrie O Enginer whosoeuer thou wert haddest thou not so greatly recommended so base and vile an exercise the which if thou haddest not extremely loued thou wouldest neuer haue so much importuned But God bestoweth not all on one man This man likewise was the first beginner of the bridge aâ—… Rialto and of many other very profitable deuises for the common-wealth in regard whereof it was decreed he himselfe hauing so requested it that he should be maintained during his life at the publike charge But whilest these things were done in the Citie Emanuel being desirous to make his profit of the Venetians misfortune for hee had heard how greatly the Citie had beene afflicted with the plague after the returne of the Armie and likewise of the Princes murther omitted no kinde of treacherie against the Venetians He did outrage to their Ambassadours that were with him contrarie to the law of Nations Prince Vitalis at his departure from Greece had sent them to Constantinople vpon likelihood that the enemie would hearken to a peace Hee called then Henrico Dandulo one of the Ambassadours into his cabinet as if he had meant to haue imparted some secret matter to him where hee made him blinde by holding red hot copper before his eies This monstrous treacherie which noteth such a Prince to be of a base and abiect minde makes me to beleeue that which diuers Venetian Historians haue reported of him That being descended of base Parentage after hee had to satisfie the inordinate appetite of a voluptuous widdow put to death for that occasion all the Nobilitie of Greece he obtained the Imperiall dignitie This widdow as I thinke had beene wife to Alexis for Emanuel succeeded him her husband being dead After his death there being some likelihood that such an Empire could not be well gouerned by a Womans authoritie the Princes and other great Lords of the Empire did solicite her to marrie againe and to take for husband whomsoeuer shee should like among the Nobilitie Shee being enamoured on one of her houshold seruants of meane condition named Gryphon who after he had vsurped the Empire tooke the name of Emanuel called him secretly into her cabinet and bewraied to him her wicked intent I haue determined said shee for feare least by a new marriage I should be depriued of our familiar conuersation to make thee Emperour if thou wilt but shew thy selfe stout and valiant But giue eare how this may be done I know that thou hast many Kinsfolkes in the Countrie I will haue thee cause them all to come secretly Armed into the Citie by sundrie waies and at sundrie times These thus Armed thou must when neede shall bee bring into some place in this Palace making them readie to strike when thou shalt command Then all the chiefe of the Empire beeing called together I will aske them if their meaning be to haue me marrie with such an one as I loue and whether they will acknowledge him for Emperour of Greece If they say as I doubt not but they will that they are so content I will then name the for my husband and Emperour and enforce them at the instant to sweare fealtie and alleageance vnto thee But if they shall refuse so to doe I will deliuer them all into thy hands and into the power of thy friends to doe with them what shall seeme good vnto thee This yong man being valiant and amorous did greatly praise the inuention of this woman and after that hee had made readie that which was concluded betwixt them vpon the refusall which the Princes made to consent to so base and vnequall nuptials they were altogether at an instant murthered and by that meanes in one daie ended the race of Constantine in Grecia Emanuel hauing in this sort vsurped the Empire It is reported that hee found a Booke of Prophecies wherein reading by chaunce he was greatly frighted at one of the verses which said that those of Adria should one daie command in Constantinople I omit the rest which he being not able to vnderstand did impart to soothsaiers and Astrologians who were of opinion that it was to bee meant of the Venetians who inhabited the Adriatick Sea which hee himselfe likewise imagining had alreadie thought likelie to come to passe And from thence as it is said proceeded the originall of his hatred towards the Venetians For he thinking it would shortly happen that the Citie of Constantinople should be besieged by them the which of a certaine fell so out within a while after he sought by treacherie and stratagems not being able to do it by open force to ouerthrow and ruinate the Venetian State And
Lauretano likewise was come thither with his Gallies Each of them did but waite for a fit occasion The same yeare there were such Terrible tempests ouer all Italie and especially vpon the Venetians Coasts as wonderfull hurt was done thereby It is reported that one storme brake as manie glasse windowes in Venice as were thought to be worth seuen thousand Ducats The Venetians being at peace euer sinte the taking of Constantinople there was no Prince nor Common-wealth in all Italie that had warre but only Pope Calixtus and the Genoueses who for the losse of Pera for so soone as Constantinople was taken those of Pera yeelded had some attempts vpon the Turkes Calixtus all the time of his Papacie did not cease both by Letters and messages to stirre vp all Europe to take Armes against those Infidells and to those endes himself Armed thirteene Gallies whereof Lodouico Patriarke of Aquileia was made Generall This man for three yeares space did scoure all the Sea Coasts of Asia doing great harme and tooke diuers Islands from Mahomet This cruell Tyrant in the meane time preuailed so farre in Europe by an admirable course of victorie as he subdued all Thrace the Tribals and Macedonia and in Asia likewise he vtterly subuerted the Empire of Trebisond howbeit rather by treacherie than force of Armes Then he tooke the old new Foglies and drawing one war from an other he seised on Imbria and Smirna Then he tooke from the Gathelosis of Genoa against whom he began the war about a child the Isle of Lesbos which yeelded on conditions He did afterwards vsurp vpon Bossina killing the king thereof And in a manner reduced vnder his Empire whatsoeuer the Christian Princes had till then enioied from Constantinople as farre as Albania and Dalmatia betwixt Hungarie and the Danubie and the Ionian and Aegean Seas But whilest the Infidell made all these conquests the Venetians attempted nothing although their aide sundrie times had beene earnestly implored Morea onely which at last they tooke from the Princes Thomas Demetrius did certaine yeares after Arme against the Turke We will in the bookes following set downe the originall and successe of that warre But whilest Othoman executed these exploits the which we thought good briefely to touch in regard they do in some sort belong to our Historie the Venetians had no warre The end of the seuenth Booke of the third Decad. THE EIGHTH BOOKE OF THE THIRD DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the eighth Booke of the third Decad. THE Prince accompanieth the funeralls of his Predecessour which was neuer seene before since the custome of associating a Colleague was abolished The cause of the warre against OTTOMAN The Description of Morea The Venetians hauing taken Argiers fortifie the Streight The Venetian Armie hath no good successe at the siege of Corinth The Venetians in Italie besiege Thryeste The Turkes driue the Venetians from the Streight They fight twice with good successe against the Turkes before Naples The sieges before Thryeste and Arimini are raised at one time The Venetians being vanquished at Talamata in Morea receiue a notable ouerthrow VRSO IVSTINIANO doth twice assaile those of Mitylene in Lesbos with great losse of his souldiers SIGISMVND of Arimini taketh Sparta by assault VENIERI his Gallie hauing in the night-time passed beyond the Dardaneans returneth safely to his Countrymen Pope PIVS being come to Ancona dieth within a while after that the Prince and Venetians nauall Armie came thither Supplies of money are giuen to the King of Hungarie in the name of all Christendome VICTOR CAPELLO after that hee had fortunately executed diuers gallant enterprises vpon the enemies at last receiuing an ouerthrow at Patras dieth with griefe BARTHOLOMEO of Bergamo surnamed COYONI comming into Flaminia had like to haue endaungered the Venetians with a new warre NICHOLAO CANALIS Generall of the Venetians nauall Armie ruineth Oenos MAHOMET hauing a long time besieged Nigrepont takes it in fine to the great hurt of the Venetians THE Venetians State for the space of tenne yeeres had peace both by Sea and Land But this securitie was mixed with feare and care For the Venetians in this meane time might well be likened to that man who seeing his neighbors house on fire although his owne be free from it can not for all that but feare lest the same flame being dispersed should take holde of his and runneth foorthwith according to the prouerb to the Riuer Euen so the Venetians though they had no open warre against the Turkes omitted not carefully to obserue his tenne yeeres actions in Asia and Europe to ruminate diuers things in their minds and to premeditate on that warre which they foresaw they should one day be inforced to make vpon that barbarous Tyrant Yet in all that time they kept themselues from taking Armes till some iust occasion should enforce them But heereof we will speake heereafter Now wee must set downe that which happened at Venice during that peace The Venetians limits were mightily extended during Foscari his principalitie Which came to passe as well by reason of the publique felicitie and good fortune of the State as by the long time of his gouernement which was managed with singular skill and discretion And not the State alone but the cities selfe was illustrated with rare and costly buildings For in his daies the Porch of the Pallace was on the outside beautified with white Marble Saint Gregories church which was begunne to be repayred from the foundations was finished in costly manner After all this the Prince when hee had gouerned the Common-wealth foure and thirtie yeeres being foure score and tenne yeeres old and in regard of his age being no longer able to manage the publique affaires was deposed from the soueraigne Magistracie And because his fortitude and vigor of spirit was not yet diminished although his bodie were enfeebled hee was reduced among the ranke of Gentlemen ¶ PASCALIS MARIPIETRO the 66. Duke of Uenice PAscalis Maripietro the other yet liuing was subrogated in his sted But Foscari suruiued not long after the creation of the new duke The honorable Ensignes that had beene taken from him in his life time were restored to him after his death For he was buried with Ducal pomp in the Church of the Friers Minors and by this meanes it came to passe that one Prince accompanied anothers funeralls which had neuer hapned till then since that the custome of associating a Colleague was abolished His Nephews built him a Tombe of white Marble richly guilded neere to the high Altar In the time of Maripietro that great Earthquake happened which about the fift day of December did shake all Italie especially the Realme of Naples This Prince was adorned with diuers eminent vertues Hee had a sound and excellent iudgement without faining or dissimulation He was a louer of peace a friend to Religion and a seuere punisher of vice Hee did execute offenders according to their
deserts or at leastwise banished them from the citie The peace which hee had receiued from Foscari as by tradition which had beene well obserued in all times and places was by him deliuered entire to his successor To this felicitie and other fortunate euents which happened in his time the Art of Printing may be added which in those daies was inuented in Italie The inuention thereof is attributed to a Germane But this diuine art being by succession of times dispersed ouer all Italie the chiefe workemen in that misterie did openly contend for the garland of singularitie In which art we finde Nicolao Iansonio of Venice to haue exceeded all the rest Maripietro hauing gouerned foure yeares and a halfe departed this life and his bodie lieth honourably buried in the Church of the Twyns ¶ CHRISTOPHERO MORO the 67. Duke of Uenice CHristophero Moro succeeded him The second yeere of his gouernment the warre began against Ottoman We must briefly set downe the cause thereof The tyrant hauing done much hurt to the Christians of Grecia and other Prouinces of Europe determined to take Morea This Prouince is almost like an Island and is as they terme it one of the three rockes of Europe ioyning to the streight of Corinth For the Ionian Sea on the one side and the Aegean on the other doe in a manner make an entire Island of it It is in forme like to a leafe of a Plane tree by reason of the Seas which enuiron it towards the North the Ionian the Sicillian towards the West the Greeke on the South the Aegean on the East and that of Mirtona towards the Solstitiall It is in circuit according to Isidore three hundred and threescore thousand paces Towards the streight on the North side lieth the Sea of Corinth at this day called Patras Iust opposite to that is the Saronic Sea where in times past the ancient Hauen of Cencrea was and in the other that of Leches This whole countrey in former times was called Iappigia afterwards Pelasgis and for a long time Peloponessus which name by diuers is yet giuen vnto it It is commonly at this day called Morea Ottoman hauing mightily enlarged the confines of his Empire was desirous to take this Prouince as a member of the Greek Empire from the brethren Thomas and Demetrius In regard of the situation therof they might haue defended it a long time if they had beene assured to haue beene relieued by the Christians in time or if the brethren with a mutuall consent would haue vndertaken it But both those meanes were wanting For Demetrius went to the Turkes side which was the first and chiefest cause of the ruine of that state He gaue his daughter in marriage to Ottoman and gaue him entrance into one of the goodliest Prouinces of Grecia Thomas made some resistance neere to the streight but in vaine And hauing lost all flying from the rage of that cruell enemie he went to Rome whither he brought with him S. Andrewes head in regard whereof Pope Pius being accompanied with all the Cleargie went to meet him as farre as the Miluian bridge and appointed a marble Chappell to be built in that place where he had first saluted the Apostles head and another larger than that in S. Peters Church where the head was afterwards laid vp with great solemnitie The Dominion of the Greeks being extinct in Morea the Venetians still kept those townes there which they had a long time enioyed But the violent and perfidious inclination of the enemie would not long let them rest For after that he had taken Argers by treacherie he entangled the Venetians in a warre more necessarie than profitable The Senate being thereby enforced did presently take armes against him Victor Capello was then Admiral of the Sea who being entreated by the chiefe of the Isle of Lesbos at that time when Ottoman tooke it from the Cateloses of Genoa to come defend the Island would not do it as also when the Theodorans sent to him who dwelt in a part of the Island that he would aide them and receiue them vpon their homage when the Isle of Mitilene was taken he refused it notwithstanding that he had a mightie nauall Armie fearing least by any inconsiderate attempt he might precipitate the Repulicke into a manifest danger of warre although he might iustly haue taken Armes seeing Ottoman had contrarie to the ancient accord which the Venetians had made with Amurath his father and afterwards with himselfe crossed the streight of Gallipolis with his Armie This is the report of such as were there present For there is no Venetian Anâ—…all nor any other Historian whatsoeuer which makes mention therof Cepio exepted who in an eloquent stile hath written the notable actions of Pietro Mocenigo Neuerthelesse it is certaine that so soone as the warre was proclaimed against Mahomet it began in Morea where the wrong had beene first offered And whilest they expected greater forces from Italie certaine foot companies vnder the command of Pietro Palmiero together with two hundred light horse which the Greeks call Stradiots entering fiercely into the enemies countrey did by a sodaine incursion surprize a small towne betwixt Arcadia and Modon the Garrison whereof being put to the sword they brought away a great bootie Within a while after Bertoldo d'Aeste Betin of Calcina Cicco Brandolino Giouanni Attellano Roberto Thyente Giouanni Massano Leon Illirico and diuers other great persons with gallant forces arriued at Modon From thence the whole Armie went speedily to Naples where making no long stay Aeste who was Generall of the Armie went to besiege Argers This towne among all others of Greece was verie famous as well for the originall thereof as for the residence and Court of kings It was easily taken and as soone giuen to the souldiers who spoiled it The Turks in the citie who were no great number were retired into the Castle Two daies after the Christians arriuall in that place fiue hundred Turkish horse came and assailed the Christians neere to the Citie in the skirmish slew an hundred of our souldiers and among others Martin of Dalmatia who held an honourable ranke in the Venetian Armie Those of the Castle yeelded within a while after The Priest who had deliuered the towne to the Turkes being taken in that place was put to death Bertoldo hauing left three hundred Candiot Archers in the Castle brought backe the troupes to Naples VVithin a while after the Venetian Generall departed from Naples with fifteene thousand men He went first and encamped at Basilia the which being taken at his first arriuall he marched the morrow after to the streight through the territorie of Corinth and fortified his campe neere to the Saronich Sea Lodouico Lauretano was there with a mightie nauall Armie They had before placed a Garrison on the the other side of the streight opposite to that place Sixe Gallies rode at Anker not farre off Now because that the
The Dukes request to the people ibi The bodies throwne vpon the common dunghill ibi The Emperours cruell Edict against the Venetians 54 The peoples reuenge on the Calloprini ibi Three sonnes of Stephano Calloprini slaine ib. The situation of Pharos 57 Those of Pharos summoned ibi The taking of the Castle and Towne of Pharos called Lessina 58 The Emperour graunts sundry priuiledges to the Venetians 59 Tho Emperor Otho comes to Venice in disguise ibid. The Dukes last will 60 Too great nicenesse of a woman 84 The sundry passages of the Christians into Syria 72 The strength of Nicea 73 The Turkish succour defeated 74 The great danger the Christians were in ibi The taking of Iconium 75 Tharsis being yielded is giuen to Baldwin ibi Treachery of a Citizen of Antioch 78 The taking of Antioch ibid. Tripoly besieged by the Christians 79 The defeat of the enemy before Ierusalem with the number of the dead 83 Acon taken by Baldwin 85 The taking of Sydon 86 The Castle of Soball builded by Baldwin ibi The Emperours mediation betweene the Venetians and Paduans 87 Two great accidents of fiâ—…e ibid. Truce with Hungary for 5. yeres 88 The Duke of Venice comes to Ierusalem 92 The lot fell vpon Tyre ib. Tyre besieged ibi The distrust conceiued against the Venetians 93 The Christians stratagem before Tyre ibid. The third part of Tyre giuen to the Venetians 94 The building of the Hospitall of the publike charitie 95 The originall of the games at Shrouetide 101 The answer made to the Greeke Ambassadours ibi Treachery of Emanuel 102 The contagious sickenesse in the Venetian armie 103 Three great pillars brought to Venice 104 The recompence which the Inginer demaunded 105 The true cause of Vitalis his death 106 The Emperor Fredericks rigorous Edict against the Pope 107 The Prince imbarketh himselfe in the Popes presence 108 The Emperor arriues at Venice 109 The Emperors obedience to the Pope ibid. The ornaments and ensignes of the venetian Princes 110 The death of Cyani and his last will ibi The recouerie of Zara. 117 Theodore Lascaris sallies foorth on the Christian pilgrims 118 The mutuall comfort of the father and the sonne 119 The treachery of Myrtillus 120 Thomaso Morosino Patriarke of Constantinople 121 The Princes liberality to the new Emperour ibid. Thrace reduced to the Emperors obedience ibi Thomaso confirmed Patriarke by the Pope 122 The names of the Islands possessed by particular persons 125 The Bishops See at Malomoc translated to Chioggia 127 The Emperour Peter murdred ib. Tepulo Gouernour of Candie 131 Two Prouidators giuen to euery armie 135 The Pope excommunicateth the Emperour Fredericke 139 The riuers Brent and Bacchillion turned backewards 142 Twelue thousand Praenestines slaine by Sylla in cold blood 143 The originall of the war betwixt the Venetians and Genoueses 146 Their difference referred to the Pope ibidem The Popes Sentence ibidem The treatie of peace broken 147 To what extreamitie Baldwin was brought 149 Treachery of the Greeks against the French ibid. Tyre besieged by the venetians 151 The Genoueses ambush discouered 151 Three Genoueses gallies taken by the venetians ibid. The people beare small respect to the Prince 152 Truce graunted betwixt the venetians and the Genoueses 154 Those of Ancona complaine to the venetians 155 The truce betwixt the venetians and the Genoueses prolonged ib. Thrieste besieged by the venetians 159 The distance betwixt Venice and Genoa 162 The Conspiratours designe 166 The tenour of the Excommunication 168 Those of Pera constrained to sue for peace 173 Turkes put to flight by the venetians 175 Treachery practised by Mastin 182 The suburbs of Mestra burnt by Mastin 183 The territory of Verona spoiled 186 The King of England craueth aide against the French King 191 Truce take with Lewis king of Hungary 197 Those of Cape-histria reuolt ibi Those punished which did not follow the Senates commandement 198 The Genoa-gallies taken 199 The armie returneth to Venice with great booty 200 Truce taken with Visconte 207 The manner of Phalerio his conspiracy ibi The discouerer of the conspiracy recompenced with his discontent 209 The king of Hungary his great armie in Dalmatia 212 The king of Hungary besiegeth Treuiso ibid. Treuiso brauely defended 213 The king infringeth the peace 214 Threatnings of the Candiots 288 The situation of Anopolis 224 Thryestines doe reuolt 225 Thryestines resolue to yield to the Duke of Austria ibi Thryestines returne to the venetians obedience 226 Traitours in the Senate knowne and punished 226 The king of Hungary resolueth vpon peace 230 The enemies put to flight before Longina 231 The Fort of Catharra yielded 236 The common complaint of the people 246 The peoples talke in fauour of Pisani ibi The Genoueses determination fearing to be shut vp 253 The Genoueses beate backe the Venetians to their gallies ibid. The Stellani warre on the Genoueses 254 Two and fiftie gallies in the venetians army by sea 255 Tumult in the venetian army 257 Thryeste reuolteth and yieldeth to the Genoueses 263 The Castles of Thryeste razed by the inhabitants 264 Treachery of two Captaines of the garrison of Conigliana 272 The traitors punished ibid. Thryestines yield to Leopold 277 The Castle of Padua recouered for Nouello 279 The death of Paulo Sabello 285 The goodly situation of Verona 286 Two Forts at Verona ibid. The poore entertainement which the Paduans gaue Carrario returning without peace 287 The death of Pipus 292 The Florentines Ambassadour at Venice 298 The Castle of Bressia yielded to the Venetians 312 The Dukes of Sauoy and Montferrat make incursions on the Milanois 319 The chiefe of Florence animated against the Venetians 324 Those of Luca craue aide of the venetians of Philip and the Sienois ibid. The Prince outraged by a mad-man 325 Thessalonica in Macedonia taken by the Turkes 327 Tollentine leaueth Philips partie 329 The Prince of Mantua Generaâ—…l of the venetian armie 334 The two nauall armies of the venetians and Genoueses returne home 335 Treaty of peace almost concluded broken off 341 Those of Casal desire parlie 347 Treachery plotted against the veneâ—…ians 348 The two armies skirmish 352 The vnlooked for danger whereinto the Common-wealth was like to haue fallen ibi Those of the vally of Sabia seeke to sâ—…op their passage 354 The order which the besieged Bressans kept in the Citty 356 The part of a true Generall of an army 373 The valour of Contareni 382 Three new Procurators of S. Marke created 396 The king of Arragons daughter commeth to Venice 397 The thiefe that would haue robbd the treasury of Venice hanged and the accuser recompenced 410 The king of Bossina sendeth Presents to the venetian Prince 416 Turkish cruelty 424 Turkes successe both in Asia and Europe 427 Traitor punished according to his deserts 432 Turkes before Naples 434 Turkes leaue Naples ibid. Thryeste besieged 435 Thryeste and Arimini freed from the siege 436 Turkish fleet at Tenedos 441 Turkish fleet before Nigrepont 442 Treason
discouered 443 Turkes take Nigrepont 444 Tabia a city of Caria 450 Turkes put to rout at Pergamus 451 Turkes incursions into Italie 453 Turkes enter the Country of the Forlani 454 The Popes Legate his speech to Mocenigo at his departure 465 The King of Cyprus speech to Mocenigo 418 The Turks designe vpon the Boyano 478 The manner of the Turkes assault at Scutarie ibi The Turke retireth from the assault 479 The Turke besiegeth the Isle of Lemnos 281 The great valour of a young maid ibi The Turke besiegeth Croia 482 The Turkes come to the riuer Lizonza 483 The Turkes take the Fort neare the bridge 484 The Turkes burne the Country of Friâ—…l 485 The Turkes great labour and daunger to passe the mountaines 487 The Coritian Prince flies into Germanie 493 Two Venetian fleets at once 495 The State of the Rossians of Parma yeeldeth to Lodowicke 508 Two of Sanseuerines sonnes flie to the enemie ibid. The Tower Tristania taken 513 The French King by reason of sickenesse staieth at Ast. 537 The King visites Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan the Dutchesse her lamentation to the king and his answer to her 538 V VIsion in a dreame 10 Venetians great modestie 7 Venetians first voiage to sea 8 Vderza ruined by the Lombards 10 Venetians haue euer kept their ancient libertie 23 Venetians pollicie 25 Venetians resolution ibid. Venetians compared with the Romans ibid. Vlric Bishop of Aquilcia vanquished by the Venetians 28 Vsurper punished 32 Veronois request against those of Benaâ—… 33 Venetian armie defeated before Crotona 35 Vrso declared Protos-pater of the Graecian Empire 37 Venetians constant resolution 41 Venetians ouercome the Hunnes ibi Vderza taken and ruinated by the Duke 46 Vrseolo ouercomes the Sarracens before Barri 50 Venetians braue resolution 54 Venetians free ouer all the Graecian Empire 55 Venetians armie against the Narentines 56 Venetian gallies surprise the hauen of Pharos 57 Venetians army succoreth Nicephorus 66 Venetians victorious ouer the Normans ibid. Venetians defeated 67 Venetians defeate the Pisans at Rhodes 77 Venetians take Smyrna ibid. Venetians comming into Syria 83 Venetians take Ascalon 84 Venetians and Frenchmen ioyned together ibid. Venetians agreement with Caloman King of Hungarie ibi Venetians take Brundusium ibid. Venetians take Faronia by assault 86 Venetians and Paduans reconciled 87 Venetians resolue to succour the holie land 91 Venetians army in Sicilie 98 Venetians neighbours take armes against them 101 Vlrich Bishop of Aquileia brought to Venice prisoner ibid. Vitalis Duke of Venice murdered 103 Venetians bountie to the Christian Princes 116 Venetians and the Princes resolue to goe to Constantinople 118 Venetians fleete against the Pirates 125 Venetians send a Colonie to Candace ibid. Venetians armie in Candie 131 Venetian supplies in Candie 132 Venetians defeated in Candie 133 Vattasus his army succoureth the rebells in Candie 135 Vattasus army leaues Candy and suffers shipwracke ibi Vattasus sendeth new aide to Candy ibi Venetians fight with the enemies 136 Venetians fleet commeth to the aide of Constantinople ibid. Venetians ioy at the returne of their Nauy 137 Vattasus Nauie put to flight and his death ibid. Venetians take Frederickes great ship 139 Venetians commanded to leaue Acre 146 Venetians send a fleete to guard the Islands 149 Venetians in Nigrepont 150 Venetians victory against the Genoâ—…eses 152 Venetian fleete scattered by tempest 157 Venetian Ambassadors brought back to Rome ibi Venetians take truce with the King of Rabilon 159 Venetians offer for the voyage of Syria 160 Venetians and Genoueses compared to the Romans and Carthaginians 162 Venetians defeated at Corfu 165 Venetians defeated at the streight of Gallipolis 166 Venetians masters of Ferrara 167 Venetians excommunicated by Pope Clement 168 Venetians restore the Paduans vnto their libertie 174 Viari confined to perpetuall prison 175 Venetians besiege the Fort of the salt-pits 114 Vpon what cause the Venetians made warre on those of Escalla 189 Venetians Rhodians and Cypriots defeated by the Turke 193 Venetians in league with the King of Arragon 200 Visconte his answer to the Genoueses 204 Victory of the Venetians ouer the Genoueses in Morea 205 Venetian Senate displeased with Viscont ibid. Venetians incensed against Carrario 213 Venetians enforced to sue for peace 214 Venetian Ambassadours taken prisoners in Germanie ibid Venetians vanquished by the Barbarians 228 Venetians build two forts on the lakes 229 Venetians victorie ouer the Hungarians ibid. Venetians General his sonne taken prisoner 231 Venetians in Constantinople wronged 232 Victor Pisani Generall of the Venetians 233 Viscont of Milan giueth his daughter to the King of Cyprus 234 Venetians take the Hauen of Famagosta 235 Venetians deceiued by the Anconitans taken and spoiled by the Genoueses 239 Venetians enforced to retire into Chioggia 244 Venetians besiege Pera in hatred of Andronicus 252 Venetian barkes taken and burnt by the enemies 253 Venetians and Genoueses lodge at one time in one Hauen 254 Venetians repulsed from the fort at the Milles. 259 Venetians recouer Chioggia 262 Venetians nauall Armie of 100. vessels 265 Venetians recouer Cap-histria ibid. Venetians enforced to offer Treuiso to the Duke of Austria 268 Venetians hated of all their neighbours 269 Venetians troubled about the yeelding vp of Tenedos 275 Verona pillaged 279 Venetians in danger before the comming of Hermolao 281 Verona possessed by the Carrarians 282 Vincenzans aduertisment to Galeas his widowe 283 Venetians entertaine the Vincenzans Commissioners ibid. Venetian Garison sent to Vincenza ibid. Venetians allie themselues with Gonzaga ibid. Venetians nauall Armie defeated 284 Venetians affrighted at the arriuall of young Carrario 285 Verona in the Venetians power 286 Venetians enter Padua in the night by Scalado 217 Venetians recouer Feltre Belluna and other places 294 Vdinois voluntarily yeeld to the Venetians ibid. Venetian Ambassadours sent to Duke Philip. 296 Venetians denounce warre against Philip. 306 Venetians enter Bressia by treachery 308 Venetians troupes defeated by Philips Armie 310 Venetians send new supplies to Bressia ibid. Venetian Commissioners ill dealt with at Milan 313 Venâ—…tians take Casal-maior 319 Venetians besiege Macale 320 Venetians take the new Orges 321 Venetians answere to the Ambassadors of Sienna 325 Venetians summons to Philip. 326 Venetians proclaime warre against Philip. 327 Venetians put to rout vpon the Cremonese 328 Venetians nauall Armie defeated 330 Venetians defeat the Genoueses Nauie 332 Venetians defeated by Picinino 335 Venetians perswasions to the Genoueses 340 Venetians craue aide of Sforza 342 Venetians great distresse 355 Venetians ratifie the league with the Florentines 363 Venetians victorie neere the lake of Benac 365 Vnion of the Greeke Church with the Latine 370 Venetians Nauie defeated on the lake of La Garda 371 Veronois protestations to cleare themselues 377 Venetians victory vpon the lake 382 Venetians take Pescara 387 Venetians in Sforza's behalâ—…e denounce warre to Philip. 401 Venetians vanquish Philips forces ibid. Venetians reuoke all which had beene giuen to Sforza ibid. Venetians take Brebia 403 Vitalis Sarde the Pirate hanged 405