times and upon whatsoever events before any other Friendship which might be propounded to them but also if occasion should require be as ready for their service to undertake new enmities that the condition of times had often caused an interruption of their offices of good will which was not notwithstanding irradicated out of their minds And that though the Embassadours should find a ready willingness in the King concerning the Affairs of Italy and of the Common-wealths Interests they would not notwithstanding forbear to make use of publick authority to exhort him to come as soon as might be into Italy promising him that the Venetian assistance should be such and so ready as it was not to be doubted but that being joynd with his Forces they might break the Forces of the common Enemies and taking from them that which they had injuriously possessed reduce such things under the Dominion of the King of France and of the Venetian Common-wealth as did belong to each of them The Embassadours were enjoyn'd to perform the like offices with the King of England that there had always many good offices been mutually observed between the Kings of England and the Common-wealth that they were confident that Henry would carry himself so as they shewed not need to desire any farther demonstration of Love from him but that he would of himself do whatsoever he knew might make for the good of the Common-wealth But that they should chiefly entreat him to endeavour the increase of the King of France his affection towards the Common-wealth and by his exhortations incite him to send his Forces away immediately into Italy to their succour whereby great glory would redound unto his name This was that which was given in charge to the Embassadours But whilst they were upon their way King Lewis fell sick and dyed It was thought that his death would have caused great alteration of Affairs The Embassadours were not recalled but commanded to go on and for what concern'd their Embassie they were to expect new commissions from the Senate King Lewis afforded the Common-wealth of Venice occasion of proving various successes of Fortune His Friendship was useful to them at the beginning for they made good advantage of his asistance to revenge the Injuries done them by Lodowick Sforza so as she got Cremona a great and rich City and for a while the favour and friendship of so great a King seemed to win the Common-wealth no small credit with other Princes but afterwards when not to part from the Friendship of the French the Venetians took up Arms against the Emperour Maximillian they fell into great troubles and dangers Moreover Lewis was the first Authour and Driver on of the League of Cambray which was cause of great ruine to the Common-wealth as may be partly known by what you have already heard Lastly he who had plotted so great mischiefs against the Common-wealth re-assuming his first affection towards her began to desire and to endeavour her exaltation and did at this time use all the means he could to make her return to her former Power and Honour And certainly the Common-wealths recovery of her State in Terra firma afterwards by the asistance of the French must be chiefly attributed to Lewis who did use the same various and uncertain Proceedings all his life time so as he made others by reason of his inconstancy make trial of Fortune several times so did not he neither continue stedfast either in prosperous or adverse fortune nor did he long make trial of the same luck All humane Affairs are for the most govern'd by such mutual alterations The End of the Second Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK III. THE CONTENTS FRancis Duke of Angolema is declared King of France He is well minded towards the Common-wealth which send Embassadours to him their Proposals to the King They go from thence to England Pasqualio sent to the Duke of Burgony Martin Georgio Embassadour at Rome The Pope cannot be reduced from his obstina y by the new Venetian Embassadours The King of France prepares for War he goes to Lyons The Switzers differences are adjusted by the Emperour and Ferdinand the Pope enters into League with Cesar. Embassadours sent by the King of Poland to the Senate The French enter Italy Alviano recovers Lodi The Armies are described Sedunense his Oration to incourage his men to Battle Colonna taken Prisoner A bickering between the French and Switzers before Millan The business succeeds well at last on the French behalf by Alviano's succour The number of the dead and the Victory uncertain Millan is in the French mens hands Sforza surrenders the Castle and himself The Kings Entry into Millan Alviano attempts the taking of Brescia and dyes there Giovan Giacomo Trivulcio succeeds Alviano The Spaniards defend Brescia stoutly The Venetians recover Peschiera and other Towns The Bastard of Savoy joyns with the Venetian Army departs from the Camp Pietro Navarro serves the Venetians he endeavours to take Brescia but in vain The Pope and King of France speak together at Bologno Brescia is relieved by Roncandolfo Wherefore the Venetians retreat from thence Trivulcio being distasted leaves the Army Theadoro Trivulcio succeeds him The King returns to France Andrea Trevisano near Barbone The Pope endeavours to alienate the Venetians from the French but fails therein New Wars made by Cesar by the King of England and by the Pope Cesar prepares to enter Italy The Venetians recall the French and take 8000 Switzers into pay Cesar attempts to take Asola but fails therein the French being afraid to retreat to Millan and are incouraged by Gritti Cesars Army is dissolved Brescia returns under the Venetian Government Lotreco betakes himself slowly to the Enterprize of Verona He retreats at last and is distasted by the Senate who are jealous of his Actions The King of France and Duke of Burgony meet at Brussels Divers difficulties which arise there an agreement is made at last by which Verona returns to be under the Venetians THeir time of rejoycing for the death of King Lewis who were troubled at the power of the French in Italy lasted but a little but the Venetians hopes began quickly to revive who desired the return of that Nation into Italy to reduce their Affairs to a better condition who were likely to have suffer'd longer by the late Kings death for Prince Francis Duke of Angulesne to whom by their ancient rights of that Kingdom he being descended of the House of the Capets and the nearest a Kin to the late King the succession did belong was declared King of France He being young and of an eager Spirit of a lively and ready wit greatly desirous of War and all things fitting for War being ready and prepared by King Lewis every one thought that the new King who suddenly had his eye upon Millan and wanted not Forces to assault it would forthwith send a powerful army to that purpose beyond the Mountains and
Streets and being come to the cathedral Church had much ado to get in at the Gates Here Lautrech having received the Keys of the City from the Bishop of Trent did at the same instant give them into the hands of the Venetian Commissaries Andrea Gritti and Giovan Paolo Gradinigo Then some of the chiefest of the Citizens did together with the Commissaries and in the name of all the rest congratulate the return of that City to under the command of the Common-wealth attesting the Citizens constant good will towards her and promising Loyalty and Obedience thereunto at all times These things being ended and the French assistance being to be dismis'd the Senate that they might not omit to shew their respects and love to so gallant a man and one who had deserved so well of the Common-wealth as Lautrech resolved to present him honourably in the name of the publick and charged Commissary Gritti to wait upon him to Millan When he came to Lodi he found Giovan Giacopo Trivulcio there who was come to meet him and to bring him the Order of St Mihel from the King Then after the passing of many complements on both sides Gritti left him who according to orders received from the Senate went to visit the other Cities belonging to the Common-wealth to provide for all things necessary for them and to confirm the people in their love to the Common-wealth And at last after having for so many years perform'd his faithful service with much applause to the Common-wealth having won much love amongst the Citizens and glory amongst Forreigners he returned to Venice Great joy and general Feastings was had throughout the whole City Every thing seemed to smile and to eccho forth joyful acclamations But chiefly all due praises were rendred to God and solemn processions devoutly made by publick Decree for many days thanks being given to God for his great goodness in having granted them a desired peace after so long and troublesome a War Great alms were given to Monastries and to Alms houses and such Citizens and Forreigners as had served the Common-wealth faithfully were well rewarded The Common-wealth being thus restored to her pristine greatness after having suffered so many Calamities and the Affairs of Italy being put as it was thought into a firm and settled condition the Venetians hoped they had been freed from all Fears for many years The End of the third Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK IV. THE CONTENTS THe Peace of the Common-wealth such Cities as were return'd to their obedience send Commissioners to the Senate Padua and Verona are strangely fortified The Venetian Merchants obstructed in Spain The situation of Venice A voyage of the Common-wealths Galltouns An end of the Truce with Maximillian A treaty of peace between him and the Venetians Universal Truce treated by the Pope Truce concluded between Cesar and the Venetians the conditions Maximillians death Francis King of France and Charles King of Spain contend who shall be Emperour Francis sends Embassadours to Venice to stand for him Charls is declared King of the Romans Soliman succeeds Selino in the Turkish Empire His nature Lodowick King of Hungary prepares for War He sends Embassadours to Venice The Venetians send Embassadours to Constantinople to confirm the peace The King of France scandalized at Charles his being chosen Emperour treats of confederacy with the Venetians The Pope hisitates The Dyet is held at Worms Cesar endeavours to make the Venetians his friends Cesars genius the like of the King of France The Peace of Italy is disturb'd The King of Hungary sends an Embassadour to Venice The Senate resolves to help that Kingdom Soliman takes Belgrado and frights all Hungary The death of Duke Loredano Antonio Grimani succeeds him The King of France speaks with the King of England at Ards in Picardy Commotions in Spain Risings in Germany New designs in the King of France The Pope agrees with Cesar. The Venetians endeavour Peace Preparations made by the Pope and Cesar. Lautrech goes for Italy The Venetians arm their Confines Ioyn with the French The Imperialists before Parma They retire to before Millan They take it Lautrech gets safe with his Horse to Como He winters in the Territories of Brescia The Duke of Ferrara in Field The death of Pope Leo the tenth The consequences thereof Lautrech marches into the field again He attempts Parma and Pâ—acenza but in vain He returns towards Millan Takes Novara and Vigueano The King of France prepares to go for Italy Lautrech gives over the Siege of Millan Sits down before Pavia Withdraws from thence The French and Imperialists meet at the Charter house of Pavia The Imperialists retreat to Biccoca where they are assaulted by the French The Switzers make a gallant retreat are backt by the Venetians The Switzers Impatiency marrs all Alberto Pietra's speech to make them keep the field They disband The Venetians and French retreat to the confines of the Common-wealth Lautrech repasses over the Mountains to acquaint the Court how Affairs go in Italy THe ensuing years contain more prosperous successes and will afford me more delightful matter to write on Wherefore I hasten thereunto as abhorring the memory of the past calamities and as weary as if I had had a part in those troubles and dangers The Common-wealth after the past Wars enjoy'd three years quiet in which time being healed of her so great labour and grievous adversity she began to hold up her head again and to resume her ancient power and reputation The Wars therefore which we now shall write of made by the Common-wealth on Terra firma though they be no less remarkable for the Grandetsa of Princes for famous Commanders Forces length of time and other circumstances yet were they more prosperous and of less danger the Common-wealth having taken up Wars for the space of almost ten years no less to defend the Affairs of her friends and confederates then her own and more for glory then safety In the beginning of the year 1517. all Truces being solemnly published as you have heard in the former Book and all men hoping that secure peace would assuredly ensue all the Cities on Terra firma which before the late War were under the Dominion of the Common-wealth were returned to her obedience and sent their Deputies to Venice to congratulate with the Senate that Arms were laid down with Honour and the State recovered And they did also willingly offer all their means forces and fortunes to be at the Common-wealths service The Senates first and chiefest care was to ease the City of Venice and all the other Citâ—es and Castles on Terra firma of many grievances which were imposed upon them in the more troublesome times of War by reason of the scarcity of publick monies to the end that private mens means being restored unto them in the time of peace they might be the readier to assist the Common-wealth at another time of need It was likewise
Venetians 296 marries Giulia daughter to the Duke of Camerino Succeeds his Father in the Dutchy of Vrbine and confirm'd by the Venetians in their service falls into the Popes displeasure for the Dutchy of Camerino 361. Yeilds up that Dutchy to the Church 557. Is made General of the Venetian Militia 611. Marries Virginia Neece to Pope Paul the third 621 H HEnry the 8. King of England undertakes to reconcile the Venetians with the Emperour 76. enters into a League with Charls the 5th 193. Offers to engage for the safety of Italy 223. Treats about relieving Pope Clement besieged by the Imperialists 255. Angry with the Venetians and why 349. Is displeased that he was not included by the Christian Princes in their League against the Turk 414. Makes a League with the Emperour against the King of France 591 Henry the 2. Son to King Francis marries Catarina Neece to Pope Clement the 7. Succeeds his Father in the Kingdom of France 354 355. Intends to make war in Italy 620. Negotiates a League with the German Princes against the Emperour 638. Favourâ— the Senesi in their insurrection 649 Henry the 3. King of France in his passage through Venice made a Noble Venetian 616 I IAnusbei sent from Soliman to the Venetians 363. Being sent to the Venetian General is taken by those of Cimera and restored gratis 379 Islands of the Archiepelagus taken from the Venetians by Barbarossa 392 Julius the 2. Pope his Death and Character 12 Julius the 3. Pope elected with great hopes from all men of future goodness 630. He answers not those expectations 632. Discovers himself to be an enemy to the French 639 L THe Landgrave of Hessen and other Protestant Princes raise up a vast Army in Germany 355 A League negotiated between the Venetians the French 8 9 10 11 Concluded 12. A League between the Pope the Emperour the King of Spain Sforza Duke of Milan and the Switzers 101. Between Pope Leo and Charls the 5. and the conditions thereof 174. Between Charls the 5. and Henry King of England 193. Between Charls the 5. and the Venetians 199. Between the Pope the King of France and the Venetians 227 A League between the Pope the Venetians and the Florentines 223 Between the Venetians and Francesco Sforza Duke of Milan 318. Between the Pope the Emperour and many Princes of Italy 348. Of the Christian Princes against Soliman 387. A League between the Pope the Emperour the Venetians and other Princes against the Tuâ—k 413 414. Of the Princes â—f Germany against the Emperour 641 Leo the tenth chosen Pope 13. His Designs in the beginning â—f his Popedom ibid. His ill Will to the Venetians 31. Negotiates a Peace between the Emperour and the Venetians 72 73. His Designs in that Negotiation 75. Enters into a League with the Emperour 174. Restores Parma and Piacenza to the King of France 125. Gives the King of France a meeting in Bologna 126. Negotiates an accord between the Emperour and the Venetians 125. Sends his Legate to the Emperour 133. Suspects the French 138. Puts for an universal Truce among Christian Princes 160. Sideth with the King of France in the Election of the Emperour 162. Unresolved to confirm the League with France 165. Ioyns in League with Charls the 5. against Milan 174 Dies 179. Lodi taken by the Switzers and retaken by Alviano 107. Sacked by the Switzers 137. Yeilded to the French Taken by the Imperialists 178. Taken by the French 202. Taken by the Venetians 228 Lodowick the 12. King of France gets the Dutchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Naples 4. Hath new practises on foot for the recovery of Milan 7. Makes a League with the Venetians 12. Makes a Truce with Ferdinand King of Spain 15. Raises an Army for Italy 16. Annulleth the Council of Lions and adhereth to that of Lateran 31. Dies whiles he prepares for invading Milan 92 Lodowick King of Hungary prepares for his own defence against Soliman 163. Sends an Embassadour to Venice 168. 170. Is relieved with monies by the Venetians ibid. Lewis Lord of Tramogly General for the King of France in the Enterprize of Milan 16. Passeth into Italy and takes Milan and other Cities 19. Assaults Novara 22. Draws off from before it 23. His Camp is routed by the Switzers 26. Returns into France ibid. Luigi Badoara Embassadour for the Venetians in France 395. And in Spain 398. Commissary General in Dalmatia 425. Embassadour to Constantinople and his Commission 571. Concludes a peace with the Turks and yeilds up to them Napoli and Malvasia 573 M MAffeo Leone and others punished for revealing the secrets of the Commonwealth of Venice to forraign Princes 574 Malta bestowed upon the Knights of Rhodes by Charls the 5. Marano seiz'd upon by Frangipane â—8 Assaulted by the Venetians 58 59. Taken by Baltrame Sacchia and yeilded up to the French 589. Given by the King of France to Pietro Strozzi who selleth it to the Venetians 598. The Marquess of Saluzzo with the French Army in Lombardy 228. Succeeds Lautrech before Naples whence he suddenly rises 287. His Army is defeated by the Imperialists and himself taken prisoner ibid. Maximilian the Emperour intends to drive the French out of Italy 5. His qualities 10. He stirs up the Great Turk against the Venetians 55. Makes great preparations for the War of Italy 102. Agrees with the Switzers and some Princes against the king of France 127. Affirms that the State of the Church belongs to the Empire 130. Passeth with an Army into Italy 133. Takes in many places of the Dutchy of Milan and besiegeth Milan 135 136. Returns into Germany 137. Makes peace with France 151 152. Makes a Truce with the Venetians ibid. Dies 161 Maurice Duke of Saxony helps the Emperor in his Wars against the Protestants 615 Milan yeilded up to Francis King of France 115. Besieged by the Emperour Maximilian 136 Taken by the Army of Charles the 5.178 In what condition it was by Pope Leo's death 180. Assaulted by the Popes and Venetians Forces 229. Besieged by the French and the Venetians 309. Returns into the hands of Duke Francesco Sforza 324. Falls into the Emperours 363 Monsieur de S Paul sent by King Francis with an Army into Italy 288. Ioyning with the Venetians he takes Pavia 190. Makes new progresses in Lombardy 308. Goes against Genoa 309. His Army is routed and he taken prisoner by Leva 310 N NAples assaulted by the Leagues Army 240. Besieged by Lautrech 279. Much streightned both by Land and Sea 282. The Siege is raised 287 The Nature and Customs of Charls the Fifth 167. Of Francis King of France 168. Of the French 296. Noble Venetians go to the defence of Padua and Trevigi 51. Employed in great Gallies into the Levant upon diverse sorts of merchandise 159. Sent by the Senate to the defence of their Cities in Terra Ferma 280. What they are that are so called 615. The Number of the vessels that were into the
to trouble Maximillian any longer with that unreasonable War These Letters being read in the Senate they resolved to justifie the Common-wealth by their Embassadour who was then resident in the Court of England and to free the King from such false suspitions The Senate seemed to wonder very much why Henry towards whom the Common-wealth had shewed such affection as became them well to do to a great Prince who was their Friend and Confederate a well Wisher and Amplifier of their Dignity should believe that the Venetians would injure him or should have endeavoured to disturbe his Victory whereat they had much rejoyced to witness which they had at this time sent Francisco Capello Embassadour into England who dyed in his journey thitherward But that as for those things whereof he particularly complained he was to know that all the Albanesi were not Subjects to the Common-wealth nor were the Venetians able to inhibite them the Service of other Princes That their Fleet was prepared not to assist others but only to withstand the so great Forces which the Enemy had prepared against their State that they had long before been Confederates with the French as the condition of those times required which was the reason why they had not satisfied Maximillian in his first requests Which had made him wage War with that Common-wealth not having been any ways injured by them nor had the Venetians taken up Arms against him otherwise then in their own defence that after these first successes and Truce being made it was violated by Cesar who entred in an hostile manner into their Dominion wherefore they were forced to take up Arms again to drive him out of their Confines whereby Henry might conceive that they had not been the first Authors of War against the Emperour having only endeavoured to keep themselves from being injured according to the wont of their Ancestors who were always accustomed neither to do nor suffer wrong And that notwithstanding they forbear not all this while endeavours by Letters by Embassadours and by all other means which they thought might do any good that the occasion of controversies being removed they might come to some Agreement with Cesar that many might witness this but especially the Arch-Bishop of York an honourable and worthy Gentleman who had often interceded in this Treaty of Peace and who knew very well what their intentions were and what the Enemies were minded to do that men would think that Cesar who was a great Prince should offer at nothing which was not honourable and becomming him yet it could not be denyed but that many of his Advisers did corrupt this his good Will endeavouring their own advantage by drawing out the War at length though they seemed to be concern'd in Cesars Interests only That therefore it became Henry who was a great and excellent King to be so just and moderate as not to suffer himself to be diverted by any conjunction which he had with the Emperour from what was fair and right but as a just and upright Arbitrator to interpose his Authority for the laying down of Arms on all sides upon such reasonable conditions as might not be injurious to any one So as the people of Christendom long molested with so many Wars might nâ—w enjoy some rest and safety and as for them they would the more willingly make peace with Maximillian in respect of Henry's being the Authour of it But all these endeavours were of little avail with a Prince who minded more the composing of his own Wars then those of others wherefore the Venetians finding no hopes of Agreement began to bethink themselves of War All people whom it became to speak their minds were enjoyn'd by the Senate to propound such things as they thought fittest for the raising of Monies upon such occasions Many things were propos'd and argued in the Senate with diversity of Opinions New Taxes were laid upon the City and several ways were found whereby to bring in Monies into the publick Treasury There was a new Magistracy instituted consisting but of three who had Authority given them to impose what sum they should please upon every Citizen or Inhabitant of Venice according to every mans condition and ability provided that it should not exceed 300 Duckets for any one Family or Person Moreover power was given to Alviano and two Savij of the Council who upon occasion of some other imployment were then in Padua to free such from exile as had been banished for no very grievous offences enjoyning them to pay such sums of Money as they should think fit for payment of the Army whereunto if any one should be backward their Goods were to be distrain'd So as in a short time the scarcity of the Exchequer was provided for and some hopes were had of being able to maintain War for a while Alviano being this mean while gone out of Friuli as hath been said the Senate being thereunto chiefly moved by the perswasions of Ierolimo Savorâ—gnano resolved to re-assume the Enterprize of Marano the chief care whereof was given to him who chearfully taking the imployment upon him and having got together about 2000 Country men and drawn 400 of the best Foot out of Udine went about this And that he might do it with the more safety and Honour Iovan Vitturi who commanded all the light Horse and Iovan Paolo Manfrone Captain of the Curassiers were ordered to pass with all their Horse over the Tagliamento and to be aiding to Savoragnano in his Enterprize by over-running the Country and by securing it from any new commotions of the Enemy moreover the Fleet was sent to the Marishes of Marano that it might be beseâ— both by Sea and Land As soon as Savoragnano came to Marano he possess'd himself of a strong situation not far from the Walls where he took up his Quarters He then began to make Ditches by which the Souldiers being shelter'd might get to the Walls The Town was situated much to our mens disadvantage for it was environ'd all about with low Moorish Grounds wherefore Savoragnano to overcome the badness of the Seat by Industy made certain rises of several materials like so many little Towers and did munite them excellently well whereby he got two great advantages the one that they might be a greater safety for his men if the Enemy should sally out of the Town at unawares the other that for matter of fight his men and the Enemy might be upon equal terms the one standing upon the Walls the other upon the made Rises Thus all things being prepared for an Assault towards which the Souldiers had already made some advancement some Captains who did differ in opinion from Savoragnano before meeting with some let by reason of deeper waters were occasion why what was before resolved upon was not put in execution And in the Interim Letters came to Savoragnano and the chiefest of the Army from the Senate wherein they signified their opinion that it was better to
the same chances That they should remember that they also being govern'd once more by their own peculiar affections then by reason and to revenge the injuries done by Lodowick Sforza had not such consideration as they ought to have had to the danger whereinto they put the Common-wealth by calling in for their Companion of War a powerful forreign King who was to neighbour upon their Dominions in stead of a weak Italian Prince That therefore they should be well advised and learn how to reap some advantage by the Popes favour which they had ever till now endeavoured to preserve Thus did Bembo deliver his Embassie in such manner as he was commanded but the Senate were much otherwise minded esteeming it neither a safe nor easie thing to have recourse to Cesar's favour and the Spaniards So as these the Popes request being reported to the Senate by the Savij of the council according to custome they were not accepted of but by frequent Votes they resolved to continue in the favour of the French and to give this Answer to the Popes Legate That his Embassie was very wâ—ll received by the Senate as well in respect of his own person whose worth and singular love to his Country was very well known to them all as also in regard of that Prince who had sent him for great had the observancy always been which the Common-wealth had born to the Popes of Rome but that their inclination bore them more particularly to reverence and observe Leo wherefore the Senate had always highly esteemed his wise Counsâ—ls and friendly Admonishments But that it had fallen out by a certain Fatality that the more they had desired his Friendship and Association above that of all others in so great variety of Affairs the less could they get to joyn in confederacy with him so as though their good wills were never sever'd from him yet it behooved that their Forces should be always divided That therefore as they returned many thanks unto his Holiness and did confess the great obligations which the Common-wealth had to him for his having by many endeavours readily imbraced and favoured their cause so were they very much troubled that they could not follow his advice since the ancient custom of the Common-wealth would not permit that leaving ancient Confederacies they should make new ones or unprovoked by any injury forbear to do that which was convenient fâ—r them and which by Articles and Conventions they were bound to do That they had always been taught by their Fore-fathers that what was honest was useful that therefore they could not without great Infamy to the Common-wealth break that League which they had a little before made with the French Moreover that if the Pope would call to mind the ancient merits of the Kings of France as well towards the Church as towards the State of Venice as also the Wealth and Power of so great a King he would commend this their advice and think that he himself ought to follow their example for the safety of the Ecclesiastical State and the greatness of his Family would be better founded by his adhering to the Forces of the French and to the Venetians Friendship Moreover they acquainted Bembo with their Jealousies which made them believe that such a Treaty of Peace would not be very safe Since the Pope was perswaded thereunto by the Emperour and by Ferdinand who as it did plainly appear did under a pretence of agreement plot as they formerly had done a pernicious War against the Common-wealth for at the same time when the Embassabour of Spain treated with the King of France touching the Affairs of Italy Ferdinando had begun to renew these Treaties of Peace out of no other end certainly but to make the King of France jealous of the Venetians whereby he might make more advantagious conditions with him Which when he should have done and that the Venetians were dis-associated from the French what could keep him from making himself Master of whole Italy which he had long endeavoured Bembo returned to the Pope with this answer to his Embassie The Venetians calling to mind what Leo had often affirmed that he would never give way no not though the Senate had assented thereunto that any part of the Common-wealth should remain in the power of any other knowing that by her the Liberty of Italy was chiefly maintain'd and that it behooved the Greatness of the House of Medici to have her for their leaning stock they certainly thought they ought not to believe much in his exhortations for at the same time that he divulged these things under pretence of Friendship he treated with them of peace after such a manner as that if it had been granted the Common-wealth would be berest of the richest and noblest part of her Dominions by consenting that Cesar should keep Verona a gallant City and the Gate of Italy whereby he might always enter at his pleasure to ruine her But the Venetians did build their chiefest hopes upon the coming of the French into Italy which made them care so little for Peace for Lewis not being able to fall upon the Enterprize of Millan the year before by reason of the War with England and yet longing very much to put an end to the War in Itataly the differences being now accorded between him and Henry King of England he had promised to send over a great and powerful Army very speedily to Italy to which when the Venetian Forces should be added they thought they might be able to drive their Enemies from the confines of the Common-wealth Who as they were more insolent by reason of the late troubles of the French so the force of the League being strengthened by their return into Italy and they themselves wanting many things especially Monies they would lay aside their audaciousness and for their own safeties sake put on new resolutions To increase these their hopes and to confirm such Princes as were their Friends still in Friendship with them they chose two Embassadours to send to the two Kings the one of France the other of England to wit Francisco Donato and Pietro Pasquillio but Donato falling soon after desperately sick they chose Sebastiano Giustiniano in his place They were first to congratulate with both these Kings for the Peace and Marriage which had ensued between them for Lewis had married Mary Sister to Henry and that they should render them many thanks for that the one and the other of these Princes had in the Articles of Peace made between them named the Venetians as their Friends and Confederates That they should also assure the King of France that the Senate had the same intentions as he had and the like desire of renewing the War and to increase the strength of the League that therefore he should not doubt of the Venetians good will towards him since they were not only most ready to continue the Friendship of the French and to prefer it at all
he was the more fervent herein for that he thought he had just cause to undertake this War since new reasons were added to the ancient pretences which the Kingdom of France had to that State for he had married Claudia eldest daughter to King Lewis to whom the state of Millan might seem to belong her Father being â—on to a daughter of Iovan Galleazo Visconte But the desire of redeeming the ancient reputation of the French Militia which he knew was much lessened by the unfortunate success of the battle before Novara by the dishonourable conventions made with the Switzers at Dijune and by the loss of two noble cities Terroana and Tornai which were taken by the English prevailed most with this young King who was desirous of Military Glory Which mischiefs King Lewis could not remedy for just when Fortune began to smile upon him and that the honour of France began to revive he dyed Francis therefore thought he had a fair occasion offer'd him of doing what he so much desired if by his Forces he should win a noble Dukedom which did of right belong unto him by which Enterprize the Glory of his name would be much increased and the Power of France and whereby way would be made for greater atchievements He therefore together with the Government of the Kingdom took upon him the same thoughts of renewing the War in Italy wherein his Father in Law Lewis had been much vers'd And knowing that Friendship with the State of Venice might make much towards his getting the Victory as soon as he had taken the Crown upon him he writ kind and affectionate Letters to the Senate wherein he acquainted them with his being King and shewing a ready and good affection towards the Common-wealth he seemed to desire to know their opinion touching their renewing of their League with the Kingdom of France and that if he should find them disposed like himself the League and ancient Friendship might easily be renewed to the common good He made the Bishop of Aste signifie as much unto them who was then in Venice having been sent Embassadour thither by King Lewis Wherefore the Venetians who at the same time coveted friendship with the French and desired that they would come into Italy and who as soon as they had heard of Lewis his death had charged their Embassadour Marco Dandalo that he should endeavour to pry into the secret counsels and intentions of the new King and should begin to treat of renewing the confederacy when they had received these Letters and Embassies from the King seeming to put an high esteem upon his Friendship they humbly thanked him for his affection to the Commonwealth and for his desire to assist them They promised to correspond with him in love and affection saying they knew very well how much it imported both of them to keep the Forces of France and theirs joyn'd together by reciprocal obligations of League That they were therefore ready to renew the present League and would always be ready to assist him in getting some Footing in Italy and in aggrandizing his Power so as he might be a terrour to his Enemies and a friend and sure help to the Common-wealth Moreover the Embassadours who were sent as you have heard to the Kings of France and England and who being upon their journey had tarried at Lyons after Lewis his death were ordered to go on and had commissions sent them to renew the League with the King of France These when they were come to Court did easily renew the League upon the former Articles To which the King was already so much inclined and treated with such fervency of the Affairs of Italy as he labour'd in all his discourses with the Venetian Embassadours to shew them what reasons had moved him to undertake this War affirming that he would never lay down Arms till he had gotten the state of Millan and till the Common-wealth had recovered all the Cities which she had lost and were returned to her former Dignity The Venetians were very glad of this the Kings resolutions and fearing lest this so great fervency might as it often falls out be by some new accident abated they shewed him how that the chiefest hopes of Victory lay in expedition to the end that the Enemy whose Forces were now much diminished and their resolutions doubtful and uncertain might not have time to recrute and re-assume courage and that the City of Crema this mean while which was known by experience might be a great help towards the recovery of Millan might not run any farther hazard which having for so many years undergone the inconveniences of War was now brought to great extreamity and that the Truce made with their Enemies being now near an end stood them in no stead for they had heard it credibly reported that Prospero Colonna had assembled his Forces together from all parts and prepared to besiege that City That the Senate would not be wanting in any thing that was in them to do who had already begun to raise new Souldiers and to provide Arms Money and Ammunition Moreover that though the War were chiefly to be made by Land-men yet thinking it not fit to lay aside the thought of ordering their Fleet that they might upon occasion therewith molest the Enemy they had resolved to rig out many Gallies entreating his Majesty that he would do the like The Embassadours having thus done all they had in command with the King at Paris they went into England to fulfill the other part of their Embassie where being graciously received they shewed in their first Audience The Venetians great sorrow for the death of King Lewis husband to King Henry's Sister a great Friend to the Common-wealth They then told the King how highly the Common-wealth was bound unto him for that in the Agreement made formerly with King Lewis and lately with King Francis he desired that she as a Friend and sharer with him in all his Fortunes might be particularly named and included in the League But afterwards at a more private Audience they earnestly desires him that he would by his Authority and by his exhortations confirm the King of France in the mind he seemed to be in of intending the Affairs of Italy and of sending assistance speedily to the Venetians and that in the mean time peace and friendship should be held inviolably between them from which great safety was to arise to both their States and much advantage to all Christendom that the Senate of Venice for their parts would never be wanting in any thing which might make for the gâ—od of the Crown of France or that of England and did very much desire that these present Kings as their Predecessors had done might know that the Common-wealth was much bound and tyed unto them This Embassie being done Giustiniano stay'd behind with Henry to treat of the Common-wealths affairs but Pasquillio return'd to France and being come to Paris he met with Letters and
tryed both prosperous and adverse fortune and who was lately return'd to his Country after having been many years banish'd for that being General at Sea he had not made good use of occasion in fighting and in overcoming the Turkish Fleet at Lepanto Grimani took upon him the place of Duke the Common-wealth being as you have heard by what is past in Peace and Tranquillity But such seeds of discords and war between Princes were already sown as it was to be feared they might bring forth new troubles in the Common-wealth and perhaps necessitate her to take up Arms again for Cesar who was already gone to Aquisgrane in Germany where he took upon him the first Crown of the Empire had still a great desire to come into Italy wherefore he had often times sollicicited the Venetian Senate to joyn with him thinking that the Friendship and Forces of the Common-wealth would be of great importance for his designs Therefore amongst other things he promised to invest them fully with all those Towns and Territories which he then possess'd and unto which the Empire laid any claim or pretence which the Venetians who knew that by just title and right they had long belonged to them did little value and therefore this was of no greater force then his other promises to make them alter their first intentions Wherefore they delay'd sending to congratulate with him according to custom for his acquired Dignity and having chosen Francisco Contarini for their Leiger Embassadour in the place of Gaspero Contarini who had stay'd at that Court the usual prefix'd time lest they might give any the least suspition to the French of their joyning with Cesar in any undertaking they retarded his expedition Wherefore Cesar dispairing to make the Venetians forego their friendship with the French he took a new resolution which was to send Monsiâ—ur Philiberto Embassadour to the Court of France with a resolute intention as he would have it believed either to agree with the King of France touching the Affairs of Italy excluding the Venetians or else that they being jealous thereof might at last be moved to joyn with him so to shun the greater evils which they had a little before had tryal of by the joyning of those two Crowns against the Common wealth And that he might leave nothing unattempted he by his Embassadour who was then resident in England complained grievously to the King thereof whose Authority was then so great as he was made Arbitrator and Moderator of all the important businesses which past amongst the Princes accusing the Venetians for that not having observed what they had promised in the Agreement made with Maximillian they had refused peace when he had offered it them But the Princes did the less believe these things for that Cesar at that same time that he seemed so much to desire peace was known to prepare for war Therefore King Francis acquainting with great sincerity the Venetians with this whole Treaty would not listen to Cesars Proposals but growing rather every day more and more desirous either to fall foul upon Cesars Territories or else to defend his own Dominions from being assaulted by him he applied himself to confirm his friends thereby to increase his power and reputation he therefore spoke with the King of England at Ardes a Town in Picardie to confirm the peace made between them but a little before and having a daughter born unto him he desired the Senate that she might be held at the Font by their Embassador and proceeded very civilly in all things with the Commonwealth But for all this the League which had been long treated of at Rome was not yet concluded but the Articles being drawn up by common consent and the Venetians having sent sufficient Commissions to their Embassadour then resident at Rome to ratifie them the Conclusion was defer'd by reason of new difficulties which arose For the King of France who was at first content that the League should aim onely at the peace and safety of Italy to the which the other Italian Prince being invited there was place reserved for such as would Confederate to the end that they might join in the Common cause made now new proposals which aimed at other ends moved thereunto either out of new desires or out of some new occasion seeing Cesar busied about many weighty affairs for there were many Commotions in many of the chiefest Cities of Spain which in a tumultuous manner sought to withdraw themselves from Charles his Government and constituting a popular Government to injoy Liberty as many Towns in Germany doe Besides many of the Princes and people of Germany shewed themselves to be but badly satisfied with the new Emperour for divers of his actions especially for Luther's being banished by Imperial Proclamation at the Dyet at Wormes so that he had reason enough to be troubled Wherefore the King of France thinking that those dangers were sufficiently secured which had first made him endeavour the League being little satisfied therewith as humane mindes especially those of Princes disquieted with new longings are easie to give way to new desires he more fervently coveted greater matters thinking that he had now a fitting opportunity offered him to oppose Cesar's greatness which did already grow too immoderate and particularly to drive him out of his Territories in Italy wherefore he made his forces move towards Navarre to assist the King and repossessed him of his ancient States which were formerly taken from him by King Ferdinando and did little less then discover his intentions openly in the Treaty of League with the Pope and Venetians The Pope moved by these or by some more hidden reasons he likewise being full of new cogitations began to propound new Articles in the conventions of the League desiring that it might be specified that all the Colleagues should be bound to assist him in punishing the Churches contumatious Subjects whereby it clearly appeared that his ancient desire of driving Duke Alfonso d'Este out of the Dominions of Ferara was risen up in him again which was nothing else but to kindle a great combustion in Italy for the less able the Duke knew himself to be to resist the power of the Colleagues by reason of his small forces and the little love his Subjects bore him the more he should be inforc'd to have recourse to Forraign aid for his defence and to leave no stone unturned The Venetians knowing that whereas they desired to procure quiet and safety both to themselves and to all Italy the way would by these new Obligations be opened to new troubles and to greater dangers they began likewise to proceed more slowly in concluding the Agreement For they maturely considered that it made not for their good wholly to break the Truce for five years confirmed by Cesar and to anger the King of England who they knew would not be pleased with the new Confederacy he having done many friendly offices to the Emperour Whilst the business
peace Cesar prepares to succour Genua Giorgio Sfonspere musters 10000 Dutch at Bolzano and in despite of the Confederates passes into the Country of Mantua Giovan de Medici his Valour The Dutch pass into Tuscany The Venetians succour the Popes State and send Marco Foscari to Florence The Imperial Fleet towards Genua is pursued by the Venetian Fleet chas'd by Navarro gets at last to Gaetta and lands the Vice-roy of Naples Renzo de Ceri sent by the King of France to Rome The Viceroy succours the Collonesi and besiegeth Frussolone The Colleagues attempt the taking of Naples their proceedings Important actions before the City The Neapolitans are afraid and are supported by Don Ugo Moncada The Ecclesiastical Army in disorder Burbone comes forth of Milan to joyn with the Duth and goes to Bologna The Pope the mean while concludes peace with the Viceroy his little discretion in laying down Arms his fears and his excuse to the Colleagus Embassadours A Tumult in Florence appeased by the Duke of Urbane Burbone despairing of the Enterprise marches towards Rome desires passage from the Pope which is denied wherefore he besiegeth the City he is shot upon the walls thereof with a musket and dies The Emperours Army enters Rome The Pope retires to the Castle of St Angelo Rome in a few dayes undergoes the miseries of being sack'd of Famine of Pestilence and suffers totall desolation of all things as well sacred as prophane THe Fortune and reputation of the French being much declined by their being driven in a short space out of the State of Milan and by Forces not greater then their own it was generally thought that the Venetians whose Army was defeated and the greatest part of their Horse by them dismist they having likewise given leave to their Commissary Gritti to return from the camp and come home having largely made good their Confederacy with King Francis though they got but little good thereby would at last follow the victorious Fortune of Charles the Emperour who as he had formerly seemed to desire their friendship so did he now more then ever endeavour to draw them to side with him hoping by reason of the low condition which the French were in to be able to seperate them from King Francis and believing that the preservation of the State of Milan and the good end of all the war did chiefly depend upon this new Confederacy and upon the assistance and forces of the Venetians for it was very certain that king Francis made great preparations to pass into Italy with a powerfull Army and that if he should be assisted by the Venetians the Emperialists and Sforzas would not be able long to maintain the burthen of so heavy a war As on the contrary if the Venetians should joyn with the Imperialists it was thought that the French would be kept from retiring into Italy being they were to meet with so stout resistance and that King Francis seing himself deprived of the Venetian's aid would lay aside all thoughts of coming into Italy as despairing of good Success Cesar therefore laboured hard to effect this and did not onely treat thereof at his own Court with Gasparo Cotarini who was Embassadour there for the Com-wealth acquainting him with many reasons wherefore the Senate should be perswaded to joyn in like Confederacy with him to defend the States of each other as they had of late years done with the King of France but he likewise interposed the authority of the King of England with whom Charles having had speech at his return from Spain he had had much discourse thereupon and the Cardinal of York had the copy of the Capitulations drawn up by the Emperour's Lord Chancellour and having acquainted Gasparo Contarini with them offered to moderate them and to make them such as the Common-wealth which had complained thereof as being too severe should have reason to accept them But the business requiring some length of time by reason of this distance of place a League was concluded between Charles and Henry reserving room for the Venetians to be comprehended therein if they would declare within three months and if they would accommodate their affairs first with Cesar either by way of Truce or Peace which being communicated to the Senate produced as then no other result save onely fair correspondency in general with a shew of being much inclined to peace and to friendship with Cesar so it might stand with the honour and safety of the Commonwealth and that since the Cardinal of York had already offered himself to be a Mediator and stickler in the business of greatest difficulty it was requisite to hear what he would propound before any resolution could be taken But the news of the French preparations for the affairs of Italy increasing dayly and greater doubts arising in Charles and Henry by reason of the Venetians delaying to put on any resolution that their State would continue their confederacy with France they resolved to send Embassadours to Venice to accelerate the conclusion of the League which was propounded by them The King of England's Embassadour came thither first which was Richard Pace who having received his Commission from his King whilest the said Richard was at Rome discharged his trust together with the Emperours Embassadour which was resident at Venice desiring in their Princes name that the Senate would declare what they intended to do when the King of France should return with an Army into Italy to possess himself of the State of Milan But the Emperours Embassadour proceeded further desiring that the Commonwealth would wage war against the King of France if he should not desist from troubling Cesar and from disturbing the peace of Italy alledging that the Venetians were bound to do so by a particular Confederacy made two years before at London wherein by particular consent of their Senate the State of Venice was named amongst the chief Contracters The Venetians proceeded very maturely in this Treaty weighing how pernicious any resolution they could put on might prove to the Commonwealth according to the various events which might happen in the affairs of Italy and by the secret Counsels of Princes for it was certain That if the King of France should through any accident that might happen delay sending a powerfull army on this side the Mountains his reputation would be so much lesned and the Forces and authority of his enemies so confirmed as the adherers to the French would be exposed to eminent dangers and on the other side to forego their Friendship to boot that it went against their general inclination brought with it no lesser difficulties For it was rather to be believed both in respect of the power and wealth of the Kingdom of France and out of the immense desire that King Francis had to get the State of Milan that the French would return with powerfull Forces on this side the Mountains and regain his former power and authority so as they might have means
altered the Colleagues should contribute such Forces as should be requisite to effect it and that when it should be gotten the Pope should determine to whom it should be given so as might make most for the quiet of Italy and so as it were done with the satisfaction of the Confederates without whose consent the Pope promised he would do nothing in that point that the new King who ere he should be should pay the usual Tribute to the Church and 70000 Duckets to the King of France whose pretences should remain entire to that Kingdome if it were not won now This being agreed upon the League was finally concluded in France Don Capona intervening for the Pope and Secretary Andrea Rosso for the State of Venice The end of this Conjunction was specified to be The freeing of the State of Milan from the oppression of the Imperialists the Liberty of Italy and the recovery of the King of France his children adhering for what concerned particularities and preparations for War to what had been formerly treated on and concluded with the Kingdome before the King had his Liberty Yet it was not published till they might know the King of England's resolution who was desired to be one of the chief Contractours For it was thought that his name and authority might adde much to the reputation thereof It was therefore resolved that some should be sent into England from the Colleagues to request Henry that he would quickly declare in the behalf of the Confederate Princes against Cesar. For the Pope there went Iovan Battista Sanya a man of an high spirit and great with the Datario for the King of France Ioan Ioachino and Mark Antonio Veniero for the Venetians who was intended before to be sent Embassadour thether from the Common-wealth But the king of England though he said he was very well inclined to this League and not well affected towards Cesar resolved notwithstanding not to declare himself publickly till he had desired Charles that to gratifie the Colleagues he would set the son of the most Christian King at Liberty and restore the State of Milan to Francisco Sforza which if he would not do he declared he was to denounce war against him in all their names which though it was consâ—nted unto yet the business was prolonged and divers difficulties promoted So as any longer delay being thought to be unseasonable the League between France and the Princes of Italy was published and proclaimed with great solemnity and it was generally thought that the Forces of this League would be able to quel the Imperialists and to drive them out of the State of Milan especially since the Castles of Cremona and Milan held still for Sforza There were at this time in the Venetian Army 1000 foot 900 Curasiers 800 Light-horse and a great many Switzers were suddenly expected taken into pay partly by the Pope and partly by the Venetians and partly by the King of France who when they should be arrived it was resolved that the Colleagues would go to succour the Castle of Milan to attempt the taking of that City and that on the other side the Marquis of Saluzzo should fall down into the Dukedome of Milan wiâ—h the French Curassiers and 10000 foot raised at the Confederates common expence and assault the Cities of Novarra and Alexandria and that in the mean while the Maritime affairs should be prepared to molest the Imperialists in other places and to divide their Forces The Venetians gave order to their Captain Generall and to Commissary Pietro Pesaro to bring their Camp as soon as might be to Chiari in the Territories of Brescia to begin the war and the Pope ordered all his Commanders and souldiers to go into the parts about Parma to the end that being joyned together they might do what should be thought best for the League But this joyning of forces was unseasonably deferr'd by reason of the difficulty in what place the Armies were to meet for Francesco Guicchiardini who was Lieutenant General of the Ecclesiastical Army would not give consent that the Pope's men should go to Cassalle Maggiore as it was first resolved alledging that the State of the Church was not to be abandoned though it was urged on the contrary that they being masters of the field there was no cause of fear This mean while Malatesta Baglione came to Lodi with a Troup of Vinetians where he had private intelligence with Lodovico Vistarlino a Citizen thereof and though there were in it a good Garrison of 1500 foot yet he easily took it and held it in the name of Francisco Sforza After this the whole Venetian Army past over the Poe and two dayes after the Popes men joyn'd with them and they went all to Milan the Duke of Urbane had good hopes to get the City at the first assault for he was informed by some of the Milaneses that the people were up and ready to side with them as soon as their Army should be come to the City and that the Imperial Commanders having already sent away their baggage would soon be gone themselves and give over the defence of the Town This was so verily believed as Lodovico Count di Belgiojoso had desired the Duke of Urbane to give him 2000 Foot with which he offerr'd to relieve the Castle of Milan The whole Army of the Confederates being advanced they quartered in the Monastory del Paradiso toward the Porta Romana with a firm intention to give an assault hoping to win the Suburbe and to lodg there and the enemy being often come forth to skirmish were still valiantly repuls'd by our men but soon after came the Duke of Burbone with a good number of foot and did not onely make good his station against such as skirmished with him but indammaged them on sundry parts so as the Duke of Urbane failing of his hopes of getting the city by assault and fearing lest he might fall into some greater disorder if he should tarry long in those quarters retreated with the whole camp in good order to Marignavo without receiving any prejudice But great hopes having been had by the Armies being drawn near Milan of good success in the Enterprise and there being great necessity of relieving the Castle of Milan the Senate when they heard by their Commissary that the camp was raised were very much amazed and grieved and the Duke to justifie this his act sent Luigi Gonzaga to Venice who might by word of mouth give an account of what was done and of the reasons which had moved the Duke thereunto whereupon the Senate were satisfied but the Pope was not so easily appeased he did not onely complain very much of this action but likewise of the manner of the Dukes proceedings for not having acquainted those that imployed him with his most important counsels which Guicchiardini did aggravate to the Pope by his bad offices done to the Duke being displeased with him because his Discourses were not well listned unto
of Peace between these two Princes The King did not acquaint the Venetian Senate with these Treaties till it was very late when by the departure of Queen Mother to the Diet at Cambray it could be concealed no longer nor did he then communicate any particulars unto them but did only promise he would come to no agreement with Cesar without their consent and knowledge and the like of the other Confederates and afterwards by endeavours which shewed him to be very well affected towards the Commonwealth he exhorted to universal peace which being as he said to be treated of at the Diet he desired that the Embassadors who were at his Court might have Commissions sent them to conclude it But the Senate though they were very jealous of the King's courses by these proceedings the rather for that they found he had long cunningly nourish'd them with hopes of his coming in person into Italy or of sending powerful forces both by Sea and Land and that yet he had done none of all this the King forbearing to do so for fear of disturbing this Treaty and expecting what the end thereof would be yet to shew that they had still the same minde which they ever had to peace and agreement they resolved to send commissions and authority to their two Embassadors who were yet together in the Court of France Giustiniano and Navagiero to intervene and promise in the name of the Commonwealth what should be fitting to the Treaty of peace But Navagiero having been very sick was dead before this Order came to France which was a great loss to the Commonwealth and much lamented by them all for he was a very learned Gentleman and when he betook himself to the management of publique affairs he shewed great ingenuity and wisdom Giustiniano remained then alone to negotiate this Treaty who received particular instructions from the Senate which in brief were That all things contained in the agreement of the year 23. should be punctually observed and likewise that whatsoever had been formerly promised and confirmed in the Diet at Worms should be effected for in the not observing of these things the difficulties between the Commonwealth and the House of Austria did depend but chiefly that whatsoever should become of the Agreement the restitution of the State of Milan to Francisco Sforza should primarily and principally be regarded But the Embassadour had no occasion to make use of these Instructions for though he followed the Queen to Cambray yet he kept for the most part at St Quintains some few miles from thence nor was he made acquainted with the most important particulars of the Treaty Wherefore the Senate began to be still more afraid that the King would minde himself only in the Agreement without any consideration of their or of the Confederates Interests and that his promise not to come to any Agreement without them was made not with any intention to keep it but least the Confederates should prevent him and by accommodating their affairs with Cesar should make his Agreement the harder and less advantagious To this purpose the King had likewise sent the Bishop of Tarba to Venice to treat of the particular provisions for War the which the less he intended the more did he seek to advantage himself thereby in the Treaty of peace that the contrary might be believed And soon after Theadore Trivultio being come to Venice by order from the King required the Senate to deposite the Cities of Ravenna and Cervia in his hands till some accommodation might be found in that business affirming that he did it to make the Pope declare himself since it was a thing of great moment to have him on their side if he should come himself in person into Italy to which answer was made that for as much as concern'd his coming the Commonwealth would in no wise be wanting in lending such assistance as they had often promised to witness the which they would be content to send twenty thousand Ducats by way of Imprest for the first payment to Susa or to Asti but touching the assignment of the Towns in Romagna that if the Universal Peace should be treated of in the Dyet at Cambray that was likewise to be decided together with the other difficulties and that the Senate would not be against such a deposition when they should see their affairs in a safe condition and when all other differences should be accorded But discovering the King 's cunning and contrary intentions in these intercessions they very much longed to hear the result of the Diet at Cambray The Senate therefore ordered their Embassadour in England Lodovico Faliero that he should mediate with King Henry who had alwaies been a friend to the Commonwealth to take upon him the protection of the Republique as he had formerly done when things went hardest with her and endeavour that in what should be treated off in the Dyet at Cambray nothing should be concluded which might prove prejudicial to her nor to the Liberty of Italy whereof he for many years past had to his infinite praise been a particular Defender Whilst these things were in treaty Cesar who for all this negotiation of peace gave not over thinking nor preparing for his coming into Italy came to Genua accompanied with many grâ—at Lords with thirty five Gallies and eighty other vessels having brought with him eight thousand foot and a thousand Horse from Spain which he caused to be landed at Savona that they might pass the more easily into Lombardy It was not easie to discern then what his design was for he had still constantly given out that he came into Italy to settle peace in her and to accommodate his differences with all the Italian Potentates yet he was very diligent in increasing his forces raising many Souldiers from all parts and giving order that all his men should meet in that place where he himself should be in person and resolving to go to Piacenza he sent forthwith to have his Lodgings prepared there Leva had at this time twelve thousand foot with him the Prince of Orenge was gone from Naples with seven thousand to Spoleti whither the Popes men were come Ten thousand Dutch foot began to fall down from Trent into the Territories of Verona which were raised in the County of Tirol and those that were lately come from Spain were eight thousand So as when all these should be met together the Emperour would have about fourty thousand foot in his service besides Horse whereof the number was not small the Dutch foot being accompanied with ten thousand Burgonian Horse The Italian Princes grew mightily afraid of this so very great power which increased by the fame that was given out though the King of France continued to affirm the contrary that peace was agreed upon between him and Cesar in the Diet at Cabrai all the other Colleagues being excluded Only the Pope measuring the danger according to the present state of affairs thought himself
that should be made by Sea and that sufficient provision was had for any attempt that might be made by Land by the former confederacy Even for the affairs of Genua against which no Forces could be brought which were not to pass through the State of Milan which was comprehended within the Articles of the League and that experience her self did demonstrate that sufficient provisions were had for all things in the first agreement since Italy had already enjoyed three years peace which was respected even by those that had a mind to disturbe her The King of France seeking how to strengthen these allegations made by the Venetians strove to remove all suspitions of his making War The French Cardinals urg'd this much with the Pope the French Embassadour as much with the Senate so as Cesar having no hopes to prevail with the Venetians and the Pope himself growing cool therein seeing his intercessions could do no good and two Moneths being already over since the convention met so as Cesar's desires and occasions called him back into Spain The League between the Pope and the Emperour and the other Princes of Italy to wit the Dukes of Milan and Ferrara and the Cities of Genua Sienna Lucca and Florence was concluded and published about the end of February In which it was agreed upon That the aforenamed should deposit 110000 Ducates that the same provision should be monthly paid according to the certain proportions by them all in time of War and in time of Peace 25000 Ducates for the entertainment of the Commanders And Antonio da Leva was declared Captain General of the League The Duke of Savoy was likwise comprehended herein for what concern'd his Territories in Italy and also the Duke of Mantua but without any particular Obligation to pay their part of this contribution And it was observable that though the Commonwealth had neither assented unto nor intervened by her Agents in any Treaties yet either to give more reputation to the business or to make other Princes jealous of the Commonwealth it was said in the contents of the draught of this agreement that the League made the year 1529. between the Pope and the other Confederates with the Common-wealth of Venice was confirmed and established adding thereunto the names of the aforesaid Italian Princes and this was not only proclaimed but printed so as copies hereof coming to Constantinople and to England it gave occasion to those Princes both of which were Cesar's declared enemies to complain somwhat of the Senate and to seem jealous of them And to aggravate the business with Soliman it was added that many of the in habitants of the Islands belonging to the Commonwealth were in the Fleet when it went to Corone and to work the like effect in Henry that the Doctors of Padua publiquely appointed thereunto had determined the point of marriage on Cesar's side and against the King of England whereby he lay at this time under Ecclesiastical censure by the Pope Yet the Senate was very much pleased that in this convention wherein the Duke of Milan was present the match was concluded between him and the Lady Christerna daughter to the King of Denmark by Isabella Cesars Sister which was very much desired by the Venetians that they might see the succession of the State of Milan setled in the Family of the Sforzas and in a Prince of that State and an Italian for which the Commonwealth had undergone so long and so sore Wars Cesar went then from Bullognia towards Milan intending to take Sea as he did at Genua whither twenty five Gallies were brought by Doria to convey him to Barcelona and when he came to Cremona he writ lovingly to the Venetian Senate in which Letters he seemed to admit of their excuses in not assenting to the new League and desired to be serviceable to the Commonwealth Thus fair intelligence and friendship continuing between the Commonwealth and the House of Austria and all parties appearing desirous that the disputes between the King of the Romans and the Commonwealth touching the restitution of certain places possess'd by Ferdinand but belonging to the Commonwealth might be decided wherin Cesar himself did also intercede at last by consent of all sides Lodovico Porro a Senator of Milan was chosen Umpire and Girolamo Bulfark a Dutch Doctor Arbytrator for Ferdinand and Matheo Avogaro Bresâ—iano Doctor and Chevalier for the Venetians These met in the City of Trent whither also Secretary Andrea Rosso was sent by the Senate that he might be assistant at this negotiation and might inform the Senate of all that should pass who hoping to have the Forts of Marano and Gradisca restored unto them by friendly composition upon the disbursing of a certain sum of money sent Iouanni Delfino Podesta of Verona to Trent likewise to assist in this business but so many difficulties were met withal in this and in other affairs as the convention was dissolved without having concluded any thing The Austrian Commissary would have nothing treated of but such things and in such manner as might prove advantagious to his Prince But when it was proposed on the Venetians behalf that such things should also be decided wherein they and their subjects suffered as the restitution of some Towns and chiefly those which were wrongfully possest by the Austrian subjects after the capitulation of Bullognia Bulfarch either saying he had not sufficient commission to treat thereof or making some other excuse sought to delay deviate such Treaties but chiefly he would have nothing to do with the restitution of Aqueleia which Ferdinand was ty'd to return to the Patriarch as to the lawful owner thereof a thing which was desired and endeavour'd by the Venetians for many respects and without which they would not assent to other things though they should be agreed upon Whilst these things past amongst the Christian Princes the Turks being very intent upon the recovery of Corone had prepared a gallant Fleet and sent it early to Sea to that purpose To give a counterpoise to which Doria had likewise put together many Men of War in several places These preparations forc'd the Venetians to re-arm their Gallies which they had in the preceding Winter disarmed but howsoever continuing their former resolution of not intermedling in any thing between these Princes they renewed their orders of the former year to their General Capello who continued still his charge in the Fleet wherefore he sent Francisco Dandalo Captain of the Gulf with a good squadron of Gallies into this our Sea to guard it from the Pyrats who being very many did much harm and sent four other Gallies for the same end to Zant and the great Gallion to Capâ— Malio a very commodious place for the Navigation of our Ships which go unto the Levant a very great Vessel of stupendious building and excellently well provided of men and artillery and he with the rest of the Fleet kept about Corfu being contented according to the
making any mention of her but with much prejudice to her affairs and not acquainting her with any such resolution And that the estimation he seemed to put upon the Common-wealth proceeded onely from his own interests which when they were severed from those of the Common-wealth he valued her honour nor safety no longer Yet in this variety of opinions all agreed in preserving friendship with the Crown of France as they had done of late years without quitting their Neutrality Wherefore as soon as they heard of King Francis his death they chose two Embassadours Vector Grimani and Matteo Dandelo who were to go forthwith for France to condole according to custome with the new King and Court-Lords and then to congratulate the King's succession to the Crown affirming that the Common-wealth was willing and ready to continue peace with the same observancy with Henry as they had done with his father and according to the usuall and antient affection born by the Venetians to the Crown of France The Italians made lesse account of Henry's of England's death he being lesse interessed in the affairs of Italy by reason of the far distance of his State but the Venetians valued the friendship of that King and Kingdom more then the rest not for any reason of State but for that by holding good intelligence with the English they received many conveniences in their Merchandising for divers sorts of Merchandise were usually sent from Venice to England so as the commerce with that Nation was very advantageous to the Venetian-Citizens and Merchants Wherefore the Common-wealth kept usually an Embassadour in Ordinary in England who being upon some occasions removed in the time of war with France upon the ensuing peace the same King desired the Embassadour might return and Bernardo Navagiero was chosen for that employment whose journey was stopt by Henry's death who by reason of this commerce had tane a great affection to the Venetians and did much favour the affairs of the Common-wealth in her times of greatest trouble as may be known by the precedent Narrations And though being alter'd in his own conditions his minde was sometimes alter'd in this point and his friendship lessened he continued notwithstanding to make much of those of the Nation particularly of the Nobility in whom upon many occasions he did confide in many most important businesses and lately in the Treaty of peace with France he made use of Francesco Bernardo a young man full of spirit who for some occasions of his own kept in that Kingdom and past often by order from the King into France and was the chief instrument in making the peace King Henry was succeeded by his son Edward who not being yet eleaven years old the government of the Kingdom was put into the hands of some of the chief Barons The Senate chose Dominico Bolani their Embassadour for England who met with excellent correspondency in the chief Lords and those of greatest authority touching the maintenance of friendship and commerce with the Venetians with promises of giving fair entertainment to all Venetians who should come to that Island But the peace between the English and the French lasted but a while the Inhabitants of both Nations being naturally enemies for the King of Scotland having left one onely daughter heir to his Kingdom King Edward's Governours desired she might be married to their King so as those two Kingdoms might be joyned under one Government as they are joyned in neighbourhood But the Scots abhorring to be brought under the obedience of the King of England to preserve the honour of their Kingdom and through a naturall hatred which they bear to all the English would not give ear thereunto and had recourse to France for help if the English should endeavour to compell them by force of Arms promising their Queen to Henry for wise to one of his sons together with the succession of that Kingdom and obliging themselves to bring her into France as a pledge of their fidelity These offers were the readilier accepted by King Henry who took upon him the protection of the Infant-Queen and of the Kingdom of Scotland For that being desirous of acquiring new Dominions he was not well pleased with the agreement made by his father whereby the City of Bullen was to remain in possession of the English So that a bitter war began already to be kindled between these two Kingdoms Those that dreaded Cesar's power did much dislike to see the new King busied in this enterprise whereby he was to give over the thoughts of Italy and leave Cesar free to prosecute his own designes But of all others the Pope was most troubled hereat who not onely for the common cause but for his own private interests also had designed to bridle Cesar's greatnesse by the French forces He therefore resolved to send Cardinall St. George into France to procure as it was given out that the French Prelates might come to the Councill of Bullognia but indeed to make the King set his minde to oppose Cesar's greatnesse offering him therein his friendship and assistance Whereunto Henry willingly listned as he who being strangely ambitious of warlick glory would not let any occasion slip of making war upon hopes of doing some remarkable action for which the Pope was thought a very fit instrument in regard of his forces for the opportunity of affairs in Italy and much more in respect of his authority Wherefore being easily perswaded to attempt novelties he set his minde upon encreasing his faction in Italy by all means that he might and to gain friends and amongst the rest he sent for Pietro Strozzi whom he honoured with the Order of St. Michael which was then in great esteem and given onely to people of great birth and such as had deserved very well of the Crown of France esteeming him for the vivacity of his spirit for his being an enemy to quietnesse and for his being greatly followed by out-lawed Florentines and others to be an apt instrument to make some important commotion for the service of the Crown of France by disturbing the affairs of Italy He also fomented the rising of those of Sâ—enna and incited them to defend their Liberties out of hopes of his assistance but the Pope and King of France between whom a union was already setled and confirm'd Horatio Fernese Son to Pier Luigi having married a naturall daughter of Henries bent chiefly all their indeavours to get the Venetian Senate to joyn with them whereupon they thought they were to ground their chief foundation of attempting any thing in Italy against Caesar to which purpose the King sent Monsieur de Soissonne to Venice a man of great account for his births sake and to the same purpose made use of Monsieur de la Casa who was the Popes Nuncio there These hoped to finde the Venetians more ready hereunto than they had been formerly for what hath been already said of Cesars Atchievements and particularly in consideration of
endeavour that this Friendship and Peace might be confirm'd by the King as soon as might be Lewis seemed to be content with what was done and promised to make good all that had been agreed upon by Ferrario except that Article of yeâ—lding up Cremona and Giaradada to the Venetians which places he absolutely denyed to surrender up to any The Venetians would very gladly have had Cremona restored for when they called to memory what expence and labour they had been at in the getting of it the more desirous they were to re-possess it To which purpose they used these reasons to the King that either of their States ought to be bounded by remarkable Confines to take away all future occasions which might arise of breaking their Amity which could be none else but the two Rivers of Poe and Ada that the Cities of Brescia and Cremona were so scituated as unless they were Masters of Cremona their Dominion must be continually divided and weak and subject to many Inconveniences That the better to strengthen the new League it was best to renew it upon the same conditions which were formerly accepted of by the King that the King could not retract without injury to them from any thing which was treated upon and concluded by Feâ—rerio not without his knowledg Thus whilst both the parties were firm to their opinions Affairs grew every day more difficult and there appeared less hope of bringing them to their desired end The Pope was very much moved when he heard of this Treaty though it came to him but by an uncertain Rumor and was occasioned rather by Jealousie than by apparent Evidence he therefore being desirous to keep the French and the Venetians divided began to lay aside much of that severity wherewith he had wont to treat with them and endeavoured to sweeten them with many Courtesies and Humanities He excused himself for having entred into a new League with Caesar whereunto he was inforced for the avoiding of many mischiefes He promised that when he should have secured his own Affairs he would declare himself a Friend to the Common-wealth that the mean while he would not take up any Temporal Army against them but would annull the Ecclesiastical Censures which he had laid upon them Moreover the Switzers exhorted thereunto by Cardinal Sedunensa a great Friend to the French and being also stirr'd up by the Pope sent their Embassadours to Venice to use their Authority in this business which at this time was very great with all Princes out of the high esteem which was had of their Military Valour These exhorted the Senate to Peace and making great boasts of themselves and of their Power strove to make all other Friendships less safe and less desirable than theirs Likewise by Advice of the same Pope the Vice-roy of Naples sent Pietro di Castro to Venice to let the Senate understand that the Vice-roy had Power to prolong as long as they should please the Peace which but a little before they had concluded with Caesar by Ferdinand's procurement and to use all means to confirm such as were jealous in their ancient Friendship and Affection with his King The Senators being assaulted by these several Adresses as if it had been by so many Engines whereas they were joyntly minded before to make Peace with France and renew the War some of them began now to think upon Peace which they did the sooner because News came every day from several parts of great Preparations for War which Henry King of England was making to assault France Whence it was to be feared that King Lewis being busied in defending his own Kingdomes could not that year bethink himself of the Affairs of Italy nor imploy his Forces therein Therefore as soon as any Proposition was made tending to the new League the others by spinning out time endeavoured to abstruct the business They put them in mind of the great miseries of those times affirming that after so much labour and danger it was now time to endeavour Peace to themselves and their Subjects That all humane things were governed with a certain variety and change and by a perpetual turning about were seen sometimes to increase sometimes to diminish that their Common-wealth had enjoy'd Prosperity for a long time it now became them to bear with some Adversity that when the times should alter she might recover her ancient Reputation Empire and Glory That therefore they were to use such Wisdom and Temper as not to bring their Common-wealth to ultimate ruine by pressing upon time and by too hastily accelerating the nâ—w growth of their Common-wealth that all Italy might bear witness of the French mens cruel dispositions which being imperiously used by them as well in Peace as in War might prove how this Nation was equally â—roublesome and insupportable both to their Friends and Enemies That to open the way again to this barbarous Nation was to return Italy into much misery and calamity That Maximillian 's nature was such as through his Inconstancy and immense Prodigality which had oft time brought him to greatest Extremities they might assuredly hope shortly and at no great expence to recover all that he possest of theirs But others laboured to perswade the contrary who were of opinion that a high though no assured hope ought to be preferr'd before safer but more humble thoughts They said the Venetians were never so overcome by fear as by so great a desire of quiet to forego all occasions of just and glorious War That it was therefore that the fame of their Common-wealth was so highly extoll'd and lowdly cryed up even in the farthest distant Nations And that she had then purchas'd most praise when she appeared to be almost extinct triumphing over victorious Fortune That they should still keep the same noble resolutions for all things do at last bow to Worth That their greatest dangers were already over that they did not fight now for safety but now for Glory and Empire That since they had so freely undergone the weight of so great War there was no necessity of oppressing the little remainders by Peace and Agreement but to secure their Affairs for a longer time by a famous Victory That they should remember what the common Proverb sayes That every one builds up his own Fortune That the loss at Geradada was accompanied by many other unfortunate successes because dispairing so soon they neither hoped for nor put for any thing But as assoon as they began to rouze up their minds their Fortune began likewise to rouze up and their good hopes were accompanyed by good success That if the Affairs of Italy should be established in a setled Peace and that Venice now accustomed to the Inconveniences of War should be abased with idleness and wantonness it would be too late to hope for the recovery hereafter of her former State and Dignity That the condition of Italy was now such as she needed not to fear any prejudice by the coming in of
the French but that she might the rather recover her liberty by means of their Forces so much the more easily for that being now Lorded over by several powerful Princes every one of their Authorities would become weaker and less formidable and one not bearing with an others greatness it might so fall out as she might shake off the yoke of all forraign Nations That if she should now sit down by so great injuries done her by her Collegues she would assuredly be hereafter scorn'd by all people and injur'd without any manner of respect that this might be argued by the French mens so much desiring amity with the Common-wealth for no other reason save only that they knew how generous and powerful she was by the revenge which she had taken of them From this diversity of opinions and contention the advice for War or Peace was carried on uncertainly The doubtfulness of the thing it self was rendred yet more doubtful by the nature and condition of those with whom they treated For the Emperour Maximillian was of a lively Spirit able Body patient in undergoing Labor and with all was well acquainted with Military Affairs But his driâ—ts and affections were contrary to one another He was hasty in Council his Speech and Actions differ'd he willingly imbraced all that was presented unto him but did not much minde the effecting of them The Name of the Empire was large and magnifick but this Dignity was rather sustained by an appearing greatness then by any real strength It was otherwise with King Lewis the power of whose Kingdom was very great and his desire of War no less But his desire of Dominion was such as he made it lawful to break his word and to violate all Justice which the Venetians were sufficiently taught by the remembrance of their late received Injuries Therefore as his Friendship seemed in some respects greatly desireable so in some other it was as dangerous and suspitious No certain hope was to be built upon the Popes nor the King of Spains promises their assistance being weak and uncertain and their Counsels not very sincere which was sufficiently witnessed by their past Actions So as it might easily be known that their thoughts were set only upon their own particular designs not upon the preservation of the Common-wealth Hence it was that the hopes and hazards of War were equally poysed The Senators opinions being thus divided the good Fortune of the Common-wealth did at last decide the business which had destinied her to a larger and more lasting Empire For this business being long discust by the Colledg of the Savii who are sixteen pickt out by the Senate distinguisht amongst themselves by several degrees of Dignities and by distinct Offices to whom it belongs to advise of all publique Affairs and report them to the Senate it was by a joynt Vote propounded that by all means the League was to be made with the French whereby the Common-wealth might be freed from the Treachery of the Confederates The Senate was well pleased with the agreement and with almost an universal consent the renewing of the War was agreed upon and that the business might be the more easily proceeded in they not having of many days received any Letters from Gritti the Senate sent one speedily away to treat the business with the King and Luigi di Pietro Secretary to the Council of Ten was chosen out to this purpose He was enjoyn'd first to endeavour Gritti's liberty if it were not already granted him For the Senate had at the same time chosen him for their Embassadour authorizing him to confirm the agreement and to bind the Common-wealth by oath to the observancy thereof but that if Gritti's setting at liberty should be too long delayed that he himself should act that part with the King that he should leave nothing undone to get Cremona and Giaradada to be restored to the Commonwealth but that if he should finde no hope thereof he should not notwithstanding delay setling the agreement provided that things agreed upon should imediately be put in effect and that the Kings men should forthwith come into Italy For all the hopes of Victory seemed to consist in making haste and in the terror of a sudden War whilst the Enemies being but yet weak might be easily supprest But before the Secretary could get to the Court of France the Pope unexpectedly dyed notwithstanding which News he was not sent for back it being uncertain who should be chosen next Pope and no less uncertain how he would stand affected to Venice and howsoever the Senate thought the Friendship of so great a King must be a great Establishment and Reputation to their Affairs It was said that a great affliction of mind was the chief cause of Pope Iulio's death for being very much subject to passion and immoderately desirous of Glory he could not long lye under the grief hearing his advice mightily blamed by all men That by his too much severity he had forced the Venetians to make Friendship with the French and was cause of re-kindling the War in Italy which not long before he had much to his Praise extinguished It was evidently seen by many signs that Iulio was of a very eager Spirit which neither his Age nor Dignity was able to correct or temper As soon as the Secretary was come to France the King granted Gritti his full Liberty and the League was suddenly concluded upon these conditions That Cremona and Giaradada should be understood to be annext to the State of Millan and to belong unto the King but that Brescia Burgamo and Crema should remain free to the Venetians and that the King should quit all his Claim or Right therein to them That the Collegues should be bound to assist each other and to run the same fortune in War till such time as the King should be Master of the whole State of Millan and that likewise the Common-wealth should be re-invested in all that she was possest of in Terra Firma before the War That all Prisoners on either side should be set at liberty and restored to their Goods and Countrie and that free commerce might be granted both in the State of Venice and in France It was afterwards added that by joynt consent they should use all diligence to draw any Prince of Italy into the League and particularly the Pope who if he would enter thereinto should be allotted the first place The League being thus concluded and establish'd by Oath on all sides free power to depart the Kingdom was permitted to Gritti to Bartholomeo a' Alviano and to all the other Prisoners Things being thus disposed of and confirmed the Senate thought it was fit to give an account thereof to the other Kingdomes and chiefly to the King of England which by publique order was done by the Common-wealths Embassadour then resident in that Court Who said That the Venetians moved by the Counsels and friendly Advertisements of that King had the more
any Prince which was not done by his Council and Authority Wherefore it was that at the same time and by the same means he endeavoured contrary things The Count di Caretto who was gone a little before this time from Venice to the Vice-roys Camp his Secretary who stay'd at Venice to dispatch such things as should occur was present at the treaty of Peace which was negotiated by Santesio and did by Order from him interpose the Kings Authority therein But this business which had been so often in treaty had no better success now then it had at other times For the Venetian Senate being disposed alike in all Fortunes and not yielding any thing to the present calamities resolved not to accommodate their counsels to their Enemies desires but to do in what concern'd either Peace or War what they thought stood most with the Dignity of the Common-wealth There was one thing only which might seem to detract from their hopes and from their constancy of mind which was that certain News was given out that the King of Fraâ—ce with whom as it hath been said Ferdinando had made Truce for what concern'd Affairs on the other side the Mountains did also treat with him upon conditions of Peace which if it should succeed there was reason to doubt that Caesar would likewise joyn with them and that being all joyn'd together they might once more endeavour the prejudice of the Common-wealth And this was the more likely to be believed for that the King of France stood in need of such Friendships now that a heavy War was threatned him by the English The English Army which was very numerous was already past over the Sea to Callis in France and King Henry was ready to pass over himself to be present at this Enterprise Therefore upon this so weighty occasion the Senate thought fit to confirm King Lewis by all means possible in his former taken resolution and to exhort him by the mouth of their Embassadour Dandalo who was then Resident at that Court not to give the Affairs of Italy quite over That he would endeavour as soon as might be to renew the War before the Reputation which he had wonne was lessened and before his Claim to the Dukedom of Millan which did now begin to be of Force and Vigour should grow stale That the Forces of so great a King were not so much lessened for one Rout received at Novara as that he should suffer the Switzers a Mountainous Nation and which wanted all things to say they had driven a powerful Prince out of his Dominions and rob'd him of all the Praise and Profit of the Victory which he had almost already got That his Majesty of France would put on such Resolutions as became his greatness and assure himself that the Venetians would never be wanting in any thing to him That he might command their Forces Men and Money for whilst they had any Power nay whilst they should have Breath and Life they were ready to expose themselves to all hardship and danger for the Greatness of the Kingdom of France and in defence of the common cause To these things King Lewis answered That he very much thanked the Venetians for this their Civility he gave them very good words and hopes shewing a great desire to revenge himself of his Enemies for the Injuries which he had received that it was true his Forces were somewhat diminished but that his mind continued still the same and chiefly in prosecuting the War and continuing League and Friendship with them That it was the ancient Custom of the Kings of France not to be grievous but helpful to their Friends That therefore though he should little mind the Affairs of Italy for any Interest of his own he would not be unmindful of his Obligations to the Venetians wherefore he would be ready with all his might to help them to recover their ancient Dominions and to increase their Honour and Dignity But it was certainly held that the King of France could not minde the Affairs of Italy that year his Kingdom being infested in several parts for not only the Kâ—ng of England but Cesar and the Switzers had declared themselvs his enemies Yet the Venetians thought it must needs make for their Affairs to keep the Kings mind by these means still set on Glory and confirm'd with hopes of better successe and to keep him their Friend as much as they could And that they might begin to receive that advantage by this Negotiation at least which they could not as then expect from his Forces they exhorted the King that since he could not at present imploy his Forces nor his thoughts upon the Affairs of Italy he would the mean while endeavour to remove all those Impediments which might afterwards when he should have leisure to think thereon make his acquisition of the Dukedom of Millan more difficult That therefore he should endeavour to get help from all parts and that he should chiefly get the Pope to joyn with him in League and Friendship Which thing being desired very much by his Nobility and generally by all the people of France Lewis was perswaded to send the Bishop of Marcelles Embassadour to Rome to let the Pope know That he had annull'd the Counsel which he had formerly removed to Lyons and was ready to joyn with that of Latheran which was then celebrated in Rome and that following the Custom of his Ancestors he would alwayes highly honour the holy Name of Pope and would be ready to defend the Church of Rome to the utmost of his Power At the same time the Venetians sent ten Embassadours to the Pope all of them both for Age and Dignity the chief of the City that they might witness the singular Affection and Reverence which they bore unto him which having formerly endeavour'd to do they had appointed their Embassadour at Rome Francisco Foscari that as soon as the Counsel should be begun which the Pope had intimated to be held at St. Iohn of Latherans he should be present there in the name of the Common-wealth But afterwards they found the Popes mind to be otherwise disposed than they had thought for fearing now no more the French Forces after the Rout at Novara which was the reason why till then he had handled his business variously desembling his secret Intentions expecting the Issue of that War he began to discover himself and the Practices which he had held secretly before with the Common-wealths Enemies He reprehended the Venetians and blamed them for having call'd back the French into Italy to their own prejudice and the like of others and that they who ought moâ—e then all the rest to have laboured the quiet and liberty of Italy were the cause of raising new Commotions and of bringing her again under the Slavery of Barbarians Which that they might appear the more hainous faults he accused them of being minded if their Affairs had succeeded prosperously to turn their Forces against
and if he should find in him a well disposed will to be then able to increase it and to dispose of the Kings Forces at his pleasure But King Francis seeing his ancient Enemies re-kindle their hatred and his Friends behave themselves as Enemies and that they all conspired together against him as it is always seen that prosperity produces envy thought nothing could make more for his good at the present then to take the Pope from his Enemies and joyn his Holiness to him Cesar and the Switzers were already joyn'd together and it was commonly said that the King of Spain and King of England were likewise joyn'd with them the latter because he could not willingly endure to see the King of France his power and glory increase so much and the other because it was held for certain that when the French should be at peace with the rest he would soon make War with him either to put the King of Navar into his State or else to recover the Kingdom of Naples Wherefore King Francis finding such dangers threatened him by so many Enemies thought he had provided the better for his affairs by how much he should joyn in a straiter League and Friendship with the Pope Those things being then thus disposed of which concern'd the annexing the Forces and Authority of the Church unto him he began to think of his return into France to comply with his wives entreaties but much more to secure his Kingdom from the imminent danger of War by the men that he brought back with him and he stay'd now only that he might first somewhat establish the Venetians affairs and so increase the Forces of the League as though he were not himself in person in Italy he might have no reason to fear the Enemy for what concern'd the State of Millan Therefore as soon as he was gone from Bolognia and arrived at Millan he chiefly minded the sending of more Forces time enough to the Venetian Camp before Brescia Which was already reduced thereby to so great straits as it was thought it would soon fall into the Common-wealths hands It was known that the Souldiers who defended it and who had already shew'd great Valour in resisting many assaults being weary through so many inconveniences of the Siege and chiefly not having received pay nor relief nor Cesar not having taken any provision for it were brought almost to the very last point of despair in so much as the Spanish Souldiers had agreed that if the promised relief should not come from Cesar within twenty days they would deliver up the City to the Venetians upon condition that they might be permitted to go forth with their Colours and their other Military Affairs The King was particularly inform'd of these Proceedings by the Venetian Embassadours who accompanied him all this journey and shew'd him how affairs went and desired him not to give over the hopes of getting that City but to send his men forthwith to the Venetian camp to keep the Dutch Foot from relieving the City who were led on by Captain Roncandolfo which if it should succeed well so many moneths time would be spent in vain and they should lose so fair an opportunity of putting an end unto the War But though the King very well knew the importancy of the business he could not use such diligence as that the French aid could prevent the coming of the Dutch Foot who being 8000 in number entred all safe into the City the 20 days not being yet expired not meeting with any obsticle for the Common-wealths Souldiers who when News came of the Enemies approach were sent to the strait Passes of the Mountains basely retreated to the Army not staying so much as to look the Enemy in the face The Dutch had for their guid in this their voyage Captain Lodovico da Ladrone who being very well practised in those parts led them over the tops of Mountains by unusual ways so as getting at unawares out of those strait and difficult Passes they caused thereby more fear in our men When News came to the Venetian camp that the Enemy was come they differ'd in their opinions some were for continuing the Siege some for carrying the Army elsewhere but the number of the Dutch Foot being given out to be greater then indeed it was and the Spies having informed at the same time that Marco Antonio Colonna was gone out of Verona and entred into the confines of Mantua and hasted to assault them the Venetian Commanders fearing that if they should tarry any longer they might easily be incompassed on both sides by the Enemy thought it best to raise the Siege So the Artillery being brought into the Cities of Crema and Cremona the Army march'd to Castelnedulo six miles from Brescia When this News came to Venice it caused much wonder and as much sorrow in all the Citizens who built confidently upon the getting of Brescia The Captain General and Commissaries had by letters advertised the Senate that all the Passes were so guarded by our Souldiers as it was impossible for the Besieged to receive any succour And this was the more credibly believed because News came at the same time that the Forces which were sent from the French to assist our Camp which were 3000 Dutch Foot and 400 Horse were already on their way from Millan And assuredly the Common-wealth lost no little reputation hereby to think that so few men gathered together out of the Countrey unexperienced in the Militia without either Artillery or Horse should infuse such fear into a numerous Army so well provided of all things as was that of the Venetians and French and which expected new succours suddenly as should make them give over their hopes of getting the City by Siege and to change their Quarters Trivulcio was accused by many of too much haste and bad advice in losing the opportunity of putting an end unto his business which so much labour had been bestowed about Whereat he being very much incensed he demanded leave to quit the Service of the Common-wealth alledging that he was sent for home about some private affairs of his own which would not suffer him to tarry any longer in the camp But the Senate who thought this mans reputation and skill might be of great help in that War writ unto him and exagerating his Worth said They had always found much fidelity in his Actions and much readiness and had never found fault with him but much commended him for it that it became not the gravity of a Senate when things wisely undertaken did not succeed well to lay the fault upon the Authors according to the custom of the common people that they therefore never blamed any thing but the bitterness of the Season and the Fortune of War which had been so long averse to the Common-wealth so as though they might be sometimes troubled at the success of the Commanders counsels and advices yet knowing them to be good they did not
that it would be his Fate to return the Dignity of the Empire in Italy by his Forces to its former greatness Therefore they who thought they saw more into Leo's intentions were of opinion that his chief aim was to take the Venetians off from the friendship of the French Which if he could not do yet that by the weakening of their Forces those of the King of France would likewise be weakened he being a friend and confederate of the Common-wealths whose greatness moved thereunto either by hatred or fear the Pope could not tolerate Whereas he was less jealous of Cesar's Forces as well in his own respect as of that of the Church by reason of his natural light headedness by reason of his paucity of men and want of monies for which reasons he thought his greatness could never be so well grounded but that it might by some chance be made to toâ—ter Thus did this year end mens minds being variously possess'd with hope and fear and not knowing what the end of so many evils would be for in the beginning of the next year which was the year of our Lord 1516 and the 8th year from the time that all Italy and especially the State of Venice began to be sorely molested with War new Preparations for Arms and evident signs of future troubles began to appear Souldiers were taken into pay every where more means were used for the renewing of War then was before and chiefly the Venetians refusing all Treaties of Peace or of new Leagues and being return'd to besiege Brescia with great hopes of gaining it were resolute to continue the War till such time as they should have gotten that City either by force or by voluntary surrender Cesar also who had not been himself in person in any of the Armies the last year past but managing the War by his Captains had not managed it over well re-assuming his former thirst after War sought to raise commotions in all parts and to augment his Forces that he might molest the affairs of Italy he called many Dyets craved aids muster'd men sent for Commanders but he chiefly sollicited the Switzers to take up Arms and to revenge the death of their valiant companions promising to be their Leader and to be willing to share with them in all labour and danger The King of England did the like out of envy to the King of France his recent glory and out of anger that he had taken the King of Scotland into his protection The Pope with the like intention but more secretly endeavour'd the same with the Switzers All these affirm'd that the Switzers could undertake no War which could bring them greater glory or richer booty then that of Italy which being already begun must now again be renewed with greater Forces They moreover promis'd them some pay for their Souldiers but much hopes of greater advantage which they might always have by their Friendship This mean time the Venetian Commanders Lautrech being already come as hath been said with aid to their camp held many Councils and did differ in their opinions touching the managing of the War Some were for the raising of the Siege from before Brescia and for carrying the whole Army to Verona for which they alledged that that City now that their veterane Souldiers were gone to relieve Brescia was but weakly garrison'd and that the Enemy had made no provision for necessary defence as not suspecting any such thing then But the season of the year made much against this opinion for the Camp could not without great inconvenience be removed in the midst of Winter nor the Souldiers be led to a new Enterprize Besides it might appear a rash thing to change greater hopes of getting Brescia with the uncertainty of what might befall about Verona for the condition of Brescia being considered it was evidently seen that unless they did intermit their begun works the Town must of necessity fall into their hands either by force or by surrender it was apparent that the City was in great want of money Corn and of all sort of Victuals the Commanders were at oddes within themselves the Souldiers weary of being long besieged and by reason of many sufferings rather ready to mutiny then to fight and the Citizens as well by reason of their new grievances laid upon them by their new Masters as out of their ancient affection to the Venetians desirous of Novelties and ready upon any accident to drive the Garrison out of the City Moreover the Defendants were reduced to a small number for the Foot who were come a little before to assist the Besieged seeing that with diversity of opinion but no resolution many discourses had been had of leading the Souldiers forth to fight and that the scarcity of Victuals did daily increase were most of them gone from the City leaving the business unperfected These things being found by the report of many to be true it was by general consent agreed that they should keep their Quarters and attend with all diligence to straiten the City more Our Army abounded in all things for the Senate were so careful to provide all things requisite for War as though the Enemy strove much to hinder it all their endeavours proved vain Amongst the rest Mark Antonio Colonna endeavour'd often by sending his Souldiers out of Verona to keep the Army from victuals and by laying ambushes to intercept the monies which were sent to the Venetian camp To which purpose he kept continually good store of Spanish Foot and Horse at the Town of Legnano which was now fallen into his power to block up all the ways of that Country and the Enemy growing daily more bold and offering at great matters they made incursion even to the Territories of Brescia which they might safely do because they saw the Venetian Army was busied about the Siege Wherefore the Captain General and Commissaries thought that it stood not with the honour and reputation of that Army to suffer that so few men should come so near hand to insult over them Wherefore having notice that Colonna endeavour'd to come into the confines of Mantua to block up that way likewise which as the safest was frequented by those that went to the camp Paolo Manfrone and Mercurio Bua were sent by our men to meet them and to fight them Who though they undertook the business couragiously yet did they not succeed well therein for Colonna having notice of their coming by his Scouts took with him some companies of veterane Souldiers and went speedily towards Valeggio where he had such advantage of place as he might chuse whether he would keep safe there or fight upon advantagious terms Our men and the Enemy entred at the same time by several ways into this Town and both of them strove to possess themselves of the Bridg which joyns the Town together being otherwise divided by the waters of Menzo each side hoping to repulse the Enemy and to make themselves Masters of the
expence weakened the Forces of the Common-wealth which were always ready to serve the French The Senate being acquainted by their Commissaries with what had past in the camp were much perplex'd not knowing what course to take for the advancement of their Affairs they who but a little before were so rejoyced and comforted for their good success at Brescia began now to have new fears and troubles since when they thought the War to be near an end they saw reasons arise of greater length and difficulties And they were chiefly troubled to think that the French in whose assistance they had put their chiefest hopes should proceed with various and uncertain counsels and perhaps as it was then believed wholly seperate from the Common-wealths Interest Whilst these things were in agitation Letters came from their Embassadour who was in France by which they were fully informed with all that had past at Noion for King Francis being desirous that the Venetians might have leisure to advise well would have them quickly acquainted with whatsoever had past till then between him and the Arch-Duke Charles To the end that as soon as the Commissioners of both parties should be come to Brussels for the confirmation of such things as had been treated of they might find all doubts resolved The chief things treated of and resolved at this convention were That the King of France and the Duke of Burgony a name which Charles of Austria took unto himself till this time had by the means of their Embassadours contracted Friendship and Peace and confirm'd it by the tye of Alliance for King Charles had promis'd to give the Lady Renea daughter to King Lewis to Charles for wife In this Confederacy all the other Princes that were friends to either party were included On Charles his part Maximillian Cesar was chiefly nominated and the Common-wealth of Venice on the King of France his behalf But those that would be comprehended within this agreement were bound to declare their minds within two moneths space The Emperour being hereof advertised promised to stand to what was agreed upon provided that peace might be established upon fair conditions wherefore Brussels was appointed for the place of convention to treat more particularly of the conditions of agreement where Charles his Embassadours and those of France were to be who should intercede as Moderators and freely Composers of the business One chief thing which they were to treat on was how the Venetians might by this agreement recover Verona for it was evident that as this business had oft times before disturb'd the Treaty of peace so if it should not now be decided all other Negotiations would be in vain for the King of France being mindful of the League which he had made with the Venetians and being desirous to keep his word was resolved not to come to any agreement with the Emperour unless Verona were thereby first restored to the Venetians Wherefore as soon as the Assembly was met this was the first proposition which was taken in haâ—d Cesars Embassadours demanded a great sum of money in exchange for the restitution of Verona and moreover the possession of some other Towns which were formerly in that jurisdiction It was farther added that Cesar would not consign over that City into the hands of the Venetians but unto some of Charles his Ministers in whose power after it had been six weeks the French might dispose of it as they should please Notice being given of all these things by the Embassadour of Venice the Senate was much perplex'd and full of various thoughts After so tedious and troublesome a War nothing certainly could be more desirable then peace and quiet They knew that they had often hazarded the fortune of the Common-wealth that they were now to endeavour some case and amendment to free them from the necessity of continuing longer in War Yet some men of more mature years and greater experience thinking how great a change of things a short time was often cause of feared that some time being by the agreement required for the re-delivery of Verona some accident might happen the mean while whereby all things being put in disorder they might remain in the same troubles and peradventure be plung'd into greater This jealousie was much increased by the knowledg of Maximillian his nature and tricks which he had wont to use which if he should continue to do in this business they feared left under the colour of Honour by which he seemed desirous that Verona should be restored to the Venetians by the hands of some others and not by himself he might plot a greater mischief against them For which doubt of theirs they seemed to have the more reason for that being contented to yield up another place of much greater importance he earnestly desired certain little Towns from whence not being able to reap any profit they judged he might have a mind to keep the way open in several parts so as he might assault the States of the Common-wealth when he should please Many things were moved in the Senate but nothing concluded because they generally desired to recover Verona which they thought they might effect better by force then by agreement They ceased not continually to sollicite Lautrech not to wait for the receiving of that from the Enemy which he might take from them by force for sure peace was not to be hoped for but by Arms. If Cesar did really desire friendship with the French he would not stand so much upon the loss of Verona but would covet their Friendship though upon conditions more advantagious to them The Senate would therefore have the King of France acquainted with these doubts which made them suspend their resolution desiring him that he would so provide for the common Affairs as became his wisdom and his singular love towards the Common-wealth and that he should take heed not to do any thing which might occasion greater difficulties As for them they would willingly submit all things to his pleasure if it should be needful so to do assuring themselves that he would have a great care of the Honour and safety of the Common-wealth The Assembly being this mean while met there were many differences between the French and Dutch which grew to that height as Cesar's Embassadors were ready to depart from Brussels leaving the business unperfect These differences were thought to be in a part occasioned by Cardinal Sedunense for this man who thought to acquire much glory by disturbing peace finding a fit occasion to provoke the Switzers laboured to undoe whatsoever was formerly agreed upon between them and the King of France He went likewise to Henry King of England and sought by all means to incense that King yet more who did already sufficiently envy and hate the King of France Sedunense had propounded unto himself to perswade both these Princes to joyne their Forces with those of Cesar or at least to promise him they would doe so to keep him as
the Pope and to the Venetians that their States would be in great danger if the new Emperour might be permitted to pass Armed into Italy he therefore propounded that a firm League and good Intelligence might be established between them three whereby each of them should be bound to defend the Honour and Territories of the rest against whosoever should go about to injure them and particularly to oppose Charles his Forces if he should come with an Army to Rome to take upon him the Emperial Crown as it was thought he intended which could not be done without much danger to whosoever had any State in Italy as well by reason of all Emperours ancient pretences as for what was discovered to be in the mind of this new Cesar. The King of France did so much apprehend this as he perswaded the Pope to send Charles the Crown of the Empire by way of Bull before he should be resolved to come into Italy which being better examined by the Venetians was found to be rather prejudicial then good for the common Interest for this would not have been sufficient to have altered Cesar's desire that indeed was not to take upon him the Ensigns of the Empire but to get more Territories in Italy The Venetians readily assented to the proposition made by the King of France of a new confederacy having the same fear and the same desire to secure themselves from Cesar's getting farther footing into Italy And these were increased by the mischiefs they suffered in the late years by being of themselves to resist the Forces of so many Princes They therefore said that as it had alwaies been their firme and constant resolution never to part from the friendship of the Crown of France so upon this occasion they were to set the higher value upon it as that by which they might recieve the greater advantage wherefore they would still adhere to his counsels But the Pope being irresolute was assaulted by variety of reasons and diversity of affections for he thought himself not safe from the fear of Cesar's Forces without the favour and friendship of the King of France having manifestly opposed his Election by shewing his incapability of receiving the dignity of Emperour he having sworn at his being invested into the Kingdom of Naples that he would never indeavour it nor accept of it of which Oath the Pope had not as yet freed him On the other side the Dyet at Worms being intimated wherein Luther's doctrine was to be treated of not only concerning the Tenets of faith but even of the Popes authority Leo thought it imported much upon this occasion to keep Charls his friend at least not to incense him with new Leagues lest he might become less diligent in proceeding against Luther and in condemning his Tenâ—yts whereby his authority might encrease to the great disparagement of the church of Rome The Pope was likewise much troubled that the reputation and power of the French should be encreased whereby they might be confirmed in their possession of the State of Milan Proceeding therefore slowly and irresolutely he seemed desirous to joyn with the King of France and with the Venetians in defence of the common cause but when the business drew to a conclusion he would not yeild that any agreement should be made in writing saying That it was not good to expâ—se themselves to danger by writing whereby the business wherein secresie was chiefly requir'd might the more easily be made known That the words of Princes to do what was agreed upon between them might suâ—â—ice The business drawing thus out at length and the King of France growing with time somwhat more cool in his former fervency the Venetians began to grow jealous lest he might hold some secret intelligence with the Emperour which might be the chief cause of the Pope's irresoluteness and of the so long delay in confirming the things agreed upon This suspition was fomented by many things as the certain knowledge that Monsignor di Chiures a Spaniard was gone from Cesars Court into France to agree of an Interview with the King of France as was by them given forth and that in this Interview the Peace should be confirmed which was made some moneths before between the King of France and the King of England wherein Charls being named as one of the chief contractors he had not as yet ratified it Moreover the articles wherewith the King said he had dispatched away Monsieur di St Marscho from France were kept very secret when he was come to Rome and also the said St Marscho departed from Rome before the League was established when there was most need of his presence for the consummation thereof and left none with the Pope in the King's behalf but Alberto Carpi who was so grievously sick as he was not fit for any negotiation These were things which argued strongly that the King had altered his mind Yet the Venetians continuing their former resolution of not foregoing the friendship of the French acquainted the King with this their jealousie but did not seem any way to resent it nor to alter their resolution Nay they said they did assure themselves that if the King had an intention to make any new confederacy with Cesar their Commonwealth should be mentioned and comprehended in the agreement whatsoever it should be so as whatsoever differences they had had with Maximilian should now be accommodated with Charls and all occasions of new troubles should be laid aside But on the other side Charls when he was declared King of the Romans having peradventure his thoughts bent upon the affairs of Italy as hath been said and knowing it would become him chiefly to hold fair with the Venetians seemed very desirous to agree those differences with them which had been formerly between the Common-wealth and his predecessor Maximilian and that his actions might correspond with his words he had sent his Commissioners to Verona with full power not only to Treat of the things appertaining to the last Truce of five years but also to accomodate all those other particulars which in the former agreement made two years ago were not yet decided Commissioners on all sides being met Francisco Pesaro for the Commonwealth who was chosen many moneths before for this employment and four of the chief Councellors of Ispruch in the Emperours behalf to whom he had particularly committed the business and Iouanni Pino being likewise sent thither as Embassadour from the King of France who as hath been said was made Arbytrator in the differences which were by reason of the last Truce The Venetians propounded that all Towns which were taken in the last War should be restored by both sides and that all things should return to their former condition alledging that only such an agreement could put an end to all past differences and bring a certain and a long peace But the Imperialists finding out somtime one difficulty somtimes an other spun out the business not concluding
and damnified by the Switzers departure Lautrech affirming that he must be enâ—oâ—ced to return with all his men to France together with the Switzers and thorow their country if they should resolve to go so as the parts about the Ada being left unguarded the Imperialists might freely at their pleasure enter in hostile manner into the Territories of the Commonwealth But if the French should stay in Lombardy they desired the Senate that they might be permitted to quarter in the Territories of Brescia against which there were many objections to be made the country was wholly ruin'd by so long Wars and by so many Garrisons and it was to be feared that it might afford the Imperialists occasion of passing into the confines of their State who did alreaâ—y complain that they had exceeded the bonds of their confederacy in favouring the French so as in many considerations several inconveniencies and differences and difficulties arose by the departure of the Switzers who not being by any means to be detained the Senate resolved to satisfie the French in their desire and to receive them into their State that they might not lessen their past deserts with the King and because the preservation of those men made for the common safety and facilitated the business of Milan against the King should come into Italy But Lautrech and the other Commanders being perswaded either by the reasons formerly alledged by the Venetians or out of no small fear of what might ensue if they should so suddenly abandon the whole State of Milan resolved that part of their men should go to Cremona whither also Lautrech himself went and the rest to Lodi with Frederico da Bozzuole and Giovan de Medici though Medici not being able to make his men move without money came not time enough thither and the French Garrison which was in Trecco not being sufficient to defend it the Venetian Commissary sent Giovan dal Saracino thither who was under the pay of the Commonwealth with two companies of Italian Foot But Lautrech seeing that nothing came from France but fair words and news of great warlike preparations things which did little avail the present business resolved to pass over the mountains and to go himself to Court to give an account of the affairs of Italy leaving his brother Monsieur di Leiscue in Cremona whither Colonna coming with all his Army and no succour appearing Lescue was forced to yeâ—ld up the City unto him he having taken Lodi but a little before by an unexpected assault The End of the fourth Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK V. THE CONTENTS JUdgment given upon the Venetians resolution by reason of the misfortune of the French The Emperour endeavours to part them from the French and the King of England interposeth himself A League between these two The Venetians advisedness who being enclined to the French acquaint that King with their sense of things The League of London invalid by the death of Leo the tenth Girolomo at Venice in Cesar's behalf endeavours to separate the Senate from the French The Spaniards encrease in Giaradada The Venetians Arm by Land and the reason why Soliman prepares for the Siege of Rhodes They Arm by Sea Adrian the sixt is chosen Pope He goes from Spain to Rome His good disposition Rhodes is taken by Soliman The Pope propounds a League between the Italian Princes An Embassie from Venice to Rome An Agreement treated of with Cesar. Respect born to Soliman's Friendship The Archdukes Embassadors break the League made with the Emperour The Bishop of Feltre sent to Venice by the Pope Adorno the Emperor's Embassadour dies Marino Caraccioli succeeds him Several French Embassadors at Venice The King of France his Declaration The Peace is concluded with Cesar the conditions thereof Embassadors sent from Venice to Cesar and to the Archduke Trivultio is discharged the Service of the Commonwealth The Duke of Urbane in his place The Commonwealth excuse themselves to the King of France for making this Peace He resolves to go into Italy but is stayed by the Duke of Burbon's rebellion He sends the Admiral thither The Venetians succour the Imperialists The French before Milan The Viceroy of Naples passeth into Lombardy Bourbone is declared Cesars Lievtenant General The Venetians are jealous by reason of a Treaty of Peace between the French and Cesarians The Venetian Embassadour is dismiss'd from France The death of Adrian the sixth Clement the seventh is chosen Pope Antonio Grimani Duke of Venice dyes and Andrea Gritti is chosen in his place His conditions The French fall upon the Millanoise The Duke of Urbane General to the Venetians does many things Renzo da Ceri upon the Confines of the Venetians with 8000 Grisâ—uns The Admiral joyns with the Switzers The Embassadour of the three Leagues at Venice The Pope exhorts the Senate to hold with him The Popes designs He sends his Datario Giberti to France The French again before Milan They take it The King of France besiegeth Pavia in his own person Which causeth jealousie and irresolutions in the Pope and Venetians Gregorio Cornaro and Dominico Trevisano make Orations in the Senate hereupon The Siege of Pavia is prolonged The Pope Venetians and Florentines joyn in a defensive War The Venetians adhere to Trevisano and secretly conclude a League with France The Cesarians come to the relief of Pavia they assault the Kings Army get the victory and take the King Prisoner The Italian Princes fears hereupon The Popes League with France troubles the Imperialists The Duke of Ferara offers himself to the Pope The Duke of Urbines Valour The Pope being afraid treats of agreement with the Imperialists and draws the Venetians along with him Cesars joy for the Victory at Pavia His offers unto the Pope The Queen of France her endeavours with the Venetians their perplexity The Pope makes an agreement with Cesar who alienates the Venetians from himself by detaining the Dukedom of Milan Who break off all treaties of agreement and joyn with the Pope They are favour'd by the King of England the Venetians treat of a League with France But grow jealous at France her agreement with Cesar. The King of France his complaints against Cesar. His entreaties thereupon to the Pope and the Venetians his actions contrary to his Proposals The League between the Pope France and the Venetians is at last published The Armies of the Colleagues joyn upon the Territories of Milan Burbons Valour renders their designs vain Pietro Navaro General of the Confederates Fleet attempts to take Genua But Andria Doria deals treacherously The Duke of Urbin returns to before Milan Sforza yields himsâ—â—f up to the Imperialists The Spaniards fail him and therefore he ratifies the League with the Confederates Who winning Cremona assign it over unto him The Colonesâ— enter Rome and sâ—ck it The Pope treats therefoâ—e of Truce with the Spaniards His immoderate fear The King of England presents him with 30000 Crowns New treaty of
Italy for all his Armies unfortunate success nor any whit abated his former fervency but being the rather more incens'd for that the Imperialists not content to have defended the State of Milan had endeavoured to trouble him in his own Kingdome and to provoke the King of England against him had been very sollicitous and carefull in providing all things necessary for his own comming very speedily and very strong into Italy which he might the easier do by reason that all his men were returned safe into France The Venetians were much troubled at these mighty and important preparations of the French Not only in relation to the great expences and disturbances to which they were obliged by the League which they had made with Cesar for the defence of the State of Milan but for fear of their own affairs The King appearing to be very much offended with them not only for what they had at first done against him but for that being afterward desired to re-assume their friendship with him they would not forego Cesar and for that Martino Bouolino being lately come to Venice in the names of the Lords of the three Leagues to intreat and exhort the Senate to renew their ancient confederacy with the French the Senate persisting in their opinion and justifying their last actions by the necessity of the times and by the Popes command said they could not at the present satisfie their desires by reason of their new League which they could not be faulty to without some marks of infamy and peradventure not without some danger Therefore things continuing in their former condition and the French Army passing notwithstanding over the Mountains the Venetians made all their Souldiers which were in the several Garrisons of the State be brought to the Territories of Verona and having thereof framed the body of an Army they commanded the Duke of Urbiâ— and the Commissary Pesaro to come speedily thither and there to expect Orders from them But the Pope being more afraid and full of jealousies did continually sollicite the Venetians to keep inviolably in good intelligence with him and in reciprocal good will and to proceed always with one and the same advice and counsel since the respects were the same in them both for the defence of their own particular States and for the common Liberty of Italy He commended their keeping fast to the Imperialists and their minding the defence of the State of Milan if they really thought they could do it but that if they should see they were not able to resist the powerful Forces of France they should begin betimes to reconcile themselves with the most Christian King not tarrying to make peace upon unreasonable conditions when the King should use such insolencies towards them as do usually accompany the victories and good fortune of Princes That they must consider the power of the French was very great and apt to turn the whole State of Italy upside down Since to boot with the numerous Army which the King brought with him his Forces that had defended Marcelles now that that City was freed from danger were imbarked for Italy and bent against the Kingdom of Naples And on the contrary that all the Emperours designs upon the Kingdom of France were proved vain and no less then the rest their hopes grounded upon the Duke of Burbones rebellions That the King of England growing apprehensive of the Emperours too much greatness gave certain signs that he would not keep the capitulations made with him Wherefore if it should be thought fit for the Church and the Commonwealth to think of an accommodation with the Christian King they must not lose time which was to their manifest danger and prejudice But that they should rather send sufficient commission to their Embassadour Marco Foscari who was at Rome to intervene and listen to those Treaties which were already promised by the French Which things though they were propounded by the Pope by the way of advice yet it was evident that he was inclined to a new confederacy with the French to secure the State of the Church and State of Florence which he had the greater care of because the Duke of Albany being to pass through Tuscany to the prejudice of Cesar's affairs the Florentines were exposed to more certain and nearer danger But the Pope cloaking this particular Interest as much as he could labour'd to prove that his only aim was at universal peace and to free Italy from War for the common good of Christendom and that he labour'd to break the business to the King of France to dispose him the easilier to an agreement with Charles and Ferdinand of Austria To which purpose he said he would send as he did afterwards his Almner Mattheo Giberto to entreat the King to make peace with Cesar. But which commission even then as was afterwards known to negotiate particular conventions for himself and for the Florentines the Commonwealths interest being neither wholly left out nor wholly considered But the Senate were of opinion that no greater necessity appearing they were not to forego their friendship and confederacy with Cesar as unwilling to shew so much inconstancy as also not to make the Emperour their Enemy before they had more certainty of the King of France his good will And therefore they had resolved that their men should enter in to the Dukedom of Milan for Cesars service But the Duke of Urbin not obeying this order suddenly gave them to understand that it was very dangerous for the affairs of the Commonwealth to pass at that time so forward with the Army for by securing the State of Milan so early by their forces they gave the Enemy occasion to turn elsewhere and peradventure upon their Commonwealth that therefore they might expect till the French Army was passed over the River Sisa and then put their resolution in effect But the French without any delay came into the State of Milan before it was thought they would have done so as the whole Army drew near the City and got into the Suburbs by the Gate Ticinese before the City which was but ill provided of Rampiers and victuals could be sufficiently succour'd So as all the Imperial Commanders together with their men that were within the Town were glad to retreat suddenly the Duke of Bourbon the Viceroy and Sforza went to Soncino and the Marquis of Piscara to Lodi But their chief care was how to Garrisonnize the City of Pavia very strongly which they thought might be better defended then any of the other Cities They therefore put Antonio da Leva thereinto with three hundred Curassiers and five thousand Foot part Spanish part Dutch all of them being old Souldiers Thus did the French easily get Milan which was abandoned by the Imperialists But the King would not suffer the Souldiers to enter the Town to preserve it from sacking At the same time Iohn Stuart Duke of Albany sent by the King of France to assault the Kingdom
said King not to offend one another nor to assist or favour either others enemies whereby some hopes of Peace was commenc'd and moreover the Venetians agreed to renew their former interrupted confederacy with the King but with a particular condition of not being bound to assist him in this present business These things being privately concluded the Senate excusing themselves for not making their men advance answered the Emperour's Agents who still prest for a resolution That they could not disobey the Pope the rather for that it was hoped Peace would ensue thereupon whereof the Pope with Cesar's consent had begun to Treat they therefore would not interrupt it by fomenting the War or occasioning the prolongation thereof The agreement being thus established the King sent Monsieur di Ron Cafore to congratulate the concluded League and to testifie his continual good will towards the Commonwealth though through the malignity of times and through various accidents their friendships had been interrupted He exhorted the Senate not to trust the Imperialists and promised that he would never forego the Common-wealths friendship He afterwards desired that this League which was privately concluded should be presently published wherein he found the Venetians of the same opinion thinking it would be a means that when the Imperialists should know those Forces were now against them which they hoped would have helped them to make them quit the possession of that Dukedom which they knew they could not keep and so come to some agreement whereas on the contrary nourishing themselves with hope of being assisted by the Venetians they would continue making provision for war and growing in time stronger it would be harder to come to any agreement afterwards But the Pope advised the contrary alledging That it was fit this confederacy should be kept secret to the end of reducing the Imperialists to greater necessity and danger which they would be when the French should be past over the Po as they said they would do promising that they would pass back again whensoever the Pope should please but he was forc'd almost to discover it being to grant passage to the Duke of Albenyes men who was sent as hath been said by the King of France into the Kingdom of Naples Wherefore the Pope seeming as if the Duke had violently usurped licence to pass with his men thorow the State of the Church and Tuscany and that he was wholly minded to stand a Neuter and to endeavour a general Peace He began to proceed with protestations admonishing both the Princes to lay down Arms and to put whatsoever either of them was possessed of in the State of Milan into his hands that so they might come to make a firm Peace wherefore the Imperialists growing jealous that the Pope had agreed secretly with the King of France as indeed he had and might seek to bring over the Venetians also to the French party they offered the Senate to refer the investing of Francisco Sfâ—rza to them and the pitching upon what sum of money the Duke should pay unto the Imperialists for it which the Venetians refused to do saying That such a decision did not belong unto them but to the Pope There were many things which past at the same time between the Imperialists and the King of England to move him to make War the next year against the King of France to the which purpose the Cavalier Cassal was come to the Imperial Camp which made the Imperialists more fervent in their own defence for that they hoped the King of France being molested in his own Kingdoms might be forced to pass speedily back again over the mountains to defend his own affairs the convention made between him and the Pope and the Venetians being not yet published For the news being confirmed of great preparations made by the King of England which was thought would make the French turn their forces elsewhere the Venetians did not much minde the divulging of it But the event of the business of Lombardy and of all those councels was finally to depend upon the success of Pavia the Siege whereof continued longer then was expected whereat the Pope and the Venetians were exceedingly troubled not so much for that the length thereof did much defacilitate the good end of the business as that they feared the French Commanders impatient of so long delay might perswade the King to come to a day of Battel with the Enemy whereby together with that Army the safety of their States and of the Liberty of all Italy would be put to the arbitriment of Fortune and Italy having no other means of making opposition would be left in prey to the Imperialists if they should prove victorious Whereat the Venetian Senate being troubled they did very much solicite Ronchfancora laying before him that the interest of the Confederates and the Kings own safety and glory and victory did wholly consist not in hazarding any thing but in making good use of time and of his enemies disorders and wants The like desires the Pope made likewise known to Alberto da Carpi Embassadour at Rome and did also send an express messenger with the same desires to the Camp But all these endeavours did but little good the King shewing himself every day more and more resolved not to rise from before Pavia but rather if the Enemy should draw nearer come unto a Battel whereby he was unnecessitated to hazard his own fortune and the like of his confederates which were all exposed to danger Wherefore the Pope the Venetians and Florentines resolveâ— to joyn in a defensive League for the preservation of their own States being to this purpose to take ten thousand Switzers into pay upon the common expence and each of them to encrease their own forces as much as they could which things whilst they were slowly and with various resolutions discuss'd the rout of the French Army ensued together with the death of many of the chief Lords of the Kingdom and the imprisonment of the Kings own person The Cesarians were come from Lodi to relieve Pavia which was reduced to a great scarcity of all things they being gotten to be strong enough and for Foot almost equal to the French Army though far inferiour to them in Horse and drawing near to the French Camp they forced the King either to suffer them to relieve Pavia or to come to a day of Battel the thing which they desired that they might put their desperate affairs to the utmost tryal and fortune favouring their forwardness they had the opportunity of assaulting the King in the Park where he contrary to the opinion of his best experienced Commanders would needs stay So as the French not being able to come into the field till it was too late nor to make use of their Horse wherein they did exceed the enemy the whole Army was routed and put to flight and the King taken Prisoner Monsieur d'Alanson only escaping with the Reer This so great and
signall Victory gotten by the Imperialists against the French was cause of much trouble to the Venetians knowing that a heavy load lay upon them for the Counterpoise of the French failing and all the other Princes of Italy being weak and full of Terrour by reason of this so mighty success they were almost of themselves alone to defend the liberty of Italy against the power of Cesar which was increased greatly by this his late good fortune nor could they hope that he would contain his Forces within the Confines of the State of Milan it was rather to be believed that his Army pursuing the victory would enter into the neighbouring States whereunto their being so unprovided to make any stout resistance might very well invite the Imperial commanders The Venetian Forces were onely of some consideration for they had 1000 Curassiers 600 Light-horse and 10000 foot they therefore resolved to make use of these forces and to increase them and to exhort the rest of the Princes of Italy to do the like and to arm themselves so strongly as they could But their chief study and care was to joyn themselves with the Pope for they believed that all the Potentates of Italy would finally depend upon his Authority and that there might be thereby some hopes of good They therefore solicited the Pope often Shewing him into what great dangers Italy was brought which if they should not receive some sudden and powerfull remedy they would increase so fast as all labour and industry and expence to prevent eminent ruine would be in vain That Cesar 's actions did clearly shew what his thoughts and intentions were since he had not assigned over the Dukedome of Milan to Francisco Sforza as by his Confederacy he was bound to do but that having defeated the French Army so as there was now no more fear of any enemy he did notwithstanding keep his souldiers still in that State placed Garrisons in the Cities and would have all things done by his authority and in his name and that certainly Cesar had so fair a way opened unto him of making himself master of Italy if the Italians would stand idle and leave their affairs to the discretion of others as one that were never so moderate having so fair an occasion could not abstain from turning his thoughts and Forces upon the taking of Territories so ill defended and that in such a case the State belonging to the Church would be no freer from offence then the like of their Commonwealth but would rather be in more danger because her weakness did the more expose her to injuries Nor did such thoughts and actions as these want several appearances of a fair collour far war Chiefly by reason of the League made by the Pope with the French which being come to the knowledg of the Imperialists they seemed to be more troubled thereat because it was made contrary to their opinion or sense they put him in mind that it became not a wise Prince to think upon giving satisfaction when he was able to take up armes and to depend upon himself and his own Forces and that truly the most expert men thought it a more easie thing far the Italian Princes to joyn together and being joyned to defend themselves against the Emperours Forces if the Pope would declare himself to be head and authour of such an Union For the Florentines were alwayes at his command and had now particularly signified their will and readiness to defend themselves by Francesco Vettori whom they had sent to Rome to that purpose thereby to invite him to take upon him the common defence That the Duke of Ferrara would be ready to do the like in consideration of his own State and to free himself from the contumacy which he was run into with the Church whereof he had already given sufficient signes he having sent an express messenger to Rome presently after the defeat of the French to offer the Pope 250 Curassiers 400 Light-horse and all his other Forces for the defence of the Apostolick Sea and for the welfare of Italy That the other lesser Princes could not nor would not sever themselves from the authority and from joyning with the forenamed with whose joint forces the Duke of Urbane did promise to defend all their States That it was to be considered the Cesarians wanted money and that the souldiers chiefly the Dutch being much behinde hand for pay â—ere readier to mutinie and to return home then to fall upon any other Enterprise without being paid their Arrears That the State of Milan was totally exhausted and unpeopled That the name of a Spanyard Emperour's Army was already much diminished and to conclude That part of his men were sent from Lombardy to resist the Duke of Albany These things though they were very punctually represented by the Venetians and diligently listned unto by the Pope yet were they not able to infuse any hope into him or to keep him from precipitating into an agreement and from thinking of securing his affairs rather unworthily by receiving any whatsoever condition from the Conquerours then by his own forces and by the aid of other Princes and Confederates so as without so much as expecting Cesar's will or any orders from him he had begun new Treaties with the Viceroy being hereunto induced by an immoderate fear that the Emperours army should be necessitated to pass thorough the state of the Church or else thorough Tuscany and to bring either the one or the other and peradventure both of them into great trouble and danger The Viceroy listned willingly to the Treaty of agreement promoted by the Pope knowing that peace and union with him did greatly concern confirming the Victory and freeing the Army of many necessities which it then suffered under whose Authority being as he believed to be followed by the other Princes of Italy the State that was won would be secured for the future from the French Forces who could not hope to do any good in Italy without the assistance of some Italian Prince These considerations being discovered by the Ventians who knew that such a security would at last cause more danger to them and could not notwithstanding keep the Pope from making this Agreement they proceeded slowly in their Councels not making the Imperialists dispair nor yet joyning in any streighter friendship or confederacy with them but they perswaded the Pope that to the end he might be provided for all events in case the agreement should not be made good he should forthwith send Monsignor Verulano who was long before destin'd thether into Switzerland to make 1000 Switzers come in presently to the defence of the Liberty of Italy the nation being greatly ambitious of the name of Liberty and that he should with the like diligence dispatch away a Nuntio to England whether the Common-wealth would at the same time send Lorenzo Orio whom they had chosen for their Embassadour to negotiate with the King thereof who was in great esteem
League which would cause longer delay a thing very prejudicial to the present business The agreement was then concluded by the Pope on the one side who ingaged himself for the Church and for the Republique of Florence and on the other side by the Duke and Senate of Venice By which agreement it was said That these Potentates did joyn together to avoid the eminent dangers as they had been taught by the experience of times past and to lay more solid foundations for the quiet and safety of Italy and for their own particular States That each Prince should take upon him the protection of the other Princes States and persons that all the Confederates should run the same fortune that not any one of them should treat with any other Princes in any thing which might be repugnant hereunto that they should succour each other with 4000 Foot 400 Curassiers 300 Light Horse and with greater numbers also according as their several needs should require Hereunto was added that the Venetians should be bound to protect the greatness of the Medici and suppress such commotions as should be raised against them by any seditious Citizens and particularly to favour and assist whosoever the Pope should place in the City of Florence as head of that Government These things being thus accommodated the Pope beginning now to be more sensible of that true fear which he slighted before gave straightways order to the Marquis of Mantuâ— that he should go with the Curassiers into the parts about Parma and was very diligent in continuing the Treaty of bringing the Grisone Foot and the Switzers which being formerly begun was but slowly prosecuted And on the other side the Venetians resolved to increase their Army to the number of 10000 Foot to raise 300 light Horse more in Greece to bring other Commanders and to provide for their own safeties in every thing being much encouraged in all this by the King of England who growing jealous of Cesars greatness and perhaps envying his glory discover'd himself to be very much displeased with the success at Pavia and with the King of France his being made Prisoner affirming that he was ready to do any thing whereby to free the King and to keep Italy in safety The Italian Potentates being thus agreed there was hopes of easie coming to an union with France but the Treaty was proceeded in in a diverse manner and in somewhat a diversity of affection for the Pope thinking that he had put some stop to the present dangers by the already made confederacy and that he might enjoy better conditions from Cesar and have them better observed proceeded coolly in the agreement with the French the rather for that since the coming of the Duke of Sessa to Rome who was sent thither by Charles to attest his desire of peace and his willingness to restore the Dukedom of Milan to Francisco Sforza always provided that he should prove innocent and if he should be found guilty he would invest his Brother Maximillian Sforza thereinto But on the contrary the Venetians were very fervent in their endeavours that they might come to a speedy agreement with the French fearing lest the Spaniards proffers might tend to no other end then to break the Treaty of the League and to slacken the provisions for War And fearing likewise lest the Queen by reason of these slow and irresolute counsels of the Italian Princes witnessing either their not very great good will towards that Kingdom or their weakness in forces and that being resolved to do all that she could for the release of her Son she would at last make some conditions with Cesar with whom some Treaties to this purpose were known to be already begun Therefore the business with the French proceeded on with some diversity and uncertainty not coming to any settled conclusion The quantity and quality of the forces which the Collegues were to put together for the common service of the League was already agreed upon To wit 30000 Foot â— 4000 Curassiers and 3000 light Horse to be imploy'd in such service in Italy as might prove more advantagious The French were moreover bound to make War with Cesar upon the Confines of Spain and other articles were in Treaty when in the beginning of the year 1526. unexpected News came to Venice That an agreement was made between the Emperour and the King of France whereby the King was to be set at liberty and peace and good intelligence was to be had between these two Princes which was to be strengthened by the tye of Matrimony the King being to marry the Lady Leonora Cesars Sister and Cesar to marry the King of Portugals Sister and the Dukedom of Milan was to be given to the Duke of Burbone who was likewise to marry the Lady Renea the Kings Neece A thing which had been formerly feared but not now so much as before for that the Queen did constantly affirm that she had sent her Embassadour Alberto Carpi who was then at Rome sufficient commission to conclude the League The Pope and the Venetians were sorely troubled at these tidings but this their trouble was somewhat mitigated out of a common opinion that King Francis would not observe his articles made with Cesar. The which was the rather believed because it was said that he was departed very ill satisfied with his Treatment whilst he was a Prisoner and much worse with the agreement it self whereby to purchase his liberty he was forc'd to put Charles into the possession of Burgony To know whether he was really disposed to do thus or no and to increase this desire in him the Senate sent Andrea Rosso Secretary to the Pregadi immediately away to France to treat upon this important business and the Pope taking the like course sent Paolo Vittori thither with the same direction Nor was it hard to draw the King thereunto for at the very first speech which he had with these he complain'd very much of Cesar for having dealt severely with him in all things He said That he would not be wanting to the welfare and safety of Italy if the Italian Princes would not be wanting unto themselves Which he would quickly witness being ready to joyn with them and to make good whatsoever had been formerly negotiated and for the most part concluded with the Queen his Mother and the Kingdom that therefore they should exhort their Princes to send them sufficient authority there for they should always find him ready and constant in this point and in the same mind for what concern'd the common good He said he hoped that the King of England would be of the like intention and no less desirous to abate Cesars greatness and to provide for the defence of Italy To whom he would speedily send his Embassadours and could wish the Italian Princes would do the like for it would help the business very much that the Emperours designs might be opposed by the full consent and forces of so many
by the Duke nor had in such consideration as he thought was due to his reputation and degree but were rather despised as comming from one of another profession and who as the Duke had wont to say ought not to meddle in matters which belonged to military men So as to give the Pope satisfaction the Senate ordered the Duke that for the future he should acquaint Guicchiardini with all businesses of importance which were treated of in the Camp All things appertaining to the Fleet were this mean while prepared for that some attempt might be thereby made upon Cesar's Territories The Venetians to this purpose chose Luigi Armero for their Commissary and sent him to Corfu where the other Commissary Iovan Moro was with the Fleet from which Armero was to take 12 Gallies and come along with them with all speed to the Sea Coasts near Rome to joyn with those of the Pope and of the King of France and then joyntly fall uppon such Enterprises as might be for the service of the League Divers things were propounded touching whether the Maritime Forces were to go The Pope desired that they might go into the rivers of Pugliae to break the designes of the Collonesi and to divert their Forces in those parts who having raised 7000 foot and a good number of horse in Naples began to be very formidable unto the Pope But the King of France and the Venetians thought it would be more advantagious for the League to have them go against Genua as well for the fitness of that city for other actions as for that if they should succeed well therein it would add much to the reputation of the League Pietro Navarro was declared Captain General of the Confederates Fleet a man of long experience in war who though he were propounded by the King of France yet he received stipend from the other Confederates but the Gallies belonging to the Church and those of the Commonwealth being already in a readiness those of France were slow in comming with the Captain General which gave them just occasion of dislâ—ke and of no slight suspicion that the King of France his ends aimed onely at his own advantage dispising the interests of the League of which his mind there appeared other signes for but little of 40000 Duckets which he was bound to send into Switzerland for the levying of 10000 Switzers was as yet sent thether whereby the League lost no little reputation And though the Venetians had sent Secretary Sabbadino thether to solicite the raising of those Foot yet could he not much encourage them nor hasten their departure nor was there any news heard of any preparation made by the King to make war upon Cesar on the other side of the Mountains as by his Articles he was bound to do But the King besides some excuses which he made finding how ill the Colleagues were satisfied by their pressing sollicitations or else being conscious of his own faultiness and fearing that therefore the Pope and the Venetians laying aside his interests as he seemed to have little valued theirs might treat of peace with the Emperour apart by themselves sent Monsieur di Sange into Italy to excuse his tardiness with directions that he should first pass thorough Switzerland to sollicite the departure of those of that Nation or at least to make it be beliâ—ved that he had done what he could therein He therefore coming first to Venice and then to Rome used the same endeavours in both places laying the fault of the slowness of the French mens passage into Italy upon the Commanders and other officers and affirming the Kings very great desire to prosecute the war and that he would not onely make good his Articles but exceed them by increasing his Forces for besides the forenamed Fleet he was rigging up many tall Ships in Britannie that he might come forth the stronger and suppress all the Forces that the enemy could make by Sea and that he was no less carefull of levying the Switzers and that by his procurement the general Dyets were summoned wherein all things should be resolved in favour to the League But he chiefly assured them that the King would not treat of any agreement save such as should tend to a generall peace and so as the other Colleagues should be content with The King did likewise attest this his resolution to Iovan Battista Sanga who being sent as aforesaid by the Pope to the King of England stayed some dayes in the Court of France for same business The Venetian Senate taking these assurances very thankfully and seeming fully to believe them answered That they never doubted the King's good intentions towards the Leâ—gue and particularly towards their Commonwealth as knowing both his wisdom and his ancient affection to the Venetians they therefore promised That not only in thâ—â— cause wherein their common interests were concerned but in all other things and at all other times their Will and Forces should be inseparably joyn'd to his And as for any Treaty of Peace they never were averse from it nor had they taken up Arms to any other end but that they might come to a safe peace Therefore as far as it might stand with the Dignity of the League and the Confederates safety they should be very glad of it Yet knowing that such a peace was rather to be desired then hoped for at this time the Pope and the Venetians endeavouring to incite the King's mind the more to War resolved to let him know that if they should get the Kingdom of Naples his Son should be King thereof the Commonwealth retaining such a part thereof as should be answerable to their deserts labour and expence To correspond whereunto the King made a new offer of other three hundred Lanciers and twenty thousand Ducats more monethly for the service of the League if the enterprize of Naples should be undertaken The Commissary Armero was come from Corfu to Terracina with thirteen Galâ—es where meeting with Andrea Doria who was come thither with eight Gallies for the Pope's service they went in company together to Cevita Vecchia and from thence to Ligorn where they met with Pietro Navarro with sixteen of the King of France his Gallies and being resolved to reduce Genua to the King of France his devotion to the great advantage of the Colleagues they made Frederick Fregose who was Archbishop of Salerno head of that Government and came with their Fleet first to Porto Venera which Town together with that of Spetia and with all that part of the River till you come to Monaco yeilded soon to the Colleagues Then dividing the Fleet Dâ—ria and the Veneâ—ian Commissary went to Porto Fino twenty miles from Genua and Navarro with the French Gallies to Savona which City willingly yeilded unto him The first and chief designe of the Leagues Commanders was to keep Genua from being victualled by Sea and the City being but badly provided of victuals and not knâ—wing well how to come by
and particularly that when the Senesi and Collonesi whose hatred and ambition was not laid aside by this agreement should see his Arms thus laid down they would take an occasion to invite the Cesarean Army to advance who when they should have this occasion offer'd them it might be that even Burbone himself would not be able to detain Souldiers who were ill paid and disobedient to their Commanders But the Pope despising these reasons and seeming to be still more resolute in his determination made that saying true that Good and faithful counsel given by an interessed and suspected person causeth the sooner precipitation Clement believed that the Venetians made these dangers to appear the greater out of their own Interests as desiring that he would not sever himself from the confederacy wherefore not believing their words he ran the more hastily upon his own ruine And continuing still in the same perswasion that the agreement was so settled as no doubt nor danger could arise therein though Burbone himself had written to Rome that he could not rule nor detain the Souldiers who were not well satisfied with the few monies which they had as yet received the Pope said Burbone did this not that he was really averse unto the Truce but to draw more money from him by this fear or to shew some Military ostentation Though after all this alledging some more rational cause for this his credulity he had wont to say that though he might have doubted of some sinister accident yet he should not have thought it fit to do otherwise then he did for he would rather that his ruine and the cause of so much mischief to Christendom should be attributed to the falsifying of the faith of others then to his own obstinacy But not being able then to believe that any thing should happen otherwise then he conceived he had already destined to send his Almner Mattheo Giberto Bishop of Verona through whose hands all businesses of greatest importance did then pass Legate into Spain to treat with Cesar upon the particular conditions of peace But the Venetians when they were assured that the Truce was concluded they ordered the Duke of Urbin that he should assemble all his men together who lay then between Modena and Regio and joyn them with the Marquis of Saluzzo's forces who were in the parts about Bullonia to the end that they might oppose the Imperialists designs it being suspected that now that the agreement was made they would fall upon the Commonwealths Territories They also commanded Sebastian Giustiniano who was Embassadour with the King of France to assure the King that though the Pope had quitted the League yet they would not forego his friendship aâ—d that they hoped they might be able by their joynt forces to beat the Imperialists and effect those things which they had proposed unto themselves as the end of their confederacy But that if the King should judge it fit to accept of the Truce they were ready to be govern'd therein by his Majesty The Pope in his agreement made with the Viceroy had reserved a place for the Venetians who of themselves were not much averse from accepting the Truce they thought it not amiss to take time that they might prepare themselves the better for defence the rather for that they hoped that the marriage being the mean while concluded between the King of England's daughter and the most Christian King whereby he might declare himself for the League it might increase in force and reputation It made more over much for their advantage to keep the Pope at this time in suspence that he might not be their Enemy but rather hoping that when his fear of the present dangers should be over they might draw him once more to joyn with them Besides by this suspention of Armes occasion was offered of negotiating the universal peace with safety and satisfaction to all that being the true object which their taking up of Armes aimed at But in the first place they pitched upon friendship with France wherefore finding that the King did not listen to these proposals they thought no more thereof But the King propounding the renewing of War and the reassuming the enterprize of Naples with their Armies and their Fleets the Senate were for Arming but shewed that they could reap no good by turning their Forces upon those parts at this time because their honour and the peoples favour was lost by the Popes having withdrawn himself from the League and by the restitution of the Towns which they had gotten They therefore proposed as the safest and most advantageous course which could then be taken to defend the States of Lumbardy if the agreement should go on and if not that they should not abandon the defence of the Churches Territories and the Florentines because their oppression would redound much to the prejudice of the League But the Imperial Army after the agreement made in Rome though Cesare Feramosca had sent them orders to keep where they were were it either that Burbone would not or could not detain them marched towards Romagna and sitting down before Cottignuola they took it by agreement and then went towards Furili But keeping the way to Meldola they seemed as if they would passe over the Alpes by the Valley of Arnoe and so enter into Tuscanie hoping to be able to repair themselves by the conveniencies which were offered them by the Senesi and to supply the great need they stood in of victuals Wherefore the Venetian Senate according to their former resolution ordered the Duke of Urbin that leaving so many men as he should think fitting for the defence of their Country he should advance with the rest to assist the occasions of the Church and of the Florentines and to oppose the Imperialists in all their designes whereupon the Duke carrying part of the Army along with him near to Bullognia the Marquis of Saluzzo went with the rest by several waies and in several Quarters to Imola and fix'd his Camp between Ravenna and Faenza before the Enemy were gone from Cottignuola The manner how to govern the War was long argued by the Captains of the League and by a joynt consent it was agreed that the Forces of the League should be divided into two several bodies to inclose the Enemy in the midst to hinder them the more from victuals and to impede their designes whithersoever they turned Yet the Pope blaming post factum the counsel which was formerly praised by Renzo and by Camillo Ursino and by all his men sought to excuse his precipitous agreement by having as he said argued much coolness by these proceedings in the Colleagues as concerning the defence of his Affairs and that therefore he was forced to think upon some other course for his own safety But then the Pope who before not crediting the dangers which were apprehended by all the rest thought himself secure being mightily astonished at these new advertisements sent for the Embassadours
the streets This mortality was followed with such a sterility of the earth and with such a scarcity of corn for humane life proceeding either for want of manuring the fields or for that heavens anger was not as yet appeased as not only people of mean condition but even those that had wont to abound in wealth being reduced to great poverty and feeding upon the vilest of meats went begging their bread in such sort as this most noble country being made a receptacle of Souldiers and such as were her most capital enemies was abandoned by Citizens and by the Court and became a horrid and lothsome spectacle so as it might be truly affirmed of her Behold a City reduced to solitude and enslaved which had wont to command all Nations The End of the Fifth Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK VI. THE CONTENTS THe Venetians are much troubled at the taking of Rome and therefore resolve to relieve the Pope The Cardinals that are at liberty chuse Bullognia for their residence Charls his Manifesto to clear himself from what had befallen Rome and his actions to the contrary The Venetians assist Francisco Sforza and the Cities of Romagnia The Duke of Urbin resolves to fight the Imperialists before Rome and is hindred by Commissary Vetturi who had Process made against him for it and was at last absolved and the distastes between him and the Duke of Urbin agreed who sends his wife and son to Venice The Imperialists of Rome sack Terni and Narni The Florentines ratifie the League The Venetians send two thousand Foot to guard Bullognia The Pope enclines to the Agreement and concludes it upon dishonourable terms The Venetians provide for their State and advise upon the way of making war Lautrech's actions construed ill by the Senate who send an Ambassadour to France Pavia is taken and sackt Doria's actions with the Genueses and Fregosa's against the Adorni The unhappy success of the Venetian Fleet at Sardinia for which Antonio Marcello is punished The Venetians growing jealous of Lautrech bring their men into Lombardy Treaties of Peace with Cesar succeed not and war is intimated by the Colleagues The Pope being freed by Cesar seems neutral and desires the restitution of some Towns from the Venetians who consult upon an answer and therefore send Gaspero Contarini Embassadour to Rome The Imperialists and the French Armies in the Kingdom of Naples The prosperous success of the French The Venetian Fleet annoy the Rivers of Puglia The Duke of Brunsick in Italy who being driven away by the Duke of Urbine return's quickly to Germany The Leagues good and bad success in the Kingdome of Naples with the death of Lautrech The disbanding of the Army The Genoueses put themselves into the Emperours protection whereat the French are much displeased Provision for war in Lombardy Pavia is assaulted by the Duke of Urbine and taken together with some other Towns The Venetians are carefull to preserve the Towns of Puglia A new request made by the Pope to the Senate for the restitution of the Towns pretended to The Senates Answer and their reasons The Princes desire Peace but the means how to compass it is not found The Senate resolves upon war who grow apprehensive of the French by reason of â—heir slender provisions and therefore â—orbear not to arm themselves well Various success of Arms in the Kingdome of Naples and in the State of Genua wherein the French prosper but badly and Monsieur St. Paul is taken prisoner Wise and Valiant actions of the Duke of Urbine His skirmish with the Imperialists whereby he makes them retreat to Milan The French treat of Peace with Cesar without the knowledg of the Venetians whereat the Senate is much distasted Cesar comes into Italy The â—greement made at Cambrai wherein the Venetians are excluded The Emperours pretences to the Towns of Puglia The Turks proceedings in Hungary makes him incline to Peace The Senate is much perplext who at last resolve to restore Cervia and Ravenna to the Pope and the cities of Puglia to the Emperour whereby an universal peace is established in Italy THe Senate of Venice was greatly troubled to hear of the taking and sacking of Rome and of the Pope's imprisonment Others were moved to compassionate the miserable misfortune of that noble and flourishing City the sad condition of so many Court Prelates and chiefly that of the Pope being brought from the most supream degree of reverence and authority into much lowness and danger and was still exposed to the fury of Arms and to many injuries others were sorely grieved at these proceedings of the Spaniards who they imagined would now neither want boldness nor fortune to attempt any thing to the prejudice of the Liberty of Italy especially since there was no slight occasion of jealousie that tâ—ey would carry the Pope prisoner into pain to the end that they might afterwards by their accustomed cunning and vain pretences possess themselves of the Churches dominion and make the way easier for themselves to be lords of Italy Wherefore the Venetians moved partly out of compassion and disdain for the injuries done unto the Pope and also out of State policy not to suffer Charles his fortune to increase further to their yet greater prejudice they resolved to concurre with all their forces to the freeing of the Pope and to spare neither cost nor danger therein Wherefore they gave strict order to the Duke of Urbine their captain General and to their Commissaries Pisani and Vetturi to advance with their Army and setting all other things aside to attend the relief of the Castle where the Pope was shut up and to use all possible means to set him at Liberty and to free him from danger and that they might not be disturb'd in this enterprise they fell forthwith to the raising of new foot whereby to add unto their army which was given them in Lombardy 10000 men more that they might therewithall encounter Antonio da Leva who being march'd into the field and meeting with no obstacle was likely to grow daily stronger by the succour which he expected from Germany The Venetians were much encouraged in this their intention and their hopes of good success was encreased by the great preparations which the Kings of France and England made to fall upon as they constantly gave out the Provinces of Flanders with their Armies and Fleet whereby to force the Emperour to reduce all his forces into those parts and to abandon the affairs of Italy These things did very much rescent what had happened to Rome for which respect the King of England hastned away the Cardinal of York who was sent to the court of France to take some order for the intervene and meeting of the two Kings wherein the chief thing to be treated of was the Popes freedome and the securing of the Ecclesiastical State nor did the King of France shew himself less forward herein who had immediately sent orders to
afterwards close with his enemies The Venetians were then six thousand Italian foot two thousand Lansknechts thirteen hundred Light Horse and two thousand Curassiers The French foot exceeded not seven thousand though the King payed for a great many more And this counsel proved very lucky for it kept the War far from the Common-wealth it hindred the further proceedings of the enemy it preserved the City of Bullognia by the reputation of the neighbouring Forces which was in the more danger by reason of the Intelligence held between the Imperialists and Bentevoglii whose faction was grown the greater by the addition of the Malvezzi wherefore the Venetians at the request of Cardinal Cido who had the Government of that City sent two thousand Foot to guard it But the scarcity of victuals and the many sore sicknesses by which the Army was much diminished hindred them from making any attempt Out of these reasons the enemies forces being much increased and those of the Confederates diminished the Pope despairing of being soon relieved applyed himself wholly to Treaties of agreement Wherefore he very much desired the Duke of Urbin that he would suffer the Viceroy to come safely to Rome hoping by his means to obtain better conditions then were then offered him by the other Imperial Commanders which succeeded otherwise either for that the Viceroy had not authority enough to do it or else for that minding himself more then the Pope he agreed rather to those conditions which might please the souldiers that he might win their favour and be made their commander then to those which made for the Pope's advantage who still continuing earnestly to desire an agreement for he had been often deluded by those of the League they came presently to an agreement but upon hard and dishonorable Conditions and which were often afterwards refused by him He being thereby bound to pay 400000 Duckets to the Army and to put into the Imperialists hands the Castle of Angelo the Forts of Hostia Cevita Vecchia and Cevita Castellana and moreover to cause the cities of Parma and Piacenza to be delivered up unto them for all which he was notwithstanding not to be then set at liberty but to be carried to Gaetta and there to expect Cesar 's resolution touching what was to be done about the ratification of the Agreement and concerning his person and the like of many Cardinalls and Prelates which were in the Castle The Venetians were much displeased at this since by these Articles Cesar's Forces and reputation were greatly increased having lately incensed Cesar yet more against them by having given Commission to their Embassadour That together with the King of France's and the King of England's Embassadour he should require Cesar to set the Pope at Liberty and in case of denial they were all of them to denounce war against him But it being known that it was great necessity the fear of his own person and chiefly the hatred which the Collonesi and the Dutch Foot bore unto his name and person which made him accept of so prejudicial tearms believing that he might easily change his minde and that time might make way for better fortune they resolved to hinder such things which post factum would be hard and perhaps impossible to do therefore for the preservation of Cremona they caused their Army in Lombardy which quartered in the Territories of Crema to pass over the river Ada that it might garrison those Cities hinder the delivery of them up disturb the business agreed upon and to keep the Imperialists in work and to weaken them by laying waste the Country about Milan and Pavia These forces of the Venetians were then about 10000 foot 500 Curassiers 700 Light-horse under the command of the Duke of Urbine and of Commissary Dominico Contarini to boot with 3500 foot which the Duke of Milan who was come according to his promise to the Army had brought with him Yet they did not purpose as yet to fall upon any important Action for they expected Lautrech's comming who being gone from France with part of the Forces which were destin'd for the enterprise of Italy was already come to Piemont The Commanders differed in their opinion touching the way of managing the war some thought that it was best that the French should joyn with the Leagues Army which being again advanced were quartered near Narni these alledged for their advice that fit occasion might be taken from the disorders and inconveniences of the Enemy of obtaining their chief end which was the Pope's Liberty by drawing to the walls of Rome since that the Cesarean Army by reason of the Plague which was in that City and thorough the licentiousness wherein the souldiers had lived for many moneths past was much diminished both in numbers and Vallour the Foot lying some within some without the Town without either order or military Discipline and many of them going dayly in threaves from the Camp so as by the addition of the French they might hope to prevail over the enemy and to drive them quickly out of Rome Yet others thought that the safer way to atchieve this was to force the Imperial Commanders to draw their men out of Rome to relieve the State of Milan wherein the war being still hottest it was thought the Enemy would not be able to make their party good no though they should recall their army from Rome and that the relief would either come too late or not be sufficient to stop the course of Victory so as many good effects might be wrought at one and the same time and peradventure a final end might be put to the war This being generally approved by the greatest party Lautrech entred the State of Milan with powerfull forces 8000 Switzers 3000 Gascones and 10000 foot which were led on by Peter of Navar and being come into the country of Alexandria he did not think it fit to advance any further without attempting somewhat with his Forces he therefore sate down before the Town of Bosco which was guarded by ten Thousand Dutch Foot which after some dayes battery yielded He with the like success got the Town of Alexandria soon after and put thereinto a garrison of five hundred of his men that he might be sure to have as he alledged a safe place for his men to have recourse unto in case of adverse fortune and likewise to receive those that were to come from France But both the Duke of Milan and the Venetians were much troubled thereat and it proved afterwards a great hindrance to the affairs of the League through some diffidence which grew among the Colleagues who grew jealous of the proceeding of the French for their having detained the City and through no small scandal that Lautrech took on the other side at this their jealousie The Venetians complained hereof by their Embassadours both to Lautrech and to the King himself placing the occasion of their dislike notwithstanding rather upon what judgment the enemy
come himself to Venice to justifie his actions the Senate either being better informed or that they might the better accomodate themselves to the time and affairs would not suffer him to leave the Army but removing away the Guard from his Wife and Son seemed to be satisfied with him But the Venetians since they could not make Lautrech alter his resolution made their men come into Lombardy which were then about fifteen thousand foot having left three thousand five hundred Light Horse with Lautrech for the enterprize of Rome being thereunto moved out of the pressing care which they had of retaining the Towns which they had recovered in the Dukedom of Milan the weight whereof lay only upon the Common-wealth Francisco Sforza being so exhausted of money as he was hardly of himself able to maintain the ordinary Garrisons of the City much less to bring men into the Field as he was bound to do by his Articles and as was necessary to resist the Forces which were prepared by Antonio da Leva Moreover the respect of their own affairs did not a little move them and the fear of bringing the danger home unto themselves bereaving their Country of defence by sending their Forces so far off and especially because they heard that many armed people were gathered together in the parts about Tirol and that great provision of victuals and munition was made in the City of Trent to be sent into Italy And this fear made the greater impression in them because now Ferdinando of Austria who had quieted the affairs of Hungary by the victory he had gotten over Giovan the Vayvod of Transilvania had better conveniency to attend the affairs of Italy as he had oft times seemed very desirous to do Wherefore thinking it necessary to encrease their Army to the number of twenty thousand foot and to make greater provisions to maintain another great War the Senate entreated the King of England that he would be assistant to the Commonwealth and to the cause of Italy by contributing part of the expence in so great a need to the payment of that Army which was to maintain the Liberty of Italy which he had so often promised to defend But the King affirming still that he would make War upon Cesar in Flanders and free Italy from any such danger by diverting his Forces shewed that it was good for the common service to lessen the provisions which were destined for such enterprizes so as the Commonwealth being to be alone at so great expences and the publique Treasury being already much exhausted by the so long War was forc'd to have recourse to many extraordinary ways for the raising of monies Amidst all these preparations for War the business of Peace was not notwithstanding quite laid aside but the Emperour seeming to desire it had several Treaties with the King of France and with the Venetians somtimes apart for particular agreement and somtimes joyntly for a general peace The demands which were made on the King of France his part and on the Venetians were That Cesar should set the King of France his Sons at liberty That he should free the Pope and forgo whatsoever he held that belonged unto the Church That he should restore Francisco Storza Duke of Milan unto his State and that he should remove all his forces out of Lombardy and out of Rome Which Cesar neither wholly accepting of nor yet altogether denying he sought by various difficulties to hold on the more certain resolution chiefly by demanding a great sum of money of the Venetians whereby holding the business on foot but full of doubts he desired to take the advantage of time and to steer his course according to the event of the affairs of Italy and according to the preparations made by his Brother hoping the mean while to conclude the particular agreement with the King of France more to his own advantage to whom as the King acquainted the Venetians afterward he did at last propound The excluding of all the other Colleagues and the appropriating of the State of Milan to himself Whereby and by his first resolution in all his Treaties of having Sforza's cause decided by Judges and that in the mean while he should keep the City of Milan in his own name and with his Garrisons it might easily be conceived that all his Treaties tended only to this that the Confederates Armies being disbanded he might put himself in safe possession of the State of Milan so as all thoughts of Peace being laid aside War was again denounced by the Confederates to Cesar wherein thinking that it might make much for their advantage if they could draw the Duke of Ferara and the Marquis of Mantua into the League and having tryed them both they concluded with the Duke of Ferara to receive him into their League upon condition that he should maintain two hundred Curassiers at his own charges in the Colleagues Army and that he should contribute ten thousand Ducats monethly for the space of six moneths towards the payment of the Foot For which the Confederates were to take him and his State into their protection After which agreement a large and stately Palace which did formerly belong to him in Venice was restored unto him But the Treaty was somwhat more difficult with the Marquis of Mantua for he desired to be declared Captain General of the League in Lautrech's absence To which the Venetians would not consent in respect of the Duke of Urbine But at last Girallimo Zane Podesta of Verona being gone to Mantua in the publique name to treat of this business he concluded it without that condition taking the person and the State of the Marquis into the Confederates protection But Cesar seeing he was to make his party good against so many enemies and desiring to make his cause appear less dishonest and by so doing to sever the King of England perhaps from the rest of the Confederates he resolved at last to give the Pope his Liberty To which purpose he sent sufficient commissions to the Viceroy and to Don Hugo di Moncada who being dead the Viceroy concluded the Agreement The Pope being to leave according to former Articles Ostia Civita Vecchia and Civita Castellana in the Emperour's possession and paying the same sum of money though with some further respite of time And passing his word above all things else that he would not oppose Cesar in the affairs of Naples nor of Milan The Colleagues in the beginning of the year one thousand five hundred twenty eight prepared to make War with most powerful forces both by Land and Sea and chiefly to fall upon the Kingdom of Naples as the King of France had long before desired and intended Wherefore he prest the Venetians that they would encrease their Gallies to the number of twenty four according to the first capitulations But they said they had fully made good their promise with the former sixteen because of these there were eight Bastard Gallies every
Which we may assure our selves of if we will reflect upon the many calamities whereinto we were led not many years ago by the like accident and through the too great desire of preserving these Cities the names whereof I wish may not prove fatal and as it were the original of many troubles to our Commonwealth The memory hereof is so fresh and so unfortunate as such an acquisition ought at all times to be abhorr'd by us Is this the first time that occasion hath been offer'd us amidst the so great revolution of the Affairs of Italy to possess our selves of these Cities Have we not been often invited thereunto of late years by the French And if we will remember well we shall find we have formerly had both better opportunity and juster occasion to do it both when the Pope hath had bad success and in the vacancy of the Popedom and when he shew'd himself to be an Enemy to the State Yet this very Senate hath always wisely dispised such invitations esteeming the loss certain and the benefit of such an acquisition but seeming And we ought now to continue the rather in the same opinion for that this small addition to our State if we were sure to keep in free and peaceable possession of these Cities it doth either block up the way of advancing to greater and more noble acquisitions or doth make it more difficult for if we succeed well in the business of Naples as we may hope to do if the Pope declare himself for the League or at least appear not an Enemy to it we shall recover many Towns in the parts about Puglia which belong unto us by articles which both by the condition of the Country by the conveniency of Havens and for the affection of those people towards our Commonwealth do in themselves and in hopes of greater matters deserve to be esteemed by us equal with whatsoever other acquisition the Commonwealth can make But I beseech you how do you think the King of France or the King of England will interpret our refusal or prolonging the delivery of Cervia and Ravenna to the Pope they being required by him Doth not the King of England profess that he engageth himself in this War only in regard of the Church and Pope as being desirous to preserve the name which he hath gotten of being Defender of the Faith And the King of France to whom as we have lately understood from our Embassadour the Pope hath intimated that he will enter into the League if he have these Towns restored what will he think of us if he shall see that we do neglect the so important Interests of the common Confederacy and yet it is in the friendship and assistance of these Princes that we must place our hopes We shall assuredly be drawn by their entreaty and by necessity to do that which now we shall deny to do and yet shall we lose all our thanks for this action from the Pope from whom we may expect so many favours and so much advantage and lose the praise of having defended the Dignity and State of the Church to which our Commonwealth hath always aspired And to say nothing of what hath been done by our Fore-fathers famous and worthy actions have not we our selves even now been at very great expence and hazarded our men to so many dangers to free the Pope out of prison and to drive the Imperialists out of the Churches Dominions Who will certainly have a fair pretence to keep those Towns which are in their hands when they shall see the same done by us since by our example they may cloak their designs with some excuse and seeming honesty But since I have heard those that are of a contrary opinion object more against the unseasonableness of the time then against the thing it self let us confider I beseech you whether being to do it it be not better for us to do it now then to defer it to another time and to another occasion Really I cannot see what more advantage can be hoped for from the resignation of those Towns then that which is now propounded since the Popes friendship can never make more for our advantage then at the present when it lies in his power either to further or obstruct our good success in the Kingdom of Naples according as he shall shew himself favourable or an Enemy to the League But if the affairs of War shall prove amiss as the worst is always to be feared for the end of War doth often differ from the beginning nay I will say more let what will happen if Cesar and the King of France shall agree as we very well know what Cesar hath often said that though he should lose the Kingdom of Naples intirely it will be in his power to re-have it whilst he hath so good a pawn in his hands as the Kings Sons What will be our condition when we shall be abandon'd by the King of France have the King of Spain our Enemy the Pope so far from befriending us that he will not be well satisfied with us and perhaps necessitated by contracts made with other Princes as it fell out in the times of Julio and of Leo to prosecute and offend us The fortune of the Common-wealth is not yet so well settled after so many storms as that we ought to lanch forth into the same Sea without fear of more dangers We by the good advice of temporizing have even in our greatest adversities not only saved but recovered our Commonwealth and her ancient Dignity more then we could have done by force of Arms. We may also hope for more prosperous success in the future if we walk in the same way But howsoever we ought always to endeavour to carry our selves so in all our actions as though better fortune may peradventure be wish'd for to our Common-wealth yet it may not be wish'd that this Senate had been wiser These words wrought much upon the Senators though most of them were formerly of another opinion Wherefore Luigi Mocenico who was one of the chief of the Colledg who had advised the Senate to dismiss the Popes Nuntio with an express negative standing up spoke thus If we shall regulate our thoughts and our opinions according to the various interpretations that may be given them and not according to reason we shall proceed so diversly and with such uncertainty in all our affairs as we shall make chance the guide of our counsels But certainly our actions have been such and such our intentions towards the common good and particularly towards the Apostolique See as there is no cause to doubt our faith and sincerity Have we seized upon the Cities of Cervia and Ravenna by force or rest them from the obedience of the Church to bring them under our Dominion Is it not well known that being sought unto for help by the Governour of Ravenna and knowing what danger that City was in of falling into the Imperialists hands
be able to hold the enemy play and to keep the war from the State of Lombardy but to make some advancement since the Imperialists wanted not many disaccommodations resolved to relieve those Towns sending them all sorts of munition and to recruit the Garrisons with six hundred Foot raised in Dalmatia which being conveyed thither in some Gallies in the depth of winter two of them ran on ground and split upon those shores But Commissary Mula who had kept till then upon those coasts for the safety of the Towns and to preserve those men upon all events and that the Galley-slaves might work upon the Fortifications leaving four Galleys to guard them retreated by publick order to Corfu which the Senate did out of the need the Fleet stood in of being refresh'd and that they might adde to the number of the Galleys that they might joyn with the Fleet which was prepared by the King of France in Marcelles and impose the Imperialists Maritime Forces who were said to prepare good store of Frigats in Barcellona to the end that joining with Doria's Galley's they might go out strong to Sea In this Interim the Pope ceased not his desires to have Cervia and Ravenna restored unto him to which purpose the King of France had sent the Vicount Turin to Venice desirous to give some satisfaction to the Pope in whom his former ill will to the King was encreased by the Marriage of Renea the Kings kinswoman to Hercoles the Duke of Ferrara's son knowing that by this alliance the king was obliged to defend the Duke from whom the Pope desired to repossess himself of the Cities of Modena and Regio as well as those in Romagna from the Venetians and he hoped to have been therein assisted by the King according to his promise But the Senate desirous to give the King satisfaction in all things acquainted him with their pretentions and interests that they had Ravenna from Obizo Polenta the Lord thereof 400 years since it was in the Churches possession and that Cervia was possess'd by the Commonwealth by the last Will and Testament of Dominico Malatesta charged with many pious uses wherein the will of the Testator was continually fulfilled that if they had desired to enjoy what belonged to others they would not have refused the offers made by those of Furli and of other Towns in Romagna to come under their command that they had been at no little charge in maintaining Bologna and other Cities under the Papal Dominion that they posses'd these Towns when the Pope had quitted the League and and therefore in that respect they had just reason to holde them since they had spent more Treasure in these wars by much then those Cities were worth that his Majesty would be pleased to consider whether it would make for his advantage that his freinds and his confederates should part with so convenient places to the Pope who was but ill affected to the Crown of France nay to the Imperialists upon whose authority it was apparent that the Pope did depend either out of will or fear That to boot with his own concernments he should weigh the injury which would be thereby done to the other Colleagues to the Florentines and to the Duke of Ferara who certainly would be very much troubled at such an action which might â—inder their forwardness in adhering to the League That he ought likewise to consider these Towns were as a curb to keep the Pope within his duty and that this respect ceasing he would the sooner discover himself to be a friend and confederate of Cesar ' s. Visconte being conjunct by these reasons went to Rome where he propounded divers expediences to the Pope for the accommodation of these Affairs as that these Towns might be given in fee to the Common-wealth upon some recognition to the Church as he had done by several other Towns Or else that they would be deposited into the King of France his hands to be disposed of as he should think fit Which proposals being put unto the Senate they were neither wholly accepted nor wholly refused but mentioning what the State had done and what they were ready to doe in order to the Pope's service they seemed to confide much upon Clement's wisdom that he might of himself find out some fair and rational accommodation of these difficulties Thus was this business suspended and the success of War uncertain and the time of laying down Arms most uncertain when the year 1528 ended The year 1529 began with various hopes of peace and with fear of new combustions of War for great weariness and weakness appeared plainly in the Princes Which as well as the bitterness of the winter was the reason why all Military actions were ceased nor did any such notable effects ensue either in Lumbardy or in the Kingdom of Naples as might have been expected the one party being quite dissipated and destroy'd the other remained totally victorious and arbitrator of all things which were so ballanced as each party might bear its own fortune and hope for better in the future Wherefore it was thought that the condition of affairs being thus an agreement would be the more easily made Cesar professed openly that he desired universal peace and above all things to accommodate his Affairs to the Princes of Italy to which purpose he had sent the General of Franciscans to Rome who having received the Cap took upon him the title of Cardinal of Sancta Cruce which Commission as it was given out to cause Hostia and Civita Vecchia to be restored to the Pope and to treat with the Popes self touching the reconcilment of all difficulties The King of England used all efficacious means with the King of France and to bring him to an agreement had sent express Embassadours to Rome to exhort the Pope to undertake such a treaty as a thing that did better belong to him more properly then to any other Nor did the King of France appear to be there unto averse he having sent Commission to his Embassadour at Rome for universal peace The Venetians did the like giving sufficient warrant to their Embassadour Gaspero Contarini to say that the Senate following the advice of the King of France and according to their own inclination towards the peace and common good of Christendom would make good whatsoever had been formerly agreed upon by particular conventions They moreover did of themselves desire the Pope that he would take upon him the weight of so important a business and bring it to a good end as might be hoped from his power and sincerity promising that upon the concluding of an universal peace they would witness their good will in any thing remained in dispute between them and the Apostolick See touching the Cities of Ravenna and Cervia But for all this many things gave reason to suspect that all this was but a Coppy of their countenances and that the Princes were inwardly otherwise inclined being more
formerly been his own restored unto him with a particular declaration that the Empire of Constantinople should belong unto the Emperour without prejudice to the Common-wealth for what belonged to her to which likewise La Vallone and Castel-Nuovo should be reserved as things appertaining to her and that a fitting proportion of what should be gotten should be reserved by way of pre-eminency for the Apostolick Sea That in other things whereunto none of them pretended every one of the confederates should partake thereof according to the proportion of his expence in the war that if the Island of Rhodes should be recovered it should be restored to the Knights of Ierusalem There was no mention made of the King of England in these Capitulations but the Venetians thinking they might receive no little aid from this King who was master of many Forces and of great Authority sought by their Secretary Girollimo Zuccato then resident with him to make him favour the League and desired the Pope to do the like which he did But he thinking himselfe scandalized for not being particularly named in the Capitulations would not give ear thereunto but complained that he and his Kingdom were not taken into such consideration by the Colleagues as they ought to have been And for the King of France there appeared new signs every day that he had no minde to enter into the League wherein the increase of his Rival and perpetuall Enemy's forces and reputation the Emperour was treated on The League being concluded and established in manner aforesaid the Venetians ordered their General Capello that if the Turkish Fleet should come into the gulph he would tarry behinde in the Levant so as he might the easlier passe into Sicily or whithersoever he were to joyn with the Confederates Fleets This course was judged good to incourage those of the Levant and to indammage the Enemy according as occasion should serve and that they might not lessen the Garrisons 2000 foot were raised and forthwith sent to re-inforce the Fleet. Some were of opinion that the Generall should have free leave given him to do upon all occasions whatsoever he should think would be best for the Common-wealth They urged that since all accidents which might occur could not be fore-seen and according to which the Generall was to order his designs and to steer his course it was a dangerous thing to binde him up by Commissions and to force him to do what peradventure might be contrary to reason they instanced in the successes of the last year wherein the having given limited orders to Generall Pesaro had been the cause of great disorders which proved at last the breaking out into war Yet the consideration of not retarding the joyning of the Fleets prevail'd as also a certain indignity which as it was thought it would prove if the Generall should think of retreating as if he shun'd the Enemy and should therefore withdraw himselfe with his Gallies into the waters about the City whereby so great a preparation should prove vain But above all things they vvere very solicitous in providing monies whereby to supply their expences A Bank vvas therefore erected in the Exchequer wherein as many as vvould bring in any Monies into the publick Treasury vvere promised to be paid fourteen per cent during their life Much severity vvas used in calling in such Monies as were due to the Common-wealth Three other Commissaries were chosen for what should be borrowed Girollimo Marcello Bernardo Moro and Giulio Contarini but no use could as yet be made of the Clergies goods for though the Pope had transmuted the favour whereof he had before given so favourable an intention to the Senate to wit That he would permit them to alienate ten per cent of the Clergies Revenue till it should amount to a million of Gold or that they should raise it in five years space by so many Tenths of the same goods yet he had never given out his Briefs for either of these finding out severall excuses and delaies at such a pinch Many propositions were made for the raising of monies but the Senate proceeded with great respect and caution not to do any thing at this time which might peradventure lessen the peoples affection to the Common-wealth they would not therefore accept of the proposall of selling the Commons though much money might have been made thereby there being great store of them throughout the whole Terra ferma But for all this scarcity of money they spared not for any thing that was necessary for War victualls were provided from all parts and ammunition Ordnance were cast such Ladders Pick-axes Spades and other tools as the Duke of Urbine gave order for for Land-service were made in great abundance The Duke seemed very desirous to do great things in service to the Common-wealth and aspired to the obtaining immortall glory by war and truly the Senate confided very much in his worth and Loyalty in so much as the Pope threatning to make war upon his State by reason of his pretence to the Dukedom of Camerino as being held in fee-farm of the Church and which was then fallen to the Duke by the right of his wife the Senate dispatcht away one of their Secretaries speedily to Rome and obtain'd that the Duke should not be molested therein as long as he was imploy'd in the common service of the League or particularly by the Common-wealth He therefore caused two gallies to be prepared the one for himselfe to go in person to the Fleet the other for his Son to go in and chose his very good friend Barnard Sagredo one much esteemed of him by reason of his great experience at Sea to govern them the Senate being desirous to shew how acceptable this the Dukes good will was to them who had said he would bring his wife and family to live in Venice freely gave him one of the noblest Pallaces of the City but whilst he was carefully ordering all these affairs going to Pesaro to take order for his own particular businesse he fell into a great sicknesse which kept him from going to the Fleet. At the same time severall Negotiations were had of Peace between Caesar and the King of France both of them seeming to be desirous thereof to which purpose their Agents were forthwith sent to Canus a place between Parpignon and Narbonne but the whole time being spent in contentions no good came thereof For both these Princes Commissions were bounded and limitted in that very thing whereon all other resolutions did depend Cesar not giving way by any means to the restoring of the Dukedom of Millan not the King of France that any thing should be treated of the prime Article whereof should not be the restitution of that State Many things were propounded to bring these Princes to an Agreement chiefly the marriage between Mary Daughter to the King of Portugal lately dead and to the Queen then wife to Francis King of France and Neece to Cesar and
Ambassadour from Soliman at Venice how received and treated How the Venetians treated with other Princes A League propounded to them by Caesar but not accepted The Emperour passeth into Affrica hath bad successe The King of France goes against him His Ambassadour speaks in the Seâ—aâ—e to make them joyne with France to the prejudice of the Emperour He is answered He goes to Constantinople The King of France assaults divers of the Emperours Towns but does but little good He is angry with the Common-wealth for severall accidents by wrong information given him the truth being known he is appeased The taking of Marano troubles the Senate Provision made for the restitution thereof A Fort destroyed by the Rebells An accommodation treated thereupon proves very difficult Great rumours and preparations of War in the year 1543. The Venetians Neutrality They are troubled by reason of the Turkish Fleet which puts out sacks Reggio passeth to Marcelles besiegeth Neece which yields unto it and retires to Marcelles The Emperour in Italy As he goes for Germany he speakes with the Pope Receives the Duke of Cleves into favour Soliman in Hungary His proceedings Marano assigned over to the Venetians by Strozzitia Dyet in Spire The Emperour 's and the King of France's thoughts The Cardinall Ferrara's speech in the Senate wherein he pretends to draw the Venetians to confederate with the King of France The Senate's resolution and answer The reasons why they do not yield unto him Treaties of peace between Caesar and the King how made and why The conclusion and conditions thereof Severall discourses thereupon The successe of the Turks Fleet. The Turks not pleased with the newes of peace between the Christians Treaties of peace with Soliman and the accommodation between King Ferdinando and the Common-wealth Little good comes of either of them Differences between the Venetians and the Turks They are accommodated to the honour and advantage of the Common-wealth the peace of Italy much endangered and wherefore Parma and Piacenza given in Fee by the Pope to the dislike of Caesar who doth openly oppose it The King of France prospers not well with the English nor the Emperour with the Protestants He is solicited by the Pope to take up Arms against them and is assisted with Souldiers The Venetians consent not thereunto The Protestants move Endeavours used with the Senate and their answer The dissolution of their Army and Caesars victory Cardinal Allessandro Fernese comes to Venice A discourse of the Venetian Nobility The state of the affairs of Germany The Popes and the Emperours distates Caesar's victory against Frederick of Saxony His designes and what he does to get footing in the Dukedom of Millan The King of France and the King of England's death The succession of their children and Ambassadours sent from the Common-wealth to both the Crowns The occasion of breach of peace between the English and French The Pope joynes with the King of France against Caesar. The death of Pier Luigi and the taking of Piacenza The Venetians are solicited to joyne with the Pope and with the King of France but will not forego Caesar's friendship the reasons which induce them thereunto An answer given to the Pope and to the King of France Considerations touching the Pope The state of affairs in the year 1548. The King of France his intentions and the Popes His endeavours with divers How Philip the Emperour's son is received in Italy and how by the Common-wealth What Soliman's successe was against the Persians He makes truce with Ferdinand The conditions thereof Distastes between the Pope and Caesar and what succeeded thereupon The Pope's death Why the Venetians were never interressed in creating Popes Paul the third is chosen Pope THE Peace being in manner aforesaid established between Soliman and the Venetians all men hoped that Forces were to cease in all parts amongst Princes and that there should be a happy and peaceable time after so sore wars For Soliman seemed very well inclined to make a long and generall Truce with all Christian Princes wherein the French Ambassadour having laboured much he said it was now as good as concluded and these his speeches were the rather believed for that though the Fleet was ready to go forth yet Barbarossa's departure was delayed nor was there any preparation of an Army which might occasion jealousie of land-enterprises Truce was already confirmed in Paris between Caesar and the King of France upon the same terms as it had been by the Pope's means made formerly at Nece and all demonstrations of confidence and reconciliation past between them whilst Caesar taking France in his way to Flanders stayed some daies with the King which made men hope that these Princes laying aside their antient enmities were to joyne in a good and secure peace But new accidents hapned which as human affairs are subject to easie alterations did soon change the face of affairs and did totally confound these formerly conceived hopes of quiet For Iohn King of Hungary dying and leaving an infant-son of his newly born by his wife Issabella daughter to Sigismund King of Polonia Ferdinando King of the Romans pretended that according to the last agreement made with that King which was That the succession of that Kingdom should appertain to him and not to the son of King Iohn raised suddainly a great many Souldiers wherewith he quickly assailed the Kingdom took Alba Regale Visgrado Pesto and some other Towns of Hungary And at the same time sent Ierolimo Lasco to Constantinople to treat with Soliman that he might hold that Kingdom upon the same tearms as it was held by King Iohn The Queen Dowager widow to King Iohn had likewise recourse to Constantinople endeavouring by a solemn Embassy of the prime Barons of that Kingdome that the Turks would aid her in maintaining her son in the possession of that Kingdom which was by them preserved unto his father Soliman thought himselfe hereby doubly injured by Ferdinando First for having assaulted a Kingdome recommended to him and which he had taken into his protection And then that he should demand those things by his Ambassadour which he howsoever endeavoured to get by force Whereat being much incensed he did not onely lay aside his former thoughts and good inclination which he seemed to have to peace and quiet but prepared great forces both by Land and Sea to assault the Territories of the House of Austria that so he might revenge this injurie upon Ferdinando and keep Charles so busied as he might not assist his brother Wherefore retracting what had been negotiated with Antonio Rincone the French Ambassadour touching the Truce he resolved to send him back to his King that he might acquaint him how he had changed his minde and that his thoughts were now bent upon War The Tumults in Flanders were already appeased which was the sooner effected by the severe punishment of the rebellion of Guant to the terrour of other Cities which being insued sooner then peradventure suted
to the neighbouring shores that the Triesteene Vessels which were but weakly furnisht might be resisted and be made to suspect that force should be used against them Whilst these things were in Treaty Iovan Francisco de Pazzi a Florentine came to Venice to deliver up the Fort of Marano in the name of Pietro Stozzi to the Common-wealth receiving a reasonable reward and to tell them if they should not listen to this offer of his he should be forc't to treat with some other great Prince who he knew would willingly accept of it And it was generally said every where that Strozzi being resolved not any ways to deliver up that Fort to Ferdinando and intending to make what advantage he could of it might easily close with the Turks The King of France had left Marano in the free power of Strozzi in reward of the service he had done that Crown and as others more expresly said in account for great debts which he pretended unto and that he therefore affirmed Strozzi might doe with the Town what he listed Yet it was thought that nothing was done without the knowledge and particular consent of the King of France whose Embassador then resident at Venice as soon as the Agreement was made did much commend the Senates resolution and did thank them for it in his Kings name The Venetians were much troubled at the businesse for the receiving or refusing of the offer was a trouble unto them in divers respects They desired to shun doing of any thing that might displease Ferdinando and much more to occasion any jealousies that they had had any hand in Strozzi's Counsells but to permit that a place so near the Towns of Venice standing as it were upon her own shore should fall into the hands of the Turks was too hard and prejudiciall a businesse and which might prove injurious not onely to the Common-wealth but to all Christendom Being therefore reduced to this necessity they resolved to listen to Pazzi's proposall and two Senators Antonio Capello and Francesco Contarini were appointed to treat with him upon the particulars After many meetings the businesse was conculded thus That upon the delivery up of Marano to the Common-wealth Strozzi was to receive 35000 Duckets Thus Alexander Bondemiere was chosen Commissary of the Town who accompanied by Pazzi and a few foot was received in and had the Town delivered into his hands by Strozzi and with the peoples applause Some of the chiefe of them swore allegiance to the Common-wealth they afterward acquainted the Emperour and Ferdinando with all that was done alleadging just reasons for this their necessary resolution That their actions for two years last past might sufficiently witnesse their sincerity during all which time they would not onely listen to these practises which had been proffer'd them severall times before but had readily given passage victuals and all other commodities to Ferdinando's men for the recovery of Marano that they had considered that Town was of no moment to Ferdinando's affairs neither for State Confines nor advantage that he got thereby but that it would have been very dangerous for his other Territories if it should have fallen into the Turks hands as it was apparent it would have done if they had continued to have dispised Strozzi's offer these reasons being handsomely represented to these Princes by Bernando Navagiero and Marino de Cavalli the one being sent Embassador to Caesar the other to the King of the Romanes did appease them who were at first much incenst at this accident But the condition of the Times did chiefly make them capable of these reasons for a Dyet being intimated to be held in Spire in the beginning of the year 1544. wherein the chief Lords of Germany were to intervene to treat of important affairs of making War with the French and of withstanding that which the Turks made with them the Emperour and the King of the Romanes were wholly bent upon these Negotiations and preparations And as they did much desire this so they hoped that the Common-wealth moved by the Authority of so many German Princes and Cities would suffer it selfe to be drawn into some confederacy when they should see that they had imbraced the enterprise against the Turks But the Emperour in particular was not free from suspitions that the Venetians so often attempted by the King of France should upon the taking of any distaste at his hands part from his confederacy and joyn with the King of France which troubled him the more at this time for that having made peace with the King of England and the Swissers he hoped he might prosper better in his attempts against France then he had done the last year wherein the good he had got was not answerable to his preparations for War For the French having lately relieved Landresi were returned with all their Forces safe into France and the imperial Army dispairing to get the Town gave over the enterprise Wherefore Cesar intending to fall upon France with more forces at the same time that it should be assaulted by the King of England was very desirous of the peace of Italy that his Forces might not be divided by being imployed elsewhere But on the contrary the King of France knowing all this placed much of his hopes in being able to defend and secure his own affairs by troubling the peace of Italy by assaulting Napolls and Millan so as Cesar should be necessitated to turn his Forces to defend those States which he so highly valued therefore considering the advantage he might make thereby either forgetting other respects so often considered by reason of his ardent desire or for that he hoped to bring him the more easily to some Agreement or that he believed time and accidents might make the Venetians alter their determinations he resolved to invite them once more by many offers to joyn in League with him against Cesar and to the end that the Authority of the person imploy'd might purchase more beliefe and honour to the businesse he sent the Cardinall of Ferrara to Venice who was received there very honourably and publick Complements being past he was brought according to his desire to private Audience in the Colledge where he spoke thus The occasion of this my coming hither and the proposal that I am to make as it may peradventure be cause of wonder to others so ought it to cause content and no small consolation to you wise Senators since that coming from a great King to make new intreaties and new confederacy with this Common-wealth after the having so often indeavoured your friendship may be a manifest sign of Francis King of France his good will towards you and your affairs and of the great esteem he hath of this Common-wealth and of her Forces it will sute with the wisdome which is attributed to you Gentlemen and with the praise which is particularly given to your Senate to know how to make good use of this Prince his well wishes
towards the common good and particularly towards your prosperity to know your own greatnesse and forces and withall to know the opportunity nay the necessity which the condition of the Times and the designs of other Princes doe put upon you to imbrace these great offers which are made you the which I knowing them to be effectually such hath made me to undertake this imployment the more willingly as thinking I shall not do service onely to the King therein to whom I stand so much indebted but that I shall also procure the liberty and greatness of Italy Your not having formerly agreed with our King and accepted his offers hath not been esteemed a coolnesse in your affection towards the Crown of France since there have been sufficient both modern and ancient Testimonies thereof nor to any little credit you give to the Kings promises since this Common-wealth hath to her great advantage joyn'd in league so often with his predecessors and with himselfe nor yet to want of Counsell or care in Government your Senate having alwaies been a more vigilant Guardian then any other Potentate not onely of your own Country but also of the liberty of others and for a long time a true defender and Arbitrator of the affairs of Italy but for that in a businesse of so great moment as this you have been pleased to proceed with all maturity lest you might repent too late the having quitted your Neutrality and have entred into the charge and trouble of War so as there is none who can as yet blame this your resolution but all things which might have caused any doubt are now so ripened that there is no time left for longer delay Caesars ends and intentions are now too well known to be wholly bent upon making himselfe supream Monarch and in particular Lord of Italy Him hath the King opposed in these things with all his might and for this is he the more hated by Caesar because he sees he withstands these his machinations and that he is ready not onely to defend his own affairs but to become a refuge to others who have need of assistance against this powerfull Enemy and hath been able hitherto by the Forces of his own Kingdom to oppose the violence of the Dutch and Spanish Forces able to frustrate Caesars hopes to maintain his own Dominions and to repair the eminent dangers of other men But now that Caesars power is so increased by having the Forces of Germany of the Swissers and of the King of England joyn'd with him as that every other Prince ought to be jealous of him and to be awakned at the aspect of such greatnesse which is in an instant both born and sprung up and to provide against it before the mischiefe be grown greater which threatens all men The King of France his Forces are certainly very great his mind very ready to imploy them all against Caesars immoderate greatnesse wherein he will value nor labour nor expence nor danger being resolved to run all fortunes and never to lay down Arms unlesse overcome by utmost necessity or that there be no occasion to make use of them but that he may secure these his intentions the most he may to shew that he doth not undervalue the forces and assistants of others when the common cause is in question it is therefore that he hath made known these his most important respects to you Gentlemen 't is therefore that he hath opened his most inward thoughts unto you and hath indeavour'd a new conjunction between this Common-wealth and his Kingdom because when the wills and forces of these two Potentates shall be joyn'd and that it may in reason be thought that the safety of their states is in a good part provided for Caesar may be made to divide his Armies and no longer think upon usurping other mens Estates but upon defending his own The King doth therefore desire and this it is that he wills me particularly to propose unto you that your Fleet may be brought to the Rivers of Puglia where the Towns being unprovided of Garrisons the people well affected towards the Common-wealth and declared enemies to the Spaniards there may be hopes of doing much good speedily And on his part he offers to maintain alwaies 15000 choice Foot in Piemont or where else you shall please whereby the Imperialists being curb'd your State by Land may be safe from all danger nay the Dukedom of Millan and the Duke of Savoy's whole State whose interest is the same with Caesars will be sorely indangered In this Proposition all things will be maturely considered it will be sufficiently known that all things do therein concur which may make a Prince take up Arms the necessary defence and safety of his own affairs hopes grounded upon good foundations to increase Dominion the assured purchasing of a powerfull and faithfull friend in all Fortunes The very resolutions of your Senate shew that Caesars greatnesse ought to be esteemed a sufficient cause to make your Common-wealth take up Arms to keep off further dangers which much to your praise have constantly for so long a time maintained Wars not being frightned by any danger nor changed for any expence or trouble onely to keep the State of Millan from falling into Caesars hands For you know it was too great a danger to have so powerfull a Neighbour But if these things were apprehended when they were farther off and the suspitions therof indeavour'd to be secured how ought they to be suffered now that they are at hand when Caesars counsells are sufficiently known when his cunning is discovered and when there is no more hope left that he will quit the State of Millan Can it be thought a good and wholesome counsell to neglect the occasion now which was more desired by you then than any thing else to oppose Caesars vast designs and not to suffer the Malady to grow to such a height as that no remedy will be found for it Consider I beseech you if it should so fall out as all human things are subject to various changes That the Kingdome of France assaulted by such powerfull forces I will not say should be lost but should be so weakened as that not any Prince should for many years be able to counterpoise Cesar 's power Who sees not to what condition the liberty of Italy would be reduced Who can think himself free from his injuries for not having offended him Who can hope to work upon his haughtinesse by submission Who can think that his insatiable thirst after Government can ever be satisfied by any acquisition Cesar will say that you have opposed his greatnesse because you have not favoured him that you have not valued his friendship because you would not make a straiter conjunction with him though it be known he sought thereby to put greater ties upon you for his own advantage So as it cannot be thought safe for you to keep at this time in your Neutrality for it doth neither
Emperour being highly exhausted of mony by so continuall Wars and the danger of his affairs in Italy encreasing by reason of the numbers of men which were raised in the King's name about Mirandola being also doubtfull of the issue of War by reason of the many Swissers that were taken into pay by the King and which were still added unto his Army but chiefly being desirous to see the Duke of Savoy re-possessed of his State which he had lost in his service whereof he had but little hopes save by way of agreement by reason of the conveniency the French had to succour and to put garrisons into the places which they had taken for the affection which those people bare unto the French it became him to think of peace and to desire it And both these Princes being thus well disposed each of them stood expecting that the motion should be made to him Wherefore the Queen of France who was sister to the Emperour sent her Confessor Father Gabriel Gusman a Spaniard to the Imperiall Camp to the end that he might discourse thereof with the chief Officers and might introduce the Treaty knowing that she therein did what was acceptable both to her husband and to her brother and that Princes in the greatest managements of State do often lend an ear to people of mean condition especially to those of the Clergy to shew that nothing but Religion induceth them to give ear thereunto The agreement begun by Gusman who passed often between the two Camps was quickly brought to a good end so as the Cardinall Legats came not time enough to have a hand in it For the Admirall of France and Secretary Baiardo meeting with Monsieur Granville and Don Ferrante Gonsaga they in the behalf of their Princes agreed upon these conditions That all Towns which were taken after the Truce at Neece should be by both restored and that any differences that might arise therein should be decided by Commissioners who were to meet for that purpose at Cambrei That the King of France should assist Cesar with some Foot and Dragoons together with Germany in case of any war made with the Turks That the Duke of Savoy should be restored to all his State taken from him by the French in the war except some Towns to which the Crown of France laid claim And that for establishment of this agreement the marriage should be made between the Duke of Orleance second son to the King of France with the Emperours daughter or with one of his nieces daughters to Ferdinando the choice being to depend upon Cesar who had four months given him to resolve therein but with different portions for he was to give Flanders and all the Low Countries with his daughter and with his niece the State of Millan with other conditions concerning it which were to be regulated according to divers accidents which might fall out That the Venetians should be nominated in this peace as friends both to the King and Emperour who had proceeded so equally as both these Princes were either content or not dis-satisfied But it fared not thâ—â— with the Pope of whom the French complained for that being very fervent for them he had not notwithstanding done any thing for them in their so great need And the Imperialists plainly accusing the Pope's intentions and designes said That his not declaring himself openly for the King of France was not for any want of will noâ— out of any respect of not offending Cesar but for fear of his forces Insomuch as the Pope's Legats could not without much difficulty obtain that the Pope should be admitted into this agreement which was at last granted rather out of decency then out of any sincere affection it not being fitting that the Pope who is the head of Christians should be left out in that Peace which was said to be made for the common good of Christendome This Peace insuing in a time and in a manner such as was least expected by those who were best experienced in the management of affairs though it was much desired by all afforded occasion of many severall discourses the secrets of these Princes not being easily to be seen into nor could it be prognosticated of what continuance it would be every one spoke diversly of it according to their passions or interests Nay those that had the same relations did not agree in their judgments Some Venetians thought that this peace would continue long between these Princes for the King of France getting thereby the State of Millan or in lieu thereof the States of Flanders a rich Country and lying very conveniently for the Crown of France might now appease his thoughts And the Emperour having put the Duke of Savoy into his State married his daughter nobly and into his own blood and being now weary of war might peacefully enjoy the glory he had won and his exalted fortune It was likewise thought that this Peace as very durable would be acceptable and advantageous to the Common-wealth for thereby the power of Christian Princes would be preserved and they might the better resist Soliman's so vast Forces which were bent upon the ruine of Christendome And that it made likewise much for her service that the Forces and greatnesse of these two Princes should be ballanced as equally as might be which proportion was likely to be destroyed or weakened if the war should have continued by which the King of France was forced to fight within the bowells of his own Kingdom in defence of his own affairs against powerful Armies And moreover the parting of the Dukedom of Millan or Flanders from the so many States which were fallen to the Crown of Spain could not but be commodious for other Princes who were to be jealous of such greatnesse Others notwithstanding were of another opinion thinking that this agreement would be to no purpose for that Cesar who would not see France oppress'd by the King of England which had made him make this agreement would not likewise suffer it to encrease and flourish by peace and by the acquisition of so noble Dominions And that King Francis who was naturally very unquiet nor content with what he might have got by agreement but aspiring still after new things might very likely give occasion of re-assuming Arms. But say that this were to prove a good and true union the Common-wealth had reason to suspect it since so many men as were in these Princes Dominions could not keep long idle that there was no thought of seeing them doe any thing against the Turks since there was speech already that they were to send Ambassadours joyntly to Soliman to treat of Peace or of a long Truce That it was likewise to bâ— considered the Common-wealth would be of lesse esteem wheâ— neither the King of France nor Emperour should need her friendship that the jealousie which these two Princes had for a long time to see this Common-wealth joyn with either of their Rivalls or
Cesar some other way An other novelty likewise hapned which was thought would add fuell to this fire of war which was a kindling The Pope finding his other designes for the agrandising of his house prove vain the City of Parma and Piacenza being severed from the Church which were thereunto joyned by Iulius the 2d gave them in fee-farm to his son Pier Luigi obliging him to pay 8000 Crowns a year for them by way of tribute and in lieu thereof to yield up the Dukedome of Camerino and the Signiory of Nepi wherein his son Octavio was but a little before invested to the Apostolick Sea Cesar was so much displeased hereat as he could by no means be brought to assent thereunto nor give way to the investment thereof desired of him by the Pope as being Lord of the State of Millan whereof these two Cities had wont to be a member This obdurancy of Cesar did so alienate Luigi's heart from him who was formerly sufficiently enclined to the French as it was thought he would embrace any occasion that should be offered to witnesse his ill-will and to damnifie Cesar. The Pope being for these respects grown suspected by both sides and equally mistrusting both Cesar and the King of France but being notwithstanding resolved come what will come to make good what he had done touching the setling of the new Dukedom upon his son he had much discourse with the Venetian Embassador shewing in what danger the affairs of Italy would be as soon as the King of France should have rid his hands of war with the King of England with whom he was in treaty of peace Or when Cesar having reduced the Protestant Princes to his obedience at the Dyet at Ratisbone should have no need to take up Armes against them He therefore desired that the Senate would joyne in close intelligence with him concerning the common interests and in signe of greater confidence he made the new Duke send Agostino di Laudi as his Embassador to Venice who acquainting the Senate with the dignity conferred upon him offered both himself and State to be at the Common-wealth's service Correspondence was had hereunto in a friendly manner but in generall tearms which might not any waies oblige nor whereby the Pope might be the more encouraged to do any thing upon these hopes which might disquiet Italy But minding their own defence and providing for what might happen the Senate took Guido Ubaldo Duke of Urbin into the service of the Common-wealth with the title of Captain Generall of the Militia allowing him 5000 Crowns a year pay for himself and 15000 for a hundred Curassiers and a hundred light Horse which he was bound to have alwaies in a readinesse for the Common-wealth's service But Italy's safety consisted in the troubles which were to continue between the Emperour and the King of France for the latter could not by any forces though very great both by sea and land and by hazarding all fortunes recover the City of Bullen from the English who were resolved not to restore it upon agreement And Cesar having assembled the Protestant Princes in the Dyet at Ratisbone to treat of things touching Religion could do no good upon them though he went there himself in person But whereas they first seemed contented that the Councill should be held in Trent promising to send their Doctors thither to treat of the points of Faith and to stand to what should there be decided they now demanded that a Nationall Councill might be called in Germany which being afterwards reduced to Trent that the meeting might be in all parts free and other more exorbitant things Whereby the Pope argued that making use of this occasion he needed not to fear the Councill but might secure his son in Parma and Piacenza since both Cesar and the Princes and people of Germany had turned their thoughts else-where and were to end bitter contestations by war He therefore began to incite Cesar by frequent messages who was already sufficiently incenst against many German Princes and Cities exhorting him for his honours sake to take up Arms against those Rebells and promising him great assistance not onely by concession of many boones in Cesar's States but by contributing a great many Foot Horse to be paid by the Apostolick Sea The Senate had at first a hand in this businesse seeking as they formerly had done to slacken the Pope's fervour in undertaking this war whereby they thought Italy might receive prejudice and no certain hopes that the affairs of Religion would fare the better by force for whole Germany a great and powerfull Province being as it was said to concur therein whereof many of the chief Hans-Towns had already declared for the Protestant Princes who were risen for fear â—est the Emperour might under other pretences bereave them of their libertie and the name of the Pope being grown greatly hatefull in Germany there was reason to fear that that warlick Nation might overflow Italy and they be prejudiced thereby who had no hand in that commotion Or if Cesar should subdue Germany his forces and reputation growing greater by this victory his power would be more dangerous for the Princes of Italy But afterwards knowing the Pope's resolutenesse herein and that being carried away by two powerfull affections fear and hope touching State respects and his own greatnesse and the like of his family he would not be brought to listen to any other counsell The Senate forbare any such courses and rather sought to go by the way of diversion in the discourses which were often held with them to this purpose by the Pope's and Cesar's Embassadours that they might not offend Cesar without any advantage by advising him against the enterprise or by commending it make him demand more expresse aids of them Notwithstanding all this it was said that the Common-wealth was comprehended in the League which was made at Rome which some did so assuredly aver as in the notes which were publickly given about of the confederates contributions and of the preparations for war five thousand Foot were reckoned to be paid by the Venetians who being desirous to satisfie these Princes in what might neither cost them monies nor trouble did upon request willingly grant passage to the Pope's Souldiers who being mustered in Bologâ—â—a to the number of 12000 Foot and 500 Horse were to passe to Trent through the territories of Verona and the like was done to Cesar's Souldiers they being furnish'd with victualls and all other conveniences The Pope's Army was made up of the best Souldiers of Italy and commanded by valiant Captains of all which the Pope's nephew Ottavio Fernese was General a young man but of great hopes and who had been trained up some few years before in the Militia when he went with his father in Law the Emperour to the Affrican wars But people from several Nations were flock'd to Cesar's Army and many out of Germany her self drawn out of the Patrimoniall States of
the House of Austria and out of those of the Dukes of Bavier and Cleves and of the Marquis of Brandeburg which Princes adhered unto the Emperour So as he might muster about 40000 Foot and 5000 Horse At the same time the protestant Princes whose chief Commanders were Iohn Frederick Duke of Saxony Elector of the Empire and Philip Lansgrave of Hesse endeavoured to get more Lords and German Cities to joyne with them and used all the means they could to encrease their numbers making profession to defend the liberty of Germany and causing those who joyned with them to swear fidelity to the Empire which they said Cesar would possesse himself of as of his own peculiar State and turn it into a tyrannicall Government Wherefore many chief Lords and Cities embracing this as the common cause took up Arms against Cesar as the Duke of Wittemburg the Count Palatine the Communalty of Argentine â—lms Franckfort and Noremburg the City of Auspurge being long before declared These sent their Embassadours to Ulms where a Dyet was intimated to treat particularly of preparations for war any where there was such a concourse of almost all Germany as thed soon got an Army of 80000 Foot and 10000 Horse with which Forces they hoped the rather to beat Cesar and to drive him as they said out of Germany for that they saw he could not raise any considerable Army of Germans they onely apprehended forrain souldiers and chiefly the Pope's Italian Foot which they being desirous to keep from comming they writ very earnestly to the Venetian Senate declaring the good-will they bore to the Common-wealth which was highly esteemed by the whole German Nation desiring them that they would not afford passage to those people which the Emperour sought to bring in to their prejudice and to enslave all Germany to the pernicious example of all other Countries The Senate replyed to this That they did very much cherish the friendship of those Princes and of all those people to whom they had alwaies corresponded with like affection and esteem of their particular persons and of the whole noble German Nation But that their Country being plain and open they could not hinder souldiers from passing through it unlesse by strong force of Arms which their Common-wealth was not wont to do unlesse to their declared enemies Soon after there came particular Letters from the Duke of Saxony and from the Lansgrave wherein declaring their designes and their necessities and that they had taken up Arms in their own defence they desired to be befriended by the Common-wealth with a certain sum of mony Which desires of theirs were much furthered and assisted by the King of England who employ'd his secretary therein he being then resident in Venice who presented these Letters The King was moved to defend the cause of these men though not altogether openly either for their joynt dissenting from the Church of Rome or for that he was not well pleased with Cesar for the agreement with France and that he was troubled at his greatnesse But the Senate continuing their wonted answers said That they esteemed those Princes as their very good friends and wish'd them all good successe but that they could not pleasure them in this lest they should offend other princes whose peace and friendship they desired to preserve These respects being set aside the Senate seemed very well minded toward the German Nation Also when the City of Auspurge had by expresse Letters recommended their Merchants to the protection of the Common-wealth many whereof were already in Venice and others came thither daily in greater numbers by reason of these commotions that their persons and goods might be safe For after this City had declared enmity to the Emperour they had received ill usage in other Cities where they had been for their own private affairs Answer was made that the people of that City and all other people had alwaies been welcome and well received as if they had been their own Citizens and that they would still keep all tearms of justice and civility with them The City of Venice keeps alwaies great commerce with Germany because of many things which come from the Levant which the Germans have need of and which are brought unto them by Venetian Merchants ships as Spices Cottons and severall other Merchandizes and likewise many other things which grow abundantly in their Country are brought to Venice and carried from thence to other parts to the great advantage of private men and of the publick customes wherefore for the better conveniency of the German Nation there was long before this a great and Noble Pallace or Warehouse built in Venice upon the Rialto standing upon the Canale Majore in the fairest and most frequented place of all the City where usually many of this Nation are and whereof many of them finding themselves so well treated live all their life chusing this City for their Country where they purchase Estates and build particular Houses to themselves Whilst all sides were thus intent upon making War and that a mass of Souldiers being got together they were ready to march news was given out that peace was made and though the conclusion thereof was not certain it was most certain that messengers were imploy'd on both sides to treat thereof whereat the Venetians were not a little troubled considering that when so great Armies were in Italy they might peradventure betake themselves to other enterprises and other States being unprovided might cause much apprehension in them all Therefore the Pope fearing lest the Senate might joyne in some straiter friendship and Intelligence with some others which might be contrary to his designs discourst long with the State 's Embassador shewing that he had been alwaies desirous to keep the peace of Italy for the Common good but that he had continually had a particular eye to what might concern the Common-wealth's safety and greatnesse he wisht him therefore to assure the Senate of his good-will and that he would keep good intelligence with him still which would be the way to preserve both their States and the rest of Italy quiet That he had renewed this his desire purposely at this time when he himselfe being armed and free from offence it might be believed that it was not fear but true zeal which made him thus unbowel himselfe unto them But the indeavours of Peace proving vain the Armies of both sides were drawn into the field in one and the same Country for though the Protestants which was the denomination they gave themselves who were in league against the Emperour by reason of their protestations made in matter of Religion indeavouring to do that for themselves which they could not get others to do to wit to stop the passage of such as came against them through Italy had possest themselves of the Castle of Chiusa in the County of Tiroll placed amongst the Mountains by which way they thought the Enemy was to passe But the Papall and
Cesar had not shared the advantages of war with him by giving him part of the monies which were paid by those that compounded nor having communicated the most important advices of peace or war to him nor his representatives as he ought to have done since he shared in the expence and hazard But on the other side Cesar said that the Pope had fail'd him in his promise and devoire since the war not being yet fully ended which he had undertaken chiefly at his entreaty and by his advice he had recalled his men whereby he did not onely deprive him of that aid but did diminish the forces and reputation of his Army whereby there was yet a great strength of men to be overcome in Germany under the conduct of Iohn Frederick and of the Lansgrave the one of which for the antient blood of Saxony and the other by reason of the love the people bore him would be able to raise so great an Army as without due providing for the contrary might yet question the victory These things did Cesar amplifie either to draw the Pope to a new contribution of Monies or Foot or to get leave as he had often desired to make use of the revenues of the Church in Spain for this war or peradventure to make his victories appear the greater by magnifying the forces of the enemie But the Pope being far from favouring Cesar's designes any further prefer'd the apprehension of his greatnesse and his being very ill satisfied with him before all other respects But the occasions of dividing the Pope from the Emperour grew much greater the next year 1547. For Cesar's power and reputation daily encreasing he grew the more ambitious of Government He did so prosper in Germany as bringing the Duke of Saxony to Battle not affording him time to withdraw into the strong holds in his own Country as he designed to do he won such a victory as he thereby put an end to the war the Duke being taken prisoner and his forces so utterly defeated as the Lansgrave dispairing to save himself by force of Arms or by any other means put himself willingly into Cesar's hands who possessing himself of the Forts of Hessen detained him prisoner So as all things being peaceable and quiet in Germany he entred as it were in triumph into Auspurg where he summoned a Dyet from all the parts of Germany wherein he obtained many things for his advantage and satisfaction amongst the rest a great contribution from all the Princes and Haunâ—e-Towns whereby to take 20000 Foot and 4000 Horse into pay for the service of the Empire wherein he comprehended his own patrimoniall estate and the like of his Family Betwixt which and the Princes and Haunâ—e-Towns of Germany a perpetuall League was made for the common defence Yet these his great prosperities did not at all quench his thirsting after new acquisitions and glory his chief aime was at Italy and together with other higher designes to settle himself fast in the State of Millan whither he sent great store of Artillery which were presented him by divers German Lords and afterwards a good number of Spanish Foot making of them an ordinary Garrison in that State esteeming them most faithfull to him He also made the people swear fealty to him and to whomsoever he should name to be Lord over them intending that Government to his son Philip who to that end was to go quickly for Italy And he treated still with the Swissers capitulating with them to defend the State of Millan He moreover had placed a guard of 400 Spanish Foot in Sienna and an Officer of his who exercised much authority in many things and attempted to build a Fort there intending as it was thought to bring them under the yoke of servitude for the which occasions were not wanting by reason of commotions raised in the City the people whereof not being able to see themselves inslaved had driven out the Spanish Foot and done many other things contrary to Cesar's dignity He sought also to possesse himself of the Town of Piombino and to take it from the Lord thereof upon severall pretences promising to recompence him with other territories that he might make use of that scituation which lay upon the Sea-cost of Tuscany and was very commodious in other respects for affairs at Sea But above all other things the taking of Piacenza which was done as shall be said together with the death of Duke Pier Luigi caused fear in all men and particular affliction in the Pope and two of the prime Princes of Christendom Francis the first of France and Henry the eighth of England's death which ensued not long after one another all things seemed to smile upon Cesar For these Princes of great power and mature counsell being taken away he remained in supream authority and sole arbitrator of affairs The King of France his death begot more alteration in thought than in effect for Henry his third son comming by the death of the Dolphin and of the Duke of Orleance to the Crown who was brought up under his father's discipline and did inherit his affections especially his hatred to Cesar appeared soon ready to tread in his fathers foot-stâ—ps and not to yield any waies to Charles his fortune But the King of France his death was severally interpreted by the Italians some thought that the occasion of many troubles to Italy was taken away which by reason of his unquiet nature of the bitter hatred which he bore to Cesar and of his obstinate resolution of getting the Dukedom of Millan was never to have an end but by his death Others were of a contrary opinion who thought the new King would not so soon forego his fathers resolutions and enterprises which though he should do they thought that more prejudice then advantage would redound thereby to the Italians who the counterpoise of the French forces being taken away were with little cure to their libertie to depend the more upon the Spaniards will Some in Venice did with much griefe call to minde the love which the late King bore to the Common-wealth his readinesse to assist her in her lowest ebb of fortune and chiefly his assisting her in the recovery of Verona They likewise alleadged as signes of his good-will his having so often desired a new conjunction with the Common-wealth not being any waies scandalized at his so many repulses which had won no small honour to the Common-wealth and had made her be the better esteemed by Cesar's self Others not without some bitternesse of spirit remembered the ficklenesse used by this King upon many occasions and his great ingratitude towards the Common-wealth which having with much readinesse taken up Arms and exposed her self to so much expence and hazard of war first for his own freedom and then for the like of his sons from Cesar's hands had been so scornfully abandon'd by him as that in his agreement made with Cesar he had made peace not onely without
family He alwaies bore a great respect to the Common-wealth and was particularly well affected to the Venetian name He honoured Gaspero Contarini and Pietro Bembo noble Venetians and men of singular learning and worth with the title of Cardinal and had them in great esteem The Italian Princes were much grieved and troubled at the Pope's death fearing that it might prove an occasion of disturbing the peace of Italy for the French and Imperialists had raised a masse of men in many parts with intention as it was thought of possessing themselves of Parma which was as yet held by Camillo Orsino but with a small Garrison and little preparation of maintaining war he having denyed obedience to the Letters and Orders of the Colledge of Cardinalls who had ordered him to deliver up that City to Octavio Fernese But he said He would keep it for the next Pope This fear encreased the more for that it was long ere a new Pope was chosen the two factions of French and Imperiall Cardinalls strove with much obstinacy for the Popedome neither whereof would give way to the other but endeavour'd the more fervently and more cunningly to have the greater part in the election of the Pope for that it was commonly thought Italy would not continue long quiet which made each faction desire to have the Pope to be one who might depend upon them and who for so great a benefit might be obliged to be governed by them and to favour their designes The Venetian Senate following the custom of their fore-fathers would not interpose themselves in this long contestation but aiming onely at the common good writ to the Colledge of Cardinalls wishing them to chuse such a Pope as might prove most serviceable for Christendom The Venetians being therein very wise have never endeavoured to make Cardinalls partiall to their Nation nor did ever use the authority of the Common-wealth in the election of the Pope although they ought to covet as much as any other Prince to be befriended by the Popes And the Common-wealth being so principall a Potentate in Italy doubtlesly their faction if they had so pleased might have been very prevalent But they knew that this so great combining with particular persons in the Court of Rome might be a great prejudice to the publick and that the word Faction first begun in Rome upon the occasion of Ecclesiasticall dignities might creep also into their own City and infect it with this disease therefore they have alwaies forborn it At last Giovan Maria Cardinal dal Ponte was by adoration created Pope a Tuscan by Nation one who being gotten to the degree of Cardinall without any noble descent or prop of parentage was thought to be a very good and vertuous person and to be far from siding with any great Princes Wherfore thinking him either to be equally their friend or at least not their back-friend the Imperiall and French Cardinalls did all of them willingly give their assent to his being named Pope by Cardinall Farnese The Venetians were very much gladded at this choice perswading themselves that depending no more upon the Emperour then upon the King of France he would keep friendship with them both and produce peace between them in Italy Wherefore their Embassadour Matteo Dandolo received speedy orders from the Senate to congratulate Iulio the third which was the name the new Pope took upon him and soon after a solemn Embassy of four of the prime Senators was destined to go to Rome to give the due and usuall obedience to the Vicar of Christ by name Philippo Trovo Francisco Contarini Marc Antonio Veniero and Nicolo da Ponte The End of the Eleaventh Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK XII THE CONTENTS THe Pope answers not expectation The intentions of the King of France of the Emperour of Ferdinando and of the Turk The year of Iubilâ—e A generall dearâ—h Commotions in Italy caused by the Pope but out of no ill will The Venetians indeavour to accommodate them but cannot The King of France favours the Fernese's The Emperour favours the Pope who soon repents what he had done and indeavours an Agreement which proving difficult he takes up Arms and joyns with the Imperial Forces The French by stratagem put a Garrison into Parma the Venetians keep Neutrals Florence adheres to the Emperour Ferrara to the French The French Cardinalls are driven from Rome Cardinal Tornone retires to Venice He acquaints the Colledge with the Kings intentions and is thanked by the Senate But the King continues War ill-intreats some Imperiall Vessels at Sea Indeavours a League with the German Princes against the Emperour The Pope indeavours Peace but in vain Differences between the Pope and the King of France The Turkish Fleet in Sicily Plunders the Maritime parts Takes Tripoli Good success in Hungary against the Turks The affairs of Hungary are accommodated Dangers threatned the Emperour by the German Princes To Ferdinando by the Turks whose Preparations cause fear in all men The King of France takes Mets. Proceedings of the confederate Princes whereby the King is deceived which makes him make attempts else-where The Prince of Salerno's conditions Offers made by him to the Senate which are not accepted He goes to France and treats with that King The Emperour 's unhappy condition The Confederates prosperous success A Diet in Possonia The Princes Pretentions The King of France tries the Venetians touching the enterprise of Naples to no purpose An alteration of affairs unfortunate for the King of France and successfull for the Emperour The Senesi put themselves into liberty THe Popes actions did not at all correspond to the hopes which were conceived no not in what was most expected and desired to wit that he would appease the Tumults which were raised and provide for the Peace of Italy and the safety of Christendom for giving himselfe wholly over to building and other trifling matters he seemed to neglect the more weighty affairs which became his degree and the times wherein seeds of great troubles were sown in many parts of Christendom And though Peace was now made between France and England yet it was known it would be the beginning of another War For Henry King of France being of a very lively spirit and desirous of Glory finding himselfe free from Wars with England and having by that Agreement gotten safety and honour to himself and Kingdom by the recovery of Bullen was not likely to keep long quiet Horatio Fernese being gone to him in France to recommend the protection of his Family and of his House yet further unto him and the defence of Parma things which had been before treated of by others he was willingly seen and listned unto by the King who was desirous to trouble the quiet of Italy whereby he might have occasion at last to take up open Arms against Cesar hoping though it fared much otherwise with him that this might make way for his holding straiter intelligence with the
that King much moved at all this nor could he be brought to promise any thing save that he would furnish out 4000 Foot for the service of the League the next year and add some of his ships to the confederate's Fleet which he said he was not able to do at the present by reason of the French Hugenotes of Rochells incursions against whom he was forc'd to keep many armed vessells to secure his Rivers and the navigation of those seas As also by reason of the Moors insurrection in the Kingdom of Fez which he was first to suppresse And hereof he gave an account by his Letters to the Senate witnessing the affection and great esteem he had for the Common-wealth But Tiepolo that he might do some good by his endeavours shewed him That he might assist the cause of Christendom against the Infidells some other way without inconveniencing himself to wit by making his Officers in the Indies hold some intelligence with the Persians who are naturally enemies to the Turks by informing them particularly of the union and forces of the Christian Princes of the victory which they had gotten and with their designes And then by furnishing them with some Portugesse Harchebugiers who getting into the Turkish Empire by the Red-sea might raise some commotion whereby the Turkish forces might be kept employ'd in severall parts or whereby they might at least be made jealous Which the King readily promised he would do adding that he would hinder the Turks commerce at Ormus and Bazzana and keep them from bringing the great store of Mettle which they were furnish'd with from China through the Persian sea The King likewise assisted the Legat Alessandrino in sending certain Briefs from the Pope to the King of Persia to Prester Iohn and to some Arabick Kings exhorting them to take up Arms against the Turks of which there never came any answer nor did there any good come thereof But these uncertain and far remote things were not much considered as being able to do but little good at the present to the conceived hopes The Pope did likewise renue his desires to the King of Poland with whom Cardinall Commendone was at the present hoping to make him take up Arms not onely in respect of the Victory but for that other accidents had also occur'd which was thought might work upon the King and the Barons of that Kingdom For the Turks being jealous that the Polanders had favoured the Wallachians in prejudice of the Ottaman Empire that he might revenge the injury entered at unawares into the Country that was subject to that Crown and having made severall incursions into Prussia Podolia and Russia threatned greater mischief But the King was unseasonably saln dangerously sick when he should have been treated with touching this businesse So as the affair being to be negotiated in the Kings absence with other Lords of the Kingdom not well inclined to this war that they might not contrary to their customes contribute to any expence of war out of their Kingdom and they having had advertisment at the same time that a Chiaus was upon his way from Constantinople sent thither to accommodate the differences the Popes authority nor endeavours could not work such effects as were hoped for Thus went affairs in the Courts of Christian Princes and the first so exalted hopes began to grow lesse For sea-forces were not sufficient to suppresse the power of the Turks powerfull land-Armies being likewise thereunto requisite which the Christian Princes might at this time have made good use of taking advantage of the Turks maritime forces being divided whereby and by their losse of reputation in the Battle at Lepanto they were become weaker then formerly and easier to be overcome But to this it was primarily necessary that Cesar should declare for the League it being the common opinion that Poland Muscovy and the other Northern Countries which were apt to take up Arms against the Turks would follow the example of the Empire Which being very well known unto the Turks they sought by all possible means to preserve friendship with the Emperour Maximilian at this time thinking their danger very great if the German forces had moved against them Wherefore Bashaw Mehemet had writ to Cesar and given him an account of the successe of the Battle lessening very much the losse which they had received exalting the power of the Ottaman Empire and exhorting him not to break the Truce for any vain designes of others but to keep inviolably his friendship with Selino wherein if his faith should now be seen it should for ever be perpetuated The Turks were so jealous and apprehensive of the commotions which Germany might be able to make as that when it was after known that the Emperour would send the Tribute to Constantinople that souldiers reward was encreased who was the first bringer of so welcome newes But that which did most trouble the Pope and the Venetians and which made all men not well know what to hope or fear was a doubt which was begun to be conceived that the Spaniards were not so forward to pursue the victory as the present occasion required whereby the enemy might have means afforded him of becomming more powerfull than ever for it was given out that Don Iohn was blamed by severall chief personages of the Catholick Court for hasarding the Kings forces to such danger of Battle wherein the Kings interest and that of the Venetians were not alike and that therefore that businesse ought to have been otherwise handled by him and by counsells apart And afterwards it was known that the Duke of Lesse a man of much maturity and esteem and who had been verst in very important employments was sent to the Fleet in the place of the Commendadore Generall who was gone to be Governour of Millan From whence it was infer'd that the King's pleasure was that Don Iohn being very well informed by the Duke of Lesse and by his Councill in all things should not suffer himself to be so far carried on in point of glory with any thing as might in the least part exceed his directions But the greatest impediment which was thought would befall the fervent prosecution of the war in the Levant was the bad successe of the affairs in Flaunders which grew every day worse and worse it being somewhat suspected that the Protestants of Germany England and France did favour that insurrection and assist those that rebelled against the King Which being added to a certain naturall slownesse in the Spaniards and to other more cautious circumspections it was feared that it would either altogether hinder the proceedings of the League or occasion some important delay at this time to the businesse of the Levant whereof many apparent signes were seen For the proper time for actions at sea appearing and wherein the Fleet were of right to joyne there was but little care taken to put the Fleet in order And though the Venetians did mightily mediate it
took Valentiennes with forrain foot the most vvhereof vvere French And a little before the Duke of Alva had chased and routed a great many both foot and horse of the same Nation which vvent to Garrisonize the Tovvn of Mons. These things as they did much increase the danger of losing those Countries so did they beget great jealousie in the Spaniards that so many French Souldiers were brought into Flanders not onely by permission but by order from the King of France which was the rather believed for that the Duke of Alva giving notice of these passages to the Spanish Court to Rome to Millan had much amplified the business and caused many fears of greater Commotions Wherupon the Governour of Millan the Spanish Embassador at Rome and Cardinall Granville exclaiming very much and appearing to be full of jealousies and fears were the first reason why Don Iohn staid at Messina openly discovering themselves to be so ill satisfied vvith the French and the French growing as jealous of the Spaniards by reason of their speeches and proceedings and fearing lest the Catholick Fleet might turn upon Provence to their prejudice they betook themselves to fortifie Marcelles and increased the Garrisons thereof It was also noysed abroad that the Duke of Alva should have said in publick that he held the War to be alredy begun between the Crovvns of France and Spain at vvhich speeches the King of France being very much troubled he mediated by his Embassadors not onely with the Pope and vvith the Venetians but even vvith the King of Spain himselfe complaining partly That a thing of such importancy should be affirmed by one of his majesties chiefe Ministers of State which as he was very far from thinking of he thought he should finde others to be so too and partly seeking to justifie some of his actions which might seem to have given occasion to these the Duke of Alva's speeches He therefore constantly affirmed that those French with whom the Count Nassaw had taken Valentiennes were all of the Hughenot faction his subjects but as it was well known coâ—â—umacions and rebels to the Crown of France that he had been alwaies much displeased at the commotions of Flanders as one who was sensible of the peoples rebellion in his own Kingdom and whom it became to obviate not to 〈◊〉 by such examples the darings of subjects against their Prince and as one also who did at much desire the exaltation of Christendom as did any one though his particular troubles would not permit him to act therein with others at so opportune a time But though he could not 〈◊〉 therein with his Forces he was far from hindring the good actions of others that he had armed some Vessels not with intention to prejudice any but for the safety of his Seas which were mightily infected by Pyrats neither were those hit armed Vessels so many as could make it be suspected that he either could or would fall upon any enterprises And that these his words might be the better believed he publish'd an Edict upon pain of punishment prohibiting all his subjects to go armed into Flanders and placed guards in all places to hinder them if any contumacious people as he termed them should be so bold as to countervene his orders Nor being herewithal content he began at the same time to do severall things whereby he seemed as if he himselfe would also enter into the League making the Cardinall of Louvain hold many discourses thereupon with the Embassador of the Common-wealth then resident in France wherein he strove to make it be believed that the King of France was well inclined to the Peace and to the good of Christendom and chiefly to the Crown of Spain So as laying at last all other respects aside he would side with the League and proceeding to particular Agreement he propounded severall conditions and chiefly to ratifie friendship and good intelligence between him and the Catholick King by Mariages Though these things came to the Spaniards knowledge yet were they not satisfied therewith but gave out that the French did this to work their ends the more easily by assaulting the King of Spain's Territories in severall parts which were unprovided for them that for certain the Admirall and the King of Navarre did publickly perswade the Christian King to this Rupture whose he would be forced to please for some other particular interests of his own That it was said by all the chiefe of that Court that there could be no quiet in France till the King should resolve to fall upon some important forrain Enterprise wherin the Catholicks Hugenots were to be joyntly imploy'd and that it was clear enough that the French thought this the easiest of all other Enterprises by reason of their conveniency of assaulting Flanders and of straiâ—ning the Spanish Army in point of Victuals as also in respect of the difficulties the King of Spain should meet with in relieving his men That the King of France might make this War upon some appearing pretentions of right which the Crown of France hath to these Countries wherein doubtedly the Queen of England would joyn both with mind and might nor was the League treated of by Monsieur de Momâ—rancy nay concluded as some say with the English to any other end but that being free from all other jealousies they might the better minde the molesting of the Catholick King and therewith assault Flanders That the Queens minde was sufficiently known by her many no friendly actions and especially for that the English did at this time flock over in so great numbers into Holland and Zealand wherein they had already taken some Towns That the ill will of that Queen and of that Kingdom could be no longer concealed now by whom and from whence though with much secrecy and cunning the Kings Rebels had been many wayes assisted and those insurrections nourisht and fomented with several hopes and some sums of Money Moreover that the friendship which the French held with the Turks afforded more just reason for these suspitions it being very likely that the French might be now as much solicited to turn their Forces upon the Catholick King as they had often formerly obtain'd that the Turks Fleet should proceed to the prejudice of the said King nay that it was given out that the more to invite them thereunto the Turks had granted the City of Tunis to the Crown of France upon being preserved by their forces from the Armies of Spain The Pope was much troubled at these things as well for the great Concern of Christendom as in respect of his own credit which seemed not to suffer a little since the conventions of the League were violated by the Fleets suspension and therewith his authority who as Head thereof had a little before established and confirmed it and he was the more scandalized thereat for that many things were in hand which shew'd but little respect towards the Pontificiall Majesty whereof he