they were constrained to make satisfaction and to send yearely to Venice for a tribute an hundred peeces of wine Pietro Bishop of Oliuollo sonne to Duke Pietro surnamed Tribuno placed the bodies of Saint Saturnine and Saint Nichodemus in the Church of Saint Maria Formosa And this is all we finde to haue beene done during the gouernment of Candiano who dyed in the second yeare of his regiment or as some others say the latter end of the seuenth ¶ PIETRO BODOARIO the 20. Duke of Venice PIetro Bodoario succeeded him who as hath beene said was taken prisoner in Sclauonia as hee returned out of Greece This man did likewise gouerne the Common-wealth two yeares Others say three and affirme that it was hee that ouercame the Histrians in the marshes of Caorli and restored the Virgins of whome wee lately spake More then this I finde not anie memorable matter done by him ¶ PIETRO CANDIANO the third the 21. Duke of Venice CAndiano sonne to Pietro succeeded him who being by his father associated to the gouernment was for his great pride banished But waxing by yeares more wise and modest hee was by the common 〈◊〉 of the people restored to his lost dignitie The Narentines in the meane time did by their thefts vexe all the neighbour-Seas so as the Venetians condition was in a manner to bee compared to theirs who are streighly besieged The shame and anger stirred vp euery one to reuenge saying It was a dishonour to the Venetians who had in times past obtained so many goodly victories on the bosome of the waters patiently to endure that a fewe base theeues who had no hope but in flight should so much presume as to leaue the Venetians nothing in safetie That diuers euen till then had beene by them vndone euen in the Cities sight and that there remained nothing for them now to doe but to come into the middest of the Citie and knocke downe the wretched Citizens like heartlesse beasts Being mooued with these complaints they forthwith prepared a new Voyage against the Narentines And for the same purpose thirtie three Sips called for the maner of their building Gombaries were set forth Vrso Bodoairio and Pietro Rossolo commanded the Armie The Narentines being amazed at the reporte of this Nauie had not the spirits to attend them but by Ambassadours they sued for peace which was graunted them vpon these conditions That they should pay vnto the Venetians the iust value of the hurt which they had till then done Some say that the Fleete returned as at other former times without doing any thing at all The League at the same time was renewed with the Bishop of Aquileia Dominico Bishop of Oliuollo caused certaine relickes of Saint Iohn Baptist to be reuerently placed in the Church builded in times past by his Ancestors in that part of the Citie which is called Embragola Duke Candiano in the meane time hauing three sonnes did elect for his Colleague neither the eldest nor the youngest but the second called Pietro who soone after became so insolent as hee durst in contempt of his fathers wholesome Counsels stirre vp certaine dissolute persons to raise a sodaine sedition in the Citie The whole Senate in manner fauoured the old father The animated seditious people followed the foolish young man and the sundrie affections of either party preuailed so farre as the Citizens were like to haue assailed one another in the middest of the Citie Candianos authoritie appeased those tumultuous parties readie to fight and on a sodaine by the peoples commandement the greatest number of whom were actors in this conspiracie the sonne was deposed and banished And at the same instant the Clergie and the chiefe of the Citie sware iointly neuer to suffer neither in the fathers life time nor afterward that seditious person Pietro Candiano to be restored againe to his place from the which he had iustly bin deposed Some say that he was by the people committed to prison and condemned to dye but at his fathers request they saued his life and banished him In his exile he went to Rauenna to Guido sonne to Berengarius some say Albert for Guido and obtained meanes at Berengarius pursute to make warre on the Venetians whose enemie hee had beene proclaimed Some thincke that Guido furnished him with six Gallies to this purpose For no one particular man had been able to enterprise so great a matter in a deiected fortune like his This rash young man did in short time take certaine Venetian shippes not farre from Rauenna wherewith the old Dukâ—… was so grieued as within fewe daies after he departed out of this life after he had gouerned seauen yeares or as some say eleauen ¶ PIETRO CANDIANO the fourth the 22. Duke of Uenice THe Citie being busied about the election of a new Duke the peoples affections being euer inconstant the whole multitude possessed with a wonderfull desire to see this absent yong man did on a sodaine by a publike decree repeale Candiano from bannishment and contrarie to the oath made aswell by the Clergie as the Principall Citizens installed him in his dead Fathers place But soon after the Citie and Pietro himselfe receiued the punishmeÌ„t of their rashnesse The one for contemning her oath endured a tirannicall gouernment with a publike losse by meanes of fier And the other for iniuring his Father and his Countrie It is reported that the more to honor him they sent three hundred barkes to Rauenna to accompanie him home For it were a madnesse to thinke that they were so manie shippes as some do write Now in this Princes daies Pietro Marturio Bishop of Oliuollo did with a sumptuous preparation builde the Church of the Augustines Ambassadours likewise at the same time were sent to Rome to Pope Leo and to the emperour Otho to entreat them that the Church of Grada might be declared by the generall Councell then held at Rome Metropolitane of the Venetians dominions and of Histria The which they did not onely obtaine but brought home other priuiledges graunted to the Venetians The Duke in the meane time did repudiate Ioane his wife because as he said she was old He had a sonne by her named Vitalis who taking holie orders vpon him was by his Father disinherited vnder colour of entring into Religion But it occasioned his future good for he became afterwards Bishop of Grada Now his wife being put away and sent to Saint Zacharies Nunnerie he married Vualderta daughter to Guido with whom he receiued for her dowrie great inheritances manie slaues and other riches By meanes whereof being puft vp with his great wealth and new alliance he vomited out his bad 〈◊〉 which till then hee had hidden and gaue himselfe to all manner of vices beginning openly to practize tirannie in sted of a iust gouernment He became proude and full of menaces He had rather be feared than loued of the people He did moreouer leuie a mightie Armie
Cipriots fauouring the Venetians certaine Genoueses were slaine and diuers hurt and the residue were driuen shamefully from the banquet The Genoueses being moued with this iniurie did forthwith depart forth of the Island with all their wealth Then returning within a while with a nauall Arrnie they did on a sodaine assaile the Citie of Famagosta and tooke it The Authors whom we haue read doe not plainely tell whether they took it by force or treacherie They slew diuers in detestation of the death of the late King and among others the Kings brother spoiled all their goods The King and his mother for feare of the Genoueses escaped in this tumult forth of the Citie In this manner did the richest marchant Citie of the Kingdome of Cyprus fall into the Genoueses hands The young kings mother was suspected to haue deliuered the Citie vnto them to reuenge her husbands death and that which maketh me to beleeue it is the death of those who slue him and the spoyling of their goods as also because the Genoueses attempted nothing against her nor her sonne Now whilest the Genoueses held Famagosta Visconte had in the meane time betrothed his daughter to the yong king and being desirous to send her to Cyprus he dealt with the Venetians to arme sixe gallies with which his daughter might passe safely into the Island and that he on the other side would leuie eight thousand horse and a great number of footmen at his owne cost to ouerrunne and spoile whatsoeuer belonged to the Genoueses The Ladie being brought to Venice was lodged in the Pallace of the Cornari Then departing from Venice with sixe Venetian gallies and â—…iue which the king of Cyprus had sent she safely arriued in the Island The king lay at the same time at Ceraunia called at this day Cernia where after he had with great magnificence receiued his wife he dealt with the Venetians for a great weight of gold which he promised them that they would with the fiue gallies which he had in pay assaile the hauen of Famagosta the which being taken they gaue an assault to the Citie on the same side whilest he with the greatest forces he could leuie should scale the walles on the other side The Captaines of the gallies were 〈◊〉 Miani Francisco Bocoli Pietro Quirini Francisco Foscolli Grouanni Barba Francisco Mocenigo who had each of them a-part armed one seuerall galley at their owne charge These being moued as well by the kings offer as for their generall hatred which they did beare to the Genoueses with the fiue gallies which as we haue said were sent from the king to Venice beginning to fight at the entrie of the haueÌ„ were at the first repulsed by the Genoueses wherupon they retired to Sea til their souldiers marriners were refreshed The Genoueses had placed three ships of burthen at the mouth of the hauen to hinder the enemies approach The Venetian returning againe with his mercenaries to assaile the Genoueses came not as at the former time to assaile the hauens mouth but the sides and emptied so much earth and grauellâ—…s he made at last a passage for his gallies to enter which comming into the hauen the ships of burthen were forthwith taken by the Venetians with those which defended them Diuers gallies with other vessels which lay there at an Anker were likewise taken The Hauen being thus seised on the Venetians gaue a so daine assault to the Citie hauing set vp skaling ladders in sundrie places diuers hoping to enter did in the midst of the enemies cries arrowes mount to the top of the wall The Genoueses whose numbers were great in the Citie making a furious sally on the assailants did first with great slaughter beate them from the wall and then from the Hauen Diuers doe thinke that the same Citie had beene taken that day if the Cyprioâ—…s had assailed it as couragiously on the other side as did the Venetians The Venetians Histories affirme this for true Some of the authors say that it was not Pietro but Bugon of Lusignam which was father to Petrino and that he was not slaine by his owne subiects but that it was one called Pietro brother to the young king Besides that the Genoueses were not iniuried by the Venetians but that by the kings commaundement some of them were throwne forth of the chamber windowes where the feast was kept and other some slaine in the Citie and ouer the whole Island so that none were left aliue to carrie the newes to Genoa That the Genoueses comming into the Island with a great nauall Armie conducted by Pietro Fregosa did take the Citie of Nicosia by assault with the King and Queene and after they had put all the Island almost to fire and sword brought away the King and Queene to Genoa who being afterward set at libertie did in vaine with the Venetian forces come and besiege the Citie of Famagosta which he had voluntarily giuen to the Genoueses with the residue of the Island But howsoeuer it happened the matter falling out vnfortunately as hath been said the Venetian gallies departing thence failed into Syria who besides the other harmes which they did to the Genoueses they tooke from them a Barze named Spinereggio laden with most rich merchandize and returning on a sodaine towards the Adriaticke Gulph did ioyne themselues neere to Zara with the nauall Armie which was conducted by Pisani Whilest these things were done in Cyprus and Syria Victor Pisani with eighteene gallies tooke the Citie of Catharra by force which belonged to Lewis king of Hungarie At their arriuall they summoned the inhabitants who made a verie proude answere adding diuers reprochfull speeches which did greatly offend the Venetians Pisani in regard thereof being enflamed with choller landing his troupes did come and assailed the Citie The souldiers and marriners did at the first with such violence winne the defences and afterwards the walles as in a moment they made themselues masters of the Citie which being taken and spoiled those which were in the fort being daunted with the sodaine losse of their fellowes did forthwith yeeld The bootie did inrich the souldiers and marriners The Generall did speedily aduertize the Senate of the victorie by a galley which he sent away of purpose Pisani his Armie being increased which was alreadie of twentie fiue gallies vpon report that the Genoueses gallies were comming into Dalmatia and that they were alreadie departed from Genoa for that purpose and had commission after they should haue shut in the hauen of Zara to molest the Venetians not onely at Sea but along the neighbour shoares resolued to meete the enemie at his comming farre from the Citie The Venetian at last ouertooke the Genoueses neere to Tarentum for hauing passed beyond Naples he vnderstood that the enemies Armie a little before had sailed towards Calabria whereupon hauing coasted all the shores he did not misse of the enemies
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
that they would not else haue done so had not the enemies come vpon them But wee will heereafter set downe what wee thinke thereof For from thence in a manner proceeded all the diuersitie in opinions about the originall of the Cittie so as some affirme it to bee built at one time some at an other Diuers doe truely affirme that the yeare of our Saluation 421 it receiued her first foundations at the same time when as at the report of the Huns arriuall all Italy began to be afraid For then or certainly a little before Attila hauing passed the riuer of Danubie ouerthrew in battaile Macrin the Gouernor of Hungarie and Macedonia wherewith beeing puft vp with pride he promised to himselfe the entire conquest of the Westerne Empire Others reiect this opinion as erronious and dare affirme that this Cittie was first of all built about the time that Aquileia and all the Venetian territorie was destroied which hapned as it is very credible certaine yeares after But nothing hinders vs from beleeuing that at the first motions of this warre all the noblest and richest persons accompanied with troopes of houshold seruants began the flight that by their meanes they began to build in those places first possessed and that afterward in tract of time so soone as the enemie was entred Italy they ranne from all parts in great numbers to those Islands whereby of necessity these places were heere and there inhabited that from thence the diuers opinions of the originall of Venice did proceed But to auoid all confusion wee will willingly follow their opinion which beleeue that the Cittie of Venice was builded before the destruction of Aquileia the which wee will declare in order how it hapned The originall of the Cittie of Venice as wee haue learned by reading those authors who haue most faithfully written thereof hapned almost in this manner As the feare of the Hunnes war had already possessed the people of Italy and that the Venetians as the foremost in the danger were also by meanes thereof greatly mooued for all men beleeued that the Hunnes would come into Italy their more than barbarous cruelty towards the Christians was the cause why the ancient Venetians which dwelt in those pleasant places neere to the Adriaticke Sea some of them in their flight seized on the Islands of the Sea next at hand and others consequently on the rest And those who began the flight were honorable persons full of pietie and Religion I cannot warrant ought of other places But it is certaine that from two most excellent Citties of the Venetians Countrey Padua and Aquileia there ran thither from the beginning great multitudes so as in this tumult diuers of Aquileia with their children and richest moueables retired themselues to Grada diuers of the cheefe of Padua did likewise resorte to Rialto Those places whereon at this day the Cittie of Venice is seated were in times past very strait and narrow Islands and neere to one another seperated by the pleasant current of riuers which run turning into the Sea according to the change of her ebbing and flowing There was nothing to be seene in these strait places but Sea-fowle which came thither from the Sea to seeke shelter sometime likewise fishermen but very seldome came thither to rest themselues Now those of Padua which came to the Rialto this place is now almost in the middest of the Citty were the first which began to build and in that place were the first foundations of the new City laid How religiously the same was done may bee coniectured because by how much any one did affect true godlinesse and religion by so much more for feare of the Hunnes whom he knew to hate the Christians and to pursue them with more then a barbarous cruelty he made himselfe head of those who by flight sought a place of safety fortifying it the better to preserue themselues After then they had giuen thankes to Almighty God and performed the vowes worthy their piety and such as was conuenient for such businesse they began in an happie place to raise the happie wals Diuers dare affirme that they began to build in the same place where at this day the golden Church of Saint Marke doth stand All authors doe agree together that the Citie receiued her first foundation on the 〈◊〉 and twentieth of March. If we will curiously obserue certaine exquisite workes of nature which are reported to haue beene done on such a day it will not bee impertinent to say that nothing could on that day be vndertaken which was not admirable great perpetuall and surmounting all humane heigth and excellency The holy Scriptures doe witnesse vnto vs that on such a day the Almighty created our first Father that the Sonne of God a long time after was conceiued in the womb of the most sacred Virgin The greatnesse of this mysterie is thought to surpasse mans vnderstanding whereby it is hard not only to declare it by speech which can not be done but to conceiue it in minde But as we doe religiously beleeue it wee doe likewise wisely and constantly confesse the diuinity to bee ioyned to the humanity and the Eternall incomprehensible holy to be mingled with the corruptible and measurable And we must not meruaile wherefore this great God did do it because it behooued it so to be nor if it were possible to be done in regard it was his pleasure for he can do whatsoeuer pleaseth him But it may be that some will scoffe heereat as at a vaine and ridiculous obseruation and will count it folly to make a differenee of daies Let them thinke what they please I thinke it auaileth very much when we begin any thing to choose such a day wherein nature hath once or twice wrought excellently Now albeit that for the peopling of this new Citie all the most experienced marriners were called thither from all parts with promise of great reward to such as could build all manner of Ships it is neuerthelesse reported that they neuer receiued any man of seruile condition nor a murtherer or of wicked life whereby it appeares that those good founders of this Cittie would not haue hir birth defiled by the accesse of such commers The which some founders of other very renowned Citties tooke no care of but haue freely called the most lewd persons and haue receiued them into their Cittie with all freedome and immunity But those men sought nothing but how to people them whereas these had regard to the sincerity of their manners aud to their ancient Nobility This new Citie did daily encrease both in people and buildings When as fire kindled on a suddaine in a Carpenters house did in a moment consume with continuall burning foure and twenty houses and because the matter which maintained this fire was without order scattered heere and there and that there was no likelihood to quench it by humane strength all the
Cittie betooke themselues to praiers and so soone as they had made a vow to build a Church to the honor of Saint Iames the Towne was preserued from that danger This Church is at this day to be seene standing in the middest of the Rialto with signes of great antiquity It is to be supposed that these first buildings whereof we speake were very weake and slender as those which the multitude of the people had rather erected in forme of houses then for any shew at all Seeing that diuers had builded houses of moorish substance to serue onely their present neede beeing resolued to returne into the firme Land if the Hunnes had not entred into Italie As also because that Attila made no hast to come for certaine yeares diuers did returne to their ancient dwellings For after the first report of this great warre Subthor brother to Mandluch who was chiefe of the enterprise marched into Germany where he afterward dying Attila who with his brother did succeede him after he had a long time runne ouer France fought a bloudy battaile in the plaines of Tholouse with Aetius the Roman and Theodoric king of the Gothes and going thence halfe vanquished hee went into Hungary where after he had stayed fiue yeares to renew his Army he determined to enter Italy by force And in the meane time that iourney was not short nor without great trauaile for in the same hee subdued a part of Illiria Dalmatia and Histria so as it is supposed that foure and twentie yeares were expired from the first alarmes of the Hunnes and their passage ouer Danubie vntill the totall ruine of Aquileia This new Citie in the meane time began to encrease neere to the Rialto but not very much yet neuerthelesse such as it then was it is certaine that it was gouerned by Consuls as shall be declared in his place But so soone as Attila began with his Armes to molest Italie then did men of all sortes and conditions runne in heapes from all places to the Islands which were neerest them with their wiues children and houshold Euery one beeing enforced by necessity began to build new houses and by continuall labour to ioyne one streete to another so as a man would say that they builded as many new Citties as there were Islands and Streets For they seemed in a small circuit to build sundrie Cities although both in name and effect it was but one And this is the most common and frequent opinion of the originall of Venice approued by diuers moderne writers who affirme this to haue beene after the totall destruction of Aquileia But diuers other doe thinke the first foundation of the Rialto to be the true originall and beginning of the Citie seeing that the buildings since then ought rather to be called encreasements as made not only during the troubles with the Hunnes but by little and little during the tumults of the Gothes and Lombards And although they came at sundry times into those Islands as hath beene said Yet notwithstanding because it hapned in the time that the Hunnes were there that they ranne thither in greater number then before by reason that their Countrey beeing taken and burnt all hope of returne was lost the common opinion was that the originall of Venice was after the destruction of Aquileia albeit that it ought rather to be called an increase than an originall But we haue sufficiently spoken of the foundation of the Citie Let vs now come to discourse to take away all doubts from whence these new Venetians are descended I will briefly shew vnto whom their true originall is to be referred I doe certainly know that if the question be demanded diuers yea almost all men will say that they are issued from the Paphlagonian Henetians which came with Antenor by reason of the name but if we search out the matter from farre we shall vndoubtedly finde that they least of all came from thence Antenor was a Troian so were the Paduans and all those which followed him who werein greater number then the Henetians who beeing arriued in Italy did suffer themselues neuerthelesse to be called Henetians not that they were either in number ordignity inferior to them but only because they thought it more honorable to haue the kingly authority to remaine to Antenor and afterwards vnto his than the title only esteeming much more the thing it selfe then the simple shadow of the name Those which with Aeneas came into Latium did the like who being victors did easily endure to be called by the names of those whom they had conquered Those of Aquileia were afterwards a Colonie of the Latins and Concordia of the Romans These beeing mingled with the ancient Venetians did possesse Grada and Caorli at what time as the Huns arriued they changed their dwellings It is certaine that in processe of time the inhabitants of these two places went to dwel in the Citie that now is This beeing so wee may much more truely say that the Venetians are descended from the Troians from the Latins and from the Romans rather then from Paphlagonia or from the Galles This is it which we haue gathered together the most succinctly that we could both of their antiquity and true extraction I will now set downe what the state of this new Citie was in the beginning what were hir conditions hir frugality and Religion after that I haue called to remembrance that there are some Historians who referre the originall of the Citie to the yeare of our Saluation foure hundred fifty sixe among whom is Blondus the Historian who hath also followed the opinion of those who did thinke the City to be builded after the taking of Aquileia But we may easily perceiue how much they deceiue themselues because that in the yeare of our Saluation foure hundred fifty sixe Aquileia as some thinke was besieged by Attila and they say that the siege lasted no more then three yeares But grant that it lasted longer there is no man so ignorant in humane matters but may perceiue that they began to flie out of Aquileia vpon the report of the Barbarians arriuall and not after that all was lost seeing that the same flight would haue smally profited them and would haue beene to no purpose at all It is then most certaine that some yeares before the losse of Aquilea they began the second time to build in the Islands I will not deny but that the Citie did receiue some beginning in the first troubles of the Goths who were a little before the Hunnes at such time as the Venetian State as hath been said was shaken But we will euer hold that Originall of it to be most true which hapned the yeare of our Saluation foure hundred twenty one Now what the ancient State and condition of this City was may be knowne by many euident proofes but principally by that that the first founders thereof were very honest people noble and rich For those
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
deluge of waters on a sodaine as the Riuer Adice which runnes through the Citie of Verona being miraculously swelled did almost couer the highest toppe of S. Zenos Church which stands neere to the Riuer in the Citie Where it was obserued for a miracle that albeit the windowes thereof were open yet this violent floud did not enter into the Churche respecting as it were that sacred place Helie caused a Church to bee built in the honour of the glorious Virgin called at this day Barbana Then certaine yeares after Padua being taken and spoiled by the Lombards the Citie which daily encreased was verie much augmented They gaue the fugitiues that parte of the Citie to dwell in which is called Embragola betwixt the common Ouens and the Arcenall It is reported that they built two Churches which at this day are to be seene at that place the one neere to the other to S. Iohn Baptist the one and the other to S. Martin And because the Venetians should haue no time to rest Fortunatus of Aquileia strengthned with the Lombards forces came and stole away all the treasure and ornaments of the Church of Grada which at that time was the Metropolitane To the which being by this losse destitute of a Pastor Pope Honorius at the request of the Emperour Heraclius appointed first fruits and gaue it afterwards great store of golde and siluer to buy vessels and ornaments for diuine seruice with the Shrine of St. Marie brought from Alexandria This Pope being tolde in a dreame that the bodies of St. Hermagoras and Fortunatus wete buried in a little field belonging to Alexandra of Aquileia a verie deuout woman hee transported them to Grada and did shut them vp there verie religiously in a secret place Almost the same time the Citie of Vderzza was destroyed by Lotharius King of the Lombards Those who fled from thence came with their Bishop called Magnus a man of an holie life and rested in the territorie of the Iesulans where they built a Citie which they called Heraclea in honour of Prince Heraclius but the Moderns haue called it Villanoua It is at this day almost ruined to the ground There are to be seene certaine signes of a verie ancient Church which those first founders of Heraclea doe say was dedicated to Saint Peter At the same time also Paul Bishop of Altina fearing the Armies of the Lombards and amazed by the spoile of his neighbours came with his Reliques and Iewels being accompanied with a great multitude of people to Tourcelles The Episcopall See of Padua likewise was by the authoritie of Pope Seuerine translated to Malamoc Diuers Churches were built neere to Tourcelles by the inhabitants thereof who were very deuout people the which Burrough some write was called by the inhabitants Constantiaca by the name of Constantius sonne to Heraclius who going to Rome landed there But the Citie of Heraclea in the meane time being greatly encreased by the concourse of so many people as the place was not sufficient to contain them the Shepheards flying from the incursions of the Barbarians did driue away a great heard of oxen mares euen to those shoares who not being able to dwell in Heraclea they did neere thereunto fortifie a place for themselues which they named Equiline of the thinge it selfe as Bonitendius saith I know that some thinke Equiline to be the same which is now called Iesulune but the Authors whom wee follow make diuers mention of them both as of two sundrie Cities This is that we can learne concerning the ancient Venetians their originall and encrease of the Citie which we haue collected with great labour and trauaile I will now set downe how they created the first Duke For although this manner of gouernment haue beene at times interupted yet notwithstanding it is maintained euen till now as good and holesome for the Common-wealth The Tribunes of the Islands abusing their office had so troubled the State by ciuill dissension as there was some likelyhood that the bodie of this new Citie would be soone dissolued vnlesse a remedie were applied Luitprand who with title of Duke commaunded the Prouince of the Carnons called now those of Forli perceiuing this discorde and supposing as it came to passe that this Venetian State might through ciuill diuision be easily ouerthrowne the encrease whereof he thought would bee ouer-dangerous for him and his neighbours did resolue to assaile them I knowe not vpon what ground It is certaine that at the same time the Lombards did verie much trouble their Countrie where at the Ilanders grew angrie hauing found out the cause which was their owne dissension for which their neighbours contemned them wherby it would vndoubtedly soon come to passe without speedy remedy that the Common-wealth would receaue a notable losse by this enemie who did daily seeke occasion to disquiet the peace of this new Citie All men thus complaining the generall assemblie of all the Islands was published at Heraclea Christopher Bishop of Grada held the cheife place there being accompanied with great numbers of the Clergie and there after the celebration of diuine seruice at the first proposition which was made concerning the Common-wealth euery man beganne to murmure and some said That there was no more hope to be had of the Venetian Common-wealth nor yet of their libertie which had beene purchased and maintained by their Ancestors with such generositie vnlesse the furie of the Tribunes might haue an end That their selfe-same Ancestors had in times past for the sweetnesse of libertie abandoned their most pleasant Countrie their houses and all other matters which men commonly hold most deare and were come into barraine Islands where they found nothing that might inuite them to dwell there That if they could haue dispensed with their libertie they might haue remained in all safety in the Cities where they were first borne and brought vp and with this losse alone haue liued peaceably vnder the dominion of the Barbarians But being full of courage they supposed that they ought not to loose their libertie but with their liues Wherefore did diuers of those that were there present following the example of their Predecessors come into those places the precedent yeares but onely to liue at libertie To what purpose then was their designes what profit by their sodaine dislodging why had they so many buildings Churches and so many publicke and priuate houses why did they leaue the firme land to eschewe bondage and yet meete it in the middest of the waters by the insolencie of a fevve Whether it was likely that this barbarous enemie would take any rest till he had found some meanes to ruinate this new dvvelling place of Libertie Seeing that Tyrants hate nothing so much as that name That vndoubtedly it vvas his wishe that all his desire vvas to see the Venetian State ouerthrovvne by ciuill discorde â—…hich he could not by any other
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
ruines of this ancient one are to be seene in the middest of the Sea Whereby may be coniectured how much ground the Sea hath deuoured since that time I dare moreouer affirme that that place was in the beginning called Medoac and since by the Modernes named Malamoc by corruption of the language like vnto diuers others The Albiolans amazed at the Dukes flight and those of Malamoc fell forthwith to composition the like did those few people which remained in Malamoc These being receiued by composition so soone as the victorious French man came to the Port of Albiola which at this day is right ouer against new Malamoc and had perceiued for he did see nothing but Sea on the one side and lakes on the other that he must either change his purpose or his manner of warre it is said that he sate a certaine time verie melancholie vpon the shoare with his face turned towards the enemie as though hee were deuising some meanes to giue end to that warre and that at last through the counsell of an old woman which is not credible he made a bridge ouer the water for his soldiers passage ouer to Rialto But concerning the counsell of a simple olde woman it is wholly ridiculous as if an old doting Crone had knowne better what did belong to a deed of so great importance than so manie thousands of men which followed the French seeing that diuers Italians most expert in marine matters and capable of greater things were then with him But admit that all those which were with him were ignorant of that meanes those of Malamoc which were taken prisoners could easily haue executed such an enterprise For it is not credible though some say it that there were none in that place which was in time past so populous but one poore old woman There be that haue likewise affirmed that they laboured first to ouercome them by famine but that the besieged hauing with certaine warre-like engins throwne loaues of bread into the enemies camp the hautie French impatient of more delay did foâ—…thwith ioine and make fast together diuers hogsheads or tuns head to head and couering them with boards made a verie long bridge Whereupon the Venetians perceiuing it did behooue them to fight for their libertie their Churches and for their owne liues and their childrens and for want of so doing to vndergoe the yoke of the proud enemie resolued to fight couragiously intending either to die fighting or to preserue their libertie to hazard their last fortune by that maner of fight wherein they were most exercised Hauing then imbarked themselues in small light boats apt for fight and saile the winde and tide seruing them after they had tarried for the ebbe they came furiously vpon the enemie who alreadie approched There began on a sodaine a bloudie battaile betwixt them sustained neuerthelesse by verie different courages For the French fought incited with a desire to spoile and to maintaine their former honour But the Venetians for their wiues and children for their publike and particular wealth and for their libertie which they held deerer then all the rest And because the bridge was weakely built and continually shaken by the waues of the sea the enemie being accustomed to firme footing began forthwith to stagger The Venetians on the contrarie trusting to the lightnesse of their vessels couragiously assailed them behinde and in flanke The bridge at the last being broken by force which some thinke hapned by the violence of a tempest which arose at the beginning of the fight there was in a moment a great slaughter of the french the sword on the one side and the Sea on the other presenting death vnto them The multitude of such as were then slaine and drowned gaue the first ground why that place by the which men turne from Malamoc to the Rialto was for that notable victorie called afterward Orphano We haue heard how the Venetians fought with good successe against Pepin the sonne of Charles We may then vpon a iust ground in some things compare the Venetians Common-wealth with that of the Romans as we will often hereafter doe For diuers things are to be found as well in the prosperitie as aduersitie of both the Common-wealths much like the one to the other It is certaine that the prosperous beginnings and encrease of both these people were wholly almost extinct by the Barbarians albeit the Venetians Common-welth was in some sort more new in the time of her first troubles than was that of the Romans in the time of the Senonians warre Yet notwithstanding each of them had the French for their enemies The Romans were assailed by the Senonians a Nation altogether vnknown before the taking of the Citie These by the Belgians no lesse couragious but more mightie then the Senonians because they were besides the forces of the Empire aided by the succors of Italie The Roman state had incensed the enemie because one of her Ambassadours had contrarie to the law of Nations iniured a Frenchman The Venetian because in contempt of the agreement made betwixt Charles and Nicephorus it had fauoured one of the parties The Senonians were masters of all sauing the Capitol The Belgians left the Venetians nothing but Rialto And both the one and other deceiued the enemie by casting loaues of bread These men defended the Sea bankes and the other a little hill Each of them haue valiantly repulsed the French puffed vp with the pride of his victories and happie successe But the first did it voluntarily and this by constraint But the Roman therein deserued high glorie in that all her enemies were slaine And the Venetians in that they defeated so mightie a king assisted aswell with his owne forces as with those of his Father and the Empire The preseruing of the Capitoll was cause of the encrease of the Citie and of the perpetuall establishment of the Empire That of Rialto gaue not only occasion of the Cities encrease but of establishing the Princes residence in a more eminent and magnificent place than either Heraclea or Malamoc Thus farre extended the Cities infancie Now followes her youth during which the Venetians after they had confirmed their forces did mightily enlarge the limits of their estate But we will returne to Pepin who amazed as they say at such a losse did forthwith raise the siege And after the French had spoyled all the places they went through he brought backe his Armie Some say that Obellerio and his brother being authors of so many mischiefes did willingly banish themselues and followed the enemie Others who make the Emperour Charles the authour of this warre and not Pepin doe affirme that the French after this losse made peace with the Venetian and came to Rialto where being honourably entertained he intreated the people to receiue Obellerio into the Countrie which the Venetians hauing vnwillingly graunted as the euent witnessed so soone as Charles was gone Obellerio
built likewise at the same time two Churches in the Islands in those daies called the Twinnes one to Saint Seuerus and the other to Saint Laurence Not long after his sonne Vrsus made a Monasterie of Nunnes of Saint Laurence his Church I finde in some Authors that he did likewise builde to the honour of the Prince of the Apostles the Church of Oliuollo which stands in that part of the towne which at this day is called the Castle and that at the dedication thereof the relicks of Saint Sergius and Bacchus were brought thither About the same time likewise diuers of the chiefest of the Citie conspired against these Princes Giouanni Talonico and Bono Bragadino chiefe of the conspiracie were put death Monetario one of the complices of this bad designe saued himselfe by flight but all his goods were confiscate Some Authors doe likewise affirme that vnder this Princes gouernment Vlric Bishop of Aquileia accompained with certaine of the chiefe of Friuli were vanquished by the Venetians in a fight at Sea This Vlric was a little before condemned for an Hereticke by Pope Alexander This man for despight that the Church of Grada was preferred before his of Aquileia being assisted by troopes of the Forlani came on a sodaine and assailed the Bishop of the Island The Venetians Fleete came as sodainely to his reskew who hauing drawne the enemie to fight did easily breake and defeate him and tooke Vlric with diuers other Gentlemen prisoners Then the victorious Venetian pursuing this scattered troope euen to the firme Land did put all the Sea-coast of the Forlani called at this day the Friuli to fire and sword and destroyed likewise certaine towns by their sodaine incursions Diuers that escaped from the battaile not knowing the waies after they had strayed a long time through the marishes of Caorli fell at last into the hands of the victors The Venetians to purchase the name of meeke and gentle did set Vlric and all the rest of the prisoners at libertie on condition that they should send yearely to Venice on the same day that the victorie was obtained twelue wild Boares with as many loaues of one size which with a Bull should be killed before the generall assemblie And they should beside ouerthrow with their Pikes Castles of wood All this is yet at this day obserued with great preparation as yearly sports in the market place on the sameday as the battell was fought This is that which hapned as well at home as abroad during the gouernment of Angelo Partitiatio who after that he had transported the Ducall state to Rialto did there beginne his gouernment with better augurie than did in times past Paulutio at Heraclea or Theodato since that at Malamoc For since the limits of the State were mightily enlarged the whole honour and maiestie of the Common-wealth hath there remained as in a settled and sure place ¶ IVSTINIANO the 11. Duke of Uenice IVstiniano after his fathers death gouerned the Commonwealth alone Soone after he persuaded the State to send to Michael the Easterne Emperour for the perpetuall conseruation of their friendship with the Grecian Empire certaine armed shippes to aide him against the Saracens who at that time did ouer-runne most of the Islands of Europe and chiefly Sicilie but not meeting the enemie they soone returned to the Citie And because we haue spoken of the Saracens it shall not be impertinent to saie somewhat of the originall of the name For it was then verie new and brought in according to the opinion of some in the daies of Mahomet who in his detestable Sermons whereby he hath almost diuerted the whole East from the true light folding them vp in such darkenesse as they could neuer since free themselues off was wont to call all those Sarracens by the name of Sara Abrahams lawfull wife who had embraced his sect as if those which followed his Doctrine had beene by a Diuine oracle the onely lawfull successors and heires of the Diuine promise I will not likewise denie but that this name may be deriued from Sarraca a Citie in Arabia Foelix But all Historians doe in a manner hold the first opinion for true This Nation hath made manie and diuers Roades into Affricke and Europe and manie likewise into Asia but they haue beene ouerthrowne and defeated as well by the French Armies as by those of the Venetians Let vs now returne to the Venetians affaires which of themselues succeeding happily in those daies did afterwards receiue a great encrease by the bodie of St. Marke brought to them from Alexandria after this manner The king of that Countrie caused a magnificent Palace to be built and for the erecting thereof had commaunded to take all the faire and rarest stones from the ancient Churches and other buildings as wel publike as priuate and S. Markes Church in Alexandria being built of the same matter it was thought that it would not bee spared the which Stauracius the Monke and Theodore the Preist both Grecians fearing who did not only celebrate Diuine Seruice there but as Sextens did heedfully keepe that sacred place were in great care But it luckily came to passe that Bono of Malamoc and Rustico of Tourcelles arriued there being driuen by tempest into that place contrarie to the publike appointment with ten ships These men comming for deuotion sake into the said Church and perceiuing the sorrowfulnesse of those two enquired the occasion of their sadnesse and vnderstanding that it proceeded from feare least the Church should bee destroied they assaied to winne them by many goodly promises assuring them that if they wold deliuer vnto them the body of S. Marke that both of them should be greatly honoured of the Venetians At the first they reiected this demaund as holding it a sacrilegious matter to remoue the holy bodie out of his place But it came to passe by the diuine prouidēce that whilst they were talking about the matter some of those who had cōmission from the king to seeke such stones came into the Church caused diuers stones which were fit for the building of the new-begun Pallace to be taken thence greatly therby disfiguring the Church These two Sextens being incensed hereat and vehemently vrged by the Venetians to cōdiscend to their request seeing some likelihood of the Churches ruine did consent to their demand But to the end that the Towns-men who were much addicted to the name of the Saint to the holy place in regard of the many miracles there wrought should not on a sodaine perceiue any thing they did vnrip the cloth behind wherein the holy body was wrapped not medling with the seales which were on the forepart therof did put the bodie of S. Claudina into the sheet in stead of that which they had taken awaie It is reported that at the same time there came such a pleasant sweete smell forth of the Church as euerie one ranne to taste it And the matter
vp new troubles for his reentrie into the gouernment Partitiatio did forthwith arme a mightie Fleet and went to meete him before he had time to attempt any thing and at his first arriuall surprised him In the meane time diuers of Malamoc incited by their ancient loue towards Obellerio who being of their Citie had beene their Prince did flie forth of the Towne Giouanni being heereat moued did sodainely breake vp his campe and being with his armie returned to Venice came in hatred of those which were fled tooke Malamoc and burnt it Then hauing taken new forces he returned with all speed to Veggia which being taken he caused Obellerio his head to be stricken of Not long after diuers of the Nobilitie conspired against him by the meanes of Carrosio son to Bonico and being driuen thence by reason of this sodaine conspiracie he fled into France Carrosio in the meane time without the consent of the people seized on the Dukes Palace Against him thus brought in by himselfe into the gouernment arose a companie of the chiefe Citizens whose names were Basilio Trasimondo Giouanni Marturio and Dominico Orcianico These men were followed by thirtie other gentlemen who from the beginning did mislike of Duke Giouanni his bannishment They assailed Carrosio tooke him put out his eies and afterward bannished him They slue moreouer Theodato Cyâ—…ri Marini Patritio Dominico Monetario with diuers others of Carrosio's faction The gouernment of the Common-wealth was in the meane time committed to Vrsus Bishop of Oliuollo Basilio Trasimondo and Giouanni Maturio vntill Giouanni were returned out of France who being come home they willingly restored it vnto him This man hauing in proces of time much to doe to appease many secret hatreds against those of the familie of Mastalici being at that time one of the chiefest of Venice was on a day surprised by the contrarie faction neere to S. Peters Church whither he went to heare Diuine Seruice and being despoiled of the ornaments of soueraigne dignitie so soone as they had cut the haire of his beard and head they confined him to Grada in the 8. yeare of his gouernment where entring into holie orders he died soone after ¶ PIERO TRADONICO the 13. Duke of Uenice PIero Tradonico was chosen in his place He was borne at Pola and being driuen out of Equiline in the time of the French-mens warres came to Rialto Pola is an ancient Citie in the confines of Italie and built as Callimachus saith in a gulph of the Sea in forme of an Hauen by the Colchians sent to pursue Medaea Tradonico tooke his sonne Giouanni for Colleague He caused a Church to be built in the honor of Saint Paul the Apostle of the Gentils as costlie as the Cities meanes in those daies would permit and in that place where it is at this daie to be seene with signes of great antiquitie It is said that he made some attempts on their enemies the Narentines but not with great successe Others saie that he sent his sonne against them at times who fought with the Sea-Pyrats with better fortune than his Father The Ambassadors of those of Verona came at the same time to Venice to craue helpe against the inhabitants of the Lake of Benac whom it was to bee thought they could not ouercome without forraine aide Some write that those of the Lake craued this aide The most curious Authors neuerthelesse doe affirme that it was those of Verona who hauing by the aduice of the Venetians furnished the Lake with shippes of warre did the more easily ouercome their enemies For which they did not only thank the Venetians but sent them rich and costly presents to Venice Others saie for there is nothing wherein the Authors doe not almost disagree that after that losse receiued on the Sea of Crotona whereof we will heereafter make mention the Venetians did succour the Veronois the which is scarce credible For there is no Nation how warlike soeuer but would haue beene daunted after so great an ouerthrow In this state stood the affaires of the Venetians beeing more prosperous within the Citie and the places neere to the firme Land than abroad when Theodosius of Constantinople Generall of the Sea-armie of Michael the Greeke Emperour against the Moores arriued at Venice where he laboured with Tradonico to haue the Venetians to send forth a mightie armie against the Barbarians which spoiled the coasts of Apulia They freely graunted his request in honour of the Emperour and they armed threescore Gallies against the Moores In regard whereof Theodosius intituled Tradâ—…nico Protos-pater of the Grecian Empire which dignitie was next to the Emperours Saba the Captaine of the Moores for it will not bee impertinent briefely to speake somewhat of the incursions of this Nation who are reported to be descended from Mauritania at his arriuall in Italie tooke the Sea-port in Tuscanie now called Ciuita Vecchia others terme it Centochiese by the name of a Towne neere thereunto which the Emperour Adrian did very sumptuously build as witnesseth Plinie in his Epistles I dare affirme these men to be the ancient Pirgues the which the name of their Citie doth seeme to shew which is called Vecchia and I would call it the Hauen of Pirgues were it not that hard by as yee goe to Ostia there is a place which the Inhabitants call Pyrgues at this day Now Saba hauing landed his men in that place and left a sufficient Garrison for the Guarde of his Ships marched with his Armie to Rome who after hee had first of all taken the Vatican and spoyled the most renowned Church of the world dedicated to the Prince of the Apostles did besiege the Citie But hauing intelligence of Guido's comming whom Pope Gregorie the fourth had called out of France for the Cities safetie he did on a sodaine dislodge thence and tooke his iourney betwixt Via Appia and Via Latina putting all the Suburbes to fire and sword not sparing the noble Church of S. Paul two miles distant from the Citie The Barbarian turned towards Via Latina and being come to the Forrest of Cassina he tooke by force the Citie which stood therein spoyling and ruinating it The new Citie which was since then builded there is at this day called Saint Germans There is also hard by the same place a very famous Monasterie renowned for the ancient Religion and wealth thereof This did the Barbarians likewise take and burnt the greatest part of it Marching from thence along the Riuer Liris called Garillano at this day they ranne to Sea ward like a storme falling from the Mountaines and driuen by the force of the winds into the neighbour plaines they put all places by which they passed to fire and sword and after they had stuft their Ships which they had sent for forth of Tuscanie with rich spoyles they departed into Mauritania It was not long ere they returned againe For being puffed vp with the
Grugnario one of the conspirators died miserably being possessed by wicked spirits to shew that the death of Tradonico did not only displease men but God And those who had seized on the Dukes Palace because it was not done without great commotion in the Citie some of them were bannished out of the limits of the Venetians and the most part of the rest were confined into the Isle of Pouegia This place is fiue mile distant from the Citie whither after they had carried their wiues and children they did in time so encrease as the Town which they built there was afterward greatly inhabited but such as it was the warres of the Genouezes did wholly ruinate it ¶ VRSO PARTITIATIO the 14. Duke of Venice THe Commonwealth being quieted by iudgment of these three men Vrso Partitiatio was declared Duke Vnder this man the Citie was abroad and at home prosperously gouerned At the beginning of his gouernment to the end that the Venetians might haue a firme peace they were of opinion to send hostages to the Barbarians Their Annalls affirme this but diuers Historians make no mention of hostages The Saracens soone after who came from Alexandria about eight and twentie yeares after Saba the Moores comming into Italie had possessed the Isle of Candie being come on a sodaine into Dalmatia after they had spoiled the Sea-coasts of Histria they came and besieged Grada Vrso did in such sort terrifie them by his sodaine arriuall as with great feare they withdrew their vessells and in an instant hoised saile and put to Sea Some Historians saie that Giouanni the Princes sonne a couragious yong man did beare himselfe verie valiantly in this action If it be so it will not be amisse to beleeue that the Barbarians were so farre from flying away vpon report of the comming of the Venetians fleet as that on the contrarie they were so hardie as to tarrie for them and to ioine battaile whereby it hapned that this yong man behauing himselfe brauely the same daie against the enemie was therefore by the people giuen for Colleague to his Father Bonitendius reports that Vrso did not only fight there fortunately against the Saracens but likewise at Tarentum That he did moreouer brauely assaile the Naâ—…entines with 30. ships of war for that they had contrarie to the agreement robbed and spoiled certaine townes of Histria But the Historians make no mention why he tooke Armes for the Histrians seeing they were not as yet vnder the Venetians Dominion It is likely that after they had ouerrunne the Histrians they entred vpon the Venetians frontiers Vrso in the meane space bare a secret grudge to Pietro Bishop of Grada till such time as he had confirmed Dominico Calloprini who had beene elected Bishop of Tourcelles the which he refused to do in regard they were enemies Now the state of the Commonwealth being peaceably gouerned abroade the Duke enacted That those who were called the Princes Squiers should inhabit that part of the Citie which at the beginning was called Dorsse-dura and should build houses there And in this sort that place began to bee habitable which before then was desert for feare of Sea-incursions This Princes good fortune was likewise the cause that the ancient strife betwixt the Venetians and the Forlani occasioned by a particular affection which each of them did beare to the churches of Aquileia Grada was wholly extinct vpon the promise which Vulpâ—…rtio of Aquileia made neuer more to molest the Church of Grada All these felicities were followed by an other nothing lesse For hauing fortunatly preuailed against the Saracens he was declared by the Ambassadors of the Emperor Basilius Prothos-pater of the Grecian Empire But because Basilius shold not ouercome him in bountie he sent twelue great Bells to Constantinople to him for a present and the Greekes by this meanes of the Venetians liberalitie began at that time to vse Bells ¶ GIOVANNI PARTITIATIO the 15. Duke of Uenice NOw Vrso after he had thus obtained whatsoeuer belonged to the adornment of mans life deceased in the seuenth yeare of his gouernment and by his death Giouanni his brother began to gouerne the Common-wealth Hee determined to send his brother Badoario to Pope Iohn that by his authoritie Commachia might be added to their State This is likely to haue beene plotted by the Venetians because this place stood on the ancient confines of Venice Marini Earle of Commachia being aduertised of their determination laide waite for the Venetian on the confines of Rauenna as he went towards Rome He hurt and tooke him and after hee had made him to promise to deale no more in that businesse hee sent him home But soone after his returne to Venice he died of his hurts The angrie Duke resoluing to reuenge his brothers death came with a mightie Armie to Commachia tooke it by force and vsed all hostile proceedings against those who had consented to his brothers death and after he had left a Garrison there he did spoyle and ouer runne the Territorie neere to Rauenna because they likewise had their hand in that enterprise Hee builded the Church of Saint Cyprian and Cornelius on the bankes of Malamoc which a while after in the dayes of Prince Vitalis Michaeli and by his meanes was conuerted into a Monasterie of Nunnes Then falling sicke hee left his brother Pietro by the peoples command for his successour but recouering his health contrarie to all mens expectation he tooke him for Colleague in the Gouernment who dying afterwards he associated Vrso his other brother who was elder then Pietro deceased Soone after being troubled with a dangerous disease which hindred him from intending the affaires of the Common-wealth Vrso hauing in the meane space voluntarily deposed himselfe after hee had permitted the people to elect a new Duke hee retired to his owne house as a priuate Citizen the sixth yeare of his Gouernement being not fully expired Some say that both the brethren deposed themselues because they perceiued the people to bee discontented with their Gouernement ¶ PIETRO CANDIANO the first the 16. Duke of Uenice GIouanni being deposed Pietro Candiano succeeded him vnto whom Giouanni being called into the Senate did freely surrender the titles of the Soueraigne Magistrate and withdrew himselfe to his own priuate house At the same time certaine galleis were sent against the Narentines ancient enemies to the Venetians who robbed all the neighbour Seas to preuent their incursions but they returned without doing any thing by reason they could no where meete with the enemie Not long after Prince Candiano went against the same enemies with twelue Galleis some saie but seuen and met them neere to the Promontorie of Dalmatia which the inhabitants cal Micolal The 〈◊〉 animated by their Duke did furiously assaile them The Liburnians did brauely receâ—…ie them They fought on both sides with more furie and courage than with forces The Venetians at the first had the better hauing sunke
he said nothing could bee more acceptable to the Venetians who from their youth are accustomed to the Sea than in such a place where their valour might be most apparent Moreouer that the enemies had neither the skill nor shippes fit for that purpose That their Ancestors had in the same places where they were now to fight vanquished in times past King Pepin followed with his owne forces and with those of the Emperour his father And that they onely fought for their libertie whereas now the danger of their liues did constraine them to defend themselues brauely Now in regard that if they were ouercome they were sure to die he could not thinke that there was anie Cittizen so base or recreant but would rather choose to dye valliantly with his sword in his hand then by yeelding to loose all he had and to haue his throte cut like a Sheepe by a barbarous and cruell enemie He said That the strength and magnanimitie of the Cittizens were such as they were not onely sufficient to rebate the edges of the Hunnes swords who threatned them but to free their Countrie likewise from so wearisome a siege Being animated by these or such like exhortations they became couragious For it were follie to imagine that a multitude of people being amazed with the feare of their enemies could be encouraged without some vehement Oration full of perswasiue speeches All men after that ran to arme themselues not onely to defend their libertie but likewise or rather to preserue the safetie of their liues The enemies in the meane space hasted towards Rialto The Venetians imbarqued in their wel-armed vessels and fit for the fight met with them neere to Albiola The fight at the beginning was verie cruell The attempts of the Hunnes were diuers who relying on their great numbers assailed them in sundrie places at once The Venetians euerie where opposing themselues against them did brauely resist their assaults They fought sundrie daies without any likely-hood of victorie to either side But at the last both partes ioyning their whole forces the Barbarians were broken and defeated and dispersing their troopes fledde farre from thence leauing to the Venetians a most famous victorie The enemies as some report beeing soone after wonne by the rewards of Berengarius departed out of Italie The Venetians grew famous by gaining this victorie neere to Albiola All men said that the Venetians had abated the furie of the Hunnes vnto whom Berengarius a valliant and mightie Prince by reason of the Empire of Italie had giuen place Hee did likewise greatly praise the absent Duke by whose meanes and vnder whom all was done It is to bee supposed that the Duke Tribuno did at that time fortifie the Citie with a wall and chaine and not for feare of the Pirates the which certaine Historians doe likewise affirme ¶ VRSO BADOAIRIO the 18. Duke of Venice NOw the Common wealth being thus happily gouerned at home and abroad the Duke Tribuno dyed the nineteenth yeare of his gouernment as some saie and according to others the three and twentieth Vrso Badoiario was chosen in his stead This man sent his sonne Pietrâ—… to Constantinople to the Greeke Emperour of whom being made Protospater he receaued diuers great and riche presents But this young man returning home to Venice was surprised by a meane Prince of the Dalmatians called Michael who spoiled him of his treasure and confined him into Misia from whence escaping he returned secretly to Venice Vrso would haue examined the bounds of the Chioggians but vnderstanding that Prince Pietro his predecessor had limited them he changed his purpose He is reported to haue bin a verie good religious Prince For the eleuenth yeare of his gouernment hee did willingly depose himselfe and went to the monasterie of Saint Felix d'Amiana where he spent the remainder of his dayes in the Monasticke life The ruines of this place are to be seene yet at this day the Church almost fallen downe as men goe from the Citie towards the Hauen of the Gruarij This Towne belongs to the Forlani and may be seene by those which saile on the left hand neere to the Tower called La Liamaiore ¶ PIETRO CANDIANO the 19. Duke of Uenice THe gouernment of Pietro Candiano or Sanuto for they report this surname to remaine euer after to the familie of the Candiani succeeded this voluntarie dismission This man was sonne to the same Pietro who was slaine in the Dalmatian warre Hee had a sonne of the same name who being sent by his father to Greece was by the Emperour created Prothospater Some Authors refer the rauishment of the Maidens to these times of whome albeit we haue sufficiently spoken in the first Booke yet because the Historians doe likewise varie herein it shall not be amisse here to saie somewhat of it The Histrians who were at the same time enemies to the Venetians did on a sodaine take away certaine Maides by force with their dowrie out of Saint Peters Church which stands in that part of the Citie called the Castell at such time as they celebrated their marriage Whereat the Citie being in an vp-roare the Duke after he had in hast gathered together certaine forces marched sodainly after them and ouertaking them in the marshes of Caorli as they were deuiding the spoile he did furiously assaile them and as some say did easily breake them Others affirme that they fought furiously on either side and that the battaile was verie bloudie but that at last the enemies were all slaine and their bodies flung into the Sea And that in remembrance of this victorie the yearely Games called of the married were ordained At a certaine day euerie yeare they carried twelue Virgins with great pompe round about the Citie But this order being brought in by deuotion was afterward changed into a meruailous abuse This custome continued till the warres with the Genowaies That twelue Virgins adorned with gold and pretious stones were yearely on a certaine day carried round about the Citie in memorie of what had beene done But the Genoways imploying those of Chioggia and the Venetians in more important businesses this custome was wholly abolished Diuers of the most authentike Historians doe affirme that this hapned not vnder Pietro Candiano but vnder Badoario his gouernment I finde that about the same time they made warre on those of Commachia with prosperous successe who being summoned to restore what they had iniuriously taken from the wronged Venetians refused so to doe till at the last they were enforced For they did not then only surrender the prisoners but promised on their faith to doe whatsoeuer the Venetians would command them It is reported that at the same time those of the Cape of Histria did yeeld themselues to the Venetians But it is likely that they did it more by constraint than of free will For being assailed by the Venetians for prophaning their ceremonies and rauishing the Virgins
at this day the farthest Countrie of Italie a neighbour in times past to Liburnia and consisteth wholly almost of Islands The Venetians first landing was at Parenza but he was scarsely come to the Island next to the Citie when as Andrea Bishop thereof accompanied with all the inhabitants came forth to meete him and committed his owne person his Citizens and all their meanes as well publicke as priuate into the Venetians hands The Prince beeing enuironed with troopes of Soldiours made his entrie into the Citie where he did not faile to visit the bodie of Saint Maurâ—… The fleete being gone from Parenza came to the Island neere to Pola which is a verie ancient Citie of Histria builded as hath been said elsewhere by the Colehians At his arriuall the Polani following the example of the Parentines came with one accord with Bercaldo their Bishop to receiue the Venetians Sundrie other people who had beene a long time desirous to yeeld vnto them ran to meet Vrseolo in the same place where by their Ambassadors they submitted themselues vnder their obedience Vrseolo after hee had made some stay there as well to giue audience to the Ambassadors and to receiue their othes and homage as to leuie new soldiours whom he embarqued he held his course towards Zara. That Citie was not long before yeelded to the Venetians in regard whereof all the people went out to meet and receiue them with great ioy calling them their Lords and deliuerers The Bishops of Coricta and Arba came thither soone after with the Commissioners of their Cities to sue for peace and to receiue his command swearing and protesting inuiolably to perfourme what soeuer he should command them adding thereunto that they would in their praiers make mention of the Duke of Venice as they did of the Emperour All things falling out thus luckily for the Venetians on the coast of Dalmatia Murcemirus who after hee had banished his elder brother did possesse the kingdome of Croatia namely that Croatia the red which the Modernes haue termed to be a part of Illiria which extends it selfe from the desert plaines which lie almost in the middest of the Prouince euen to Durazzo fearing least the Venetian spurred forward by the happie fortune which accompanied him would enter too farre into Dalmatia made hast by his Ambassadours to insinuate himselfe into the Dukes fauour promising the Venetians all aide and succour The Duke in the meane time sent ten Gallies from Zara to spoile the Narentines Countrie These Gallies surprised neere to the Island next to Belgrade called by the inhabitants Chama fortie Narentine marchants who were returned from Apulia Some saie that their comming was discouered by spies and that therefore the Gallies were sent to meete them The Duke after he had refreshed himselfe did forth with follow them but he found that before his arriuall those whom he had first sent had taken the Island neeâ—…e to the which wee haue said the Narentines were surprised Whereby it came passe that vpon Vrseolo his arriuall the Ambassadors of Belgrade Trahu came thither likewise to receiue the Venetians gouernment These men did promise aud sweare in the name of their Common-wealth to remaine for euer obedient to the Venetians hauing of their own accord requested that it might be so Trahu is an Island of Dalmatia ioining almost to the firme Land with a Citie of the same name builded by the Issetes Suringa of Croatia brother to Murcemirus was in this Island who after the yeelding vp thereof gaue his sonne Stephen for hostage to the Duke whom the Venetian did afterwards marrie to his daughter Hicela The fleet afterward departed to other places of Dalmatia Spalatra a verie rich Towne in those daies following the example of her neighbours receiued the Venetians into her wals After that he went to Corcira the black now called Cursula the which refusing to obey his commandements was taken by force That being done the Venetian Gallies came neere to the Isle of Pharos called likewise by the Modernes Lesnia in sted of Pharos by corruption of the language where they espied a fort builded on great Rockes in the middest of the Sea which a farre off seemed impregnable to the beholders The nature of the place had till then caused the Narentines to commit infinite robberies at Sea who in case of necessitie had that place alwaies for an assured retreit There was likewise in the same Island a towne stronge both by Art and Nature not farre from whence the Venetian Marchants were wont to bee rob'd and taken The Gallies at their arriuall tooke the Hauen of the Island Then they summoned the inhabitants to yeeld willing them by the examples of others not to trie the furie of the Venetian armes telling them that it was a follie for them to saie that they had rather endure all shamefull extremities with the hazard of their liues than to preserue their children and their goods by receiuing the Venetian quietly into their Citie This was sundrie times told them that they should beware least by their obstinacie they did incense the Venetians against them that after the assault should be begun there would be no hope of composition There was some likelihood that they would willingly haue receiued a Garrison and obeied forthwith if they had beene certaine to haue beene receiued on the same conditions as others were but fearing that which was true that if the Venetians were masters of the Towne they would raze it downe to the ground the loue to their Countrie which is that we chiefly loue made them resolute to defend themselues and to beate backe the enimie The Duke on the contrarie so soone as hee had vnderstood the meaning of the towns-men commanded to begin the assault The Islanders did brauely defend themselues There was a Castle as hath beene said inaccessible by reason of the steepnesse of the place but the Venetians from the foote of the hill shot at once such a number of arrowes vpon the besieged as being couered therewith like a cloud they were constrained to abandon their places of defence Then they which were in the shippes with the hired Soldiours did goe vp by the broken and pathlesse places of the mountaine euen to the toppe Those within the Town being amazed to see them there beganne to defend themselues and the Venetians did furiously assaile them and hauing set vp skaling ladders in diuers places they beganne a cruell fight on either side The hope to winne the Towne if they would a little striue to doe valliantly encreased the Venetians strength and despaire possessed the other A Tower in the meane time was taken by a few who expulsed the enemie from that side and made themselues masters of the wall Then those within being amazed flung downe their weapons and vpon their knees cried for mercie At this noise the gentle and mercifull Prince commanded to pardon those that were
disarmed and the Towne being razed downe to the earth by his commandement he departed sodainly from thence and came to Saint Maximins The Commissioners of Ragusa with their Bishop came and met him and submitted themselues to him and to the Venetian people The Duke after that entring their Countrie in hostile manner did put all to fire and sword The enemies being amazed at this spoile sent their Ambassadours to sue for peace which was graunted them on these conditions To paye vnto the Venetians the iust value of all the losse they had sustained from the beginning of the warres neuer after to exact any more tribute and not to suffer any Lord of their owne nation or a stranger for them and in their name to spoile and robbe at Sea The Narentines who had made warre on the Venetians for the soueraigntie at Sea the space of one hundred three score and tenne yeares with different successe many times embracing peace which was more necessarie than honorable for them did willingly accept these conditions All the prisoners being set at libertie the victorious Armie was embarqued The Duke after hee had freed the Sea from Pirats and brought all the Sea-coasts of Dalmatia Liburnia Histria vnder the Venetians subiection he returned with a prosperous winde to Venice where hee entred almost in a manner triumphantly the true ancient triumphes being no more in vse being enuironed by the people who highly praised him for his great victories vnto whom after hee had related what he had done and how by the grace of Almightie God and his owne conduct he had subiected to the Venetians all the Sea-coasts from Histria euen to the farthest parts of Dalmatia with all the Islands neere adiacent he was greatly extolled in an Oration And it was decred that euer after both he and his successors should carrie the title of the Duke of Venice and Dalmatia beseeching God that the same might be prosperous to him and to the Venetian Nation likewise It was moreouer thought fit to send new Magistrates to all the Cities of this new Prouince It is thought that Otho Vrso was sent to Ragusa his sonne to Spalatra Dominico Polano to Trahu Giouanni Cornare to Sicore called Sibinica by the Modernes Vitalis Michaeli to Belgrade and others to other townes whose names the length of time hath worne out Vrseolo repaired the Citie of Grada and with great cost caused diuers Palaces to be builded He caused the holie bodies of Fortunatus and Hermagoras with those of Dionise Largius and Hermogenes to be new in-shrined He caused likewise a goodly Pallace to be built at Heraclea with a Church according to those times the towne being then smally inhabited He did in such sort terrifie Giouanni Bishop of Belluna who troubled the Venetians by a sodaine prohibition to his subiects not to trafficke in any sort with them as hee did forthwith surrender whatsoeuer had beene taken vnto which the commandement of the Emperor Otho could neuer induce him withall humbly sued for peace which because it should last the longer he would haue confirmed by a new alliance He sent his young sonne afterwards to Verona to the Emperour Otho who had sent for him by letters whom at the holie Sacrament of Confirmation he named Otho who was called before then Peter He did moreouer obtaine of the same Emperour diuers new immunities and priuiledges of Faires Ports Concerning likewise the limits of Heraclea which extended in time past to the Riuer of Piauo Giouanni Diacono whom the Prince had sent to Verona to acquaint the Emperour with the conquest of Dalmatia had commandement to treat with him about it who easily obtained that they should stand at the same stay as they had done in ancient time Otho went to Rome from whence resoluing to returne into Lombardie hee commanded Giouanni who went along with him to write to Vrseolo that hee would be shortly at Rauenna from thence would secretly come to Venice to performe a vow that he had made and that therefore he desired to haue his comming kept secret because his determination was to come thither in disguise and with a small traine The Duke meruailous ioyfull at these newes did with a wonderfull affection attend the comming of such a guest The Emperour in the meane space came to Rauenna and from thence to Pomposia a place verie neere Ghoria at the mouth of the Riuer Po. Then in the night entring into a boat with fiue of his houshould seruants and Giouanni Diacono he came with a faire wind to Venice Hee went rather to the Monasterie of Saint Seruula than to anie Inne or Citizens house to the end that his comming might be the better concealed The Prince came to him by night in the same place where after a reciprocall gratulation for the arriuall of the one in health and with a prosperous winde to Venice and for the others happie exploits in Dalmatia they came about mid-night into St. Markes Church from whence so soone as Otho had made his prayers and accomplished his vow they went to the Pallace And because each of them were verie desirous to haue the arriuall of this new guest kept secret so long as the Emperour staied in Venice the Duke euerie day dined in publike but he supt in priuate with him And to the end they might be allied together not onely by the law of friendship hospitalitie but by another more strict and holie band Otho held a daughter of the Dukes then new borne at the Font the same day she was baptized He did for euer remit to the Venetians the Cloake of cloth of gold which the Common-wealth by accord solemnly sworne to were yeerely bound to giue vnto the Emperours Being honored likewise by the Duke with diuers great and rich presents hee went back againe to Rauenna Three dayes after Otho was departed the Duke commanded a generall assemblie where he publikely declared how that the Emperour Otho had beene in Venice in what manner he had beene at home with him for certaine dayes and what he had obtained of him It was verie pleasing to the people and they greatly praised Vrseolos wisdome for concealing the presence of so great a Prince And because he had so well deserued of the Common-wealth they permitted him soone after by a decree to associate Giouanni his sonne into the Principalitie whom hee sent thus honoured with the soueraigne dignitie with his wife and Otho his brother to Constantinople to the Emperours Constantine and Basilius from whence they returned soone after to Venice laden with diuers rich presents But because neuer anie humane prosperitie was seene to bee exempt from one trouble some accident or other of Fortune it hapned thus that before this old man otherwise most fortunate dyed he saw by two extreame miseries Plague and Famine and by the decease of his sonne and daughter in law hapned almost on one day the course of
his happie fortune altered He was after that constrained to enter into controuersie with those of Cap-darger and with the Sacceans with the one for refusing to pay the tribute called Ripetta and with the other about the Marshes of the Lauretans But he ended them both as he wished to the profit and honour of the Common-wealth At the same time the Phaledrini a noble familie caused the Church and Monasterie of St. Benedict to be builded which they enriched with diuers great and goodlie inheritances neere adioyning It is reported that the Duke was verie carefull to end the reparations of the Palace and the Church neere adiacent Then by his last will he diuided his wealth into three partes The first and greatest hee bequeathed to his children the second he would haue to be imployed for the succouring of poore people and repairing of Churches and the third to bee spent in his life time in publicke shewes guifts and liberalitie to the people Those things being accomplished at home and abroad hee deceased the eighteenth yeare of his gouernment His bodie bewailed of all'men was carried to Saint Zâ—…charies Church and there honorably buried ¶ OTHO VRSEOLO the 27. Duke of Uenice OTho his sonne a young man of great hope and worthie of such a father and grand-sire men of great deuotion did with the generall consent of all the Citizens succeede him Hee beganne his gouernment with the same wisdome which all men expected at what time Geica King of Hungarie being mooued by the reporte of his great reputation gaue him his daughter in marriage Hee defeated the Hadrians neere to Lauretta betwixt the mouthes of the Riuers Po and Adice for that they had spoiled the Venetian frontires and hauing vanquished them he made peace with them vpon condition they should surrender both to the Lauretans that which they had lost and should make no more incursions afterward But it is reported that the Hadrians who before that time had beene very mightie did so sodainely decaie by the losse of Lauretta as since then waxing daily worse and worse they could neuer afterward recouer themselues About the same time Murcimirus I finde in some Authours Heresimus for Murcimire Lord of Croatia did very much molest those of Zara contrarie to the agreement lately made and did incessantly oner-runne the whole Countrie And the neighbour Cities likewise had already felt the furie of the Croatian Armies when Otho resoluing to reuenge it marched against the Barbarian who daring to tarrie for him and to offer battaile was by him verie easily broken and defeated But those Authours whom we follow doe not set downe whether it were by Sea or Land Otho pursuing this happie victorie after he had scoured with his Armie all the Sea coasts of Dalmatia Liburnia and Histria which his Father had subdued to the Venetians he entred vnder colour of taking notice of the State of the Prouince into all their Cities and assemblies he caused the inhabitants to make new oaths of fidelitie that they should euer after continue faithfull to the Venetians in the same manner as they had voluntarily submitted themselues and not to permit any whatsoeuer to practise ought against their State At his returne from Dalmatia he was vnfortunately surprised by the conspiracie of Dominico Flabenico who after he had shauen his beard draue him into Greece the fifth yeare after hee had taken the gouernment alone vpon himselfe where soone after he dyed ¶ PIETRO CENTRANICO the 28. Duke of Venice PIetro Ceutranico or Barbolano for both these surnames are found in this family succeeded Otho thus banished This man entring into the Gouernement of his Countrie which was full of troubles at home and abroad tooke great care which businesse to take in hand first Yâ—…t neuerthelesse he thought it best to reduce the Citie into her former peaceable estate being yet in an vproare by meanes of this cruell conspiracie and the banishment of this good Prince In the meane time Pepin Patriarch of Aquileia presuming on the assurance of these troubles and on the flight of the Bishop of Grada for some write that Vrsus Bishop of that place after his brothers banishment fearing to be trecherously surprised by those of the coÌ„trary faction fled seized on Grada as though he ment to keepe it for Vrsus in his absence Others affirmâ—… that it was taken by force in the behalfe of Vrsus from the Venetian Garrison which kept it the which is altogether vntrue For if they had beene then friends they would not both of them at the same time haue pleaded the controuersie of their Churches at the Councell held at Rome not without great suspition of enuie and hatred where it is reported that the Pope and the whole assembly declared the Church of Grada to be the Metropolitan of the whole Venetian Territorie But it is certaine that the Emperour Conrade was at the same time in the behalfe of Pepin greatly incenfed against the Venetians declaring himselfe in some matters their open enemie In this state stood the affaires of the Venetians when as Centranico after hee had commanded foure yeares was as some say at the pursuite of Vrsus Bishop of Grada taken by the people hauing his head and beard shauen and in the habit of a Monke was banished He thus exiled the people commanded Vrsus to take vpon him the publike Gouernment and to command as Duke till such time as Otho his brother should be called home from banishment Those which were sent for that purpose brought backe word that at their comming into Greece they found Otho dead a little before their arriuall as though it had so hapned by the diuine permission to the end that this ingratefull Citie might not bee so happie as once againe to enioy such a Noble man Sonne to so good a Prince and himselfe so well deseruing of the Commonwealth whom it had suffered to bee so ignominiously handled by the conspiracie of a fewe against whom being able to haue opposed her selfe yet would not Vrsus hauing notice of his brothers death did voluntarily depose himselfe and went to his owne house after he had commanded one yeare Vrsus hauâ—…ng retired himselfe Dominico Vrseolo moued rather by the reputation of his Ancestors for he was neere kinsman to Otho than by the fauour and consent of the people seized indiscreetly on the Dukes Palace But the people mindfull of their libertie foreseeing how vnlesse they did oppose themselues against the attempts oâ—… that insolent Citizen that on a sodaine the euill disposed persons induced by that pâ—…rnicious example would without any respect vsurpe the Gouernment came the morrow after his entrance and assailed him and had vndoubtedly slaine him had he not secretly fled away to Rauenna where soone after he died ¶ DOMINICO FLABENICO the 29. Duke of Uenice DOminico Flabenico created by the generall consent of all men succeeded the short gouernment of Vrseolo This man as hath beene
make an attonement with him and to that end sent his Ambassadours to him laying all that was past vpon the malice of certaine people desirous of spoile It is reported that Alexis did afterward more esteeme of Beamond than of all the rest of the Princes and Captaines of the Armie whereunto the meekenesse and courtesie of the Norman did incite him so as after his comming to Constantinople he did so farre insinuate himselfe into the Emperous fauour as he freely promised him to furnish the Armie with new succours horses garments weapons and all other necessaries But yet neuerthelesse because he would seeme to haue care of his owne affaires he said that his meaning was to performe his promise prouided that the Captaines would promise and sweare not to attempt any thing against himselfe his State and subiects and that all the Cities which they should take in Asia Hierusalem excepted should be reduced vnder the gouernment of the Grecian Empire This thus conluded the whole troopes were forthwith transported into Asia Beamond only with certaine others remained with Alexis to further the dispatch of victualls and other necessaries The Captaines in the meane time being come to Nicomedia so soone as they had vnited their forces resolued first of all to assaile Nicea Wherefore dislodging thence they came through forrests and by-wayes before the Citie and the siege was planted before Beamonds arriuall at the Campe by reason of his long staie about the sending away of victualls and other necessaries At his arriuall Nicea the cheife Citie of Bithynia called at first Antigona by Antigonus her founder and since then Nicea by Lysimachus in fauour of his wife was assailed in three seuerall places This Citie was reasonably strong by situation and much more by arte being compassed about with verie high and thicke walles the towers builded foure-square the fourth part whereof towards the South is watred with the lake Ascania They forthwith erected enginnes of batterie and woodden Castles of the iust height of the Citie walles Then they brought thither the ramme and other warlicke engines They did likewise vse the mine The Citie besides a great number of inhabitants had likewise store of armed souldiers in garison and euery day new supplies came to them by the lake in their steades that had beene slaine or hurt So as they were sure that whilest the passage of the lake should remaine open Nicea could neuer bee taken Wherefore it was concluded for the hindering of the enemies passage to send to the Emperour Alexis and to entreate him that with a certaine number of shippes hee would shut vp the lake from the enemies Alexis fulfilled their request but not sodainely For whilest he made readie his shippes threescore thousand Turkes with certaine troopes of Sarracens came and incamped on the hilles next to the Citie whereof they sodainely aduertised the besieged by the lake which was not yet shut from them to the end that on a day prefixed they should make a sallie on the Christians on the same side as they should on a sodaine assaile their Campe. The alarum began in the Bishop of Puy his quarter who was encamped on the East-side where the French did not onely with great valour receiue the enemies forces but running all the rest they seized on the towne of Soccor by meanes of certaine Christians that were within it where they remained till such a time as the souldiers had made prouision of victualls for fiue dayes But being departed from thence so soone as they had surprised the Citie of Sura and the Forte of the Imposts with certaine other small townes in the Territorie of Sura they laboured by a very streight path to ascend the top of Mount Taurus This way which was but a dayes iournie was no lesse dangerous than painfull It was verie narrow by reason of the flint-stones and sharpe rockes which hem'd it in on the one side and with a very deepe vally on the other which was of so fearefull a depth as it did amaze the beholders the troopes were a whole day passing this way not without the great care and heede of the Captaines and the greatest part thereof they went on foote There was none so hardie in the whole Armie as durst ascend those steepe places on horsebacke but they threw their cloakes and baggage on their horsebacks for to make themselues more apt and disposed to ouercome the danger of the way It is reported that the same day diuers sumpter-horses which were loden fell head-long downe into the valley some of them by chance and some likewise were throwne downe of purpose by those who saw no possibilitie to bring them vp to the top of the hill Hauing passed these mountainous streights they came to the Citie of Murasis which forthwith yeelded vnto them From thence they discouered such huge and spatious plaines as their sight was dazeled with beholding them In the middest of that plaine they espied Antioch whither all the Captaines ment to march and to besiege it Being come downe into the valley they descried the enemies a farre off vpon a Riuers side which runnes ouerthwart the plaine These men were sent by the King of Antioch to conuey the victualls which was to come to the Citie from the mountaines Against these were certaine light horse sent who at the first charge brake and defeated them part of whome being slaine the rest fled to the Citie There were taken the same day a great number of sumpter-horses and great quantitie of victuals which as most necessarie were brought to the Armie to the great content of the victorious They came afterwards to the riuer neare to Antioch the which by the inhabitants is as they say named Farfar But we know for a certaine that the Riuer Orontes watereth the Citie of Antioch Whereby wee may not only doubt of the riuers name but likewise which Antioch these modernes did meane were it not that the fame of the Citie is so great as it will easily bring vs forth of the Historians darknesse For there is an Antioch in Pamphilia neighbour to Seleucia and an other more excellent than that in Phenicia builded by Seleucus Nicanor sonne to Antiochus surnamed Ephiphanes through the which runs the riuer Orontes Towards this then marched Beamond Hugo and the rest and vnderstood by certaine prisoners that Cassianus was King of this Citie and Tributarie to the King of Babilon who vpon this occasion had sent diuers thousands of men to guard the Citie who were esteemed so strong and valiant as none in a manner durst fight with them much lesse attend them The commaunders were not amazed at these speeches Chiefly Beamond who conducted fiue legions did the next morrow by breake of day march directly towards the Citie where he did fiercely assaile the enemies who were vnder the walles in order of battaile But the neerenesse of the walles and their other munitions which constrained
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
to bee molested by the Normans It may be likewise that they had couenanted so to doe in the articles of their agreement Now the Venetians hauing in a manner at their first arriuall taken Brundusium left a garrison there and scattering their forces on euery side ouer the firme land filled all the Sea-coasts with spoile and terrour And afterwards the fleet being stuft with booties returned to Venice It is said that it was expressely mentioned in the treatie of peace with Caloman that neither he nor any of his successours should pretend any right to Dalmatia About the same time Matilda a noble Ladie of the illustrious family of the Sigefretti being by meanes of the Venetians repossessed of the Citie of Ferrara granted vnto them as to her friends by whose meanes she had obtained the victorie fredome and exemption for euer from all matters within the same Citie Prince Vitalis about the end of the fourth yeare of his gouernment died ¶ ORDELAPHO PHALERIO the 34. Duke of Uenice ORdelapho Phalerio was chosen in his place In the first or certainely in the second yeare of his gouernment a very great fleete was sent againe into Syria The Venetian Chronicles say That they were one hundred Gallies Blondus mentioneth but fourescore The Genoueses likewise about the same time a litle before the Venetians had sent their fleete thither Baldwin called King of Ierusalem after his brothers death was at the same time incamped before Ptolomais a Sea-towne This man being discouraged with the losse of a great battaile in Syria soone after the death of Godfrey durst neuer after attempt any thing vntill that he vnderstood that Beamond was deliuered and returned to Antioch by the industrie and liberalitie of his nephew Tancred his brothers sonne who to free him paid a great waight of gold for his ransome For being then confirmed by the presence of so notable a man he came as hath beene said and besieged Ptolomais called Acon by the modernes and at last Acre by corrupted speech Baldwin being incamped in this place receiued two mightie fleetes called out of Europe vpon faire promises and being strengthned by these succours he shut in the Citie more strictly by Sea and Land by meanes whereof it was taken the twentieth day after Blondus saith that after Ptolomais was taken there was no warlike exploite done vntill that Beamond who was then gone into Italie was returned into Asia Whereby it is apparent that Baldwin made more account of Beamond alone than of all the other Christian Captaines in the Armie But that which Blondus writes of Beamonds comming into Italie seemeth to be verie true Because diuers Annalls make mention That whilest Beamond tarried in Italie the Venetians in fauour of Alexis armed themselues against the Normans who were incamped before Durazzo and that remembring perhaps the losse which they had in times past receiued they durst not assaile the enemie who was in the Hauen but held their course towards Apulia where after they had greatly molested and indangered the enemie they returned to Venice leauing their enterprise imperfect If it bee so we must thinke that the Venetian fleete after the taking of Ptolomais returned into Italie as well because it was Ordelapho as they affirme which marched against the Normans as also in regard so many vessels being busied in Syria they must of necessitie prouide newe to goe against so mightie a King the which could hardly haue beene done It is reported that the occasion which moued Beamond to make warre on Alexis was because that after Tancred had seized on Laodicia the Greekes inuaded and molested the Sea-townes of the Principalitie of Antioch Others say that Beamond was so terrified at the only sight of the Armies of Alexis and the Venetians as he sodainely fell to composition and that by that meanes the siege of Durazzo was raised The Venetian Annalls affirme that after the taking of Ptolomais their fleete sailed to Sydon whither Baldwins forces marched by Land which in few dayes they tooke Sydon stood in times past betweene Berithon and Tyre the three most famous Cities of Phaenicia the most renowned for antiquitie and riches Some set downe the taking of Berithon before that of Sydon because it was the first that was besieged before which they were incamped two whole moneths and being taken with great losse it caused the Christians at their entrance not only to kill those which were armed but such likewise who for age were not able to defend themselues A Christian Colonie was sent thither by reason of the fruitfulnesse of the Countrie And this is all we finde to be done by the Venetians in Syria in the dayes of Ordelapho Some Authours say that the Venetians after the taking of Sydon tooke Faronia by assault which is a Sea-towne neare to the mouth of Nilus and how likewise in that iourney they sunke diuers ships of the enemies which did vse to scoure the Seas In recompence whereof Baldwin gaue the Venetians in the Citie of Acre a Church and a part of the towne with a place where they might doe iustice one to another with like power and authoritie as the French had with diuers goodly priuiledges and that not only in the same place but ouer all the Kingdome of Ierusalem They say besides that Baldwin being puffed vp with the happie successe of his affaires desired farther to extend the bounds of his Kingdome and to the same purpose he caused to bee built on the other side of the Riuer Iordan famous for the baptisme of Christ our Lord the Castle of Soball in a very high place but that soone after the Venetians were returned into Italy hauing lost certaine battailes against the enemie and fortified some places neare to Ptolomais plotting higher matters in his minde he died euen as these warlike preparations were in readinesse Baldwin surnamed Burgensis who was his neare kinsman was declared King of Ierusalem in his stead and for the stronger assurance thereof he was confirmed by Pope Gelasius Others write that vpon the returne of the Venetian Armie from Syria Ordelapho soone after led it against the Norman but they set not downe vpon what occasion nor to what place And I thinke they did vnderstand it to be the iournie against Beamond alreadie mentioned notwithstanding that they affirme how the same enterprise was not against Beamond but against Liemond his sonne The Venetians at the same time did obtaine sundrie great priuiledges of the Emperour Henrie the fourth and they say that for the same purpose Vitalis Phalerio Stephano Morosini and Vrso Iustiniano were sent to Rome who in acknowledgment of that grant promised him in the name of the people a yearely cloake of cloath of gold and a pension of monie which was not verie great Some say they obtained these priuiledges at Verona and that the Emperor willed them to send commissioners to him to treat of the controuersie betwixt
enemie Ordelapho knowing that in such dangerous businesses speed was to be vsed passed into Dalmatia with a greater Armie than before and ouertaking the enemie before the walles of Zara drew him forthwith to battaile At the beginning they fought furiously on either side fortune enclining to neither part vntill that Ordelapho encouraging his Soldiours and thrusting himselfe into the formost rankes fighting hand to hand with the enemie was stricken with a dart of which wound he sodainely dyed The Venetians being amazed at their Princes death did for a time sustaine the enemies forces but beeing disordered they fell to flight diuers were slaine in the fight and many taken prisoners The report of this losse brought great heauinesse to the Citie The common people thought that their Prince being dead and their Armie defeated there was no more hope for them to be able to keepe the Prouince Therefore they resolued to send Ambassadours to the king of Hungarie to obtaine a peace if it might be or else truce for a certaine time Vitalis Phaledrio Vrso Iustiniano and Marini Morosino the Secretarie were sent thither who obtained truce of the king for fiue yeares Ordelapho's bodie beeing brought to Venice was honorably buried in Saint Markes Church who fighting valiantly for his Countrie was slaine in the nineteenth yeare of his Principalitie Dominico Michaeli was chosen in his sted ¶ DOMINICO MICHAELI the 35. Duke of Venice BAldwin the second of that name sent to this Prince for aide For the affaires of the Christians in Syria were brought to such a passe that they spake no more of making themselues greater but only how to keepe that which they had gotten For albeit in the two first yeares of his raigne he had obtained certaine victories of the enemie yet there was some likelihood that they daily waxing stronger as indeede they did they should hardly be able to keepe those places which they held in Syria without fresh supplies He requested the Venetians by his Ambassadours to passe with a mightie fleete into Asia and the more easily to obtaine it his Ambassadours in his name promised a verie great recompence But Baldwin expecting supplies from Italie being taken prisoner by Dalochus king of the Parthians with whom hee had fought was carried away captiue to Cayro Then those that remained in Ierusalem did speedily certifie Pope Calixus of the state of the affaires of Syria assuring him that if they were not forth with succoured with supplies from Italie and Europe that their dominion in Asia would not only be soone brought to nothing but the name of Christians would be extinct and all reduced vnder the power of the Turkes The Pope being moued by this great danger began forthwith to examine which were the chiefest forces of Italie and found that there were none but the Venetians which were able in those miserable times to preserue the affaires and state of the Christians in Syria Therefore he sent his Nuncio to entreate Prince Dominico speedily to passe into Asia with a mightie fleete to aid the Christians The people then being called before the Assemblie after due Praiers made vnto God the Patriarch of the Citie by the Princes commaundement spake to them after this manner The Oration of the Patriarch of Grada to the people of Venice I Thinke ô people of Venice that you are not ignorant what our owne forces in part and partly those of the rest of Europe haue done these precedent yeares for the recouerie of Palestine which ye call the holie Land For this is the six and twentith yeare if I mistake not since that great voiage which so manie Christian Princes taking the badge of the crosse vpon them vndertooke for the same purpose into Asia where by the Diuine bountie and their valour all that which stretcheth from Bythinia euen to Syria was in a short space taken by force out of the hands of the cruell enemie And our people likewise after they had taken Smyrna in Ionia and executed manie martiall exploits all along the Sea-coasts of Syria did not only purchase great commendation but had their share in the Cities that were taken The which if we well obserue ye shall finde that they laid a sure foundation at that instant whereon to enlarge in time to come your Dominion in Syria But it hath hapned in a short time that by the decease of Godfrey Baldwin and Beamond with other excellent Captaines who died according to the necessitie of nature our affaires in Syria haue been so altred as in sted of their woonted prosperous successe they are on a sodaine fallen to the ground and doe daily wex weake so as being more and more exposed to the violent assaults of the enemies wee haue left vs small hope of abilitie to defend that Prouince The which Baldwin the second fearing did not long since send his Ambassadours vnto vs to entreate vs with great promises to prepare forthwith a mightie Armie and therewith to passe speedily into Asia The intreaties of so great a person did mooue vs. But beeing at the point to open the matter vnto you and deuising meanes how to prouide such an Armie we haue with great terrour receiued newes how Baldwin is taken by Dalochus king of the Parthians and carried prisoner to Cayro Whereupon Varimond Bishop of Ierusalem ô yee Christian people being amazed with all those which lie in garrison in the Citie haue speedily sent for aide and succour to Pope Calixtus saying that vnlesse they be speedily releiued themselues with whatsoeuer they possesse in that Prouince are in danger to be lost The Pope being troubled with these newes hath thought the Venetians alone to be worthie of such an enterprise He hath written to your Prince and to you yee people of Venice whom hee intreateth exhorteth and adiureth not to abandon Christian Religion in so great a daunger Wherewith your Princes pleasure is you should be acquainted to the end ye might will and command a great Armie to be prouided for that purpose whereunto pittie alone and the affection which we beare to the Apostolike Seâ—… and to all Christians in generall should not onely prouoke vs which hauing receiued from our Ancestors as here ditarie we ought to preserue and increase with all our power but likewise the desire which wee haue to enlarge the bounds of our Dominions Who is it but seeth that it will cheefely be an holy and iust warre the which wee ought principally to consider in all things and secondarily highly worthie of the charitie and Religion for which ye are are euerywhere famous to defend by Armes and to preserue from the enemies wrong this land where Christ our king was borne did hide himselfe wept was betraied taken and crucified and his most holie bodie laid in the graue and who according as holie Writ doth witnesse to vs shall come the soueraigne Iudge one daie to enquire of the deedes of all mankind What Churches what monasteries what Altars doe yee
of Tyre it was the first that was besieged The maner of casting these Lots was thus The names of all the Cities which they would besiege were written in little scrowles of Paper and being laide together confusedly on a heape vpon the next Altar they were mingled by a yong boy then after the celebration of Diuince Seruice the same boy drew forth all those scrowles one after an other in the presence of the Princes and in this sort they concluded to begin the warre by the siege of Tyre This Citie was in time past an Island in the maine Sea seuen hundred paces distant from the firme land Alexander sonne to Philip being incamped before it caused that space or distance from the Sea to bee filled vp to ioyne it to the land It is very famous in respect of such excellent Cities as haue descended from thence namely Lepta Vtica and Carthage enuious of the Romane greatnesse with Gades scituate in the farthest parts of the earth This Island is in circuite nineteene thousand paces When Alexander besieged it it was taken by warlike engines the seuenth Moneth of the siege The excellencie and riches thereof consisteth in Purples and Scarlets in regard whereof forraine Kings and the Romanes likewise haue euer enfranchized the Inhabitants of that place The Citie it selfe is in circuit two and twentie Stadij It is thought that Agenor sonne to that ancient Belus was the founder thereof and that it was in times past called Sarra From whence it came as I thinke that we find in the Venetian Annals Surra for Tyre The Phoenicians among whom next to the Citie of Sydon Tyre hath euer held the chiefe place as well for greatnesse as antiquitie haue beene highly praised and esteemed by all ancient Authours for inuenting Arithmeticke and the Letters of the Alphabet and for being the first that gazed vpon the Starres in the night It was then concluded to besiege this Citie by Sea and Land where at the beginning of the siege it was agreed vpon betwixt Varimond and the Venetians That whatsoeuer Baldwin the first had in the last warres giuen to the Venetians in Syria should remaine firme to them Blondus saith that hee had seene the Coppie of the Priuiledge which did expresly containe That the Venetians should in all places of the Kingdome of Ierusalem and Principalitie of Antioch haue a particular place and streete apart and a place for them to pleade in before their Magistrate They obtained besides many other matters necessarie for the publike vse That the Venetian Merchants should be free in Syria from tolles and impositions And that if any Venetian should suffer shipwrack or dye in those places without making a will or heire all his wealth should be put into the hands of the Venetian Magistrate vnto whom the Treasurer generall of the kingdome should paye euerie yeare three hundred Crownes out of the Kings reuenues This is it which Bishop Varimond and those who did then manage the affaires of Syria did graunt to the Venetians and much more than this which Baldwin at his returne from prison did willingly ratifie In this treatie with Varimond it was expresly said That if the Cities of Tyre and Ascalon were taken the Venetians should partake the thirdes thereof This Citie had in times past beene besieged by Baldwin by the space of foure moneths who could not take it by reason it was so enuironed with the Sea This new siege likewise was much longer than was suspected But whilest it was besieged by Land and Sea those of the Land-Campe began to murmur against the Venetians saying That they alone were out of danger in their ships and that if the enemie whom they continnually expected should arriue who would assaile them by Land the Venetians in the meane time would put forth to Sea and get to some place of safetie and therefore they would either discampe or share equally the labour and danger betwixt them This slaunder being reported to Michaeli he was greatly troubled therewith and after he had continued a certaiue time pensiue ruminating to himselfe by what meanes he might roote out this suspition which his fellowes had vniustly conceiued he commaunded on a soddaine to plucke vp all the bords from the bottome of the vessells or as others say all the nailes and oares with other matters belonging to nauigation And causing them to be brought into the presence of Varimond and the rest of the Captaines hee vsed this speech vnto them The Princes Oration to Varimond and the rest I vnderstand quoth he companions in Armes that ye doe in some sort doubt of the faith and loyaltie of the Venetians that instead of holding vs for faithfull companions Ye repute vs cowards and traitours But our fidelitie is not of so small continuance that we will suffer yee long to suspect it for which we are resolued to hazard all dangers Take saith hee this certaine pledge of our fidelitie and in so saying he caused all the furniture of his vessels to be throwne downe before them Then he added Yee haue now as I take it O Varimond and the rest matter enough to repose trust in vs albeit that it is a common saying that before all things we should consider the nature and inclinations of people But to the end to take away from euerie one occasion of euill speaking it hath pleased vs to doe thus to let ye vnderstand that the Venetians haue the same â—…age like you It remaineth now that with a like affection wee goe forward with the Cities siege whiâ—…h being taken I hope that in short time we shall become masters of all Syria The fidelitie of the Prince and the Venetians was highly esteemed all men with a loud voice did greatly praise them and accounted them for faithfull companions and good Souldiers Thus being confirmed and continuing the siege with greater care than before they report an accident newly hapned in the Campe which the ignorant multitude may hold for a miracle Those which kept the guard experienced belike in such matters reported that they had descried a Doue executing the office of a Post comming from the Campe of Dachines King of Damascus who made great preparations to relieue the Tryians and at such time as it should flie ouer the Campe they tooke speciall care at the very instant to make a great noyse so as the Doue loosing her strength fell downe all amazed Being taken vp they knew by the letters which were tied to her feete That King Dachines did intreate the Tyrians to be of good cheare That within few dayes he would be neare them with great forces and by the death of their enemies free them from the siege The Princes were greatly moued at these newes For there was some likelihood that the Tyrians vpon this hope would haue more obstinately held out the siege and that which was most dangerous they feared to come to stroakes with so mightie an euemie
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
Syria But all those attempts pâ—…oued vaine and fruitlesse of which wee determine briefly to speake as occasion shall serue not interrupting the course of our Historie During the aboade of Prince Michaeli in Asia or soone after his returne the Hospitall of the publike charitie was builded with all that which stands neere to it The bodie of Saint Donato brought from Pera to Venice was laid in a Church newly built by the diligence and cost as some Authours say of one called Marco Iuliano Michaeli after hee had gouerned the Common-wealth eleuen yeares did fortunately decease His funeralls were followed by great multitudes of people His tombe is to be seene at this day in the porch of Saint Georges Church right ouer against the Comcell-Hall on the left hand as ye enter into the Church The end of the sixt Booke of the first Deâ—…ad THE SEVENTH BOOKE OF THE FIRSâ—… DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the seuenth Booke of the first Decad. THe voluntarie submission of the Faneses The institution of a new Religious Order in the Church of Saint SALVATORI The erecting of the Church of Saint CLEMENT The Paduans are defeated on the turning of the Riuer Brente The Venetians warre against the Normans in fauour of the Emperour EMANVEL The building of the great Tower before the Market-place Diuers people of Histria made Tributaries The building of the Church of the Crossed Friers How greatly the conspiracies of the Neighbour-people did trouble the Venetians The originall of the plaies made at Shrouetide What the Emperour EMANVEL did to the Venetian Merchants ouer all his Empire in one day The Venetians mightie Sea-armie against EMANVEL The familie of the IVSTINIANI are almost extinct through the malice of their enemies The miserable death of Prince VITALIS slaine by his owne people at his returne from Greece Two huge Pillars of a wonderfull workemanship erected in the Market-place by an Artificer of Lombardie An Ambassadour of Venice is abused by the Emperour EMANVEL The cause why the Emperour EMANVEL hated the Venetians At what time they beganne to shut vp in the publike Treasurie the money of particular persons vnder colour of loane Pope ALEXANDER flies to Venice in disguise The Venetians make warre against the Emperour FREDERICK BARBAROSSA in fauour of the Pope The Emperours Sonne defeated at Sea by the Venetians with his imprisonment and the Emperour FREDERICK his comming to Venice The Honours and Titles giuen by Pope ALEXANDER to the Dukes of Venice The agreement betwixt FREDERICK the Pope and the Venetians made at Venice The Venetian Prince hauing accompanied the Pope to Rome returneth to Venice honoured with rich presents And lastly the description of the magnificent Church of St. MARKE ¶ PIETRO POLLANI the 36. Duke of Venice PIetro Pollani succeeded his deceased Father-in-law Michaeli At his entrance into the gouernement the Faneses submitted themselues to the Venetians authoritie promising to aide them when neede should be to giue yearlie the quantitie of a thousand pound weight of oile for the vse of S. Markes Church and to pay them besides a yearly pension of money in manner of Tribute It seemeth vnto mee that this tribute proceeded from some aide which they had receiued from the Venetians in their warres the which some Historians haue noted albeit they set not downe against whom it was Bonfiâ—…io Michaeli Administrator at that time of the Church of S. Saluatori and all those which accompanied him tooke a Religious habit vpon them instituting a new order which was afterward authorised by Pope Innocent and after him Pope Alexander the fourth consecrated their Church Pietro Gathilaso caused the Church of S. Clement to be builded on the Canal Orphano It is reported besides that at the same time a great strife arose betwixt the Venetians and the Pisans occasioned by a brauado rashly made vpon them in the Hauen of Rhodes by Michaeli Vitalis the Princes sonne Generall of the Venetian Armie where the Pisans being ouer-come and loosing the greatest part of their Armie did receiue a great disgrace which afterward caused diuers and sundrie murthers on either side And these two States would haue beene more sharply bent one against the other had not the Pope by his wise mediation sodainely pacified their strife Diuers cities of Dalmatia insinuating themselues into the Venetians fauour promised each of them in her owne name to waite on the Prince with one armed Gallie as often as he should put to Sea with fifteene Gallies The Polani likewise a people of Histria offered them all aide with all necessaries for the furniture of the Gallies at any time when the Prince marching against the enemies should arriue in their Countrey I finde about the same time the Venetians fought a cruell fight with the Paduans who would haue cut off the Riuer Brente neere to Saint Hilaries Church Guido Monticulano Generall of the Venetians Armie by Land in that warre hauing incountered them neere to Tumba the bickering was verie bloudie on either side but the enemies being ouercome and put to flight three hundred and fiftie of them were brought prisoners to Venice who neuerthelesse at the entreatie of the chiefe of their Citie laying all the blame on some audacious persons among the Common people and not on the Nobilitie were all freely sent home againe Vrso Badoario left to Giouanni Throno of Mayorba diuers goodly Lands seated neere to Muriana and Maiorba to build an Hospitall in the name of Saint Iames which being since much augmented and enriched was giuen to the Religious sisters of the order of the Cistercians But whilest the Citie was thus at quiet the Venetians because they would not liue idely did set set forth an Armie at the request of the Emperour Emanuel against Rogero sonne to Guiscard King of Sicilie This Prince departing from Ottranto with a great Fleete came to the Isle of Corfu bordring vpon the Adriaticke and Ionian Seas And hauing seized thereon hee sailed into Morea where betwixt the Promontorie of Mailla and the Gulphe of Argiers and Laconia he executed diuers hostile actions Returning thence towards the Sea of Sarrona neere to the Hauens of Cenchrea and Corinth hee put all the Countrie adioyning to fire and sword Then passing forward without any resistance at all and being come to Istmos vulgarly called at this day Heximilia he filled all Achaia with feare and terror He tooke likewise the Citie of Thebes where it is reported he shewed himselfe ouer-couetous in his curious seeking for gold In the end he neither spared the Countrie of Nigrepont nor Beotia called Phocides And being puâ—…t vp by this happie successe he sent one of his Lieutenants with threescore Gallies to crosse the Hellespont called at this day the streight of Gallipolis euen to the Bosphorus of Thrace at this present called Saint Georges Arme who with great boldnesse vsed such speed as being arriued on the sodaine before Constantinople he set fire on diuers
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
not satisfied with that which he had till then done against them he drew them of Ancona from their alliance who in fauor of him did for a time bar them from their free Nauigation But the Venetians making alliance with those of Ariminium neere neighours to the Anconezans did in such sort shut vp the passages from them as their condition was like vnto theirs who are straightly besieged The Cities treasure being wholly exhausted by means of the great affaires which had hapned it was decreed That the monies of particular men laid in Deposito should be brought to the treasurie of Saint Marke to be imploied and kept in the name of the Common-wealth as neede should be vntill such time as the Citie had recouered her former wealth The which at this day is commonly called a Loane which was as some say deuised by Prince Michaeli From whence as is supposed grew the chiefe reason of the peoples hatred against him and the principall occasion of his death Diuers Ambassadours were sent likewise about the same time from sundrie places to treate af an agreement with the Emperour Thus stood the affaires of the Venetians when as to the end that the Citie might be alwaies busied about weightie matters The Cause of Alexander the third gaue them the subiect of a goodly victorie Some moderne Historians doe in no sort approue this matter But all the Venetian Annalists and some strangers likewise doe make particular mention of it and saie That after diuers secret enmities betwixt Alexander and the Emperour Frederick occasioned because 〈◊〉 the new Schisme betwixt Alexander and Octauian the Anti-Pope the matteâ—…â—…eeing referred to the decision of Frederick Alexander would not stand to his iudgement Fredrick being moued heerewith called Octauian before him and declared himselfe openly against Alexander In hatred of whom he published a Generall Councell at Dijon a Citie in France the which beeing dissolued by reason there was nothing done because Pope Alexander refused to come thither Frederick in rage resolued to returne into Italie Whereupon hauing sent his Anti-Pope before him he marched soone after with great forces beyond the Mounts but before his arriuall Octauian died In whose sted Guido of Cremona being elected Frederick promised to assist him with all his power against Alexander And after diuers exploits executed in the Prouince comming neere to Ancona hee turned towards Rome whither he sodainely marched with an intent wholly to ouerthrow Alexander Who being frighted with his comming making vse of two Gallies belonging to William King of Sicilie hee came first to Cayetta and from thence to Beneuentum Frederick after hee had installed Guido in the holie Chaire returned into Lombardie But Guido likewise died soone after Now Alexander committing the temporall gouernment to the Romans craued no more but to intend Diuine matters Prouided that they of the contrarie faction would permit him to liue in Rome But not being able to purchase his peace on these conditions and despairing of all reconciliation he departed from the Citie But it is hard to determine whither this refusall were the cause of his departure a thing scarse credible that the diuision of the inhabitants could haue constrained him to leaue the Citie the Romans not being interessed therein in regard they had the temporall iurisdiction in their own power or whither it were rather the vniust command of the Emperour whereby he was bannished forth of all Italie and those attainted of capitall Treason which should giue him meate or drinke or receiue him into their houses threatning to ruine those Cities which should giue him entertainement and to make warre on those Lords and Potentates which should fauour him which might be the cause that hauing no place of safetie in all Italie nor any good affiance in William King of Sicilie hee came through Apulia to mount Gargari and from thence taking ship as Obba of Rauenna saith in a vessell of Liburnia he came to Zara And afterwards passing through Dalmatia hee came in disguise to Venice as to the only refuge of all libertie Yet there scarce thinking himselfe in safetie as being vnacquainted with the Venetians loue and affection towards him concealing his estate which he thought best so to doe hee remained so long in the Hospitall of the Charitie in poore raiment called by the name of Commodo as at last he was knowne by a naturall marke vpon his body Some write that the better to liue there in secret he serued for Scullion of the kitchin But it is more credible that he concealed his Dignitie vnder the habit of a poore Priest which by diuers likewise is affirmed Forraine Historians doe affirme That he came to Venice with thirteene Gallies belonging to King William and not like a fugitiue to recouer the Emperours fauour in a free Citie the place hauing beene appointed for the meeting But if it were so as they say What needed so many Gallies which were sufficient not only to haue transported the Popes small houshold which is likely at that time to be but meane but all Rome likewise which in those daies was smally inhabited Besides what needed he to haue made so long and dangerous a iourney As though he had rather to haue trauersed the Sea-coasts with danger than to passe in safetie through the Duchie of Spoleta and marches of Ancona Vndoubtedly hee needed not to haue beene at so great expenses nor yet to haue so greatly hazarded himselfe had it not beene to haue auoided a greater danger For the Emperours decree made all things difficult to him Therefore in disguised habit or in these Gallies for some of our Historians couertly seeme to consent thereunto he must of necessitie come to Venice But how soeuer he arriued there all those whom we follow doe agree That being at the pursuit of Fredericke driuen from the Pontificiall dignitie hee had recourse to the Venetians and that being knowne he was honourably entertained by Prince Cyani and lodged in the Castle of Oliuollo with promise either to reconcile him to the Emperour or else that they themselues would reestablish him in his See First of all they concluded to send Ambassadours to Fredericke to entreate him in the name of the common-wealth to be reconciled with Pope Alexander and that in so doing he should not only performe a matter most profitable for all Christendome but most acceptable to the Venetians who wholly sought the profit and aduancement of Alexander It is reported that the Pope being present when the letters were writing to Fredericke and perceiuing that they sealed them with wax he commaunded in fauour of Ciani his successors That euer after the Duks letters should be sealed with lead the which is obserued euen to this daie Obba of Rauenna who liued in those times as well in regard of the antiquitie of his booke from whence we haue taken this as also because he hath curiously set downe al which passed in this
Emperour with a great and inuincible courage made answere at the same time Non tibi sed Petro. Vnto whom hee replied in choller treading more hard vpon him Et mihi Petro. This was done vpon Ascension day Others say that it was vpon the day that the battaile was wonne and that in memorie thereof the Pope granted great pardons to all who repenting and being confessed should visit euery yeare on the same day Saint Marks Church Not long after the Emperour and the Pope departed from Venice But the Venetian Historians say that both of them tarried there certaine moneths Obba of Rauenna reportes that Frederick came by Land to Ancona and Pope Alexander with Prince Cyani arriued there at the same time the whole Citie running out to meet them And to giue them honorable entertainment the City sent out two Canopies the one for Alexander and the other for Frederick and that then the Pope commaunded a third to bee brought for the Venetian Prince and permitted him in the presence of all the people that he and his successours should for euer vse one as they at this day doe when they walke abroad in solemnitie with the other Ducall Ensignes VVhen they arriued at Rome the Pope was receiued with all gladnesse who obseruing amongest these triumphes siluer trumpets which made a verie excellent sound caused eight of them to be giuen to the Venetian Prince in memorie of his victorie which the soueraigne Magistrate of Venice should euer afterwards vse All the Venetian Chroniclers doe affirme this to be true Cyant taking leaue of the Pope returned with his holy blessing to Venice The Marriners appointed for that purpose went to receiue him in the Bucentauro The Bishop of the Castle with the most part of the Citie went forth to meete him and to doe him reuerence who landing at the Hauen hauing a burning taper of white wax borne before him as the first gift which he receiued of Pope Alexander being at Venice the Canopie the siluer trumpets and the banner being the ensignes which he and his successours had receiued on condition to haue them carried before them euer after he entered the Citie with great ioy This is it which we finde aswell in the Venetian Historians as in strangers touching this so famous victorie obtained by the Venetians against Otho sonne to the Emperour Frederick All which the Venetians who liued long time after would haue to be publikely represented For the whole order of this warre is painted in the hall of the Palace where euerie eight dayes they assemble for the creation of new Officers Cyani being oppressed with old age and ill disposed of his person after that hee had prosperously gouerned the Common-wealth for the space of eight yeares caused himselfe to be carried into Saint Georges Monasterie where in short space he died Hee gaue to the Common-wealth by his testament diuers lands neere to Saint Marks Chuch and some others in the Mercers street neere to Saint Iulians to the Pristes of the Church where he should be buried It is reported That it was hee which did enrich Saint Marks Church with that sumptuousnesse and magnificent cost whereof wee will make so much the shorter mention as we drawe neare to the end of this booke Now this Church is not as diuers other so much recommended for the greatnesse and vnmeasurable extent as it is for the richnesse thereof It is builded in forme like a Crosse whose corners are highly vaulted and couered with lead as all the rest is which is discerned of Sea-men higher than all the buildings of the Citie aboue six-score stadij from thence The whole masse is besides supported by most curious Arches ioyned together by a meruailous skill The inner part from the middle euen to the highest part thereof glistereth with gold and the concauitie of the vaults is enriched with diuers goodly and ancient pictures made after the Greeke manner which with the labour to behold them in respect of their heigth doe present to the spectatators by their sad and venerable aspect a kinde of feare entermingled with pietie and religion That which is from the guilding downe to the pauement is so well compassed and ioyned together with goodly tables of marble as by their pleasant raies in forme of vaines the eyes of the beholders are rather wearied than satisfied The seats below are of a strange red stone like to Porphirie The pauement all of marble engrauen with diuers figures wholly different and of sundrie colours Besides sundrie Columnes and diuers tables of marble Tapâ—…ic Parian Sparâ—…an and Numidian at least resembling them enuiron the high seates on both sides the Quire The comming into the Church on both sides is in a manner of the same trimming Whose guilded Arches are susteined without by more then three hundred admirable Columnes not so much for their greatnesse as for their diuersitie of colours the space betweene those pillers being couered with goodly tables of marble On the heigth of this entrance foure great brazen horses guilded are to bee seene as if they neighed for ioy which is indeede a most excellent peece of worke but not of our time All this beares vp the highest top of the Church diuided into sixe steeples euery of which built like a Piramides hath on the sharpest point thereof standing a white marble statue of a naked man Diuers other representations delightfull to behold and wrought with exceeding skill do greatly beautifie the spaces betwixt these steeples The whole worke aswell on the right hand as on the left is of the same substance and workemanship and all that which is vaulted vnderneath is couered with gold In a word there is no place in the whole Church either within or without but is either trimmed with gold or marble or with some other rich stone so that two Columnes of Alablaster which stand neere to the high Altar and the Calcidonie-stones which are to bee seene in the middest of the pauement of the breadth of a foote and halfe are among so great riches counted as nothing Such is the structure of Saint Marks Church the adorning whereof as I haue said is for the most part attributed to Prince Cyani And because it wholly in a manner glistereth with gold I will not sticke as I haue alreadie done to call it the golden Church as often as I shall haue cause to speake thereof The end of the seuenth Booke of the first Decad. THE EIGHTH BOOKE OF THE FIRST DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice ¶ The Contents of the eighth Booke of the first Decad. THe institution of the publike Almes by whom and at what time The fourth rebellion of those of Zara. A new iourney of the Christians against the Turkes with the defeate of SALADINE and the recouerie of the Citie of Acre by the Christians The coyning of the money called Aurelia in the Citie Pola surprised by the Pisans The recouerie of the same by the Venetians
the Venetian Magistrate and the Church that of Grada and should besides send euery yeare to the Duke of Venice a thousand Connie-skins Whilest these things were done in Dalmatia the Venetians and French-men after they had first crossed the Ionian Seas and afterwards the Aegean and the Hellespont arriued at the Bosphorus of Thrace called St. Georges arme But wee must speake somewhat briefly here of the place and situation of the Citie for the more easie vnderstanding of what shall be hereafter set downe Bizantium named as all men know Constantinople by Constantine who much augmented it and did there establish his Empire yea builded as saith Trogus by Pausanias King of Sparta is seated in so pleasant and commodious a place as the Megarians who along time before were the founders of Calcydonia which is right ouer against it were esteemed by Apollo's Oracle of small iudgement because they refused so goodly and fertile a Countrie as is that where Bizantium was afterward builded and chose a barren and desert soile The streight of the Sea is fiue hundred paces in breadth and waxeth still more narrow as it draweth nearer to the Bosphorus of Thrace so called for the vsuall and easie passage of Oxen called at this day S. Georges arme This Citie on the North side hath the Sea of fiftie stadij in length and the maine drawing towards the West At the mouth of this streight in a small distance stands Constantinople on one side and Pera on the other so called in Greeke as I thinke for the small space that is betwixt them being opposite one to another Alexis had shut vp this space with a great yron chaine and placed a strong Garrison at either end thereof to hinder the enemies entrance Now whilest this great fleet staied there the Ambassadours of the Isle of Candie came with two Gallies in the name of the whole Island to acknowledge him for their Lord. This yong youth after he had louingly receiued them gaue the whole Island to Boniface of Montferrat a valiant man and his neare Kinsman The chaine in the meane time could not be broken vntill that a very great ship called the Eagle furnished with great yron tongs and driuen forward by a North-winde strake vpon it and brake it in peeces Presently hereupon the Venetians entred the streight and landed all the forraine troupes which done the Citie in an instant was besieged both by Sea and Land But so soone as the Campe arriued Theodore Lascaris sonne in law to the Emperour made a sodaine sallie with his forces on the Pilgrims for the French-men and they on this-side the mountains departing to the warres of Asia would at the first be so called to trouble their incamping The fight at the first was very bloudie and doubtfull but at the last the Greekish furie being abated Theodore with his forces was constrained with great losse to retire into the citie The Venetian fleet on the other side attempted to winne the Hauen but they spent two whole daies in breaking the chaine which lockt it And this fight was so much the more difficult to the Venetians by how much the Garrison of the Hauen was stronger than that of the streight whereof we haue spoken Twentie Gallies on a front being tied together by great yron chaines lay at the entrie thereof to keepe out the enemies and it was dangerous to come neare them in regard of the great number of arrowes which flew from them against those which came formost Yet neuerthelesse the Venetians valour ouer-came this For after they had likewise broken it and furiously assailed the enemie the hauen was wonne in an instant The Gallies being forsaken at the very first brunt by Alexis Souldiers fell into the possession of the Venetians After this victorie they resolued to assault the Citie with engins on all sides and after they had diuided the portions betwixt them the Venetians did forth-with erect diuers warlike engins against the Citie on the Hauens side Then they tooke two great masts of ships and tying them together they made a bridge vpon them from whence they shot into the Citie at their pleasures by reason the bridge was much higher than the walls They did moreouer cast fierie lances vpon the nearest houses which lighting vpon drie matter kindled such a flame as those who defended the wall being therewith terrified in great confusion forsooke their places which the Venetians mounting on ladders did forthwith possesse Alexis at this sodaine rumour came running thither with three thousand Souldiers which were of his guard and made shew at the first as if he would haue assailed the Venetians vsing thereby a Greekish pollicie to make shew of nothing lesse than flight But because all was lost not only in that place but likewise on the land-side where Lascaris had beene beaten into the Citie with great losse Alexis made a stay as though he would haue deferred the fight till the morrow But the Venetians pursuing the victorie did alreadie in a manner fight in the very Citie Whereupon Alexis at the entrie of the night holding all for lost left his wife and children and committing great treasures which hee had drawne forth of the ground to the keeping of his Daughter Irene who was a Nunne about midnight he left the Citie and fled His flight being openly knowne Isaack was forthwith taken out of prison and the Citie-gates being set open the yong Alexis was with great ioy receiued by all the people Both of them were saluted Emperors Great was the ioy on either side but not without teares to behold the wretched blind old man who did greatly praise the pietie and good nature of his sonne and reioyced with him for this happie successe exhorting him couragiously to maintaine the Empire which hee had by his vertue recouered The child on the other side was no lesse ioyfull to see his Father freed from the prison of his wicked brother and that so perfidious a person hated of God and Men being driuen iustly both from Empire and Countrie was compelled to vndergoe so ignominious a banishment saying that his owne happinesse did not so much content him as to see his Father reuenged on his enemie That hee did not doubt but that this wretched Alexis was greatly troubled in his minde knowing his enemie to command in the same place from whence himselfe had beene shamefully expulsed After all these reciprocall complements Isaac did in open assembly confirme ratifie all that which his sonne had granted to the Venetians and French-men the Protectors of his state And all the good old mans thoughts were how and by what meanes hee might pay the Venetians and French that which had beeâ—…e promised them when falling sodainely sicke hauing as it was thought taken the aire too soone he died in few daies after The Sonne no lesse mindfull than the Father to acknowledge the benefits which he had receiued did meane not
surnamed the Fisher Earleof that part of Morea which is called Mailla aided by certaine Gallies of Genoa attempted to take the Isle of Candie from the Venetians But Rayniero Generall of the Armie arriuing there vnlook't for did not only preseâ—…ue the Island but sanke foure Genoa-Gallies that were found neere the shoare in which some will needes affirme that Vetrano was taken and forth-with put to death The Venetians soon after to curbe the practises of the Greekes sent to Candace called Candida by the vulgar the head Cittie of the Island a Colonie namely horsemen of the order of Senators and footmen of the common sort of people The Genoueses in like manner did robbe and scoure the Seas against whom Giâ—…nan Treuisano was sent with nine Gallies well prouided He hauing met with the Fleete of Genoa assailed it with more courage than force and tooke twelue of the enemies vessels By which losse the Genoueses being daunted sued for peace Some Authours affirme that the Genoueses hauing taken a ship from the Venetians Treuisano was commanded to pursue them with two Gallies and two ships of burthen who hauing ouer taken them in the Libian Sea neere to the ruines of old Carthage fought with them and tooke from them foure ships and soone after twentie eight more on the Sicilian Sea About the same time there arose great dissension between the Venetians and the Paduans about a small matter The Treuisans were at the same time by reason of a long peace full of riches and delicacies so as giuing them-selues ouer to all sportes and pastimes as men commonly do in a prosperous estate they inuented pleasant recreations They erected in the Market-place of their Citie a Castle made of verie costly silke compassed about with scarlet in sted of Walls within the which were placed the noblest maidens of the Citie wearing Coronets on their heads in sted of Heâ—…mets and for Curasses verie rich Chaines and Iewels who defended the Castle against yong Gentlemen of the like yeares And the weapons on either side were small artificiall apples made of nutmegs roses and lillies fashioned round like a ball with a sodaine small raine of rose water and diuers other sweete odors This great preparation being published abroad caused diuers who were desirous to see as the manner is to come to Treuiso Diuers Venetians and Paduans being entreated to be of the number came to these shewes But whilst all men were buâ—…ied in assailing the fort and in looking on what side they would begin it hapned that a troope of yong Venetians seized on one of the Castle gates would forthwith haue set vp their ensigne there which certaine Paduans perceiuing who not farre off from thence did assaile the Damsells fearing that the Venetians would carrie awaie the glorie of the fight laid hands on the ensigne wherein was painted the picture of Saint Marke and hauing pluck't it downe did shamefully teare it in peeces By reason of this braue there arose on a sodaine a great quariell and they had fought in the verie place with great slaughter If the Marshalls of the field had not instantly broke vp the games But the Paduans not acknowledging their faults for there was some likelihood that the Venetians would reuenge this iniurie after they had made a league with the Treuisans making shew as if they had receiued the wrong being vsuall with those that will couer their fault began first and without any warlike summons entring into the Venetians Territorie carried thence much bootie The Venetians sending to demand that which they had taken awaie the Paduans insted of hearkening thereunto came and besieged the Tower of Bebia seated at the mouth of the riuer which Prince Cyani had fortified with a strong Garrison vnder the command of Marco Concano a valiant person The Venetians being moued as well at this second as first affront went to armes and comming sodainely to the Tower they assailed brake and defeated them and tooke more than foure hundred prisoners with foure ensignes which did highly content the displeased Citie of Venice The Treuisans who were comming to aid their fellowes and allies vnderstanding that they were defeated returned back all amazed The yerely tribute which those of Chioggia were wont to paie was forgiuen them by a publike decree because they had valiantly behaued themselues in that incounter Soone after this battaile of Bebia by the mediation of the Patriarch of Aquileia a peace followed on condition neuerthelesse That the Paduans should send to the Prince at Venice fiue and twentie of those which began the â—…tir at the games of Treuiso who being deliuered the Venetian sent them home againe without any harme at all This peace lasted not long for both sides fell on a sodaine to Armes The occasion of this new warre grew about the confederates of both these people The Forlani were at strife with the Treuisans about their boundes who presuming on the Venetians aide entred the Territorie of their new enemies Bertoldo their Bishop by whose authoritie the whole matter was managed went for succour to the Paduans But others saie that it was to the Venetians who made him a Citizen of Venice And that which makes me most to beleeue it is the ancient alliance betwixt the Paduans and those of Treuiso But they affirme that at the first beginning of the warre Bertoldo and the Count Gorician came to Venice where after they had agreed vpon truce for fiue yeares the warre was finished About the same time the Episcopall See of Malamoc as some say was translated to Chioggia After that a great Earthquake did wonder-fully shake the Citie whereby a part of Saint Georges Church fell downe to the ground and diuers other priuate buildings This hapned in the places neere to the â—…irme Land But the Venetians power did daly encrease in the Islands Rabanâ—… Carcâ—…io who had seized on the Isle of Nigrepont fearing that he should not be able at his own charges to keep such an Island did freely with his Nephews put himselfe vnder the Venetians obedience promising to paie a yearely tribute Certaine Gentlemen in manner of a new Colonie were sent to guard Corfu among whom were Pietro Michaeli Stephano Foscarâ—… Sigiberto Quirino and Giacomo Seiano Guifred Prince of Achaia who did succeede his Father Mega with Gallus the wrongfull possessor of Cephalenia came and shrowded themselues vnder the Venetians protection Whilst these things were done in the Islands and on the Sea-coasts of Ionia the Emperour Henrie made a league with the Valachians and after hee had married the King of Valachias daughter he did in short space by meanes of that new affinitie recouer all the Townes of Greece which by Baldwins death were reuolted And all matters being peaceable abroade he attempted a verie holy and pious matter in the Citie by fauouring the Popes Nuntio sent expresly to Constantinople to the end he might draw the Greekes to
the obedience of the See of Rome It was likelie to haue raised a great tumult in the Citie all the Citizens crying out against Henrie that it was the part of a good Emperour to meddle with temporall and not with diuine matters that they had beene too much obedient to him to haue endured that their Church should bee termed subiect to that of Rome Therefore Henrie after he had left the Greekes to their wilfullnesse returned to the gouernment of the Empire and declared the sonne of Boniface to be King of Thessalie and gaue euerie daie hope of greater matters But hee was on a sodaine preuented by death Whilest these things were done in Greece Prince Cyani sent Ambassadours to the Emperour Otho to congratulate his victorie obtained against his enemie Pâ—…ilip Duke of Sueuia and his corriuall in the Empire who freely granted them the confirmation of all their priuiledges and immunities Angelo Phâ—…ledrio Procurator of Saint Marke did greatly enrich with diuers sorts of pretious stones the golden Table which as we haue said lieth vpon the great Altar in the sumptuous Church of St. Marke Prince Cyani his first wife being dead married Constantia Daughter to Tancred King of Sicilie It is reported likewise that he builded the Church of Saint Marie of Ierusalem which is at this day an house of Nunnes Peter Earle of Auxerre after the death of Henrie whose sister hee had married was by a generall consent chosen Emperour of the East who with his wife comming to Rome was crowned by Pope Honorius in S. Lawrence his Church without the Citie Afterwards he departed from Rome with Iohn Cardinall Colonna sent by the Pope for Legate into Hungarie to leuie forces against the Turke and being come to Brundusium he there shipped his wife and children But himselfe entring into the Venetians Gallies sailed directly towards Dalmatia determining to goe from thence by land to Constantinople It is reported that in the Venetians behalfe he would needs assaile Durazzo Theodore Duke of Albania commanded there who tooke it from the Venetians after they had rampierd it with strong walls where he placed a strong garrison of Albanians so as the Emperours assaults were in vaine This Theodore called himselfe Emperour of Greece and reckoned Emanuel who had beene Emperour in the list of his Ancesters But feigning afterwards to be reconciled with Peter he inuited him to a dinner in the Citie where in the middest of the banquet he was murthered Others say that this perfidious wretch slew his guest neare to the groues of Thessalie called Tempe Giacomo Tepulo was at the same time the Venetians Magistrate in Constantinople who perceiuing the French forces halfe wasted and consumed in Greece made a league with Theodore the Albanois for fiue yeare and with the King of Turks for two yeare In the meane time Robert sonne to Peter came through Hungarie and Misia to Constantinople where hee was sodainly saluted Emperour The Prince at the beginning did communicate diuers great affaires of the Empire to Marino Michaeli the Venetians Magistrate in Constantinople In which faithfull league of friendship and confederacie hee perpetually continued so as in all the titles of his letters of state he called the Venetian Prince as his Ancestors likewise before time had done his most deere Colleague in the Empire nor did he this without a cause For the ancient French forces beginning daily to decline in Greece and no new succours nor supplies comming to them from any place the matter was brought to that passe as the whole burthen of the Empire lay only on the Venetians This Robert married the daughter of a rich Matrone though of meane birth formerly betrothed to a Senator whose great heart not brooking so apparent iniurie resolued presently how to reuenge it Whereupon accompanied with diuers of his faction who were mightie in a great rage they came to the Emperours Palace which breaking open and finding the Maiden they cut off her nose with great crueltie And eâ—…t soones taking her Mother who had made the marriage they threw her head-long into the Sea Robert here-with vexed wâ—…nt presently to Rome where after he had complained to the Pope of the wrong done to his wife returning towards Constantinople he died â—…n Achaia Baldwin his sonne being left very yong married the Daughter of Iohn King of Ierusalem who by a generall consent was entreated to take vpon him the gouernement of his sonne-in-lawes Empire who was yet in his Non-age The Cardinall in the meane time who was sent by the Pope into Syria with great forces arriued at Ptolomais The chiefe in this enterprize was Andrew King of Hungarie who as it is reported was aided by the Venetians in the transportation of his troupes and carriage the which was easily granted him by reason that he did renouâ—…ce and giue ouer to them all the claime which the Kings of Hungarie might pretend to Dalmatia Some Annalists report That Dâ—…miet in Egypt neare to the Riuer Nilus was taken in this iourney and that they brought away thirtie thousand prisoners Wee finde no other memorable matter to haue beene done in this action The end of the eighth Booke of the first Decad. THE NINTH BOOKE OF THE FIRST DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice ¶ The Contents of the ninth Booke of the first Decad. THe ninth Booke containeth the full description of the Isle of Candie The reuolt thereof from the Venetians and the recouerie of it by them after they had chaced away Count Mailloc The Nobilitie of the Island goe from thence rather than they will obey the Venetians The rebellion of the Citie of Candace How after diuers warlike exploits all the Candiots almost were reduced vnder the Venetians obedience New stirres of the Islanders appeased by force The preparation of VATTASVS to seize on the Island the Inhabitants hauing offered it vnto him The punishment of the rebells after the enemies were driuen out The Venetians victorie against the King of the Exagoni before Constantinople VATTASVS defeated in the same place by the Venetians within few daies after Truce with the Genoueses for nine yeares The warre of the Venetians by Sea and Land against the Emperour FREDERICK and ECCELIN The Genoueses victorie against FREDERICK and the Pisans neare to the Isle of Cirna The fifth rebellion of Zara and the speedie recouerie thereof The declaration of the Assemblies which are made for the Creation of a Duke The Paduans are set at libertie by the Venetians by the helpe of Pope ALEXANDER so soone as ECCELIN was driuen forth of the Citie Twelue thousand Paduans murthered at Verona by the command of ECCELIN THe continuall reuolts in the Isle of Candie happening almost one after another which for a time greatly troubled the Venetians affaires doe enforce vs a little to digresse from Italie whereunto the subiect alone doth not inuite vs being filled with vaâ—…ious matter but the fame of this Island so much renowned
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
well to reward those whom he should bring to his succour For I know no better meanes that he had to deale with a Venetian than vpon reward The Historians make no other mention wherefore this reward was promised him at his arriuall The Authors of the rebellion were in an instant chaced thence and the townes recouered But in the meane space there arose some strife betwixt the commanders which gaue fit occasion to a mischieuous fellow called Seuastus who was desirous of innouation and watched for nothing more than how hee might disturbe the peace of the Prouince the which reuolted on a sodaine It is reported that because sufficient order was not taken for the prouision of victuailes in the Citie there was no bread to be sold on a market-day as was wont to be in the market-place This Seuastus who with others desired to disturbe the State would not let slippe such an occasion But hauing drawne together a great multitude of people they all ranne first to Sanutos lodging as to him who delt not with the Cities businesse but diuers thinke that Sanuto had concluded with them so to doe who because he would not seeme to partake in so wicked an enterprise nor to take armes to trouble the State but vpon necessitie was contented as hath beene said that they should first come to him and then afterward they came with great rumour to the Palace and the Citie was sodainely taken by a few Souldiours fore-appointed for the same purpose Tepulo perceiuing all this to tend to a rebellion retired himselfe in disguise to the house of Marco Tonisco his friend and imagining that the Towne being taken it might endanger his life if he should be found there he was secretly in the night let downe by a corde from the Citie walles in womans attire This sodaine flight caused him to take his iourney towards Themenum a verie strong Citie where thinking himselfe in safetie hee resolued to remaine after he had a little fortified the place a new because he would not seeme by too much despaire to abandon the Prouince Some saie Tepulo being driuen forth of the Citie Sanuto became Captaine of the Rebelles who forgetting his Countrey and the benefits that hee had receiued of the same did in hast with those of his faction runne vp and downe the Island causing it to reuolt from the Venetians And that after he had left Stephano Sanuto his kinsman to guard it and ioyned all the Greeke and Italian troupes together he did in short space reduce all the Cities and strong places in a manner of the Island vnder his commaund Some likewise saie That he came and besieged Temenum whither Tepulo had retired himselfe who with those that were come to his aide did brauely defend the Citie For diuers who remained loyall to the Venetians so â—…oone as they vnderstood that the Gouernour was at Temenum ranne thither to succour him The siege before Temenum being raised the Gouernour in few daies recouered Montfort and Lasitha Thus stood the affaires of Candie when as Dominico Quirino and Sebastiano Bethanio being sent as Prouidatori with great forces of horse and foote arriued in the Island The Gouernour who till then durst not rashly attempt ought against the enemie who was much stronger than himselfe after he vnderstood of the Prouidatoris arriuall who besides the forces they had brought into the Island were well furnished with weapons money and victuals being thrust forward with hope to effect some great matter departed from Temenum and came and lodged with his troopes at Panosobrita a verie fit place to execute an enterprise where hauing fortified his campe he did in hast build a fort Sanuto being aduertized of Tepulos departure and of the place where he was incamped did with his Armie forthwith march thither The Gouernour being somewhat daunted at the sodaine comming of his enemie had certaine notice by his spies what forces he had in his campe And being strengthened with new supplies which as I thinke were mingled among the Islanders he was not slacke to embattaile his troopes readie for the fight if the enemie were so pleased Sanuto on the contrarie imagining that which was true That by temporizing he was able to ouercome him made none account hereof For besides that his souldiers in regard of the commoditie of the places did greatly annoy the Tepulans he saw new forces daily to arriue at his owne campe from the Citie of Candace and from all other parts almost of the Island and on the contrarie that time would bring so many discommodities to the enemie as he would be at last enforced to die by famine or by some other violent death or else wholly to forsake the Island Tepulo soone discouered the purpose of his enemie and not being able to draw him to battaile he left a strong garrison in the fort newly builded raised â—…is campe and returned to Themenum From whence soone after departing in greaâ—… silence he came to Candace and about midnight setting vp ladders against the Citie wals he gaue entrance to all his troopes without noise or slaughter The Citie being thus recouered Stephano Sanuto who commaunded there with diuers others were taken prisoners The enemie being troubled with these newes resolued to giue eare to a peace the which he obtained of Tepulo on these conditions That after he had retired all his Garrisons which he held in the Island for all the countrey in a manner from Milopotamus vnto the Promontorie of Spatha was possessed by his souldiers he should leaue Candie and get him home into his Islands with one Galley and a little ship for the passage of his troopes or with more if neede were not of his owne but of â—…ired ones for that purpose This agreement being made with the Gouernour and assurance giuen on either side Sanuto embarked his troopes and by his so daine departure gaue peace to the Candiots This is in a manner all which some Authors set downe of the second rebellion of the Island which may yet rather be termed a ciuill warre For it is not credible that Marco Sanuto did euer beare Armes with an intent to take the Island from the Venetians but onely to driue thence the gouernour who was his mortâ—…llenemie For vpon what ground or what assurance should he beare Armes against his countrymen and countrey And what should moue him to rise against a people till then inuincible seeing he knew for a certaine that if the Venetians were once his professed enemies they would not onely haue taken Candie from him but all the other Islands which he had formeâ—…ly wonne by right of warre Besides what simplicitie had it beene in him to intend the ruine of those with whom he resolued afterward to ioyne himselfe For he would neuer haue gone about to haue drawne Count Mailloc forth of the Island if he had in any sort desired to haue taken it from the
Author That there hath beene reckoned at times in Padua foure hundred families all Gentlemen and that which is more sixscore thousand men sent thereout to the warres at one time Eccelin after the massacre of the Paduans hauing shut vp with great Rampiers a little belowe Vincenza the Riuer Bacchillion diuided it into diuers streames and by that diuision he made the Citie more stronge and made diuers vses of it chiefely for Milles. The Bishop of Rauenna on the other side caused a great ditch to bee made round about the walles of Padua and by that meanes in such sort fortified the Citie as it needed no more to feare the attempts of Eccelin Then he marched sodainely being well accompanied to that place where the Riuer Bacchilion was shut vp The Gouernour of Vincenza equall to the Bishop both in strength and courage sallied with the troupes which Eccelin had left there in Garrison The fight beganne speedily aud held out long time without certaine knowledge which side had the better But word being brought in the heat of the skirmishe that the Raâ—…piers of the floud were broken downe and that the Riuer with great force was returned into the ancient channell the Bishop sodainely sounded the retraite Diuers warlike attemps were afterwards performed on either side but they are not fitting to be here set downe Some Authors affirme that the Pope in acknowledgement of the aide and succour which the Venetians sent him in his action graunted them that the Deane of Saint Markes golden Church should in high solemnities vse a Mitre and pastorall staffe which none of their predecessours could euer till then obtaine The Prince being oppressed with age after hee had fortunately gouerned the Common-wealth deceased the fourth yeare of his gouernment His bodie was buried at the entry into the golden Church Rainiâ—…ro Zeni was named Prince in his sted The end of the ninth Booke of the first Decad. THE TENTH BOOKE OF THE FIRST DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice ¶ The contents of the tenth Booke of the first Decad. THe occasion of the first warre against the Genoueses is handled in this tenth Booke Why the Venetians did seize on the Citie of Acre The Venetians victorie against the Genoueses betweene Acre and Tyre Aide sent by the Venetians to BALDVVIN Emperour of Coâ—…stantinople PALEOLOGVS seizeth on the Greeke Empire and expells BALDVVIN The Genoueses take three Venetian shippâ—… at the Bosphorus of Thrace The Venetians defeate the Genoueses and take foure shippes from them neere to the Hauen called the seauen Swine The Venetians besiege Tyre in vaine MICHAEL DORIA taketh certaine Venetian shippes at the going out of the Adriaticke Sea The notable victorie of the Venetians ouer the Genoueses in the view of the Sicilians neere to Trapani PALEOLOGVS in league with the Venetians Genoueses take Sydonia in the Isle of Candie Apopular tumult in the Citie wherein the Prince is wronged Eight Gallies of Genoa taken neere to Cyprus which are brought to Venice The Venetians victorie against the Genoueses in Syria at the same place almost where they wanne the first victorie The Venetians are denied victuailes by their neighbours Truce with the Genoueses warre with those of Bologna almost for three yeares space at the mouth of the Riuer Po Warre likewise against those of Ancona for the impostes at Sea The Common-wealth hath a new warre by reason of the troubles in Candie The rebellion of those of Cape Histria The Acoonitans after the Venetians had driuen them from Sea haue recourse to the Pope A great Earthquake in the Citie diuers incounters in Histria for a while against the Patriarche of Aquileia and the Prince of Goritia The Citie of Acre is ruinated and ouer throwne by the King of Babylon ¶ RAINIERI ZENO the 45. ' Duke of Uenice THERE was in Phaenicia one of the Prouinces of the Kingdome of Siria betweene mount Carmell and Sydon a Citie in times past verie famous called at first Ptolomais afterwards Acon by a more vsuall name Some Venetian Historians haue set downe Acre for Acon following therein the vulgar who so call it The Venetians at such time as the Christians tooke Hierusalem with a part of Syria had by an agreement purchased a kinde of title in that Citie and not the Venetians alone but likewise the Genoueses and Pisans who sent nauall Armies for the assistance of that warre Now the Venetians and Genoueses had in the same Citie a Church common to them both albeit they had otherwise a particular place and street a-part These being first prouoked with iealouzie and afterward with mortal hatred beganne to striue about the possession of the same Church The Venetians alleaged That by couenant made with Baldwin not onely a street but the third part of the Citie belonged to them and so consequently that Church was theirs which was dedicated to Saint Saba The Genoueses insisted on the contrarie not yeelding either to the couenants or to their felloweâ—… and there was likelihood that some great mischiefe might be fall the affaires of the Christiaâ—…s in Syria in regard of that contention But to take away all occasion of future diuision the whole matter was referred to Pope Alexander the fourth who louing equitie as well as peace did forth with conclude That seeing the â—…iuine seruice was common to them both the Church likewise ought to be so The Genoueses hauing notice of the Popes sentence sooner than the Venetians presuming on the good will which Philip of Montfort a French-man by Nation did beare vnto them who was Gouernour of the Citie they came not staying for the Popes answere and seized on the place and speedily fortified it in manner of a Castle Philip also vnto whome the Venetians complained was so farre off from redressing the same as on the contrarie vpon their speech That the thlrd part of the Citie belonged vnto them he commanded them to giue the people contentment to depart thence The Venetians disdaining to digest such an iniurie made a speedie league with Mâ—…nfred King of Sicill against the Genoueses But whilest they were busied in preparing their Armie the Prince of Antioch and the Patriarke of Ierusalem did sharply by their letters rebuke Philip counsailing him to gouerne himselfe morâ—… discreetly and assured him that if the Venetians were not reconciled to the Genoueses from whom they were seuered by his pride and their owne the affaires of Christendome were like to receiue a great affront in Syria by reason of that quarrell The Venetians vnderstanding the small account that Philip made of those aduertisements and that it was certaine that he would not change his determination either for admonitions or threats but that he would continue will full in the hatred which he had already conceiued They being wholly impatient by reason of the hainousnesse of the matter set presently forth thirtie Gallies well prouided which they had in readinesse at the same time in the Hauen of Tyre The Venetian Historians
seruice and that hauing by his death taken vpon him the charge of the children for besides his neare kindred hee had euer shewed himselfe a faithfull friend to the late Theodore so soone as he had assured his owne estate hee caused them miserably to be put to death This man being installed Protector beganne the warre against William King of Achaia a French-man by nation and he ceased not to pursue him till hee had constrained him to fight wherein being ouercome and taken he confined him to prison Being proud of this victorie hee came assailed Baldwin The Emperour being aduertised that his enemie approached with his forces resolued to guard the streights of the Ponticke sea and to dri◅e him if it were possible far from the hauen So soone therefore as he had prepared a nauall Armie with the greatest forces that he could leuie he gaue the command therof to Marco Gradonico the Venetian who was then Magistrate in Constantinople determining either to hazard all or else to diuert that haughtie enemie from his purpose For being desperate of all aide he knew not by what inuention else he could bee able to keep Constantinople hauing beene till then so extremely impouerished first by Iohn Vattasus and after by Theodore his successour as hee was enforced to Pawne Philip his sonne who had afterwards committed to ward in Venice to the Merchants of Bruges who was lent him a great summe of money to sell the gutters and couerings of leade of the publike buildings and the pretious relicks of Saints so great was his want of money Thus being compassed with miseries and almost distracted he sent all his forces to the guard of the straite and passages of the Sea not leauing any garrison in the Citie But whilest he sought meanes to keepe out a forraine enemie he was ouerthrowne by domesticke treacherie For certaine Greekes who by nature were light-headed and inconstant being wearied with so many miseries or rather as I thinke glutted with the French gouernment thinking that for want of a garrison in the Citie they might easily deliuer the same to the enemie sent diuers whom they might trust to treate with Palcologus and to will him to come at a certaine houre of the night with what forces he best pleased promising that without doubt they would bring him in and make him master of the Citie without the losse of any one man Paleologus would not slip such an occasion but came about midnight with great troupes of souldiers through by-waies for feare of descrying Hee was no ◅ooner come to the walles but the traitors receiued him into the Citie without the slaughter of any one except of those which had the guard of the gate Baldwin and Pantaleon Iustinian the Patriarch being awaked at the first noise of the surprise in great feare fled to Euripus called at this day the strait of Nigrepont with certaine of their friends carrying with them the most rich and precious things that so fodaine a nightlie terrour would permit them where taking ship they sailed thence with a direct course to Nigrepont Some Authors say that Baldwin and his troupes were absent when Paleologus tooke the Citie But whether he were there or no it is certaine that the Citie of Constantinople was lost in this manner the eight and fiftie yeare or as others say the threescore and third yeare after it was taken by the Venetians and French-men The Venetians dispatched messengers with speed to the Pope and Baldwin sent to Lewis the French King but no aide was either giuen or denied by any of them both Yet notwithstanding in regard it was very likely that Paleologus would not stand still in so faire euen a way they concluded to send Marco Michaeli with eighteene gallies to guard the Islands all the Sea-coasts with expresse charge not to let slip fit occasion to disturbe Paleologus The which was so valiātly executed with such dexteritie as all men did assuredly beleeue that Paleologus was at the point to leaue Constantinople in despair had not the Genoueses in hatred to the Venetians readily offered him their aid For hauing made a league together they sent their whole armie out of Syria into Greece which of a certain was much more strong and mightie than that wherewith they fought betwixt Tyre and Acre Paleologus trusting to his owne forces attempted to enlarge the bounds of his Empire towards Morea And the better to effect it he set William at libertie who as we haue said was by him imprisoned after his defeate on condition to deliuer the Citie of Epidauro in Morea into his hands so was this Citie called in olde time which standeth almost in the middest of Greece called at this day by corruption of the language Maluasia being assured that with this Citie he would greatly molest the Venetians by sea and land But the Venetians hauing notice thereof with little difficultie drew William to their partie and sware perpetual friendship with him who ser◅ed them afterward verie faithfully in this warre They sent moreouer eight and thirtie Gallies with supplies to their Armie which was alreadie in Grecia But whilest this mightie Armie was preparing against Paleologus diuers ships of warre at sundrie times departed from Venice as ships of burthen fit for the fight and Gallies well appointed not so much for the guard of their owne frontiers as to spoile whatsoeuer they could find belōging to the enemy to frustrate his atempts Which happened at the same time when that great ship called the Lion which had two hundred marriners and an hundred souldiers in her departing from Venice with two Gallies met neere to Tenedos with twentie Gallies of Genoa which in steed of flying from she gaue chase vnto pursued them almost to Constantinople It was not long after when that great fleet of thirtie seuen Gallies sent with supplies as aforesaid arriued in Greece where they met by chance on the Sea of Thessalonica with threescore saile of Greekes and Genouoses who durst not meddle with them Neither would the Venetians assaile them in regard of their great multitudes but passing quietly by them they came into the Isle of Nigrepont the which for the most part was possessed by the Venetians after they had driuen thence Anfosius bastard as some say to Fredericke the third King of Sicily who hauing a part thereof by contract of marriage with Marulla daughter to Boniface of Verona held the partie of Paleologus The enemies fieete sailing forth of the Sea of Thessalonica met with three Venetian ships of warre neere to the Bosphorus of Thrace returning from scouring the Seas almost as farre as Constantinople These ships being taken all the prisoners which fell to the Genoueses were forthwith murthered and they which happened on Paleologus had their eyes plucked out The Venetian nauie feeling winter draw on and the enemie not stirre returned to Venice About the beginning of
to the Citie where the bootie and ensignes were not onely rescued but those of the enemies were taken the which Pietro returning victorious to Florence commaunded to be dragged through the Citie The victorie did greatly encrease his first reputation there was nothing spoken but of his valour and prowesse all men said that the vnbridled boldnesse of those of Escalla should by his conduct be in short time abared iudging him worthie of the place which was giuen him In such reputation was Rossis who being readie to march towards Venice tarried for the troupes which the Florentines promised by their agreement to send when as the Venetians in the meane time had begun the warre but not with so good successe as was done in Tuscan Gerard Caminensis an allie of the Venetians hauing taken armes against those of Escalla departed about midnight from the Citie of Metta commonly called the Motte and seised on Vderza Mastin vpon report of the taking therof some say that it was Albert who made this iourney marched speedily with his troupes towards the enemie and being come into the territorie of the Vderzans he sent his best armed horse before the Citie and himselfe with the residue of his troupes followed a farre off with an intent to enclose the enemie if he came forth vnaduisedly to fight These forerunners being come neere to the walles were sodainly repulsed by those of the towne who neuerthelesse returned againe to the skirmish of set purpose to draw the enemie farre from the Citie The which hauing done and being come to the place of ambush those of Escalla sodainly issued forth and enforced the Garrison to flie towards the Citie Then the horsemen by the tyrants commundement alighted and assailing the Citie on euerie side they greatly amazed those that were within who were few in number in respect of the largenesse of the place so soone then as those of Escalla came to the assault the Garrison distrusting their owne small number forsooke the walles and fled Then the assailants after they had broken vp the gates entred and slue the enemie in all places There were few prisoners taken and among others Gerard made one of the number Vderza being recoueted the enemie marched towards Camino which he likewise tooke in few daies after that he had corrupted the Garrison with money It is thought that if he had gone to the Motte he might with ease haue taken it But by his negligence which commonly followeth a great conquest the souldiers wanting victuals and a warlike Leader to conduct them running heere and there without obseruing martial discipline for sooke their ensignes The Venetians in the meane time stirred not For Marsilio who at the beginning came to Venice deputed by his brother was leauying forces and being not yet strong enough he durst not march against the enemie for feare least at the first he should commit some error Some Authors affirme that Marsilio was left by his brother in Pontremolle to sustaine the siege And the Venetian Annalists write that he was at the same time in Venice Mastin of Escalla sent commissioners to Venice to demannd a peace offering to withdraw his Garrison and to raze the Fort which he had builded in the lake neere to Petabubula But they obtaining nothing of the Venetians returned without any peace Rossis in the meane time with fifteene hundred horse namely eight hundred which he had receiued of the Florentines three hundred from the Bolognians and the residue of Obisso of Este passing through the countrey of Ferrara came to Chioggia where embarking himselfe with a few of his followers he came to Venice A troupe of Senators at his landing went to receiue and gratifie him and brought him directly to the Prince who spake thus vnto him The Princes speech to de Rossis GEnerous Pietro thine excelllent vertue so much renowned euerie where hath bene the cause that being to make warre on the Lords of Escalla for diuers iniuries receiued from them we haue esteemed thee alone among all the Captaines of Italie worthie to assist vs chiefly in so difficult a businesse We haue thought it fit from the beginning to elect a Generall to whose hands we might commit our forces to fight on the firme land But according to the common report we haue found no man I will not say that surpasseth thee for that cannot bee but that can in any sort equal thee either in counsellor valour We therefore haue chosen thee being absent and busied in a trouble some warre to commaund all our forces Being assured that it will come to passe if thou be such an one as all men report thee and we hope that thou wilt proue that so soone as thou shalt haue subiected vnto vs this proud enemie thou wilt free both thy selfe and thine from this warre and brauely reuenge all the wrongs which thou hast receiued from him It is almost incredible to tell how great the hope is which we haue conceiued that our affaires will prosper hauing thee for our Generall in this warre which hast as much reason to sight for vs as for thy selfe It is no matter whether an enemie be ouerthrowne by reward or hatred His ruine then being as profitable to thee as to vs this our exhortation may seeme needlesse We intreat thee neuerthelesse well and faithfully to gouerne what shall be committed to thy charge as becommeth an associate and a good Generall Opportunitie the mother of all things will shew thee time and place fitter for thy designes And we on the other side will furnish thee with souldiers victuals munition and abundantly with the principall sinue of warre which is money Take then these publike ensignes which to thy selfe and to the Commonwealth likewise we pray may proue most fortunate the which shall follow thee wheresoeuer thou shalt commaund and thy souldiers them And we beseech God to fauour thy proceedings to the end that thou mayest bring them backe vnto vs not onely safe but victorious So soone as Rossis had receiued the signes of his office he answered in few words the Princes speech leauing behind him a greater hope of himselfe than if he had vsed many words in his owne praise and presently he departed with all his troupes Blondus writeth that he came first to Treuiso thinking thereby that the same Citie was then subiect to the Venetians Others thinke that it was on the confines of Padua and Treuiso and some who are most worthie of beliefe for the enemie then held all those places which they name affirme that the Rendeuous of the whole Armie was at the Motte In that place he made the generall musters of his Armie and found that he had besides the succours of the Allies foure thousand fiue hundred horse and sixe thousand foote besides great numbers of victuallers souldiers boyes and such like people which follow a campe The Earles of Colalta who before had held the partie of Escalla came to the
of Corania but the Venetians afterwards repaired it speedily and placed a strong Garrison in it All this hapned in a Moneths space But about the fifth of Nouember the Campe approaching the village of Bouolenta the Florentine troupes with the other associates which had taried at Chioggia ioyned themselues by litle and litle to the Armie This place is almost on euery side enuironed with water It is thought that Antenor the Troyan laid the first foundation thereof Diuers report that so soone as Rossis was knowne to be in the field the cauallerie which staied at Chioggia was mightily encreased and that the Rendezuous of the Armie marching on the firme land was at Bouolenta Rossis resolued not to stirre from thence till he had in some sort discouered the enemies intent whom hee knew to be so politicke as he would attempt nothing but vpon sound aduise The Annals affirme that which wee first said and further adde that by the aduise of Rossis they builded a Fort at Bubulente wherein they left a strong Garrison both by land and water For hee had obserued that the situation of that place was very commodious for the Warres as it fell out by experience For the Venetians from thence did many times make roades on the Territorie of Padua Rossis departing thence gaue an alarum to Padua and riding neere to the Gates and Wals of the Citie hee called the enemies to the fight and with reproachfull speeches hee taxed their cowardise But the enemie keeping himselfe within the closure of his Wals and not daring to come forth he passed on and tooke the lower way towards Cap-darger to goe from thence to besiege the Fort of the Salt-pits where Marco Lauretano was arriued with the nauall Armie whereupon by mutuall consent the siege was aduanced The Garrison within it were first sounded whether they would voluntarily yeeld without enforcement which they refusing to doe the Venetians did furiously assaile them The engines were already planted against the Wals and the Souldiers mounted on the enemies Rampire at such time as Spirituello Gouernour of the place hauing receiued an hurt sodainely died thereof They of the Fort being amazed at this accident craued truce for eight dayes with determination that if Mastin came within that time to raise the fiege they would still hold it for him and withall faithfully promising if they were not releeued before the Truce were expired that they would yeeld it vp to the Venetians This being graunted they sent to Padua to intreate Mastin to come himselfe and to raise the siege or if he could not come at the least to send forces sufficient to constraine the enemie to raise his Campe But he promising them nothing but willing them rather to seeke their owne safetie the Castle was yeelded which was foorthwith razed by the Venetians About the same time those of Cognilian yeelded to the Venetians and were the way-leaders to diuers other Cities and associates of Mastin to reuolt from those of Escalla as it afterwards happened The tyrants at the beginning had made great leuies of Souldiers and among others of three thousand Lansquenets It is said these men did very roughly intreate the Paduans as well by spoyles and robberies as by deflowring of maidens and rauishing of wiues so as it is to bee thought that these vilanous actions were the first and principall motiues of the Paduans rebellion Mastin being thereby constrained to disperse them here and there vnder shew of going to Garrisons sent fifteene hundred of them to Aeste who by a meruailous vnruly licence did outrage the inhabitants thereof There arose likewise in Padua for those that remained there continued their old trade of life a great sedition and the Townesmen and the Strangers were ready to haue fought in the middest of the Citie had not Mastin by his timely comming appeased the quarrell already begun It is certaine that the Paduans were by this iniurie meruailously withdrawne from the friendship of those of Escalla and that by reason thereof they alreadie tended to rebellion Mastin was determined to call backe the Garrison at Aeste to the Citie had not his brother Albert disswaded him from it saying that hee ought not to charge the citie with any more strange Garrisons and that he had no cause to feare the Paduans nor Marsilio whose truth and fidelitie he held for assured Rossis in the meane time fought with good successe against those of the Garrison of Aeste and taking three hundred of them after he had stripped them he sent them away Those of Escalla perceiuing their affaires exceedingly to decline sent their Ambassadours to demand aide of all their friends and allies as well within Italy as abroad and namely to the Duke of Bauiere But the Paduans because they would not seeme altogether to betray the tyrants sent at the same time their Commissioners to Venice who if it were possible should mediate some good agreement betwixt the Venetians and those of Escalla This they spake in publike But they had secret commandement if they could not conclude a peace to make a league with the Venetians against Mastin Threescore Ambassadours from threescore Princes or Commonwealths came at one time for this purpose to Venice Marsilio Carrario was sent thither from their enemies who at his arriuall as it is reported was pursued by the common people and beaten with stones But it was not so much in hatred to Marsilio as to the tyrants whom the people mortally hated some thinke that it was done of purpose to the end that those of Escalla should haue no cause to distrust him who came to speake secretly against them to the Venetians like the other Ambassadours The Venetians demaunded that Padua Treuiso and Parma should be restored to their ancient libertie and Luca in Tuscany yeelded to the Florentines but those of Escalla thinking these conditions to be too base and ignominious would not accept of them Whereupon the Ambassadours were dismissed without any conclusion at all In the meane time the Ambassadours of Accio Visconte of Philippo Gonzaga and others made a league with the Venetians against those of Escalla Marsilio dealt secretly with the Prince about the yeelding vp of Padua which soone after ensued Some Authours write that in the presence of all the Ambassadours hee spake softly to Danduloâ—… and said What wilt thou say Prince if we giue thee Padua And that the Prince dissembling at the same time both in gesture and speech that which was in question answered We will make thee Gouernour thereof This I rather beleeue than that which is commonly reported That a long time afterward an Ambassador from Carrario spake this openly at a banquet on the Feast day of Saint Vitis as the maner was albeit I graunt it might well enough be spoken in a banquet But the person of the Traitor discouereth the errour committed therein For it is certaine that the Gouernment promised at the first
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
surnamed Iustinian obtained of the Pope in the name of the Common-wealth to traffick into Syria and the time of these two trafficks was prolonged for ten yeares At the same time they beganne in the Citie to build St. Anthonies Church the beginning whereof is attributed to one Iannotto a Florentine of the familie of Abbi vpon a little Rocke where was first builded a little Chappell of wood In the same place at this day is to be seene a great voide place or rather an Island made by a continuall heaping together of earth which the water in processe of time hath brought thither It hath a delightfull prospect towards the Lakes and besides the Church which is faire and large there stands neare to it a new sumptuous building which serueth for an Hospitall About the same time those of Zara reuolted from the Venetians the seuenth time The report was That they had sent to Lewis King of Hungarie to certifie him if he would come into Dalmatia they would deliuer their Citie Hauen Lands persons and meanes as well publike as priuate into his hands The Senate presently vpon these newes gaue fiue armed Gallies to Pietro Canalis who sailed into Dalmatia Being come neere to Zara hee receiued Marco Cornari the gouernour with all his familie and diuers other Venetians into his vessells who were in the Citie when it reuolted from whence hee presently departed For to haue besieged the Citie with so few vessells and by Sea only would haue beene as foolish as vnprofitable He first retired to Pague the inhabitants whereof hauing receiued him into their Citie deliuered the Gouernour into his hands which those of Zara had sent thither not long before together with all those which had aided or assisted him whom Canalis sent to Venice Soone after hauing fortified the place he tooke with those few Gallies which he had diuers vessells of the enemies which laie neere to the Islands But whilst by these meanes hee went about to hinder the Zaratines Marco Iustiniano came by Land with his Armie and encamped at the Fountaine next to the Citie where he sodainly caused his Souldiors to build a Fort. Then from thence he did with his engins batter the Citie beat downe the walls ouerthrow the houses and made all things verie incommodious to the enemies If the Zaratines were streightly besieged by Land by Sea they were no lesse For the Venetians hauing taken from them the Towne of Damiana they did at times approch verie neere to the Citie then they speedily returned and after some stay came back with more furie to assaile the Hauen Thus stood the affaires of the Zaratins when Andrea Morosino and Simon Dâ—…dulo the Princes brother arriued at the Campe to prouide and take order for whatsoeuer should be expedient for the Common-wealth and I thinke this was the cause why from the beginning they called these Magistrates Prouiders but we will alwaies call them Prouidaetori At their arriuall it was resolued to giue a generall assault to the Citie by Sea and Land It may be they had notice that Lewis King of Hungarie was not farre off with great forces The Citie being assailed with great furie the Sea-forces threw bridges from the Gallies vpon the walls seeking by that meanes to enter the Citie On the other side the Land-Armie drew neere the walls with their engins and other warlike instruments But both sides had no great successe Some were gotten vpon the walls on the bridges from the shippes who did greatly affright the inhabitants slew diuers of them But soon after the Townesmen waxing desperate did furiously fall vpon them and beat them from the walls breaking the bridges whereupon the Souldiours on that side were constrained to make a base retreat The fight on the Land-side was as vnfortunate For the engins of batterie breaking at their first approach made all the Venetians attempts bootlesse which the Generall perceiuing commanded to sound the retreat After this assault King Lewis ariued with six score thousand men and encamped not farre from Zara who to free the Citie which was giuen vnto him from the siege gaue a sodain assault to the Venetian Campe. The Hungarians with fearefull cries made an attempt on the Venetians Fort not thinking to meet with trenches and rampiers that were able to keepe them out The Zaratines likewise made a sallie and together with them assailed the Fort. The Venetians did not only valiantly defend it but repulsed the enemies farre from thence with great effusion of bloud In the meane time those in the Gallies hearing the noise and fearing that their fellowes were assailed leauing a sufficient number of Souldiors for the guard of their vessells they came on shore and marched in a close battalion to the reliefe of their countrimen which they in the Fort perceiuing presently issued forth vpon the enemie There was on either side a cruell fight neere to the Fort and much bloud-shed But the Hungarians who at the Venetians first comming had begun by little and little to disorder their owne rankes being ouercome by this sodain sallie betooke themselues to flight who were pursued and slaine heere and there by the Victorious Venetian The Dalmatians perceiuing the bad successe of the Hungarians retired with great amazement into the Citie The King thus repulsed with losse of a great part of his Armie returned in manner of a flight into Hungarie But because it was scarce credible to speake truely that so great an Armie should be defeated by so small a number It is most likely that Lewis brought but twentie thousand men into Dalmatia and that the Printersr and not the Historians haue greatly erred in the number yet whatsoeuer their Armie was for vndoubtedly it was great the Venetians got that day a glorious victorie of the enemies And besides the slaughter of the enemies was so great as the aire beeing corrupted with the infection of so manie dead bodies did in short space cause great mortalitie in the Campe. The siege neuerthelesse was not discontinued but the Venetians on the contrarie did more sharpely vex those Rebells by Sea and Land In the end the Venetians hauing broken the chaine of the Hauen the Zaratines despairing of all forrain aid and distrusting their owne forces craued leaue to send to Venice the which was freely graunted them The messengers beeing come to the Citie craued mercie committing themselues and their Citie to the mercie of the Senate Zara beeing recouered Iustiniano was made Gouernour The chiefe of the Citie who had beene the Authours of this seuenth Rebellion were by the Senate for euer banished the Citie We may by this gentle punishment perceiue how great the Venetians clemency hath still beene who were contented to punish a Citie that had so often Rebelled and been thereby so troublesome to the Common-wealth by the only banishment of a few of her inhabitants The ordinarie iudges of the Citie of Venice not being able in regard of
charge thereof was committed to Nicholao Iustiniano who with those forces went to expulse the enemie Phalerio in the meane time hauing gouerned the Commonwealth nine whole moneths was possessed with a desire to make himselfe king thereof whereunto this wicked man had almost opened the way This enemie to his owne countrey and to the Senate who had elected him to the dignitie did determine to seize vpon the seignorie and to kill the chiefe of the Senate And the more easily to effect it hee had hired diuers of the common sort to exhort this wretched murther and some likewise which is to be admired of the nobilitie so as mischiefe doth euer find fauourers The murther was committed to sixteene euill disposed persons who were of the chiefe of the conspiracie all which had a day appointed them to come to the Pallace with threescore more well armed They concluded among themselues that on the fourteenth day of Aprill they would cast false reports about the Citie That the enemie was at hand and that his gallies were alreadie before the hauen at which rumour the Prince should forth with commaund all men to take Armes and cause the great bell of the high Tower to be rung At which signall those of the conspiracie comming forth of their houses well armed should by sundrie waies come to the Pallace to receiue the Prince and Senates commaundement where seizing on the gates they should kill all the Senators with as many as were come thither to debate on matters concerning the Commonwealth and generally the whole Nobilitie and then Phalerio should no more be called Duke but Lord. Some say that they resolued so soone as they should haue disanulled the order of the Senators to commit the gouernment of the Citie to the people But it is most certaine that a Commonwealth well gouerned hath still beene beloued of God and much more when it is gouerned by iustice so as of all earthly gouernments I thinke the same to be most pleasing vnto him which Plato calleth Aristocratia which doth not obey the commaundement of one alone and which being most good as well in opinion of that learned man as in the iudgement of all wise men hath euer beeene esteemed most worthie of praise Because it is a true agreement and vnion of the chiefer sort and such is the gouernment of the state of Venice which hauing beene oftentimes preserued before by the diuine prouidence was of a certaine much more at this instant For succour came to the Senators from thence where they least of all expected it There was a man called Beltrand a popular person and one of the chiefe of the conspiracie He the verie night before this massacre should haue beene committed being prouoked as it is to be thought with repentance for so horrible a crime came secretly the euening of the same night to the house of Nichalao Leon one of the Senators and his gossip and hauing taken him aside discouered the whole matter telling him That being stirred vp with loue to his country and with an exceeding great affection to the Senate he could not conceale such a mischief And after he had named the chiefe of the conspiracie with Phalerio he be sought him that he would haue him in remembrance that it might not be imputed to him for a fault that hee had at the beginning consented to the conspiracie against the Senate and his countrey Leon was amazed and with the heinousnesse of the matter could not for a time make him an answere but the feare of the publike and particular danger awaked him Beltrand being gone home he speedily sent for the chiefe of the Senat those of the councell of the ten and other officers of the Citie to come to speak with him So soone then as the Senators were come to his house and such of the cōmon sort as had not bene named by the accuser to haue beene acquainted with the plot those sixteene which were chiefe of the conspiracie were the same very night apprehended and being conuicted of the crime were murthered and with ropes let downe from the top of the Pallace vpon the Columnes It is reported that Philippo Calandriero was one of the number who was one of the best architects and engrauers of his time whose skill the Senate had vsed in their publike buildings It is thought that the new buildings as well in the ducall Pallace as in the market-place which doth much exceed the old was of his workmanship I would haue concealed his name if I had not thought it a cruell deed to depriue so excellent a wit of his praise For in this matter whereof we now spake I am so farre from mentioning the names of the conspirators as on the contrarie I thinke those that haue named them to haue done indiscreetly who in thinking thereby to shame them haue for euer made them inrolled For there is no man how wicked soeuer but doth in some sort desire to leaue some remembrance of himselfe to posteritie witnesse that vnknowne fellow who of set purpose did burne the Temple of Diana in Ephesus who being demaunded wherefore he did it answered that he determined by some notable villanie seeing by vertue he could not to leaue some memorie behinde him after his death It is said that for to raze out his remembrance it was decreed that none should set downe his name in histories The which was wisely done For it was a greater punishment to quench his memorie than to take away his life Domesticke examples might haue remembred our Citizens of their dutie For after Tepulo his conspiracie the Senate expresly forbad that none should dare to write paint or engraue the name or armes of Baiamont nor of any of his complices And besides whereas our ancestors would haue the effigies of all the Princes from the beginning of the Citie vntill that present time to be represented in order in the hall of the great councell to the end that the picture of wicked Phalerio should not be seene in the ranke of Princes they decreede that his place should remaine void and be couered with a blacke vaile Their opinion was that they could no sharplier punish those who had transgressed against the Common-wealth than wholy to blot out their remembrance And we in like manner hauing named the authors of the conspiracy because it should be knowne who had in times past conspired against the countrey haue expresly concealed the name of the rest for to punish them thereby as we haue done others Phalerio likewise was by the Senates commaundement the same day punished with death his bodie was carried into a little boate to the Church of the Twinnes being accompanied by eight Sergeants who carried torches It is reported that commissioners who were appointed to enquire of this matter did discouer in eight daies space aboue foure hundred A great many of them were put to death some were hanged others beheaded and
Hungarians they speedily prouided shipping Souldiers munition and victualls and therewith furnished all those Cities and hauing taken this order they thought that the Cities Islands and Castles should be so sufficiently and faithfully defended by those whom they had sent thither as in the end the warre should be tedious to the Hungarians when on a sodaine because he would keepe the Venetians occupied in sundrie places hauing secretly allied him selfe with Francisco Carrario he passed into Italie with a hundred thousand fighting men without the great supplies of the Duke of Austria and the Patriarch of Aquilea and came and encamped on the Treuisani The Earles of Colalta with diuers other Lordes did on a sodaine take part with the Hungarian who in a short space tooke Coniglian by composition where Zacharie Contareno was Gouernour after that Sacilla and from thence he came and besieged Treuiso The Venetians albeit they were sufficiently busied in Dalmatia yet neuerthelesse vpon the first newes of the Kings comming into Italie they fortified Treuiso with victualls and munition and sent thither Marco Iustiniano Giouanni Delfino and Paulo Loretano that they might together prouide for the affaires of the warre The King in the meane time hauing published the alliance with Prince Carrario forbad on paine of life that none should forrage or spoile the Territorie of Padua vpon any occasion whatsoeuer The Common-wealth being thus wrapped in so great a warre Prince Gradonico died hauing gouerned one yeare and two Moneths and was honourably buried in the Church of the Friers Minors ¶ GIOVANNI DELFINO the 57. Duke of Uenice GIouanni Delfino being absent was subrogated in his sted He being called from Treuiso where he executed his Office could not obtaine any safe conduct from the King who lay in Camp not far from thence for his free passage We may hereby easily perceiue how much this King was incensed against the Venetians yet neuerthelesse hee came forth of the Citie at the same time on the back-side thereof being well accompanied It is not certainly knowne whether the Citie were assailed before or after the Dukes departure Those whom we follow doe greatly varie herein All Authors agree in this that the King hauing made an approch with his engines of batterie did furiously assaile the Citie and that at this assault diuers of his Captaines died there and among the rest one of his owne neare Kinsmen and that the Citie was brauely defended by the Venetians The King being wearied that his affaires went no better forward and out of hope at that time to take the Citie leauing certaine troupes to continue the siege hee returned into Hungarie The Venetians being incensed against Carrario called home Marini Morosino their Magistrate from Padua for that Citie euer since it was freed from the Tyrannie of Mastin had still a Venetian Magistrate they commanded moreouer that none should carrie them any salt and the Citizens were forbidden to traffick any more with the Paduans Then they leuied forces in Germanie the which being come through the territorie of Vincenza were incamped on the banks of the Riuer Brente This Riuer was swelled by reason of the raine and growne so deepe as it could by no meanes be Foorded whereby the Almaine troupes were constrained to tarrie on the banks till such time as the water being fallen that they might passe ouer and ioyne with the Venetians whereof those of the Camp being aduertized by their Spies speedily sent certaine troupes of theirs to surprize the Almaines who dreamed on no such matter Their attempt was not vaine For the whole companie by the vnexpected comming of the enemies was broken and put to flight and the greatest part of them slaine on the place In the meane time Marco Iustiniano surnamed the Great was sent to Treuiso to command there in Giouanni Delfino's sted Not long after fiue and twentie Senators were appointed to ouer-see the affaires of the Warre And shortly after truce being taken with the enemie for fiue Moneths Ambassadours were sent into Hungarie to the King to treate of peace namely Andrea Contareni Michaeli Phalerio and Bonitendio the Secretarie But they returned without effecting what they went for In this interim the truce being expired the enemie tooke Serrauall But the Common-wealth receiued a great losse in Dalmatia For the maine warre being in Italie the Senate were constrained to draw the greatest part of their forces forth of the Prouince and not being able by reason of their Domestick warre to raise the siege of Spalatra Sacco Trahu and of diuers other small Townes not far from thence they were all yeelded to the King Enona wherein Giouanni Iustiniano commanded was brauely defended and famine it selfe could not daunt the courage of the generous Venetian to cause him in any sort consent to yeeld It is reported that the scarcitie of all necessaries was so great in Enona as the Souldiers abstained not from eating all manner of meates how vile and vnholesome soeuer The enemie likewise surprized Zara and it was supposed to be done by the practize of Carrario yet neuerthelesse the Castle held still out for the Venetian Now the Venetians holding the affaires of Dalmatia for lost and those of Treuiso hauing beene a long time in great hazard they resolued againe to send Ambassadours to the King to conclude a peace with him on such conditions as they could Pietro Treuisano Giouanni Gradonico and the Secretarie Bonitendio were sent thither who obtained peace on these conditions That whatsoeuer the Venetians had till then possessed from the Fanatick Gulph euen to Durazzo should remaine to King Lewis and that the Venetians should wholly giue ouer their right to Dalmatia As concerning the other Lands which lay neare to the Gulphe and on the hither side thereof the Venetians should haue the one halfe thereof and that the King should redeliuer to the Venetians whatsoeuer hee had taken from them in Histria in the Treuisan and in the Countie of Ceneda promising not to suffer any Dalmatian to vse the trade of a Pyrate nor to come into their Ports Islands and that he would take order that the nauigation should be as free and safe along the coast of Dalmatia for the Venetians as it had beene in times past By reason of this peace more necessarie than Honourable the Venetian Princes left Dalmatia forth of their Titles Their Officers which they had there being called home were not permitted to bring thence their goods albeit it was expresly mentioned in the treatie of peace that it should be lawfull for all Venetians who were then dwelling in Dalmatia to ship away their goods and moueables which they held in the Prouince Herein the Hungarian infringed the Articles of peace by not fulfilling the contents thereof But the Venetians thought it best in so dangerous a season to dissemble that wrong rather than to reuenge it by a new Warre Peace then being made with Lewis three Ambassadors
Armie at the place aboue said and for to enforce him to figâ—…t he encamped at the mouth of the Gulph neere to the mount Lacinia which is iust opposite to that of Salentina These two mountaines looking one vpon an other make this Gulph to be of a verie dangerous approach In that is situated the Citie of Tarentum I said the Venetian did rather encampe neere to Lacinia than elsewhere because that the Genoueses lying in the hauen of Tarentum and the Venetian being verie desirous not onely to draw him to the fight but to constarine him thereunto had rather encampe there to take away the meanes from them who lay a good way in the Gulph of flying backward At the last the enemie being come forth of Tarentum so soone as he perceiued the Venetians to come towards them did speedily put to sea-ward and turned forth of the way The Venetian neerely followed him hoping speedily to ouertake him when as he saw himselfe to be deceiued with a new tricke of warre The enemie made shew as though he would fight and as if he were out of al hope to escape And turning on a sodaine towards the Venetian he feined to make all things readie in his gallies for a battaile which Pisani perceiuing made a stand and commaunded his souldiers and marriners to arme themselues The Genouese so soone as he saw the Venetians in a readinesse the souldiers loden with Armour and the gallies all pestered with warlike engines he gaue a signe to his people to set saile Ye should haue seene then these two fleets sailing very differently the one from the other For the Genoueses who had their marriners readie and vnloden seemed to flie vpon the Sea with wings and the Venetians not able to stirre by reason of their weight and pestering By meanes whereof he escaped at his pleasure and tooke the direct way into Dalmatia Pisani hauing no place of retreate neere turned on the left hand towards Apulia At the same time fiue gallies being armed by the Senates commaund after the taking of Catharra departing from the Citie with the same which brought the newes of the victorie to goe vnto the Armie met with three Genoueses gallies neere to Berisone These three had scoured for a time vp downe to the Venetians losse and had taken as occasion serued diuers ships laden with marchandize The Venetian so soone as he had perceiued them a farre off sailed directly towards them to take reuenge But the Genoueses without any stay betooke themselues to flight and the one ceased not to pursue and the other to flie vntill they were in view of Zara for then the Venetian gallies giuing ouer their pursuite retired to Brandissa where so soone as they vnderstood that the Genoueses fleet was arriued in Dalmatia they stayed in that hauen fearing if they should passe on their iourney to bee surprized by the enemie The hauen of Brandissa is by nature great the mouth thereof containeth diuers and sundrie hauens which are not subiect to Sea tempests There are within it diuers pleasant places of retreat where ships lie out of danger The structure thereof is like to the hornes of an Hart whereof the Citie in times past tooke the name because the hauen with the residue of the Citie is made in the forme of an harts head which in the Messapian tongue is called Brandissa The Venetian hauing then receiued of the Gouernour and the inhabitants of the Citie the towers which lie at the mouth of the hauen did man them with good garrisons then they sent by land to Pisani who was said to be in Apulia with a great Armie to certifie him that they staied in the Hauen of Brandissa fearing to meete with the enemie who was not far from thence Victor vnderstanding the danger of his Countrimen came with speed to Brandissa And there adding the six Gallies to his owne fleet he made vp the number of one and thirtie wherewith he speedily sailed into Dalmatia to surprize the Genoueses going to Zara who hauing notice thereof did sodainely retire to Trahu But whilest these things were done at Sea the Venetians on the firme land tooke the Citie of Saligetta from Gerardo Caminensis soone after Cesalta which was burned and the other wholy ruinated The enemies in the meane time were not idle for Prince Carrario hauing assembled as well of his owne as of the Hungarians the Bishop of Aquileia and of other Princes of the league to the number of sixteene thousand men came and furiously besieged the Citie of Mestra and to take from the inhabitants all hope of succour and victuals he placed a strong Garrison on the riuer which leadeth from Mergera to Mestra within a while after the enemie seized on Morezane which is neare to Mestra without the losse of one man diuers men of note were taken there who were sent to guarde that place The Citie was afterward more sharpely assailed The Venetian sent three hundred braue Souldiers to releeue Mestra vnder the commaund of Nicolao Galianico the Luquois and Hircio Pisani who passed through the enemies watch ech of them carrying a bundle of arrowes on his horses crouper Afterward they made diuers skirmishes all along the dike At the last the enemie desplayed all his forces and battered the Citie more furiously than before Francisco Delfino commaunded within it who by his valour and good counsell did not onely defend the walls but did likewise constraine the enemie after he had lost his peeces of batterie and a great number of his Souldiers to retire into his Campe and within a while after to raise the siege and depart Diuers of the enemies being infected with the aire of the marishes fell into a deadly sicknesse whereof being returned home to their owne houses they soone died These are the exploits which were done that sommer Sixâ—… gallies returning from forrage brought newes to Victor Pisani who was encamped before Zara that the Genoueses Armie rode at an Anchor in the hauen of Trahu Victor departing thence to goe and fight with them and passing by chance not farre from Sicco a Sea towne he thought it fit before hee went farther to take it by assault Yet neuerthelesse hee would first of all summon the inhabitants to knowe whether they had rather to endure an assault than voluntarily to submit themselues to the Venetians Three Gallies were sent before to this purpose who hauing taken assurance of the citizens did enter the same where they acquainted the Magistrates with what they had in charge who answered very arrogantly that the Venetian should neuer expect to haue the Sicceans to yeelde voluntarily but if he ment to become master of the Citie it behoued him to vse other weapons than words Pisani being stung with this braue answere of the inhabitants trusting to the great number of his Gallies which were seuen and thirtie made hast to assaile the Citie Whereupon entring the
able to approach the Hauen by a mile for want of winde and water did on a sodaine with those who were in his companie leape into a Galliot or small Gallie for the enemie was verie neere and so escaped into a place of safetie Whereupon three Genoa Gallies did enuiron and spoile the ship in the view of the Citizens who stood gazing on the shoare when they had so done they burnt it This was the greatest disgrace that the Venetians sustained during this war to behold one of their ships which was returned from Syria richly loden to be pillaged and burnt by the Genoueses they not daring to stirre or make any resistance The enemie departing thence went and tooke Pelestrina by assault the which hauing found for the most part to be abandoned by reason of the wars they forthwith spoiled and burnt it Then they sailed towards Chioggia where they landed and without any difficultie seized on that part of the Citie which looketh towards the East called by the inhabitants Little Chioggia the which likewise being desolate they forthwith burned The Garrison which lay in the Citie being much offended thereat made a sodaine sallie vpon the enemie The Genoueses attended them beyond the bridge where they fought couragiously on both sides but the enemies number still increasing the Venetian beeing ouer-come was constrained to retire with great losse into the Citie and the Genoueses to their ships who after that directed their course towards Ancona where they staied to refresh their Souldiours and Mariners and from thence hauing with great mirth dragged the Venetians militarie ensignes gotten at Pola through the Sea they returned triumphing to Zara. It is thought that the Genoueses might easily haue taken Chioggia at the same time when they burnt part of it if they had knowen the situation of the Citie The Venetians being in a short space afflicted with so manie mischiefes considering that the meanes of the Common-wealth were not sufficient to leuie an Armie strong enough to oppose against the Genoueses and that the cause therof was partly by reason of the late losse of their Armie and partly likewise because diuers armed Gallies were from home they resolued for that time to defend their Citie Therefore they appointed fifteene Gallies for the guard of the Hauen vnder the conduct of Thadeo Iustiniano But they could hardly manne six of the number by reason that they wanted rowers euerie man refusing to serue in hatred to the Senate who had imprisoned Victor Pisani who was beloued of all men They did afterwards fortifie the Hauen in this manner They did first of all build two Castles of wood of a verie hard and strong substance at each end one These two Castles were filled with great quantities of arrowes and darts and beneath were placed warlike engins to keepe the enemie far off Then they crossed ouer an yron chaine three double supported by verie strong Sandoni for so they call certaine ill trimmed vessels euerie of them being fastned to two Ankors to the end they might not be shaken by the waues of the Sea And they did couer the entrie thereof with yron bodkins and made strong defences on each side Three great ships strongly fastened together were set against those chaines who being furnished aboue with hurdles did represent an inexpugnable Fort. They made a trench at Saint Nicholas on the shoare from the waters which are within the Citie and there they builded a Fort to hinder the enemies approach if he should come from Malomoc then they builded a Fort neere to Malamoc with a strong Garrison and two couered ships to keep the enemie from comming into the Lakes whereby they might greatly indanger the Citie Caballa of Verona was made Generall of all these Garrisons The Ports being thus inclosed and fortified Thadeo Iustiniano Generall of the nauall Armie did keepe sometimes within the Forts and sometimes abroad Diuers other vessells well victualed for a good while were readie and expected when they should bee commanded to saile against the enemie if neede should be The Genoueses likewise were not idle in so faire an aduantage but departing from Zara the sixt day of August vnder the conduct of Pietro Doria with eight and fortie Gallies and diuers other small vessells they sailed beyond the Citie of Venice and came furiously into the Hauen of Chioggia which being taken the Armie approached the Citie Prince Carrario who was before aduertized as being allied to this war of the Genoueses arriuall had leuied forces and shippes and hauing notice of what they had done at Chioggia he came in smal vessels called Ganzarioles through the channell of the Riuer Brent euen to the Venetians Fort neere to Montauban But perceiuing that the place could not be taken without great slaughter and meaning to make no long stay there he tooke in hand a memorable worke and worthy a great Prince For hauing assembled a great number of husband-men from day-breake till noone he caused a trench to be made of fiue hundred paces long euen to the channell called Nasariola so deepe as the vessels with the troupes might easily passe through it by meanes whereof he forth with constrained the Fort of Nasariolas to yeeld Giouanni Chyurani being sent the same day with manie vessells to hinder the Paduans designe ioyning fight with the enemie did greatly foreslow Carrario his attempt till night and then either by feare or negligence rather forsaking the businesse he went to Chioggia The enemie in the meane time came at his pleasure and ioined al his troupes to the Genoueses Armie with his munition and victualls hauing left a Garrison at a Fort built of purpose at the mouth of the Riuer to the end that the passage thereof might be assured to his people comming from the firme Land The Senate commanded Chyurani who was at Chioggia to come home who because he had not perfourmed his dutie in the Seruice of the Common-wealth was condemned in a great fine and to perpetuall prison The end of the fifth Booke of the second Decad. THE SIXTH BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the sixth Booke of the second Decad. THe Genoueses take Chioggia The Citie is greatly affrighted at the report of this losse PISANI is set at libertie by the Senates Decree The Generall of the Armies place is diuided betwixt THADEO IVSTINIANO and VICTOR PISANI The Citie fortified neere to the Hauen and in diuers other places King LEWIS sendeth CHARLES to besiege Treuiso The treatie of peace begun by the Hungarian is broken off by reason of his vniust demands The Genoueses besiege Malamoc They fight vpon occasions on either side as well on the shoare as in the middest of the marshes The Senate resolue to leuie a great Armie Diuers particular persons doe diuersly aide the Commonwealth The Genoueses raising their Campe from before Malamoc doe retire to Chioggia CAROLO
six yeares and foure moneths after that this last warre beganne The conditions of the peace were That the prisonners of warre on both sides should be set at libertie That the Paduan Prince should deliuer Cap-darger and Morensana to the Venetians That he should raze all the Fortes which he possessed in the Lakes and neere to the Riuers that the Venetians should giue him the Tower of Corania that Alberto D'Aeste should be iudge of the controuersie betwixt the Venetians and Paduans concerning their limits that the Venetian should withdraw the Garrison that he kept in Tenedos and that the Duke of Sauoy should haue the keeping of the Island for two yeares and that it should be kept at the Venetians and the Genoueses charges that at the two yeares end the Fort should be razed if the Genoueses thought it fit to be done and that the Venetians should then giue ouer the entire possession of the Island that the Florentines should be caution in the summe of two hundred thousand crownes that neither the Venetians nor the Genoueses should euer after possesse the Island that both the Genoueses and Venetians should not trafficke neere to the Riuer Tanais for feare least by ancient ielouzie as it had oft hapned they should beginne the warre a newe That euerie ten yeare the Venetians should paie seuen thousand Dukats to King Lewis who in regard of the said summe should be bound to free the Sea-cost of Dalmatia of all Pirats and that no Sclauonian nor Dalmatian should make any salt But Chinatius of Treuiso who hath more truely than any other written of this warre maketh no mention of any tribute giuen to the King Some say that on the same day that the peace was published a childe was borne in Venice which had foure Armes and foure Leggs and did liue till it was baptized The Venetian Dames made a collection of money to relieue the Genoueses that came forth of prison halfe naked with cloakes shirtes hose and shoes and other cloathing according to euerie mans need and did besides furnish them with money to beare their charges home to the end they should not be enforced to begge by the way Those that went thence were aboue fifteene hundred persons the residue dyed with the stentch of the prison and others with too much filling their bellies Besides it was found that aboue eight thousand naturall Genoueses did dye in this warre and of the Venetians halfe as many The Senate being freed from this warre because they would performe the promise made by the Common-wealth called thirthie of those into the number of the Senate who in the heate of the warre had at their owne costs relieued the Common-wealth and for others the summe of fiue thousand crownes euerie yeare was appointed to bee distributed among them Those who were made Senators before they came into the Senate went all together to heare diuine seruice then being brought before the Prince and Senators they tooke their oathes to continue loyall and not to reueale the secrets of the Common-wealth Chinatius saith that Caballa of Verona for his great and notable seruice done to the Venetians in this warre was honored with the same dignitie The end of the seuenth Booke of the second Decad. THE EIGHTH BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the eighth Booke of the second Decad. HOw greatly the difficultie in deliuering vp the Island of Tenedos did trouble the Venetians The Thryestines in fauour to LEOPOLD doe reuolt The Carrarians by LEOPOLDS permission become masters of Treuiso A law against murtherers Prince ANTONIO VENIERI suffereth his Son to die in Prison for wronging a Senatour The Venetians aide GALEAS VISCONTE against those of Escalla and the Carrarians whereby they recouered Treuiso and raised the siege before Mantua The Paduans for saking GALEAS returne to the Carrarians subiection The Duke of Austria and the French Kings Nephew come at sundrie times to Venice The Citie newly beautified The Genoueses nauall Armie comming forth of the Higher into the Lower Sea doth for a time keepe the Venetians in suspence The Genoueses being ouercome in battaile before Modon doe wholly loose the possession of the Sea The Carrarians possesse Verona by deceit VINCENZA BELLVNA and FELTRA are reduced vnder the Venetians obedience The cause that moued the Venetians to warre on the Carrarians who pursued them by Sea and Land Warre for a time against those of Aeste because of the Carrarians The Venetians take Verona from the Carrarians A briefe description of the Citie of Verona The Carrarians Padua being taken become subiect to the Venetians and afterwards by the Senates commaundement are strangled in Prison The Ambassadours of Padua and Verona arriue almost at one time at Venice which did greatly reioyce the people PEace being thus established by Land and Sea the yeelding vp of the Isle of Tenedos did for a while trouble the Venetians Mutatio was at the same time Gouernour there who being too indiscreetly transported with the loue to his Countrie had almost hazarded the publicke credit of the Common-wealth The Senate had giuen commission to Pantaleon Barba who was sent thither for that purpose to deliuer the Fort of the Island according to the agreement into the hands of Bonifacio Deputie to Amadeo Duke of Sauoy The Genoueses Agent was come thither to see it done and to pay the Souldiers that were there Mutatio hauing receiued the money which the Venetians and Genoueses had brought declared to Boniface and the Commissioners his owne determination with that of the Islanders saying That they had heard how in the Articles of peace it was expresly mentioned that the Fort of the Island their only refuge should be razed wherein both the Genoueses who had requested it and the Venetians who consented thereunto had carried themselues basely But he told them that the Islanders would looke to their owne affaires and that therein they should doe wisely That they had neuer yeelded to the Venetians on that condition that their Fort being razed their Island in time should become desolate And therefore calling now to minde that which concerned them they were resolued to hazard all rather than to see their Island in such sort to be wholly ruined And to that end they had instantly entreated him to take their Citie Castle and meanes into his protection The which he finding to bee great both in shew and effect he was determined to keepe and defend the Island as his owne seeing it belonged neither to the Venetian nor to any else He willed them then to depart and not any longer to expect the deliuerie thereof vnto them saying That they were well dealt with in being suffered to goe freely thence Then was there a great noise made by the Souldiers and the Inhabitants of the Island calling Mutatio their Lord and Captaine who commanded the Venetians and Genoueses speedily to depart thence Some say that Mutatio made a shew that this came wholly
Francisco Gonzaga vnlesse it were so that he came thither in disguise thinking to deceiue the enemie in that habite till such time as he had crossed the riuer Some say that he was surprized at Asellario a village of the Veronois But be it that he were taken there or elsewhere it is certaine that he did not depart from the Citie before such time as he knew that the inhabitants intended to yeeld Those of Verona being reduced to the Venetians obedience all the Castles neere to the Citie did the like The yeelding of so mightie a Citie gaue the Venetians great hope of executing higher enterprizes And this victorie was as much and more pleasing to the Senate than any other which they had obtained for a long time before and not without cause For Verona to speake somewhat thereof is among all other Cities of Lombardie the most famous as well for the reputation as the situation thereof It is thought that the Gaules were the first founders of it because the notablest Cities of Lombardie were built by them And likewise because Trogus Pompeius referreth her original and foundation to those Gaules which came with Brennus into Italie But whosoeuer the first founders were I doe thinke them to haue beene famous men because they vndertooke so great admirable a peece of worke and likewise that they were wise and discreet persons and not blind like those founders of Calcidonia whom in times past Apollo's Oracle thoght to be so For besides that the territorie neere to the Citie is most fruitfull in corne oyle wine and cattaile and that it hath goodly stone quarries riuers lakes and pondes among which is that of Benac the pleasâ—…ntest of those of all Italie streames of water both holesome and profitable the which I dare affirme to haue in times past serued for bathes by reason that they are hot and because at this day the ruines of the walles are to be seene which doe verifie the opinion which the common people hold thereof VVhat shall we speake of her situation and structure There is nothing to be seene more faire and pleasant Neuer could any Painter how excellent soeuer he were represent a place of more delectable recreation For the whole Citie almost being seated in a plaine countrey looking towards the South East West it hath a little hill on the North side the top whereof by a short and pleasant circuit doth in a manner represent the forme of a Theater The bottome betwixt them both is filled with vine-yards and goodly gardens so delightfull to those who behold them a farre off as their spirits as it hath hapned to some surprized with a sodaine and vnlooked-for ioy are instantly as it were depriued of all sense On the top of the hill two goodly Fortes are to be seene the one of which doth in a manner hang ouer the riuer Ladissa which with her pleasant streames watereth a great goodly bottome the other seated in a higher place and almost ouer the valley looketh on the Citie walles which are below and extendeth her view on euerie side ouer all the plaines watered with the Po and in a manner ouer all Lombardie There are to be seene besides diuers goodly bridges richly builded ouer the riuer an Amphitheater in the midst of the City with diuers old triumphant Arches with a thousand other antiquities which declare how notable the greatnesse of this Citie hath beene in former times That which we haue hitherto said is verie great but that which followeth is much more admirable This Citie hath had from the beginning a certaine Seminarie of excellent men and as famous in all sciences as any other Citie whatsoeuer All these things being knowne to the Venetians did make their victorie more notable They forthwith manned it with a strong Garrison and sent Pâ—…etro Arimondo thither for Gouernour and Rubro Marini for chiefe Iustice. VVhilest these things were done at Verona Gonzaga hauing spoiled all the Paduan territorie and taken diuers townes came and besieged Padua There is a place without Holy Crosse gate called Terra Negra or the blacke land in which place the Venetian was incamped and held the Citie sâ—…teightly besieged keeping the Paduans in continuall alarme The Carrarians in the meane time perceiuing their affaires to bee in great danger did brauely defend the Citie walles opposing themselues euerie where against the Venetians attempts they ceased neither day nor night from labour they fortified their Citie placed the guardes and encouraged the townsmen and did at times sallie forth vpon the enemie as occasion serued Borh sides had labour and care sufficient But whilest Padua was thus besieged and defended Massolerio the Venetian was suspected secretly to haue shot arrowes into the Citie with letters tied to their heads wherupon being imprisoned he was sent to Venice where being conuicted of the crime he was hanged from the highest place of the Palace with a long rope The same day his brother and two young Priests were put aliue into the ground betwixt the two Columnes their heads downewards The which punishment being not as yet vsuall did greatly terrifie all men The common report was That they had determined in the night to set the Citie on fire in diuers places and that they had diuers complices some of whom were found within a while after dead in sacks on the shore not being knowne who they were Giouanni of Padua likewise who had great pay in the Venetian Armie being accused to haue had secret conference with the enemie was sent to Venice and there hanged betwixt the two Columnes These executions did greatly trouble the tyrant for besides that he perceiued all meanes to be cut off from him of discouering any thing in the Armie he was certaine that the shamefull death of a noble person did serue for an example to others how to cast themselues headlong into apparent dangers Now therefore to discouer his enemies designes he tried another way For pretending as if he ment to harken vnto peace he craued a safe conduct saying that he would confer with Gonzaga and treat with him of peace before all men A pasport being sent him he came to the Campe where these conditions as it is reported were propounded to him That he should leaue Padua to the Venetians and that he with his children should goe and dwell an hundred miles from thence That the Venetians would deliuer vnto him Giacomo his sonne and would permit him to carrie away all his treasure apparrell and other rich moueables that he had and that they would ouer and aboue giue him for a present the summe of threescore thousand crownes The enemie contemning these conditions returned to the Citie without effecting any thing resoluing rather to hazard all than to accept of so base a peace The Venetians then perceiuing that the tyrant had lost that haughtie and proud spirit which he was wont to haue did presse the
befall those which haue not meanes to maintaine and defend themselues is to be shrowded vnder a lawfull gouernment and that they would finde it to be as pleasing in that they had recourse to the only Fort of libertie hauing cast off a Tyrants yoake as doth that man which hath escaped out of a terrible tempest when he entreth into a safe Harbor They might then depart when they pleased and take with them the Venetians Ensignes and in so saying the Prince gaue them to the chiefe Ambassador and erect them in the middest of their Citie which he wished might proue to the Venetians and them alwaies profitable and honourable and being so erected to hold them in reuerence Then he willed them to execute justice and equitie in regard they had in times past obaied the vniust commandes of Tyrants In this sort the Ambassadours of Verona were dismissed Those of Padua following their example came soone after to Venice They were entertained as the former and the only difference was that in sted of white the Paduans were clothed in purple The end of the eighth Booke of the second Decad. THE NINTH BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the ninth Booke of the second Decad. LADISLAVS King of Hungarie restoreth the Citie of Zara to the Venetians Warre for a while in Dalmatia by meanes of the Sibensans What great hurt a sodaine storme hapning on the thirteenth of August did to the Citie and places neere about The Scythians make incursions on the Faires of Tane PIPVS entreth violently into Italie with great troupes of Hungarians FREDERICK soone followeth him thither Diuers encounters with the enemies on the Treuisan and Forlane Certaine new Magistrates are created in the Citie How the Venetians by the contention of those of Vdina entred in Armes into the Countrie of Friul which is reduced vnder the Venetians obedience Strangers come twice into Italie vnder the conduct of LEWIS Bishop of Aquileia CARMAGNOLLA forsaking PHILIP VISCONTE comes and serues the Venetians Sundry opinions of the Senate touching the warre in behalfe of the Florentines against PHILIP And last of all war is proclaimed against PHILIP the Venetians being allied with the Florentines PEace continued three whole yeares as well within the Citie as abroad All which time according to those whom we follow we finde no memorable accident to haue hapned In the end whereof being the yeare of our Saluation one thousand foure hundred and nine Ladislaus leauing Italie departed towards Hungarie to possesse his Fathers Kingdome Hee made a stay in Dalmatia before Zara. This Prince was sonne to the same Charles who in the time of the Genoueses warre did for a while besiege Treuiso from whence being afterward called hee went into Apulia to reuenge the death of King Andrew on Queene Ioane his wife where he conquered the kingdom of Naples but returning afterwards from Italie into Hungarie he was murthered by his owne subiects He left behinde him his sonne Ladislaus who in processe of time being likewise called to recouer his Fathers Kingdome came into Dalmatia and recouered Zara after hee had for a while besieged it In the meane time being aduertized by letters that the Neapolitanes with diuers great Lords of the Kingdome were readie to rebell fully resoluing to returne into Italie he sold that Citie with her Territorie Hauen and other appurtenances to the Venetians for the summe of one hundred thousand crownes Whereupon Francisco Cornari Leonardo Mocenigo Antonio Contareni and Fantino Michaeli were sent thither with a strong Garrison to take possession thereof We finde in some others that the Venetians receiued Zara before the Paduan warre was ended This negotiation was very pleasing to the whole Citie as well in regard of the hauen which is one of the most commodious in all Dalmatia as also because it being reduced vnder their obedience did seeme to promise them the entire Dominion of Dalmatia as it fell out soone afterward Some say that the Venetians did together with Zara buy of Ladislaus all his Title to Dalmatia Whereupon they made generall Processions in the Citie and a decree was made That the same day should be kept holy Within few Moneths after there arose great dissension betwixt the Sibensans the Nobilitie holding for the Venetians and the rest of the people for the King of Hungarie This seditious multitude did put on Armes and hauing thrust all the Gentlemen forth of the Citie they tooke the publike gouernment into their owne hands Those who were expelled went to the Venetians and hauing promised to yeeld themselues vnto them entreated them speedily to passe ouer into Dalmatia to recouer Sabenica The Venetians did forth with arme foure Gallies with about fiftie other smaller vessells The Citie being besieged was not only well defended but the Venetian was expulsed thence with great losse whereby they knew that it behoued them to haue a greater Armie whereupon the Senate sent thither Lodouico Buccecharino with great supplies to besiege it by Land At his arriuall they built a Fort neare to the Citie and all the passages were shut vp that no victualls armour nor reliefe might come vnto it And besides Ambassadours were sent into Hungarie Giouanni Barba and Tomaso Mocenigo both of them being Prouidatori of S. Marke went thither The affaires of the Sibensans being for a while debated was by the consent of the Hungarian and the Venetians referred to Pope Iohn to be decided But in this meane time Marsilio Carrario and Brunora of Escalla being then fugitiues in Germanie did each of them by Letters and trustie Messengers solicite their friends to stirrevp rebellion whereof the Venetians being aduertized it did greatly trouble them At the last it was knowne by letters intercepted by chance that Marsilio would be shortly at Padua where certaine of the Inhabitants who were louers of noueltie had put him in hope to be kindly welcommed One of those who were faultie being taken and conuicted of the fact was cut in foure quarters And an other of them being brought backe from Ferrara to execution lost his head betwixt the two Columnes Diuers were reported to haue a hand in the conspiracie but the Senate were of opinion that it was better to defer the punishment till some other time thinking in the meane time that they had sufficiently prouided for the Common-wealth if by containing the Paduans in their dutie they should for feare of danger keepe the Tyrants farre from Italie They appointed fiue thousand crownes for reward to any that should bring either of their heads to Venice About the same time on the thirteenth of August there hapned in the Citie so great a Tempest of Winde Haile and Raine as diuers ships were cast away some being swallowed by the waues and others dasht to peeces against the Sea-banks Diuers buildings as well publike as priuate were ouerthrowne and among others S. Sauiours steeple Trees were pluckt vp by the rootes and carried farre
off by the violence of the winde This was reputed for a wonderfull prodigie And that which some affirmed to haue seene diuers monstruous and terrible representations in the aire did encrease mens feare and amazement Two Moneths after newes was brought to Venice that the Scythians had robbed and spoiled the Faires of Tane with great murther of Christians and that among others diuers Venetians who were come thither with very rich merchandize were slaine by the Barbarians They had assured testimonie that this losse happened at Tane on the selfe same day as that horrible Tempest did afflict Venice The steeple of S. Iohns Church at Rialto was the same yeare finished The order of the Celestines which was founded in the Church of S. George of Alega was at the same time by the pursute of Lorenzo Iustiniano and other Honourable and deuout Persons made very famous and much frequented This Order had at the beginning besides these men sundrie other more rich Benefactors among whome was Gabrieli Candelmaro who being afterwards Pope and called by the name of Eugenius did much beautifie that place with buildings and reuennues At the same time one of those foure Gallies which returned home loden with rich merchandize from France was castaway at the entrance of the Sicilian Sea not by the violence of the winds or waues but by the only ignorance of the Marriners Those who were within it were almost all saued and the most part of the goods were recouered Such was the state then of the Common-wealth abroade and at home But this quiet was disturbed by the inuasions of the Hungarians For Pipus the Florentine ouer-running Italie at the same time with ten thousand Horse made incursions on the Venetian confines The Venetian Annales make no mention for what cause the Emperour Sigismond in whose name the Tuscan made these stirres in Italie did beginne this Warre But it was to bee presumed that it was by reason of the ciuill Warre of the Forlani the Lords and People of that Prouince contending about the publike Gouernement Some of them would haue the Venetians others the Hungarian or the Bishop of Aquileia whereupon it came to passe that at Pipus his arriuall Frederico Sauergnane with all his faction being retired to Venice those of Vdina yeelded to him Pipus hauing receiued Vdina did forth with come vpon the Treuisan and tooke from the Venetians Serauall Belluna Feltre and La Motte It is certaine that the sale of Zara made by Ladislaus and the siege of Sibensa were cause of all those troubles Some Authors neuerthelesse doe affirme that the King came into Italie at the pursute and entreatie of Brunora of Escalla who did still aspire to his Fathers Principalitie But whatsoeuer the occasion of this Warre was it is certaine that Pipus after diuers warlike exploits being corrupted with money as they say did leaue the Prouince and returned into Hungarie where the Hungarian caused him to die by pouring molten gold downe his throat And that soone after he came downe into Italie with fortie thousand men others make the number lesse This latter attempt of Warre albeit it carried a greater shew yet was it not so fortunate as that of Pipus for he did hardly passe the confines of the Forlani Some Historians say that Sigismond did make Warre on the Venetians with Pipus But whether it were so or as others affirme a-part it is certaine that the Venetians at the first report of this Warre made great preparations of Souldiers and munition and chose Carolo Malateste for Generall of their Armie who was a man of great reputation whom for that purpose they had called from his house It is reported that they fought at times on the Treuisan and Feltrian confines as occasion was presented that the Hungarian did still vse such crueltie as all those who fell into his hands came from him lame of some of their members For he did cause the prisoners hands to be cut off and their eies to be put out After hee had in this manner prosecuted the Warre for a time they sent Ambassadours to him Francisco Foscari Tomaso Mocenigo who were afterwards Princes and Antonio Cornari came to his Camp and concluded a truce with him for fiue yeares Armes being laid a-side against Sigismond Prince Steno soone after deceased in the thirteenth yeare of his Gouernment His body was laid in S. Marinies Church ¶ THOMASO MOCENIGO the 64. Duke of Uenice THomaso Mocenigo who was absent was subrogated in his place Hee was at the same time Ambassadour at Cremona to Gabrino Fondulo from whence being called hee came to the Citie and was receiued of all men with great ioy At the beginning of his Gouernment certaine Magistrates were by the Senates decree translated to Rialto And to the three Tables which were there from the beginning the fourth Prosenitica was added called vulgarly the Messetaria For that purpose a Palace was builded on La Riuade Ferro where these foure Magistrates doe at this day execute Iustice. The great Douana was there at the beginning Since then it being diuided into two that concerning the affaires of the firme Land hath still remained there and the other for marine matters was transferred neare to the Church of the Trinitie The Citie was not long at rest a new warre being raised on the confines of the Forlani concerning the contentions of Vdina Lodouico Techia was at the same time Bishop of Aquileia who at his owne pleasure gouerned the whole Prouince which lieth betwixt the Riuers of Liuenza and Timaua the Adriatick Sea and the Alpes Some Authors say that this Prouince belongeth to the Forlani But the vulgar doe at this day call it Friul and the Inhabitants the Countrie of Friul Therearose great strife betwixt this Bishop and those of Vdina by reason that the Vdinois would haue those of Sauergnane his faction who in the last war tooke part with the Venetians and in regard thereof being in a sedition driuen thence and were retired to the Venetians to be called home into the Citie Techia on the contrarie did impugne it saying that he would neuer permit it Whilest the Citie of Vdina was in this contention and by consequent the whole Prouince almost the Venetians seized on Sacila The Bishop perceiuing that the matter was to bee determined by armes had recourse to the King of Hungarie For hee felt himselfe too weake to deale with the Venetians In the meane time the Ciuidalians did yeeld to the Venetians who kindly receiued them not as vassalls but as associates The Bishop soone after returning from Hungarie with foure thousand Hungarians came with the aide of the Patrians who had still continued faithfull to him and besieged the Ciuidalians But being strengthened with a good Garrison which the Venetians had left there they did without feare receiue the enemie The Hungarians were before the Citie for the space of fifteene daies who hauing spoiled all places round about being enforced
Florentines was by a generall consent of them all concluded VVhereupon their Ambassadour being called before the Senate the agreement betwixt their two States which was to continue firme and inuiolable betweene them during the whole time of the warre following was solemnely concluded and confirmed in such manuer as hâ—…reunder followeth It was therefore concluded that the Venetians and Florentines should Arme at their common charge sixteene thousand horse and eight thousand foote They should furnish two Nauall Armies with the one the Venetians should saile vp the Riuer Po to resist the forces of Philip and the Florentines along the Riuer of Genoa with the other That no man should speake of peace neither before nor otherwise till the Venetian should commaund it That all the Cities Fortes and Townes taken on the confines of Flaminia should belong to the Florentines the others should be ioyned to the Venetian state orgiuen to whom the Venetians should please So soone as Lorenzo in the Florentines name had allowed of these written conditions he did cast himselfe at the Princes feete and voluntarily with a loud voice began to protest That the Florentine peoplâ—… should bee for euer mindfull of such a benefit and besought God that the Venetians affaires might daily prosper better and better And that if euer it did happen that the Venetian people should haue neede the Florentines would be euer readie according to their meanes to aide the Venetian Common-wealth This new alliance was strengthned by Nicholao de Aeste Francisco Gonzaga Amadeo Duke of Sauoy King Alfonso reconciled not long before to the Florentines and by those of Sienna in respect of their neighbour-hood The Venetians sent Francisco Serrano one of their Secretaries to Philip to entreate him speedily to desist from making warre on the Florentines who were newly allied to the Venetians and vpon his refusall he should in the Common-wealths name according to the custome of their Ancestors denounce warre against him But he was so farre off from condescending to the tenour of this Ambassade as on the contrarie he did with great courage entertaine their defiance imagining by how much the matter was more painefull and dangerous so much greater did he hope the honour and glorie would bee if hee should chance to winne the Victorie The end of the ninth Booke of the second Decad. THE TENTH BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the tenth Booke of the second Decad. CARMAGNOLLA Captaine Generall to the Florentines taketh Bressia The Armie of PHILIP returning from Tuscanie besiegeth Bressia The great Trench which the Venetians made about the Castle of Bressia The enemies being wearied with the long siege yeeld vp the Castle of Bressia Peace being concluded with PHILIP doth not last long through his owne fault The Milanois Oration to PHILIP to stirre him vp to renew the warre The Venetians hauing renewed their alliance with the Florentines doe againe beginne the warre The banished Fregoses being vanquished in battaile by the Genoueses were driuen from the Genoa Coast. The Nauall Armie of PHILIP broken by the Venetians a little beneath Cremona two infortunate incounters hapning soone after to the Venetians not farre from Cremona The enemies falling into an Ambuscado neare to Bressia doe loose many of their Horse The enemies so daine sallie on the Venetians Campe neare to Otholenga doth greatly trouble them A battaile neare to the Riuer of Olia where they fought on both sides without any losse Last of all PHILIP is wholly put to rout at Macal whereupon peace ensueth WArre being thus denounced the Senate did forthwith make a speedie leauie of Souldiors ouer all Italie But in the meane space not to loose any time they gaue to Carmagnolla their Captaine Generall all those troupes which they had then readie Hee hauing receiued them being full of courage beganne to thinke in what manner hee might by some braue exploit begin the warre For his hatred to Philip on the one side and on the other the great opinion which the whole Senate and people of Venice had conceiued of him did animate him to high and difficult enterprises Hee attempted first of all to enter the Castle of Bressia by intelligence hauing to that end wonne diuers who promised him in the night time to kill the Gouernour of the place But the businesse falling out vnluckily he practised by goodly promises the chiefe of that faction whome hee certainely knew did not affect Philip and especially Pietro and Athilles Auogadres very couragious persons and great enemies to Philip. Hee drew both of them by promises and exhortations to this point as they granted about midnight to breake downe the Citie wall and to let in the Venetians This being executed diuers of the contrarie part being awaked forth of their sleepe by the noise in the night did in great feare retire to the strongest place of the Citie where the Garrison which Philip had a few dayes before sent thither did lodge Oldrado Captaine of those men at Armes kept them backe that night as they would haue runne into the Citie which they possessed thinking if he could but defend that part of the Citie with the Castle seated aboue it that the Venetian after a notable losse should be at last enforced to quit the place which he had inconsiderately surprised Bressia hath a Castle as is alreadie said on the top of an hill which doth commaund the Citie from whence two walles doe sundrie waies descend towards the bottome that which looketh Eastward enuironeth the Citie and that which goeth athwart cutting through certaine houses and old buildings separateth the remnant of the hill and is called the old Cittadell But this old Cittadell was so named three yeares before this happened when as by Philips commaundement they made a wall ioyning to it which was called the new None else in a manner dwelt in the old but those of the Gibelline faction Some say that Pietro Auogadres at the first report of the warre entred the Citie with a great troupe of Pesants of the mountaines and that the Prince of Mantua followed him with two thousand horse and that at last Carmagnolla came thither with his troupes But in what manner soeuer the Citie was taken it is certaine that so soone as the Venetian was master thereof he did sodainely fortifie that side where the wall separated him from the enemie fearing least they aboue should make some sodaine sallie vpon them They say moreouer that at the same time as Bressia was taken Nicolao D'Aeste Captaine Generall to the Florentines in this Warre entring the Territorie of Cremona brought thence a very great bootie Philip although at the first he made no shew of any great feare for being engaged in so great a warre for neither in Milan nor abroade he had not leuied any new forces and had besides suffered those which he then kept in Flaminia for want of victualls and pay as if they
the noise came from the Venetians campe was cut in peeces with all his cauallerie Some thought that Nicolao d'Aeste might easily haue stopt the enemies passage but that he would not do it for feare least the whole burthen of the warre should fall vpon his territories And thus as if hee had not beene able to stop the enemie he suffered him to passe on without any fight Philip fearing in the meane time least the Florentines should seize on those places which he had taken in Flaminia being disfurnished of Garrisons commaunded that they should be deliuered as from him into the hands of the Legate of Pope Martin who was resident at the same time in Bolognia Two moneths were almost spent betwixt the reuolt of Bressia and the returne of the Armie from Tuscanie Whereupon it was plainely perceiued that if it had come sooner or if that forthwith after it was come they had fortified the Castle and the other Rampiers as they might easily haue done the Venetians would haue beene enforced to leaue the Citie Angelo Pergulan who brought backe the enemies troupes into Lombardie being come within two mile neere to the Castle did there encampe and fortifie the place resoluing on a battaile if the Venetians would hearken to it Carmagnolla whose counsels and designes only tended to take the Castle would not suffer them within the Citie to attempt any thing The Venetians in the meane time were not idle in so great danger but forthwith made a new leuie of souldiers and sent them in hast to Bressia to assure their forces The Florentines likewise with the other associates sent supplies thither with diuers Captaines among whom was Nicolao Tollentino a man besides his great exploits in warre most expert in the besieging of Cities He hauing viewed the Venetians Fort with that of the enemies told them that the Castle would not be taken though they should besige it neuer so long vnlesse by a Rampier and trench made round about it they did cut off the victuals which was brought thither saying that for the effecting thereof it behoued them to haue great numbers of pioners and labourers speedily to end the worke This being resolued on great numbers of workemen were called thither and the Rampier was made within three thousand paces of the Castle whose forme was after this manner A double ditch was made euerie where of equall bignesse with a rising in the middest of thirtie foot high and by how much the two Dikes aduanced forward by so much more did the furthest points of the rising shew higher by the clods and turfes which were heaped one vpon another in forme of a wall The Rampier followed after being strengthned on all sides with many woodden towers verie neere one to another so as in lesse than threescore paces foure towers were to be seene This Rampier had besides twelue gates well fortified with strong towers to issue forth vpon the enemie when need should require Some say that the newes of this Fort newly begun being brought to Philip one of his courtiers said presently that the Duke ought to wish nothing so much as that the Venetians would but continue such a work wherein they would not only consume al their wealth but as much as Xerxes was reported to haue had before they should end it Pergulan in the meane time was not idle For to diuert the enemie from his purpose he entred furiously on the Mantuan Territorie putting all to fier and sword yet for all that he could not cause the Venetian to giue ouer his new worke And not being able by any meanes to draw him thence he brought his campe neere to the Fort and fortified it on euerie side But he could not be perswaded by Nicholao Picinino a great warriour nor by Sforza and other great Captaines of Philips Armie to giue in vpon the new imperfect fortifications telling them often times that hee was satisfied by his incamping in that manner to please Philip who had giuen him the honour of Generall and to be assured of his intent The Fort in the meane time being defended the Venetian Generall encamped betweene the enemies Fort and the rising of the new-built Rampier hauing in his Armie with the troups of the associates foureteene thousand horse ten thousand foot besides Carmagnolla the Generall diuers noble personages namely Giouanni Francisco Gonzaga Lodouico Sanseuerino Paulo vrsini Lodouico Vermio and Lorenzo Contemoli And vnder Nicholao Tolentino diuers ancient Captaines and olde Souldiers who had a long time followed the war The most part of the foot-men were placed in Garrison vpon the rising and they were expresly commanded not to stirre from thence in any sort not though they should perceiue the General with his troupes to be enuironed on all sides by the enemie and to craue their helpe yea though they were sure to free him by their aide but to keepe good guard and carefully to looke to the Fort that the Common-wealth by their carefullnesse might not receiue any losse The enemies campe consisted of twelue thousand horse and eight thousand foot beside those foureteene hundred foote which Francisco Sforza had left within the Castle and Citadell when as at the arriuall of Pergulan he came to his Campe. Foure great Captaines did command these foote companies that were left in the Castle and the Citadell being denominated after the names of their natiue Townes the Bressan Plaisantin Bergamese and the most noted of them all Andrew of Treuiso Carmagnolla in regard of the great number of men that he had euermore found worke for those foure Captaines Some times he reared ladders against the Walls and then on a sodaine would make approaches with his engins of warre being assured though it did no present good yet at least wise that shew of an assault would expose the enemies to the mercie of the Venetian Archers of whom there were great numbers in the Campe vntil that their number should be so diminished as it would be afterwards an easie matter to ouercome them This determined ouerthrow of the enemie did not deceiue him For within a short space more than a thousand of the enemies were either slaine or hurt by the Venetian Archers But notwithstanding all that the enemies seeing their Captaines to be aliue were no whit discouraged The continuall batterie had beaten downe a great part of the Wall so as the ditch was almost filled with the ruines and especially neere to the Gate called Garzette Now because there was some likelihood that the Souldiers by taking some little paines might with ladders easily enter on that side the assault being resolued on the Magistrate of the Citie promised the Souldiers this reward That he who first should mount the Wall should haue foure hundred Crownes the second three hundred the third two hundred and a hundred to each of those ten who should second them and tenne Crownes to each of twentie who should follow next after them Both sides
along with him to helpe to quench that fire and that he did not wish them all in generall to go with him but such as were fit for the wars He caused the same to be published by a trūpet through the whole Citie and then departing from Milan he marched towards the enemie Great numbers of the Milanois and those of Pauia followed him to the warres He encamped betwixt Cremona and the enemies within three miles of the Venetian He had before then in his Armie twelue thousand horse and halfe as many footmen and he brought with him as well of his friends and associates as of others fifteene thousand horse and foote so as both the Armies were reported to haue thirtie thousand men apeece at one selfesame time The which was scarcely euer seene before That since the declining of the Romane Empire two Italians to haue had two such mightie Armies readie to fight one with another The presence of Philip had greatly animated his souldiers to enterprize some great exploit so that they craued nothing more than to fight they wholly desired it and with loud voice did cheerfully beg it Then being embattelled they marched couragiously against the enemie The Venetian was at the same time encamped at Suma and his campe was not fortified with trenches nor Rampiers but enuironed onely with wagons and with a riuer which diuided the plaine the enemie hauing no way to come at him but by a bridge distant three Stadij from his campe The enemie comming to that place made a stand expecting that the Venetian in regard of his great numbers would fight beyond the bridge But the Venetian attended him in order of battaile on the plaine neere to his campe determining to ioyne if the enemie came foreward Pergulan and Taurello counseled him not to passe the bridge but the bold counsell of Sforza and diuers others was followed who were of opinion to march directly against the enemie These being commanded to march before and the fight alreadie begunne all the rest followed in order to the battaile a few excepted who staied behind for the guard of the bridge to the end that thereby the retreat to their Campe might be assured They fought from noone till night running with such furie and vehemencie one vpon another as on a sodaine there arose a great dust like to a blacke clowde which did in a manner blinde them by meanes whereof they did inconsideratly throw themselues into danger Eyes were to small purpose in that darkenesse they onely knew one another by their voices the fight was doubtfull and the aduentures of the combatants vncertaine Euerie one might iustly boaste in fighting to haue come euen to the enemies Ensiges or to haue performed that day some generous exploit Some say that diuers of Philips Armie thinking in that confusion to retire to their fellowes who kept the bridge did neuer perceiue that they were in the enemies Campe till they came to the waggons at the last the retreit being sounded both sides retired without any aduantage Carmagnolla was wont to say that he had taken that day more of his own souldiers than of his enemies and that the enemie might sundrie times haue taken him if he had beene knowne The same likewise hapned to Sforza Picinino and diuers other noble men Philip being glad for that which had beene done in his presence and imagining that he had wonne the victorie because he had not lost the battaile being speedily called home by sundrie messengers because the cauallerie of the Dukes of Sauoy and Montferrat entering by Vercelles on the Milanois made incursions euen to the gates of Milan he forth with departed hauing dismissed those forces which he brought with him whom he willed if they so pleased to goe home to their houses The Venetian perceiuing Cremona to be strongly manned for excepting those troups whom Philip had dismissed the residue of the Armie after the battaile was retired thither imagining that a Citie so well fortified would not easily be forced came and encamped at Casall Major for so is it called Bembo with the nauall Armie came thither likewise soon after Francisco Sforza with a braue troup of souldiers pursued Carmagnolla in his march but perceiuing his Armie to be so well guarded and circkled in on all sides and being loth to attempt any thing rashly for feare of ambushes he went backe againe and without any difficultie recouered Bries where he threw those whom he found in Garrison there into the Riuer because the Venetians not long before had done as much to their souldiers Casall for a time was in vaine besieged by the Venetian by land and water by reason of the strong Garrison that lay in it Antonio Pisani a valiant Captaine was Gouernour there who day and night keeping good guard on the Rampier with foure hundred braue souldiers did by his prouidence frustrate all the enemies attempts The Citie was enuironed with good Rampiers and banks which defended it from the engines of batterie But it is reported that there was a tower neere to the gate of Po the which being battered with greatest violence did wholly in a manner fall downe into the vttermost ditches The Venetians hauing by sundrie assaultes attempted to enter in at that place and the Garrison of the Citie being repulsed withgreat slaughter the inhabitants stubbornnesse being daunted they were receiued by them vnknowne to Pisani The Venetians Generall being proud of this victorie did determine to make a bridge ouer the Riuer of Adda to the end to send his troupes to spoile and rauage the Milanois But hee wanted victualls and it behoued him to prouide for that And therefore he encamped still at Casal til all necessaries were brought him from the neighbour Townes Philip in the meane time perceiuing his Captaines to bee diuided among themselues euery one thinking himselfe equall both in valour and reputation with the best and by that meanes refusing to giue place to one another either in counsell or authoritie in regard whereof there was some likelihood that his affaires might receiue some notable losse if it were not speedily remedied hee made Carolo Malateste Generall of his whole Armie It is thought that in this choice of Generall he had not so much respect to the valour of the man as to his wisedome and Nobilitie in bloud Some say that hee did it because that euer since Pandolfo his gouernment hee had beene greatly beloued of the Bressians and that hee did hope by his meanes the Citie would reuolt from the Venetians The Venetian in this meane time was gone from Casal And Carolo hauing accepted the charge was not idle but leading his Armie through by-waies he did opportunely frustrate the enemies designes At the last the Venetian came and encamped before Maclodia called by the vulgar Macale a Citie of the Cr◅monois Philips Captaines and his whole Armie did hardly digest the enemies boldnesse and did greatly blame their owne patience and
Bressia The enemies in the meane time had placed a strong Garrison in Arques and in Tengues and had sent Ittalus of Friull for they had notice which way they meant to passe to lie in ambush with sixe hundred horse and foote to surprize the forragers by the way Mellato's souldiers had alreadie passed through the forrest of Tengues and supposing that they were out of all danger they were come downe into a deepe bottome when the enemie shewing himselfe on a sodaine and vnlooked for did greatly affright them There was by chance neere to that place a little hill whither the Venetian souldiers all trembling marched with their burthens but being inuironed in that place on euerie side and molested with sundrie assaults for many were slaine there the third day after both they and the corne fell into their enemies hands Mellato was at the same time at Torbolles where it was commonly reported that his designes only tended to relieue the afflicted Bressans Philip on the other side the better to take all hope of reliefe from them did in the moneth of Ianuarie march with sixe thousand men together with the Prince of Mantua into the vale of Sabia where hee remained till three forts which he there caused to be built were made defensible manned with strong Garrisons the one at Nosa the other at Cagri the third at Solecetta the which three Forts being well guarded there was no probabilitie at all that the Bressaâ—…s could hope for any reliefe Some say that Picinino builded these Forts neere to the Citie at that time when he raised his campe from before Bressia namely the one at S. Euphemias Church the other at the hill-top and the third at the fountaines Monpianes Ittalus his enterprize against the Venetians being executed he was desirous to march against Paris Lodron But his purpose being discouered Barbaro the Gouernour of Bressia who was verie circumspect did speedily send sixe hundred footmen to the reliefe of Paris the Venetians friend vnder the conduct of Gyrardo Dandula He being come neere to the Fort at Nosa assailed a troupe of Philips horse which hee easily defeated Then diuers of the Guelpt faction of Valtropia being ioyned with him he went to Paris with a thousand men Ittalus on the other side hauing raised two thousand peasants as wel of the Mantuan ar of the Gibelline faction of the Bressans territories marched with them against the enemie together with the footmen which hee had brought with him at the first crossing the riuer Sarca at the bridge which is vpon the confines of Romagnia He had alreadie begun to ascend the next mountaines when Paris being conducted through couert vallies went on a sodaine and assailed those footmen whom he had left to guard the bridge where in a moment he made a great slaughter of them Many were slaine there among whom were Ittalus his sonne Pietro Capocia with Polonus Colonell of the Bishop of Trents troupes Ittalus cut off his iourney and returned thither being either called back by the great noise or else sent for by an expresse messenger Paris perceiuing him comming downe like a tempest driuen from the mountaines did brauely receiue him at last wearied him with fighting There was a cruell battaile for the space of three howers but in the end Ittalus retired the next way into the mountaines Paris being victorious made himselfe master of the latter squadron and the enemie had beene wholly ouerthrowne had not the night with her darknesse beene fauourable to him The next morrow by day-breake Paris marched freely against the enemie and was alreadie come to the mountaines at such time as the enemie being prouoked by shame returned likewise to the fight This encounter continued with greater furie than the former wherein diuers of the enemies were slaine ere they betooke themselues to flight but at last they turned their backe Paris being victorious pursued them thus disordered A thousand of the enemies were taken and as many slaine Ittalus after this ouerthrow with much difficultie through by-waies and steepe mountaines retired himselfe to Riua d'Trente whither likewise within a while after came three hundred horse and a thousand foote which had escaped by diuers passages Piâ—…inino hauing intelligence of the route of his forces assembled those troups which wintered neere to Bressia and speedily marched through the vale of Sabia and ouer the tops of the mountains to Lodron which he streightly besieged so as after the fifteenth day of the siege he tooke it Then he went to besiege Romana for this towne did likewise belong to Paris but finding it strong both by art nature that there was a strong garrison in it by reason that it was winter he raised his camp on the first day of Februarie and sent his troupes to winter along the lake of Benac This in briefe was all that was done in the Alpes whilest Lauretano hauing a long time in vaine expected forces from the Citie went because he would not haue it said that he had done nothing and besieged the Citie of Sermone Gonzaga had before as hath beene said carefully fortified that place which could not be taken by so smal a company The Senators were suspected to haue refused to send supplies to Lauretano rather through enuie than for want of meanes which happened for that they gaue eare to sundry detractors who were desirous rather to see Lauretano's fame to decrease than to be augmented by any notable exploit But he falling sicke by the distemperature of the aire and waxing daily more and more weake was brought to Venice Stephano Contareni was sent in his steed Lauretano after he had a while beene sicke died and was buried according as he had appointed it by his last will and testament in S. Helens Church his feete being bare a stone vnder his head and without any funerall pompe Mellato after he had taken Penetra did not cease by letters to aduertize the Senate that a way lay open to chace the enemies from the lake of Benac whereby they might afterward with ease relieue Bressia This businesse was verie difficult and euerie man demanded how it would be done and how a nauall Armie might be sent into that lake seeing there was no forrest neere nor any riuer whereby to bring the vessels This consultation had for certaine daies troubled the Senate when a certaine Candiot called Sorbolla who as I suppose had viewed the places went to the Senate and told them that he wanted neither courage nor skill to transport the vessels from the Citie to the lake of Benac This being thought by all men impossible for him to draw great vessels by maine strength aboue two hundred miles off he was esteemed to be a foolish and idle fellow But being afterwards knowne to be a man of an excellent wit and still perseuering in his opinion that it might be done if they would furnish him with necessaries for the purpose the Senate
resoluing after the losse of all other places to keep that as most commodious the better to withstand Sforza on what side soeuer he would turne to march to Verona And because that trench drawne from the Marshes could not be forced without great slaughter Sforza and the rest resolued to goe to Verona by the way of the mountaines He came to Ronques called S. Iohns before Picinino had any notice of his resolution Tollentino and those that lay in garrison in Verona sallying foorth on a sodaine which they were expresly commanded to doe hauing fired certaine Forts which Philips forces had built neere to the Citie did place garrisons of their owne souldiors in two of them which they had then forced Sforza in the meane time being incamped at Ronques skiâ—…mished with Picinino neare to the forts which he had before assured on the toppe of the mountaines At the beginning Sforza's troupes were shaken but Troillo and Nicholao Pisani being forthwith sent with a great squadron of horse against the enemies the fight became equall and Picinino in the night being retired with his troupes to Soaue Sforza without anie greater resistance ascended the mountaines towards Verona The Venetians being come to the top Picinino for a time followed the troups that he might with strong garrisons defend the Townes and Castles which he had taken in the neighbour-hilles abstaining by all meanes from fight For Sforza had left him no place fit for an ambuscado and was farre superiour to him in number of souldiors Blondus who onely makes mention of the mercenarie souldiers saith that there were foureteene thousand men in the enemies campe and sixeteene thousand in that of the Venetians howbeit in the one Armie as well as the other there were great numbers of Bisognios or fresh-water souldiors Sforza being come to Verona would not lodge in the Citie but incamped certaine furlongs from it neere to the high way of Hostilia Some say that hee went and incamped in the field of Mars which is neere the Citie-walles and that vpon the report that hee did meane to passe ouer Adice Picinino who remained neere to Porcilia did sodainely crosse the Riuer and retired to Vigasio vpon the Mantuan confines with all his troupes And then thereupon Sforza returning from whence he came besieged Soaue and hauing taken it in a short space he recouered all the townes on the other side of the Riuer Adice Legnaga excepted Whilest these things happened neere to Verona the vnion of the Greek church with that of Rome insued soone after This busines after a long and serious disputation being debated in the Assemblie at Ferrara was by the assistance of the holy Ghost brought to a happie end For it was found that those two Nations more learned than the rest did agree in that wherein they seemed to dissent but with sundrie circumlocutions All the Townes which the enemie possessed on the hither side of the Riuer being recouered as hath bin said the Venetian armie drew neere to the lake of Benac and besieged Bardolin in regard that all Sforza's designes with those of his associates tended onely by some meanes to open the lake it being the onely way whereby Bressia could be releeued the which was reduced to all extreamitie by famine and pestilence For beside the great losse it had sustained during the siege the contagious sickenes had taken away fiue thousand men Famine moreouer did now afflict them more than before hearbs and rootes wherewith they had bin a long time fed beginning to faile them The rumor was that this Citie oppressed with so many miseries would shortly yeelde if by the opening of the Lake it were not speedily relieued with men and victualles And because the enemies nauall armie was in some sort stronger than that of the Venetians Zeni durst not come neere Bardolin which his Country-men besieged Whereupon Sforza perceiuing that hee did no great good there in regard the inhabitants were relieued by the Lake raised his campe Now because his comming hither had been to no great purpose Caualcabon Guâ—…rrieri Martiano and Giouanni el Conte Roman Gentlemen were sent with a thousand horse and three hundred foot to relieue Bressia with men and victualles These men being come through the vale of Sabia into Piedmont were desirous before they entred into the Citie to feede their horses in a medow which were wearied with their long iourney Barbaro in the meane time hauing determined to burne part of the enemies nauall Armie that lay at Sales sent Thadeo d'Aeste Andrea Valerio and Andrea Leon thither Zeni Admirall of the Venetians fleete was likewise commaunded to be there and to assaile the enemie Picinino and Gonzaga hauing intelligence as well of this designe of the enemie as of the arriuall of the victualles did secretly depart from Vigasio with two hundred horse and by Pescara came to Feliciana where they ioyned with Lodouico Sanseuerino and Italus of Friull who being commanded to follow them they fell vpon the Venetian cauallerie which still remained in Piedmont brake them and despoiled them of all their baggage and taking some prisoners put the residew to flight who escaped to the Citie From thence marching against the rest who were comming to the Lake they diuided themselues into three bands Sanseuerino embarking himselfe in the vessells was commanded to fight vpon the water Italus with the footmen to goe vp to the mountaines of Maderna and Gonzaga together with Picinino to conduct the cauallerie by the way which lieth betwixt the Lake and the mountaines In this maner the enemies nauall Armie did assaile that of the Venetians Thadeo vpon this rumour made haste with his troupes that hee might come to the timely rescue of his Countrey-men but the enemies with great cries fell vpon the Venetians in front and in flanke Thadeo being incompassed on euerie side vsed all meanes to preserue his souldiers yet neuerthelesse the nauall Armie and those that fought on land were in a moment defeated by the enemie The Venetians nauall armie consisted of two gallies foure brigantines seuen ganzarioles and othâ—…r vessells two of which ganzarioles at the beginning of the fight fled to Torbolles All the rest with Zeni their Generall fell into the enemies hands Thadeo likewise was taken prisoner with Valerio and Leon the Prouidators This ouerthrow was accompanied with an other For the next day after this vnfortunate battell the enemie tooke the Castle of Maderna It is reported that Sforza had a long time before foreseene this defeate and had often aduertised the Senate to send supplies to the Lake and that if they did not it was to bee feared that their nauall Armie there would be defeated by the enemie But hee did speedily assure Torbolles and Penetra by a strong garrison for feare lest the enemie being prowd of that victorie should sodainely march to surprize them This ouerthrow being reported at Venice did greatly trouble the Senate and yet because they would
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
the Venetians and Sforza were to remember made a motion of procuring a peace with Philip and promised if Sforza thought it fit to bee the Author and Agent thereof He added besides which hee knew would bee verie pleasing to Sforza that he would doe his best to caufe Philip to giue him his daughter Bianca to wife which till then hee had refufed and that hee should send her to the Campe if he pleased with a rich and sumptuous traine Sforza made answere that he craued nothing but peace and quiet and that hee likewise knew that the Venetians did desire it prouided that Philip were so content As for Bianca hee would conferre with her father and kinffolkes Aeste departing with this answere went to Milan to Philip. Pescara in the meane time the fourth day of the siege was taken by force by the valour of Contareni and his Marriners for the Nauall Armie came thither at Sforza's arriuall and was sackt Then they planted a great piece of batterie wherewith the walls of Macharia of a meruailous greatnesse had beene beaten downe to ouerthrow the Citadell which ouerlooked the Citie Some write that the report of this peece was so great and forcible as diuers houses of the inhabitants fell downe at the only noise thereof and that the ships which lay at ankor vpon the lake aboue fiue hundred paces off did strike one against another as often as the peice was shot off Now this Tower being battered with that Engine was at the tenth shot beaten downe to the ground whereat those of the Citadell being daunted did forthwith yeeld Sforza crossed the Mincia and in a short space made himselfe master of Villa-Franca and Vigasio then of Vallessin and the bridge ouer the Riuer with diuers other small townes gotten from the Mantuan During those exploits along the Mincia Aeste hauing remained a while with Philip brought Bianca dow ne to the Po to Mantua This caused the Venetians to suspect Sforza for that he was so soone reconciled to his father-in-law and they were afraide least the Common-wealth would receiue some detriment by that reconciliation But Sforza being intreated to goe to Marmarioles a village of the Mantuans where Bianca lay there to conferre of peace and Marriage hee answered that hee would not goe without the Senates leaue to an enemies Countrie the which hee thought they would not suffer him to doe This answere caused the Venetians no more to doubt of his loyaltie Hereupon the Ladie was by the Riuer Po brought from Mantua to Ferrara and Aeste three daies after followed her thither Picinino after the ouerthrow receiued at Anglare departed from the Burrough whither he had retired after the battaile and went into Flaminia and being safe in the companie of his associates hee did by great iourneis arriue at Milan Lodouico Generall of the Popes Armie did within a while after goe into that Prouince where the Brethren Sigismund and Malateste being called backe to the Popes seruice although Malateste did afterwards returne to Philips partie hee recouered in a short space certaine Townes by a voluntarie reddition The Forlani would haue done the like had not the garrison with Picinino left in their citie kept them in awe Then ioyning with the troupes of Giacomo Antonio Marcello who was sent from Lombardie into Flaminia with fiue companies of men at Armes hee thought it verie necessarie to besiege Rauenna Ostasio in regard of his ancient friendship with the Venetians did vpon Marcellos word receiue the Venetians into the Citie committing the gouernment thereof to him whereupon hee with his wife and children re-withdrew himselfe to Venice Some say that the people yeelded in despight of Ostasio which seemeth vnto mee to be most true because that I find within a while after that hee was banished into Candie But whether he or the inhabitants were Authors of that yeelding it is certaine that Lodouico tooke it in ill part and in indignation thereof did within a while after giue Bagna and Cauallo which he had taken by force to Nicholao D'Aeste And because the Autumne of that yeare had beene very vnseasonable by reason of the continuall raine they were enforced by the bad disposition of the aire to send the troupes to Garrison sooner than they vsed to do Thereupon the Popes forces left Flaminia went into Tuscanie and from thence to Rome Sforza likewise Winter drawing on hauing recouered all sauing Legnaga which for a time he besieged in vaine in regard of the strong Garrison within it although it is most certaine that it was more defended by the continuall raine and tempests than by Armes sent his Armie to winter all sauing one band of men at Armes which hee led with him to Verona for his Guard Hee distributed the residue of the Armie along the riuer Adda as far as the Treuisans Territorie in townes and villages This being done he came to Venice with a small traine to salute the Prince and Senate Neuer was any Generall of an Armie entertained with greater ioy both of the people and Senate than Sforza was For they did not only commend him but had him in great admiration they gazed attentiuely vpon him in regard of his great valour and thought that they saw somewhat in him that was venerable and more than humane All the States of the Citie went to meet him and brought him to the Pallace where he was magnificently entertained Francisco Barbaro who by the Senates appointment after Sforza's arriuall was come to Venice with Pietro Auogadre and an hundred Bressan Gentlemen was likewise highly praysed and esteemed All men did no lesse admire him than the other for that hee had preserued Bressia and was of all men greatly honoured The Bressans likewise were entertained and embraced by the Prince and Senate with teares in their eyes being ouer-ioyed and their loyaltie was infinitely commended all men were of opinion that it ought to bee commended to posteritie by some acknowledgement whereupon they were declared worthie of all franchise and exemption And to the end that the common people might likewise taste of his grace and bountie the yearely tribute of the Mills amounting to twentie thousand Duccats was for euer quitted to the people Pietro Lodron sonne to Paris for that he and his Father had deserued well of the Common-wealth had great guifts giuen him with three houses the one in Padua the other in Vincenza and the third in Verona Besides diuers gallant and vnusuall shewes were to bee seene in the Citie all of them in honor of Giacomo Foscari the Princes sonne who at that time was married in great magnificence But of all the shewes one especially being very rare and delightfull hath deserued aboue the rest to be commended to posteritie which was That from Saint Samuels Church vnto Saint Barnabies shoare a bridge was made for that time ouer the water for the pompous traine of Knights to passe ouer to goe to the Palace of Leon
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
children of two yeares olde rauishing maides and abusing married wiues The Souldiers did not commit this crueltie but the Voluntaries of the contrarie partie who to glut their hatred towards the poore vanquished did like brute beastes fall to murther and spoile The bootie which they brought from thence was thought to be more worth than two hundred thousand Crownes Besides Mount Barri being forced by Attendulo was sacked and spoiled Leco afterwards which is seated on the mouth of the Lake of Coma being for a time besieged could not be taken Moreouer diuers small townes neere to the Lake whose inhabitants were supposed would not long continue loiall were giuen ouer to be spoiled In this manner all places from the riuer Adda as far as Coma on both sides the Lake being reduced vnder the Venetians obedience the Souldiers being loden with bootie were brought back on the hither side of the riuer Whilst these things were done abroade the Citie of Venice was greatly afflicted with the plague the which daily increasing generall processions were made praiers said at the Saints Altars which were in the streets so greatly was the citie at that time giuen to deuotion Great fiers were made in the night time in sundrie places of the Citie with sweet odoriferous perfumes to amend and purge the aire Besides al those that were infected with the sicknesse were carried two miles off from the Citie to a place commonly called the Lazaretto Six boates were by the Signorie appointed for that purpose to the end there might be one in euery of the six quarters of the Citie into which the towne is diuided And because this place was found to be verie commodious not only to lessen the sicknesse but likewise for the reliefe of the poore for the sicke were there better and more commodiously look't to it hath been since then by little little stored with buildings all other necessaries An other hath been added neere vnto it for the same purpose of a costly structure which a far off seemeth to be a little towne Philips affaires were as hath beene said much disiointed when Sforza departing from Flaminia with 4000. horse 2000. foot whither he was come from La Marca to assemble forces went through the Territorie of Ferrara to that of Parma At his departure the Pope recouered al places of La Marca Ancona excepted For the Anconitans being besieged by Land and Sea Alphonso's nauall Armie did vex them by Sea that of the Pope by Land fearing if they should too rashly giue credit to the Souldiers who solicited them to yeeld their towne would be sacked did erect the Venetian Ensignes whereupon shippes of warre came presently from Venice who entring the Hauen defended the Citie The Anconitans beeing receiued into the alliance of the Venetians and Florentines as were those of Bolognia not long before Lorenzo Mini was sent thither with seuen Gallies for the guard of the Citie Some Historians write thus But many make no mention at all of the tumult of the Anconitans Two ships of war at the same time departed from Venice against the Pirates who troubled all the Sea-coasts the one was set forth by Giacomo Morosino and the other by Andrea Leone At Sforza his arriual in Lombardie the cauallerie which the Senate had appointed to withstand him marching through the Paduan territorie comming by an other way was sent on the hither side of the Po to Attendulo's Campe. The preparations for war were great on both sides at what time Philip the greatest warrior that euer was in the family of Viscontes being first troubled with a feauer and then with a flux dyed By his death all those of his partie and his subiects being amazed were possessed with sundrie thoughts Those of Lodes louing the name of libertie did voluntarily yeeld to the Venetians Foure daies after those of Plaisantia opened their Citie gates to the Venetians Giacomo Marcello placed strong Garrisons in both these Towns Then causing his troupes to crosse the Riuer Oglio he did in a short space recouer Colombana and in a manner all the Countrie of Lodes The Milaneses in the meane time did with great courage vndertake to pursue in their owne name the warre begunne by Philip and chose Sforza for Captaine Generall of their troupes against the Venetians on these conditions that if hee could take Bressia from the Venetians it should be his owne and if he should become master of Verona likewise that then Verona should be his and Bressia should returne to the Milaneses Some say that presently after Philips death Sforza wrote to all the Captaines of the Armie entreating them to perseuer in their loyaltie that hee would shortly be with them if those of Milan would send for him and that then their forces being ioined together he did hope with ease to ouerthrow those of the Venetians He then being made Generall by those of Milan came to Cremona From thence hauing crossed the Riuer Adda at Picigatone he ioined with Francisco Giacomo Picinino and with the other Captaines of deceased Philip and presently departing thence he did in a short space recouer Colombana The Venetian Armie because it was lesse than that of the enemies retired towards Lodes Those of Pauia being prouoked by their owne particular passion did proclaime Sforza's sonne by his wife Bianca Earle and Lord of their Citie in memorie of his Grand-father The Milaneses in a short space sent three Ambassades to the Venetians one after an other to demand of them that which had belonged to Philip. The Ambassadors were still answered after one manner that notwithstand all those Townes till then taken from Pqilip were well purchased by right of armes yet neuerthelesse that the world might see that the Venetians did loue peace better than war they were readie to surrender that which they demanded so that the Milaneses would truely pay them the great quantitie of gold which they had disbursed in that warre But they offering nothing were dismissed with nothing The Senate perceiuing the great warre they were to sustaine against Sforza and the Milaneses decreed to set forth a nauall Armie which should saile vp the Po to the farthest places of Lombardie and to that ende foure Gallies were armed and two and thirtie Galliots vnder the command of Andrea Quirini and Georgio Lauretano During these preparations at Venice Sforza hauing assembled all the forces of Lombardie went on a sodaine and besieged Plaisancia and hauing beaten downe a great part of the Walls betwixt the gates of Saint Lazarus and Saint Raymond and the Pobeing so risen at the latter end of Haruest as the vessells might easily come to the Walls he did by an assault by Land and Water take the Citie which was giuen to the Souldiers to spoile Gerardo Dandulo and Thadeo D'Aeste that lay in Garrison there with a thousand footmen and great troupes of horse were taken prisoners The one yeelded with the
Sea and Land troupes were come thither for that purpose they presently with great courage began an admirable peece of worke which in 15 daies was finished They fortified with a wal double trēch the whole length of the streight which from the Aegean Sea to the Ionian containeth 4000. paces though the circuit of the walls makes it appeare greater It is reported that in the same place they did set 30000. men on worke but the great number of men did not so much preuaile for the speedie ending of the worke as the aptnesse of the matter wherewith it was made which was readie at hand The stones of old buildings were scattered heer there which had bin in times before cut foure-square for the same purpose With that the wall was easily builded with Rampiers trenches on both sides This Streight was by the Greeks in Xerxes time enclosed with wals It is certain that many great Princes in diuers ages haue attempted to cut through that streight to make it Nauigable King Demetrius first then Caesar the Dictator next him Calligula and lastly Domitius Nero whose enterprizes neuerthelesse were in vaine Foure thousand Turkes that were encamped neere to the walls of Corinth did within three daies after their comming thither attempt to diuert the Venetians from their enterprize but being repulsed and enforced to retire to their Campe the night following before that the streight was enclosed with walls they dislodged without any rumor at all and went their waie through the places which were yet left open leauing no Garrison in the whole Island The Venetians being freed from their encombrances did at the same time as they were busied in the worke execute some slight attempts Benedetto Coyoni was sent to Misistrate Some Cosmographers say That the same Towne is that which was in olde times called Sparta All the places round about it were taken at the first the Castle excepted with t◅e enemie held at the assault whereof Coyoni the chiefe of the enterprize was slaine Iohn surnamed the Great with a troupe of Souldiers hauing assalted the Citie of Londaria did presently take it but not the Castle The Fortification of the streight beeing finished and manned with a strong Garrison Bertoldo went with the rest of the troupes to besiege Corinth This Citie is seated in a place as difficult as commodious whereupon Philip King of Macedon was wont to call it one of the keies of Greece It stands almost in the middest of the streight neere to the Mountaine in times past called Ephiro threescore stadij distant from the one and other shore From the heighth of the Castle which is called Acrocorynth it looketh vpon two Seas the Ionian on the one side and the Aegean on the other The Venetian assailed it in three sundrie places Bertoldo encamped toward the West Giouanni Attellano on the East side and Lazaro Pontoliano towards the North neere to the Walls with certaine foote companies They gaue two assaults to the Citie but the first was in some sort most fortunate because that Attellano tooke a very strong place from the enemie which did afterwards keepe them more streightly shut vp But whilest they prepared for the second assault and that Bertoldo was very busie in ordering matters and approaching the ordnance neere the Walls hee was grieuously hurt in the head with a stone which was throwne from the towne of which hurt within a while after he died The Generalls misfortune did not diuert the Souldiers from the determined assault but they gaue in furiously vpon the enemies Rampiers though all the defences wherewith the Souldiers couered themselues the more safely to approch the Walls were broken neuerthelesse with great valour they made good the place which they had once taken But the night following those of the Citie making a sodaine salley as many as remained neere to the Walls were throwne downe head-long from the Castle rocks where they all died And because great numbers of Turkes were reported to be neere at hand they raised the ◅iege and retired into the streight Bertino of Calcina who after Bertoldo his death was made Generall of the Armie and the other Captaines hauing in that place assured intelligence of the enemies number who were said to be fourescore thousand horse distrusting their owne small number for besides the Sea troupes which kept the vessells they were far inferiour in number to the enemie hauing left the streight without a Garrison they speedily retired to Naples whither they were scarce come but word was brought them that the enemies were arriued For after that they had recouered and burnt Argers and made a great massacre of the poore Countrie people they did the next morning by daie-breake without any rumour shew themselues before the Walls of Naples But before their approch those within the Castle had discouered them from farre Their arriuall beeing diuulged ouer the Citie certaine mercenarie Souldiers would needs make a rash salley vpon them who being enuironed with thir◅ie horse most of them were in a moment slaine before the Citie gates the rest escaped into the Rampiers The Turkes seized on a small Rising beneath the Towne but great numbers of them were there slaine as well by the Archers which continually shot as by the ordnance which scoured amongst them wherewith they were not onely tormented but in a manner wholly ouerthrowne The Venetians would not loose so faire an occasion but diuers troupes did with great cries enuiron the Rising and gaue great terror to the enemies Others ranne fiercely vpon the troupes of horse which stood close together before the Cities Rampiers and slew great numbers of them Diuers that were there present report That fiue thousand Turks were slain at that time others lessen the number They skirmished likewise vpon the Dike of the Citie and along the rampiers from whence the Barbarian was repulsed with great losse The enemie being discouraged with these two losses so soone as he perceiued that he lost but his labour to lie any longer before Naples did on a sodaine make incursions vpon the Territorie of Modon where at his first arriuall hee tooke Molines and certaine other small Townes by force This storme spred it selfe likewise vpon the Territorie of Coron where the Greekes were wonderfully molested The Turkes beeing desirous to depart from Morea they did for three daies space besiege the Towne of Zonchia Giouanni Crasso of Coma lay in Garrison there and did brauely defend it whereupon the enemies dislodged and went to their wintering places After their departure the Venetian Captaines would needes haue their reuenge and went with three thousand men to scoure Arcadia from whence they carried awaie a great bootie They did besides make an attempt to force the Towne which at this day beareth the name of the Prouince but not beeing able to doe it they sacked the suburbes and went their way This happened in Morea during the summer and haruest
long as the enemie remained there he did by cunning and force so amaze him as the Turks hauing put some supplies into the Castle dislodged without any losse to the Christians And perceiuing his encamping there to be but to small purpose after that he had burnt the Citie he brought backe his troupes to Naples During the siege of Sparta Lauretano besieged Rhodes and did great harme to the inhabitants he spoiled and burnt their farmes and countrey-houses He did afflict them in this manner because that the Rhodians not long before had by force taken forth of the Venetians ships which lay in the hauen certain Syrian marchants with their goods and would in no sort giue satisfaction to the Venetians that carried it This being done he returned to Nigrepont From whence he craued all the Islands on the Aegean Sea without any other memorable exploit for that yeare But at the beginning of the next he did put to Sea and came verie neere to the streight meaning by force of Oares to passe through betwixt the Dardans that hee might afterwards scoure the coast of Galipollis The Dardanes are two Castles iust opposite to one another at the mouthof the streight in which was great store of Ordnance to sinke all enemies ships that should passe that way Mahomet so soone as he had made himselfe master of the Costantinopolitane Empire caused one of these to be reedified which was in a manner ruinate and builded the other from the foundat ons that he might with a continuall Garrison keepe those of Europe from entering into the streight The sleete being come thither as hath beene said Venieri his Gallie which according to the manner went before for discouerie being deceiued by the Admirals signall which as he thought willed him to passe through the streight being driuen forward by the winde and Oares went through notwithstanding all the shot Some say that Venieri craued leaue to be the first to attempt that passage and that the enemie would not spend all his shot vpon this one Galley but determined to bestow his bullets vpon the rest of the fleete that would attempt to passe whereupon the next that followed it being strucke through with the Ordnance and many of her men slaine and in great danger returned the like did the rest of the fleete except the first Galley that went through Venieri who although he was Prouidator of the Gulph did neuerthelesse follow the publike ensignes vnder the commaund of Lauretano being a man of singular iudgement and experience in marine matters did comfort his souldiers and willed them to hope well but in the darknesse of the night he returned towards the enemies sailing faire softly without vse of Oares Diuers câ—…non shot were made at him and to speake truly he did not auoid them all yet at last with the losse of some few of his men he did contrarie to all mens hope returne to the fleete This same Summer Pope Pius determined to set on foot the voyage against the Turks which had beene propounded in the Councell at Mantua and was afterwards neglected by the ambition and auarice of some Princes For although all his associates should haue failed him the Venetians excepted he neuerthelesse resoluing to bring it to passe came to Ancona Vpon the rumour of this holy voyage great numbers of people from Lombardie and both the Germaines were come to Rome before his departure thence But as he passed through the Dutchie of Spoleta and La Marca he met with greater multitudes These men with plenarie remission of their sinnes he sent home againâ—… into their countries because they were come as well without meanes to defray the expences of that iourney as for that most of them were men vnfit for warre Christophero Moro the Venetian Prince came to meete him there with ten well-armed Gallies to the end the Venetians might haue a share in the honour of that warre Two daies after his arriuall the Pope died of a lingring feauer To speake truly he had but small store of money for such an enterprize which by a decree of the Colledge of Cardinals was giuen to Prince Moro on condition that he should send it to Mathias king of Hungarie towards the expences of his ordinarie warre with the Turkes Some thinke that the whole summe amounted but to fiue and fortie thousand â—…uccats But the Venetian did not onely send this sunne into Hungarie to king Mathias but a greater quantitie of gold for many yeares after that he might with his forces stop the incursions of those Barbarians into Dalmatia and Histria After Pope Pius death the Venetians alone did for a long time vndergo the burthen of so great a warre in the view not only of all Italie but of all the Princes of Europe who were not ashamed to be idle spectators whilest the cruell enemie had alreadie ouerthrowne two mightie Empires and many kingdomes and yet it cannot be denied but that king Ferdinand and the Pope did at times send aide by Sea but it was seldome and then when as they had no need of it There was no memorable matter either by Sea or Land done during that Winter in Grecia The next Summer the pestilence being dispersed in Naples Sigismond went into Laconia against whome came ten thousand Turkes but vpon their arriuall he with his souldiers retired to Mantinea After his departure the enemies assailed Pithimia and hauing beaten downe the fortifications entered it by force In the meane time Victor Capello succeeded Lauretano who hauing receiued the flee at Sapienza sailed to Modon from thence departing within a while after with fiue and twentie Gallies he went to Nigrepont and afterwards going into the enemies countrey he tooke Aulida by force which stands in the firme land ouer against Nigrepont with Larsa on the Salonicke Sea Then he took Imbra in the AEgean Sea betwixt Thrace and Samothrace neere to the mount Athis At the last comming to Pirea he besieged the Citie of Athens the noblest of all Greece and hauing made a breach there before day and burnt the Cities gates he entered it It is at this day called Sethina Capel sackt the Citie the bootie whereof was so great as it did enrich the Marriners and Rowers Within a while after the Fleet left Pirea and came to Nigrepont where taking in victualls it went to Modon from whence departing in secret it sailed into the Gulph of Corinth Those of Patras had promised him to deliuer the citie into his hands and to kill all the garrison Capel had three and twentie Gallies and six and thirty other lesser vessells well armed for the fight and besides the souldiers and mariners Nicolao Ragio was there with two hundred men at armes The souldiers who the day before had been grieuously tossed in a tempest and by reason thereof could not hold vp their heads were presently conducted to the citty by Giacomo Barbadico the Prouidator they were in number foure thousand And
the cause therof who hauing beene able in time to haue quenched that fire had by their mutual hatred auarice suffered it to encrease That they were to blush for shame to repent that they had not relieued that loyal Citie during the siege Therefore all men with one consent detested both the fleet and the Generall and a Decree was made that hee should be dismissed of his place and being sent for home he should giue an account why he had not relieued Nigrepont Pietro Mocenigo was by a generall consent subrogated in his place who was presently commaunded to make hast to the Armie In the meane time after the fleete had made some aboad at Sea Canalis and the rest determined to surprize Nigrepont and by an vnlookt-for assault to attempt the recouery of the Citie They concluded then among themselues that Giouanni Trono Nocolao Molino and Frederico Iustiniano should saile before with nine Gallies and so soone as they from the channell should perceiue the fleete to be neere the Citie then to land their men and march to assaile it on the other side But these men were somewhat too forward for being euuironed with great troupes of Turkes more than two hundred of them were in a moment slaine among whom was Giouani Trono a man whose valour did greatly appeare in that fight although their forces were not equall The rest of the fleete landing on the shoare being daunted with the death of their fellowes and perceiuing those in the channell to goe slowly to worke escaped to their Gallies And in this manner the fleete retired without any good successe to Aulida not farre from Nigrepont The same day somewhat before Sunne-set Pietro Mocenigo with three Gallies came to the fleet so soone as Canalis descried him hee descended into a long boat and went to meete him where after mutuall embracements hee acquainted him what his purpose had beene and why he had assembled that great fleete for the recouerie of Nigrepont which hee hoped to haue effected if hee had any longer tarried in commission But his hope was that what himselfe could not execute by reason of the losse of his place the new Generall by his valour and conduct would fortunately bring to passe all things being in a readinesse for that purpose Mocenigo said vnto him Pursue what thou hast begunne and if thou hast anie hope to recouer the Citie goe on a Gods name as for my selfe I am so farre off in this my new authority from hindering the publique good as on the contrarie I freely offer to aide and assist thee in this important businesse as a friend or ordinarie Captaine but he refusing to enter vpon an other mans charge Mocenigo dismissed the Gallies that had beene sent for and determined not to continue to the weale publiques losse and his owne dishonour an enterprize which had beene so vnfortunately begunne Then he departed for winter was at hand with the rest of the fleete into Morea determining at the Spring to remoue from thence and to attempt some notable exploit which should recompence the losse of Nigrepont Canalis so soone as hee came to Venice was condemned to perpetuall banishment Hee was confined to the Port of Gruare a town of the Forlani where to lessen the griefe for the losse of his country he spent the time in hunting and studie Mocenigo during that winter was not idle for hee repaired his Gallies and sent to the Islands on the Aegean Sea to comfort and assure the Inhabitants who were yet daunted with the losse of Nigrepont Thus was he busied when Marino Maripietro and Lodouico Bembo did about the beginning of the Spring come as Prouidators to the Armie who were sent thither that Mocenigo together with them might manage the affaires of the Republique Ricaosa came thither likewise from Apulia with tenne Gallies being sent by King Ferdinand to make warre on the Turkes in the company and by the aduise of the Venetian Generall The losse of Nigrepont had troubled all the Princes of Italie and especially king Ferdinand who the more he perceiued the frontires of Apulia and Calabria to lie open to the Turkes inuasions the more did he feare their prosperitie and aduancement Ottoman fearing that by his taking of Nigrepont from the venetians all Christian princes would arme against him was willing to trie if hee could make peace with the Venetians or at least if that could not be done to draw the businesse out in length to the end that time might sweeten the sharpenesse of that losse But because hee would not haue them thinke that hee did it for feare hee was content to vse the mediation of his mother in lawe who was a Christian and Daughter to George who in former times had beene Prince of the Tribulles She hauing beene made acquainted with her sonne in lawes meaning sent one of her houshold seruants to Venice from her to aduertize the Venetians that they should doe well to send their Commissioners to the Turke and that if they were desirous of peace it should be graunted them and peraduenture vpon better conditions than they hoped for Hereupon Nicolao Coco and Francisco Capello were sent to her by Sea who found her in a village of Macedonia where shee remained and from thence they went by land to Ottoman But peace being treated of and the Conditions propounded not pleasing and the Commissioners beeing by Letters called home to Venice Capello being troubled with a feauer died at Constantinople Coco in a fisher boat went to Lemnos and from thence in a Gallie that he found there by chaunce sailed to Candie And thus by the going to and fro of Ambassadors by treaties of peace at Constantinople and by transporting of Letters from both sides all that Summer was spent to no purpose Winter drawing neare the Kings nauie returned to Naples and the Prouidators being called home by the Senate went backe to Venice Within a while after Prince Moro died hauing gouerned the Common-wealth nine yeeres and six moneths Hee was buried in Saint Iobs Church which together with the Monasterie neere adioyning hee had erected at his owne proper costs During his gouernement the Citie was not onely beautified with that building but the inner side of the entrie into the Pallace which was begunne before then vnder Maripietro was in his time wholly finished where his Marble Statue is to be seene with two others vnderneath him representing our two first parents wrought by Antonio Crispe the skilfullest Caruer of his time Saint Peters Steeple of the Castle made of a white square stone which is an excellent peece of worke was then builded ¶ NICOLAO TRONO the 68. Duke of Venice NIcolao Trono succeeded Moro whose short gouernment was verie fortunate because the Venetians in his time made a league with the king of Persia and vnited the famous Isle of Cyprus to their dominions The Senate sent Messengers to the Pope and to King
Senate being moued by these letters did presently from all parts cause great quantitie of Ordnance to be prouided and gold plate curiously wrought with many peeces of Scarlet cloth of Verona and a certaine summe of Duccates likewise for a present to the Persian king with an hundred young men skilfull in Gunners art to attend vpon the Ordnance whose Captaine was Tomaso Himolao Iosepho Barbaro an old Senator a man skilfull in the Persian tongue was appointed Ambassador for to carrie these presents to the king which loded three ships All things being in readinesse Barbaro imbarked himselfe and with a faire wind sailed to Cyprus from thence along the coast of Cilicia and Syria he arriued in the countrey of the king their friend Moreouer the Senate commaunded Mocenigo to make his fleete readie to saile with it whither soeuer it should please Vssan-Cassan to command it Mahomet in the meane time hauing left a strong Garrison in Constantinople marched with great forces into Asia to oppose himselfe against that warre The Venetian likâ—…wise because the common rumour was that the Caramani brethren associates to the King of Persia whom Mahomet had bereft of their fathers Kingdome did inuade the Sea-townes of Cilicia did at the Spring time in the behalfe of the king of Persia saile with his fleete to Cyprus from thence to goe to the aide of the Caramans He had as many horse and foote troupes and the same prouision for warre as the yeare before The Rhodians sent him two well-armed Gallies and the king of Cyprus their friend and allie gaue him foure The Venetian fleete being thus augmented sailed into Cilicia neere to Seleucia at the siege whereof Caraman was then encamped There is an hauen called Theodora which the Venetian fleete made good There in old time stood a Temple of Venuâ—… and the place by reason of the commodiousnesse thereof was much frequented by Pirates without the ruines of the Citie on the shoare there is at this day a verie ancient Temple to be seene builded of square stone Cassambet the younger of the Caraman brethren for the eldest whose name was Piramet and king of Cilicia remained in the king of Persias Amie sent Ambassadors to the Venetian who after they had congratulated his safe arriuall told him that the Caraman brethren had euer grounded their hope and trust on the Venetians in regard of the friendship and alliance betwixt their dead father and them that Cassambet had for foure monethes besieged three Cities of Cilicia Sichin Seleucia and Coric which if he might take he did assure himselfe in short space to recouer his whole Kingdome that he wanted nothing but Ordnance and other warlike engines to batter townes That he did entreate him to aide the king a friend and allie to the Venetians till such time as he had recouered his fathers kingdome which Ottoman their common enemie did wrongfully possesse The Venetian after that he had put the Ambassadours in good hope dispatcht Victor Souranza to Cassambet to consult with him concerning the forme of the warre He learned of him that of those three Cities which were besieged it behooued him first to take Sichin for that being taken the rest would presently yeeld Mustapha the Cilician was Gouernour therof a treacherous man and one that with his fortune had changed Religion and had in times past beene a friend to Cassambet and his brother who so soone as he saw their Kingdome to be taken from them did follow Ottomanâ—… Armie and did wrongfully seize on that Citie Cariolan Cepio of Trahâ—… being sent to view the towne reported that the Citie was seated on an high place but that the wall was weake and vnfortified the people vnskilfull and disarmed with other matters which did promise victorie The Venetian resoluing to besiege that Citie sent Lodouico Lombardo the Venetian with ten Gallies to Coric by Sea to keepe all victuals from comming to the inhabitants By land Caraman with his troupes did neerely presse the enemie the rest of the Armie drew neete to Sichin and gaue an assault but by reason of the difficultie of the place the town could not be taken The inhabitants waxing proud for that good successe did from the walles mocke the Venetians saying Get yee home O Venetians and command the Sea and fishes but leaue the Empire of the land to Ottoman The Venetian by an Herald of Armes sought to draw Mustapha to a voluntarie yeelding wishing him rather to make proofe of the Venetians loyalty and gentlenesse than of their Arms but perceiuing that the Turke contemned peace he gaue a more furious assault to the Citie and planting his Ordnance on the North side and hauing made a reasonable breach the enemie being daunted presently yeelded The Venetians suffering Mustapha with his souldiers to goe whither he would deliuered the Citie to Hisafa Caramans Lieutenant From thence going to Coric he did by the way meet with Zanchio General of the royall Armie with ten Gallies The Sea enuironeth two parts of Coric the rest on the land side hath a verie depe ditch fortified with a double wall The hauen lieth towards the East whose entrance is likewise fortified On the South side is the Isle of Eleusia three hundred paces from thence fortified with a wall of white square stone The Venetian from the poope of the Galley hauing curiously viewed the situation of the place made a signe to his Gallies to enter Thereupon the Gallies with discharging their Ordnance and in a shower of arrowes did winne the Hauen Mocenigo hauing landed his troupes sent to the Gouernour of the Citie to know of him whether he would yeeld and goe from thence He made a proud answer saying Tell him from me that the weake coward Mustapha is not heere but another who by his deserts commandeth the royall troupes which are heere in garrison The Turkish Princes doe vse to appropriate to themselues the fifth part of all captiues They make choice of male children from ten yeares old to sixteene If there be no captiues they doe by their officers carrie away children of that age in despite of their parents forth of such Prouinces as they haue wonne from the Christians These by constraint hauing renounced Christianitie are instructed in the Mahometan superstition and then are deliuered ouer into the hands of tutors who teach them martiall discipline and when they come to be men they follow the Prince to the warres The vulgar call them Ianizaries such among them as are wise and valiant attaine to great honours of these the Baschas Gouernours of Prouinces Townes and Castles are made Some of them lie in Garrison in the Cities and some of them remaine at the great Lords port to be neere him with their Armes when he rides abroad Out of these he chooseth a Regiment for the Guard of his owne person when he goeth to warre Ottoman had left many of these men for the Guard of Coric Ismael the
of matters past told the Queene that the Venetians had receiued aduertizement that the king of Egypt had promised the Realme of Cyprus to Charlotta and therefore the Generall had sent him thither to confirme her and the Cypriots likewise That Souzanza the Prouidator would shortly be there with eight Gallies and that the Generall would follow him with the rest of the Fleete That the Venetians determined to defend her selfe her sonne and kingdome against all forraine attempts These news did comfort the Queene and her followers and on the contrary the Conspirators beganne to feare Foure dayes after the Prouidator arriued At his landing two of the Conspiratours came to him vpon his word they entering into discourse of what had happened imputing the cause of Cornares death to his only couetousnesse promised to continue loyall and obedient and to account nothing so deere to them as the Venetians friendship Souranza although he knew the Islanders actions not to be answerable to their words did neuerthelesse labour to quiet all matters and promised them that by surrendring to the Queene the forts and reuenew of the kingdome they should not only be accounted friends but inward friends to the Venetians As for Cornares death it concerned one priuate man alone and not the common-wealth He told them that they might depart and shew by those meanes which he had propounded to them what loue they did beare towards the Venetians They promised to accomplish the Prouidators demaund But procrastinating the performance all their promises were found deceipts Then did Souranza write both to the Generall and Senate that the Queene and her sonne were by the conspiracie of some traitors straitly kept and that vnlesse some speedie remedie were vsed it was â—…o be feared that shee would shortly loose both the kingdome and the name royall In the meane time the Conspirators messengers being come to Mocenigo were roughly entreated and sent backe without any hope of peace Then being prouoked by the present daunger although hee knew that Triadin Gritti was appointed his successor and foreseeing how daungerous it was to temporize in a businesse of so great importaunce hee made a stay of seauen Gallies that were going in trade of marchandize to Alexandria and sent those of Alexandria to Candie and them of Syria to Naples that they might returne to him loaden with horsemen of Morea and the other with Candiots He commaunded the Magistrates of the Island to loade as many ships as they could find with victualls and to send them to Cyprus And himselfe on the other side hauing assembled all the souldiers of the neighbour garrisons and embarking them in the vessells which hee had made readie in the Island and in other places of Greece hee sailed towards Rhodes By the way he receiued Letters from Souranza the Prouidator which aduertized him of the manifest rebellion and conspiracie of the Islanders These newes caused him to make haste Beeing come to Rhodes and expecting the troupes which hee had sent for hee had intelligence by later Letters how that the Conspirators hauing notice of his great warrelike preparations together with his mightie fleete were gone foorth of the Realme and thereby all matters quieted yet the Queenes letters though they imported the same intreated him if his iourney might not preiudice the Common-wealth to come into the Island because that diuers partakers in the conspiracie were there and did disquiet the peace of the Countrey and that shee was well assured vnlesse the authoritie of some of them were abated the Realme would ere long be greatly endaungered Mocenigo being moued by these Letters left Rhodes and within a while after arriued in Cyprus This Island is seated vpon sundry seas on the West side it is watered with the sea of Pamphilia towards the South with that of Egypt towards the East with the Syrian and on the North with that of Cilicia It was in old time called Achamante Philonides saith That it was tearmed Cerasa Xenagoras Aspelia Amathusa and Machare Astimones Chritona and Colinnia There were in it in former timeâ—… fifteene goodly Cities but at this day there are very few Tymostenes writes That it is in circuit foure hundred and nine and twentie thousand paces and Isidorus mentioneth but three hundred seuentie fiue thousand and in length from the East to the West betwixt the Promontories of Dinareta and Achamante Artemidorus faith an hundred sixtie two thousand and Timostenes two hundred thousand Damastus was deceiued to take the length thereof from the North to the South Cyprus is inferior to none other Island whatsoeuer it aboundeth in wine and oyle it hath corne sufficient it produceth mettals and diuers other necessaries in which respect it is no lesse frequented by marchants than for those other commodities which they transport to Syria The Venetian after his arriuall landed all his troops at Famagosta and embattailed them as if he intended to haue mustered them in S. Nicholas market-place beneath the Royall Palace in the sight of the Queene and the Cypriots who were greatly terrified therewith His musters being ended he did on a suddaine dismisse the Gallies which went for traffique and all the rest likewise which he had brought from the neighbour Islands together with all the Cauallerie he onely retained with him the Candiot Archers and the old Armie Then he mand the forts with naturall Venetians He did afterwards make a diligent enquirie of Cornares death and those that were attainted and conuicted of the crime he punished with death and banished such as were suspected of it Those who in that commotion had continued loyall were recompenced with the conspirators goods The affaires of Cyprus being thus quieted he receiued letters from Prince Marcello and a Decree from the Senate whereby he was made Gouernour of Cyprus where although he had carefully prouided for whatsoeuer was necessarie for the peace of the Island and that all matters there were quiet the publike Decree did neuerthelesse enforce him to remaine there for the defence of the Island In the meane time Giacomo Marcello Prouidator to the new Generall arriued in the Prouince vnto whom at his comming into Cyprus Mocenigo surrendred tenne Gallies that with them he might defend the Islands of the Egean sea till Triadans arriuall but being certified by letters that Triadan was come into Greece and perceiuing the Realme of Cyprus to be quiet leauing Souranza the Prouidator who likewise by the Senates Decree was appointed to commaund the foot forces in the Island with tenne Gallies for the defence of the Kingdome he tooke leaue of the Queene and entreated her to feare nothing telling her that the Venetian forces should be euer readie for the preseruation of her State She gaue him a Targuet curiously wrought and a purple banner in consideration of his braue exploits then departing from the Island with the rest of the Fleet he went first to Rhodes from thence to Candie and lastly to
Modon Thither newes was brought him how that the enemie with great forces lay before the Citie of Scutari This Citie standeth in that part of Dalmatia which being possessed by the Epirots was by the modernes tearmed Albania by a particular name it is seated on an hanging hill and in some places the accesse to it is very difficult On the West side is a lake in circuit fourescore thousand paces though Authors make no mention of it The inhabitants call it the lake of Scutari out of which issueth a nauigable Riuer called Boyano Plinie saith That in former time the Riuer Drina did runne on the East side thereof very neere to the Citie walls where at this day the ruines of the bridge are to be seene now the Riuer changing her course it runnes neere to the Island and deliuers it selfe by two channels to the sea ten myles from Boyano The champaine countrey which lieth betwixt these two Riuers and the fields neere adioyning are so fruitfull as seed being cast vpon the ground without any tillage giue a wonderfull encrease and they are enforced to driue their cattell forth of the pastures for feare they should ouerfeed themselues Alongst the sea coast are goodly woods wherewith they build shippes Ottoman who aspired to the Empire of Italie being allured by these commodities resolued to attempt Scutari the chiefe Citie of that Prouince hoping by taking thereof with ease to become master of the rest hee committed the charge of the siege to Soliman the Eunuch whom he made Gouernor of the Prouinces of Europe in his stead who the yeare before was slaine in the Persian warre And besides his other forces he gaue him eight thousand Ianizaries of his owne guard with an hundred Canoniers He hauing assembled great forces forth of all Prouinces subiect to Mahomet had fourescore thousand men in his armie The Citie being besieged he made a bridge ouer the riuer Boyano the guard wherof he committed to Alibeg with his fierce troopes of Tribulls Then he caused foure peeces of ordnance of a wonderfull bignesse to be planted neere the walls to make a breach the munition belonging to those peeces did load foure hundred Camels Hee did besides cause twelue other smaller peeces to be planted to batter the houses of the towne So soone as Mocenigo had intelligence of the siege of Scutary he went to Corfu where he receiued letters from the Prince and a commandement from the Senate to be carefull of the defence of Scutari and of the sea-coast of Albania Therefore he presently passed ouer into the firm land where at the mouth of the Boyano he met with Triadin Gritti his successor and Lodouico Bembo the Prouidator Then although he might haue commaunded alone yet being in no sort ambitious he resolued to doe nothing without their common consent First of all then they sent Leonardo Bolda with foure Gallies to Catharra and commaunded him to goe to Iohn Cernouich who commaunded the Sclauonians neighbours to the Lake and to entreat him from them that he would as became a faithfull associate leuie forces from all parts in some sort to relieue Scutari if it were possible That Leonardos selfe with his vessels appointed for that purpose should together with Ceruouich vse meanes to put some supplies into the towne by water They did afterwards send fiue Gallies by the Riuer Drinon for the guard of the Island The Citie is seated on a plaine and is in no sort strong by Art or Nature The riuer Drinon falling by two channells into the sea makes an Island whither all the Country people of that Prouince which dwelt in the Villages were retired with their wiues and children vpon the enemies comming Now for the defence of this Island the Venetian Generalls sent diuers armed vessells beside the Gallies They did moreouer assure Durazzo with foure gallies and certaine troupes of Albanian horse This cittie was in former time called Epidamnum by the Founders name his Nephew sonne to his daughter added the Hauen to the Cittie and would haue it to be called Dirrachium after his owne name He lost his sonne Ionius in the war against his bretheren vnder the conduct of Hercules who slew him by misfortune and threw him into the neighbour Sea of whom it afterward took the name This is the opinion of the Greeke Authors The Latines do not reckon the place to be of such antiquity and affirme that the Romains named it Dyrrachium in sted of Epidamnum because that name seemed to presage some misfortune to such as went thither It was in old time a very famous cittie and much renowmed during the ciuill warres of the Romans For Pompey in that place made all his warrelike preparations against Caesar but it is now desolate and vninhabited The Venetians kept it for the commodiousnesse of the hauen They did afterwards place garrisons in Buda Antiuari and Olchina which in former times according to Plinie was called Colchina founded by the Colchians who pursuing Medea entred into the Adriatticke sea and Ionian seas Some Authors woorthie of credit affirme That the Inhabitants of that place doe yet retaine the barbarous crueltie of their Ancestours and that among all the Inhabitants of that coast they are most vnciuill to strangers The Venetian Generalls went and encamped with the rest of the armie at Saint Sergius Church in view of the Inhabitants This place is fiue miles from Scutari and foureteene from the Sea The Gallies could not saile vp the Riuer beyond the Church by reason of the shallownesse of the water From thence the fleete gaue signes of encouragement morning and euening to the Cittie by making fires The riuer Boyano diuides it selfe into two very narrow channels beneath the Temple Eschella eight miles from the Armie The Turkes went about to embarre those streights with yron chaines and piles to shut in the Venetian Gallies which would haue mightily endaungered the Venetians had not a fugitiue giuen them notice thereof in time whereat they being somewhat troubled did sodainely saile in order of battell to seize vpon the mouth of the Riuer The enemie vpon the gallies arriuall being landed was encamped vpon the shoare in a close battallion The fight being begunne the Turkes did extreamely afflict the Venetians with their arrows and they them with their ordnance howbeit in the end the enemy was enforced to quit the place with the losse of fiue hundred of his men The victorious Venetians hauing left foure gallies for the defence of the place returned to their campe neere the Temple Many that were present at this exploit affirme that this fight against the Turkes at the entry of the riuer Boyano hapned vnder the conduct of Triadin before Mocenigo his arriuall But whilst this was done vpon the Riuer the Turkes did continually with the cannon batter the city walls and ouerthrew the houses Antonio Lauretano a valiant gentleman commaunded in the city and was Prouidator in the Prouince who as one
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
want thereof would haue enforced them to haue yeelded if he had maintained his siege but a while longer Whereupon so soone as the enemy was dislodged they ran with such earnestnesse to the riuer and dranke so excessiuely of the water which had a long time been kept from them as many of them surfeted and died sodainly Mocenigo being aduertised of the enemies depâ—…rture and being not able to recouer his health at Ragusa went to Venice Within a while after Triadin the Generall of the Armie a man of foure score yeares died â—…r Catharra Stefano Maripietro whom Mocenigo had left with the Fleet at St. Serâ—… Church hauing after the siege commanded all the Captains of Galleis soldiors and marriners who in a manner were all sicke by reason of the fenny aire of the Boyano to remoue to a wholsomer aire himselfe being verie sicke also retyred to Venice The report of the enemies discamping being brought to Venice before Maripietro his arriuall they did highly reioice the whole Cittie which whilest the siege lasted had been greatly afflicted with care All men extolled Laureâ—…ano and a decree was made that the Commonwealth should send him presents The Captains of the garrisons likewise were much esteemed but especially the loyaltie of the Inhabitants and their constancie in defending their Cittie and rewards were appointed for either of them Then they went to Church to giue thanks to God for that the Commonwealth had been freed from so dangerous a warre Great Rewards were likewise giuen to Mocenigo who after the death of Prince Marcello which deceased about the beginning of Winter was by the generall consent of the whole Senat declared Prince Marcello gouerned one yeare and three moneths and was honorably buried in the Chartreux ¶ PIETRO MOCENIGO the 70. Duke of Venice ANtonio Lauretano who for that he had brauelie defended Scutarie was made Generall of the Gallies did about the Spring time of the same yeare tooke a Geneuois Argozie betwixt Cyprus and Sicilia loden with rich Turkish marchandize and sunke it sixteene Gallies had fought with her and could not take it till Georgio Dragone arriued with a Venetian Argozie and then it yeelded her mast being struck ouerboord with a Cannon shot Not long after Solyman who the yeere before had besieged Scutari did with thirtie thousand Turkes besiege the cittie of Naupactum called at this day Lepanto seated on the Corinthian Gulph and in times past amongest the citties of Aetolia next to Calidonia verie famous but at this day it is not much inhabited and her walls are in a manner ruined Towards the North on the toppe of an hill it hath a castle This fort was valiantly defended as well by reason of the trenches and rampires as by the magnanimitie of those within it For Lauretano came thither with a mighty fleet before the Turkes arriued The enemies on all sides made a great batterie The souldiers of the Armie and fiue hundred horse that were in the Tower did not onely defend the Rampires but did make daily incursions vpon the enemies as occasion was offered this siege continued foure moneths But the enemie being out of hope to take it for besides the strong garrison within it the Venetian fleete lay in the Hauen which did aboundantly furnish the besieged with victualls men and munition and tyred with that warre raised his campe This is all which the enemie attempted by land that Summer But at Sea Ottomans fleete after it departed from Lepanto went to the Isle of Lemnos where hauing besieged the cittie of Coccina and with their ordnance beaten downe a great part of the walls the enemie vndoubtedly would haue taken it had not Lauretano come in time to the reliefe of the besieged who so soone as he had intelligence that the enemie had besieged Lemnos left the Prouidator with foure Gallies at Lepanto and sailed with the rest of the fleete to Psara a desart Island very neere to Lemnos He durst not on a sodaine assaile the enemie by reason that his souldiers were in a manner all sicke But the enemie interpreting his delay in an other sence as though the Venetian tarried there but till all things were in readines for the battel did put to Sea and sailed thence Then did Lauretano go to the Island The Inhabitants and souldiers of the garrison were highly commended It is reported that a young Maide of the Island was presented to him that had fought valiantly and by whose meanes as it was reported the citty had beene chiefly defended This Maid whose name was Muralla her father being slaine fighting valiantly at the Coccine Gate ranne to him and tooke vp his sword and target where alone she withstoode for a time the Turkes assault who had almost made themselues Masters of the Gate and then being assisted by her Countrymen they repulsed the enemie with great slaughter to their shippes in regard whereof the Generall gaue her double pay and the Prouidators with all the Captaines of the Gallies gaue her crownes a peece The Generall bid her make choice among all those braue Captaines which shee would haue to be her husband and promised her that the common-wealth should giue her a dowry She gaue him many thanks and answered That for her part she did not altogether respect the valour of a man but his wisedome and discretion and that she would neuer marrie before shee had exactly knowne the disposition of him that should be her husband By this Maidens discretion and vertue if it be lawfull to iudge of the rest I do affirme that the women of Lemnos do not at this day degenerate either in fortitude or valour from that excellent Hipsiphile of old times and from the rest who with her did commaund that Island and that the common Prouerb is most true How that the fortune of places is very often changed but not the manners and behauiour of the Inhabitants This is all that was done by land and sea during that Summer after which the Armies went to Garrison About the Spring time of the yeere following vpon a rumour that was spred how that King Ferdinand determined to inuade the Isle of Cyprus Iohn of the illustrious familie of the Georges was sent thither with fiue gallies and many shippes of burthen but this report being found to be idle vanished Lauretano in the meane time tooke speciall care for the defence of the sea-coasts of Morea with the Isles neere adiacent We do not find that the same Summer or the next that insued it till peace was made with the Turke which hapned foure yeres after any memorable matter was done in the Islands Prince Mocenigo the second moneth of his gouernement died and was buried in the Church of the Twinnes where at this day his sumptuous monument is to be seene enriched with the spoils of Asia Andrea Vendramino was chosen in his place ¶ ANDREA VENDRAMINO the 71. Duke of Uenice THE Summer following which was the third after the
That by sea was committed to Victor Souranza who had beene Admirall of the Gallies and the other to Damiano Moro both of them valiant Captaines But when the Senate considered that he was not onely to be inuaded by water but by land it diuided the forces into sundry places Roberto Sanseuerino who not long before serued them for large entertainement was appoynted to make warre vpon him on the hither side of Po and Robert of Arimini Generall of all the troups on the other side towards Flaminia Many did voluntarily follow the Venetian ensignes both by land and water not so much for hope of bootie as for particular hatred to the Duke whose pride they could not endure Diuers Vessells were already gone from Venice when Roberto Sanseuerino and Antonio Lauretano the Prouidator marched towards Legnaga These hauing viewed all places resolued with their troupes to passe into the enemies Countrie ouer the Lakes of the Riuer Tartar which are betwixt the Po and the Adice But here it is requisite seeing all Lombardie from Hostilia a Citie of the Mantuan on this side and beyond the Po as farre as the Sea is watered by diuers streames to discourse somewhat of the situation of the Prouince and winding of the Riuer Now this Prouince is inclosed by part of Flaminia and La Marca on euery side by Mountaines sauing on the South and East where it is watered by the Adriatick Sea so as if it extended no farther to Sea-ward than towards the Appenine Hills and Genoa it would retaine the true forme of a Theater And if it might be called a Theater it might truly be said to be that of Mars and none other as the Greekes termed Beotia because there is no Countrie of Italie where Warre hath oftener begunne or lasted longer than in Lombardie It hath on the West the Appenine Hills stretching themselues towards Genoa and after that they haue coasted and left Tuscanie on the right hand haue their extent towards Ancona The Alpes in a manner doe the like towards the North and West The Tuscans in times past possest the whole Countrie The French drawne thither by the beautie and fertilitie of the Prouince chaced them thence and did a long time after enioy the whole Countrie on this side and beyond the Po. Some thinke that the Gaules Lebetians Insubres and Cenomans haue inhabited betwixt that Riuer and the Alpes Some likewise affirme that the Venetians are descended from the Gaules and others say it is not so because they differ from them in speech though resembling them in habit and manners The Boyans Egans and Senonois dwelt beyond the Po whereupon it was afterwards rightly termed Gaule But they were extinct by the Romans Lastly by the arriuall of the Lombards who did a long time inhabit the Prouince where the greatest part of their power remained with Pauia their Royall Seate it was called Lombardie one sillable being taken from their name The goodliest and greatest Riuers of this Prouince are the Po Thesin Oglio Abdue Mincia and Adice The Po which as some say the Greekes termed Eridanus receiues her Spring in the middest of the Mount Vesula on the confines of Liguria from thence falling downe into the plaine it runnes first towards the South then turning towards the East it entreth by sixe Channells into the Adriatick Sea and being augmented by thirtie Riuers falling into it it growes so great as some thinke it nothing inferiour to the Danubium or Nilus The Riuers which fall into it are very famous and with great abundance of water issue from very excellent Lakes From the Lake Larica vulgarly called Coma it takes the Abdue From Verbana or the great Lake Thesin From Benac or la Garda Mincia From Sabina or Isea the Oglio From the Lakes Epilles whereof the one is called Pucian and the other Ceruian Lambroma Besides these Riuers snow melted in the Mountaines doe much increase it especially in the Dogge daies and being once swelled it is as dangerous to ships as to the Neighbour Territories which causeth the Inhabitants to make great Bankes and Rampiers to restraine it neuerthelesse in this it deales well with them for it easily giues them againe whatsoeuer it hath taken from them Being thus augmented as hath beene said it runnes with a direct course to Ficarolles this Citie is a little beneath Hostilia where being ouer-pressed and glutted by superfluitie of waters it begins to enlarge it selfe somwhat beneath the Citie and diuiding into two makes the first Island which the Inhabitants call Polesina placing as I thinke one sillable before an other pronouncing Polesina for Polinessa which is as much to say as a long and broade Island And because that Ferrara is not farre beneath the place where the Riuer diuideth it selfe they commonly call it the Pollesin of Ferrara The branch which runneth on the right hand before it comes to the Citie recouereth her strength by succour of diuers Riuers which in a little space fall into it whereupon being ouer-loden with this new burthen the Citizens looking on as if it were troubled with some faction it diuideth it selfe into two and differently pursueth her course by that second diuision making an other Island wherein are the Cities of Argentia and Comachia enuironed with Lakes The right Arme of this Riuer comming to the Argentine Territorie on the other side neare to Faniola receiueth the Riuer Vaterna which the Inhabitants by corrupted speech call Sauterna comming from Forecornelia And there as though it were not able to endure all her encrease comming neare to Comachia at a Towne called S. Alberts it prodigallie disgorgeth as much water as it tooke in at Vaterna the which gliding through the Lakes of Rauenna entreth like a nauigable Riuer into the Sea And in this manner the Hauen of Rauenna may bee termed one of the mouthes of the Po. The other part which is farre greater from S. Alberts runnes directly into the Sea and the Inhabitants call her entrance Primaria in old time named Vaterna of the Riuer which falls into it That branch on the left hand beneath Ferrara runnes into the Sea with the selfe same force as it commeth from the Citie and the entrance thereof is called Volana Betwixt this and Primaria which wee lately mentioned the Lakes of Comachia haue their mouth or rather Hauen which is called Magneuaca But to speake truly these are armes of the Sea as may easily bee perceiued by reason of salt which is made there Now I returne to the first diuision of the Riuer which we said was a litle beneath Ficarolles This is esteemed to be new not so much by the Map of Italie which Robert King of Naples and Francisco Petrarca haue made where Blondus of Forli affirmes no mention at all to be made of this diuision as by the authoritie of Polibius a learned Author who saith that the Po entreth by two channels into the Adriatick Sea by Padusa and Volana which are properly parts of
that Riuer whereof wee euen now discoursed But to returne to the other part it runs on the left hand without any diminution at all as farre as the Confines of Hadria and diuiding it selfe againe into two mouthes entreth by two seuerall waies into the Sea That which is next to Volana is called Abba and the other Goria The Inhabitants of the Countrie call the other bigger Channell which runnes on the left hand into the Sea the Fornaces This in briefe is all wee can say of the originall of the Po of her course and entrances into the Sea Some thinke that it was called Paua because that round about her spring there grow many trees called in the French tongue Pines Plinie saith that the Ligurians called it Bondimaca by the name of the Village and for proofe of his saying alleageth the Towne of Bondicomaca neare to the Riuer The Adice likewise which diuided in sundrie sorts makes diuers Pollesins comming downe from the Mountaines of Trant runnes a thwart through the Citie of Verona from thence being parted in two at Castagnare beneath Legnaga that part which enuironeth the Village falls into the Tartar issuing from her Lakes and ioyned together are not long ere with a greater course they meet with the other part of the Adice at Malopra and so all these Riuers meeting in one doe behinde enclose the Pollesin of Rouiga At last falling into the Lakes they loose the name of Riuers But the Adice being diuided into two aboue the Tower Marchiana That part which runnes directly towards Sendouare and Rouiga before it comes to Cap-darger gently reenters into her owne streames and thus mingled runnes through the Lakes and Marshes vnto a place called the new Tower where againe separating it selfe into two parts falleth by two mouthes into the Sea that on the right hand being called Fossiones and the other Brandules The Adice being there diuided as hath beene said makes two Polesins the one beyond Rouiga called the old and the other on the hether side termed the new Now these diuisions of Lakes and Riuers made the Venetians iourney much more difficult for in some places they were too deepe to bee foorded and in others too shallow to be passed by Boat First Sanseuerino and the Prouidator Lauretano were of opinion to cause diuers small Boates to bee brought through the Lakes of the Riuer Tartar to Boaria not farre from Legnaga and in them to transport three companies of Foote vnder the command of Andrea de Parma and Thomaso Himulano first to Crocelta and from thence to the Mellaritan Confines By this meanes the Venetian Souldiers came on the last of Aprill before day into the Enemies Countrie Some of the Garrison of Mellaria with Francisco Sica comming from Hostilio with troupes of Horse sought to repell them at their first arriuall but after some light skirmish they were glad to retire The next night Antonio Marciano a very famous Captaine beganne with three hundred Peasants to cut a way for the Armie through the Lakes neare to Casalon They wrought there all that night and the labourers stood in water and mud vp to the girdles but so soone as it was day and the worke not finished Sanseuerino and Lauretano comming thither and considering the danger which those troupes were exposed vnto that were already in the enemies Countrie they presently sent for all the Countrie people there abouts of euery sexe and age to helpe to finish the worke more then one thousand persons laboured there who the next day after finished it and by three of the clocke after noone of the same day the troupes came to the bankes of the Riuer Tartar so soon as their fellowes which guarded the opposite shore saw them they presently made a Bridge ouer the Riuer ouer which euery man passed at his pleasure into the enemies Countrie This way foure and twentie furlongs in length cut through the Lakes was by reason of the great quantitie of Fagots wherewith it was made called Fascinada A Fort was builded on the hither side the Tartar neare to the Bridge and strongly fortified that men might freely passe vp and downe The same day the forces marched into the Mellarians Territories some that were there agree not about their number saying that they were 20000. Others mention not so many But Sanseuerino marching to besiege Mellaria on the Po did at the first assault winne the enemies Rampier neare to the Castle whereuppon those within it presently yeelded Mellaria being taken the enemie shewed himselfe about Sunne-set on the other side of the Riuer this gaue a sodaine alarme to the Venetian who in armes presently ranne to the Riuer bankes but perceiuing their small number their feare ceased They had intelligence afterwards that it was Frederick of Vrbin who came to crosse the Po at Hostilia from thence to march to Milan King Ferdinand and Hercules confederates had made him Generall of their Armie and sent for him to come away speedily to Ferrata to oppose himselfe to the Venetians first attempts The Venetian returned to the Camp and two daies after leauing Mellaria went and encamped at the Village Brigantino which they had taken not long before Then Sanseuerino had intelligence that the enemie had abandoned Trecenta and some other lesser Townes of no great moment Hee thought it fit there to make a bridge by which supplies and victualls might be brought to them from Verona Though this was not so neare a way as that of Croselta or Fascinada yet was it more sure than any of them whereupon he left a strong Garrison to guard the bridge Within a while after the camp marched from Brigantino towards Castelnouo where filling a great trench which the enemie had drawne from the Po to the lakes to stop the Venetians approch the Armie came neare the Citie wheresor three daies space the Ordnance playing vpon the walls in the end after some assaults the Citie yeelded In the meane time they made incursions into the enemies Countrie and euery day brought great store of Cattaile and prisoners to the Camp The report of these incursions being bruted in the neighbour Villages prouoked many to come to the Venetians campe vpon hope of bootie so as in a short space the Armie consisted of 30000. able Men. From Castelnouo they went to Ficarolles where an other great trench being likewise made by the enemie did for a time restraine the course of their victorie but this impediment taken away they planted the Cannon against the walls when speedie newes was brought from Mellaria that Frederick of Vrbin with great forces lay at Hostilia The Venetian Generall fearing if the enemie should at his backe shut vp all passages he should not be able when he would to returne did presently raise his camp and returned to Castelnouo There he vnderstood by spies that the forces which were at Hostilia were not sufficient to make any attempt on this side the Po Then Sanseuerino sent
still at his backe who had followed him into Flaminia was enforced to leaue his Cauallerie to his enemie and himselfe with a few followers to make a speedie retreat into the frontiers of Rauenna Such was the end of Sanseuerino and his sonnes renowned iourney from Lombardie to the warre of Rome which we haue not so much mentioned for himselfe as to let the world vnderstand the Venetians great constancie and loyalty For although an occasion was offered to ruine king Ferdinand intangled in a domesticke war or at least mightily to endanger him if they would haue embraced those offers promises and conditions yet because they would in no sort violate the treatie of peace which they had once sworne to they stopt their eares to these motions Now whilest these things were done neere Rome newes was brought from France that Maximilian sonne to the Emperour Fredericke was chosen King of the Romanes a name verie hatefull to the Citie of Rome taking it original in the daies of that Charles who ouerthrew the Lombards greatnesse in Italy For many Historians affirme That he did afterwards make his sonne Pipin King of Italy himselfe being Emperour and by this meanes it came to passe in time that he is not only called king of Italy but of Romans which enioyeth the same digintie and greatnesse like him Maximiliam had maried the daughter and heire of Charles Duke of Burgondie who died in the war against the Suisses and by this marriage purchasing great and ample Signories being young valiant and apt either for warre or peace had after some new troubles and difficult men aces of warre inforced that stirring nation to obey his commandemment Himselfe and Fredericke his father acquainted the Venetians as their great friends with this new election Dominico Treuisano and Hermolao Barbaro were sent Ambassadors to them both with commission in the States name to congratulate that royall election They were both knighted Another Ambassador was likewise sent into Portugall to thanke that king from the Prince and Senate for that not long before he had relieued and assisted the Venetians who by Pyrates had beene robbed and spoiled and set on shore in his countrey Ieronimo Donato a verie excellent Philosopher was appointed to goe thither Toward the Spring the sicknesse lessened and before Summer ended it wholly ceassed so as of a long time before the Citie was not seene more healthfull This prosperitie was accompanied by another proceeding from Prince Barbadicos care and diligence which was great plentie and abundance of all things for such store of corne wine oyle and all sorts of meate was brought to the Citie as in the memorie of man the like had not beene seene This ioy was likewise seconded by another for the Venetians at that time had peace both by land and sea so as the Commonwealth was neuer more happie than at that time The Prince was not onely busied in maintaining the State in this prosperitie but in augmenting it when on a sodaine to all mens griefe death preuented him He died in the ninth moneth of his gouernment and therein perhaps more happie than all his predecessors because that besides a goodly race which he left behind him himselfe hauing well deserued of Religion Countrey and Citizens the Citie at his death was cleare from pestilence and abounded in plentie We may moreouer adde this to his good fortune That vpon his death-bed an Ambassador came to him from Baiazet sonne to Mahomet Emperour of Turks and brought him rich presents It is reported that drawing towards his end he called for foure of his sonnes whom after vertuous instructions which he gaue them he exhorted to loue and honour the State intreating them often to remember the honour it had done him for raising him from a meane Citizen to the highest and soueraigne dignitie the which ought to make them to render that pietie to their countrey which their father by reason of his short gouernment could not performe The whole Citie did infinitely bewaile his death Euerie one did publikely speake of his meeknesse towards all men For besides other pious examples towards the poore he did at the beginning of his gouernment fearing that by reason of multiplicitie of causes the poore should haue no free accesse to him make a decree That the names of those who were desirous to haue audience of him should from eight to eight daies be drawne by lot and that their names who were first drawne should be first dispatched This holy Decree was cause that neither ambition briberie nor fauour could hinder poore mens suits nor barre them from audience Great numbers of people followed his funerals to the Church of the Twinnes But his bodie lies buried in the Church of the Publike charitie It shall not be impertinent to set downe briefly in this place the ceremonie which is at this day vsed at the interment of the Venetian Dukes After he is dead and bowelled they embalme the bodie and lay it vnder a Canopie of Gold with his guilt sword and spurs reuersed he is publikely kept in the Pallace for three whole daies then all the companies of the Citie which are as many as there bee Trades doe with their banners in solemne order goe before the bodie after them follow the Cleargie next them the mourners who are many in sad and sorrowfull manner last of all come the Senate clothed in Scarlet and Purple to demonstrate That the Citie which is free doth neuer in mourning habit follow the funerall of any Prince how vertuous so euer In this manner and habite so soone as the bodie is brought into the Church they sit round about it whilest the memorie of the deceased Prince according to the ancient manner is recommended to the people in a funerall Oration From thence the Senators returning to the Pallace doe publish the first assembly for the creation of a new Duke AVGVSTINO BARBADICO the 74. Duke of Venice AVgustino Barbadico brother to the deceased Prince a man of singular wisedome and grauitie and at that time Procurator of S. Marke succeeded his brother This election was by so much more pleasing to the Cittie by how much euery man thought that they could not haue chosen a man more resembling the late Prince in all vertuous qualities than this man The next day after his creation he made a sweet and gentle Speech to the people but his maiestike and reuerend presence with a long white beard hanging downe beneath his girdle made him more venerable After his election all things flourishing in peace as before hee beganne his gouernement like to his brother by repairing the Ducall pallace The next Winter Antonio Ferriere and within a while after Giouanni Baria were sent to Constantinople to the Turkish Emperour Antonio Lauretano Ambassadour at Rome was called home because the Senate supposed that hee had not faithfully discharged his place hee was a very wise man and excellently learned he was banished the Cittie
staied there till the Florentines popular tumult were in some sort appeased who had not yet laied downe armes taken that day when Pietro de Medicis was expulsed and also to giue Aubigni time to come and meet him whom he had sent for Aubigni was in Romagnia where hee had remained euer since his comming into Italy making head against Ferdinand Duke of Calabria Alphonsos sonne where after sundry retreates on both sides beeing re-enforced by the arriuall of certaine companies left behinde him two hundred Launces and one thousand Swisses which the King had sent so soone as hee came to Ast hee remained Master of the field and enforced Ferdinand to retire into the Cerca of Faenza which is a place betwixt the walles of that Citty and a great trench some mile behind it inuironing them both which doth make it strong Aubigni then returned into the Country of Imola where hee tooke certaine strong townes filling all Romagnia with feare and amazement so that hauing taken Faenza after the enemies departure hee marched directly to Bertinora to passe the Appenine to ioyne with the Kings army But Bertinora refusing to giue him passage hee assailed and tooke it by force and in despite sack't it Ferdinand perceiuing that hee could not by any meanes stoppe the French mens passage and thinking it dangerous to remaine betwixt Imola and Furli retired neere vnto the walles of Cesenna and from thence went to Rome The Venetians hauing intelligence that King Charles had crossed the Po with a mighty army the more to honor him resolued to send him Ambassadors whom they commanded to tarry still with him and in the meane time armed at all aduentures The Ambassadors were Dominico Treuisan and Antonio Loredano who finding the king at Florence accompanied him whereso euer he went Now after sundry commings too and fro the king with his army marched towards Florence There was great magnificence vsed both by the Courtiers and Citizens The king entred the city like a conqueror himselfe and horse armed at all points with his Launce on his thigh They beganne forthwith to treat of agreement but not without great difficulties the which at last ended by the valour of Pietro Caponi one of the foure Commissioners appointed to treat with the king they accorded and the contract lawfully past it was with great ceremony published in the Cathedrall Church at diuine seruice where the king in person and the cities Magistrates promised by sollemne oth vpon the high Altar in presence of the Court and people of Florence to obserue the contents thereof Two daies after the King departed from Florence hauing tarried there tenne daies and went to Sienna where making short stay hee left a Garrison because hee suspected it to be at the Empires deuotion Then he iourneyed towards Rome where not long before Pope Alexander had giuen entrance to Virginio Vrsini and Count Petillan captaines to King Alphonso and his sonne Ferdinand So as it seemed he ment to haue anticipated the enemies to fortifie the city and to repulse them from it But doubting King Charles intention and fearing his forces he had a wonderfull conflict in his minde For now hee determined to defend Rome and to that end suffered Ferdinand and his captaines whom he had introduced into the city to fortifie the weake places then supposing that hee should not bee able to defend it hee determined to leaue Rome and thus floating betwixt hope and feare the French in the meane time spoiled all the country on the hither side Tiber taking now one towne then an other no place beeing strong enough to hold them out so that after diuers parlies hee resolued as it were by force to grant all King Charles his demands and to receiue him into Rome from whence he caused Ferdinand and his army to depart who went to Tiuoli and from thence into the Realme of Naples and whilest he went forth at Saint Sebastians Gate the French King armed at all points with his launce on thigh entred with his army at the gate of Sancta Maria del Popolo The Pope many times determined to flie but at last retired into Castle Saint Angelo well prouided of ordnance munition and victuals When the King and his army were entred an accord was propounded by meanes of Cardinall Ascanio on very rough conditions which neuerthelesse were effected to the Kings content who thereby made a league with the Pope saluted him then kissed his feet in open Consistory and afterwards his cheeke and at an other time was present when the Pope said masse and sate downe next beneath the first Cardinall Bishop and according to the ancient custome when the Pope celebrated masse serued him with water to wash his hands This done the Pope made the Bishop of Saint Malo and the Bishop of Mans descended from the house of Luxembourg Cardinals Whilest the King remained at Rome which was some month or thereabout Alphonso despayring of his owne good fortune sent for his sonne Ferdinand to Naples and in presence of his brother Frederick tenounced and made ouer vnto him his Kingly title and Authority hee did this peraduenture for to lessen his subiects loue towards the French because this young Prince was of great hope had neuer offended any of his subiects and was gracious with the people Alphonso after this voluntary demission hauing giuen his sonne a large instruction to recommend himselfe to God departed from Naples with foure light Gallies laden with treasure and ritch stuffe and fled into a towne in Sicily called Mazare where before the yeere was expired he died Ferdinand after his fathers departure rode in royall habit vp and downe the city attended by his vncle Frederick and other great Lords of the Kingdome setting open prisons pardoning all offenders promising to repeale those that had beene banished Then mustering his army hee gaue great guifts to his souldiers and placed new Garrisons in his townes King Charles at the very instant of his departure from Rome receiued intelligence of Alphonsos flight hee went to Velitra and with him Caesar Borgia Cardinall the Popes sonne as Legat Apostolicall or rather pawne of his fathers promises This Cardinall fled away secretly in the night and to take away all suspition that he did it not by his fathers consent went not to Rome but to Spoleta And at the same time those whom the King sent to the castles of Hostia Ciuita-uecchia and Terracina to receiue them according to the accord made with the Pope that they might keepe them so long as he remained in Italy were repulsed by the Popes souldiers For the fort of Hostia which Fabricio Colonna held was recouered by Count Petillan and re-deliuered to the Pope From Velitra the vantgard marched to Monte-fortino a very strong towne seated in the Churches territories and subiect to Iacomo de Contis a Roman Gentleman who held for the Arragonois which being battered by the cannon was in short space
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
notwithstanding Lodouicos flatteries hee could not but with griefe endure to let Pisa which hee had pursued with such labour fall to their share wherevpon hee caused the Pope and the Ambassadors to the Kings of Spaine who were iealous of the Venetians greatnesse to propound the drawing of the Florentines into the league by restoring Pisa vnto them seeing by other meanes they could not bee induced to it The Venetian Ambassador with great earnestnesse oppugning this proposition the motion was dasht for feare of loosing the Venetians friendship But the hope of King Charles his returne into Italy beeing wholly lost and most of the Italians that held his party otherwise imployed Lodouico hereby encouraged did daily more and more discouer his hatred towards the Venetians concerning Pisa inciting the Pope and Kings of Spaine with greater efficacy to reuiue the motion of the restitution thereof Herevnto he drew the Florentines who to that end sent their Ambassadors to Rome This treaty was continued there many daies where the Pope and Ambassadours of the King of Spaine Duke of Milan and King of Naples did openly vrge the Venetian Ambassadour to this restitution thereby to ioyne the Florentines to their party against the French to the end that all seeds of discord being rooted out no man might againe haue any cause to call the French into Italy But the Senate contradicting all this and sufficiently perceiuing from whom this earnest motion proceeded answered by the same Ambassadour that it was a very daungerous matter to deliuer that City to the Florentines whose mindes were strictly vnited with the French and that the surrendring of Pisa would not diuert their inclination and also that thereby the fidelity of all the Confederates would be called in question who had taken vpon them to protect the Pisans especially the Venetians who when others did shut their pursses had freely opened theirs and to defend them had spared for no cost or labour wherevpon it would bee great dishonour to them to leaue them then and to falsifie their promise Now whilest this businesse was treated betwixt the Confederates a sodaine accident happened in France begetting sundry and different effects in mens mindes It was the death of King Charles who on the seuenth day of Aprill died at Amboise of an Apoplexie as hee stood looking on some of his Courtiers that plaied at tennis and because hee died without children the crowne of France descended to Lewis Duke of Orleance the next Prince of the bloud as heire male Italy by King Charles his death was somewhat freed from feare for no man supposed that King Lewis the twelfth comming newly to the crowne would at the beginning of his reigne make warre in Italy But the same right to the Realme of Naples hee being French King belonged as well to him as to his Predecessor and beside that the Dutchy of Milan which was his owne by succession from his Grandmother Valentine After his Coronation hee desired nothing so much as to conquer that Dutchy and though from his infancy hee had euer carried that minde yet his successe at Nouara had much inkindled him together with his hatred to Lodouico Sforza by reason of his insolent carriage towards him when hee was at Ast. And for an introduction to his deseigne he did not onely intitle himselfe King of France Naples Ierusalem both the Sicilies but likewise Duke of Milan This was as a summons to Frederick and Lodouico Hee wrote letters full of friendly congratulation to the Pope Venetians and Florentines concerning his comming to the crowne These three seemed to bee highly pleased with those letters being desirous to aduance and reuenge themselues Lodouico neuerthelesse though he knew that he had to doe with a rougher enemy feeding himselfe with hope as Frederick of Arragon likewise did that the new King would not so intend the affaires of Italy did still oppose himselfe against the Venetians concerning Pisa his hatred to them making him forget his owne future danger The Venetians notwithstanding his opposition chose three Ambassadors to goe and congratulate the King for his comming to the crowne and by way of excuse to tell him that the onely suspition and not without cause which they had of King Charles least after the conquest of the Realme of Naples he should haue attempted that of all Italy had enforced them to take armes against him The Pope for the same purpose sent a Nuncio into France beeing desirous to inuest his sonne Caesar then Cardinall with temporall greatnesse The Florentines likewise according vnto their antient custome to the crowne of France sent Ambassadours thither Wherevnto they were earnestly solicited by Lodouico who by their meanes thought to frustrate the Venetians practizes for Pisa and also to mediate some accord betwixt himselfe and the King The King did very louingly entertaine all these Ambassadours and gaue them audience concluding nothing till hee had first secured the Realme of France by new leagues with the Princes his neighbours The Florentines in the meane time still pursuing their deseigne against the Pisans their forces which lay Pontadera hauing intelligence that certaine troupes gonne forth of Pisa returned home-wards with great booty went to intercept them and meeting them did put them to rout but fifty men at armes of the Pisans comming on a sodaine to reskew their fellowes the Florentines were put to flight many of their footmen slaine many captaines taken prisoners with the greatest part of their cauallery During these troubles in Tuscany the Venetians reputation was euery where so augmented as Coruin sonne to Mathias King of Hungary seâ—…t an Ambassadour to the Senate to certifie it that hee was very desirous to make a perpetuall league of friendship with them and to bee receiued into the number of the Venetian Gentlemen This propounded to the great Councell was freely graunted Lodouico in the meane time fearing that the Venetians by reason of that defeate of the Florentines would grow so great as it would bee an hard matter to repulse them forth of Tuscany offered to releeue the Florentines and to the same end was desirous to know what prouisions were necessary not onely for defense but to execute the enterprize of Pisa. For though at first hee did not determine openly for to releeue the Florentines but onely to aide and succor them secretly with money yet beeing transported with choller and disdaine vsing insolent and threatning speeches against the Venetians hee resolued openly for to declare himselfe their friend And therefore hauing first denied passage to their people which went to Pisa and enforced them to goe through the Duke of Ferrara's country hee caused the Emperour to declare himselfe their enemy and procured the Pope to promise the Florentines to send them an hundred men at armes and three Gallies vnder the commaund of Captaine Villamarini who should keepe all victualls from entring into Pisa by sea yet afterwards delaying to send them he did
side But the King of Hungary would neuer giue eare therevnto but continued still their friend Whereof the Senate being aduertized by Vincentio Guidocho their Secretary and Agent in Hungary sent Petro Pascalio their Ambassadors to the same King to entreate him to continue in the alliance which he had sworne of a long time with them the which he promised to doe Now the Emperor hauing made his approches neere to the wals of Padua towards the little Gate where his army was extended round about the city three miles in length he beganne to plant his peeces of battery which could not be done in a long time by reason of the number of them some of them being of a merueilous greatnesse Being planted they would needs see how the enemies could defend themselues and therefore the French and the Lansequenets gaue an assault on that side where the Lord de la Palisse had command at a Rauelin of a Gate but it being valliantly defended they returned to their quarter The next day the artillery plaied with great fury and did beate downe a great part of the wall the shot from the city likewise did greatly hurt the whole army and those within the town made many sallies especially the Stradiots and the light-horse The artillery hauing plaied nine daies together and made so large a breach as all men thought was more then needfull the whole army made preparation the next day to giue an assault But when they perceiued how that the same night they within had filled the dike with water the Emperour sent backe his souldiers to their quarters They beganne afterwards to batter the Bastion which was neere to the Gate of Codalonga the Emperor determining to doe his vttermost to force it and hauing ouerthrowne a part thereof with the ordnance he caused the Spaniards and Lansquenets two daies after to giue it an assault who fighting furiously did mount it and placed two Enseignes thereon But the valour of the defendants was such and the aboundance of defensiue engines so great as they were enforced to leape downe in heapes many of them were slaine and hurt By meanes whereof those who were already prepared to giue an assault to the wal thinking that the Bastion was taken retired and disarmed themselues without attempting any farther Maximillian by this attempt did wholy loose the hope of victory wherefore resoluing to dislodge hauing first sent away his artillery to a place of safety he raised his campe and came with his whole army to Limini the seuenteenth day of the seege from thence he went to Verona all men generally blaming him for that by his owne fault he had lost Padua and had not taken Treuiso And he on the contrary imputing it to other men complained of the Pope and the French King of the one for suffering the Venetian Ambassadors to goe to Rome and of the other because he had delaide to send supplies of men But these complaints did no whit better his condition for the Pope cared not greatly for him and the King was glad to haue his faults and changings knowne Hauing receiued the oth of fidelity of those of Verona he departed thence towards Germany determining as he said to returne the next spring with greater forces to make warre in Italy leauing the Marquis of Brandenbourg for the gard of Verona The Emperours returne into Germany left all that which he possessed in great hazard and all Italy in doubt in regard of some contention arising betwixt the Pope and the French King which being soone after appeased there remained neuerthelesse some discontent in the Popes minde wherevpon he wished that the King might loose whatsoeuer he held in Italy and was willing to imploy himselfe to effect it And al-be-it he propounded so great a designe to himselfe yet neuerthelesse he would not enter into league with any one but trusting wholy to himselfe and to the authority which the Papall Sea had ouer all Princes hee shewed both by deed and words that he did not greatly account of any one and waxing strange to all others he enclined only to the Venetians side whom for the safety of all Italy and for the preseruation of his greatnesse he thought fit to absolue and to assist with all his power The Emperors and French Kings Ambassadors opposed it the like did the Ambassador for the King of Arragon alleadging the confederacy made at Cambray by which they were not yet fully satisfied The Pope made answer therevnto that it was not the office of Christs Vicar to pursue with spirituall armes to the preiudice of the saluation of so many soules those who repenting had with great humility craued absolution espetially the cause for which they were censured ceassing That it was an other matter to pursue them with temporall armes and therein he was determined to perseuer and made offer to consent with the rest to obserue the league of Cambray Being in these termes with the Ambassadors he would willingly haue absolued them if the Venetians would haue giuen place and consented to two conditions The one to leaue the nauigation of the Adriatrick Sea free to the subiects of the Church the other that they should keepe no more a Magistrate called Visdomo in Ferrara which was a City depending on the Church The Venetians in the meane time vpon this different meaning of Princes not greatly esteeming the Emperour sent forces vnder the conduct of Andre Gritti the Prouidator to Vincenza on assurance that they were wished for by the people who at his arriuall tooke the suburbes of Posterla then being brought into the city by the townesmen the Prince of Anhalt and Fracasso retired into the castle which was yeelded foure daies after It was verily thought that he might haue taken Verona likewise if he had gone thither on a sodaine but whilest he tarried for the reduction of the castle of Vincenza new companies of the Emperors entred into it and three hundred Launces of the French Kings commanded by the Lord D' Aubigns so as there being in it fiue hundred Launces and fiue thousand footmen as well Spaniards as Lansquenets it was a hard matter to take it The Venetian army neuerthelesse came thither soone after vpon hope that at their arriuall they in the city would rise but because it being diuided into two parts did not shew it selfe before the wals at one time the businesse fell not out according to their proiect The Venetians at their departure thence tooke Basciana then Feltre and Ciuitall with the fort of Escalla At the same time Antonio and Ieronimo Sauorgniane gentlemen of the country followinge the Venetians party in Friull tooke Castel-nouo beyond the riuer of Tailemont no newes being heard of Maximillian The Venetian army for the recouery of the Pollesin of Rouigo marched towards Monselecia and Montagnane to the end from thence to enter on the territory of Ferrara Hauing moreouer sent their nauall army
which did expresly import that with the greatest speed hee could hee should march against them whom hâ—…e heard to bee verie weake and therefore he promised himselfe the victory and being victorious he should beseege Rome and the Pope without any respect to the end to free himself of so many dangers which did threaten him and for the diminution of his enuy encrease of his owne iustifications he would haue that enterprise to be made in the name of the councel of Pisa which should depute a Legate to goe to the army Gaston of Foix departed from Bressia and came to Finall there for to gather together all the companies which were in Italy those excepted who remained for the gard of the Cities and from thence he went to Saint Georges on the Bolognois where there came to him three thousand Gascons a thousand Pioners and a thousand Picards which were newly sent him being al choice soldiers These being arriued he found that he had with him fiue thousand Lanfequenets fiue thousand Gascons and eight thousand as well Italians as French with one thousand sixe hundred launces The Duke of Ferrara was to ioyne with him with a hundred men at armes two hundred light horse and a great quantity of excellent munition because the Generall had left his at Finall in regard of the bad waies The Cardinall of Saint Seuerine being deputed Legate by the councell came likewise to the army Gaston of Foix marching in this equipage did burne with desire to meete the enemy and to fight with him as well to satisfie the King as for his owne valour and prowesse his meaning neuerthelesse was not to assaile him rashly but only to trie if by approching nere to him he would cheerefully come to the battaile in any place where the quallity of the sytuation might make them equall The enemies had an other intent who thought it not safe for them to fight in an equall place at least wise before the six thousand Swisses whom they expected were arriued as also for that the King of Arragon had commanded them to abstaine as much as they could from fight for diuers considerations by him alleaged The two armies did often change places marching continually nere together in good order the artillery going before and their faces turned towards the enemies as if euery houre they were to beginne the fight Gaston receiued a new commandment from the King to hasten the battaile Wherevnto his King was incited so soone as he vnderstood the truce made betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians But Gaston perceiuing that hee did winne nothing by coasting the enemies in this manner in regard of the commodiousnesse of the Cities of Romagnia whether they still retired determined to beseege Rauenna wherein Marke Antony Colonna lay for the Pope with fifteene hundred foot and fiue hundred horse thinking that the enemies would not suffer such a city to be lost before their faces and by that meanes occasion might be offered to fight with them in an equall place He came and lodged betwixt Contignola and Granaâ—…olla then at Rassi hauing driuen them thence who kept it and from thence the day following he came and encamped nere to the walles of Rauenna betwixt the two Riuers namely Ronca and Moâ—…tona betwixt which the towne is seated He possessed the space which is betwixt the one and other riuer The next day he caused his ordnance to be planted and by all meanes hasted the battery that he might come to the assault before the enemies whom he knew were remooued should arriue as well for to get the towne as in regard of his great want of victuals by reason of the Venetian vessels which lay at Fiquerolles and at the mouth of the Channel which falleth into the Po which stopped those that came both from Lombardy and Ferrara This was the reason why he resolued to giue the assault the same day al-be-it he knew that there was no reasonable breach made and that he could not enter but by ladders those likewise which were sent thither being out of hope to force the Citty and perceiuing themselues to be greatly hindred by a Culueryne hauing fought for the space of three houres retired with the losse of three hundred foote and of certaine men 〈◊〉 armes and as many in a manner were hurt But the retreat was no soonâ—… made but they descried the confederates armie coâ—…ming to the releeâ—…e of the Towne the which marched along the riuers side So soone as the French had discouered them they arose in armes and placed themselues vnder their enseignes hauing in great hast with drawne their ordinance from before their walles the which they turned towards the enemies who imagining onely by the shew of their army that Ramenna was suffiâ—…iently releeued thinking that the French durst not assaile it they being so neere they encamped within three miles of Rauenna at a place called Moulinachia which they forth-with fortified with as deepe a trench as the shortnesse of the time would permit them The French were long in councell to know what was to bee done either to assaill the Citty or the enemies In the end after diuers and sundry opinions they resolued to goe and assaile the enemy so soone as it was day Which Gaston of Foix gladly approuing hee caused the same night a bridge to bee cast ouer the Ronca and to liâ—…ell the causeis on all sides to make the waies easie There by day breake being Easter day hee prepared to march against the enemies and hauing encouraged his soldiors with a more eloquâ—… then Martiall oration hee enforced the enemies by the shot of his ordnance to come forth of their trenches and to ioyne fight with him where the conâ—…ederates were so delt with for the space of six 〈◊〉 â—…hat the fight lasted as not being able to make any more resistance they turned their backes and among others the Viceroy and Caranagio were the formost carrying away with them a squadron in a manner whole and vnbroken so as the French remained masters of the field But because the Spanish Infantery made a soft retreate and in god order Gaston of Foix was desirous to breake them and going furiously to assaill them with a squadron of horse hee was on a sodaine enuironed by the enemies and being beaten from his horse was slaine by the push of a piâ—…e thrust into his flanke The Lord of Lauâ—…rec lay by him in a manner dead being wounded in twenty places but being brought to Ferrara he was there healed The Generalls death caused the Spaniards to escape without any empediment the residew of their army being dispersed and put to flight and their bagage enseignes and artillery taken The prisoners were the Popet Legat Fabricio Coloâ—… Pedro of Nauaâ—…e the Marquis of Palu Bitoâ—…o and 〈◊〉 with many other Barrons and great Lords The brute was that there died on both sides eighteene thousand men one third part French and the two thirds of
battaill whome ignominiously he put to death openly hee made beside a great slaughter of those Mamaluks and thereby in a manner did wholy root out their name hee tooke Cairo which is a populous citty and the Soldans ordinary residence and in a short-time seased on all Suria and Aegypt Al these great victories and encreases of his Empire had not without cause giuen occasion to all Christian Princes to stand in awe of him and cheefel◅ the Venetians of whome hee pretended to demand a yeerely tribute of 8000. Ducats which the Kings of Cyprus were wont to pay to the Soldans of Aegipt in times before Now the Venetian Ambassadors being embarked at Venice did first touch at Cyprus and from thence they went to Damasco where Selim returning from his victories had wintered with al his army The Senate had expresly enioyned them to procure that the Venetian marchants who dwelt at Tripoli Alexandria Barath Damasco and other marchant places of those Prouinces might be maintayned there in the selfe same priuiledges which they were wont to enioy in former times graunted vnto them by the former Kings of Suria and Aegypt That it might like-wise bee lawfull for the Signory to haue their Magistrates in those places with the same authority they were wont to haue to doe iustice to their Cittizens in their strife about marchandize and other such like businesse Selim ayming at other ends did easily graunt it as wel for the desire he had to entertaine the Venetians friendship as to restore trafick to his new conquered Prouinces whereby great profit and commodity might redound to him At the same time for the same purpose an Ambassador was appointed to goe to Charles King of Spaine to the end that it might be lawfull for the Venetians to traffick thorow all the lands and signories newly fallen to him as they were wont to doe in the life time of King Fernand in Spaine because that his officers did seeme to make some difficulty in it in regard of the trade with Africke whereof it shall not not be impertinent to say some thing by the way The antient founders of the citty had speciall care that the cittizens of their new citty should exercize them-selues in voyages and sea-traffick to bee able by their vertuous industry to encrease their domesticke meanes and faculties and make themselues knowne to forraine nations The situation of their citty inuited them there-vnto because the Inhabitants had not they any inheritāces wheron to busie themselues Whervpon they decreed diuers ships should traficke into sondry places of Christendome and of the Infidells in which they sent diuers gentlemen to learne them nauigation and other matters belonging to the sea some of whome remained for a time among those forraine nations and cheefely wher there was greatest trading negotiating for themselues and others whereby besides the greate wealth which they purchased they made themselues fit by experience for great maters so as returning afterwards to Venice they readyly executed all matters committed to them Now the places whether these vessels which were commonly called shippes of traffick vsed to goe at their departure from Venice was first into Sicily to the Citty of Saragossa from thence to Tripoli in Barbary and hauing coasted the Iland of Gerbes they passed on to Tunis from thence they directed their course to the realme of Tremisen staying cheefely at Tusen and at Mega two excellent Marchant townes called at this day Ona and Orana Then they went to diuers places of the Kingdome of Marocco and touching at all the hauens of Barbery which were antiently comprized vnder the Prouinces of Mauritania and Numidia they sailed into Spaine But their traffick was very different for at their departure from Venice they carried to the Affrican Moores sondry kindes of mettalls and woollen cloathes which they sould there then comming into Spaine they bought sondry kinds of merchandize as silk wool graine and other things which they found in the contrey with which being laden they returned to Venice This traffick then being interrupted by the difficulties which the agents of the new King of Spaine did set abroach and by reason of other accidents that did happen is wholly lost But to returne to our discourse the Venetians perceiuing that a great part of the time of truce betwixt the Emperour and them was spent they thought it necessary to come to some new agreement with him the which the Pope desired and that it might be by his meanes at Rome But the Venetians trusting more to the most Christian King referred the whole matter to him and made means that the Emperour should to that end send his Ambassadors into France who comming thither and concluding no peace the truce by the Kings meanes was prolonged betwixt them for fiue yeares on condition that for euery of the fiue yeares they should pay twenty thousand crownes to the Emperour The occasion of this truce was because that the Pope being mooued by the Turkes fortunate successe beganne to thinke on other milder matters he sent Breefs to all Christian Princes putting them in mind of the danger which threatened them requesting them that all discords and contentions being layd aside they would speedily prouide for the defence of Christian religion and for their common safety the which was exposed to very great dangers vnlesse that they being vnited together did transport the warre into Turky in regard of the encrease of Selims Empire and his great desire of rule and soueraignty which would prouoke him at last to oppresse all other Princes as he had done by the Souldan of Egipt and the Mamalucks These things being by the Pope represented to the Venetians as well as to other Christian Princes were cause that the Venetians consented to the truce as hath beene said made by the French King betwixt the Emperour and them seeing that peace could be hardly concluded on to the end they would not seeme by their refusall to turne away so great a good from all Christendome But as for the popes proposition made particularly vnto them to take Armes against Selim they answered that when they should see matters set foreward and ernestly pursued the Venetian Senate would be more ready for that enterprize then any else and would neuer faile of their duty knowing very well how much it did import them not only in regard of the common interest of all Christendome and for the Popes entreaties and exhortation as because their Sea-state did border vpon that mighty enemy the which he would in a moment assaile and molest with all outrages before the Confederates Army would be ready to enter into his Contrey Soone after this treaty of truce the Emperour Maximilian fell sick and dyed at Lynx in the be◅inning of the yeare 1519. which is a towne seated on the marches of Austria his death being knowne to the soldiers that lay in Garrison at Gradisca and Maran they sallied foorth vppon the lands belonging
that the Pope complayning of the Emperours captaines entred into summe suspition of them as if they had drawne forth the seege of Parma at length vntill that necessity had enforced them to discampe perceiuing that his great desire to obtaine that City made him freely to contribute to all the charges and expences of the warres The Emperour on the other side hauing discouered the Popes suspition feared that if he should obtaine that which he pretended to haue by the treaty of agreement betwixt them he would then giue ouer the remainder of the enterprize as easily as he had forsaken the French Kings alliance excusing himselfe either vpon the cost or danger of the warres wherevpon for the better assurance of his deseignes he resolued if it were possible to draw the Venetians to his party and ioyne them to the league and to that end he determined to send Alpâ—…so Saus to Venice to remaine there as Ambassador for the Impâ—… Maiesty and whom he caused with great cunning and vehemency to 〈◊〉 againe to the Senate that to ioyne with him and the Pope was the true meanes to obtaine peace no lesse by him desired then by themselues and for a testimony of his speech hee aleadged That although the Emperour might obtaine the Dutchy of Milan by iust title yet neuerthelesse he would inuest Francis Sforza Duke of Baâ—… therein thereby to reduce the affaires of Italy to a quiet and peace able State At the last Prospero Colonna beganne to march first bending towards the Riuer Adda to passe iâ—… and afterwards to march directly to Milan which was the whole ayme of the warre Lautrec beeing aduertized hereof did soone dislodge from the Cremona territory where hee had for a certaine time remained and marched towards Cassan to stoppe the enemies passage of the Riuer who neuerthelesse by their speedy comming thither before the French did crosse it betwixt Riua and Cassan and then went on their way towards Milan Lautrec being preuented of his hope did in great hast follow the 〈◊〉 being desirous if occasion serued to offer them battaile But Prospero Colonna not meaning to hazard any thing proceeded in such manner as hee looke away all meanes of comming to a battaile which Lautrec perceiuing did at last retire with his army which did dayly decrease especially the Swisses who went their 〈◊〉 without leaue vnder collour that they wanted their pay and came to Milan leauing the Venetian Prouidator with the artillery at Lodi because that their Generall Triuulcio hauing followed Lautrec had entred with him into Milan Now Lautrec beeing come to Milan perceiuing his owne army to be diminished and that of the enemies to be mightily encreased he caused the Bastions and rampiers to bee razed which the Duke of Bourbon had before then caused to bee made resoluing not to stirre from thence and there to expect aide from France Prospero hauing crossed the Adda and hauing intelligence that Lautrec was retired to Milan fortifying it in all hast determined to follow him and came and lodged in an Abbey with in foure miles off Milan called Cherauall where being vncertaine what he were best to doe in regard of the great numbers of men that were within the City a husbandman was brought before him that had beene taken comming from Milan who told him in the presence of all the captaines that hee was sent by some of the Imperiall faction that were within the City to Ieronimo Moron to let them know that if they would march directly to Milan they were certaine that hee might enter it but if they should delay the matter and giue the French men leisure to fortifie themselues it would not then bee in their power to expell them Vpon this aduertisement it was concluded by the chiefe captaines that the Marquis of Pescara with the Spanish bands whom he then commanded should march directly to the Roman gate to be there at sunne set Theodore Triuulcio Generall of the Venetian army had the gard of that gate and the suburb where the Marquis of Pescara being come taking twelue hundred men for that seruice hee gaue directly in vpon a bastion that was new begunne and not yet defensible wherevpon those of the gard were so amazed as without fight they were put to rout forsaking their gard and fortifications Theodore Triuuâ—… Commander of those troupes being sicke in his bead did on a sodaine arise and marched against the enemies with such few souldiers as hee could gather together to susteine that attempt thinking that they would follow him but Night not blushing and beeing vnaccompanied he was beaten downe and taken prisoner with Iulio of Saint Seuerin the Marquis of Vigeua Mercurio Buono captaine of the Venetian light horse Lodouico Marin Secretary to the common-wealth with diuers others Lautrec hauing notice that the Venetian army being surprized had abandoned the suburbes without any fight came with the residue of the army before the place of the castle But perceiuing that there was no meanes to keepe the City the said suburbe being lost determined to retire and tooke the direct way towards Coma with all his men at armes to be nere the Swisses expecting the succor that was to come from France hauing before his departure left captaine Masearon a Gascon to command the castle with fifty men at armes and six hundred French foot The enemies being masters of the city made an inestimable spoile there without any exception of persons for the sacke lasted tenne whole daies no commandement being of force to cause the souldiers to giue ouer The Venetian horsmen departed from Laude and were comming towards Milan but hauing intelligence by the way of the Cities losse Lautrecs retreat they escaped to Bergamo Lautrec being come to Coma the foure thousand Swisses that remained in the French campe did the morrow after retire home towards their country their captaines not being able to hold them backe Lautrec departing afterwards from Coma with the residue of his troupes went to Lec where hauing crossed the Riuer hee placed all his men at armes in garrison in the Venetian country but so soone as he was gonne from Coma the enemies came thither who hauing battered it ten or twelue daies tooke it by composition Vpon report of these conquests of the enemies Lauda Pauia Parma and Placentia yeelded vnto them without any difficulty Cremona within a while after did the like but Lautrec comming thither on a sodaine with his forces did forthwith recouer it by meanes of the castle which held out yet for the French In this sort did the French lose without being defeated or fighting any one Battaile that goodly and ritch State which they had purchased at so high a price and with so much effusion of blood Prospero Colonna in the meane time to make vse of his good fortune pursued Lautrec seeking wholly to defeat him who as hath beene said departing from
was then open to him it being not fortified as it is now at this day hee landed great numbers of his people to scoure and spoyle the Country This Citty was in old time called Cidonia and reckoned among the cheefe of the Island Andre Gritti was Gouernor thereof hauing with him about a thousand Italian foote-men and diuers Greekes of the citty and places neere adioyning These men perceiuing the Turkes to approch in disorder who had not intrenched them-selues did boldly sally forth of the Citty and assailled them who being first beaten with the Citties ordnance whereof it was well prouided and being found in disorder they chaced and slew a great number of them Those which scoured the country had no better fortune by reason that great multituds of the Islanders arising who were diuesly armed by their Lords commandement went and incountered the Turkes which were loden with spoile whome they fell vpon and slew many of them so as they enforced them to giue ouer their enterprize and to retire with speed to their Gallies Barbarossa hoping for better and more fortunate successe in another place or at least to recompence that losse leauing behind him neuerthelesse some memoriall of his being there to the peasants detriment sent an hundred Gallies to Sithiâ—… This place is seated in another corner of the Iland on the west side beeing weake and ill prouided of defense notwithstanding that a particular magistrate sent from Venice doth vsually make his abode there From thence the enemy might easily passe into the I le of Scarpenta possessed at that time by the Turkes and distant from thence some forty miles The enemy finding that place to bee abandoned tooke away certaine peeces of ordinance and other munitions spoiling all the Champaigne neere adioyning But fearing least the Venetian Fleet comming to the ayde of Candy would enforce them to come to strokes the Soldiers being speedily imbarked and all the Gallies beeing vnited togeather they sailed towardes Negrepont The Sangiach of Morea did at the same time by Solimans command beseege Naples and Maluesia He hauing encamped before those two townes wrote to the Gouernors and people thereof that they should speedily yeeld promising to them great rewards in so doing and on the contrary seuere punishment if they should continew to make resistance that Soliman had sent him thither commanding him by no meanes to stirre from thence vntill he had reduced both of them vnder his obedience that their succors were sarre off and their hope vaine long to hold out and therefore that it was best for them to fitte themselues to the time and to the fortune of the van quisher The Gouernours and all the people resoluing brauely to defend them-selues as well by reason of the situation of the place as for their hope that the Venetian Army would shortly releeue them with victualls and necessary munitions made none answer to his letter but betooke themselues more carefully to the Guard of their townes And because they in Naples wanted water the horssemen that were Stadiots a hardy and warlike nation making diuers sallies beeing followed by the Italian Harquebuziers did prouide for that want The Generall Capello hauing intelligence of this sieege and beeing very desirous to releeue those valliant and trusty defendants did opportunely with six Gallies send them supplies of whatsoeuer they needed But during these exploits those of Dalmatia were in like manner greatly aflicted by the Turkish Army who entring into the Countrey made an horrible spoile there carrying away men woemen little children and all sortes of cattell burning the houses and putting the whole Contrey in feare and confusion so as Camillo Vrsino Gouernour of the Prouince had thought to haue abandoned all the other Citties and that the Soldiers should retire to Zara to assure it as the chiefest and easiest to guard fearing that to attempt to preserue al of them against such great nombers of enemies would bee a cause to expose them all to great dangers The Senate did not allow of this opinion esteeming much more besides the losse of so many Citties this note of infamy to haue at once without any fight giuen place vnto the enemies insolency and abandoned so goodly a Countrey wherefore vsing all meanes to preserue and defend it it determined to make a new leuy of horse and foote to weet twelue thousand footmen and fifteene hundred horse hoping with these forces to bee able sufficiently to assure the Prouince and also to encrease the Peoples affection towards the Common-wealth and to encourage them brauely to defend themselues they appoynted fifteene Gentlemen who should speedily be transported thither for the guard of Zara Sâ—…enic and Catarra with thirty men a peece moreouer Lodouico Badoario was sent vnto Zara in quality of Prouidator General of Dalmatia with commandement neuerthelesse not to goe forth of that Citty without the Senates permission aud leaue the Inhabitants like-wise of Dalmatia were permitted to send their wiues and children to Venice for feare of the enemies In these occurrences the Prince shewed the Senate how that euery man was to helpe his country in a time so miserable and alledged vnto them for example that which had beene performed and done in the last warres of the firme land in which said he the Cittizens loue towards their country the vnion and readinesse of their helpe had beene of so great force as in dispight of bad fortune they had drawne the Republike forth of so many calamities and had restored it to her fauour splendor and dignity wherein God be thanked it now continued That the dangers present were no lesse then those that were past hauing to doe with an enemy who though hee be alone and of him-selfe is neuer-the-lesse very mighty and to be feared whome if they did not speedily resist but suffer all things to fall out according to his desire his ouerweening would in such sort encrease as they were neuer to looke for any safety from him that their hope of forraine aide did dayly more and more vanish the Confederates proceeding with such vncertenty and slownesse as they were to expect nothing from them That their true safest and onely defence depended vpon them-selues It did then behooue euery man to finde meanes to surmount his forces and speedily to releeue the Common-wealth with councell meanes yea and with his owne life That the publike Treasury would shrinke vnder an insupportable burthen vnlesse it were speedily releeued by the Cittizens in regard that the expence alone of Dalmatia with the new prouisions thereof did monethly mount to more then fiue and twenty thousand crownes that it behooued them to glad the people who were ouer pressed with sorrow and amazed and to comfort them by the presence of those vnto whome the conseruation of the state did belong to shew that they were desirous to be sharers in the dangers and troubles which should be offered Let those then quoth hee who were appointed depart with
from the English and the other hauing called the Protestant Princes to the Dyet of Ratisbon to treat of affaires concerning Religion although he were there in person could not induce them to decree or conclude any thing but whereas at the beginning it seemed that they would haue beene satisfied to haue had the councell held in the city of Trent whither they promised to send their Doctors to treat of matters concerning faith and afterwards to hold and embrace what there should be decided they did then craue first of all to haue a nationall councell held in Germany and if afterwards it should happen to be referred to that of Trent that the assembly might on all sides be free with diuers other exorbitant and vnreasonable demands This caused the Pope no more to feare the councell and to assure the State of Parma and Placencia to his sonne the Emperor Princes and people of Germany hauing turned their thoughts to other matters determining to end that controuersie by armes The end of the fourth Booke of the sixth Decade The Contents of the fist Booke of the sixth Decade THE Venetians goe about to diuert the Pope from taking armes against the Protestants The Venetians grant passage thorow their Territories to the Pope and the Emperors Soldiors who were the Protestants partakers The Venetians refuse to lend mony to the Duke of Saxon and Lantgraue of Hesse The Protestants take the Castle of Chiusa to stop the Italians passage The cause of the losse and ouerthrow of the Protestants What the Venetian Gentlemen are with their prerogatiues The commotion of the Sienois against the Spaniards Petro Lodouico Duke of Parma and Placentia is murthered The Death of Francis the first French King The death of Henry the eight King of England The occasion of the new warre betwixt the French and the English Horacio Farnese marrieth the daughter of Henry the French King The Venetians being solicited by the Pope and the French King against the Emperour continue Neuters The Popes great perplexities Soliman takes armes against the Persian making truce with Christian Princes Contention betwixt the Emperor and the French King concerning the Truce with the Turke Controuersy about the Place wherein the councell should bee held The death of Pope Paul the third with the election of Pope Iulius the third Horatio Farnese committeth him-selfe and his family into the French Kings protection Great warre in Italy concerning Parma and Placentia The Publication of the Councel of Trent Pietro Strozzi his pollicy to reuictuall Parma The German Princes Treate with the French King against the Emperor The French King being incensed against the Pope forbidd◅th the Annates in France The Turkes warre in Hungary and Transil◅ania All Germany in league against the Emperor and his brother Ferdinand to free him selfe from the warre with the Turkes offereth to pay him tribute for Transiluania And lastly the murther of Frier George Cardinall of the Sea Apostolike The fift Booke of the sixt Decade of the History of Uenice THE Pope perceauing the Emperor to be distasted of the Protestants as hath beene said began to heate him more by promising to aid him with great numbers both of horse and foote paid by the Sea Apostolike The Senate from the beginning vsed meanes to appease the Pope and to diuert him from medling in that warre the which it thought could bring no good to Italy and there was small hope to preuaill by force in matter of Relligion For all the free townes of Germany hauing declared them-selues for the Protestant Princes fearing that the Emperor vnder other pretences went about to subiugate them Germany on the other side standing badly affected to the Pope and Court of Rome it was to be feared and not without cause that the same fierce and warlike nation would by reason ther of make incursions into Italy where they that had in no sort delt in that businesse were to smart for it Or if the Emperor should happen to quell Germany hee by that victory growing more mighty both in forces and reputation his greatnesse would proue fearefull to the Princes of Italy But the Senate knowing him to be resolute therein and that being prickt forward by two mighty spurrs Feare and Hope concerning the affaires of state of his own greatnesse and that of his house he would not embrace any councell contrary to his owne opinion did for beare to speake vnto him any more concerning that matter but vpon the Pope and Emperors motion vnto it about that exterprize by their Ambassadors it made a modest answer because it would not vainely offend the Emperor without praising or dispraising it being not willing to giue any occasion to be requested to aide him Yet neuerthelesse it was certainly reported that the Common-wealth had promised at the conclusion of the league at Rome to giue paiment for fiue thousand footemen which was most false The Venetians being desirous in some sort to content these Princes in any thing which was not of expence and being intreated so to doe did promise free passage to the Popes soldiers who being assembled at Bolognia to the number of twelue thousand footmen and fiue hundred horse were to passe thorrow the Territory of Verona to goe to Trent the like was done to the Emperors forces who for their mony were furnished with victualls and other necessaries The best and brauest soldiers of all Italy were in the Popes Army whereof Octania Farnese his Nephew was Generall who was a yong Lord of great hope But that of the Emperor was composed of sundry nations namely of diuers Almans drawne forth of the patrimonial States of the house of Austria frō those of the Dukes of Bauaria and Cleues and the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg who did follow the Emperors party so that the whole number of his forces were forty thousand footemen and fiue thousand horse The Protestant Princes made preparations at the same time the cheife of whom were Iohn Fredericke Duke of Saxony one of the Electors of the Empire and Phillip Lantgraue of Hesse who saying that they would defend the liberty of Germany which Charles went about to vsurpe as they said did draw vnto their parts diuers of the greatest Lords and Citties of Germany as the Duke of Wittemberg the Count Palatin another Elector with the Common-wealthes of Argentine Vlmes Francfort and Norimberg the Citty of Ausbourg hauing a long time before declared it selfe in their behalfe all which hauing resolued to hold a diet at Vlmes did send their Ambassadors and Commissioners thither to treat particularly of the preparations for warre where the concourse of all Germany was such as they leuied a very great army of fourescore thousand footmen and tenne thousand horse with which forces they promised vnto themselues to be able to ouercome those of the Emperor and to driue him forth of Germany in regard hee was not able to assemble Germaine forces comparable to theirs They feared
in the Hauen of Nista opposite to it where he speedily landed his souldiours and willed them to march on a sodaine to assaile the enemies thereby hoping with ease to surprize them and to seize vpon the place and to this purpose he sent certaine Harquebuziers before and himselfe followed after with the residue of his forces but hauing marched a great while through narrow and difficult waies they did from farre descry the caâ—…tle which they went to surprize being seated on the top of an hill in a plaâ—…e of very difficult accesse 〈◊〉 hauing well considered al matters and finding things to be otherwise then they had beene reported thought it against reason to hazard those troupes which were destined to greater atchiuements and therefore on a sodaine hee turned backe againe although the Prouidator was of a contrary opinion and countermanding the Harguebuziers that he had sent before he marched backe to the Hauen of Nista and returned to Corfou At the same time Marco Quirini came with his Gallies from Candy to Corfou hauing by the way taken the fort of Brazza de Menia which the Turkes held He was presently commanded to go with twenty Gallies and scoure the Islands of the Archipelago wherevpon he sailed to the Isle of Andros one of the renowned Cicâ—…ades Within a while after the Generall Zanne receiued commandement from the Senate to saile with his forces farther vp into the Leuant and by assayling some of the enemies townes to diuert them from the inuasion of Cyprus Wherevpon he left Corfou and went to Modon where Quirin with his Gallies met him and within two daies after he arriued in the Isle of Candy anchorâ—…d in the Gulph Anfialea which at this day marriners call the Hauen of Suda The Generall being there desirous to make speedy prouision of whatsoeuer the fleet needed found great difficulties in it chiefly in recouering suffitient numbers of men to supply the places of them that were dead wherevpon he sailed with forty Gallies to Candace the chiefe city of the Island the sooner by his presence to hasten the necessary prouisions leauing both the Prouidators and Palauicin in the hauen of Suda with foure score Gallies enioyning them to leauy men from all parts Now after that the fleet was sufficiently furnished with souldiers marriners and other necessaries they vnproffitably spent the time and the best season of the yeere expecting the Popes and Spanish Gallies the which according to the Venetians directions being ioyned together were to meet them in Candy At the last toward the latter end of August Marâ—…-Antonio Colonna the Churches Generall and Gioâ—…an Andrea Doria the Catholike Kings being arriued the Venetian 〈◊〉 was merueilous ioyfull of their comming The Generall and fleet went forth of the Hauen of Suda to welcome them where according to the manner they saluted with volies of shot then all of them entring together into the hauen made no long aboad there but after some propositions made the whole fleet retired to Siâ—…hy there more maturely to consult what were best to be done to free the Isle of Cyprus from inuasion Whilest the Christian fleet had spent much time in preparing and vniting it selfe togither the Turkes with greater celerity had assembled all their forces and being mighty at sea had without any difficulty prosperously pursued their enterprize the which was more speedily performed because that Selim who said that hee would in person goe to the army changed his determination and resolued to remaine at Constantinople by the aduise of Mahomet and Mustapha to whose authority and councell all the other Bashas condescended Selim then tarrying at Constantinople made Mustapha his Lieutenant Generall in that warre committing the whole enterprize by land to him and all marine actions to Piali Admirall of the Gallies Piali within a while after departing from Constantinople with fifty fiue Gallies and certaine other vessels Mustapha set saile with like number vnto whome for an extraordinary fauour the great Lord had giuen the Imperiall Galley to transport him which is of extraordinary greatnesse and most sumptuously decked in which the great Turke embarketh himselfe when he goes forth on any enterprize They anchored first at Negrepoâ—…t then at Rhodes where hauing intelligence that the Venetian fleet lay at Zara and could not depart from thence by reason of ficknesse and other impediments and that they had no newes at all of the Spanish fleet the Turkes being out of feare that the fleetes would ioyne together and supposing that they durst not come on any farther determined to saile directly to Cyprus But as 〈◊〉 Turkish fleet passed along from Negrepont to Rhodes Piali made an attempt to take the fort of Tina which is an Island in the farthest part of the Archipelago belonging to the Venetians and comming vnlooked for in a morning to that Island thinking to surprize it it was discouered at sea by Ieronimo Paruta a Venetian Gentleman Gouernor of the Island a valiant and discreet person who of a long time hauing feated their arriuall hee made prouisions of all necessaries for defense Hee perceiuing the enemies for to bend their course thitherward shot off a warning peece to aduertize those of the Island that were abroad in the country that they should quickly retire into the castle which beeing done in time they prepared themselues to withstand the Barbarians assaults which were very cruell not onely once but twice and thrice in euery of which they were brauely repulsed with great losse of their men and were enforced to discampe after that they had with incredible fury wasted the whole Island burned the Country houses ruined Churches and slaughtered all the cattaile that were in that Island From Tina Piali went to Rhodes where all their fleet lay which amounted to more then two hundred armed vessels accounting an hundred and fifty Gallies together with Fusts and Galeoâ—…s but in the great fleete were certaine Mahonnes which are like to great Gallies not altogither so bigge as a Gallion sixe ships and great numbers of other vessels commonly called Caramuscolini and some fifty Palandaries to transport horse This fleet bending it direct course toward Cyprus was discried neere to Baffo on the first day of Iuly in the yeere 1570. which scoured all the coast from Limissa as farre as the Promontory commonly called the Cape of the Cat then landing part of their forces they burned and spoiled the sea coasts taking many prisoners the next day pursuing their iourney they went to Salines where finding no resistance they vnship't their ordnance and the rest of the souldiers who presently fortified their campe with deepe trenches and strong Rampiers from whence they afterwards wasted and spoiled the country neere adioyning Then marching to Leucata nine miles from Salines they did easily make themselues Masters of the country and people vnto whom Mustaphaa gaue great guifts and goodly promises to draw on others and especially those of the mountaines seeking
greatest Inginers accounted it the most absolute peece in the world Howsoeuer the City rather was vnfurnished of a skilfull Commander and braue men then of fortification There were tenne thousand foot-men in the city amongst whom were fifteene hundred Italians and the rest were natiue Cypriots namely three thousand Cernedes two thousand fiue hundred of the city two thousand new men enroled in the townes and villages of Cyprus that were retired thither and a thousand Nicotian Gentlemen all with vnexperienced troupes were for the most part badly armed They likewise sent to Famagosta for to entreat Baillone to come thither with some certaine troupes to command the city but those of Famagosta hauing no superfluous forces and beeing vncertaine whether the enemy changing his determination would on a sodaine come and assaile them did constantlo deny the Nicotians request not suffering the aide they required nor the captaine to goe forth of their city vpon this refusall Baillone likewise excused his departure adding that Martinengas souldiers by wanting a captaine said that they would obey none but him so that his departure might breed some great disorder and confusion in the City Moreouer there was store of ordnance in the towne which wanted but braue men for to mannage it There were many Pioners for besides foure thousand vnder the commaund of Giouan Sosomene as many more were come to the citty neuerthelesse for all this great multitude of people the captaines beeing diuided amongst themselues this so necessary fortification was left imperfect which did much weaken the forces within it On the contrary side there was in the enemies campe such agreement and obedience towardes the captaines as all military actions were speedily executed Mustapha a couragious person and a great soldier besides the ranke which he then held had great credit and authority amongst the souldiers in regard of the fame and reputation he had purchased for his command in Selims army before he was Emperour when hee made warre on his brother Achomat all men attributing the vnexpected victory which ensued to his onely valour and prowesse and therefore the souldiers being accustomed to martiall deeds trauaile and danger were growne much more actiue and valliant hauing their captaines valour for their obiect togither with the hope of great reward if they were victorious His army was reported to be very strong but his chiefe force were sixe thousand Ianissaries and foure thousand Spaches these are horse-men neuer out of pay which some time when need is fight on foote all valliant men and bred vp in warre Therefore by how much those of the city wanted humaine aide against such forces by so much greater was their recourse vnto God For day and night praiers were made in priuate Houses and Churches and sollemne processions ouer all the city which were performed with great deuotion and concourse of people therein following the example and exhortation of Francisco Contaren Bishop of Baffa Hee at that time was chiefe amongst the Clergy in that city for Philippo Moceâ—…igo Archbishop of Nicotia was then at Venice did not cease to aide and assist the people as if hee had beene their owne pastor and hauing on a time assembled the chiefe of the towne in Saint Sophias Church hee gaue them a briefe and learned exhortation befitting the time from whence they departed so well satisfied and resolued as they did put one an other in good hope and comfort of a fortunate issue of that warre and did brauely dispose themselues to defend their country The end of the eight Booke of the sixth Decade The Contents of the ninth Booke of the sixth Decade THE Turkes beseege the City of Nicotia with their furious battery The taking of the Bulwarke Constance whereof ensued the Cities losse The Barbarous cruelties committed at the sacke of the City Therest of the Island yeeldeth to the Turkes Famagosta excepted The Turkes approach the City of Famagosta with the inhabitants resolution The sundry opinions of the captaines of the Christian army who at last resolue to goe and fight with the enemy Doria hauing intelligence of the losse of Nicotia returnes home into his country Many townes subiects to the Turkes yeeld to the Venetians The Popes exhortation for the conclusion of the league The difficulties which arose in the conclusion of the league The Emperour refuseth to enter into the league Supplies sent to Famagosta Mahomet Basha propoundeth a treaty of peace to the Venetians The Venetians are doubtfull and vncertaine either for peace or warre The Emperor opposeth himselfe against the title which the Pope had giuen to the Duke of Florence The Pope and Spaniards seeke to the Venetians least they should make an agreement with the Turke The league is concluded and signed with the Articles thereof Don Iohn of Austria is made Generall of the league The meanes which the Venetians vsed to get money What Selim promised to himselfe after the taking of Nicotia The enemies are defeated in Candy The Turkes spoile and waste the Islands of Zant and Cephalonia And lastly the conditions of peace propounded to the Venetians by Mahomet Basha The ninth Booke of the sixth Decade of the History of Uenice THe enemy without any empediment being come before Nicosia sent certaine horse to make incursions neere to the city to draw those within it forth to skirmish the Italians would gladly haue sallied but at first the Gouernor would not suffer them yet beeing ouercome by the importunities of all the captaines he permitted Caesar of Vincenza Lieutenant of the Count Roccas to sallie with certaine horse which being few in number could not execute any important matter but onely sought to draw the enemy within the shot of the cities ordnance and hauing done so two daies togither a captaine of a troupe of Stradiots whose name was Andre Cortese was taken by the enemy and being brought before the Basha hee presently commanded his head to bee cut off The enemies afterward without any empediment did build a fort on Saint Marines mount some foure hundred and forty paces from the city for although the beseeged vsed all meanes to frustrate the enemies deseigne towards the curtaines of Podocatera and Caraffa for so were those Bulwarkes called by the name of those Gentlemen that had particular command in the building of them and did continually with their ordnance play vpon that part yet they could not hinder the enemy who wrought day and night from executing his enterprize who not satisfying himselfe with that one fort did on a sodaine build three more in three other seuerall places the one vpon a little hill at Saint Georges the second opposite to the Bulwarkes Constancia and Podocatera on a little rising called Margueriâ—…s Mount and the third on the top of the Mount Mantia hoping with these fortes to batter the Bulwarkes curtaines and houses of the city They did afterwards make deepe and broad trenches which they brought vnto the ditch of the old walles
Lords and Barons of Poland proclaimed a generall assembly at Varsouia in Aprill next ensuing there to proceed to election of a new King After this election posts were dispatched into France to giue Henry notice thereof whilest Ambassadors were making ready to receiue and conduct him into Poland Italy being now freed from the dreadfull Turkish warre was like to haue baâ—…ched an other in her owne bowels for the Duke of Vrbin going about to lay some new impositions vpon his subiects they denied to pay any thing but that which they had granted to Duke Francesco Maria when he entred into the State and therevpon tooke armes protesting neuerthelesse that they did it not against their Prince but onely to defend their ancient priuiledges The Duke on the other side raised an army to enforce them and the matter would haue proceeded to battaile had not the Pope quenched this flame making them friends but the Duke entring afterwards with a power into Vrbin beheaded some of the chiefe of the sedition and banished others consiscating their goods and then built a Cittadell at the Cities charge the better afterwards to conteine them in their obedience Don Iohn of Austria being at the same time in Sicily with a gallant Nauy and vnderstanding that the Venetians had made peace with the Turkes did by King Philips permission passe ouer with his forces into Affrick to â—…eate the sonne of Muleassem in the Kingdome of Tunis who for his intelligence with Christians had beene expulsed by the Turkes and had honorable entertainment giuen him by the King of Spaine in Goletta Being come into Affrick he landed his souldiers and in order of battaile marched to assault the City of Tunis where no resistance being made the Christians without any slaughter entred and sacked it then Don Iohn causing a fort to be built nere to the City placed Gabriele Serbellone the Milanois in it with three hundred Italians and himselfe with the fleet returned into Sicily About the beginning of the yeere 1574. the Venetians hauing intelligence that Selim armed at Constantinople fearing that he would not obserue peace suspected that hee ment to enterprise vpon Candy wherevpon they leauied 12000. foot-men to guard it and rigged their fleet making Iacomo Souranza their Generall but these preparations were needlesse for Selim turning his deseignes vpon Affrike to bee reuenged on Don Iohn ratified the peace and tooke from them all suspition of being inuaded by him sent Sinan Basha with a mighty army into Affrike to recouer Tunis and raze Goletta the which in one month he did Selim perceiuing all things to succeed according to his desire intended to breake his word and oth with the Venetians and to inuade the 〈◊〉 of Candy but whilest he made his preparations death ouerthrew his vniust and proud deseignes God so prouiding for the quiet and safety of Christendome Amurath his eldest sonne succeeded him in the Empire In the meane time Henry of Aniou entring Poland did vpon the confines in great power and magnificence meet with the chiefe of the Kingdome who conducted him to Cracouia where with royal solemnity he was crowned and whilest he busied himselfe with enquiring of their manner of gouernment beginning by little and little to order the affaires of State the Queene his mother sent a speedy messenger to him from France to aduertize him of the death of his brother King Charles and to aduise him to returne into France with all possible speed to receiue the crowne and to remoue those troubles wherewith by his brothers death she was entangled The King accquainted the Polanders with these newes telling them that hee was of necessity to returne into France to order the affaires of that Kingdome which were much embroiled But the Lords which were then with him at Cracouia answered that his departure could not be treated of but in the Generall Councell of the whole Realme who would send him so well accompanied as he should terrifie those that durst make any resistance The Generall Estates of the Kingdome were to the same end summoned to Cracouia but the King againe solicited by his mother to make hast and on the other side perceiuing that the Polanders did not proceed with such celerity as his affaires required and that they were vnwilling to let him goe resolued in secret manner to depart and in disguise by night leaping on horse-back him-selfe with three more went from Cracouia and with great speed hasted towards the confines of the Empire His departure was not long concealed for the Earle of Tericenia the Kings Chamberlaine with other Lords comming to his chamber and finding him not there did presently take horse pursuing the same way that hee had taken meaning to stay him and bring him backe but the King made such speed as they could not ouer-take him till he arriued in the Empires territories where they earnestly entreated him to returne with them which he not granting they went back againe to Cracouia The King in the meane time pursuing his iourney came to Vienna where the Emperors sonnes met him and within a while after the Emperor himselfe who very magnificently entertained him From thence he sent word to the Venetians that he determined to come and see their Citty Archduke Charles accompanied him through his Cuntrey vpon the Venetians confines he met with a gallant troope of Noblemen who came to waite vpon him with eight hundred souldiers the next day foure of the chiefest Senators of Venice came to him as Ambassadors and intreated him to come and view their city where all men with great desire expected him which he pro mising to doe the Duke of Neuers who was then in Italy came likewise to him and so altogether arriued at Maguera the farthest place of the firme land on the lakes where hee met with threescore Venetian gentlemen which came to waite vpon him and entring into a Gondola prepared for him together with the Dukes of Ferrara and Neuers attended by infinite numbers of Gondolas hee came to Murana where the next day hee was visited by the Prince and Senate with foureteene Gallies then beeing conducted to Lia hee went into the Bucentauro and with him the Prince and Senate from thence with great magnificence he was brought to Venice all that Channell betwixt Lia and the city beeing full of boates made in fashion of sea monsters wherein were all the youth of Venice ritchly attired with infinite numbers of Gondolas who rowed before and on euery side of the Bucentaure which was gently towed to Venice where the King remayning certaine daies the Signory shewed him all pleasures and delights that could be imagined and at his departure the Prince and Senate accompanied him three miles from the city where taking leaue of each other the King embraced the Prince giuing him great thankes for his royall entertainment which hee promised neuer to forget and in so saying gaue him a diamond of great valew entreating him to
murthered The slight of the Calloprini to the Emperour Otho with their promise to him The Emperours cruell Edict against the Uenetians Otho the second his designe The Venetians braue resolution The reuolt of Capodarger The peoples reuenge on the Caloprini The Death of Otho the second The Caloprini return to Venice Three sonnes of Stephano Caloprini slaine The Duke voluntarily deposeth himselfe The Venetians free ouer all the Grecian Empire Prohibitions to pay no more tribute to the Barbarians The Narentines great incursions The Ambassadors of Dalmatia Liburnia and Histria come to Venice to complâ—…ine of the Narentines The Ambassadors offers to the Venetians Description of Illiria Albania is a part of Illiria The Venetians Armie against the Narentines The Bishop of Grada his present to the Duke The Duke arriueth aâ—… Parenza The Duke comâ—… to Pola The occasion of his staie there The Dukes comming to Zara. Coricta and Arba rendred to him Mure emirus king of Croatiâ—… sends Ambassadors to the Duke Fortie Narentine marchants taken The yeelding vp of Belgrade and Trahu The yeelding of Spalatra The taking of Corcyra the blacke Te situation of Pharos The Venetian Gallies surprise the Hauen of Pharos Those of 〈◊〉 summoned What moued those of Pharos to defend themselues The taking of the castle and towne of â—…haros called Lesina The Citie of Pharos destroied The conditions of peace graunted to the Narentines The Duke returnes to Venice New â—…fficers sent to the Cities newly conquered The Emperour 〈◊〉 sundrie priuiledges to the Venetians The Emperour Otho comes to Venice in disguise The Dukes great wisdome The Duke permitted to associate Giouanni his sonne into the gouernment Plague and famine in the Citie The Church and Monasterie of Saint Benet builded by the Phaledrini The Dukes last â—…ill The Hadrians defeated by the Duke 〈◊〉 vanquishetâ—… the King of 〈◊〉 Conspiracie against the Duke and his banishment Pepin Patriarch of Aquileia disquiets Grada Contranico deposed from 〈◊〉 dignitie 〈◊〉 by the people shorne and made a Moncke Otho dieth in Greece Dominico Urseolo vsurpes the Dukes Pallace Great ingratitude of the Venetians The family of the Vrseoli for euer banished from the Citie The custome of taking a Colleague into the Principalitie abolished Zara taken againe which was reuoâ—…ted Pepin obeyes the Popes commandement Pope Leo comes to Venice Tâ—…o great nic eues of a woman A Diuine punâ—…shment What the Normans were and their Originall Raoul the Normans Captaine becomes a Christian By what meanâ—…i the Norâ—…ans grew great The Normans driue the Sarracens and Greeks forth of Italie Pope Leo vanquâ—…shed by the Normans Pope Nicholas tributarie to the Normans Sundâ—…ie opinions of the Normans comming into Italie Molloc Gouernour for the Greeke Emperour deceiueth his fellowes The Normans defeate Molloc The Emperour Michael driuen from Constantinople Durazzâ—… beseeged by the Normans The Venetians Armie succoreth Nicephorus The Venetians victorious ouer the Normans The Greekes ouer throwne by the Normans before Durazzo The Venetians defeated New titles giuen to the Duke of Venice The Emperour Henrie comes to Uenice Saint 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 apâ—… Who was the Author of the warre against the Turkes A wonderfull vision hapned to Peter the Hermit Ciuill warre betwixt the Huns. Lewis King of Germanie Tributarie to the Huns. Berengarius defeated by the Huns. Treuiso taken by the Huns. The Huns assaile the Citie of Venice The great crueltie of the Huns. Exhortation to the Venetians The 〈◊〉 constant resolution Battaile betwixâ—… the Venetians and the Hunnes The Venetians ouercome the Hunnes Great praise gâ—…uen to the Duke Peter tells his message to the Pope The Pope comes to the Councell of Clermont in Auuergne The crueltie of the Mahometans What Charlemaine did against the Infidels The Assemblies answerâ—… to the Pope An admirable matter The number of those who at the same time tooke the Croisado The chiefe commanders Their sundrie pâ—…ssadges Peter the Hermite ignorant of Martiall discipline Raymond a German chosen in the Hermits sted The Infidels aduertised of the Christians enterprise Raymond flies to the enemie The French arriue at Constantinople Alexis practiseth â—…reacherie Beamond assâ—…yled by Alexis Subiects Alexis and Beamond reconciled A new agreement betwixt Alexis and the ChristiaÌ„ Princes Nicea besieged The strength of Nicea Sixtie thousand Turkes come to succour the Towne Sura The Forte of the Imposts A very dangerous way Murasis A luckie euent for the ChristiaÌ„s What Antioch the Christians did besiege Beamond giues the first assault to the Citie of Antioch Antioch Saint Peters first Seate A boundance of 〈◊〉 at the beginning of the siege The Venetians fleâ—…t The Venetians defeate the Pisans at Rhodes The Venetians take Smyrna The length of the siege of Antioch with the want in the Armie The complaints of the Christians before Antioch How great Beamond his authoritie was How glad the Armie was to fight to free themselues from famine The enemies that came to the succour of Antioch are defeated Treacherie of a Citizen of Antioch The taking of Antioch The death of KIng Cassianus Why Alexis refused Antioch Rugia Albaria A great quarrell betwixt Beamond and the Earle of Saint Gyles Tripoli besicged by the ChristiaÌ„s Tortosa Gibella Agrement made with the King of Tripoly Bethlehem Zabarim The riuer Braim Berithon Cesarea Ramolles Ierusalem The description of Ierusalem Strabo his opinion concerning Moses Sinne the cause of the dâ—…struction of Ierusalem The first taking of Ierusalem by Ptolomie The second by Titus The third by Adrian The Christians besiege Ierusalem The Christians take Ierusalem Great effusion of bloud in the Temple 1099. Godfrey of Bouillon king of Ierusalem The defeate of the enemie with the number of the dead The Venetians comming into Syria The Venetians take Ascalon The Frenchmen and Venetians ioyned together The death of Godfrey The bodies of Saint Theodore and Saint Nicholas brought to Venice The Venetians agreement with Caloman King of Hungarie The Venetians take Brundusium The Hungariaus giue ouer their pretended right to Dalmatia A new fleete of Venetians in Syria Baldwin King of Ierusalem Beamond is set at libertie and returnes to Antioch The taking of Acon by Baldwin What account Baldwin made of Beamond The occasion of the Warre betwixt Alexis and Beamond The taking of Sydon The Venetians take Faronia by assault The Castle of Soball builded by Baldwin Baldwin surnamed Burgensis King of Ierusalem Great priuiledges granted to the Venetians by the Emperour Henry the fourth The Warre against the Paduans with their 〈◊〉 The Emperours mediation betweene the Venetians and the Paduans The Venetians and Paduans reconciled Two great accidents of fire hapned in the Citie Malamoc burnt and drowned Chioggia builded with the ruines of Malamoc S. Ciprians Monasterie builded The 〈◊〉 of Zara. Caloman King of Hungarie dyed sodainely Zara recouered â—…e â—…hy Venetians Croatia brought vnder the Uenetians obedience A new Armie of Hungarians in Dalmatia Ordelapho comes againe into Dalmatia Ordelapho dyes and the Venetians are defeated Truce with the King of
Peter Count of Auxerre chosen Emperour of the East The Emperour Peter murtâ—…ered Robert 〈◊〉 to Peter Emperour of the East Great friendship betwixt the Emperour and the Venetian Magistrate The Emperour Robert his vnforunate marriage A cruell reuenge of a subiect on his Emperour Andrew King of Hungarie chiefe of the voyage inâ—…o Syria Damiet in Egypt taken Description of the Isle of Candie Mount Ida. Radamanth and Minos Lords of Candie What mooued the Genoueâ—…es to attempt on Candie Coâ—…nt Mailloâ—… his enterprise vpon Candie The Venetians Armie â—…n Candie Rayniero Daâ—…dulo his death Tepulo Gouernoâ—…r of Candâ—… A Colonie sent to Candie Sedition in Candie Saâ—…to comes to â—…ide the Venetians in Candie A new commotion in Candace The Gouernoâ—… of Candie flies being 〈◊〉 like a woman Sanuto chiese of the rebels Venetian supplies in Candie Sanuto narrowly followeth his enemie Sanuto his dessigne Candace taken by Tepulo Accord betwixt Tepulo and Sanuto Great reasons in Sanâ—…to his behalfâ—… Great reasons in Sanuto â—…halfe A nâ—…w commotion in Candie The Venetians defeated in Candie Agreement betwixt the Venetians and the Greekes 〈◊〉 willingly â—…posed himselfe Sedition in Candie by â—…uer much liberâ—…ie Sanuto commeth to the aids of Candie Uattâ—…sus â—…is â—…mie succoretâ—… the Rebels in Candie Vattasus Armiâ—… leaues Candie And suffers shipâ—…acke An agreement with the chieâ—…e Rebels of the â—…sland Gradonico dyeth Two Prouidatorij giuen to â—…rie Gouernour Vattasus sendeth new aide to Candie The Venetians fight with the enemies Angelo Gradonico Gâ—…uernour of Candie Agreement with the Candiots Request made to the Venetians for the preseruation of the Greek Empire The Venetian fleete commeth to the aide of Constantinople The Armie of the Greekes before Conâ—…tinople The Greekes â—…feated The Uenetians ioy at the returne of their Nauie Constantinople besieged againâ—… by Vattasus Vattasus Nauiâ—… put to flâ—…ght Vattasus dieth The Articles of the truce betwixt the Venâ—…tians and the Genoueses The reason why the venetians succoured Constantinople It is lawfull for all men to defend their owne The craft and subâ—…iltie of the Genoueses The Popes intretie to Arme against the Turks What Eccelin was with his coÌ„miâ—…g into Italie Eccelin in Paduâ—… Wonderfull crueltie of a Tyranâ—… Pietro Tepulo defeaâ—…ed and â—…aken prisoner The Venetians take Fredericks great ship called the Barâ—…e or Cethea The Court of Requests establâ—…shed The Pope excommunicateth the Emperour Frederick Frederic against the venetians Andrea Tepulo sent to aide the Genoueses The Citie of Pola â—…aken and â—…uined The fifth rebellion of Zara. Zara recouered The agreement with the King of Hungarie for Zara. The forme of electing the Venetian Princes Benedicto Treuisano Since when the forme of electing the Prince hath beene in vse Tâ—…e Popes Legate commeâ—…h to Venice against Ecâ—…elin An Armie at Venice against Eccelin The riuerâ—… Brent Bacchillion turned backwards Sâ—…cco taken by the Legate and the venetians An Assault giuen to Padâ—…a The flight of Ansedin Padua taken Eccelin before Mantua Eccelin his crueltiâ—… against the Paduans Twelue thousand Puenestines slaine by Sylla in cold bloud A Noble courage of a Prenistine The Citie of Ptolâ—…mais called Acre The originaâ—… of the warâ—…e betwixt the Venetians and Genoâ—…eses Their dâ—…fference referred to the Pope The Popes sentence The Venetians commaunded to leaâ—…e Acre Acrâ—… taken by the Venetians The Genoueses resolution The Popes disigence to make peace betwixt the Venetians the Genoueses The treatie of peace broken Wisedome of the Gouernour The Genoueses defeated by the Venetians The power of the French â—…uch decaied in Greece The death of Theadore sonne to Vattasus Michael Paleologus Great treachery of a Greeke William Prince of 〈◊〉 To what extremitie Baldwin was brought Treachery of thâ—… Greeks against the French Paleologus taketh Constantinople The venetians send a fleete to guard the IstaÌ„dâ—… Paleologus ready to leaue Constantinople The Genoueses leaguâ—… with Paleologus William Prince of Achaia set at libertie The Citiâ—… of 〈◊〉 called at this day 〈◊〉 The league of Achaia wâ—…th the venetians The venetians in the â—…sle of Negrepont Crueltie of the Greeks Genoueses The Genoueses put â—…o flight The Christians in Syâ—…ia diuided into factions in regard of the venetians and Genoueses A new venetian fleâ—…e in Syria Tyre besieged by the venetians The Genoueses ambush discouered Three Genouâ—…ses gallies taken by the venetians The Goneueses deseated by the venetâ—…ns before Trapani The inconstanâ—… and lightnesse of the Greekes A new Venetian Armie sent to Modâ—…n The Genoueses come into Candie Canâ—…a in Candie ruined by the Genoueses A popular commotion in Venice The people beare small respect to their Prince The seditioâ—…s puâ—…ished A new Venetian Armie against the Genoueses Certaine Genoa ships taken The Venetians victorie against the Genoueses The Pope endeuoreth to accord the Venetians and the Genoueses Great scarcitiâ—… of victualls in Venice Iagratitupe of the neighbours Truce graunted betwixt the Venetians and the Genoueses 1260. New war against the Bolognians The Bolognians intent discouered What was the number of the Bolognians Armie Avsuall preuerâ—… The Bolognians deseated Peace granted to the Bolognians Those of Ancona complained to the Pope of the Venetians The Anconitans coÌ„plaints ended The truce betweene the Venetians and Genoâ—…eses prolonged 〈◊〉 defeateth them of Nigropont The league renewed betwixt Palcologus and the Venetians The warre like to haue beene renewed with the Genoueses New 〈◊〉 with those of Capâ—…d ' Hisâ—…ria The Patriarke of Aquileia succoureth the rebells The rebells subiâ—…cted Rayniero Morosinâ—… New warre with 〈◊〉 Anconitans The Anconitans seâ—…ke to defrand the Venetians of their Impoâ—…s The Venetian fleet before â—…cona The Venetian fleet scattered by tempest The Aâ—…conitans pollicie to surprise the Venetians The Gâ—…nerall of the Venetian Armie punished The 〈◊〉 sâ—…nd to â—…ope Nicholas the third The Venetian Ambassadours at Rome The Venetians discontentea with the Pope The Venetian Ambassadours brought backâ—… 〈◊〉 Rome The venetians send â—…w supplies before Ancona The Duke willingly deposeth himselfe Great ouerflowing of the Sea with an earthquake A new warre with the Patriarke of Aquileia The Patriarke allieth himselfe with Count Gorician The Venetians preparations for Hâ—…stria Thriests besieged by the 〈◊〉 The Patriarcks Armie comes to Thrieste A Traitor punished The Venetians Armie comes againe before Thâ—…este Those within the fortes retire to their shâ—…ppes The Venetians take truoe with the King of Babilon The Pope exhorteth the ChristiaÌ„ Princes to â—…ndertake the â—…oiage into Syria with his offer The Venetians offer for this â—…otage Acre taken by the Infidels At what time the Christians were driueu out of Syria 1290. A popular tumult about the creation of the Duke The VenetiaÌ„s Genoueles compared to the Romanes and Carthagenians The situation of Italy The distance betwixt the Venetians and Genoueses From whence the Venetians are descended from whence the Genoueses The Ligustick and Lybick wars had almost one selfe same end Andrew King of Hungary commeth to Venice A new warre with the
meanes the Isle of Tenedos came into the Venetians possession The Venetians in Constantinople wronged Diuers opinions in the Senate concerning the taking of Teâ—…eaos The Genoueseâ—… surprise the Isle of Lemnos The Greekes and Genoueses defeâ—… ted by Zeni at Tenedos The Genoueses allie themselurâ—… against the Uenetians wirh the King of Hungarit the Bishop of Aquileia and the Carrarians Victor Pisani Generall of the Venetians Warre denounced to the Genoueses Battaile at Sea with the Genoueses The Genoueses put to flight Carrario beginneth warre against the Venetians The Bishop of Aquilea denounceth ware in like manner Gerard Caminensis taketh the enemies partie Famagosta taken by the Genoueses The cause of the taking of Famagosta The Genoueses reuenge Visconte of Milan giueth his daughter to the King of Cyprus Uisconte his daughter commeth to Uenice An agreement betwixt the Venetians and the king of Cyprus The venetians take the hauen of Famagosta The venetians repulsed from the Citie and hauen of Famagosta Diuers opinions concerning the taking of Famagosta The venetians take the citie of Catharra The sort of Catharra yeelded The situation of Tarentum The Genoueses flie from the venetians A sâ—…ratagem of the Genoueses to 〈◊〉 the fight The flight of three Genoueses gallies Description of the hauen of Brandissa The number of the Venetian Armie The Cities of Cesalta and Saligetta taken Mestre besieged by the CarrariaÌ„s Mestra relieued by the VenetiaÌ„s The siege of Mestra raised A braue answer of those of Sicco Sicco taken by the Venetians The Venetian Armie neere to the hauen of Trahu The Venetians assaile Trahu in vaine The Venetian before Zara. The Albanois reduced vnder the Venetians obedience The Uenetian Armie returneth before Trahu The Souldiers 〈◊〉 with hunger and cold The Senate sends new supplies to Pisani The Venetian Armie separated by tempest The Venetians being deceiued by the Anconitans were taken and spoiled by the Genoueses A quarrell against the venetians at Barletta soone appeased A battaile at Sea betwixt the venetians and Genoueses The Genoueses slie from the sight The Uenetian Armie 〈◊〉 at Pola The Genoueses challenge the Venetians The battaile at Sea The death of the Genoueses Generall Those of the ambuscado come forth vpon the Venetians The flight and defeate of the venetians Pisani with the Captaines of the fiue Gallies are imprisoned at venice The people are displeased with Pisani his imprisonment The number of the Genoueses Armie Humaga Grada Caoâ—…li taken by the Genoueses The Genoueses spoile and burne a ship in the view of Venice Pelestrina taken by the Genoueses The Genoueses before Chioggia The Genoueses error The venetians resolution How the Mariners loued Pisani The Hauen of Venice fortified Cabâ—…lla of Verona Generall of the venetians footmen A memorable enterprize of Carrario The Fort of Nasariola taken Carrario ioineth himself with the Genoueses Chyurani for not doing his dutie is condemned to perpetuall imprisonment The description of the Citie of Chioggia Supplies come to the Genoueses The Venetians enforced to retire into Chioggia The enemies cunning The Genoueses take and spoile Chioggia The number of the dead on the Venetians side Carrario his crueltie A diuine punishment The Genoueses take Loretta the tower of Bebia Cap. darger taken by Carrario Great sorrow ouer all the Citie for the losse of Chioggia The common complaint of the people Pisani is set at libertie by the Senates decree Pisani his great modestie The Princes speech to Pisani in open Senate Pisani his answere to the Prince The ioy of the people when they beheld Pisani at libertie The peoples talk in fauour of Pisani Pisani is restored to his former office In what manner Pisani fortified the Citie The diligence which was vsed in the fortifications The venetians daily incursions Diuers and sundrie encounters where the venetians had still the better Charles sonne to Lewis king of Hungarie commeth before Treuiso The venetian Ambassadors come to the campe to treate of peace The enemies vniust demaunds The treatie of peace broken Charles returneth to HuÌ„garie Secret speeches of the people The Citizens resolution A new decree of the Senate in fauor of those who should releâ—…e the Citie A liberall offer made to the Senate by a Citizen of Chioggia The Genoueses feare The Genoueses do wholy ruinate Malamoc and Poueggia An enterprise attempted with bad successe The Genoueses fortifie Chioggia What Charolo Zeno did after his departure from Venice Zeno makeâ—… spoile all along the Riuer of Genoa Caloianes earnest intreatie to the Venetians for succour The Venetians take the Castle The Uenetians besiege Pera in hatred of Andronicus In what place Zeno receiued newes of the losse of Chioggia and the Cities siege A great Barze of Genoa taken A Genoueses ship esteemed to bee worth fiue hundred thousand crownes The Prince with his Armie in the Hauen of Chioggia The Genoueses beate backe the Venetians to their Gallies The Venetian Barzes tâ—…ken burnt by the enemies Cornari seizeth on Brondolli The Genoueses determination fearing to be shut vp The Passage of Brondolli shut vp to the Genoueses Ielouzie betwixt Pisani and Thadâ—… Iustiniano A sharp sight in the Hauen of Brondolli The Venetians and the Geno ueses lodge at one time in one Hauen The Stellani â—…rre on the Genoueses The Genoueses defeate the Stellani The Venetian attempts to binder the Genoueses escape Pisani exhorâ—…eth his murmuring souldiers The great respect which the souldiers did beare to the Princes presence Two and fiftie gallies in the venetians Army by Sea Carolo Zeno arriueth in the hauen of Chioggia A new fight with the enemies The venetians attempt to hinder the enemies escape Loretta recouered The death of the Genoueses Generall Great scarcitie of victuals in venice The Genoueses designe to get forth Tumult in the venetian Army Iohn of Agons â—… French man The Genoueses come and assaile the venetians in set battaile The Garrison of Brondolli broken and defeated in the fight The great losse which the Genoueses sustained that day Pisani entreth into Brondolli Ten Genoa Gallies taken The Genoueses put all vnprofitable eaters forth of Chioggia 〈◊〉 passages leading to Chioggia are shut vp Pisani fortifieth Brondolli Iustiniano it sent to Apulia for forrage The Genoueses assaile Iustinianâ—… at Manfredonia Iustiniano taken by the Genoueses A great fight on the lakes The venetians repulsed from the Fort of the Mills The Paduans deseaâ—…ed and put to flight Demands of the besieged The Venetians propositions to the besieged The resolution of the besieged The Genoueses Armie calleth the Uenetians to the fight The Genoueses dare not attend the Venetians The Venetians sodaine arriuall hinders the enemies escape The enemies are euery where ill intreated The Genoueses pollicie to get forth of the Citie in despite of the Venetians An in what conditions the Genuoueses designes were broken Roberto de la Marca is hanged at Uenice A discreet answere of the mercenarie Captaines to the enemies The Genâ—…eses on their knees at the Princes feet