sort ingrafted as may be said that the cause became common and therefore the Narrative with equal exactness ought not to be omitted Carlo covering with a profound dissimulation the jealousie he had of Toledo sends at his arrival in Milan the Seignor de Parela not so much to complement him as to penetrate his intentions and insinuate to him the conveniencies in fulfilling the Treaty of Asti with restitutions and disarming If the Governour was new in his Office he shewed himself also a very Novice in the discourse of Treaties and Peace and so clearly expresses himself That he knew not to what a powerful King could be obliged That he was bound to no Law or Contract but his own moderation and clemency And if Carlo would make tryal of it and cast himself upon his favour and Royal arbitrement he should experience that the bounty of a great Prince is the only restraint of his power As to the disarming he declares That the Reputation of the King the State of Italy the Motions of the Venetians and the Concernments of Ferdinand did not permit it From such an answer was clearly understood the sum of Toledo's instructions to consist in breaking the Treaty of Asti to re-establish either by Arms or Treaty the pre-eminency of that Crown in Italy The Duke neverthess upon his perswasions is reduced to write into Spain and make some kind of excuse for the things past and press for the fulfilling of that Treaty but at the same time came Orders to the Governour of Milan to press the Duke to ask pardon to refer himself concerning the Capitulation to the Royal Favour and that Maurice the Cardinal his Son should go to the Court of Spain All this being a bitter Pill for Carlo to swallow Toledo sweetens it with an offer to give him assistance to recover Geneva and reclaim that City from disobedience to their Prince and their Apostasie from the Faith This did not at all satisfie the wary and wise disposition of the Duke and so much the less for having towards the end of the past year discovered some practices of the Government against his own person and came daily more and more to know that the eldest Prince his Son had been tempted by the Spaniards to solicite the Succession though he that retained towards his Father an affection equal to veneration resisted all their suggestions There was a Treaty in Zuccarello to deliver that place to the Spaniards which came to be discovered and the flight of the Colonel Allardi Provencal who passed from the Service of the Duke to that of the Governour of Milan confirmed it He gives out that the Savoyards held Intelligence in several places of the Milanese and particularly in Pavia But the Duke denied every thing bitterly complaining that Toledo should lay Plots to intrap him corrupted the Governors of his places received his Rebels and debauched his Souldiers Preparations for War were now strongly carried on and the Agent of France being gone to Milan to endeavour means to bring the Treaty to effect Toledo inveighing against the Duke sollicited France to force Carlo to lay down Arms promising that when by the restitutions he should have shewn the respect due Spain should leave nothing to be desired from its just Greatness declaring nevertheless that the present Arms tending to the relief of the Archduke and to bring the Venetians to a Peace were to be reputed out of this case and the obligation of laying them down But Carlo sustained that by the Treaty not only himself but all Italy ought to be freed from the Jealousie of his Arms and offered the restitutions whensoever Toledo should first disarm These then were the steps to a new War in Piedmont and Carlo informing the Princes especially those which were Protectors of the Treaty of Asti represented the opposition of the Governour and with his own suspicions the common dangers The Pope to prevent the impendent mischieves appoints for Nuntio Extraordinary Alessandro Lodovisio Archbishop of Bologna The King of England presses anew that the Republick and the Duke would enter into the Northern League but they thinking it not an adequate remedy for the diseases of Italy King James applies himself to the ways of procuring Peace For the same purpose arrives from France Monsieur de Bethune Ambassadour in Italy and under-hand proposes a Marriage betwixt Christina the Kings Sister and Vittorio Prince of Piedmont But Carlo receives it with a kind of distrust as if it aimed at disarming and amusing him France to say truth was not now in a condition to give the Duke that assistance of Arms which he earnestly required for d'Ancre governing all by private Counsellors grounding himself upon the Marriages contracted with Spain and the impressions he received from that Crown had perswaded the Queen to imprison the Prince of Conde upon which many withdrew from Court complaining that promises and treaties served but to insnare and make ridiculous the unwary So that the Duke of Savoy had little more hope of assistance left than of the Venetians who by the Jealousie they received from Toledo and for the Declarations of the King in favour of the Archduke were very much perplexed The Ambassadour Scaglia then coming into the Senate relates the series of the former Negotiations the endeavours of Carlo the answers of the Governour his actions the designs justly giving Jealousie to all but to the Republick and the Duke chiefly mischievous then adds It is known how much Carlo a generous and magnanimous Prince in his consent to the Peace hath considered the satisfaction of the Princes Mediators and particularly of this Republick on whose word and warrant and none other he was willing to let his Arms fall out of his hand And now I beseech you what is the state of Affairs Treaties the just Rules of Friendship are converted into the treacherous snares of interest Heretofore we fought armed but now under the fraudulent name of Peace we find our selves little better than without Arms environed by a most powerful King exposed to dangers It is uncertain how far the Spaniards will extend the greatness of their power and arbitrage If enlarging Dominion be their design no other mans state is more secure than that of Piedmont True it is that my Prince stands the first exposed and although he be strengthened with his own generosity and animated by the hopes of friends yet he hath recourse as to the inviolable Sanctuary of Faith to your assistances He supposes them because of the treaties the promises and your friendship I may say of your own interest but let that be left to be weighed in the scales alone of your greatest prudence 'T is certain that common and greater troubles are at hand Toledo either imposes disarming or threatens War Betwixt two great and little less than equal dangers the Duke must either lose himself in the one or hazard himself in the other Betwixt War and Servitude there is no middle security
minds to whatsoever fault or interest Anthonio was at that time Ambassadour in the Court of England and to clear this account he had leave to come to Venice where haranguing in the Senate with great power and no less hope to pacifie mens minds by the merits of his Ancestors and his own Services he found that in cases the most important Justice did not hold the ballance to equalize merits with faults Being summoned to Prison to render account as a Delinquent and yielding to it he was banished with a Sentence of Death and Confiscation of Goods his Name and Posterity cancelled out of the Order of the Patricians He retired himself into England where Girolamo Lando succeeding him in the Ambassage moves the King to discharge him thence But the Senate by the League with the Duke Carlo believing by his strong diversion the State at Land only secured from the attempts of the Milanese and by that of the Switzers judging to have provided themselves with little more than with the appearance and some numbers of Souldiers applied themselves to an equal strength of shipping and men also on the Sea-coast lest the Viceroy of Naples should continue his thoughts to disturb the Islands and the Gulph For this cause they listened to a Proposition of Alliance insinuated from the United Provinces of Holland in which besides the common interest of Liberty and Commerce they had a great desire to strengthen themselves with some strong support before-hand if within a while the Truce coming to expire they should be exposed to a new ingagement with the powerful Forces of Spain Christofero Suriano was at this time Resident for the Venetians at the Haghe who with much ripeness of judgment and dexterity in the managing of persons had introduced himself into a confidence with the Prince of Oâ—â—…nge and the Chief of the States and from thence collecting easily their sense he proceeded from discourses to a Treaty for which some Deputies of the States of the Provinces being appointed to treat with him they set down in writing the Conditions of a League of common defence But being propounded in Venice for the approbation of the Senate opinions differed for amongst those of the Colledge Giovanni Nani judged that the Conclusion should be deferred believing that the Republick though involved in great and grievous suspicions ought not at this time to intangle it self in that interest which presupposing a perpetual War put her into such and so great expences and dangers that the remedy would be found worse than the present evils And so he spake to this purpose If it be true that the faith of Princes is a bond not to be untyed and that Treaties of Leagues as Marriages make a Community of Fortune and Interests it is never too late to resolve upon a Decree which cannot be retracted nor amended A Decree which concerns an Alliance not of those States which govern their Councils by the alteration of things by the vicissitude of affections by the corruptions of Ministers and the change of Governours but of two Republicks in their Constitution immortal in their Maxims immoveable and in their Word constant An Vnion comprehending a short period and a limited number of years yet extends it self to the most weighty affairs and putting the Republick into a long and inextricable Labyrinth draws along with it consequences of great moment because it hath for its object a perpetual War in which with unwearied exercise of mind the Vnited Provinces defend their Religion and Liberty against a most powerful King implacable in the offence and indefatigable in the resentment That the Treasure of the Republick should be poured forth to the assistance of the weak that our aids should be the certain Capital of the oppressed that the Arsenals and Treasuries should be common to Italy there are so strong motives that it cannot be denied but they have not the same force for the affairs of Holland and if they have force by ballancing the reasons it is fit that we measure their strength Our succours perhaps will be large yet unsufficient to be able to maintain a War which subsists upon terms of Liberty and Rebellion irreconciliable with subjection and Kingly Authority A War extended to the four parts of the World which hath no limits nor can be bounded which hath emptied Spain of People exhausted the Indies of Gold and swallowed the Blood and Treasures of Europe The Republick hath always been most just in her undertakings in her own defence most circumspect and in the assistance of others constant What is now pretended is it to take Arms against Spain have we Peace with him is it to preserve our selves but what more safe remedy than the sparing the vital spirits for our own occasions Some desire to perswade those States at the end of the Truce to make an end of the War but if in their intestine Divisions having experienced greater mischiefs from Peace than hazards in the War they are thereto perswaded by their own interest that diversion will surely serve to our advantage and that War will be carried on without us under the shadow of which Italy will take breath and the Republick protected by Heaven against force and treasons will happily enjoy a calm and quiet peace Holland hath the assistance of their Neighbours and they most potent Princes some conformable to their own Religion others by a suitableness to their conveniencies and designs and these can and will uphold her with puissant Forces To what purpose then hasten our Carrier if by the steps of others without wearying our selves we may arrive at the end of our advantages The Republick hath to its praise assumed to her self the protection of Italy hath maintained it and doth maintain it with glory but it would be too vast a thought to espouse all the differences of Europe and have to do in every part of the World If out of prudence we have abstained from meddling in the affairs of Bohemia why should we pinch our selves with those of Holland is it to obtain assistance But that people will not be wanting to be serviceable to us without a League who agree with all the World where there is money and reward I deny not but that friends are a great defence and that in true Mesnagery that Treasure is not to be valued which keeps the Monster of War far off But do the bonds of friendship consist in Treaties only The affections of Princes are there joyned where the Interests are not separate Who doubts but that the Vnited Provinces will embrace our assistance as often as being in distress it may be seasonable to give it and render it to us again when the Conjunction of affairs shall shew it to be necessary We have hitherto at least drawn Commanders Souldiers Ships out of that Country open to the money of all That very money which for the purchase of a friendship not necessary we are here vainly so ready to disburse shall be that
the Valley the way of the Mountains being too steep a Street is continued longst the Lake cut out of the Rock which is called Corbeio This begun at the Riva which taking name from the same use for which it serves is no other but a cover upon the brink of the water for the convenience of Passengers and safety of Merchandize which pass by that place There is upon a height some marks rather than the form of a small Castle and there are besides betwixt the Valteline and the Riva certain Villages as Campo and Nova and some other that lie higher which would never have been taken notice of if in this ingagement betwixt so powerful Princes in such a narrow corner every Rock had not served for an attacque and every span of ground for an occasion of War Into this Post of Riva kept by fifteen Souldiers of the Popes and a Commander the Governour of Milan amusing them with shews and in a manner forcing of them were introduced the Spaniards and into the adjacent Villages to the number of four thousand with two Companies of Horse under the Command of the Count Giovanni Serbellone and enlarging it with many Intrenchments kept it as a pledge of their hopes to recover what was lost Nor indeed could any be fitter for their purpose because keeping a Foot in the County of Chiavena and being defended by force and the situation it had ready assistance from behind them by the way of the Lake commanded by a great number of armed Barks The Confederates though late attempt ro drive the Enemy thence and making the way of the Rock passable again which the Spaniards had demolished assault and possess the Town of Vico lying above that of Campo But here was the dispute greater there lodging 800 Souldiers in it who making use of a certain Wall instead of an Intrenchment had the Assaillants point blank exposed to their Musket-shot Two thousand five hundred Foot with some Horse were appointed for the attacque the Army standing in Arms within a little distance After the first Salvo with loss on both sides the Confederate-Troops advanced in such sort that the Albanois nimbly getting over the Wall obliged the Spaniards to abandon that defence and also retire out of the place But in their March towards Riva meeting with a thousand Foot which came to their relief taking courage again they returned altogether and that so opportunely that re-entring unawares into the place whilst those of the Confederates either weary or dispersed minded nothing less than the return of an Enemy obliged them to quit it and betake themselves to flight and could not be stopped by those Troops left more behind them The Spaniards nevertheless not to separate themselves into so many parts in the night quit it and the Confederates without further contest possessed and fortified it Captain Ruinelli sent by night with four hundred Foot to take in Montagnuola so situate as to command Riva and greatly to infest it found it prevented by great Guards of the Spaniards and fortified with many Works To cut off relief from Riva without which it was judged difficult to straighten it and take it the Confederates applied themselves to several Expedients Shipwrights were sent from Venice to build Barks upon the Lake it self to dispute the possession of it with the Enemy It was resolved also to place a Fort upon the Canal which separated the two Lakes but le Coevre made scruple to execute it finding the place to belong to Milan within whose Confines he had no authority to make War Harcourt also who on the other side of the Mera had taken in Archetto a Post upon the Lake thought fit to leave it because Riva being re-inforced with three thousand Germans commanded by Papenheim gave cause to apprehend for Chiavena out of which Coevre had taken the two Regiments of Salice and Berna to strengthen the Posts of the entrance into the Valteline Codera a small place but which facilitated Commerce with Chiavena and relief the Confederates took with a Pettard But the Spaniards sufficiently strengthened extended their Quarters and Trenches to Nova and Colico threatning to enter again into the Valley whiles the Army of the Confederates was weakned and although three thousand Grisons more were levying yet that Nation thinking of nothing but enjoying their present condition they were long in raising and as men that were new could not serve for much The Regiment of Normandy consisting of sixteen hundred men came now out of France and the Republick sent two thousand Foot and two hundred Horse into the Valley And now without question the power of the Crown of Spain appeared in that besides naval Forces and potent Armies elsewhere imployed Feria had in the Milanese forty thousand Foot and four thousand Horse The Dukes of Parma Modena and Vrbin had sent their Regiments and the Catholick Switzers of Helvetia notwithstanding all endeavours of the Confederates against it had consented a Levy of seven thousand of their Nation and free passage to all those who from beyond the Mountains should flock to the Service of the Milanois Great numbers of Souldiers besides were levied in several places and principally in the Provinces of Austria near to the Venetians to touch them the more to the quick with jealousie They nevertheless though in great streights and perplexity by reason the burden of the War of the Valteline was greatest upon them and of the difficulty which they met with France being elsewhere distracted and the State environed with suspicions threatnings and Arms would not recede from the Union with King Lewis although amidst these extremities and hostile appearances allured by Spain by the sending of Christofero Benevento de Benavides Ambassadour to Venice and of Ferdinand Duke of Mantua who moved unto by the Spaniards came expresly to that City they were invited with full advantages and offers if they would adhere to the Austrian Party Fortune had now beyond dispute conducted the Emperour to such an height of reputation and glory that what with fear and what with Armies quartered in most of the Provinces of the Empire he kept under or in quiet as well those that envied him as his Enemies The King of Denmark only with the assistance of money which England contributed to him and a certain sum which France with greater caution gave him shewed his resentment taking upon him the Title of General of the Lower Saxony which that Circle to the Emperours great displeasure conferred upon him The King notwithstanding proceeded with some sort of respect and first sending Ambassadours to Ferdinand demanded the pardon and restitution of Frederick But the Emperour making answer to the business with an Army sent Tilly into those parts to bridle him and to give countenance as he passed to the Election of a Catholick into the Bishoprick of Osnabrug which also succeeded notwithstanding that the disagreement of the Chapter had given great hopes to the Protestants to obtain it That
was frequently made the door to let in the Barbarians and in these latter Ages the high way for the Turks Goritia which gives the name to a County is situate in this Plain leaning to a Hillock which in its ascent leads to the top of the Castle It is defended by a strong Tower there is a Bridge there over the Lisonzo beyond which the Campagnia extends it self with many Towns upon some little Hills Five miles lower upon the right shore of the River lies Gradisca built upon a Rock of the form of an oblong square with a good Castle and heretofore garrisoned by the Venetians against the Incursions of the Turks It hath beyond the Lisonzo the Mountains of Carso directly opposite and on this side many Towns environ it as Lucinis Cormons Medea Fara Romans and other places of less moment which nevertheless in the progress of the War will become so many Ports and so many Forts which will consume Armies and Souldiers Towards the Mountains out of which riseth the Lisonzo the Country is straitned with certain narrow Vallies bordering on Carniola and other Provinces of the Austrians who towards the Sea command certain Villages and in Maranuto Castel Porpeto and Aquileia though of these there remains nothing but the ruines and the name kept Souldiers In those parts on this side the Lisonzo the Venetians made their Invasion nor was it difficult to possess every place for except Medea which they got with approaches and Trenches though it was in vain to resist every one yielded at the first appearance The Garrisons without much ado quit the Tower of Aquilea Castel Porpeto and Maranuto which were demolished On the other side of the Lisonzo Eliseo Pierantoni and Hugo Crutta for a diversion marched out of Monfalcon and took in Sagra then left it and Pompeo Justiniano did the same with Lucinis which was afterward much repented for had it been kept it might have served to get the Bridge and the Tower upon the Lisonzo and by them to have straitned Gradisca from succours and passing to the other side of the River which was so many times after attempted in vain might not only have shut up Goritia on all sides but taken it also being open and exposed as was the counsel of Marc Antonio Manzano But the Orders of the Senate containing only to lodge in the Archdukes Country in Campagnia without attacquing places as not willing to divide into so many parts their men which consisted for the most part of Trained-bands Justiniano took up his Quarters in the Towns of Meriano and Cormons The Austrians in disorder at the appearance of the Venetian Colours applied themselves with all speed to a vigorous defence Gradisca was fortified by Ricchardo Strasoldo its Governour The Count of Tersaco puts himself into Goritia and the Baron Adam de Trautmanstorf arriving soon after with Title of Ferdinands General ordered Repairs and Garrisons for both those places fortifying Rubia St. Floriano Vipulzano and Dobra on this and that side of the Lisonzo This first Rumour of War being spread abroad sad judgments were made of it and the Princes discovered in themselves thoughts and reflections of no less The Duke of Savoy offers the Senate himself his Sons his States and his Army and others were not wanting to animate to greater designs In orders to which the English Ambassadour being returned from Turin to Venice exhorting the Republick to reflect upon the state of things while the Crowns of France and Spain linked together by Marriages did conspire at present in the same Maxims to divide betwixt them what with Negotiations what with Arms the Arbitrement of Italy and the world offered a League with his King who though separated by situation yet never by authority and prudence to the common Interest might with the moveable Bridge of his Fleet upon the vast Ocean joyn England to Italy He remonstrated the association of the Northern Princes against the vast designs of the House of Austria and considering that those friendships were never remote which were made upon the ground of common Concern he besought the Republick to joyn their reputation and wisdom to that League assuring them they should find a candid heart and warm spirits amongst those people who are thought to have Sea and Darkness for their Element and Climate The Senate with many wary and respectful answers entertains and cherishes these good dispositions but in their moderate counsels did not consent to conjoyn their Interests with those of Princes so far remote As to the affairs of Italy in a belief that the Peace of Asti was secure Rambogliet had taken his leave of Piedmont but was no sooner gone but the Duke of Mantua denying to have given his consent to the oblivion proceeded to execution against the Rebels The Venetians interposing themselves obtain that suspending any further act he should yield that to their intreaties which they perceived for decency he would not yield to authority Carlo as to the point of disarming proceeds with great caution because he had a mind to hear the judgment of Spain concerning the Treaty of Asti and although he had discharged those of the Vallies and the French yet he had with them recruited some Companies of Savoyards and delayed to discharge the Swizzers upon a difficulty risen about the accounts of their pay and because the Governour of Milan had denied them passage These on the other side set at liberty no Prisoners nor were the places possessed reciprocally rendred the Duke himself not caring to be thought advantaged by the acquisition of some far Fiefs The truth was that at Madrid upon the advice of the Peace there was observed a long and severe silence both in the King and his Ministers but discourses were universally published so much the more licencious against Mendoza thought a man equally weak in the management of Civil and Military affairs It was nevertheless evident to those of the best Judgment that the facility contributed by him proceeded from secret orders from the Duke of Lerma to the end the Marriages with France might be accomplished without disturbances after which and the exchange of the Brides a change of Councils presently appeared Spain in that business did certainly keep concealed one great Stratagem of their Secrets and had therefore offered to the Court of France all assistance against whomsoever should disturb her because the States of that Kingdom having for a shew been called and separated with good words only and the Committees to whom the reformation of abuses were committed done nothing the male-contents had again united themselves to the Prince of Conde and endeavoured to stir up the Hugonots The Queen that for her own interest was resolved the Marriages whatever came of it should be accomplished sending the Mareshal de Boisdauphin with an Army into Champagne to oppose the united Princes and giving the Command of another to the Duke of Guise to be her Convoy on the Journey parts from Paris with her
but some few of the Vscocchi and for the affairs of Piedmont they insisted upon the Dukes disarming after which things they offered a restitution of all yet without any prescription of time or obligation on their side to lay down Arms. But Gritti foreseeing that they joyntly aimed at the predominancy in Italy and to weary out the Princes in jealousies sustained that for common quiet and security the disarming of the Milanese ought also to be concerted and as to the interests of the Vscocchi insists that those three sorts should be banished which the Republick had already declared and for the rest that the agreement in Vienna should be precisely executed For some kind of temperament it was proposed by Lerma that the Venetians should first render the places in Istria Ferdinand then to perform the promises on his side and after that the Republick should withdraw their Arms out of Friuli the word of his King remaining security for the due execution of the Treaty But in this present state of affairs the news arriving that the Hollanders were safely landed in Italy Lerma in anger protests to Gritti that if the Treaty were not concluded within one day he would hold it for broken The Ambassadour complaining that the means of necessary defence should be converted into the pretexts of a most unjust War shewed himself very indifferent whether the Negotiation were continued or broken Chefniller gave out that the Negotiation coming to dissolve in Spain the Emperour should re-assume it elsewhere and the Ambassadours of France and England seeming to wonder that Lerma should proceed with such passion the Secretary Arostighi comes to Gritti to excuse the Dukes heat and to signifie to him in the Name of the King that he held not the Treaty otherwise broken than that he reserved wholly to himself the power to approve the Articles treated on when he should know they were accepted by the Senate The Ambassadour thereupon equally disapproves the things proposed and the form Lerma then at last calls together the Nuntio the Ambassadour of France and him of Venice offering to the two first that as to Savoy the Capitulation of Asti should not be altered and as to the Venetians they restoring the half of the places possessed and afterwards the rest at twice Ferdinand should also go on alternatively in the execution of that which some years past had already been agreed upon at Vienna Gritti not at all satisfied with this requires that Ferdinand should first settle in Segna the Garrison agreed upon that then the Republick should quit one place in Istria and that all the rest afterwards being executed Arms should be every where withdrawn Hereupon Lerma not dissenting certain Articles were drawn but in the affair of Carlo the Ambassadour sustaining that by reason of new accidents it was necessary there should be some explication and addition to the Treaty of Asti the whole business thereupon was at a stand Things standing in this posture at Madrid Gritti receives the revocation of his powers for the Venetians and the Duke being exasperated to extremity against the Spanish Ministers thought it better to have the Treaty transported to the Court of France where the change of Government opened a way to hopes of a better minding of the affairs of Italy Gritti then had no other Commission but to ratifie and see that worded which should be concluded at Paris by the Ambassadours Bon and Gussoni and King Lewis was assured that Carlo being satisfied in the point of disarming the Senate dissented not from the substance of that which had been in Proposition at Madrid about the Vscocchi adding only in consideration of late emergencies the restitution of Ships and the Merchandize stayed and made prize of by Ossuna and the rather because the reprisals could not be called just whilst Spain declared not to be in enmity or rupture with the Republick Gradisca in the mean time being brought to the last gasp the Austrian Commanders imployed all their power to make it subsist Several reliefs having not succeeded to get in by stealth they resolved passing on this side the Lisonzo with 600 Horse and 400 experienced Foot to attempt the Line to make way for the succours but being repulsed by the Guards of Horse upon them the action proved very bloody Of the Venetians were killed Marc Anthonio Manzano Pietro Avogadro and Leonoro Gualdo persons of Noble birth and all their Captains of Horse The loss in other respects appeared not unequal The night following the Austrians having a mind to make another attempt the breaking of some of the floats upon which they were to pass over suspended the effect But on the other side a while after they assaulted those Batteries which incommoded Rubia and driving out of the Redoubt which was most advanced four Companies of Switzers surprised in their negligence and killing some Cannoniers who would have made resistance they entred into the Quarter even to the lodging of del Lando where they were opposed by some Corsi till Don Giovanni coming with some succours forced them to retire The Battery was presently recovered and some Cannon being unnailed and turned upon the Enemy made a great slaughter amongst them Marradas and D'Ampierre still applying their minds to new attempts laying a Bridge over the Plain of Mainizza passed the River and convoying some provisions with a great body of men finding the Line ill guarded and having had the encounter only of a few Horse brings them happily into Gradisca Nassau was commanded by the Bridge of Fara with 600 Musquetiers to charge them in the flank but doing it out of time and the Germans under the favour of the Town fording the Lisonzo by the Hills of the Carso got safe into their Quarter Marradas encouraged by this with 800 Horse and 500 Musquetiers assaults some Quarters upon the same Hills forcing certain Trenches and although at that time repulsed yet upon a second attempt he was able to bring powder and meat by the way of Dobredo into the Fort Stella from whence it was afterwards carried into Gradisca The Camp of the Venetians was found weakened by its suffering and the Hollanders in particular not accustomed to the Climate were afflicted with several diseases of which Nassau himself dies in Monfalcone and Lando falls desperately sick It was therefore resolved to reduce the Quarters into a lesser compass and to abandon St. Michaele whence Marradas arguing a greater weakness took heart to assault them but was vigorously repulsed with the death of 300 of his own Discovering afterwards preparations to hazard anew succours the Venetians resolved to encounter it near to St. Martino with 300 Foot under Oratio Baglione The Enemy being discovered to be more than had been supposed which through by-ways conveyed a certain quantity of meal the Prince of Este returned to the Camp in the place of Medici who was indisposed gave Baglione advertisement that without ingagement he should preserve himself till He might arrive with
suspicions exposed to open injuries and secret treacheries And if War be calamitous jealousie is miserable The friendships hitherto contracted are not sufficient to preserve us The Alliances with Savoy and the Switzers are an ornament to the Peace and a defence in War But they open us not the passes they furnish us not with Souldiers they protect not the maritime Provinces for us but that this very City the worthy seat of Liberty and Empire stands no less exposed to dangers than that she hath almost been a prey to Treachery Let us then unite our selves with Holland because if other Leagues defend our Dominion by Land since it is not the Spaniards interest to provoke anew a generous Government which hath taught every one the art how to resist the more powerful they will in future also respect the Gulph not to draw upon them the Arms of that unconquered people which disturbs their possession of the new World and triumphs in the vast Ocean of the Indies By this means our Peace shall be defended by faith but much more by fear If peradventure that rage be objected which in a great Prince will be conceived implacable What occasion will be for it What because we make Alliance with those Provinces with which Spain it self hath concluded a Truce acknowledging them for Soveraign Shall we then be so unhappy that friendship may no more be contracted betwixt free Princes But may not our designs perhaps be to drive the Catholick King out of his vast Territories Our institution and the moderation of our counsels are not accessary to that The League will do him no hurt if he promote not injuries and if he be offended that he finds resistance what greater argument to us to suspect his designs But the charge possibly will be increased But where can it be better imployed than to preserve us from the worst of evils What serves our Riches too if they lye idle but for a provocation to War and a reward to a Conquerour If our Ancestors have been provident to heap up Treasures it belongs to us to be as prudent in the using of it and for fear of growing poor we ought not to imagine our selves always poor for it is not money but Country and People which are the most opulent Treasuries of Princes This opinion prevailed Orders then and powers being dispatched to Suriano a defensive League was concluded for fifteen years in which in case of Invasion the Republick promised 50000 Florins a month to the States and they on their part an equivalent succour of Men Ships or Money as the Senate should appoint For the solemn Ratification of it the Heer Aersen was deputed from the Hagh to go to Venice and from the Venetians into Holland Girolamo Trevisano Ambassadours Extraordinary This League was no sooner published but contrary to that of Italy all the considerable Princes of the North desired to be of it And for that purpose instances and frequent Ministers arrived at Venice In particular Balthasar Nei Secretary to the Marquess of Anspach and Prince Magnus of Wirtemberg in the name of the Protestants of the Union and of the Bohemians came to demand assistance the King of England strengthening their demand with effectual offices But the Republick resolving not to depart from the defensive only did not admit of their instances At the Conclusion of this League the Spaniards seemed to be greatly strucken and their Ministers contrived more and more to increase jealousies and troubles in particular Ossuna who confounding the promised restitution of the goods made prize with the shew of new attempts kept a Squadron of Gallies ready fitted with all their furniture to offer at some surprise in the Adriatick with a doubtful report whether he would fall into Albania to the damage of the Turks or of the Venetians in Dalmatia In both these Provinces he had Intelligences and Treaties and keeping Souldiers alongst the Coast of Puglia gave out that he intended to send them to Trieste by Sea The Venetians constant in their resolution not to suffer armed Vessels to come into the Gulph ordered Lorenzo Veniero surrogated to Barbarigo deceased into the Procuratorship of St. Marc and the Charge of Captain General to hinder it and to oppose him with all his force The Fleet was at Curzola very strong in Ships and Souldiers and Veniero making choice of twelve light Gallies new cleaned and five great ones made a course to the Coast of Puglia clearing the Sea of some Pirate Pinnaces by taking four and making himself Master besides of a Flemish Vessel which laded Corn for Naples He afterwards went back to Corfu to secure ten Gallies which were coming from Candia to joyn the Fleet for which the Marquess of Santa Croce with a Squadron of Naples laid wait in their course But Anthonio Pisani avoiding the ambush keeping the other Coast brought them safe Veniero then joyning with thirty four Ships which were in the Roads of Meleda and two which they had taken come from Vallona with Corn scoured longst the Coast of Albania where he took three which laded Corn for Naples where there was great scarcity At last coming to Pola he discharged some Ships which were over and above what he had need of Freletich that had done some mischief under the countenance of Ossuna seeing the Venetian Fleet advanced into Istria had the boldness to enter into the Gulph to make prey of some Ships but being pursued by some Gallies he ran on shore on the Coast of the Kingdom and leaving the Ship with the Arms of the Viceroy in prey to the Venetians with the death of some of his saved for that time his own life At Naples also the Fleet at last separates for being informed of the defence the Republick had ordered in the Gulph the Ships were sent to Vado to land the Souldiers appointed for the relief of Ferdinand and the Gallies under the Command of Prince Philibert joyned to the Squadrons of the Pope Malta Genoua and Tuscany passed into Africk to attempt upon Susa the Prince having first assured the Republick under-hand who jealous of so great preparations ordered Veniero to assemble the Fleet at Corfu that they should fear no disturbance so long as he commanded But finding the Pirates in Susa upon their guard and all Posts already in defence all they were able to do was but to throw down the first Port with a Pettard and the second being mured up they were obliged to return with some loss It being commonly believed as was divulged by the suspicious Genius of Spain that Ossuna desirous for his own ends to consume those Forces of the King had given the Pirates notice of the design Certain it is that the right those Pirates did themselves was greater than the loss for a while after they ransacked the maritime Coast of Spain burning Orpesa carrying away Booty and Slaves Philibert in his retreat sailed within sight of Cerigo and of Zant where the same night the
for to strengthen the declared one of all Christendom The Bailo of the Venetians by express Order of the Senate abstained from having any thing to do with those Negotiations But at Venice it appeared as if the Republick had been the Refuge of every one that desired succours The Palatine demanded an hundred thousand Ducats at least Gabor assistance And for the Catholick Ligue of Germany Zaccaria Trattembach and Giulio Cesare Crivelli returning from Rome were earnest for aid and free passage for Ammunition and Souldiers and that the Concessions of the Pope of certain Tenths upon the Clergy of Italy might be extended also into their Country But the Senate not yielding to their importunities nor diverting their thoughts from the affairs of Italy excused to all with many reasons their refusal Neither could France now taken up in domestick confusions be assistant to the affairs of the Empire but with good offices and counsels and therefore had made choice of the Duke d' Angoulesme with Monsieur de Bethune and the Abbot of Preo for Ambassadours Extraordinary into Germany for various ends not liking on the one side that the House of Palatine should be advantaged by that protection which they had always given to the Hugenots and desiring on the other under the title of Mediation to introduce themselves into the business to foment the disorders or end them according to their own mind That Kingdom was surely in a very tottering condition for the Queen-mother had made so considerable a Party that to resist it the Kings Authority seemed not sufficient nor Luines his favour Nevertheless the Council being corrupted the Bishop of Lusson who presided being gained by the Court with great promises it quickly fell to the ground The King followed by very few Troops having quieted Normandy and seized the Castle Caen comes near to the Pont de Cé where the Duke de Rhetz who with a greater strength was there to defend it abandons it either terrified by a needless fear or prepossessed by the Cardinal his Uncle who followed the Kings interest From this success was derived the confusion of all the Party because their Forces were divided in several Provinces and the Queen in Angiers was exposed to dangers whereupon an agreement was on the sudden concluded with a general pardon The Bishop of Lusson got for himself of the King the Nomination to a Cardinals Cap and laid by this Treaty the foundation of that greatness which did afterwards render him one of the most notable and most powerful Ministers of Europe The King resolving to go on in restoring the Catholick Worship and the Ecclesiastical goods in Bern a Country in the Pirenean Mountains the chief Shop of Heresie and where the name without the presence of the King was not known but in a way of mocquery or for some pretext goes thither notwithstanding the cold and inconvenience of the season and the delays and arts which the people laid in his way but at last having suppressed some setled Religion and trusted the places of strength to the most faithful he departs leaving nevertheless seed sown in the disgusts of many of a War near at hand But in Germany the Ambassadours of France were come to Vlm where were assembled the Deputies of the Catholick and of the Protestant Parties and there through their mediation was firmly established That they should not offend one anothers Countries Bohemia notwithstanding to be excluded where without breach of the agreement Hostility might be used It seems that by such a Negotiation the ruine of Frederick was concluded because the Austrians being secured from France not regarding the bare Offices of England and little fearing the Princes of the Union which drove vain and uncertain interests enjoyed the advantage of the Arms of the Catholick League Bavaria being now gained with the hopes to have the spoils and the Vote of the House Palatine his Kinsman but Envyer In Milhausen the Electors held yet another meeting from which they send exhortations and intreaties to Frederick that he would lay down that Crown which now shook upon his head but he knew not how to resolve to withdraw himself from Fortune though she threatned to forsake him He was then by the Imperial Ban proscribed by Ferdinand who committed the execution of it to the Archduke Albert to Bavaria and Saxony All three near about the same time marched with powerful Armies towards the month of August The most powerful attempt was from that which came from Flanders because the Archduke in his own name but with the Forces of Spain sent Ambrogio Marquess Spinola with twenty five thousand men towards the Rhine Louys de Velasco being left with considerable Forces to defend the Frontiers towards the United Provinces with which the Truce being expired they remained without provocations but also in great distrusts Giovacchino Marquess of Anspach General of the Union lay incamped with his Army at Oppenheim and had laid a Bridge over the Rhine when Spinola having obtained passage of the Archbishop of Mentz and of some Princes and Cities for fear of the Army and the Imperial Ban approaches towards him and made himself Master of Creutzenach without much opposition He then makes as if he would advance towards Worms and Anspach moved for its succours but the other changing his march falls suddenly upon Oppenheim and with a resolute assault carries it finding within it all the provisions which were made for the Protestant Army He therefore plants his place of Arms there repairing the Bridge which had been taken up and carrying into the Lower Palatine governed by the Duke of Deux Ponts great fear The weaker places yielded without dispute and some of the Princes of the Union separated from it Many taxed Anspach of want of experience but he excused himself upon the Orders given him by the English Ambassadours to stand upon his defensive without provoking the Spaniards To speak truth that King made bitter complaints at Brussels and at Madrid to have been amused and deluded with the hopes of Peace nevertheless not enlarging his hand in assisting he continued by the luke-warmness of his mediation to foment the proceedings of Spain The United Provinces shewed themselves more earnest who liked not at all that the Arms of the Catholick King should advance to the Rhine Maurice therefore Prince of Orange passing it with 8000 Foot and 3000 Horse sends Frederick Henricks his Brother to joyn Anspach with a good Body of men but he losing the time unprofitably the Hollanders returned some few English only under Horatio Veer remaining in the Protestant Army If the Palatinate groaned under oppressions Lusatia experienced a scourge yet more cruel for the strongest motives of Religion not having been able to over-ballance the most powerful ones of interest and remove the Elector of Saxe from adhering to the Austrians he enters into that Province and taking Budissen the Capital City laid in ashes for the most part by the Bombes flung into it all