successful he had been in advising his Neighbours thought it high time to provide for the safety of those who were more immediately under his care and protection returning therefore to Esté before the Huns could reach it he conducted his people to Palestrina and Chiozza near the mouth of the Po. Every place afterwards yielding to Atila's victorious Army the Country was soon over-run and he loaded with the spoils of so many Cities thought fit to go home and disburthen himself resolving to return the next year but a sudden Death occasioned as some say by poison or as others by drunkenness put a stop to this torrent freed Italy from the apprehension ofa second invasion and the World from such a scourge of Gods wrath as former Ages had not felt This drew Acarinus back to Esté with thoughts to repair the Walls had not fresh troubles diverted him The Empress full of resentment against Maximus for procuring the death of her Husband Valentinian the III. called in Genserick King of the Vandals who waited only for such an invitation Whereever the Vandals came they left greater marks of their cruelty than ever the Huns had done the only comfort was they made no long stay but went back into Africk and in requital of the Empresses kindness carried her and her two Daughters with them as Trophees of their Victory Italy had not time to breathe after such a terrible blow when the Alains who had hitherto contained themselves in France and Spain cross'd the Alpes to seize upon what the Vandals Anno Christi 461 had left the people therefore whom Acarinus had made retire unto the Islands of the Adriatick finding things every day grow worse chose rather to struggle with the inconveniences of those barren habitations than to be exposed to fresh dangers and then did the repeated Calamities of Italy give the first beginnings to the City and Republick of Venice which have since prov'd its greatest Ornament as well as the maintainer of its Liberty So that in this alone Italy must own it self sufficiently rewarded for what it then suffered and all may here trace the admirable methods of Divine Providence which made use of those barbarous Nations to raise this bulwark for after Ages against the encroaching greatness of the Ottoman Power more formidable to Italy and to all Christendom than ever were Huns Vandals or Alains But to return to Acarinus his merit was now too well known to be long without employment Severianus the Emperour having raised an Army to chase away the Alains made Richimer Commander in chief and Acarinus General of the Horse the next place in dignity and trust under him and in this he did behave himself so well that the success of that great battel near Bergamo in which the King of the Alains was kill'd his Army irrecoverably lost and Italy thereby once more freed from slavery was chiefly due to Acarinus's conduct Whereupon he was made Governour of all beyond the River Athesis as the fittest person to guard the Frontiers against the barbarous Anno Christi 471 Nations which commonly made their inroads that way All the rest of his life he enjoy'd this great trust which few had either merit or courage to aspire to at last Odoacer King of the Herules considering to what a weak pass the Empire was brought ventured to tread the footsteps of the Alains and found Acarinus ready to oppose him After several skirmishes they came to a general Engagement not far from Lode where Acarinus over-powered by number and refusing to yield sealed all his generous undertakings for his Country with his life He being killed Odoacer met with little more resistance but having taken Augustulus Prisoner he became Master of Italy And thus was the Western Empire utterly abolished which by Foreign Invasions and Civil Broils had been in a languishing condition of a long time Acarinus had two Wives the former was Gardena Queen of Damascus who accompanying Atila in his Expedition was perswaded to exchange her Crown for the Christian Religion By her he had Atius so named from his Family and by a second Wife he had Constantius Though Odoacer's Government proved more gentle than was expected yet Atius or Azo a great name since in the House of Este and his Brother Constantius not thinking themselves secure retired into Germany and coming into the Court of Theodo Duke of Bavaria had a reception from him full of respect and kindness Anno Christi 481 which he afterwards confirmed by the Marriage of his Daughter to Azo When Zeno was created Emperor of the East as he was concerned for his Title to Italy though not able to make it good so being willing likewise to find employment for a Warlike Prince abroad whom he look'd upon as a dangerous Neighbour he declared Theodorick King of the Ostrogoths his General against Odoacer Theodorick clothed in this Expedition with the Emperours Authority found many Friends and none more zealous than Azo and Constantius In the three several Battles where Odoacer was overthrown and at the Siege of Ravenna where he was glad to yield up a part of his Kingdom to save the rest These two Brothers were eminently Anno Christi 491 serviceable to Theodorick and as he had found them most active in his Establishment so in his long and glorious Reign none shared deeper in his favour and bounty than both of them did In the life of Azo we find little afterwards remarkable but his Brothers last action far surpassed all that he had formerly done For when Theodatus imprisoned Amalasuntha Theodorick's Daughter Constantius mindful of his obligations to that Family Anno Christi 534 used all possible means for her escape which the Tyrant suspecting thought not himself secure till he put her to death This did so affect Constantius that he sent immediately to Justinian the Emperour to give him an account of the tragical end of the innocent Queen and to implore his aid against the Murtherer assuring him of his and his friends assistance if he would espouse so just a cause The Emperour embracing the invitation invaded Italy and Constantius who made good his promise had the satisfaction to see Theodatus dethron'd and kill'd With much ado he escaped the fury of Vitiges who lookt upon him as the chief Author of this war and liv'd not long enough to see the progress Anno Christi 539 Bellisarius made Basilius his Son and Boniface his Cosen who accompanied Bellisarius in his first expedition were upon his being recalled in danger of falling into Totila's hands nor do we hear any more of them till Narses came to accomplish what Bellisarius had twice begun The reputation it seems of this General encouraged them to take Armes for both of them assisted in that great battel where Totila was kill'd and the Goths overthrown and here Boniface fighting valiantly upon the Head of the Auxiliary Troops received a wound of which he soon after dyed leaving his Son Valerian with his
had so highly disobliged him that he and the Prince of Taranto with several discontented Barons took part with the French wherefore Borsius seeing Hercules in danger and Sigismund discountenanced sent for them home and that it might appear he had not the least jealousie of either the one was made Governour of Modena the other of Regio The Emperour Frederick coming again into Italy could not pass that way without visiting Borsius as he likewise did in his return and to say no more was both times treated at a rate peculiar to Borsius The French afterwards sent to Anno Christi 1470 Borsius to make known their resolution of invading Naples again being encouraged in it by Paul the second but the Duke though he had no kindness for Ferdinand yet instead of giving any assurances to France sent to the Pope to represent to him the unreasonableness of the thing how little he could expect from the French how much he would disturb the quiet of Italy by calling them in and disoblige all the Princes and that it would much better become him to consult the common safety of Christendom and the quiet of Italy by employing such restless Princes against the Turk The Pope being taken with the Dukes freedom invited him after some time to Rome and made good what Pius had promised by Creating Borsius Duke of Ferrara This new Title he did not long enjoy for falling sick in a few dayes after his return he died Borsius was a just a splendid and a bountifull Prince every day he used to walk in the Outer Court of his Palace there to hear whatsoever complaints were brought him if he observed any that had not the confidence to come he called to them and by his affable carriage encouraged them to speak oftentimes both parties appearing he presently came to a determination and where the business was difficult he would be sure first to ask the Opinion of those about him and in this he took such a particular pleasure that he often said it was the chief work of Princes to be ready to examine and redress the grievances of the meanest of their Subjects the rest of his time he spent in hunting in hawking and in Horse-matches his Stables being the best furnished of any in Italy His constant habit was rich Brocade and the same he allowed to all his Buffoons of whom his Court according to the humour of that age was full one of them called Gonella of Ferrara had so great a Name that every witty saying and brisk repartee was father'd upon him and he was talked of in all the Courts of Italy The hospitality and bounty of Borsius was yet beyond all the rest whoever came within the Court might eat or drink what they pleased Officers still being in readiness to treat them according to their quality the names of all the poor in the City were written down their wants plentifully relieved and portions given by the Duke with their Daughters in marriage such persons were likewise desired to give notice of their condition and had Physick and other necessaries accordingly sent them Every Christmas day the Treasury being opened Borsius came thither in person and called all to whom he or his Officers owed any thing to receive their money which being done as seldom it was then to do what remained he divided with his own hands among the Gentlemen of his Court In one word such was the bounty of his Nature that there could scarce be given an instance of his ever having refused what any asked him These Princely Virtues made his Subjects heartily love him and the love of his Subjects was of all things most proper to recommend him to strangers the Duke of Milan and the Venetians who differed in most things agreed in their good Opinion of Borsius His Family after him bore the honourable badge of the value the Emperour and Pope had for him and as if all this had been too little or as somewhat of partiality had been in it because proceeding from those of his own Countrey or of his own Religion a great Mahumetan Prince the Sultan of Aegypt by an Embassy and rich Presents sent to Borsius a little before his death did demonstrate that his reputation was too large to be confined within Italy or indeed within Europe CHAP. XI The Life of Hercules the first the second Duke of Ferrara c. THe Mother of Hercules upon her Husbands death and Leonels advancement retired to the Marquess of Saluzzo's with a vow that she would never see Ferrara till her Son were in possession of his Right Many melancholy years had she spent while her Son lived in an honourable sort of banishment at the Court of Naples his returning home safe which she scarce expected and his Brothers treating him with much kindness did a little raise her languishing spirits but now hearing that Borsius was dead and the injury done Hercules in some measure repaired by the accession of a higher Title she with unexpressible joy made hast towards Ferrara where being scarce well arrived she had the comfort to see her other Son Sigismund return from Naples with the Kings Daughter for a Dutchess to Hercules and to Crown her with all worldly happiness the next year brought her a Grand-child Alphonsus Heir to the Dutchies of Ferrara and Modena After all the troubles Hercules met with and his late establishment in what was undoubtedly his at his Fathers death Nicolaus Leonels Son who never durst mutter while Borsius lived had now the impudence to disturb his quiet He was a Grand-child of the House of Mantoua and wanted not those at Ferrara who upon the least success were ready to declare for him this encouraged him with what Forces he could make to come by water from Mantoua when the Duke seemed most secure and being brought safe by night with his men into the chief street of Ferrara he beat the Drums early in the morning for those of his party to take Arms but seeing none offering to joyn with him the Guns playing from the Castle upon his Souldiers and men beginning to appear in arms about the Palace Gate he made hast to get away and was taken in his retreat the Duke enclined to save him but those who knew his temper being of another mind he was formally condemned and beheaded with the Chief of his Followers the rest of the Prisoners were to be set at liberty only a true-hearted German who had lived long with Nicolaus and deserved a more fortunate Master when he saw his dead body refusing the benefit of the Dukes pardon died the most gloriously of any in that quarrel Two dayes after a Gentleman brought the Duke the names of all in Ferrara that were privy to the late design but Hercules without ever opening the paper burnt it in the Gentlemans presence telling him he intended to punish no more upon that account that he would gladly have pardon'd his Cousin Nicolaus if it could
than the Conquest for what opposition could two such powerfull Princes meet with from Frederick whom his Subjects hated and contemned But Naples was too narrow to satisfie both the French and the Spaniards and Gonsalvo was a man of such unlimited ambition that a Controversie began about a small parcel of Ground to which both parties pretended and which nothing but Arms could decide In this the French had so ill success that they were suddenly beat out of all Gonsalvo with the Spaniards becoming then sole Masters of the Kingdom of Naples which they have kept ever since About this time died Hercules Duke of Ferrara whose life doth represent to us Fortune in all her different aspects he was born the undoubted Heir of one of the richest Princes of Italy was left young by his Father which made him come the later to his Estate after the death of two Brothers Many storms did he weather both in the Court and Wars of Naples his own Courage and the Kings Malice exposing him to every danger till at length he changed parties At his return from thence he lived for some time a Subject in his own Principality being glad to be a Governour of one of his Cities under his Brother But the latter part of his life made a fair reparation for the former no Prince of Italy being more valued or courted than Hercules that very King of Naples who hated him so much sent to proffer him his Daughter in marriage by whom he left a hopefull Issue the Kings of Castile and Hungary when he was in danger by his War with Venice gave testimony how much they were concerned to support him Henry the seventh of England complemented him with the Order of the Garter and three several Kings of France sought his Friendship as necessary for the advancement of their interest upon the other side of the Alpes CHAP. XII The Life of Alphonsus the first the third Duke of Ferrara HErcules had four Sons Alphonsus who succeeded him Hippolytus the former of the two famous Cardinals of Esté of that name Ferdinand and Sigismund Alphonsus was twice married in his Fathers time first to the Daughter of Iohn Galeazo Duke of Milan when he was very young and when she died a Match by Lewis the twelfth's means was made up betwixt him and Lucretia Borgia Pope Alexander the sixth's Daughter the King designing by this to unite the Duke with Caesar Borgia and both to himself The first remarkable action we meet with in Alphonsus after his Fathers death Caesar Borgia being then ruined was his defending Bologna for Iulius the second and his defeating Bentivoglio from whom the Pope had lately taken that City and recommended it to the Duke Not long after was the League of Cambray concluded where Alphonsus joyned with the Emperour the Pope the Kings of France and Spain to take the terra firma from the Venetians The King of France began the War and gave the Venetian Army which was commanded or rather divided by two Generals of quite different tempers so great an overthrow that the other Confederates did thereupon make the more hast The Venetians seeing themselves in no condition to defend their Subjects wisely made a virtue of necessity and allowed them the liberty to make the best terms they could with the Enemy and so prevent their ruine for they presumed and upon good grounds that this instance of their tenderness would invite them home to their ancient Masters as soon as the storm was over being attacqued then on all hands nothing except Treviso was left them in a short time and the Duke of Ferrara for his share was once in possession of Rovigo la Badia with Monfelice Esté and other places which formerly belonged to his Family Besides the places he had taken the Pope declared him the General of the Church which made the Venetians discharge their whole fury upon him both by Sea and Land but such was their ill success in every enterprize that their very Navy became a prey to him that had no ships for having chained them up by night within the mouth of the River where they thought themselves secure he burnt some took others and returned to Ferrara in a sort of Naval Triumph upon one of their Chief Gallies Anno Christi 1510 The sole hope now left the Venetians was to break a League in which so many Princes of different or rather incompatible Interests were united and this they found no hard matter Julius being willing not only to take off his censures but also to fall out with France and to help to chase Lewis out of Italy if they would give him the places in Romagna which by the League were designed for him It was not now time for the Venetians to stand at any thing and therefore they readily acquiesced to the Popes proposals and he sent to the Duke of Ferrara to acquaint him with what he had done and to desire him to forbear any further acts of hostility against the Republick but the Duke excused himself saying that he could not in honour nor in conscience abandon those with whom he was in Confederacy Julius taking this excuse for a direct upbraiding himself with what he had done excommunicated the Duke immediately sent Orders to Romagna to seize upon what places he possessed there and exhorted the Venetians to fall upon him to revenge his and their quarrel the Duke in a short time lost Rovigo all the Polecine Monfelice and Esté on the one hand and upon the other hand all the places of Romagna and which grieved him most Modena and Sassuolo with several Castles near him his only comfort was he knew that if he had pleased to make honour and conscience truckle to Interest he might have been a saver But never resolving to stear by this compass nor to follow the precedent given him by P. Iulius he waited for better times till he could fairly recover what he had unjustly lost Never was Pope freer of his thunders than Iulius who seeing his success against Alphonsus took his aim a little higher at Lewis the twelfth deprived him of his Title of the most Christian King and of his Crown and exposed his Territoris as a prey to those that could take them but though his lightning did shine it was not felt in France otherwise than in provoking the good King to Vow and to publish his Vow also in his coin That he would destroy Babylon meaning Rome The King of Castile sent an Army to assist the Pope and the Venetians which made Lewis likewise re-inforce his Troops under a new General Gaston de Foix Duke of Nemours to him he particularly recommended the concerns of the Duke of Ferrara whom of all the Italians he had found the most trusty Confederate and the French Army then lying in Romagna the Duke recovered his places from Iulius Gaston was impatient till he gave the Enemy battle which he did near Ravenna the Duke commanded that part where
strengthen his interest and keep her from any other match which might prove in the end fatal to him and his Family But Adeleidis in her heart hated Berengarius as the Author of her husbands death and rejected Albertus upon his Fathers score Berengarius resolving to gain by threats her who was proof against all allurements confin'd her first to Pavia then to a more narrow prison whence there was no hopes of deliverance but by consenting to a marriage with Albertus Hugo who knew nothing to be more natural to Berengarius than cruelty being sensible of the Queens danger whom he judg'd not likely to yield generously ventur'd all to rescue her and oblige Otho King of Germany for whom Adeleidis was designed before her imprisonment Having therefore got without suspicion into the Castle where she was kept in the midst of a Lake by the help of a Priest of whose fidelity and courage he had formerly experience the Queen was let down out of a Window and convey'd away in a Boat which lay ready for that purpose into the next Wood where she continued several days with Hugo the Priest furnishing them with such entertainment as he could procure from the neighbouring Villages Notice being given to Otho of the Queens escape his Army presently advanced towards Italy and this put all in such a consternation that Hugo and the Queen got without any further danger into the Castle of Cannossa where Azo expected them Otho having received his Queen Anno Christi 952 from the hands of Hugo her Deliverer marched on towards Berengarius whose tyranny had now render'd him so odious that being deserted by all his friends he delivered himself up Prisoner with his Son Albertus and Otho without much trouble possess'd himself of the Imperial Crown which has ever since continued in the German Nation No reward seeming too great for the person to whom he ow'd his Queen Hugo was made Governour of all that Country which is now known by the name of the Dutchy of Milan the Dutchy of Montferrat Piemont and the territory of Genoua and Berengarius was carried Prisoner into Germany CHAP. IV. The most remarkable actions of the Counts of Esté from Otho the Great to Henry the third AFter a short confinement Berengarius had leave to return into Italy with the title of King but much limited in his Authority which he was too apt to abuse scarce was he well setled when forgetfull of the Emperours clemency and his own engagements being enraged at those who had helped to humble him he behaved himself more cruelly than ever Hugo whose splendid way of living did eclipse him was the chief object of his wrath but too powerfull for him to meddle with After Hugo's death he took occasion to fall out with his Brother Azo about their Mother Giscla's inheritance and their difference ended in Azo's being turned out of all he had and forced to fly for his life into Germany with his Anno Christi 960 Son whence neither of them ever returned With them must the family of Esté have perished had not the hopefull Issue of Sigifred Prince of Parma supported it Sigifred himself was dead but his eldest Son Azo entering upon his Cousins desperate fortune in spite of the Tyrant maintained his right and confirmed his younger brothers in theirs at Parma and Luca. The loud cryes of Berengarius's oppression and the complaints of such as every day fled from Italy reaching the Emperours ears brought his Son Lodolphus with an Army from Germany against the Tyrant Lodolphus being suddenly kill'd Azo the third happening to be then in the Camp was chosen General in the Princes room In this station he had not continued many dayes when engaging the enemy he obtained a signal victory and reduced several places to the Emperours obedience Where-ever he came the people crouded to welcome him as the deliverer of his Countrey Piacenza and Regio desiring to live under his protection presented him with their keys many Cities being weary of their late sufferings were making hast to free themselves from the yoke of Berengarius who on the other hand was using all diligence to raise forces and to put a stop to Azo's success But Otho 's appearing the second time with a strong Army after some few skirmishes rather than fights took Berengarius prisoner and sent him into Germany there to endure perpetual imprisonment for the miseries he had brought upon his Native Countrey Otho's occasions requiring his speedy return into Germany he resolved to put the Government of Italy into sure hands and none having deserved so well of him nor being so able to do him service as Azo he committed all to his trust with the title of Vicar of Italy This unlimited Power Anno Christi 970 Azo discreetly employ'd for the establishment of the Emperours Authority yet not without giving satisfaction to those he govern'd by which he added greatly to the former lustre of his family Azo left several Sons the eldest was Albertus the second Otho's chief Favorite whom some of the Italian writers call Albertatius the second was Thedaldus whom the City of Ferrara mindfull of its former happiness under a Prince of the house of Esté chose in the place of Almaricus lately dead After the death of his Father and Uncle he had likewise Regio Parma and Luca by which he laid the foundation of that Power and Riches which his Grand-child the Countess Matildis so famous in the Histories of those times did foully mis-imploy in setting up the Papal Authority against that of the Emperours as we shall relate hereafter The vast possessions fallen to Albertus by his Fathers death might have invited him home had he not been deeply engaged at the Emperours Court. From the time of Charles the Great the Family of Esté had been dignified with the title of Counts which Otho changed into that of Marquess and thinking he could never too well requite Hugo's kindness in rescuing Adeleidis from the hands of Berengarius he gave his Daughter by Adeleidis named Alda in marriage to Albertus with ten Castles in Lombardy and the City of Friburgh in Germany Upon the death of Otho the Great dissensions arose about the Succession for his Brother Henry of Bavaria trusting in his Interest with the neighbour Princes endeavoured to wrest the Imperial Crown from his Nephew Otho the second But Albertus being zealous for the young Prince engaged so many in his behalf as made good the Justice of his Cause against the Usurper This did beget him the irreconcileable hatred of Henry which he little valued while he was so fast united to the Emperour Harald King of Denmark was one of those that declared for Henry and brought an Army to the Fields to over-aw those who should offer to oppose him but Albertus with the Emperours Forces gave him such a blow that all his threats ended in a peace with Otho upon very unequal terms Things thus setled at home Otho the second went
conspicuous that the Histories of those Times call him the Marquess without any further distinction as we gather from Arnulphus of Milan and Scafnaburgensis and even down to the time of Villani and Dante when they spoke of the Marquess he of Esté is to be understood as having a particular right to this Title above all the Families of Italy Though Hugo had helped the Emperour to humble the Romans and by discovering the Conspiracy against his person seem'd to have brought things to that hopefull pass that there remained no further ground for fears yet the restless attempts of Otho's enemies at length succeeded for some Roman Gloves were presented him by Crescentius's widow in which the richness of the perfume did cover such a deadly poison as kill'd him before his Physicians knew he was infected this the ambitious Woman was said to have done not so much upon her husbands account as for the affront done to her self whom the Emperour promised to marry but afterwards changed his inclinations which her haughty Spirit could not digest Otho the third dying without Children Henry of Bavaria came to the Crown which his Father had so much coveted in the minority of the two late Emperours and was as I have already mentioned opposed in it by Albertus of Esté nor did their quarrel end with their lives but was entail'd upon their Sons as might be seen in Henry who from the beginning discovered a dislike to Hugo's management of the affairs of Italy and let drop some expressions that he designed to remove him from all Publick Trust as soon as he found himself setled This preposterous resolution lost him Italy for some years because Hugo having notice of it engaged his whole interest to exclude Henry and set up Ardoinus Marquess of Eporoedia who supported likewise by most of the Nobility of Lombardy came without much opposition to be chosen King at Pavia The success he had at his entry upon the Government against Henries Army put him in peaceable possession of his Crown the disturbances of Germany not allowing Henry to look any further at present The only person Ardoinus could never gain was the Arch-bishop of Milan who ceased not to solicite Henry till he brought the Germans again into Italy and then did Ardoinus part with his Kingdom upon as easie terms as he had got it and Hugo was fain to retire to the Greek Emperours General in Naples whither Henry pursued him and took him prisoner with his three Sons Henry having got Hugo and his Sons in his power did beyond their expectation shew a rare example of clemency for when in them he might have extirpated the family remembring his rash expressions had in a Anno Christi 1024 great measure occasioned their revolt he generously restored Hugo to whatever he formerly possessed renewed his Commission of Vicar of Italy and dismist his Sons with great expressions of kindness Hugo to shew himself worthy of the Emperours confidence did make it afterwards the whole study of his life to promote his Service and effectually recovered him by his gentle Government the hearts of the Italian Nation which the severity of Otho the second and Otho the third had alienated He lived to a great age was universally lamented at his death and proposed to posterity as the true pattern of a worthy Magistrate who could advance the Princes Authority without invading the Peoples Rights Azo the fourth succeeded him about the same time that Henry the second dying without Children left the Imperial Crown to Conrard Duke of Franconia who out of a particular value he had for Azo promoted his match with Cunigunda the Duke of Anno Christi 1026 Bavaria's only Daughter By her Azo had a Son called Welpho who inheriting all his Grand-father the Duke of Bavaria's Territories gave the first rise to the most Illustrious Family of Brumswick and Lunenburgh which is thus descended of the Family of Esté The Abbot of Vrspergh writes that the Original of that Family was from an Italian Marquess who married in Germany and this Marquess both the Records of Esté and Aventinus in his History of Bavaria prove to have been Azo Hugo's Son of whom I now treat Cunigunda died young leaving this only Son Welpho who was plentifully provided for in Germany Afterwards Azo married as some write the Emperour Conrards Daughter as others Anno Christi 1037 his Niece or his Grand-child by whom he had several Children the eldest was called Azo the fifth after his own name who if the Pope had not shewed himself most unjust in the matter of his marriage with his Cousin the Countess Matildis was in a fair way to have been one of the richest Princes of that age as I shall now make appear and hope to give the Reader some satisfaction in treating of Matildis whose double Relation to the Family of Esté both by Blood and Marriage makes her naturally fall under our consideration in this place and if I do enlarge the great influence she had upon all the remarkable transactions of that age seems to require it CHAP. V. The most material passages of the Life of Azo the fifth and of Matildis Countess of Esté THedaldus whom I made mention of a younger Brother of this Family and Uncle to the great Hugo had raised himself to vaste wealth this his Son Boniface did so much enlarge that none in Italy came near him He was called Marquess of Tuscany and had Ferrara Modena Mantoua Regio Parma and Luca and upon his Marriage with Beatrix the Emperour Conrards Daughter he had Verona and that which is since called the Patrimony of S t Peter given him all which after the death of his little Son Frederick fell to his Daughter Matildis under the tuition of her Mother Beatrix Beatrix being left so rich by Boniface though her Father Conrard was dead yet under her Brother Henry the third did manage Italy as she pleased but her disposing of her self and her Daughter Matildis to Godfrey Anno Christi 1053 Duke of Lorrain and his Son without the Emperours consent justly offended him seeing by this she gave footing in Italy to a Powerfull Family which might have given the Empire trouble if there had been any Issue by either marriage Yet that which made Henry most jealous was lest these Princes should joyn with the Popes who of late were become very troublesome for taking advantage of the Emperours absence they did every day make some encroachments upon them and were then come to that pass that instead of allowing the Emperours Prerogative in confirming them which had been alwayes practised Benedict the ninth took upon him to deprive Henry the third of his Right of Succession and gave the Imperial Crown to Peter King of Hungary upon condition he would depend upon him and his Successors Henry to give a check to an Usurpation of so dangerous consequence and likewise to remove the great scandal occasioned by three Popes all Reigning at once passed into
what past as well in the German as in the Italian branch of the Family from the death of Matildis till Otho of Esté Duke of Brumswick was chosen Emperour HAving insisted more largely upon Matildis actions than so compendious a History will well bear I return to her Family which she like an unnatural branch drawing sap from the root and bestowing elsewhere had almost destroyed Her Husband Azo though he could never well digest the trouble conceived upon his divorce yet lived long after and with his Brother Bertoldus did meet Henry the fifth at his arrival in Italy and had by the means of his Kinsman Welpho Duke of Bavaria Matildis last Husband a reception full of respect and kindness The Emperour was not then to learn how much Azo or his Family had suffered by adhering to his Father and therefore enlarged his priviledges and gave him assurances of his protection whether at that time he made known to the Emperour his just pretensions to a share of Matildis Estate no History that I have seen doth satisfie me but it appears Bertoldus's Son afterwards did highly resent his having no reparation made him and thereupon took Arms against the Emperour The concerns of the Family not dispensing with the absence of both Brothers Azo after some dayes spent with the Emperour took his leave and returned to Esté Bertoldus accompanied him to Rome where he and Welpho were the persons who composed all differences and made a perfect reconciliation betwixt the Emperour and the Pope upon the promise made by the latter not to meddle in the affairs of Germany which he and his predecessors had for many years embroiled this gave Bertoldus great credit and raised him so high in the Emperours confidence that had not his Brothers death called him home he must have gone into Germany the rest of his life being spent in governing his people gives no great occasion to the Historians to mention him only we find at his death he left his Son Rinaldus very Anno Christi 1137 young who afterwards prov'd so great a General in the Wars of Milan against Frederick Barbarossa The other branch of the Family of Esté raised to infinite riches and power in Germany calls us thither till Rinaldus comes of age and if it be at all to be called a digression yet I presume it will be no unpleasant one to the Reader Henry of Esté Duke of Bavaria married the Daughter of Lotharius the third who succeeded Henry the fifth and after the death of his Father in Law made war upon Conrard the third for violating the Agreement made with him at his Coronation Conrard to ease himself of some part of the burden of the War required the assistance of the Princes of the Empire in a Diet assembled for this purpose in which he bitterly inveighed against Henry yet contrary to his design gave ample testimony both of the antiquity and greatness of the Family as his Harangue still extant shews he makes Henry an Upstart in Germany his great Grand-father being the first that setled there but at the same time he owns him to be of the blood of Esté descended of the Ancient Roman Family of the Atii swell'd as he sayes with the Names and Titles of his Ancestors he puts the Princes in mind of the treachery of Henries Ancestor Hugo who stirred up Ardoinus Marquess of Eporoedia against Henry the second and last of all he charges him with a design of over-turning the Ancient Constitutions of Germany complaining that his Interest there joyned to that of his kindred in Italy was too like to effect it Henry's death gave him not leave to vindicate himself and his Family from Conrards aspersions but his Brother Welpho did it in another Assembly to the satisfaction of all there present that his Great Grand-father was a stranger in Germany being of the blood of Esté and of the Illustrious Family of the Atii he was not he said ashamed to own but they all knew he was a German by his Great Grand-Mother and that by her he inherited the rich Dutchy of Bavaria That Hugo of Esté had countenanced Ardoinus was true but the Emperours resolution to ruine him had put him upon that course to prevent it and that after their reconciliation no man did ever more faithfully or successfully promote the Emperours Service And lastly Conrards accusation of their going about to subvert the Laws of Germany he retorts upon himself for the unjust sentence past against his Brother Henry and himself by which they were deprived of all they possest He gives warning to all the Princes to look to themselves and hoped if they did not joyn with him in so Just a Cause that at least they would approve of his taking Arms for the recovery of his Dutchies from Conrard whom he looked upon as the real subverter of the Ancient Laws of Germany The War then begun by Henry against Conrard but being intermitted by his death it was renewed by Gwelfo and kindled such a flame in Germany as rivers of blood could scarce quench the Nation was divided betwixt them though not equally for all the Princes that consented to the forfeiture of the Dutchies of Bavaria and Saxony were engaged in honour to assist Conrard and such as enjoy'd the fruits of it could do no less Some few of the Princes who had declared against Conrards severe proceedings with Henry and the greatest part of the Bavarians did joyn with Gwelfo And what he wanted in Germany was made up from abroad for Roger King of Sicily supplied him with vast sums of money which drew foreign troops to his Service and four of the Princes of the house of Esté raised what forces Anno Christi 1145 they could for him in Italy Some Writers make those famous factions of Gwelfs and Gibellins which first appeared in Germany and for many ages rent Italy to have had their rise from this War those who were with the Emperour being called Gibellins from Giblinga the place of Conrards Nativity and the others Gwelfs from Gwelfo the head of their Party And though most will have the original of these names to be of more ancient date yet all must agree that they then began to be generally used to distinguish the Imperialists from the Bavarians and afterwards in the wars of Italy by Gwelfs were understood such as favoured the Pope Gwelfo's Army was in the progress of the War so weaken'd that not able to keep the field he went to Winbergh whither Conrard pursued him and shut him up so close that the best terms he could obtain was that he with his followers should continue prisoners of War and the place was to be exposed to sack but Gwelfo's Princess who was there with her Husband made it her humble sute to Conrard that she with the Ladies of her Court might first be permitted to retire without any other baggage than what they themselves could carry this request being readily granted they
had already done of Ferrara and that with his ambition he discovered a hatred to the Emperour and his Government Secondly that he could not forbear to express his resentment of their Families having lost the Dutchies of Bavaria and Saxony and thirdly that of all his Ancestors he did most extol Rinaldus whom it was plain he intended to imitate by making himself Head of the Guelphs his Majesties professed enemies These words of Salinguerra set out with all the advantage of Eloquence of which he was a great Master did so work upon Henry the sixth that it was thought if he had liv'd to come back it would have gone ill with Azo In the Election of a New Emperour Germany was divided betwixt Philip Henries Brother and Otho of Esté Duke of Brunswick a Nephew of England nor could the matter be accommodated till Otho marrying Philips Daughter wav'd his pretensions to the Crown at present upon condition he should enjoy it after his Father-in-Laws death Salinguerra at his return from Sicily renewed his Confederacy against the Marquess by marrying the Daughter of Actiolinus while Azo retired to Esté upon the death of his Wife No Anno Christi 1200 sooner was he gone but Salinguerra began to bear sway after his old manner and not content to be absolute at home by his Father in Laws means he got to be Podestá of Verona Every one could easily guess what Actiolinus and he aimed at but none in Verona had the courage to oppose them except Count Boniface who told the people plainly they were hasting towards slavery and that the only way to save them was to seek to the Marquess of Esté's protection Most agreeing with the Counts motion they sent to Azo who marched thither encountered Actiolinus and Salinguerra in the Market-place took the former prisoner while the other escaped and restored the City to its Ancient Freedom Upon advice that many were fled to Pescera he went and besieged the place and upon its surrender dismist the Common Soldiers but sent the Officers prisoners to Esté with those that were taken at Verona he set Actiolinus at liberty upon his bare promise not to give any disturbance afterwards to him or his friends The news of Azo's success drew all whom Salinguerra banished to his Party with whom going directly to Ferrara he chased Salinguerra and his adherents thence and put the Government into the hands of his own friends promising his assistance upon the least notice of Salinguerra's being about to attempt any thing Next year was yet more favourable Anno Christi 1209 to the House of Esté by the advancement of Otho to the Imperial Crown In his journey towards Rome he was met by Azo and his Sons near Verona whom he received and treated as his Kinsmen he composed their differences with Actiolinus and Salinguerra and desired that for his sake all the prisoners at Esté might be set at liberty The Marquess continued with him till the Ceremony of his Coronation was over and then that the Family might reap some advantage as well as honour by his digninity he gave to Azo the Principality of Verona together with the final appeal of the Province and likewise the Government of the Mark of Ancona with several Castles belonging to Vicenza Where among the motives inducing the Emperour hereunto express mention is made of their kindred as appears by the Grant yet extant CHAP. VII The irreconcileable differences of the Guelphs and Gibbellins with the Marquess of Esté's getting Ferrara and the death of the most infamous Tyrant Actiolin and of his Brother Albericus THe Crown was not well setled upon Otho's head when Innocent the third gave it away to Frederick the second pretending that Otho had broke his Coronation Oath and forfeited his Dignity by invading the Dominions of Frederick and of the Church Whether the Pope were more injust in setting Otho up to oppose Philip or in degrading him now to advance Frederick whom he himself had formerly injured I leave to others to decide But plain it is that no Apology can be made for Azo's behaviour in this juncture seeing he who had so lately been own'd for Otho's Kinsman and had received so fresh marks of his favour was the most forward of all the Nobility of Lombardy to countenance the Popes sentence and declare for Frederick By his means were Otho's Garrisons turned out of most of the Cities of Tuscany and so great was his zeal for the Cause and so entirely did the party confide in him that he had the young Prince committed to his trust till he got safe into Germany This rendered him still more considerable among the Guelphs who were become too strong for the other Party by Otho's depression but while they were projecting how to model the Government of Lombardy after their own way Azo's death broke all their measures Salinguerra hoping to find in his Son Aldobrandinus a person easie to deal with would not stand to the treaty made with Azo a little before his death complaining that he had been over-reached in it besides he considered if the Marquess once got Modena and Regio into his hands as he was like to do with what grief he must from the Walls of Ferrara see himself surrounded on every side with the Territories of the House of Esté and therefore made what hast he could to come to a breach before he were in a manner shut up at home Notice being given to the Marquess of Salinguerra's intentions he sent to Bologna the guaranty of the Peace bebetwixt Salinguerra and his Father to demand their assistance they who knew Salinguerra to be a man of a restless temper that observ'd no agreement longer than it made for his advantage joyned with the Marquess and marched towards Ferrara which they took without great resistance and Salinguerra retired to a Castle belonging to Modena from whence by frequent excursions he did greatly annoy the other Party but perceiving them resolved to have the place he engaged Bologna to intercede with the Marquess that upon surrender he might have leave to return to Ferrara with solemn protestations that he would give him no further disturbance The difference with Salinguerra was the sooner made up because the danger Esté was in by Actiolin and the Padouans called for speedy relief from the Marquess who just got back in time to save it A Party in the Mark of Ancona commanded by the Count of Celano declared anew for Otho pillaging and burning every place that would not joyn with them Aldobrandinus to whom that Government did of right belong though the Counts of Celano alwayes disputed it went thither fought Otho's Party killed the Count for which Innocent gave him the Title of Marquess of Ancona and having thus in a short time humbled Salinguerra raised the siege of Esté and recovered his Authority in the Mark He died suddenly in the flower of his age not without suspition of poison given him by one of his
Servants whom the Count of Celano's Brother had corrupted Anno Christi 1216 he left two Daughters whom we shall mention hereafter The Enemies of the Family of Esté got nothing by Aldobrandin's death his Brother Azo the eighth or as some will have him the ninth who succeeded him being a person for his skill both in the Arts of Peace and War well qualified for those difficult times The first thing he did after quelling an Insurrection in Ancona was to settle at Ferrara that so he might have an eye upon Salinguerra's motions whom he knew ready to take advantage of every change and Salinguerras Opinion of Azo kept them several years on good terms but the flame that was smother'd and not extinct did too easily break out again and now all began to declare themselves openly Guelphs or Gibellins Salinguerra being gone Podestá to Mantoua the Guelphs in a popular tumult pulled down his Pallace destroy'd his fine Gardens broke his Statues in pieces and made havock of every thing they met with This news did so incense him that coming upon them unexpected he killed every Guelph he found and by the help of the Gibellins forced the Marquess to leave the City to his mercy This Civil War which none can deny Azo's Party began did for three years plague Ferrara sometimes the Marquess and the Guelphs had the better sometimes none were to be seen but Gibellins those that prevailed were sure to pull down all the good houses that belonged to the other Party so that at last the City lay in a heap of rubbish and of thirty two Steeples that were in it when Salinguerra went to Mantoua not one was left standing The Marquess assisted by Verona and Padoua shut Salinguerra so close up within Ferrara that he seemed willing to come to any accommodation but when Count Boniface upon his Invitation went in to treat with him most perfidiously he kept him prisoner telling him withall that as Azo was obliged to the Troops of Verona for the advantage he now had so he expected his own terms before he parted with him Azo's tenderness for Count Boniface whom he judged in great danger made him yield to such things as Salinguerra durst never otherwise have proposed for it was agreed that all the Gibellins banished by the Marquess as well as the Guelphs by Salinguerra should have leave to return and be again possest of their Estates and of the grounds where their houses had stood for very few of them were left entire that all places and trusts should be divided betwixt them that Salinguerra should continue at Ferrara but the Marquess might not come thither above twice a year and then he was to leave most of his train without the Gates and to stay only a few dayes This Peace beyond all mens expectation lasted fifteen years which helped much to repair the ruines of the City About this time Actiolinus the declared head of the Gibellins after having long glutted himself with blood cruelty and oppression renounced the world to dedicate the ruines of his old age to a Monastick life leaving a Son of the same name who carried on the divisions of Italy and Anno Christi 1226 out-vied him in all manner of wickedness Salinguerra could not expect to better himself by falling out again with the Marquess yet that he might one day or other make work for him he underhand employed all his interest to get Actiolin the younger created Podestá of Verona by which that Party was much strengthen'd If things went ill with the Guelphs where Actiolinus and Salinguerra were in Authority the Gibellins made as great complaints of their hard usage in Ancona where the Marquess being absolute Master was much encouraged in his severities by Honorius the third and Gregory the ninth the latter seeing Frederick engaged in the Holy War thought to seize upon the Kingdom of Naples and communicating his Design to Azo found him too ready to engage in it nor could any thing but the Emperours speedy return have prevented them No wonder if Frederick were much offended with the Pope and Azo's proceedings and they conscious of their guilt armed the Guelphs lest the Emperour should attempt any thing against them which made Actiolinus and his Party not think themselves secure unless they were in the same posture so that for a long time in form'd Armies they lay in wait for one another and put a stop not only to all manner of Trade which much impoverished Corporations but also to agriculture upon which a Famine was like to ensue Both Parties being at length tired out and their brutal fury in some measure spent first a cessation of Arms then a Peace was concluded and sealed with the marriage of Actiolins Niece to Rinaldus Azo's Son Andrew the second of Hungary in his return from Rome was entertained by Azo at Esté where charmed with the beauty of Beatrix Aldobrandin's Daughter and her Uncles Magnificence he demanded her in Marriage and Azo consenting to it she was sent after him into Hungary with a Noble Train a few months after Andrew died leaving the Queen with Child and she apprehending her self in danger from the next Heir of the Crown retired to her Friends in Italy where she was brought to bed of Anno Christi 1237 Stephen Father to Andrew the third King of Hungary Her younger Sister Alexina was married to Albert Duke of Brunswick The Peace betwixt Azo and Actiolin at best signified little seeing their acts of hostility were scarce ever discontinued but Gregory the ninth taking occasion to quarrel with the Emperour for refusing to go again into Syria brought things to a worse pass than before they had drawn the Guelphs and Gibellins into bodies openly defying one another the Emperour upon his Excommunication was marching towards Rome and Salinguerra was entering upon the last and most Tragical Act of his Life which I must not pass in silence The Venetians required a certain acknowledgement for all goods carried up the Pó to Ferrara which Salinguerra was not willing to pay and their ships being sent to lye at the mouth of the River to hinder any thing to enter Salinguerra with what Boats he could make came upon them and after a sharp dispute had the better taking some which he brought to Ferrara as Trophies of his Victory over the Venetian Navy The Republick not able to digest this affront joyned with the Guelphs to be revenged upon Salinguerra who suspecting some design upon the City did hasten his ruine by commanding all of that Faction to be gone and receiving Germans in their place This was declared to be a plain breach of the Treaty with Azo who thereupon being chosen General against him went towards Ferrara in the beginning of February accompanied by the Dogé of Venice the Popes Legate Boniface and many of the Chief Nobility of those parts Salinguerra made for four months a stout resistance till Provisions beginning to fail without any prospect of supply
the Artillery was planted and they observed he used it with such advantage that it helped greatly to obtain the victory When the Enemies main body was routed and their Officers gone in a little action fitter for some young Captain than a General Gaston was unhappily killed and by his death he made that day remarkable above all others that a victory may be too dear bought with the loss of a General for from that hour the French Arms declined in Italy and did every day lose ground leaving those at last whom they had beaten in possession of what they fought for There being now no French Army in the field the Duke enclined to an accommodation with the Pope Fabricius Colonna whom he had taken prisoner at Ravenna and had used with great civility and dismist without any ransom promising to procure it upon equal terms the Duke had an invitation from Iulius to Rome with assurances that he should find a reception answerable to Colonna's promise as indeed he did being immediately absolved from all his censures but when they came to treat such unreasonable demands were made that he chose rather to venture all than agree to them and the Pope seeing his resolution designed to keep him there Colonna who was the occasion of the Dukes coming thought his honour now so much at stake that not valuing the Popes indignation he brought the Duke from Rome by night in spite of the Guards and committed him to the care of his Cousin Prosper Colonna who with great Address in the midst of the noise of his escape brought him safe through the Popes Territories The Pope being upon this more enraged than ever did contrary to his promise send to the Duke of Vrbin and his other Officers to get what they could before the Dukes return most of the Dukes Subjects looked upon him now as irrecoverably lost not only the places in Romagna but also Regio Brescello and Carpi yielded so that little remained to him upon that hand and all concluded that it must have ended in his utter ruine had not God happily put an end to the life of Julius The person in the whole Colledge next to his Brother Hippolytus whom the Duke could have wished to succeed Iulius was Iohn Cardinal of Medici who in the former reign had secretly favoured him and found wayes when employ'd as Legate in those parts to decline the executing the Popes violent resolutions against him Upon the joyfull news of this Cardinals election who is known by the name of Leo the tenth the Duke went immediately to Rome and came in time to be absolved anew and to carry S t Peters Standard as great Confalonier or General of the Church at the inauguration of Leo who promised to restore whatever Iulius had taken from him but in a little time he was so strangely altered that far from the least performance he watched every opportunity to take from the Duke what was left him Upon a report of his being dead Leo ordered his Troops to march that way and when it proved a mistake he did endeavour to excuse it as if his design had been to secure the Dutchy for Prince Hercules the Dukes eldest Son His ill intentions were more plainly discovered two years after for he hired one Rodolphus a Captain Anno Christi 1520 in the Dukes Guards to kill him but the Captain by good luck had neither the courage to go through with what he had undertaken nor yet to deny it In short the Duke was much disappointed in Leo who could never be brought to make good his promise till Francis the first who succeeded Lewis the twelfth being well satisfied that all the Duke of Ferrara's sufferings proceeded from his constant adhering to the French Interest did refuse to enter into any treaty with the Pope unless the Duke were comprehended in it After Leo's death no Prince complemented Adrian the sixth with so noble an Embassy as the Duke of Ferrara did who upon the Popes arrival at Rome sent his Son Hercules thither attended by many of his chief Nobility the young Prince was then but fourteen years of age yet having his audience of Adrian before the Consistory he harangued so finely and with so good a Grace that the Pope embraced him with tears and having asked him several questions in Latin found him so much a Master of that Language his answers so pertinent and lively and in his whole behaviour a modest assurance so fitted to his age and quality that Adrian declared before all the Cardinals that he must grant the Duke of Ferrara whatever he demanded by such an Extraordinary Ambassador Lueretia the Mother of Hercules being dead there lived a young Gentlewoman at Ferrara called Laura Enstochia sufficiently qualified every way for a Princess except in her birth her person her air but above all her wit did so charm the Duke that after having sometime Courted her she came to be his third Dutchess and brought him two Sons Alphonsus and Alphonsinus Much were the Duke and the Prince grieved for the death of so friendly a Pope as Adrian when they perceived that Clement the seventh began to renew the practices of Leo offering the Emperour great summs of money to have Modena and Regio given to himself and his Family but the Emperour being unwilling to advance the House of Medici by an act of injustice to that of Esté would not hearken to the proposal though the Popes bounty to his Ministers who were to further it had drained the Apostolical Chamber this disappointment which cost Clement so dear helped to hasten his unhappy breach with the Emperour by which Rome was exposed to the most barbarous usage it had met with since the Goths and Vandals sacked it and he himself imprisoned in the Castle S t Angelo by the Duke of Bourbon's Army Duke Alphonsus instead of insulting over his Enemies misery was as forward as any to contribute towards his releasement and at Ferrara was a League of most of the Christian Princes concluded against the Emperour to this very intent No man questioned but the Duke in this action had for ever secured to himself an interest in Clement who by his Legate offered to renounce all his pretensions upon Modena and Regio and to renew the investiture of Ferrara as soon as she should be set at liberty yet all was presently forgot and the only advantage the Duke had by this League was the match then made up betwixt his Son Hercules and Renata Lewis the twelfths younger Daughter who proved the most excellent Princess in all respects that ever Italy saw Amongst other things Clement had promised upon the death of Cardinal Gonzaga the Bishoprick of Modena to the Dukes second Son Hippolytus but it was given away to a Son of one of the Emperours Chief Favourites purposely that the Duke by disputing the business might draw upon himself the Emperours Indignation if not his Arms Other subtle Arts were used by Clement to ruine the
esteem of Henry the second The Dukes refusal while his Son accepted the Command signified nothing to Philip who laboured hard to make a breach betwixt him and the Venetians but they not being disposed then to enter into a War in the Spanish Quarrel excused themselves pretending that the Dukes being a Gentleman of Venice and a member of their great Council he must first forfeit that priviledge before they could so far disown him as to come to a War The great overthrow the French received at S t Quintin put the Duke and all that party in Italy in some apprehensions but the Victory not being pursued a Peace was some time after concluded betwixt the two Crowns and then died Hercules the fourth Duke of Ferrara in the fiftieth year of his age In his youth he had been the most hopefull Prince of Italy for all manner of accomplishments After his Fathers death he lived in peace govern'd his Subjects with great gentleness no Prince ever was readier to pardon injuries or to oblige every person about him the expence of his Court being great and his Subjects slow in granting new Subsidies he did much anticipate his Revenue by borrowing money upon several branches of it in which his Subjects did not think fit to concern themselves seeing it only emptied his Exchequer and made the Government uneasie for his Successor CHAP. XIV The Life of Alphonsus the second the fifth and last Duke of Ferrara AN Express was immediately dispatched by the Dutchess to her Son Alphonsus then at the Court of France who making what hast he could to Marseilles took ship and had a quick passage to Legorn where Cosmus Duke of Florence with many of the Toscan Nobility were ready to welcome him and saw him safe in his own Territories Near Modena his Uncle Alphonsus and the whole Gentry of that Countrey received him and at Ferrara he made a publick entry passing through five triumphal Arches erected at the Cities charge Next morning was the death of Hercules the second published Alphonsus by sound of Trumpet was proclaimed Duke the Scepter and Sword delivered to him by the Chief Magistrate upon his knees and an Oath of Allegiance taken by him to the new Duke in the name of all the people the Duke also according to the usual form swearing he would be a Just Prince and consult the Common Interest of his Subjects Which solemnity being over Alphonsus made his Fathers Funeral Rites be performed with great decency and then he sent Francis one of the Princes of Esté to Florence to bring home his Dutchess that Dukes Daughter According Anno Christi 1560 to the account I have seen nothing could be more magnificent than the train she brought along with her and the manner of her reception at Ferrara The Dutchess Dowager having no comfort in her stay in Italy after her Husbands death returned to her Native Countrey from which she had been so many years absent and left all Ferrara except the Jesuits in tears for the loss of so incomparable a Princess The Gentry when she first came thither considering her as Lewis the twelfth's Daughter bred up in the most glorious Court of Christendom where Princes of the blood especially the Kings Children could not have too much respect payed them expected to be kept at a greater distance now than they had been under the former Dutchesses but on the contrary access to her was so easie her conversation so free and her whole deportment so modest that had she been the Daughter of a little Duke of Saluzzo or an Eustochia Laura raised by her virtue she could not have taken less state upon her All the Learned found the good efeffects of her Patronage and were as liberal in setting out her Virtues as she could be towards their support The Poor and the Sick were sure of relief and Orphans of care and protection So that in the whole City of Ferrara there was scarce a person that could not shew some instance of that unlimited goodness which had so long time diffused it self upon all her subjects without missing rich or poor Prince Lewis after his return from France whither he went to accompany the Dutchess his Mother was created Cardinal and while the joy of his promotion filled the Court with Balls and Banquets the death of the Dutchess Lucretia changed the scene she had lived but fourteen months with her Husband and had left him childless yet this was in some measure repaired by the birth of Caesar the Son of Alphonsus and Julia of Vrbin in whom the Duke could not want a Successor Cardinal Hippolytus had been Legate in France and returning thence with the Cardinal of Lorrain and many French and Italian Noblemen they were all treated at his Nephews Court where at the same time there happened to be several other Princes and then it was that Hippolytus playing at Cards with a vast summ at stake and all the good Cards in his hand made a hard shift to lose whispering to one of his Confidents who seeing his hand seemed surprized that he was more a Gentleman than to win so much money of strangers at the Court of Ferrara but if he had such luck in France or at Rome he knew how to make the best of it The Duke was easily reconciled to a second marriage when the Emperour Maximilian proffered him the Princess Barbara his Daughter the Cardinal Lewis went to meet her at Trent and brought her to Ferrara with all the state that either the Princes of Esté or that City could shew upon so solemn an occasion The War in Hungary growing hot with the Turk Maximilian invited the Christian Princes to his assistance and thither went the Duke of Ferrara with fifteen hundred Horse having sent the Officers of his Household before with the Baggage soon after their arrival in the Imperial Army Solymans death put an end to the War This Expedition was very chargeable to the Duke for besides the length of the march he had three hundred Gentlemen cloathed in Velvet richly embroidered with Servants all in the same Livery the rest also were so finely accoutered that they seemed rather designed for a Cavalcade than an Army his zeal however and his magnificence in this great appearance was so much taken notice of that some years after they named him in Poland among the Princes who were Candidates for that Crown and it was thought if Maximilian had not in vain designed it for himself he might have carried it for his Son in Law the Duke of Ferrara The Duke having no concerns at Rome for three or four reigns which therefore I pass in silence spent his time in entertaining all the Princes that came that way and in diverting himself Great complaints were brought him of the Countrey peoples Anno Christi 1570 spoiling his Game at a distance from the Court which made all the penal Laws against such abuses be renewed but they continuing still to transgress trusting either that