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 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
THE HISTORY OF VENICE In the Times of Popes Iulius the 2d Leo the 10th Adrian the 6th Clement the 7th Paul the 3d Iulius the 3d Emperors Maximilian the 1st Charles the 5th Kings of Spain Ferdinand the Catholique Charls the 5th Kings of France Lodowick the 12th Francis the 1st Henry the 2d Kings and Queens of England Henry the 8th Edward the 6th Q. Mary Q. Elizabeth Dukes of Venice Leonardo Lordano Antonio Grimani Andrea Gritti Petro Laudo Francisco Donato Written Originally in Italian By PAULO PARUTA PROCURATOR of St Mark. Likewise the WARS of CYPRUS By the same Authour Wherein the famous Sieges of Nicossia and Famagosta and Battel of Lepanto are contained Made English By HENRY Earl of MONMOUTH LONDON Printed for Abel Roper and Henry Herringman at the Sun against St Dunstans Church in Fleetstreet and at the Anchor in the lower Walk of the New Exchange 1658. HENRY Earl of Monmouth TO THE READERS His Country-men IN my Author's Sololoquie in the latter end of his Politick Discourses wherein he gives you a short Relation of his Life He mentions this History of his which he terms Opera buona degna a good and gallant Work I took his own word for the Approbation thereof and truly I finde he hath made it good and if I have not injured him in making it speak my Language I am very confident you will be of my opinion for you will finde in it great variety of History handsomly woven and delightful intermix'd with Negotiations Treaties of Warre and Peace Leagues and Confederacies made between Christian Princes several Speeches and Orations made upon many several occasions and strongly argued and indeed whatsoever may make a Book seem pleasing to the Reader Which that it may do to thee is the wish of Thy Compatriot MONMOUTH An Alphabetical Table of the most Remarkable Passages contained in the Twelve Books of the present History of VENICE A ADrian a Fleming chosen Pope 196. He endeavours to compose the Differences thâ—â— were between the Christian Princes ibid. He honourably receives the Venetian Embassadors 197. He dies 204 Agostino Abondio Secretary hanged for revealing the secrets of the Venetian Senate 588 Alfonso Duke of Ferrara and his Designs 167. Is in League with the French and the Venetian 176. Hath many private Discourses with Burbon 244. Ioyns in League with the Princes of Italy 267 Admiral of France sent by King Francis into Italy with an Army 201. Draws neer to Milan and takes Lodi 202. Is driven out of Italy by the Imperialists and the Venetians 205 206 Andrea Gritti a prisoner in France 8. Is chosen by the Venetians for their Embassadour to that King 12. Comes along with the French into Italy 19. Is created General of the Venetian Navie 164. Is chosen Duke of Venice 204. Perswades the Senate to defend their Country 425 He dies 556 Andrea Doria a Genouese serves the Pope with eight Gallies against his own Country 231. Is suspected by the Colleagues ibid. Hired by King Francis to serve him 258. Qâ—lts the King of France and agrees with the Emperour 284. Censures past upon him for the business of Prevesa 440 441 Antonio Grimani chosen Duke of Venice after he had been many years banished 171 Antonio da Leva commands the Garrison in Pavia Comes with an Army into Lombardy 180. Routs the French Camp and takes their General prisoner 309 310. Goes to fall upon the Venetian Camp and is repulsed with loss 310 311 312. Is declared Captain of the League Is chosen Governour of Milan He dies The Authour what he proposeth to write of in this History 3. Whence he takes his Rise ibid. The great Army â—f Charls the fifth in Italy 315 B BArbarossa a famous Pyrate taken into pay by Soliman 339 Takes in the Kingdom of Tunis Driven thence by Charls the fifth Saves himself in Algiers Counsels Soliman to make War upon the Venetians 384. Takes some of their Islands in the Archipelagus and is Soliman's only General at Sea 420 421. Leads out the Fleet in the service of the King of France 593 Bartolomeo d'Alviano set at liberty by the King of France whose prisoner he was 12. Is chosen by the Venetians for their General 16. Takes Cremona and other places 17. Goes against the Imperialists 47. Fights Cardona and is beaten 48. Passes to Friuli and beats the Imperialists 70. Succoureth King Francis in Battel 113 114. Goes to assault Brescia 119. Dies before it 120 A Battel between the French and the Switzers near Novara 25 26. Alviano and Cardona at Olmo 48 49. King Francis and the Switzers before Milan 112 113 114. The same King and the Imperialists at Pavia 218 Bernardino Frangipane a Venetian Rebel 57. Seizeth on the Fort of Marano 58. He relieves Marano and routs the Venetians 60. Takes Strasoldo and Monfalcone ibid. Falls upon Ossofo 64. Is beaten thence 71. Taken prisoner and carried to Venice ibid. Brescia taken by the Spaniards 28. assaulted by Alviano for the Venetians 119. Much straitned by the Venetians 127. Relieved by the Germans ibid. Besieged again by the Venetians French 131. Assaulted by the Venetian and French Forces 139. Taken by the French and yeilded to the Venetians 140 141 C CAuses for which the Venetians may not easily fall out with the Turks 161. Why Charles the fifth drave the Turks out of Tunis Why Soliman turned the War against the Venetians 381. Why the Peace treated of between the Emperour Charles the Fifth and Francis King of France came not to a conclusion 416. What at last moved the Emperor and the King of France to make peace 603. The cause which moved Charls the Fifth to make peace with the Turks 608 Cardona General of the Spaniards in Italy 27. Takes in Brescia and Bergamo 28. Makes many shot at the City of Venice from Margera 38 39. Assaults the Venetian Army and is repulsed 45. Fights it and routs it 48 49. Recovers Bergamo 85 86. Charls of Burbone sent by King Francis into Italy 99. Left by King Francis to govern the affairs of Italy 129. Returns into France 139. Declared Lieutenant General for Charles the Fifth in Italy 203. He relieves Milan 229. Promiseth his Souldiers the sacking of Florence and Rome 224. Slain with a Musket shot as he scaled the Walls of Rome 250 Charls Duke of Burgondy Prince of Castile King of Spain 130. Stands for the Empire 162. Declared King of the Romans and Emperour by the name of Charls the Fifth 163. Intends to pass into Italy with an Army 165. Desires the Venetians to joyn with him 171 177 192. Makes a League with the Venetians 199. His Designs after the Victory gotten of the French at Pavia 221. Comes to an agreement with King Francis and sets him at liberty 224. Restores the Dukedom of Milan to Francesco Sforza 324. His designs upon Milan after Francesco's death 364. Cattaro assaulted by Barbarossa and defended by the Venetians 563 564. Clement the 7th Pope 204. Treats with
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
too much trusting the Spaniards to put the whole Affairs of Italy into their hands that they had condescended that an Italian Duke should be Master of Millan because they knew he was rather to be a Prince in appearance than in effect whereby they hoped they might reduce that State upon the first occasion that should be offered under their Dominion That therefore moved by the same Interests they profess'd now to defend Maximillian Sforza that they might make use of the Millaneses and of the Switzers to drive the French out of Italy whom they thought they ought only to fear That it might clearly be seen the Spaniards did no less aspire to the Empire of Italy then did the French but whereas these made their way by open Force the others finding themselves to be too weak sought to work their ends by cunning and by cozenage and did under a colour of Friendship with the Italians undermine their Liberties That therefore it was very advantageous to suffer the Forces and Reputation of an other Forreign Prince to increase in Italy to obviate their Power since that the Italians who had been so long afflicted with War were not able of themselves to defend themselves against Forreign Nations The Venetians did by these reasons make good their Counsels and Actions but whilst these things were in Treaty with the Pope all sides made diligent preparations for War Nay Princes seemed to be the more set thereupon for that Leo by his various thoughts and promises made many of them hope to be able to maintain the War by his Help and Authority But the Venetians were more sollicitous in this business then the rest as those who found themselves most necessitated to continue the War therefore they raised men diligently in all parts to make up an Army They sollicited the King of France continually to come speedily into Italy shewing him that the Victory consisted chiefly in celerity That if such Cities as were not yet provided of Garrisons should be on the sudden assaulted they might be easily reduced into their Power But that if the business were spun out in length greater difficulties would daily arise King Lewis being moved by these Exhortations bent himself wholly upon this War and being desirous to imploy his whole Forces therein he agreed with Ferdinando to lay down Arms on the other side of the Mountains for a certain time This King was so carryed away with a vain glorious desire of recovering the State of Millan as he valued neither fear nor infamy So as not caring what blame he might incurre thereby he by this suspension of Arms gave over his Friends and Kinsmans Cause the King of Navarr who for having taken part with the French was a little before driven out of his Kingdom by the Spaniards and reduced to a miserable condition And being likewise advertised of great preparation for War made by Henry King of England a powerful Prince to assault France he contemn'd the Forces of that Kingdom though they had oft times made the French feel them to their Cost For having already in his mind taken in the whole state of Millan and taken the Victory for granted he thought he might bring back his victorious Army time enough to defend his own Kingdom before the English devested of all Military Preparations by reason of their long Peace could provide all things necessary for so great an Enterprize All the Kings men meâ— then according to Orders in the City of Susa that they might the more easily pass from thence into Italy Lewis Lord of Tremuglia a Personage very famous both for his Birth and for many places which he had discharged was made chief Commander of the Army Yet the War was for the most part govern'd according to the pleasure of Giovanni Giacomo Trivulcio who was at that time in great estimation for his great experience in Military Affairs 'T was said that the French Army consisted of about 20000 fighting men 〈…〉 muster'd 8000 choice Italian Foot to which were added 200 Câ—rassiers and 500 light Horse and a great Train of Artillery which did much strengthen the Army Two noble Venetians Domenico Contareno and Andrea Loredano were the Commissaries general whose particular care it is to provide Victuals Monies and all things requisite for the Army and then to be assistant in their Advice to the Captain General in all difficult businesses for the Venetians do themselves execute all the places of the Militia by Sea but in Terra firma by their ancient wont and the Custom of their Fore-fathers they manage their War by Forreigners At this time Bartholomeo Alviano was Captain General of the Venetian Army who being lately returned from France and Count Pitigliano being dead was chosen by the Senate to succeed in his place with the same Conditions which were granted formerly to Pitigliano His yearly pay was 50000 Duckets and he was bound to keep still on foot 300 Curassiers and 500 Cross-bow men on Horse-back to be ready upon any occasion to serve the Common-wealth This man when his place was conferr'd upon him went to the Army which was then upon the Banks of Adice and thinking it fit to be speedy in the business began forthwith to exhort the Senate that he might anticipate the time and that they would suffer him to march with his Army into the state of Millan whilst the Enemy were unprovided of aid and the Cities ungarrison'd That all other attempts would be in vain or to very little purpose that it was requisite that the Venetians should run the same fortune as did the French in 〈◊〉 War That if Affairs should go well with them it was no question but they were to share in the good Fortune but if otherwise they had no hope neither of getting any thing nor yet of keeping any thing that they had lately re-gained But the Senate after they had well and narrowly examined the business resolved that the Army should not pass the Rivers of Po and Ada for what remain'd they left the whole managing of the War free to Alviano with leave to direct his Forces and Designs whither he should be invited by the negligence of the Enemy or advised by his own Industry and Reason There was not as yet any certain News come that the French were past the Alpes therefore the Senate thought it a rash Counsel to leave their Countrey exposed to the Injuries of the Enemy and to send their Army to a place from whence in any case of adverse fortune they could not return But Alviano being very fervent in all he took in hand and very quick and bold thinking that the occasion and the present condition of Affairs invited him so to do resolved to advance immediately with his Army and took his way first towards Verona hoping to get that City Pandolfo Malatesta was taken into pay by Cesar at this time and made Governour of one of the Towers who allured by greater rewards had sided with the
to the Government of all Italy So as if he would keep up his Dignity and Authority amongst Princes which he might perceive began now to grow less he should not suffer them so to abuse the reverend name of Pope That therefore quitting his first Counsels he should betake himself to new and safer cogitations and should resolve upon things becoming the safety of Italy and his own Dignity and that he should forthwith recall his Troops of Horse from the Spanish Army for that the Enemies having placed much hopes in his friendship and assistance they would proceed with more sincerity when they should see themselves deprived thereof that they would abstain from injurious proceedings and treat less arrogantly hereafter That he on his part had abundantly satisfied the tye of confederacy which he had with them that it became an Italian especially him who was plaâ—ed in so high a degree of Dignity and who was endow'd with so much wisdom by the present troublesome state of things to fore-see the beginnings of greater evils and to provide such remedies for them as became their importancy and which might as yet be used that if these Princes whilst their Affairs were in so bad a case by reason of the few Spanish and Dutch Foot which were then in Italy had notwithstanding arrogated so much Authority and would make such use of bare reputation without Forces it was much to be feared that when their power should be increased they would endeavour to dâ—mineer over all Italy The Venetians used reasons to exhort the Pope to keep up his greatness and authority They told him he could by no other way better effect it then by entring into League with the King of France and their Common-wealth But finding that these endeavours did no good they went to work with him the same way that they knew their Enemies had done It was generally thought that Leo favour'd the Emperours Affairs for he thought that thereby he promoted his own designs He had set his whole mind upon the aggrandizing of his own House hoping that he might be much farthered therein by Cesars favour whereby he might be inabled to alienate the Cities of Parma Piacenza Modena and Reggio from the Church and pass them over in fee by the Emperours help and consent to his Brother Iuliano Wherefore the Venetians labour'd to perswade him that he might better advance his Family by this new confederacy the Venetians being very willing to grant the Kingdom of Naples in fee to his Brother Juliano when it should be won by their common Forces upon the same conditions that he had desired those other Cities and to defend and maintain him in the possession thereof by all their forces and endeavours And that he should not need to doubt their promise nor suspect the Common-wealths faith as well in commemoration of the benefit which would be esteemed the greater in these unfortunate times as also for the States peculiar Interest for whose advantage and safety it would make very much that an Italian Prince a Friend of hers and obliged unto her for so great a favour should be Master of so noble and rich a part of Italy That doubtlesly he might promise himself the like from the King of France who setting his heart upon the reputation and keeping of Millan it did much import him that more potent Lords should be kept far from the Confines of Italy the parts whereof which should belong to the French would be the better confirm'd unto them by the Popes Friendship That this was the only way to make the House of Medici truly glorious and splendid which was famous enough already of her self And the best way likewise for the quiet and security of the Church and of all Italy That the Senate did recommend these things to his consideration in pursuance of their ancient custom and out of their particular observance of his own Person and their affection to his Family That he should not argue out of these their perswasions that they were so weakened by adverse Fortune or that they were so cast down but that they were able to renew and maintain the War of themselves though he should not be advised by them The Common-wealth had above 6000 Foot and 1500 Horse in pay at this time divided between Padua and Trevigi and Souldiers were continually raised for the service of the Common-wealth in several parts so as she hoped to have 10000 Souldiers on Foot within a short time Moreover new ships were a building to increase the Fleet and to furnish it with all things fitting that she might be ready and able for any Enterprize That on the contrary though the Enemies men were very few and impotent iâ— great want and scarcity of all things and that it was rather reputation then true strength that made them subject yet were they so encouraged by their past prosperous successes as they thought all things easie and promised themselves success in all their undertakings Wherefore Leo fearing more the audacity of the Spaniards and Dutch then he trusted or hoped in the French and Venetians could not resolve to accept of these new conditions but falling into his ancient irresoluteness was the occasion why both War and Peace grew daily more difficult But it was certainly known that Leo was more addicted to Cesar and did too much covet his favour for though he was not ignorant that the Emperours whole drift was to oppress all Italy and that he himself did confess as much yet he still spun out time as if he durst not pronounce nor did he limit any means or time wherein to do it Henry King of England had formerly undertaken to reconcile the Venetians with the Emperour behaving himself so therein as it appeared evidently to all men that he was well inclined to wish well to the Affairs of Venice but his affection seemed now to be quite altered out of jealousie that the Venetians had aided the French in the War which he made with their King the year before He complained particularly that the Common-wealth had sent her Albanese Horse into France Which suspitions were conceived to be purposely taken to the end that he might afterwards have the better colour to favour the Emperour in his proceedings whose good will he endeavour'd by all means to win out of a desire to draw him from the Truce which he had began to treat of with the French Therefore whereas Henry was formerly wont to exhort the Venetians to peace and to comfort them and assist them in their greatest nacessities he now proceeded clean otherwise accusing them by his Letters to the Senate for having persevered too much in breaking of the hopes of peace when things went well with them and deprived Christendom of much good saying that they ought to behave themselves according as the times went and not carry themselves higher then their present Fortune required wherefore he was very earnest with them to lay down their Arms and not
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
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
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
lesse willing to revenge himselfe for the injuries he had received from the French and chiefly to chastise the Duke of Cleve's daring as he termed it who was a Feudatary of the Empire for having taken up Arms with his Enemies against him assembled the Diet of Princes and Hans-towns according to the custome of Germany and had gotten all the Forces of Germany to joyn with him in making War against the King of France and the Duke of Cleve and to the end that his Forces might be the more formidable laying aside to the wonder of all men the memory of the heinous and great injuries received from Henry King of England for having repudiated his Aunt Queen Katherine and not regarding that this Prince had declared himselfe a Schismatick and was become contumacious to the Church of Rome he resolved to joyn in league with him and to make War upon France Thus it seems that all other Reasons both Humane and Divine give way to the Reason of State though Princes oftentimes term their meer Appetites Reason And Caesar found Henry the more inclined to this Invitation by reason of his not being satisfied with the King of France for having adhered unto his enemy Iames King of Scotland in a difference between them concerning Confines In these great Commotions the Pope and the Venetians continued in their Neutrality being desirous to maintain the peace of Italy as much as might be But the Venetians were herein much more resolute and constant for the Pope being troubled with severall jealousies was sometimes otherwise minded Many things made him apprehend Caesars greatnesse he considered how much more powerfull Cesar was likely to prove being assisted by the forces of Germany and of England and that the power of Emperours had ever been formidable to Popes and that he was the more particularly concern'd in that Cesar had satisfied the German Protestants in many points and now of late in procuring the Councill to be celebrated within the confines of Germany whither the Embassadors being gone very early they gave out that matters of Reformation were to be treated on which is not usually very acceptable to Popes and chiefly then by reason of the freedom of their speech who being alienated from the obedience of the Church of Rome sought to cover their own faults by the errours of others Nor was it of any small moment to make him think the worse of the Emperour that he had contracted friendship with a Prince who had thrown off his obedience to the Apostolick Sea and that he seemed not willing to gratifie Him in the affairs of Millan The Pope being moved out of these respects proposed a streighter conjunction and intelligence with the Venetians for the common safety a thing proposed then onely as looking at Peace and Quiet and not of forgoing their Neutrality unless upon utmost necessity but with intention as was discover'd by many signs to bring the Common-wealth to joyn with the King of France But the Senate continuing their accustom'd answer shew'd the Pope that there was no Occasion much lesse any Necessity to make any such Innovation whereby mischiefs afar off might be rather hastned then kept back by making Princes jealous Herein the Senators did maturely consider that the forces of the Emperour and of the King of France were so equally ballanced each of them being very strong of himselfe and assisted by other great Princes as it was not to be feared that one of them should so exceed the other as that his power might prove prejudiciall to the affairs of Italy and that Time often produceth notable and un-thought of advantages which they ought most to attend who propose unto themselves the safety and preservation of what is their own rather then the getting of what appertains to another That the Common-wealth could not confederate with any other without offending Cesar who having so ofen desired new Leagues they could never be brought to alter any part of their old Capitulations that at the present the King of France was excluded all Italy but that it was more to be desired then likely that he might at this time have a share therein the better to counterpoise Cesar now when he must be necessitated to imploy his forces in defence of his own Kingdom it being set upon both by English and Imperialists The Venetians were much more troubled at the coming forth of the Turkish Fleet which was now much talked of and whereof great preparations were seen though the Turks promised that all fair respects should be had to what appertained to the Common-wealth and that Paulino affirm'd the same constantly who was to be in it and had wholly changed his mind by reason of new instructions which he had received from his King It was foreseen that Italy would be disfurnished of souldiers since the flowre of her Militia was to go serve Cesar and Ferdinand in Hungary and Flanders That Doria's Fleet consisted but of a few Gallies and those employ'd in bringing Cesar's person into Italy That the Common-wealth had not as then above thirty Gallies at Sea so as all Seas were open and free for the Turks all Shoars exposed to their assaults Nor was it to be comprehended nor much to be credited what their present intentions were nor what they would hereafter be according as occasions should fall out Therefore the Venetians thought good to increase their Fleet to the number of 70 Gallies arming some in Dalmatia some in Candia and in other places and making Stephano Tiepolo Captain Generall at Sea a man famous for his own worth and more famous afterwards for being father of Paolo Tiepolo Procurator of St. Mark a famous Senator of our times both for his eloquence and wisdom in the Senate who gave an account of this to all the Princes Courts to the end that the newes hereof might not make her designes to be thought greater then they were to tell them That the Common-wealth had armed some Gallies for the safety of their Subjects and for the guard of the Sea and of her Shoars and had made a supream Commander over them to the end that the publick Officers and Subjects might be kept within the bounds of obedience and all occasions removed whereby the publick quiet might be disturbed And accordingly the Generall was enjoyn'd to keep within the Gulph and visit the Shoars and Islands of their Dominions ordering and taking course for all things that were necessary where he was to be met by Iustiniano one of the Sea-Commissaries the other Commissary which was Alessandro Bondomiero being to tarry in the waters of Corfù with 15 of the best Gallies wherewith upon the approach of any Fleet he might be safe in the Mandracchio And he was also ordered to shun all such things as might cause suspicions in the Turks of the insincerity of their intentions towards them which it was very well known was often cunningly endeavoured by Doria This mean while the Turkish Fleet put to sea
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
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
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