therefore he thought it his best way to be reconciled with the Church sent an honourable Ambassage to the Pope wherein much humbling himself desired to be restored to the grace and favour of the Church and possession of his Kingdom and promised to restore whatsoever he wrongfully detained from the Church The Pope willing to extinguish the War went to Benevento and expected William who prostrate at the Popes feet desired absolution and took an Oath of Loyalty and homage and first restoring whatsoever he had taken from the Church was invested in the Kingdom the year 1156. William afterward lived alwaies in peace with the Church but was ever much troubled and molested by his Barons and hated of the people and sirnamed for his evil conditions William the wicked He departed this life the year of our Lord 1167. and lived 47 years and in the principal Church of Palermo near his fathers Tomb was buried He had by his wife Margarite the daughter of Garzia the second King of Navar Ruggieri which was proclaimed King by the Sicilians William Prince of Taranto which succeeding in the Kingdom was called William the good and Henry Prince of Capoa William the good 3. King of Naples WILLIAM Prince of Taranto called the good as differing from his father was after his death Crowned King at eleven years of age and presently pardoned all those which had been Rebels to his father and took away all the grievances imposed by him upon the people defended alwaies the affairs of the Roman Church against whosoever sought to molest it and especially in the time when the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa strongly besieged Pope Alexander the 3 within Anagni Whereupon Alexander ignorant of the coming of William not only with great courage and stoutness maintained the Pontifical dignity but many times foiled the Imperial Army But being afterward perswaded by Philip King of France to retire with his honour from the said siege had from King William a Gally which for that purpose he had secretly sent wherein he being imbarked with certain of his Cardinals went to Clarimont in France for his better security where he excommunicated and deprived the said Frederick of the Empire and aggravated likewise the censure against Octavian the false usurping Pope William strongly armed himself both for Sea and Land against Andronico the Emperor of Constantinople for the injuries done in Italy He afterward defended the City of Tire and with his Navy foiled the Forces of Salandine and afterward cleared the Sea from Rovers And this good King having honourably ended all his actions after he had reigned 21 years and lived 32. died in Palermo in the year of our Lord 1188. his body with great honour Ione his wife sister to King Richard of England caused to be laid in a Tomb of Marble curiously wrought and embossed upon which caused this inscription to be ingraven Hic situs est bonus Rex Gulielmus The said Sepulchre being ruinated and spoiled through the injury of time hath newly been very magnificently repaired and renewed with fair Marble by the Archbishop of Torres where this new Epitaph is to be read Inâ—lita quas verbis sapientum turba recenset Virtutes solus factis hic praestitit omnes Egregius quare bonus est cognomine dictus Vtque bonus magno longe est praestantior illo Major Alexandro sic Rex Guillielmus habetur Artibus ipse etenim pacis bellique fuisti Clarus ut semper justa ac pia bella gerebas Sic quoque laeta tibi semper victoria parata est Et nunc ne vilis jaceas Rex optime praesul Te decurat tumulo hoc Ludovicus Torrius Hoc ipso in templo quod tu Guillelme dicasti Tancred the 4. King of Naples TANCRED Earl of Leccie the natural son of King Ruggieri and Unkle to the good William was by the death of his Nephew which had not any child created King of both the Sicilies in the year 1188 Pope Celestine the third being desirous to bring the Kingdom under the jurisdiction of the Church as feuditory of the Apostolick Sea invested in the year 1191. Henry the sixth Emperor the son of Frederick Barbarossa with these conditions That he should recover at his own charge the Kingdom of the two Sicilies with acknowledging the Church and to pay the accustomed Tribute and to the end it might seem more colourable and be the better done he gave under a pretence of Inheritance as a dowry for his wife Constance the lawfull and natural daughter of the aforesaid Ruggieri whom secretly he caused to be brought from the Arch-Bishop of Palermo from the Monastery of St. Mary in the City aforesaid where she was Abesse being now 52 years of age very unfit for the procreation of children dispensing with her although she had been a profest Nun and Crowned them in Rome of both the Sicilies in the year 1191. The first thing then which Henry did he went to besiege Naples but in the beginning of the third month the Plague growing very hot he returned into Germany without any more adoe The Emperors Army being departed Italy Tancred having recovered his Kingdom at the same time among these affairs his son Ruggieri died which was also Crowned and proclaimed King and had married Irene the daughter of the Emperor Isacio and within a little while after him Tancred his father conceiving so passionately the death of his son growing grievously sick died His body was buried in the principal Church of Palermo and in the same Tomb they laid his son Ruggieri Tancred departed this life in the end of the month of December the year of our Lord 1194. having reigned little more then eight years He left behind him three daughters and one son called William whom Sibilla his mother caused instantly to be crowned King of Sicilia The Emperor Henry understanding of the death of Tancred pretending that the Kingdom appertained to him as before is recited returned from Germany in the year 1195. and with a mighty Army entred the Kingdom of Naples which he finding full of civil discord easily obtained without the loss of much bloud and took prisoner Magarito King of Albania which was come thither in the aid of Tancred He had afterward Sibilla in his hands the late wife of Tancred together with his son William and three daughters that is to say Alteria Constanza and Modonia and sent them all prisoners into Germany and afterward caused William to be gelded to the end he should be unable to beget children and afterward blinded him and then released the said daughters Alteria was married to the Earl Gualtiero of Brenna son of the Earl Girardo of Brenna and brother of Iohn of Brenna which was afterward King of Ierusalem Modonia was married with Iohn Sforza Frangipane a Roman Lord which was Earl of Tricarico Constanza was the wife of Pietro Ziano Earl of Arba and Duke of Venice who being old with the
memoriae Serenissimam illustrissimam Dominam nostram Dominam Ioannam secundam Dei gratia Hungariae Hierusalem Siciliae reginam c. Within a little time after rose in the Citie divers contentions because Pope Eugenio the fourth understanding the death of Ione sent a Legate to Naples the Bishop of Recanati and Patriarch of Alexandria giving the Governors to understand and the Councell of the Citie that the kingdom of Naples was fallen to the Church as his Feud or Fee willing them not to bestow the dominion upon any but him whom he shall nominate and invest King The Governors answered that they would have no other King but Renato Duke of Lorain whom their Queen had left as her successor By this means the kingdom understood the admonition of the Pope and the answer of the Governors wherewith many of the Princes and Barons of the kingdom much misliked the succession of Renato and being published that that Will and Testament was falsly forged by the Neapolitans one part of the Barons and people which were of the faction of the Aragonesi called King Alfonsus of Aragon Whereupon through contrary consents and inclinations rose the sactions of the Angioini and Aragonesi The Governors being likewise at discord among themselves the whole kingdom was divided and put into great trouble and molestation In the mean time the greatest part of them sent Ambassadors to Marseliâ— for Renato That part of the Duke of Sâ—ssa the Earl Venafro and many other Barons called Alfonsus who being full of military courage and inflamed with an incredible desire of glory having his Army ready in the year 1436. came to Gaeta and was received by the Duke of Sessa and besieging the said Citie came with his Navy to battell with Baiâ—gio Captain Generall of the Fleet of the Genowayes and Alfonsus valiantly fighting was at length overcome and taken prisoner and carried to the custody of Philip Duke of Miltane who afterward knowing the singular vertue of Alfonsus being desirous to hold him his companion and friend made a league with him and suffered him to go at his own pleasure together with the other Lords which were also prisoners ANGIOINI Renato of Angio the 16 King of Naples REnato of Angio being at that time prisoner to Iohn Duke of Burgonie the Neapolitane Ambassadors deprived of all hope to have Renato caused Isabellae his wife to come in his stead a very wise and worthy Lady who made great wars with Alfonsus Afterward Renato being set at liberty by the Duke of Burgonie in the moneth of May 1438. came to Naples whose coming gave great hope and expectation to the Angioini and was royally received and presently prepared all necessary things for the wars and retained many principall and excellent Captains through whose valour he obtained all Calauria and the Dukedome of Melâ—i in Abruzzo he had at his command many places In the moneth of Iune 1438. he had from Pope Eugenius the instalment of the kingdom of Naples and Ierusalem Many actions and battels fell out between Renato and Alfonsus but at length the party of the Aragonesi prevailed Alfonsus in moneth of Iune 1442. by the way of an Aquaduct which brought water into the City took Naples and the third day with the will of Renato he had the Castle of Capoa and other forts Renato growing into despair not to be able to recover the kingdom with Isabella his wife and his children returned into Provence where he past all the rest of his life in peace having held Naples and part of the kingdom in an uncertain and troublesome possession four years and ten days Being come to the age of 64 years married Ioan della Valle a noble French Lady with whom too excessively satisfying his pleasure became weak and feeble and so died the 19 of Fbruary in the year 1481. and was buried in Nansi a plentifull place and a principapll City of the Dukedom of Lorane and upon his Tomb these four verses engraven Magnanimum tegit hoc saxum fortemque Rhenatum Mortales heu qua conditione sumus Invidia factis hujus fortuna subinde Ne tanti tanto celsus honore foret ARAGONES I. Alfonsus 1. of Aragon called by his surname The Magnanimous 17 King of Naples ALfonsus King of Aragon and Sicilia after many dangers and infinite travell entred Naples in triumph upon a golden Chariot and by the means of Francesco Orsino President of Rome made peace with the Pope Eugenio and obtained a very large instalment of the Kingdom for he was also invested in the Kingdom of Hungary by the right of Ioan his mother And besides that obtained from the said Pope that faculty and power that Ferdinando his naturall son was ordained his heir and to succeed after his death in the instalment and possession of the Kingdom the which investing was likewise afterward confirmed by Pope Nicolas the fifth Alfonsus was very magnificent in buildings he reduced the new Castle in Naples into the form it now appears truly a very Royall and stately piece of work He enlarged Mola and caused the Fens about the City to be made dry He took the Isle of Zerbi overcame in battell the King of Tunis and made him tributary and subdued certain Cities in Barbary he oftentimes sent Armies against the Turks and at the instance of the Pope chased away Francesco Sforsa della Marca He was very studious in learning and made great account of learned men whereof he kept very many in his Court. And to conclude he was a Prince of great magnanimity He reigned sixteen years one moneth and one and twenty days He died the 28 of June in the year 1458. being 64 years of age He had for his wife Mary the daughter of Henry the third King of Castile surnamed the Weak by whom he had no Childern The Neapolitans buried the body of Alfonsus with a stately Funerall and laid him in a Coffin covered all with cloth of gold the which at this present is to be seen in the Vestry of St. Dominick in Naples and at the foot thereof are these Verses Inclytus Alfonsus qui Regibus ortus Iberis Hic regnum Ausoniae primus adeptus adest Ferdinando 1. of Aragon 18 King of Naples FErdinando the first of this name after the death of his Father succeeded in the Kingdom and was by the Institution of Pope Pius the second anointed and crowned King by Latino Orsino the Cardinall But very often was like to lose it through many wars and espeâ—ially by Iohn of Angio the son of Renato which had a great Train and Troop of the Barons of the Realm which drew unto them a great number of Rebels In the year 1481 died as is declared Renato of Angio who having no male children made heir of all his state and inheritance Charls of Angio Earl of Main his brothers son who dying within a while after without children bequeathed his inheritance to Lewis the 11. King of France
Near Naples is the Greek Tower first called Herculea of Hercules which came thither with many Ships after he left Nontiata near the ancient Stabie At this place standeth aloft that famous Hill of Somma called Vesevo and Vesuvio about which are situated many pleasant Villages except in the top where the Poets feign remain the shoulders of the Giant Porfirius In the time of the Emperor Titus with a general fear to all those in the fields and destruction of them which were nearest it cast out from the top thereof great flames of fire and Balls of Sulphure Mine and burning stones where Pliny died the great preserver of the Latine tongue whilst he desired to see the great exhalations of that Hill which cast the ashes even into Africa Going a little farther is the City of Castel by the Sea of Stabia so named by the City Stabbia which was not far off which had been destroyed by L. Silla this Castle is situated in a corner of the Mount Gauro where it beginneth to stretch towards the West which maketh the Promontory of Minerva Here about the distance of a mile through the delight of the place King Charls the second builded a Royal Palace calling it for the sweetness of the air the Wholsome House which afterward King Rubert enlarged giving it greater beauty and ornament which place is now possest by the Noble Family Nocera King Ferrant the first having bestowed it on Pietro Nocera his chiefest favorite which for his great valour was afterward by King Ferrant the second made General of the Gallies This Country aboundeth with great plenty of clear water and great store of the best Fruits and for the facility and easie access of the place hath much Traffick According to the division of Strabo of Ptolomy and of Sempronio this City should be placed in the Country of the Picentini which is now called the Province of Principato but we have thought best to confine it in the Land of Lavoro because it is situated in the Gulf of Cratero Within a little is the beautifull City Vico builded by the people Equani then followeth the City Sorrento very ancient and Noble situated on the top of the Hill whose prospect is the Sea Although it be not of that greatness as formerly it hath been it hath a very fertile and delightfull Territory garnished with Vines and Oringes and other fruitfull Trees This City was builded by the Greeks and was called Petra Syrenum In this City lived Antonio the Abbot a most holy man and famous for his miracles whose body remaineth even now as a testimony of his divine Miracles as they say towards those which are oppressed with Spirits Then from Sorrento a mile is the City of Massa newly named to the which Paolo Portarello that excellent Poet and great Humanist hath now and alwaies giveth everlasting glory From hence then is seen the solitary Hill Atheneo the which because it joyneth not with any other Hill passeth along towards the West and is otherwise called the Hill Massa it was also called Prenusso Sirreo Minervio and the Hill Equano in the top of the Promontory is to be seen a great part of the Temple of Minerva builded by Vlisses Under the side of the said Promontory are certain desart and stony Islands called the Sirenes in one whereof from that part which lieth towards Surrento in ancient time was a rich Temple where were certain very ancient gifts long since presented by the Inhabitants of the Country for the worship and reverance of that holy place the Reliques whereof are now to be seen Here endeth the Gulf called Cratera included within two Promontories Miceno and Ateneo which lie towards the South which Gulf is almost wholly planted with Houses and goodly Gardens opposite to the which riseth out of the Sea the Isle of Capri the first delightfull place of Tiberius Caesar but now ordained for Exiles and banished people Here twice in a year are Quails taken Directly against Miseno is the Isle of Prochita now called Procita the which according to Strabo is a part of Pitecuse Procita was so called as Pliny saith by the depth thereof for by miracle the said Isle rise of it self out of the bottom of the Sea But as Dionisius of Alicarnaseo affirmeth that it was named by a beautifull young man a Trojau called Procita which came thither to inhabit Whereof Servio upon these Verses of Virgil saith in his 9 Book Tum sonitu Prochyta alta tremit c. Saith that it had that name from Protheus which signifieth spread or dispersed to the which opinion agreeth the Greeks and almost all the Latines Silio the Italian in his 12 Book speaking of Procida saith thus Apparet Prochyta saevum sortita Numanta Apparet procul Inarime quae turbine nigro Fumantem premit Iapetum flammasque rebelli Ore rejectantem si quando evadere detur Bella Iovi rursus superisque iterare volentem Within this Isle is a fair Country well replenished with people which hath the same name and is very famous for the abundance of Corn that is gathered within it and for the taking of Partridges and Pheasants whereof there is great plenty The Lord of this Isle in former time was Iohn of Procida a Phisitian a man very famous who fearing not the power of King Charls of Angio to revenge a great injury took Sicilia with that famous slaughter of the French commonly called the Sicilian evening and he had done greater matters if he had been permitted This Iohn was in great esteem with Iames King of Arragon after whose death King Peter his son knowing the valour of Iohn Le dio dice il Zurita en el Reino de Valencia para el y sus successores las Villas y Castillos de Luxer Benyzano y Palma con sus alquerias He gave him as saith Zurita in the Kingdom of Valentia to him and his successors the Towns and Castles of Luxer Benyzano and Palma with their bordering Villages From this man descended the Family called Procita which are now very great in the Kingdom of Catalogna and enjoyeth the Countie of Almenare In the said Isle in a fair Church with great reverence is preserved the body of St. Margarite the Virgin and Martyre which was carried thither from Antiochia Salvo Selano the Phisician honoureth much this Isle now living in Naples with great renown who hath written upon the Aphorismes of Hyppocrates The said Isle is distant from Naples twelve miles and in composs seven A little from Procita lieth the Isle Ischia formerly called Inarime Pithecusa and Enaria very famous not only for the Fable which the Greeks feigne of the Giant Tipheo strucken with Iupiters Thunder-bolt but also for a Fortress there being so great that it is held the second Key of the Kingdom The said Castle was builded by Alfonsus of Medina King of Arragon first of this name King of Naples who because
of the Articles of peace concluded between the Catholique Ferdinando and the said King returned with her children to Ferrara where she was very courteously received by Duke Alfonsus of Este her kinsman where she died in the year 1533 her children remaining desolate and much persecuted by Fortune went to Valentia in Spain where was the Duke Ferdinando their brother and no long time following the one after the other died And in the year 1559. the fifth of August the aforesaid Duke ended his life without leaving any issue And so in him was extinguished the Progeny of the old King Alfonsus of Aragon FRANCES I. Lewis the 12 King of France and 23 King of Naples LEwis the twelfth of this name King of France divided with the King of Spain according to their covenants the kingdom of Naples and obtained of Pope Alexander the sixth the instalment according to the tenor of those conditions which he had made But in the year 1502. their Lieutenants growing into difference about the Confines fell to Arms and at last the Frenchmen were driven out of that kingdom through the valour of that worthy Captain Consalvo Fernando and Ferdinando the Catholique King remaining absolute possessor thereof King Lewis held the Realm of Naples one year and ten moneths but in France he reigned sixteen years and died in the beginning of the year 1514. ARAGONES I. Ferdinando the Catholick 24 King of Naples FErdinando the Catholique remaining absolute Lord of the kingdom maintained it in great peace all the time of his life and obtained of Pope Iulio the second the investing of all the kingdom Finally after many victories atchieved in divers parts he died in Madrigaleio a City of Castile the 22 day of Ianuary in the year 1516. having been King of Naples twelve years and three moneths His body was buried in the Royal Chappell of the City of Granata and upon his Tomb this Inscription was engraven Mahometicae-sectae prostratores haereticae pravitatis extinctores Ferdinandus Aragonum Helizabetha Castellae vir uxor unanimes Catholici appellati marmoreo clauduntur hoc tumulo Ione the third 25 Queen of Naples IOne the third of this name daughter of Ferdinando the Catholique King being now the widow of Philip Archduke of Austria succeeded in the kingdom and having fourteen moneths governed all her kingdoms substituted her heir Charls her eldest son who had scant accomplished 16 years of age Charls remaining at Brussels in Flanders being much exhorted by the Emperour Maximilian his Grandsire reformed in the year 1516. the order of the Knights of the Golden Fleece and so reduced them to the number of 31. And because many through death were void he elected to the said Order amongst others these Lords Francis 1. King of France Don Ferdinando Infant of Spain Emanuel King of Portugal Lewis King of Hungary Frederick Count Palatine Iohn Marquis of Brandenburgh Charls de Lannoi Lord of Sanzelle Moreover Don Lodovico of Vaimonte great Constable of the kingdom of Navarre took in Naples the possession of the kingdom for the said Queen Charls so soon as he was invested by the Queen his mother sailed into Spain and was received of all the people with infinite joy but yet many of the greatest Nobility and principall of the kingdom would not accept him as King but onely as Prince for offering wrong to the Queen Ione since by Testament of the Catholique King her father it was decreed that after the death of Ione Charls of Austria should succeed Upon the which succession grew great tumults and contentions but in the end things were well qualified admitting him for King together with the Queen his mother to be done with this condition That the affairs of the kingdom should be governed in both their names the money stampt and so all other business whatsoever And so once again on the 25. of March in the year 1517. the said Queen confirmed to Charls the former endowment The year ensuing the 13 of April Charles was proclaimed King together with his Mother And the 18 of the moneth of May Prospero Colonâ—a took in Naples the possession of the kingdom in the name of Charls which was done with all solemnity Charls then being received to the Administration of Spain sent also to the administration of all the other kingdoms In the year 1519. Charls elected into the number of the Knights of the Golden Fleece in place of Gismondo K. of Polonia lately dead Christerno K. of Denmark and Frederick of Toledo Duke of Alva In the mean time died the Emperour Maximilian and the Electors of the Empire assembled according to their ancient custome at Francford a Citie of low Germany for the election of a new Cesar and by a general consent the 18 of June in the year 1520. they chose Emperour Charls of Austria King of Spain Ione having reigned as we have said absolutely 14 moneths and together with Charles the 5 Emperour her son 38 years and four moneths retired herself to Tordezilla a Citie of Spain where within a little while after she ended her life the thirteenth of Aprill in the year 1555. AVSTRIACI Charles 5 Emperour and 26 King of Naples CHarls the fifth Emperour after the death of Ione his mother remained absolute Lord of all his kingdoms and being as is said elected Emperour the same year past the Sea from Spain into Flanders and from thence into Germany where he was received in the moneth of October in Aquisgraue a noble City both for the ancient residence the famous Tomb of Charls the Great with a mighty concourse of people was first crowned In the moneth of January 1526. Charls celebrated his marriage in Hispali with Isabella of Portugal his wife the sister of King Iohn of Portugal Afterward he went into Spain where being arrived proceeded very severely against many who had been authors of sedition all the other he pardoned and discharged And to joyn with justice and clemency examples of gratitude and remuneration in the acknowledging of that wherein he was ingaged to Don Ferdinando of Aragon Duke of Calauraia who having refused the Crown and the kingdom of Spain offered unto him by the States thereof though he were a prisoner set him at liberty and with great honor called him to the Court and married him to the richest Princess then living even the Widow of the Catholique King Ferdinando by which means he much gladded the people and the Duke received honor liberty and infinite wealth and was created for his life time viceroy of Valentia The Emperour without any charge or the expence of a peny got the friendship of the Duke the love of the people and great security to his State The year ensuing 1527. on the 21 of May the Emperess Isabella was delivered of her son Philip in the Citie of Castilia through whose happy birth was made every where generall seasting and triumphs In the moneth of October 1528. the
Legiones Aragoniae utriusque Siciliae Hierusalem Vngariae Dalmatiae Croatiae Navarrae Granatae Toleti Valentiae Galitiae Majoricarum Hispalis Sardiniae Cordubae Corcicae Murtiae Giennis Algarbii Alzezirae Gibraltaris Insularum Canariae Iudiarum et Terrae Firmae Maris Oceani c. Rex Archidux Austriae Dux Burgundiae Lotharingiae Brabantiae Stiriae Corinthiae Carniolae Limburgiae Lucemburgiae Geldriae Calabriae Athenarum Neopatriae Virtembergae c. Comes Flandriae Habspurgi Tirolis Barchmonae Archois et Burgundiae Comes Palatinus Hannoniae Hollandiae Selandiaâ— Ferretti Kiburgi Namurci Rossilionis Ceritaniae et Zutphaniae c. Lantgravius Alsatiae Marchio Burgoniae Oristani Gotzani et sacri Romani Imperii Princeps Sueviae Cathalaniae Asturiae Dominus Phrisiae Marchiae Sclavonieae Portus Naonis Biscayae Molinae Salinarum Tripolis et Mechliniae c. 27. Philippus D. G. Catholicus defensor fidei Hispaniarum utriusque Siciliae Hierusalem Portugalliae Vngariae Dalmatiae Croatiae Sardiniae Corsicae Majoricarum Insularum Canariae Orani Insularum Indiarum Terrae Firmae et Maris Oceani Archidux Austriae Dux Burgundiae Mediolani Lotharingiae Brabantiae Limburgi Lucemburgi Geldâ—iae Calabriae Athenarum et Neopatriae Marchio sacri Romani Imperii Oristaniâ— et Gotiani Comes Barcinonis Ruscinonis Ceretaniae Flandriae Artesiae Hannoniae Hollandiae Selandioe Namurci Zutpheni Burgundiae Haspurgi et Tirolis Dominus Cantabriae Molinae Phrisiae Mechliniae Vltrajecti Transisalanae Gruningae c. Of the Coronation of the Kings of NAPLES I Have thought it a thing very fit and convenient having declared what the Kings were of this noble and renowned kingdom to receive also the manner and the ceremony which is used in the time of their coronation But before I proceed any further it is to be understood that there are but only four Kings that are crowned and anointed by the order of the Pope as is noted in the Records of the Roman Church the which Alberico de Rosato also confirmeth which are these following the King of Ierusalem the King of France the King of Naples commonly called Sicilia and the King of England All the rest are crowned by their Archbishops or Bishops by a certain custome The Emperour is anointed and crowned in the same manner as are the said four Kings and therefore all the other Kings are called by the name of Highness and not Majesty except those that are annointed by the order of the Pope as is said In the coronation then of the King of Naples the Pope sendeth a Cardinall his Legate or a Patriarch but he must have holy Orders because the said Legate not having the said holy Orders another ought to come which hath the said dignity There also assembles according to the accustomed manner all the Archbishops of the kingdome which crown this Prince with the greatest pompâ— and state that may be done to any Christian King The principall thing before the King taketh this dignity the seven Officers of the kingdom which are seven principall secular Lords that meet together at this coronation are cloathed in Purple lined with Ermins with very rich attires upon their heads and repair together with the Recorder of the Citie into the Cathedrall Church of Naples where is the ancient Tomb of Charls of Angio which was the first that was crowned with an Imperiall crown and invested King of both the Sicilles and Ierusalem and there the Apostolike Legate with the other Archbishops pontifically clothed with Miters and Rochets and the other Prelats in Purple Vestments attend the Kings coming at the Church Dore. Afterward when the King cometh that is to be crowned he entreth into the said Church accompanied with all the Princes Dukes Marqueses Earls Barons and Lords of the kingdom and the Legat suddenly kissing his forehead receiveth him and saith unto him with an high and intelligible voyce these words I am come by the appointment of the supream Bishop Pope N. to crown thee King of Naples and Ierusalem After the Archbishop with the other that have charge to say Service in the said Church receive the King at the Altar and there causing him to kneel down and after is made by the Archbishop of Naples of Capoa and of Salerno devout prayers for his Majesty one of the Bishops demandeth of him in Latin if he will promise to maintain always the Faith and Christian Religion Defend the Widows the Fatherless and the Poor Establish the kingdom and minister justice to every one And last of all if he will always yeild due honor to the supream Bishop To all which things the King answering He will two Archbishops take him by the arm and lead him to the Altar where he solemnly sweareth to observe all that which the Archbishop hath demanded of him This done the Archbishop of Naples demandeth with a loud voyce of all the Princes if they will promise loyalty and service to his Majesty Where being answered by all That they will very willingly Then two Archbishops lead him into the Vestry and being there apparelled with Sandalles richly set with Jewels and Pearls with a Surplice like a Minister and a Cope lead him again to the Altar and saying certain prayers the Cardinall Legate accompanied with the Archbishops rising from their seats with Miters on their heads go unto him and finding the King kneeling with a loud and solemn prayer recommend him unto God in whose hands are all Empires that it would please him to make his kingdom stable and perpetuall replenished with victory piety and honor The King remaining on his knees one of the Archbishops goeth to the Altar and beginneth the Letany and devoutly prayeth for his Majesty the Archbishop of Naples with the rest of the Bishops undoing his Surplis with certain zealous prayers anoint his shoulders and his right arm to signifie that he sustaineth the burthen of the affairs of the kingdom and draweth his sword for the conservation thereof And moreover the Royall purple Robe reaching down even to his foot lined with fables and richly embrodered with gold and pearl signifieth Charity That done he still remaining in devout meditation the Apostolick Legat standing the King kneeling before him delivereth into his hand the golden Scepter all wrought in the top with Pearls and Jewels wherewith religiously he commands the people Then he puts a naked Sword into his right hand wherewith he pursueth his enemies in the name of Christ. After that he puts a Ring on his finger and a Bracelet upon his arm to the end he may be faithfull and pure in good works Then he presenteth unto him the golden Apple to figure the kingdome which he ought to govern with singular piety vertue and perseverance And finally he putteth upon his head the Imperial Crown divided into two parts garnished with many Jewels to signifie honor and glory The King religiously remaining on his knees the three Archbishops lifting him up lead him to the Altar where again the Lords that have
trappings upon him looked backward for new meaning thereby the instability of this happy kingdom loving always new Governors like the Asses figure which was devised by gross Asses to dishonor and discredit this noble kingdom but it is certain this little kingdom hath sustained great oppression they imputing it to no other sense have feigned this Asinine simplicity which saying the envious have not stuck to publish in books Manner of writing used by the Arragonian Kings of Naples writing to divers Princes KIng Alphonso to the Emperour of Germany was wont to write in parchment in th'infrascribed manner To the most renowned Prince and most excellent Lord Frederick Emperour of the Romans for ever Royall The subscription was thus Alphonsus by th'grace of God King of th' Aragons Sicilie on this side and beyond the Pharos Valentia Jerusalem Hungaria the Majorcas Sardinia Corsica c. greeting and increase of prosperous successes And so in the Occurrences he used to write Most renowned and most excellent Prince we would intreat your Soveraignty or your Mightiness To the Emperour of Constantinople To the most renowned and most excellent Lord Drage Paleologo Emperour of the Romans for ever royall our most dear kinsman The subscription was as above To Prester Iohn of India To the most eminent and most unconquerable Monarch Lord Isaack Prester Iohn sonn of David Lord of the Tables Mount Sinai Aethiopia King of Kings our most dear brother The subscription in the manner aforesaid To the great Turk To the most renowned Prince Amorat Bechi great Lord of the Theucrians our most dear friend To the great Soldan of Babylon To the most Illustrious Prince Abuysac Iamac great Soldan of Babylon To the King of France To the most renowned Prince Charls King of the French our most loving kinsman and friend To the King of England To the most renowned Prince Henry King of England our most dear kinsman and friend To the King of Cyprus To the most worthy Prince Iohn King of Cyprus our most dear kinsman and friend To the King of Castile and Leon. To the most renowned and Illustrious Prince Don Henrich King of Castile and Leon our very dear and very loving Cousin To the Queen of Arragon To the most illustrious Queen our most dear and most beloved Wife and Lieutenantess generall To the King of Portugall To the very Ilustrious Prince Don Alfonso King of Portugall and Algarue our very dear and well-beloved Cousin To the King of Navarre To the most Illustrious Prince Don Iohn King of Navarre our very dear and much beloved Brother and Lieutenant Generall To the King of Granada To the high Prince Don Machand King of Granada our very dear and much beloved friend To the King of Tunis To the most Illustrious Prince Don Octunne King of Tunis our very dear and much beloved friend To the Dolphin of France To the most illustrious Prince Lewis Dolphin of Usania our most dear kinsman To the Prince of Austria To the most Illustrious and our very dear and much beloved Cozen Henry Prince of Austria first born in the kingdoms of Castile and Leon. To the Duke of Cleves To the most illustrious Prince Iohn Duke of Cleves our most dear kinsman and friend To the Duke of Osterlich To the Illustrious and mighty Albert Duke of Osterlich To the Duke of Brittannie To the Illustrious and mighty Peter Duke of Brittannie our most dear kinsman and friend To the Duke of Burgundy To the most Illustrious Prince Philip Duke of Burgundie our most dear kinsman and friend To the Duke of Burgundie his eldest son To the most illustrious Prince Charls first born of the most illustrious Duke of Burgundie and Lord Charlois our most dear kinsman To the Duke of Savoy To the Illustrious and mighty Prince Lewis Duke of Savoy Chablays our most dear kinsman To the Earl of Foix. To the respected and excellent Gascon Earl of Foix our most dear kinsman and friend Names of all the Vice-roys of Naples which began in the year 1505. Year of Christ. Number of Vice-roys  1505 1 COnsalvo Fernandes of the House of Aghilar a Cordonese by Nation Duke of Terranova who for his famous victories was called the Great Captain 1507 2 Don Iohn of Arragon Duke of Ripacursa 1510 3 Don Raimondo of Cardona Count of Albento 1514  * Don Bernardino Villamarino * 1517. Don Francis Remolinis Cardinall of Sorrento were both Lieutenants 1523 4 Don Charls della Noia 1526  * Andrew Carrafa Count of St. Severina was a Lieutenant 1527 5 Don Vgo of Moncada 1528 6 Philibert of Chalon Prince of Orange 1530 7 Pompey Colonna Cardinall 1532 8 Don Piedro de Toledo Marquis of Villafranca 1553 9 Don Lewis of Toledo was Lieutenant 1554 10 Don Pietro Pacecco Cardinall Seguntine   * 1554 Don Bernardine of Mendoza was Lieutenant 1555 11 Don Ernandez Alvarez of Toledo Duke of Alva 1559 12 Bartholomew Cardinall of Cuova   * 1559. Don Frederico de Toledo * 1559. Don Iohn Marique were Lieutenants one after the other 1559 13 Don Perafan Duke of Alcala 1570 14 Antony Perrenotto Cardinall of Granvela 1577 15 Don Innico of Mendoza Marquis of Mondesela 1579 16 Don Iohn Zunica Prince of Pietra Precia 1582 17 Don Peter Giron Duke of Ossuna 1586 18 Don Iohn de Zunica Count of Miranda 1596 19 Don Henry de Gusman Count of Olivares 1599 20 Don Ferdinand di Castra Count of Lemos and of Andrada Marquis of Sarria and Count of Villalua went Ambassador to Rome sent by Philip the second and left in the kingdom for Lieutenant Don Francisco his son who governed with great wisdom The seven principall Offices of the KINGDOM High Constable THere are seven principall or chief Offices in the kingdom The first whereof is the Great or High Constable who stands in place of Generall or the Kings Lieutenant in the wars which happen in the kingdom and in such a case orders and provides for all such things as belong to the Militia This Office lasts as long as the war And when the King creates such a one he puts a golden Truncheon in his hand saying Take this sacred Truncheon in thy hand to drive away and keep back the enemies and opposers of my people And this word Constable much used amongst Tuscan Writers did anciently signifie a Captain of a quantity of Cavallery But in process of time by Constable was meant a Commander of Foot-Soldiers the Captains of Horse beginning to be called Conductors Bembo in his Latin History calls the Constable Centurion of Soldiers In the kingdom of Naples the office of Constable signified not onely a Captain but one of far greater authority it being of the seven offices the greatest And as it hath been always conferred upon great Lords so we see it at this day setled upon the person of N. He by right commands all Martiall persons as well afoot as on hors-back And in Royall Parliaments sits next the King on his right
as we have declared and according as Leone Cardinall and Bishop of Ostia saith in his History Casinense about the year of our Lord 755 Arechi the second 14. Duke of Benevento who having inlarged his Dukedom would have his said State no longer called a Dukedom but a Principality and caused himself to be anointed and crowned by his Bishops and in the end of his Letters and Charters of Priviledge caused them to to be thus dated Scriptum in nostro sacratissimo Palatio Afterward his successors continuing used to do the like Whereupon by their example the Princes of Capoa of Taranto and of Salerno being allured thereunto caused themselves also to be annointed and crowned by their Bishops These titles at the 〈…〉 of the Kings were given unto their children nor any except the blood Royall 〈…〉 partakers of these titles Whereupon of the children of Ruggiero the first King of the kingdom of Naples and Sicilia Ainulfo was Prince of Capoa and Gulielmo which afterward succeeded in the kingdom was Prince of Taranto Charls of Aujou the first of this name King of Naples ordained that his eldest son should be named Prince of Salerno whereupon Charls the second in the time of his father was intituled Prince of Salerno and Charls the son of Charls the second before he came to the kingdom of Hungary was also called Prince of Salerno But because his brother Ruberto and not he succeeded in the kingdom of Naples which was then called Duke of Calauria from thence it so came to pass that from that time forward they were no more Princes of Salerno but the Kings first begotten son was called Duke of Calauria So was Charls called his father living the worthy son of Ruberto so was Ferdinando the son of Alfonsus King of Arragon who first conquered Naples and so was Alfonsus the squint-eyed the son of Ferdinando but it so falling out that old Ferdinando alo living to Alfonsus his son was born a son whom he also named Ferdinando to him because his father Duke of Calauria lived was given the title of the Principality of Capoa The first which was called Prince of Taranto not descending of the blood Royall was Iacobo del Balzo the son of Francisco which was also the first that of no Princely family was called Duke of Andri And so much concerning the title of a Prince which signifying the Dignity Signiory and Jurisdiction which 〈◊〉 holdeth so it is lawfull for them to place over their Scutchion or Coat Armour oâ—â—heir Family a crown made after this fashion In this kingdom after the dignity of a Prince the next is the state of a Duke which taketh place before a Marquess and an Earl These Dukes have above their Arms a round hoop without any points or work above But in place of the points there are certain pearls and round about are certain pretious stones after the manner which here underneath appears The which fashion although it be now decayed I have thought good to declare to the end the truth thereof may be known The first title of a Duke in this kingdom was that of Benevento instituted in the year 573. But after they came under the jurisdiction of the King the first being not descended of Princely blood was Francisco del Balzo as hath been said made Duke of Andri by Queen Ione the first Not long after was Iacobo Marzano made Duke of Sessa by King Ladislaus and so others from time to time whereof the number at this present is very great This dignity of a Duke increased to a very high and eminent degree the which chanced not to any of the other aforesaid dignities because Charls the 8. King of France being possest of this kingdom created Giliberto of Borbona Earl of Montpensier his Lieutenant Generall of the kingdom Archduke of Sessa and so the said Borbana afterward caused to be set upon his Arms a great purple cap garnished with a golden hoop set full of pretious stones with certain points without pearls in the top but onely put in the sides thereof to the end the dignity of a Prince might have its place and that he also might be known for an Archduke The which crowns as well of the Archdukes as the Dukes are to be used in the manner abovesaid that whosoever ascendeth to that dignity ought not to augment it with flourishing or otherwise with the ornament of Jewels or pretious stones for in so doing they seem to usurp a greater dignity then belongs unto them for which as the Lawyers say they ought to be punished And here it is to be noted that they are not pointed in that manner as some of them have formerly used that is to say after that fashion as their ancestors have had them because they as they were free Lords and acknowledged not any superior as before hath been declared in the discourse of the principality on this side might lawfully do it the which is now otherwise the kingdom being under the dominion and jurisdiction of Kings After these the next in degree are the Marquesses the which are adorned with a hoop set with pretious stones without any thing above and with a very small appearance thereof above the Arms after this manner Biâ—ndo and Pietro Razzano say that the word Marquess signifieth in the Lombard tongue a perpetuall Magistrate or a perpetuall Lordship but according as Mario Equicola saith in his Commentaries of the Marquesses of Mantua signifieth in the Iâ—alian tongue a President Alciato that excellent Lawyer saith that the word Marquess is a Dutch name and that it signifieth a Master of the Horse forasmuch as the Germans call a horse Marca and in the French tongue Marcare is as much as to say to ride In this kingdom as the name of a Duke and an Earl came the soonest and that of a Prince first before in any other place so that of a Marquess appeared long after for the first was Cecco dal Bargo that was made Marquess of Pescara by King Ladislaus Then follow the Earls called in Latine Comiti because they were sent from the train and followers of the Emperours to rule and govern some province or some part thereof Also an Earle according to Luca de Penna may put upon his Arms in place of a crown a plain hoop differing nothing from that of a Marquess save onely the want of Jewels and pretious stones as the Earls of Altavilla of Aquino of Conza of Marsico of Nola of Isernia of Milito of Potenza of Troja and others anciently have used The Earls had their precedence in the Parliaments of all the other Lords and Barons which had no title being created by the ancient Kings with great state and solemnity as appears in Vgone Falcando where he speaketh of the promotion of Riccardo di Mandra Constable of the County of Molise Comes creatus tubis tympanis cimbalisque de more solenniter prae untibus FINIS CHARLES The
performance of Articles he answerd that he had not such an interest in any such Prince so matters began to gather ill blood and were allmost quite off the hinges insomuch that there was a dark rumour abroad how the Prince had a design to get away privatly and in a disguise as he came The English-men that were then attending the Prince wherof there were a good number that were dyeted at the Kings house and waited upon by Spaniards wold often times break out into bold speeches by disdaining the Dyet and barrenness of Spain and jeering their processions wherat there were exceptions taken and the main business receivd som prejudice by their indiscretions Archey the Fool being then in Madrid was admiâ—ted one day to see the King of Spain at Dinner where he â—ell a talâ—ing and strutting up and down The King asked what he sayd an Interpreter told him that the Fool sayed King Iames his Master was likest to God Allmighty of any King upon Earth the King asking him his reason he replyed That God Allmighty had but one sâ—n and he sent him to be Crucified among Iewes So the King of England had allso but one Sâ—n and he sent him to be Crucified among Spaniards In the interim the Prince shewd himself passionatly in love with the Infanta and courted her in a very high way He had the sight of her often in public and at Comedies which are once a week in the Kings Court where he wold fix and fasten his eyes upon her immovable a long time without looking upon the Action of the Stage-players to the wonder of the Spectatâ—rs The King had the other side of the River Manâ—â—â—mares wheron his Royall Pallace stands a Somerhouse of pleasure where the Infanta was usd to go betimes in the morning to gather May dew the Prince got up betimes one morning and taking Mr Ed Porter only with him he got into that Somer-house and was let in into the fore-Garden but no further because the Infanta was in the other therupon the Prince got on the top of the Wall and leapd down where the Infanta was she espying him gave a kind of sâ—rich wherupon the old Marquess who attended her with som women came and kneeld before the Prince desiring him to advance no further because his life lay upon it for he was to admit no man breathing to the company of the Infanta who was then his charge so the Prince retird the Marquess waiting upon him to the door of the Garden and opening it with much humility wheras before he had com ore the Wall As matters were thus at a doubtfull stand because of the Popes demand in point of caution for the performance of those Capitulations which were stipulated in favour of the English Catholicks by vertu of this match The King of Spain gave the Prince a visit and told him that rather then a Treaty of so many yeers agitation shold fall to the ground and that those noble affections which he had shewd his Sister for whom he had put hiâ— person to so much hardship and hazard by that heroik journey shold be now quite frustrated he himself wold undertake to satisfie the Pope in this point and offer himself to be a Pledg and Bail for the King of great Britan and his Highness to perform the sayed Capitulations the Prince thanked him in the highest degree that could be saying that this Favour transcended all the rest wherof he had receivd such multitudes from his Majesty Hereupon the Pope being thus contented there were Bonefires of joy baiting of Bulls with men and other Actions of triumph in the Court of Spain So the dispensation being compleatly com a little after from Rome the Desposorio's or the day for a contract betwixt the Infanta and the Prince was nominated In the interim the Nuncio was privatly admitted with a Letter from the Pope to visite the Prince who made him this civill answer by an Interpreter That he kissd his Holyness feet for the Favor and Honor he did him which was to be so much the more esteemed by how much the less it was deserved by him but his Holines shold see for the future what he wold do and he doubted not but his Father wold do the like so that his Holines shold not repent himself of what he had done A little after the King and the Prince had a solemn enterview in the privat Gallery for signing sealing and swearing unto the Articles The King had the Patriarch of the West-Indies the Duke of Infantado Oliuares and Gondamar with him The Prince had the Duke of Buckingham the Earl of Bristol and the Lord Aâ—hton with him so the Patriarch administred the Oath upon the Holy Evanglists unto King and Prince which they interchangeably took But as Heaven would have it Som few daies before the betrothing day was com it chancd that Pope Gregory the 15th dyed and Vrban the 8. who succeeded him fell suddenly sick hereupon the King of Spain gave the Prince another visit telling him that he had received ill news from Rome for his holy Father the Pope was dead who was so good a friend to this Match now he cold proceed no further for the compleating of the work without a Ratification of the former dispensation by the present Pope whom he was to obey as his Spirituall Father which task he wold undertake to do by his own Ministers without puting his Highness to any trouble and the busines was of that consequence that he feard it wold require som time in regard of the indisposition of the new Pope therfore he desired his Highnes patience in the interim and now that he had stayed so many yeers for a wife he shold not think it much to stay a few months longer the Prince answerd That he was sorry for the news from Rome and wheras his Majesty had a Spirituall Father he himself had a Naturall Father to obey who was now becom crazy and indisposd in his health which encreasd by his so long inexpected absence from him being his only Son therfore he had sent him a peremptory command to be in England in such a month because Winter came on a pace to which purpose he had sent a royall Fleet for him under the command of the Earl of Rutland besides he had intelligence that there were some murmurings in England for his so long abode in Spain which might break out into dangerous consequences and hazard the rupture of the Match which had there so many Enemies among the Puritans Moreover he sayed that when he came to Spain he thought he came not to treat of a Marriage but to fetch home a wife whom he was loth to trust with any but himself the King replyed then your Highnes may please to leave a Proxy behind you to do the work and I shall take it for an honor if you make me your Deputy to perform the Rites of the Espousals which upon the faith of a Catholic King
of the Nobility and Clergy specially of the Arch-bishop of Lisbon the universall disgust and hatred of the people towards the Castillian He bid him look upon the present face of things which seemd to smile upon and invite him how that the house of Austria was at a low ebb distracted with Wars on every side the Castillians had work enough cut them by the Catelans nor could he want succours and auxiliaries from France and others that did emulat the greatnes of Spain therfore he advisd him to take time by the fore-top for he is bald behind The Duke after a long pauze thankd him and the Nobility for their good affections towards him but this was a business of that hazard and consequence that it requird som deliberation that he knew well there was no Medium betwixt a Throne and a Scaffold and so shewd himselfe irresolute for the present The next night taking advise of his Pillow and communicating the whole busines to his Wife Sister to the Duke of Medina Sidonia a Female of a Masculine courage and being anxious within himself whether he shold hearken to the proposals of the Nobility or go to Madrid to prevent all hazards His Lady told him My friend if thou goest to Madrid thou dost incur the danger of loosing thy head and if thou acceptest of the Crown thou dost but run the same hazard therfore consider well whether it be not better to dye nobly at home then basely abroad Being incited by these words he sent word presently to the Nobility that he wold conform himself to their Councels and was resolved to live and dy and run the same adventures with them so they securd all places of fastnes in Lisbon and though there were Spanish and Swisse guards there yet there was killd but one Swits in all the bustle besides Vasconcellos the Secretary of State who managd all things before under the Lady Governes or Vice-queen but was extreamly hated so he was murtherd in a Cup-board within his own Chamber where he was usd to lock up all his Letters and Papers among whom he fell being shot with a Pistoll as he had shut himself among them Hereupon the cry went all over Lisbon Viva El Roy Don Iuan el quarto God save King Iohn the fourth yet in all this hurly-burly the Vice-queen was dealt civilly withall and when som of the Nobility came to her she made this discreet Speech unto them being nothing at all daunted That if this Insurrection had no other aime but to revenge themselves of Secretary Vasconcellos the busines was done therfore she assurd them upon returning to their obedience to gain them a generall pardon from the King her Lord and Nephew But they answerd her in short Madam We have now no other King but King Iohn wherof we com to give you notice so they removd the Vice-queen from the Royall Palace to another house leaving a band of Soldiers for her security The Arch-bishop of Lisbon who was the chiefest stikler in this desperat busines to cover this Insurrection with some signal act of devotion came forth in a solemn procession carrying in his hand the chiefest relique of Lisbon which is one of the Nailes wherwith Christ was naild to the Cross Besides it was delivered in a Sermon that in the person of the Duke was verified a certain apparition of Christ to King Alphonso as he was upon point of giving Battell to â—ive Moorish Kings by which he was promised not only Victory but that he and his Successors shold Raign to the sixteenth Generation at which time his Race shold be thought extinct but it shold florish again when it shold be least of all thought upon which Prophecy fell pat upon the motions of the present times There was then in Lisbon the Count de la Puebla Olivares Kinsman with other Castillians who were kept for Hostages for som Portugals that were in the Spanish 〈◊〉 Upon Thursday after the new King made his entrance into Lisbon where the Clergy gave him 600. m. Crowns the Nobility 400. m. and the Cominalty one million of Gold to hansell their new King The carriage and courage of the Vice Queen the Dutchesse of Savoy was very commendable in these confusions for wheras the new King sent her a complement to ascertain her of such civilities that were sutable to a Princesse of her Rank provided she wold forbear all discourse and practises wherby to infuse any opinion prejudiciall to the now establishd Government yet she notwithstanding with much stoutnes but with expressions of thankfulnes to the Duke for she wold not stile him King fell into a large and grave exhortation to those Nobles that were sent to her to lay aside all vain hopes and not to cozen themselves but to return to their old alleagance according as they were obligd by oath not doubting but they should all find pardon Thus what the Spaniard had possessd in so much peace for sixty yeers was snatchd away from him in less then six dayes news hereof being brought to Madrid it strook a strange consternation in the thoughts of all people but Olivares came smiling to the Kingâ— saying Sir I pray give me las albricias to hansell the good news for now you are more absolute King of Portugal then ever for the people have forfeited all their Priviledges by this rebellion besides the Estate of the Duke of Braganza with all his Complices are yours by right of confiscation so that you have enough to distribute among your old Loyall Servants by way of reward But herein Olivares did notably dissemble his passion for it was discoverd that these sad tydings sunk deeper into him thâ—n any The new King Iohn was married to a Castilian the Duke of Medinas Sister who was Governor in chief in Andaluzia therfoâ—e upon som Ombrages of fear that he might be seducd he was by a plausible message sent for to Madrid but as soon as he came his person was securd and another sent to succeed him Upon the first intelligence that came to Spain how Bragansa had bin proclaimd King Philip sent him a Letter to this effect Duke and Cosen som odd news are brought me lately which I esteem but folly considering the proof I have had of the fidelity of your house give me advertisement accordingly because I ought to expect it from you Do not draw a trouble upon your self and hazard not the esteem I make of your life to the fury of a mutinous rabble but let your wisdom comport you so that your person may escape the danger my Councell will advise you further So God guard you your Cosen and King Unto this Letter answer was made as followeth My Cosen my Kingdom desiring its naturall King and my Subjects being oppressd with Taxes and new Impositions have executed without oposition that which they had oftentimes designd by giving me the possession of a Kingdom which appertains unto me wherfore if any will go about to take it from
new Inhabitants undoing and pulling down certain ancient Sepulchres to build little houses in their Villages purposing to imploy those stones and using therein much labour and diligence passing up and down discovered certain Vessels of antick work found in a little Table of Brass wherein was written Capi the builder of Capoa to be here buried with Letters in Greek words to this effect That whensoever the bones of Capi shall be discovered at the same instant one of the kindred of Iulo must be slain with a sword by the hands of his own friends and kindred and after be revenged with grievous afflictions and the ruine of Italy This same Capoa was by Gensericus King of the Vandals razed and destroyed with sword and fire six hundred years after it had been subject to the Romans but since the Goths Ostrogoths being chased away by Narsete Eunuco Captain to the Emperor Iustinian was newly inhabited again And about a hundred years after was destroyed and ruinated anew by the Lombards but with the reliques builded of the Inhabiters again two miles distant from the ancient place Since by Conradus King of Naples son of the Emperor Frederick the second the Walls thereof were thrown to the ground because the Capoans were known to be contrary to the Manfredi with the Neopolitans wherefore he ransackt and sackt it and did therein harm enough It sustained great calamity in the time of Pope Alexander the sixth being sacked and robbed by the French sent by Lewis the twefth King of France to the Conquest of the Kingdom of Naples against King Frederick of Arragon now it remaineth well fortified by the providence of Philip of Austria the most puissant Catholick King under whose protection it resteth most secure Pliny in the description of Italy speaking of Capoa saith that there is the Field Leborino much more pleasant and delightfull then any part of all Italy and he in another place calleth Leborino the excellent Territory of Capoa and to declare what it is the Territory thereof is all plain which stretcheth from Tifata which is the Hill above Capoa even to Naples and Pozzuolo and from Capoa to the mouth of Vulturno where it entreth into the Sea Capoa being so hated and defaced by the Romans and twice ruinated the people near adjoyning disdained to be any longer called Campani desiring to avoid this infamy and this danger to be hated and undone for this name changed the name being called by their ancient name Leborini and so much their constant perseverance prevailed that that which before was wont to be called Campania was called the Land of Lebore But since the word being corrupted by people was called the Land of Labore from whence grew the opinion that this should be because as it were all pains for so the word Labore signifies should there be well bestowed and some others have said that it should be so called from the great and difficult pains that is required in the subduing of it F. L. Sosipatro Charisio a most ancient Gramarian was a Citizen of Capoa whose works have been found by Iano Parasio Victore called the Capoan Bishop and a famous Astrologian and an excellent Orator hath given great honour to this City who lived in the year of Christ 480. Likewise Pietro of Vineis was also a Citizen a learned Lawyer which was in great favour with the Emperor Frederick the second King of Naples but the Emperor had afterward a certain suspicion of him for a conspiracy that was deâ—ised banished him where through grief he died having first composed a Book of Consolation Of this Pietro Dante maketh mention in the first part of the 13 Cant. saying I am he which holdeth both the Keys Iohn Antonio Campano hath also given no small reputation to this noble City of whom Raffaello Voluterano writeth that he know him being a child attended the keeping of sheep and being apt and urged by nature endeavoured by all means to attain learning wherein he so much profited that he was esteemed worthy to read in the Schools of Paris being entertained by the Paragians with a large stipend and so much he increased in faâ—â— and learning that Pius the second afterward made him Bishop of Apruntino This learned man left behind him many Works of the which was the book of the Acts and famous deeds of Braccio of Montone He writ the life of the worthy Prince Frederick Duke of Vrbin and the life of Pope Pius the second Moreover in these our daies Camille Pellegrino and Beneditto of Vva excellent Poets whose Works are well known have and alwaies give everlasting honour to this noble City And with these hath also been very famous Iohn Battista an eloquent Orator Afterward from Capoa eight miles distant is Aversa a noble and a rich City builded upon the ruines of the ancient Attella often remembred by Livy and Marcus Tullius Atella was the well-spring of lascivious Verses and wanton and effeminate behaviours whereupon the compositions and lascivious Comodies and dishonest were called Atelliane Boyes and girls were taught certain lascivious Verses and to that purpose did come with a certain composed measure and wanton carriage of the body and roling the eyes to pronounce them with so great immodesty and lascivious behaviours at the Tables of dishonest persons and on the Stages that there wanted nothing but the dishonest and carnal conjunction together But of better discipline was the beginning of Aversa the which by Averso the Norman a famous Captain was first built and afterwards was beautified by Robert Guiscardo a worthy and a valiant man This City was ruinated and defaced even to the foundation by Charls the first of Angio King of Naples for the Rebellion of the House Rebursa But it was afterward newly re-edified and beautified by Charls the second King his son This City is great and much inhabited and is one of the principal in the Land of Lavoro as well for the vicinity and neighbourhood of the City of Naples from the which it is not distant more then seven miles as also for the fertilty of the pleasant and beautifull fields thereof the which being inclosed in six miles spread between Naples and Capoa And a little more towards Linterne compassing a great part of the Leborine fields sometime very famous and now called Gaudo Moreover this City is very honorable for the Bishoprick which yieldeth eight thousand Crowns yearly and is now under the Authority of the worthy and reverend Lord Don Pietro Orsino a Prelate as it is commonly said of great clemency and wisdom whereby he is loved and honoured of all This City had many famous men very expert in the Law as Cavello Barnado President of the Kings Chamber Felice Barnada Tomaso Grammatico a famous Councellor for the deciding of controversies Scipio Cutinarâ—o Regent of the Councel of Italy in Spain Marc. of Mauro President of the Summaria In Philosophy
have been many learned as Bartholmew of Donato which writ a discourse de Corporeitatis Luca Prassitio which subtilly and wittily writ ten Disputations against Augustine Nifo of Sessa very learned are these Treatises De immortalitate animae and de prestantia literarum supra arma wherein he exprest great learning and in these daies together with these the reverend Father Alfonso of Marco of the reformed Order of Preachers who for his good and examplary life shineth as the Sun in darkness he hath learnedly writ upon Logick natural Philosophy the soul Metaphysick and de ente rationis and he is now commenting the same of St. Thomas and if God permit him life we may expect other learned Works to proceed from him In the aforesaid City are these Noble Families Altimaro Cutinario Gargano Grimaldo Landulfo Pacifio Scaglione Silvestro Simonello Tufo Ricardo Della Valle and others Not far from Aversa is Marigliano in a good Soil and is wholly walled about and by the Ancients called Merlianum and Marianum the Citizens whereof say that it was so called by C. Marius the Founder thereof and it is now indued with the dignity of a Marquiss under the jurisdiction of the House of Montenegro Innocentius the third Bishop of Rome hath much honoured this Land being born there and at this present R. D. Iacobo Marotta a learned Philosopher who hath written upon the predicables and predicaments of the Logick of Scotus de triplici intellectu Humane Angelical and Divine and read in the common Schools of Naples the Metaphisicks with a wonderfull concourse of Students Afterward appeareth the City Acerra called by Strabo Acerrae which was burnt by Hannibal the Carthaginian But was again newly re-edified by the Romans whereof Livy often maketh mention and Virgil calleth the Territory thereof very good and fertile Near to which City runneth the River Glanio very hurtfull to the Country through the continual inundations and therefore is almost disinhabited Acerra was builded by the people Nasamoni who in honour of Iupiter Feretrio made a high Altar after the fashion of a little Ship whereupon they burnt great abundance of sweet Odours wherefore it was called Acerra by the Nasamoni which opinion Alexander of Alexandro Neopolitan confirmeth in the 7 Chapter of his third Book speaking of their Gemali Acerra erat ara constituta ubi odores incenderet quae acerra dicta erat à Nasamonibus populis Some are of opinion that an Altar so called was only devised by the Nasamoni but that Numa Pompilius erected the Temple of Iupiter Feretrio Festo believeth that Feretrio was so called by bringing of peace although Plutarch saith that he should be so named by the wounding of enemies whereupon Propertio writeth a learned Elegy of Iupiter Feretrio thus Nunc Iovis incipiam causas aperire Feretrii Armaque de ducibus trima recepta tribus To which Temple the Ancients when they obtained victory of their enemies consecrated all their best and richest spoils Departing from Acerra is the River Glanio which springeth from the Hill above Sessua by ancient Writers named Clanius whereof Virgil maketh mention in two of his Georgicks thus Talem dives arat Capua vicina Vesevo Ora jugo vacuis Clanius non aequus Acerris Probus writeth that the River Clanio took that name from the Giant Clanio Afterward is seen Sessula distant from Acerra four miles called by Strabo Suessula and by Livy in many places and in his seventh Book sheweth that in this City was a great battel between the Romans and the Samnites where the Samnites were put to flight by M. Valer. This City is almost now ruinated Afterward appeareth from the North part the Hils of Capoa called by Livy Tifata these Hils are above Capoa and above all this Country the which pass along even to the Territory of Nola. Afterward is the River Isclero and the River Sorritello and not far off upon a fair Hill is the Aierola an excellent Country honoured with the dignity of a Dukedom under the Family Caracciola From Aierola five miles is in a fair Plain Arienzo a Country full of worthy and honourable people called of the Latines Argentum the Territory whereof is very fertile and full of Fruit and especially of Percope where they grow more common in this Country then any other verily these fruits are to be preferred before all others for their delicacy and great goodness these said Trees live not above five years and it is necessary that the seeds or carnels thereof be sowed towards the East in a place where the cold cannot hurt them for cold is a great enemy to these Trees the Fruit thereof is of the colour of Gold with red spots and a slender rine and weighs a pound and more according to the place where they be planted Not far off upon a steep and pleasant little Hill is the City of Caserta replenished with worthy and honourable people the original whereof is uncertain the Citizens of it affirm by ancient tradition that it was builded by the Sessulani and Galatini others believe from the reliques of the second Capoa in the Hill Trifisco and last of all others say that it should be builded by the Longobards and was made a Cathedral Church by Alexander the fourth Bishop of Rome The Lords of Aquino ruled this City a long time afterward it came under the Counts of Tilesia of the Noble Family Siginulfa and lastly Giulio Antonio Acquaniva a noble Lord possest it with the Title of a Prince The noble Family of Santori hath much honoured this City of which that excellent Doctor of Law Lonardo hath been much renowned who left to the world a worthy and honourable issue from whom descended the famous and reverend Giulio Antonio Santoro Cardinal of the Church of Rome and Francesco Antonio Archbishop of Severin◠his brother men no less famous for Learning then for sincerity of life Going a little farther is Mataloni of some called Magdaloni and of others Metalionis which hath the dignity of a Dukedome subject to the noble Family of Carrafi Near which upon a Hill is the fair City of Venafro named by Strabo Venafrum the Plain whereof Pliny calleth fertile and full of Olives whereupon Martial praising the Oyle saith Hoc tibi Campani sudavit bacca Venafri Vnguentum quoties sumis istud oles This City in the time of our Ancestors had the Title of a County under the Pandoni Gentlemen of Naples after the which it came under the Dominion of the worthy Lords of Lanoia Princes of Sulmona but now it is in the Kings hands Going a little farther is the noble ancient City of Sora so called both now and in old time which in the time of the Romans was the principal City of all Sannio Pliny placeth it in the first Region and Ptolomy in Latium and Strabo describeth it in happy Campania We following the
all the Romans both men and women might lawfully commit any lascivious dishonesty which then was accounted the most holy that which that day was most dishonest St. Felix Bishop hath given great honour to this City whose body lieth in it and as they say there riseth continually Manna out of his holy bones whose life was written by St. Paulino Bishop of this City St. Paulino was the inventor of the use of Bels an Instrument utterly unknown to the Ancients which is now so necessary in the Church of God He gave it the name of Campane because he invented it in Campania where is the aforesaid City of Nola of the which he was Bishop and that the Citizens ever since glorying therein as rightly they may have alwaies used to give a Bell for the Arms of the City And to say something of the famous Counts of Nola Monsignieur Guido da Monforte was the first thereof a most noble and valiant Gentleman of France which came with Charls the first of Angio to the Conquest of the Kingdom with whom he was in great estimation and having one only daughter called Anastasia married to Romano Orsino chief Justice of the Kingdom who by the death of his Father in Law succeeded in the County which was the first of the Family of Orsina which had Seigniory in the Kingdom The posterity of this man have proved all worthy men and very valiant but the matchless Paragon of all was Ramondo which florished in the time of Charls the second for being chased away and forsaken by his Father went into Soria after he had in a journey into the Holy Land done many valiant exploits against the Moors and overcome in a private combate a most fierce and mighty Saracin who carried a Rose upon the top of his wreathed Turbant returned home into the Kingdom with great honour and for a token of that Victory joyned it with much glory to his Arms whereupon through his great magnanimity and valour was made Prince of Taranto That Principality hath been continued even to this present one of the most important Members of the Kingdom for it contained very much land and Cities of greatest importance which for brevity I omit to name so that Ramondo being a very mighty and great Lord the House of Orsina was very famous through all Italy Râ—mondo married the Lady Mary of Eugenio of an honourable proginy in France who after the death of her husband having the tuition of her children became Queen of Naples at such time as King Ladislao besieged her in Taranto who being not able to subdue her resolved to take her for his wife and so by that means to possess the Inheritance of the children of Ramondo of whom the first was Iohn Antonio who redeemed the Principality of Taranto with money from Iames husband of Queen Ione This Iohn Antonio increased much his Patrimony with Lands of great importance and was highly favoured by Alfonsus of Arragon King of Naples who made him great Constable which is the chiefest of the seven Offices in the Kingdom with a hundred thousand Duckets yearly for a Pension And to return to the Counts of Nola they were great Lâ—rds for they possest Sarno Tripalda Palma Avella Lauro Forino Ascoli and other Lands But afterward Felice Orsino Prince of Salerno succeeded in the County who having little experience in worldly affairs through the dâ—â—â—ension and division of the Kingdom lost his State in 〈◊〉 time after the death of his Father And King Ferrant the first gave Salerno to Robert 〈◊〉 and Nola Tripalda Ascoli Lauro and Forino to Orso Orsino 〈…〉 great Chancellor of the Kingdom and partner with him in the Wars against Iohn Antonio Orsino whereupon the line of Romano Orsino which had ruled Nola almost two hundred years was extinguished and the Principality of Salerno rose of the House of Orsino 24 years after he had it But this line afterward of the Count Orso continued but a small time for the Lady Santola a Citizen of Nola by whom he had two sons the one Duke of Ascoli and the other a Knight lost all their Inheritance through the wicked means of their mother who lewdly justified of her own accord that they were not begotten by the Count Orso were deprived of all their right by King Ferdinando who gave the County of Nola with Cimitino Avella Monforte Lauro Palma and Ottoiano to the Count Nicola Orsino of Pitigliano whose successors possest it untill the year 1528. the which Don Arrigo in serving the French lost his life and his state also and so ended the line of the Counts of Nola which were so famous in this Kingdom Now returning to our former order I say that from the City of Nola are also sprung many other famous men as well adorned with Learning as with Military Discipliâ—e which would be too teadious to repeat and therefore I reâ—er the reader to Ambrogio Lione who very exactly nameth and describeth them all But for us it shall be only sufficient to name the Noble Families which the said Leone writeth of which are in the said City and are these following Albertino Alfano Barone Caposâ—rosa Candido Cesarini Coriale Carmignano Campobascio de Ferrariis de Elia Freccia Fellecchia Fontana Rosa Del Iodice Ioseph Infante de Gennaro Maffei Marifeulo Morra Mastrilâ—o Mazzeo Notariis De Palma Perarii Perrigioanni Rehi Risi Santori Sassolani c. and at this present the Bishop of this City Fabritio Gallo Neopolitan a Prelate besides his learning a man of sincere and pure life who with much diligence composed a Sinodal Book of his Diocess There are many other places the which I think not fit to recite all but the greatest and most important I have not omitted any but the small and little as those which are thought to be of little or no account I have neglected assuring you that to the integrity and soundness of the Work it shall not fail in any momentary matter The Arms of this Noble Country is in a Field Asurâ—â— Cornucope in salter thorow the middle of a Crown the first of â—eres the other Bacchus or the which Arms signifie the great fertility and abundance of the Country which as it were Queen of every other Province exceeds them in all the benefits of Nature Whereupon in confirmation of what I have said I will concluded with L. Floro who speaking thereof thus writeth Omnium non modo Italia sed toto orbe terrarum pulcherrima Campaniae plaga est Nihil mollius coelo nihil uberrius solo nihil hospitalius mari Denique bis floribus vernat ideo Liberi Cererisque certamen dicitur Hic illi nobiles portus Caieta Misenus tepentes fontibus Baiae Lucrinus Avernus quâ—dam maris otia Hic amicti vitibus montes â—aurus Falernus Massicus Pulcherimâ—s omnium Vessuvius Aetaeni ignis imitator Vrbes ad mare Formiae Cumae Neapolis Herculanium Pompei ipsa
continued Monk and in the year 998 resigned his State to Guaimaro the son of the other Guaimaro In the year after 1038. the Emperor Corrado entring Italy for the displeasure he conceived against the Archbishop of Millan and understanding the injuries and tortures which the Prince of Capoa had doâ—e to the Monks of Casino being very dishonest and wicked the Emperor came with his Army to the Mount Casino and again understanding the lamentations and complaints of the Fathers incontinently went to Capoa The Prince fearing him retired into the Fort of St. Agata the which he one day doubting his ill dealings had caused to be very strongly fortified whereupon the Emperor being not able to lay hold of him deprived him of the Principality and gave the same to Guaimaro Prince of Salerno Guaimaro being now become a mighty Prince through the uniting together of so many great possessions received Ambassadors from Mainace Lieutenant of the Emperor of Greece desiring him to give him aid of his Normans he being with a mighty Army of Grecians and many Calaurians and Puglians in expedition to expell the Saracins out of Sicilia To whom the Prince sent Guglielmo Dragone and Vnfrido the sons of Tancred with 300 other Normans a small number but valiant people with the which they recovered a great part of Sicilia Now the Prince Guaimaro growing proud with so great felicity ill intreated the Salernitani whereby becoming odious to all they took one day occasion that as he went to recreate himself upon the shore of Salerno to assault him and gave him 36 deadly wounds and afterward in contempt of him they drag'd him a long time about the Walls of the Fortress and the City But Guido Lord of Surrento inviting the Normans to aid him neglected not the revenge of his brothers death having recovered the City and put Gisulfo his son into his Fathers Seigniory executed 40. for the death of the Prince But within a few years following Gisulfo grew into controversie with Ruberto Normando Duke of Puglia his Cousin the Duke with a strong siege begirt Salerno where finding the Prince grievously sick died not long after and so came the Principality of Salerno under the Normans who after with the title of King governed the whole Kingdom from whose dominion in the year 1195. it fell into the House of Suevia by the right of Queen Constance the only heir thereof from whence it came to pass in the year 1265. that Charls of Angio having slain Manfred and overcome Currandine under the French created his first begotten son cal'd Charls the lame Prince of Salerno who succeeding in the Kingdom was the second of that name Afterward the Kingdom came under the Durazze which Queen Ione the second having a desire to recompence in some measure the services which Antonio Colonna had done for her created him Prince of the said City which Seigniory retained certain years untill Alfonsus of Arragon the better to settle his foot in the Kingdom having with large promises drawn unto him Raimondo Orsino Count of Nola a puisant Lord to bind him the more unto him made him Prince thereof which dignity remained no long time in that house for that it fell into the Kings Exchequer by rebellion of Daniel Orsino the which Principality King Farnando in the year 1463. gave to Ruberto Sanseverino Count of Marsico his great Admiral Notwithstanding that Seigniory continued not long with them for that Ferrant the third Prince made rebellion against the Majesty of Cesar whereby all his estate was confiscate and so from thenceforth the said City was made a part of the Kings demesnes now it remaineth peaceable under the protection of the most potent Catholick King Philip. All this I thought good to declare the better to satisfie the Reader how this famous City came under Princes and last of all their Kings But now returning to speak of other things which give no small ornament to this City one thing is the publick and famous School which for a long time hath alwaies florished in every faculty and especially in Philosophy and Phisick for which it was called the City Hippocratica Francisco Petrarea speaking thereof in his Commentary thus writeth Fuisse hic Medicinae fontem testator antiquitas And although it be a most ancient famous Uniuersity nevertheless it is said that in the year of Christ 802. Charls the great instituted it at which time two others were founded by him the one in Paris and the other in Bologna This City is very plentifull of all necessary things for the sustenance of living creatures and in it is the Kings Audit and the Treasury of the Province The Citizens thereof are very ingenious and nice and very much inclined to the exercise of weapons and learning and to all vertuous indeavours they are also very courteous and modest and generally in all appeareth a certain natural civility the Nobility is divided from the people in three Quarters or Courts which they call Seggi and are these Portanova Portaretese elo Campo in the which Seggi are these Noble Families following In Portanova are Aversani Capograssi Comiti dello Iodice Grillo Longo Mazza Morra Pagano Pinto Santo Mango Salernitano de Stafano del Barone d' Accadia Scattaretichi Serluchi Vicarii In Portaretese are these Aiello Coppola Capoano Curiale del Pezzo Guarna Pagliari Pantoliano Prignano Manganaro Porta Rascichi Rugiero and Vivaldo In the Segge of Campo Castellomati Cavaselice David del Regente del Pezzo Granito Guardato Grillo Ruggio Sciabichi Solimeni and Trentacapilli There are also many other ancient and Noble Families the which for that they are not comprehended in any of the said Seggs I think it not amiss at this time to make no mention of them And therefore you are to understand that although of the Family of Pezzo there is mention made in two of these Seggs yet for all that are they not two different Families but one and the same being a thing very manifest that their original came from Collen a famous City of Germany where at this present is a branch of the ancient stock and descended from Iohn del Pezzo a valiant and famous Captain which wandring along time served in the Wars both here and there whereupon by means of the Wars which were in Italy came hither following the faction of the Arragonese and as he was very expert in military discipline shewing much maturity of wit and invincible courage of an excellent mind and incomparable wisdom to resolve the difficulty of the affairs of Warr. He was in great estimation with Alfonsus the first King of Arragon from whom he obtained many bountifull and rich gifts Of the valour and magnanimity of the said Iohn a certain large priviledg maketh sufficient mention which I have seen made by the same King under the date of Castiglione of Peschiera in the year 1448. and 23 of Ianuary in the which priviledg was decreed that one Pietro
borders of the Province of happy Campania and the said City is invironed by two little Rivers the one called Atro and the other Tempsa the which are full of fish and the Territory thereof is part plain and part hilly where are thick Woods of Oak and therefore very good hunting both for Fowls and Beasts the plain thereof is almost all full of Olive Trees and Vines and in the desert Hils are often taken goodly airs of strange Falcons Of this City was the holy man St. Antonio a Monk of the Order of St. Benedict who in the year 625 being created by his Monks Abbot in the Monastery of the City Sorrento went thither where living godly there died afterward whereupon in token of his good life God shewed after his death many miracles and in particulars towards those which are visited with evil spirits whose holy body the Sorentini with great reverence keep within their City neither stick they to say that he was their Citizen There are in the said City these noble Families Bernalla Campanino Ciminello Greco Guerrieri de Nigris Viviano Tercasia and others Now liveth with much honour to this City Augustino and Detio Bernalli both Doctors of the Law and very learned and great lovers of vertue The said City was in the time of the ancient Kings indued with the dignity of a Count but in the year 1530. the Emperor Charls the fifth advanced it to the Title of a Marquiss in the person of Honorato Grimaldo Genoway Lord of Monaco under the enstalement to speak like a Lawyer to hold it as a feuditory liegman and not with the succession of inheritance whereby he that is Lord of the Castle of Monaco and shall defend it at the pleasure of the King of Naples doth succeed to the said Marquiship Eight miles distant is the Country of Conturso the which is compassed with the Rivers Sele and Negro it hath a most pure Climat and a plentifull Territory of the said Country was that excellent and learned man Antonio Pepi called by his sirname Peperone which was judge of the great Court of the Vicaria in Naples and writ a book de omni vero officio Iohn Cola Pepi was very inward with the King Farnando which for his great skill and experience in the Laws was by the said King made his Counceller and to Iames his brother he gave the Bishoprick of Capaccio No less learned in these daies is Sertorio Pepi a man singularly qualified and very faithfull This Noble Family hath for a long time ruled the said Country with other Castles Going then four miles is Quaglietta a little Castle and no more then 12 miles distant but from Salerno 18. we come to the fair and ancient Country of Evolo by Ptolomy called Ebulum which was builded by the people Eborini so naming it by the first son of Iupiter King of Athens the said City stands not far from the River Sele and the River Tusciano the current or stream passeth along by the Walls thereof named by the Country people Toliero which Virgil calleth Tanagro when he saith Sicci ripa Tanagri The River Sele called by Strabo Siler riseth in the Apennine where the River Aufido hath his beginning which runneth by Apulia and falleth into the Ionian Sea near Barletta three miles but Sele runneth towards the South and leaving Campania by Basilicata in the end falleth into the Tirrene Sea The said River according to Strabo Pliny and Sillio Italico hath the property to change into a stone whatsoever is put therein keeping the colour and the first form thereof It is reported by grave and credible Authors that in the time of Ione of Angio the first of that name Queen of Naples took the Scepter of the Kingdom a woman of Evâ—li having brought forth a son became her self a man It is also verified that in the year 1460 in the same City a woman called Emilia maried to one Antonio Sponsa after she had lived 12 years with her said husband was changed to a man and Pontano which knew her testifieth that afterward she exercised the office of a man and besides took a wife and that allowing her a dowry by commandment of King Ferdinando the Judge inforcing the said Antonio to yield it her The same Iohn Pontano a man rather divine then mortal witnesseth in his tenth book of Celestial things which Antonio Panormita reciteth that a woman of Gaera after 14 years she had been used by her husband her natural member suddenly altered and she became a man wherefore to avoid the scorns that were made thereof both by men and women became a Frier and so lived all the remainder of her life where the said Pontano affirmeth to have known her and that she was buried in Rome in the Temple of Minerva Therefore that seemeth not so wonderfull which Pliny writeth in the fourth Chapter of the seventh Book of his natural History which things with all that appertain seem rather impossible then miraculous nevertheless for my self I cannot deny the authority of such persons and especially that which Philosophy cannot only not deny but also approve for that according to Philosophers and Phisicians the man differeth not nor is known from the woman by any member but by being either too hot or too cold because the nature of man without all doubt is more hot then that of women and by the power of this heat it so falleth out that nature driveth out that member in men which in women by reason of their coldness remaineth inward whereupon it may be that after some certain time or by some meat or the air or by some other occasion that coldness may be so inflamed and heated that it may now do that which in the birth it could not But returning to Evoli the said City hath very fertile Territories and spacious fields abounding with all good things beneficial for the use of living creatures whereof the said City glorying beareth for Arms the four Elements The bones of St. Berniero lie with great reverence in it in a glorious Church dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle at whose Sepulchre as they say God sheweth wonderfull miracles towards those which are possest with evil spirits From the said Country eight miles near to the River Silare is the reverend Church of St. Vito where resteth his said holy body together with Modesto and Crescentia the Nurse whereupon all those which are bitten with mad-dogs repair hither and by the intercessions of the said St. Vito as they say are presently healed There are in the said Country these noble Families Caravita Clario Corcione Christophero Crispo Fulgione Fiorenza Gentilcore Granato Giuliano Ligoro de Loisio Malacarne Marcancione Mirto Monaco Millone de Novellis Orso Della Porta Perretta Ragoni Raghi Russo Saceo Troiano and others Going from Evoli no more then twelve miles is Aquaro a good Country so called for the abundance of water which invironeth it
and possest by the Longobards more then two hundred years at which time they became Lords of Italy and established their siege or â—eaâ— in the said City and named it the Dukedom of Benevento the which Dukedom contained all happy Campania which we now call the Country of Lavoro except Pozzuolo and Naples the greater part of the Sannity of Benevento Isernia and Guasto even to the River Pescara which of the Ancients was called Aterno and all that which was contained under the name of Feligni of Marsi and of Marrucini now commonly called Abruzzi The first Duke of Benevento which began to reign in the year 573 was Zotone which reigned twenty years to whom succeeded in the Dukedom Arechi sent thither by Agisulfo King of the Longobards who ruling 50 years died left his successor Aione his son which died in the year 645. Aione dead Rodoaldo five years quietly possest the Dukedom who died in the year 649. and left Grimoaldo his brother to succeed him a worthy Warrier who became King of the Longobards the year 666. whereupon Romoaldo his natural son remained Duke of Benevento which reigned 16 years and died in the year 681. whom Grimoaldo the second his son succeeded which reigning three years and died the year 694. and left the Seigniory to Gisulfo his brother who having reigned as Erechemperto saith 24 years died the year 707. and left Romoaldo the second his son successor and heir of the Dukedom which held that Seigniory 26 years and died in the year 733. By the death of Romoaldo Gisulfo the second his son succeeded in the State and died in the year 750. After Gisulfo Luitprando took that Dukedome which reigned 5 years died the year 755. and Arechi the second succeeded him which was a valiant and a worthy Prince and as we have elsewhere said was the first of all the Dukes of Benevento which caused himself to be entituled Prince and perhaps Lord of all others which untill that age had but the particular title of Lordship He would also wear a Crown upon his head and caused himself to be anointed by Bishops and in the end of his priviledges and Letters Papents and other writings caused this to be added Scriptum in nostro sacratissimo Palatio the which dignity in what manner he obtained it is not known except it were granted by King Desiderio whose son in-law he was Great were the Wars of this King which he made with the Romans and the Bishops that lived in those daies in Rome so that Adrian which at that time ruled the Apostolick Sea was inforced for his refuge to slie to King Charls for aid of the French in such manner that Stephen the second his predecessor through the toâ—l and travel which King Astolfo urged him unto was constrained to submit himself unto the power of King Pepin the second father of the said Charls who for his great enterprises was afterward sirnamed the great Then came King Charls in the aid of Adrian and overcame King Desiderio and took him prisoner in the year 774. in the month of May and absolutely took the Kingdom of Italy from the hands of the Longobards the which for the space of 2â—6 years possest the same but he thought himself no absolute Conqueror unless he subdued the Prince Arechi especialy for that by the right of his wife he pretended a title to the Kingdom of Italy he made War against him But the Prince knowing his power unable to resist the puissance of so mighty a King which was now come to beleaguer the City of Benevento was constrained to accept such Conditions as were offered unto him acknowledging himself from thence forward to be under the Crown of France Many notable things are written by the Longobards of this Arechi for because that when Charls sent unto him Ambassadors from Salerno to perform the Covenants agreed between them disguised himself through the fame of his great renown into the habit of a Royal Ambassador to see himself the Prince Arechi and having seen the Magnificence and splendor of his Court the number of Knights that attended him his great abundance of Plate his Stables full of excellent Horse and the majesty with the which he gave audience and the wisdom wherewith he answered returned to his people with great admiration often times saying that the Prince Arechi and his Court was far more excellent then the fame thereof He bestowed much labour and great cost to repair and newly to fortifie Salerno that he might have one secure Fortress upon the Tirrene Sea There repaired unto his Court Paolo Diacono when he fled to St. Mary of Trimiti whether he was confined by Charls the great and was by him and his wife well entertained Finally Arechi being of the age of 53 years died the 26 of August in the year of our Lord 787. having reigned Prince 29 years and 5 months Arechi dead Grimoaldo the third his son succeeded in the State which with King Charls and Pepin made great Wars and died the year 807. having reigned 19 years and 6 months By the death of Grimoaldo was created Grimoaldo the fourth son of Delrico which was Treasuror of Prince Grimoaldo but making himself odious to some was slain in the year of our Lord 820. having reigned 12 years lacking 5 months Great contention suddenly arose among the Beneventani about the Principality but in the end Sicone a noble Lord was created which died in the year 832. and reigned 12 years and 6 months Sicone dead his son Sicardo succeeded in the State which made great wars with the Saracins that molested the Kingdom But perceiving afterward they had set foot in Sicilia and therefore doubting left in time they would overrun all the Islands of that Sea sent through all those places to search out the bodies of Saints which were there found and caused them to be brought to Benevento with great reverence Among which the most excellent and worthiest work he did was that he caused the body of St. Bartholmew the Apostle to be brought from Lipare Sicardo was slain the year 839. having reigned 7 years wanting 2 months After the death of Sicardo Radelchi his Treasuror got the Principality of Benevento which reigned 12 years and died the year 850. in whose Principality succeeded Radelgano his son which died the year 853. and left his successor Radelchi his brother though by some Writers he is called Adelgisio which fled into Corsica the year as Regione saith 873. Afterward Gauderi the son of Radelgario got the Principality of Benevento who held it but two years and half and to him succeeded the year 876. Radelchi his Cousin son of the Prince Radelchi and held the Principality 3 years lacking 9 months The Principality of Benevento came into the possession of Aione the year 879. under whose Regiment and the ensuing Lords the Saracins being almost the space of 40 years setled in
the perfect temperature of the air and the ground where they are planted and for the most part were joyned to the Oppi and embracing and taking hold of them stretch out their boughs on every side and in time of Vintage is often seen one only Vine to be able to make a But or Hogshead of Wine Moreover this excellent Country yieldeth in abundance Corn Oyl Hony Wax Annis Corianders Saffron and Bombace of which things the Country of Tursi called in old time Tarsia doth most exceed In this excellent Province through the delicacy of the air the Trees and Roses florish twice in a year where in every place is seen great abundance of divers sweet and pleasant fruits there are also most beautifull Gardens the which for so much as they are watred with pleasant Rivers bring forth excellent Citrons Oringes and Limons On that part which stretcheth towards the Sea the pleasant fields yield no small delight to the beholders thereof and all the year there is excellent hunting both for fowls and beasts And it is no less plentifull in heards of Cattel and Hoggs wherewith the people of the Country make great store of Sausages and Sopressate very excellent and good which the Lucan Latinists so call because they were invented by the Lucani whereupon Martial thus saith Filia Picenae venio Lucanica porcae Plutibus hinc niveis grata corona datur The Sea thereof aboundeth with excellent Fish and yieldeth shel-fish of a delicate and pleasant taste which have within them an excellent Pearl But in describing the Country of this Province I will begin from the mouth of the River Sele where it runneth into the Sea that is to say here from it I will follow along the shore of the Sea even to the River Lavo where it runneth into the Sea afterward I will describe the places of the Medeterrane Departing then from the mouth of Sile and walking along the shore of the Tirrene Sea we come to a place where was the Temple of Iuno the Argive built as Strabo affirmeth by Iason and going from thence seven miles is the place where was Possidonia by Strabo called Pesto which was built near the Sea by the Doresi and afterward magnificently inlarged by the Sibariti Servio reciting the authority of Virgil in the fourth book of his Georgicks saith thus Biferique rosaria Peste He placeth the said City in Calauria wherein he was deceived it standing in Basilicata Also Ovid maketh mention of this City in his first book de arte Amandi saying Caltaque Pestanas vincat odore rosas The Ancients call the Gulf of the Sea which lieth hereby Sinus Pestanus but now Mariners call it the Gulf of Agropoli and others of Salerno the which Gulf beginneth at the shore of the Picentini and so compasseth even to the Promontory of Possidoniato Peste was called by the Greeks Possidonia the which City the Ancient ruinated buildings are now to be seen half in the Sea little more then eight miles farther on the shore is to be seen Agropoli and Castello del Abbate where is made the best Malmsie directly against it is a little Isle called Leucosia by the name of a Sirene which did there inhabit and going no more then nine miles appeareth Castello amare of Bruca with the large and spacious Wood where was the ancient Hyela by Virgil called Velia Opposite to the place where Velia stood are in the Sea to be seen two little Islands called Enotrie the one is named Pontia the other Isacia And for as much as I have written of these six places in the Province of the Principality on this side I will speak no farther thereof and especially having counted them among the places of the said Region though perhaps they rather belong to Basilicata A little farther is to be seen Pisciotta by Strabo called Pyxuntum oppidum And from thence two miles appeareth the Cape of Palinuro named by the Ancients Promontorium Palinuri which was so called by Palinuro the Pilot of Aeneas ship of whom Virgil writeth in his sixth book Having past the Cape of Palinuro there is to be seen upon a Promontory the ruines of Molpa which was by Bellisario Captain of the Emperor Iustinian destroyed Entring now into the Land from the Sea a mile on the side of the hill is to be seen the Emperial Fortress and among the hils standeth Francavilla where is a sumptuous Monastery of Cathusians Afterward at the foot of the Mountain is Noia and farther within the hils is St. Arcangelo Roccanova Castelonova and Episcopia a Country very fertile whereof the ancient Lord is Francesco Antonio of Porta a Gentleman of Salerno whose worthy Family was much ennobled by the Kings of this Kingdom Then followeth Claramont Senisi and the City Tursi distant from the Sea fifteen miles and from the River Acri two and the said City hath the dignity of a Duke which lately King Philip gave to Don Carlo d' Oria the son of Iohn Andrea Prince of Melfi Admiral of the Sea A little farther among the hils is St. Mauro and Ferrandina in a populous Country made by Ferrandino the son of Alfonsus the second King of Naples being Duke of Calauria Walking yet among the hils appeareth Pesticcie and returning by the shore of the Sea is the mouth of the River Vaisento where it falleth into the Sea going a little farther we discover a large and a goodly Plain and half a mile from the Sea is to be seen the ruines of the noble City of Metaponte built by the Pilii which came hither from Troy with Nestor Metaponte was destroyed by the Sannites In the said City dwelt Pithagoras a long time where he died which after his death the Metapontini made of his house a Temple and there adored him as one of the Gods To the which City Ippaso a most excellent Philosopher Disciple to Pithagoras hath given much honour Now upon the said ruinated City is Corn sowed and in the end of the Territory thereof as Strabo declareth ended the limits of Grecia Magna Leaving the place where stood Metaponte four miles and from the Sea but one upon a place somewhat elevated is to be seen twenty high and mighty Pillars of Marble placed in two ranks which the Country people say that there was the School of Archita the Tarantine and passing within the Country is the River Vasente and two miles from the said River at the foot of the hill is Pomarico a good Country and the hill Miglionico and six miles distant stands Grottola adorned with the dignity of a Marquisat the Lord thereof is Alfonso Sances Decano one of the Councel of State and going not far is Grassano and Montescagioso Within a mile of Bradano Descending towards the Sea at the foot of the Hils appeareth Tricarico a very honourable and beautifull City and ascending up the Hils is the City of Montepeloso And ten miles from hence following
Beccarini Gentile del Avantaggio Caverletta Minadois Nicastro Visco Tontoli and others But first before I proceed any farther to declare what the Monte Gargano is here towards the sea I will finish that which lieth upon the River Fortore Above Sanseverino four miles is Torre the great which is a Country that hath the title of a Dukedom subject to the house of Sangro which lieth from Fortore twelve miles and as much above Torre the great is Castelluccio and a little from thence is Monte Rotano and somewhat higher is Celenza which hath a very fruitfull Territory and is adorned with the title of a Marquisat the Lord whereof is Carlo Gambacorta a Neapolitan Gentleman a very famous and worthy Lord whose honourable actions are well known having many years with so much wisdom and valour governed through the grace and favour of King Philip the two Povinces of Principato and Basilicata and at this present with great honour ruleth and governeth this present Province Not far from Cilenza is a country called St. Marco and near that is Volturara which hath a good Territory and the Lord thereof holdeth the title of a Marquiss and not far off is the country of St. Gaudio and a little above is Rosseno and beyond that near the river of Fortore is the Castle Montefalcone The River Fortore runneth into the Sea near the Lake of Lesina which contains 40 miles in compass and a mile from this Lake and four from the Sea is the city of Lesina from whence the Lake hath taken its name the which city was built by the men of the Isle of Lesina of Slavonia some say that the Saracins spoiled the said city Leandro Alberti believeth that the aforesaid Lake is named by Pliny in the 10. chapter of his third book Lacus Pantanus which breeds good fishes and great Eels and at all times there is good fowling for wild Geese Mallards and Swans Within the land four miles above Lesina and within a mile of Fortore upon a high hill is Cerra Capriola in a populous and a civil country the which is well known through all the Kingdom for the toll or custom of cattel which pass through it from divers countries to winter in Puglia and for the custom of sheep where they pay in that place so much for every beast by the head Somewhat higher are these countries and castles St. Martino Colletorto S. Guilian Macchia which is adorned with the dignity of a Count subject to the house of Regina and not farr off is Petra di Cratello Campo di Pietra Geldono and in the top is Circomaggiore near the which springeth the river Fortore then on the left hand of Fortore is St. Nicandro five miles from the Sea and near the Lake of Cesina on that side which is nearest the Mount Gargano then farther within the land is Porcina a populous and a civil country where is also a very stately magnificent Palace made by the Emperor Frederick the second for a retiring house of pleasure after his sports of hunting in those parts Going six miles forward we come to St. Seniero a country very rich noble civil and populous whose Territory is so fertile that it is not inferior to any in this Province the said country hath lately been innobled by the Kings favour with the dignity of a Prince which the Family of Sangro possesseth Strabo writeth in his sixth book that in the Territory of Daunio although that imperfect and corrupt book nameth it Saunio at a hill named Drio in the manner of a Wood was in his time two Temples the one in the very top assigned to Calcante that whosoever came to demand any thing of the Oracle sacrificed a black ram lying down themselves upon the skin The other Temple was dedicated to Podalirio below at the very foot of the Hill distant from the Sea a hundred furlongs From the which Temple did spring a little brook very wholsom and comfortable to cure the infirmities of cattel therefore it may the better be believed that such Temples have been in these places hereabout for Strabo saith In agro Daunio circa tumulum quem Drion nominant basilicae monstrantur una quidem Calchantis in summo â—ertiâ—è cui petentes oracula ingrantâ—m imâ—lant arietem strata in pelle dormiunt Altera Podalirii in insima montis radice posita abest à mari stadiorum circiter C. Ex ea rivulus manat ad omnis pâ—corum morbos salutaris Now it is time to return to the Mount Gargano or rather St. Angelo to the end I may the better describe certain places which are there In the midst then of the said hill where is the fair and spacious plain of â—lorishing and pleasant pasture is to be seen the country of St. Iohn Ritondo where every year on the 11 of Iune are assembled the Bailiffs and Officers thereabout a chief and principal magistrate coming thither in the name of the King the which after they have well considered the store of grain barley and other corn with a general consent they proclaim a price of all victuals Not far from the said place are Cagnano and Carpino which have a fruitfull Territory the Baron thereof is Antonio Nava so honourable and worthy a Lord and so vertuously given as he is generally honoured and loved of every one and hath been the special occasion that this work is published the second time At the foot of the said hill near Manfredonia is St. Vito a very great country but wholly abandoned for the great abundance of Serpens that are therein Not far off is the Castle Arignano and St. Nocandro Departing then from the foot of the Mount Gargano and leaving the places near adjacent we come to Foggia in a populous country which hath a very fertile and fruitfull Territory yielding great plenty of grain barley and other sustenance Some say that it was built of the ruines of the ancient city of Argirippa the which as Straboâ—aith â—aith was in old time one of the greatest cities in Italy and was first called Argostippium afterward Argyripa and at the last Arpe and saith that it was builded by Diomedes At this present liveth with great honour to the said city Giovanbattista Vitale a very plausible and pleasant Poet of our age But it is not fit I should smother in silence the custom of the sheep of Puglia which is one of the greatest revenues that the King hath in the Kingdom and consisteth in the rents of the herbage which cometh every year into the Kings Exchequer by the Officers for the pasture of sheep and greater cattel of the which rents in truth some pay 13 duckets for a hundred sheep and some 12. and some 10 and a half and some 9. and some 6. and some 3. and some 15 carlins for a hundred and others 12 crowns for a thousand But of greater cattel some pay 37
hundred ninty six thousand nine hundred thirty seven duckets seven carlins and four grains 2996937. Thus have I briefly discoursed only to note the greatness of his noble Kingdom the which is not to be wondred that at sundry times there have repaired so many sorts of barbarous Nations from farr and even remote parts of the world as is well known to make spoil thereof But now through the providence of God it remaineth in much peace and secure under the protection of the puissant King Philip 2d the people having never enjoyed so peaceable a times with the great benefit and abundance of all things The Donatives which have been made at sundry times by the Noble City of NAPLES and the KINGDOM to their KINGS AMong other Priviledges which the faithfull City of Naples and the Kingdom holdeth one is that the King cannot for any occasion demand a Donative or assistance nevertheless it hath been known that in times of calamity and the great necessitie of their Kings they have been succoured and assisted with all their strength their money and their men Therefore for these worthy deeds they have deserved to be called no Vassals but faithfull friends I now purposing to discourse of the Donatives which have been made unto the Kings beginning from the year 1507. and having a desire for no other cause there to begin but because from thence I have had a true information of writings being alwaies a more laudible thing to declare few things and true then many and ambiguous In the year then 1507. the last of the month of Ianuary was held a general Parlament by the Deputies of the noble City of Naples in the Monastery of Mount Olivet where met according to the custom the Princes Dukes Marquisses Earls Barons and Feudists and Burgises of the Cities and free Towns in the Kingdom in which general Parlament was concluded that to the Catholick King Ferdinando in respect of the former Wars and the present affairs and to maintain the Kingdom in peace should be given a donative of three hundred thousand duckets the which being propounded the speaker or advocate of the Cities and Common-wealth after he had used some few plausible words desired that besides that day they might have three daies respit to consult thereon And the time being come it was generally concluded that it should be paid in this manner that is to say by the rate thereof the Barons should pay fifty thousand duckets levied by the rate oâ— the Adogo and that the said sum should be all paid by August 1508 and the remainder the people of the whole Kingdom should pay as well landed men as he Barons eleven carlins a family that is to say three carlins the next months of April or May and three the months of October and November of the same year 1507. and two in the months of February and March in the year 1508. and three in the month of October the same year Of which donative was no man exempted except the noble City of Naples and the Hamlets belonging thereto The 26 of November in the year 1520 was held according to the custom a publick and general Parlament in the which the Barons of the kingdom considering the great charges which Charls the fifth had been at then king of the Romans about his Coronation in Aquisgrane they gave him thirty thousand duckets and concluded that it should be paid within the time of three years levying the first payment of the three at the birth of our Lord next ensuing in the year 1521 and was levied in the selfsame manner which was paid to king Ferdinando neither was it permitted that any person should be exempted except the City of Naples In the year 1523. the first of September was held in the Monastery of Mount Olivet a publick Parlament where was concluded that to the Emperor Charls the fifth for the necessity which he had to pay his Army should be given him two hundred thousand duckets which should be received at three payments that is to say at Easter the birth of our Lord and in August and it was decreed that of this Donative not any person though priviledged should go free except the City of Naples and the Hamlets belonging thereto The 16 of the month of Iuly 1524. in the Monastery of Mount Olivet according to the accustomed manner was held a general Parlament and concluded that to the Emperor should be given 50 thousand duckets by reason of his Army which he had in Lumbardy and of this payment were only freed the venerable Churches and Hospital of the Annunciation with the City of Naples and the Hamlets The 19 of May 1531. was held a general Parlament where having a principal respect to the Wars which the Emperor made with the Turk and although the kingdom had been much exhausted through long wars dearth and pestilence nevertheless the Barons shewing a generous mind to serve the Emperor made a donative of six hundred thousand duckets of which the Barons paid an Adogo and a half not by the way of an Adogo but a pure and free Donative and the remainder the people paid This Donative was levied and paid in four years and thereof was only free the City of Naples and the jurisdictions of the Annunciation The 20 of August 1534. was held according to the accustomed manner in the Monastery of Mount Olivet a general Parlament where with a general consent was agreed that there should be given unto the Emperor one hundred and fifty thousand duckets to the end to chace away the Fleet of the Turks which had given out to invade the coast of the kingdom and this Donative was levied at three payments that is to say at September next ensuing at the birth of our Lord and at Easter 1â—35 and the Barons contributed for the aforesaid donative fifty thousand duckets the which payment they paid not by way of an Adogo but as a simple donative and the remnant of a hundred thousand duckets were paid by the people From the which payment was not exempted any person though he were priviledged except the famous and renowned City of Naples and the Hospital of the Annunciation In the year 1536. on the eight day of the month of Ianuary in the Church of St. Laurence was by the Deputies of the renowned Citie of Naples held a general and publick Parlament at the which according to to the usual manner met the Princes Dukes Marquisses Earls Barons Feudaries of the kingdom and also the Burgises of the Cities and free Towns in the which Parlament considering the charge of the Emperor to return into Spain it was concluded there should be given him a donative of a million and fifty thousand duckets and this donative was the greatest that ever was made to any king whatsoever of the said kingdom and was enacted with these Conditions and Covenants following that is to say that the quantity which was to be paid by the Barons might be so much as
terra Lennia and terra Sacra it is much commended by Galen and many other Physitians as an excellent remedy to heal wounds and the bloudy flux and pestilent diseases and the biting of venomous creatures and to preserve a man from poyson and to vomit poyson already taken and for other infirmities There is also a Mine of natural and artificial Salt-peter In the Province of Calauria on this side In the Territy of the Country of Martorano is a Mine of Steel In the Territory of the City of Cosenza near the River Iovinio are Mines of Gold and Iron and in a place commonly called Macchia germana is a Mine of Gold of Lead and Brimstone and a little farther in another place called Miliano is a Mine of Salt and Alume In the Territory of Pietrâ— fitta near the River Ispica are Mines of Steel Lead and Salt In the Territory of the Country of Regina are Mines of Alabaster of Brimstone and of Coperas In the Territory of the Country of Longobucco are Mines of Silver and Quicksilver In the Territory of Rossano are Mines of Salt and of Alabaster and the Marchesite stone In the Territory of Alto monte are Mines of Gold of Silver of Iron and of Alabaster and there grows Cristal and there also mighty Hils of white salt In the Province of Calauria on the other side In the Territory of the City of Regio are Mines of Alabaster of Brimstone and Saltpeter In the Territory of the City of Taverna is a Mine of Antimonium which is a stone of the colour of lead and very brittle like that which grows in Britany In the Territory of the Country of Agata is a Mine of Iron and Steel and of the Adamant stone In the Territory of Belforte is a Mine of Gold and of Iron and there grows Coprass and Cristal In the Territory of Calatro is a Mine of Iron In the Territory of Belvedere are Mines of Silver of Iron of Brimstone of Alume of Salt and of white and black Alabaster and there grows a stone which shineth like Silver In the Territory of Soriano is a Mine of Quicksilver In the Territory of Nicastro is a Mine of Quicksilver and there are also goodly Hils of mixed Marble In the Territory of Mesuraca is a Mine of Earth which yields a colour called of Latinists Giluus In the City Cotrone grows a Thistle which yieldeth Mastick and also it grows in Castrovillare and in many other places of Calauria And to conclude Calauria is a very goodly Region and yieldeth plenty of all good things The Castles and Forts of defence which are in the Kingdom of Naples with the number of Souldiers which remain in every Guard and their monthly pay The names of the Castles The number of souldiers The pay what it monthly imports In Naples are these 3 Castles  Duckets 1. The new Castle 167 775.2.12 2. The Castle of Eramo 110 452.2.9 3. The Castle of Vovo 25 90.4.11 The Castle of Baia. 69 233.0.13 The Castle of the Isle Ischia 34 116. The Castle of Gaeta 86 322.3.3 The Castle of Capoa 51 200.1.13 The Castle of Aquila 53 197.1.13 The fortified Castle of Brindesi 56 175.3 The Castle of Leccie 54 201.1.13 The Castle of Otranto 86 144.1.13 The Castle of Civitella 94 Duckets 321.0.13 The Castle of Pesara 62 303.2.10 The Castle of Viesti 36 247 1.13â— The Castle of Momfredonia 34 137.1.13 The Castle of Barletta 52 194.1.13 The Castle of Bary 28 118.1.13 The Castle of Monopoli 29 140. The Castle of Brindesi 41 151. The little Castle of Brindesi 63 223.4 The Castle of Cosenza hath only a Capt. with the pay of 10 crowns monthly 1 10 The Castle of Gallipoli 30 Duckets 125.1.13 The Castle of Taranto 46 176.0.4 The Castle of Cotrone 39 136.3.6 The Castle of Biâ—eglia hath but only a Captain 1 10 The Castle of St. Germano hath only a Captain with the allowance of 200 duckets yearly 1 17 The Castle of Trani hath only a Captain with the pay of 10 crowns monthly 1 10 In the Isle of Nisâ—ta the Court maintainâ—th a Gaâ—ison  Duckets The Fort of the City of Amanâ—eâ— maintaineth 6 souldiers 6 20.4 The Fort of St. Cataldo maintain there 6 262. In the Isle of Tipare are two Gunners 2 2 A CATALOGVE Of the Earls and Dukes of Puglia and Calauria and of all the Kings of Naples Normans Sâ—evi Angioini Durazzeschi Aragonesi Castilliani Austriaci ALthough I have more at large written in another book of the lives of all the Kings which have ruled the Kingdom of Naples but being now to speak of the same subject I will handle every thing with as much brevity as may be hoping that as it will be no small ornament to this work so it will give no little contentment to the Reader It is then to be understood that in the year of our Lord 987. the last year of the reign of Lewis the fifth King of France avaliant Norman souldier and of great magnanimity called Tancred having twelve sons which he had by two wives that is to say of Moriella Lucha his first wife he had Frumentino Gotfredo Sarno Tancred Malugero Dragone Godfredo and Alberedo of the second wife called Fresanda Rotaria the daughter or as some write the sister of the Earl of Altavilla he had Guglielmo Feraback Vnfredo Ruberto Guiscard and Ruggieri Bosso with these twelve sons Tancred determined to seek out some new Country to inhabit and to try some new and better fortune with hope to find some other place to live better and more richly through his industry and wit and coming into Italy first arived in Romagna and perceiving that Landolfo Prince of Salerno was much opprest through the excursions and outroads of the Saracins sent in his aid six of his sons who being well provided by the Prince both of horse and arms in three battels wherein they incountred the enemy made an admirable slaughter of them whereupon they returned as it were in triumph to Salerno and were by the Prince and all the people received and with much intreaty were sollicited to remain in that Court But they declaring that what they did was not for any human pomp nor for any other end but the service of God refusing all gifts returned to their own habitation But within a few years following there fell certain controversies between Pandolfo of St. Agata and Guaimaro Prince of Salerno Pandolfo sent Ambassadors into Romagno requesting Guglielmo Dragone and Vmfrido three sons of Tancred with many promises and offers to serve under his pay which that he might the better do in the manner of another Narsetes sent them not only rich furniture for horses and costly apparel for themselves but great store of money These worthy men made no delay to come to the Prince Pandolfo through whose assistance the enemy being foild was forced with shame and sorrow to retire but Pandolfo being brutish and ungratefull made no great account of them
which they perceiving for this cause the time of their service being expired took part with Guaimaro who by their worthy deeds in a short time recovered much Through these famous atchieuments the Normans gained the reputation of valiant Warriers with every one In the mean time died Tancred their Father which was Earl of Altavilla the which Count descending to Gugliâ—lmo Ferrabach his eldest son omitted no time to go into Normandy to take possession thereof where after he had setled the affairs of his State returned afterward into Italy bringing with him no less then fifteen thousand Normans into Romagna and in process of time got not only the dominion thereof but also the most part of Tuscan Things resting in this manner the Saracins possest all Sicilia and Sardinia and many times did much prejudice the Coast of Italy whereupon Pope Sergio the 4 fearing and much suspecting they would overrun all Italy demanded aid of Guglielmo Ferabach Guglielmo through the perswasion of the Pope went in this expedition with eleven thousand of his souldiers together with Maniace Captain of Michele Paslagone the Greek Emperor to the recovery of Sicilia and with much valour and courage expeld the Saracins out of all the â—sle but Maniace not observing the agreement that what was gotten should be equally divided between them Farabache growing wrathfull past with his Normans into Puglia making a mighty slaughter subdued the greasted part and finding a fit and secure place builded the City of Melsi in a difficult place and well fortified by nature The which Maniace understanding came upon him with a strong Army but Ferabach braving the enemy which besieged him being wearied with travel came out against them and encountring them gave them a mighty overthrow near the River of Lofonte in Puglia the Normans remaining Conquerors and so rich both of reputation and spoil mounted mightily in state indeavouring both by might and other Military means to obtain other places and Cities in Puglia the which atchieuments succeeding with so great felicity to the Normans it followed that all Puglia came into the possession of the said Guglielmo who through his valiant acts had the name of Ferabach that is to say strong-arm of which dominion he afterward took the title of an Earl Afterward Guglielmo died in the year of our Lord 1042. and because he left no child his brother Dragone succeeded in the County which was Lord of Venosa who had at his beginning a great overthrow by Melo Captain of the Greek Emperor and lost a great part of Puglia but being aided by Guaimaro Prince of Salerno he oftentimes fought with the Greeks without any advantage yet in the end in a great conflict he overthrew and dissolved the Greek Army and not only recovered that which he had first lost but also got many Castles and Holds which the enemies possest upon the Sea-coast of Puglia At this time the Emperor Henry the second came into Italy and having pacified the affairs of the Church went into the Kingdom and confirmed to Dragone the County of Puglia from whom he received not only much money but had also the best and fairest horses that were in all the Kingdom The Emperor departing Italy the Earl Dragone moved the Beneventani to War and in two battels which he made his Army was overthrown and he flying was slain by the enemies His brother Humfrido took the possession of the Earldom at which time Guaimaro Prince of Salerno was cruelly murdered by his own people and his son was made Prince with the help of the Normans which the said Count laboured with long War in the end the Count ill demeaning himself with the Pugliesi was for his cruel nature slain in the year 1057. Baielardo his son succeeded in his fathers Dominion the which being chased away in the same year by Ruberto Guiscard his uncle this Ruberto became the fourth Earl of Puglia who being a valiant man at arms and of a great spirit suddenly besieged Reggio and having taken it went with prosperous victory subduing other parts and Cities of Calauria to his dominion Afterward he returned into Puglia took Troia and in such manner never rested taking from hand to hand many Cities and brought all the Normans of that Country under his Empire and being fully resolved to continue no longer an Earl with a general consent caused himself to be called Duke of Puglia and Calauria At this present Nicholas the second Bishop of Rome being much incumbred with the Roman Barons came in the year 1â—59 to the Parlament with Guiscardo in the City of Aquila and Guiscard having with much humility adored the Pope made peace with him and restored unto him the City of Benevento and all other places that he had belonging to the Church for the which the Pope not only received him into grace and favour but confirmed and invested him with the Title of Duke of Puglia and Calauria The which act was registred and confirmed with a solemn Oath and so Ruberto was now made a Vassal and Liegeman of the Church Sigonio writeth two Acts of the Oath which Ruberto at this present made to the Pope the one to pay the yearly tribute the other loyalty and homage the which two Acts I thought good to insert in this place to the end the Reader may know how the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction began in the Kingdom of Naples The first is in this sort Ego Robertus Dei gratia St. Petri Dux Apuliae Calabriae utroque subveniente futurus Siculis ad confirmationem traditionis ad recognitionem fidelitatis de terra S. Petri promitto me quotannis pro unoquoque jugo boum pensionem duodecim denariorum Papiensium persoluturum B. Petro tibi D. meo Nicolao Papae omnibus successoribus tuis aut tuis aut tuorum successorum nunciis ad S. Resurrectionem obligans me meos haeredes sive successores tibi successoribus tuis Sic me Deus adjuvet c. The second is thus Ego Robertus Dei S. Petri gratia Dux Apuliae utroque subveniente futurus Siciliae ab hinc in posterum fidelis â—ro S. Romanae Ecclesiae Apostolicae Sedi D. meo Nicolao Papae Neque ero auctor aut adjutor ut vitam aut membrum amittas aut capiaris mala captione consilium quod mihi credideris ne enunciem imperaris non enunciabo in tuum detrimentum sciens S. Romanae Ecclesiae ubique adjutor ero ad tenenda acquirenda regalia S. Petri ejusque possessiones pro viribus meis contra homines adjuvabo te ut securè honorifice tenens Pontificatum Romanum terramque S. Petri Et Principatum nec invadere nec subigere tentabo nec praedari contendam sine tua tuorumque successorum licentia Pensionem de terra S. Petri quam ego teneo aut tenebo sicut statutum est recta fide studebo ut
consent of his said wife became a Munk of the Order of St. Benedict which was in the year 1229. Thus ended the ancient and noble masculin race of the Norman Guiscards in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia which from the time of William Ferabach continued 188 years and governed the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia with much honour and renown SVEVI Henry the Suevian sixth Emperor and fifth King of Naples HENRY the Emperor having extinguished the male-issue and progeny of the Normans and remained absolute Lord of both the Sicilies caused Frederick his son to be Crowned by the Electors of the Empire King of Germany Afterward purposing better to establish the affairs of the Kingdom of Naples sent thither a Lieutenant one of his Barons called Marqueredo d' Amenueder whom within a few months following he created Duke of Ravenna and Romagna and Marquiss of Ancona and at the same tine gave to Philip Duke of Suevia his brother the Dukedom of Toscane with the Lands of the Countess Mattilda So Henry being carefull to range his Army to invade England for certain hatreds conceived against Richard the first King of that Land altered his mind in Messina through his delight in hunting being in the time of Harvest whereupon the Feaver growing grievously upon him ended his life the 8 of May in the year 1197 having ruled the Empire 9 years and governed in peaceable possession the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia four years and one month His body with the stately pomp of solemn obsequies was buried in the Church of Monreale in Palermo in whose sumptuous Tumb of Porphyrie is ingraven this Epitaph Imperio adjecit Siculos Henricus utrosque Sextus Suevorum candida progenies Qui monacham sacris uxoris duxit ab aris Pontificis scriptis hic tumulatus inest Imperavit an 9 men 1. obiit Messanae Anno 1197. Frederick 2. Emperor and 6. King of Naples FREDERICK the second Emperor the son of the aforesaid Henry succeeded in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia and because he was a child and but three years of age Constanza his mother caused him to be Crowned King of both the Sicilies and with him in his name began to govern the Kingdom and had the enstalment of the Kingdom from Pope Innocent the third in the year 1198. Frederick being of perfect age married Iola the only daughter of Iohn Count of Brenna and of Mary the daughter of King Conrado of Montferrato and for her dowry among other things had the title and the right of the Kingdom of Ierusalem and hereupon Frederick and all the rest which succeeded in the Kingdom of Naples were called Kings of Ierusalem In the year 1220. two years after his Coronation of the Empire Frederick being in grace and favour with the Pope Honorius the third and with the Church made and published in Rome that Law which beginneth Ad decus seu nos Fredericus the which Law is registred in the book of the feuds under the Title De statutis consuetudinibus contra libertatem Ecclesiarum the which Law the said Pope confirmed and approved Frederick also made at the same time the constitutions of the Kingdom which afterward the learned Doctor Afflitto expounded Frederick having ordered his affairs in Germany went in the time of Gregory the 9 into Soria and after much wars made peace with Salandine for 10 years and for that cause had Ierusalem and all the Kingdom thereof except a few certain Castles whereupon on Easterday in the year 1229. he took the Crown of that Kingdom in the City of Ierusalem Afterward there grew between him and Pope Honorius great discord because he took upon him to bestow the Bishopricks in Sicilia and Frederick pretending he might lawfully do it and dispose at his own pleasure by reason of a Bull which by Pope Vrban the second was granted to Ruggieri the Norman concerning the Monarchy of the said Isle the Pope misliking the presumption and ostentation of Frederick excommunicated him and deprived him of the Empire and the Kingdom the which censure Pope Innocent the fourth confirmed in the year 1245. Frederick lived five years after in continual trouble and vexation and at length having ruled the Empire 33 years and the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia 51. and that of Ierusalem 28. died of an infirmity that grew in his throat the 13 of December in the year 1250. in the Castle of Fâ—orentino in Apulia having lived 54 years Manfred his base son caused his body to be carried with great pomp and honour into Sicilia to the stately Church of Monreale in Palermo and there buried him in a sumptuous Tomb of Porphiry whereupon these Verses were ingraven Qui mare qui terras populos regna subegit Caesareum fregit subito mors improba nomen Sic jacet ut cernis Fredericus in orbe secundus Nunc lapis hic totus cui mundus parvit arcet Vixit an 54. Imperavit an 33. Regni Hierusalem an 28. Regnorum utriusque Siciliae 5 â— Oblit an Domini 1250. He left of six wives which he had many children of the first which was Constance of Aragon the sister or as others write the daughter of Don Ferdinando King of Castile he had Conrado which died young Henry and Giordiano Henry was King of the Romans who in the year 1236. he put to death because he favoured the Popes faction Of Iola his second wife the daughter of Iohn of Brenna King of Ierusalem he had Conrado which was Emperor of Germany and afterward King of Naples Of Agnese his third wife the daughter of Otho Duke of Moravia he had not any children Of Ruthina the fourth wife the daughter of Otho Earl of Vvolfferzhausen he had Frederick which died in his infancy Of Elizabeth his fift wife the daughter of Lewis Duke of Bavaria he had Agnese which was married to Conrado the Landtgrave of Turingia Of Matilda his last wife daughter of Iohn of England he had Henry which was King of Sicilia and Constance who was married to Lewis the Landtgrave of Nescia Frederick had also by Blanca Anglana of Aquosana his concubine these children Manfred Prince of Taranto and usurper of Naples Enzo King of Sardinia Anfisio of whom he made small account and Frederick Prince of Antiochia Of daughters he had Ann which was married very young to Iohn Dispote of Romania Of Henry and of Margarite the daughter of Lupoldo Duke of Austria was born Frederick which was Duke of Austria and Henry Of Conrado and of Elizabeth the daughter of Otho Duke of Bavaria came Coradine which coming to the conquest of the Kingdom was taken by Charls of Angio King of Naples and beheaded Of Manfred his natural son which married Helena the daughter of Michel Dispote of Romania came Henry Godfrey Aufisio and Elena Conrado the 4. Emperor and 7. King of Naples CONRADO the son of Frederick understanding the death of his father
to whom not onely descended as supream Lord the Dukedom of Angio but also of all Provence Ferdinando having afterward intelligence that Charls the 8. King of France made preparation with a mighty Army to recover the Kingdom of Naples by the right of the Angioini who by the death of King Lewis his father was interessed therein began to make provision of men and being very carefull in the preparation of the war growing sick died the 25 of Ianuary in the year 1494. having reigned 35 years 5 moneths and 25 days Alfonsus 2. the 19 King of Naples ALfonsus the second of this name after the death of Ferdinand his Father obtained the kingdom and in the beginning of the fourth moneth was crowned in the Cathedrall Church of Naples by Iohn Borgia Cardinall of Montereale Legate of Pope Alexander the sixth with greater pomp and majesty then was ever used to any King of Naples But understanding that Charls the 8. K. of France gave order for the pretended war fearing because he was become odious to the people of the Kingdom through his austerity resigned the Kingdom to Ferdinando his son Duke of Calauria a young man much differing from him in nature which every one loved and retired himself into the countrey of Mazara in Sicilia being before time given unto him by Don Ferdinando the Catholique King of Spain where he spent the remainder of his life having reigned one year and three days FRANCES I. Charls the fourth the twentieth King of Naples CHarles de Valois the eighth of this name King of France and fourth of the same name King of Naples came in the beginning of Ianuary 1495. to Rome with a mighty Army Pope Alexander full of incredible fear and anguish fled into the Castle of St. Angelo But the King having no purpose to offend the Pope met with him and concluded friendship and a perpetuall confederacy for the common safety defence Charls was invested conditionally by the Pope of the kingdom of Naples and obtained also from the said Pope Zizimo Gemni Ottomanâ— the brother of Bajazeth Emperour of the Turks After Charls had reâ—â—â—ined a moneth in Rome he past into the kingdom and although some small resistance was made by Ferdinando at length he got the dominion of the whole kingom Ferdinando after that the Câ—stles of Naples were yeelded departed with fourteen Gallies ill â—rmed into Sicilia Charls after he had pacified the kingdom demanded of the Pope the â—ree installment of the Realm of Naples the which although it were at Rome granted him yet it could not be thought sit in respect of the Aragonâ—si whereupon the Pope refused to give it him Charls afterward being departed to return into France many of the Barons rebelled through the severity and cruell demeanor of the Frenchmâ—n Whereupon Ferdinando was recalled who chased away the adversaries Charls reigned ten moneths and 26 days he died a sudden death the â—ight before the 8 of Aprill in the year of our Lord 1497. being returned fâ—om playing at Tennis He was buried in the Church of St. Denis of Paris in France and on his Tomb this Epitaph was engraven Hic Octave jaces Franâ—orum Carole 〈◊〉 Cui victa est forti Britâ—nis 〈…〉 Parthenopâ— illustrem tribuit captiâ—a tâ—â—iumphuâ— Claraque Fornovio pugâ—â—â— peraâ—â—a solâ— Caepit Henricus regno depulsus ajuto Bellare auspiciâ—s sceptra Britanâ—â— tuis O plures longinqua dies si futa dâ—â—issent Te nullus toto major in orbe foret ARAGONES I. Ferdinando the second the â—1 King of Naples FErdinando the second of this name a valiant man endued with Princely qualities of liberality and Clemency who for to strengthen and corroborate his affairs with a more firm conjunction with Ferdinando the Catholique King of Spain took for his wife with the Popes dispensation Ioan his Aunt born of of Ferdinando his Grandsire and Ioan the sister of the aforesaid King and at the same time had of Pope Alexander the sixth the instalment of the kingdom And being placed in great glory fell sick and died the 8. of October in the 1496. He reigned one year 8 moneths and 14 days Frederick the 22 King of Naples FRederick Prince of Taranto the son of Ferdinando the first by the death of his Nephew succeeded in the kingdom in the year 1497. obtained of Pope Alexander the sixth the instalment of the kingdom And being much troubled with continuall war because Charls the 8. King of France died without leaving any children the kingdom fell to Lewis Duke of Orleans as the neerest in blood by the masculine line and was the twelfth of this name This Lewis came upon him with a mighty Army but Ferdinando the Catholique King being confederate with Lewis to his own prejudice for a displeasure conceived against Frederick yet conditionally that Lewis should divide the kingdom with him Frederick that was not able to make head or resist the puisance of so great forces united against him especially finding his kingdom exhaust and ill provided retired into the Isle Ischia neer to Naples with all his Family and afterward gave his kingdom wholly into the possession of King Lewis his enemy not bequeathing any thing to the Catholique King Ferdinando reputing himself to be ill dealt withall by him that in stead of a friend and defender he was come to the contrary to dispossess and deprive him of his kingdom Frederick was very courteously received by Lewis and he assigned unto him the Dukedom of Angio and so much revenue as amounted yearly to thirty thousand Crowns and the French King obtained in recompencee from King Frederick all the right and interest which he had in the kingdom Within a little time following Frederick fell sick at Torse in France where his pain increasing upon him died the ninth of September in the year 1504. He had to his wife being Prince of Taranto the Lady N. della valle Bertania of the worthy Family of Alibret blood in Gasconie the kinswoman of the father of Charls the eighth King of France by whom he had one onely daughter called the Lady Carlotta which was brought up in the French Court and afterward succeeded in her mothers inheritance Of his second wife Isabella the onely daughter of Pirro del Balzo Prince of Altamura and Duke of Andry he had six children that is to say three male and three female the male children were Don Ferdinando Duke of Calauria and Prince of Taranto Don Cesar and Don Alfonsus the which two last died in their Fathers time The women kind the first named the Lady Iulia was married in the year 1533. to Giorgio Paleologo Duke of Montferrato and Marquis of Sanluzo of the noble blood of the Emperours of Constantinople The Lady Isabella and the Lady Caterina were never married The Queen Isabella after the death of King Frederick seeing herself deprived of all humane comfort because that being discharged of that kingdom by the King of France by reason
the 7 offices of the kingdom cause him to swear to do the duty of a good Prince and to observe the priviledges immunities of the Citie and Kingdom Afterward they lead him to sit on the left hand not far from the Legate in a chair of state covered with cloth of gold and the Legate with a loud voyce proclaimeth him King of Naples and Ierusalem And the seven officers of the kingdom with the Recorder in token of obedience kisse his hand and the like is done by the Princes and Nobility of the kingdom These ceremonies finished the King receiveth the Communion where begins to sound the Organs Trumpets Cornets and other Instruments discharging the Artillery and making great triumph and joy and so Mass being ended the King useth to invest many Lords into their States The King being mounted upon his horse entreth under the Canopy embrodered with gold in the top whereof gently wave up and down the Kings Arms both of the Kingdom of the Citie and of the Provinces carried by men of dignity and honor which at one and the same time succeed in their honors and in their labours Then beginneth the order of the pomp and state to march forward the which I will omit to declare lest I should seem too tedious leaving it to every one to consider thereof And this great King is exempted from the Empire neither acknowledgeth he any superior being a feudist of the Church the which Andrea d' Sormia confirmeth in his Preambles concerning tribute in the ninth column and likewise Mattheo d' Afflitto many other worthy Lawyers discourse thereof the which the most say that the King of Naples is one of the aforesaid four Kings that are anointed and crowned by the order of the Pope Besides he goeth before the elected Emperour being not crowned because that before his coronation he is called King of the Romans but being anointed and crowned he is then called the Roman Emperour Moreover the said four kings do not follow behind the Emperor as other kings that are subject to him but go by his side whereby it appeareth that the King of Naples is one of the great Kings of the world as well in dignity as honor of the Empire therefore I think it not much expedient to take any great pains in expressing it since the reputation thereof is well known to all that have any experience in learning Sufficient is said hereof for the Emperour Charls the 5. in the year 1554. marrying his first begotten son Philip Prince of Spain to Queen Mary of England would not invest him with any other Title then the kingdom of Naples and Ierusalem to the end he should not be inferior to so great a Queen And so much concerning the coronation of the Kings of Naples A brief Discourse of the Kings of IERVSALEM Beginning from Godfrey where is shewed the true cause why the Kings of NAPLES are intituled to that Kingdom THe subject of this Discourse we have here to handle requireth that I also shew and declare the reason and cause by what right all the Kings of Naples have been intituled to the kingdom of Ierusalem a discourse both for the greatness and excellency of the matter worthy to be known from the true understanding whereof every one may evidently see and perceive the great dignity and honor of the Kings of Naples and by what right and title the said kingdom more justly belongeth to them then any other For the better knowledge whereof it is necessary I briefly begin from the first Christian King of that kingdom After the death of Godfrey was Baldwin beforesaid Count of Edissa his brother made King of Ierusalem in his place which was a man of great valor for he wan the Citie of Tiberiade in Galile Sidon Accaron and many more upon the Sea-coast and with the help of the Genoways and Venetians afterward overcame the strong Citie of Tolomaida he had also the Castle of Soball which stands upon the river of Iordan and did much increase his dominion At length having reigned 18 years ended his life without children and was buried in the same Sepulcher with his brother By the death of Baldwin was Baldwin the second of Burges in France made King by the generall consent of the Christians who was cousin germain to the two aforesaid Kings of Ierusalem and in the second year of his reign the Prince of the Turks in Asia minor coming upon Gaza with a mighty Army he valiantly encountred overcame and took him prisoner And in the year following the King of Damasco suddenly besieged the gates of Ierusalem with fifteen thousand fighting men Baldwin couragiously issuing out and valiantly charging them at length put them to flight and slew two thousand of them and took their King with a thousand prisoners and lost but onely thirty men Not long after Balach King of the Parthians arriving with a mighty Army encountred with Baldwin hand to hand overcame him and carried him prisoner to Cairo with many Christian Noble men But at length Baldwin with the said Christian Nobility were released with the payment of a great sum of money and the King returned to Ierusalem where reigning thirteen years died without issue Male and Fulk Count of Anjou his son-in-law succeeded him in the kingdom who had married his daughter Melesina against whom the Barbarians durst never move any war because of his two sons Baldwin and Almerich expert and valiant souldiers who being imployed as Deputies in his affairs executed many great slaughters on the Turks After this valiant King had reigned 11 years running in hunting after a Hare his horse falling with his head downward died presently Whereupon his son Baldwin the Great and third of this name was made King who took Ascalon and Gaza ancient Cities and gave them to the Knights of the Temple Baldwin performing other famous and worthy deeds of Arms after he had reigned 24 years died and was buried in the holy Temple with the other Kings and Almerich his brother succeded in the kingdom a valiant man who had many conflicts with the Turks and took the Citie of Alexandria in Aegypt Afterward he went against the great and mighty Citie Cairo called in ancient time Carra and besieged it and being very likely to win it notwithstanding through the instigations of the Citizens received a great sum of money left the siege and returned again to Ierusalem and not long after died having reigne 12 years leaving behind him three children Baldwin Sybilla and Isabella to whom succeeded in his kingdom Baldwin the fourth of this name his first begotten who though he had the leprosie notwithstanding he did very valiantly and politickly govern the kingdom and having no wife yet because the Realm should not want a sufficient heir to succeed him he married his sister Sybel to William Longspath Marquess of Montferrato and Isabell his youngest sister he promised with
Order The Siege provd very obstinat for four months and the Canons played upon the walls of Malta incossantly which batterd som of them down to the ground destroyed multitudes of houses killd within the Town 7000. of all ages and Sexes with 2000. Cavalliers and Commanders of all Nations who had sacrified their lives for the preservation of Malta and therby transmitted their Fame to Posterity Don Garcia de Toledo hereupon returnd triumphantly with his Fleet to Naples where the three Castles and the Church of Carmine saluted him with sundry Volleys of great Shot The next Design was no less succesfull to Philip for he made himself absolut Master of Melilla notwithstanding that the Mahumetans added witch-craft to their Stratagems of War to over-throw the Spaniards A little after Philip understanding that Florida which belongd to him by right of discovery being part of new-found World was colonied and usurpd by a Plantation of French Hugonots whom he abhorrd as Hereticks in his opinion the chief wherof was Iohn Riblaut King Philip commanded eight Galeons with 1500. Soldiers to be made ready at Caâ—es appointed Pedro Melendez de Valdez Commander in chief giving him the title of Adelantado or Governour of Florida after a prosperous Navigation thither he assaulted a Fort which the French-men had built and he pursued the point of his Design with that vigor that he subdued it with the loss of a 150. men and so driving the French into the Mountains and Desarts he made himself Master of the Country upon Michaelmas day The next yeer he sent Sea and Land Forces towards the Luzones Ilands which ly the South-east which had bin discoverd by Magellan before And he imployed upon this Service Michael Lope de Legaspe who had such prosperous success that arriving at the I le of Zebu he was receivd with much humanity and frendship by Tupas who ruld ther as King so he built ther a Town calld Saint Michel with a strong Fort and having som Fryers aboard he raysd ther the Standard of the Cross and many of the Indians were reducd to Christianity in a short time acknowledging the Catholic King for their Lord Paramount many Iles more wherof ther is such an infinity rendred themselfs and in honor of the King they were Christned las Philippinas making a Town calld Manila the chief wher afterwards the Christian Vice-roys resided and much about that time the Frontire Town twixt Champagne and Germany took his name and is calld Philipsburg to this day All this while King Philip had the wind in the Poupe and Fortune on the Fore-castle but now growing old that inconstant Female fell from him and turnd her back and as commonly one good Success coms not alone so disaster and misfortunes when they once com they com like the Surges of the Sea and one wave upon the neck of another And indeed the affairs of this instable World are nothing but Vicissitudes composd of good and bad events The first frown thaâ— Fortune did cast upon King Philip was under the Command of the Conde of Alcaudete at Mostagan in Barbary wher the said Conde was slain by the Forces of the Xariphe a petty Morisco King and so the enterprizd fayld Not long after the Napolitan Gallies with other Christian Forces had very lamentable success at Los Gelves neer Tripoli wher most of the Christian Fleet perishd Don Alvaro Commander in chief was taken prisoner and presented to Piali the Turks General but ther was a great deal of rashness and imprudence usd in the conduct of that expedition which hapned in the yeer 1570. For had the Christian Army set upon Tripoli which was a place not so strong in the ey of reason and all humane probability they might have taken it having a competent strength to do it for the Army consisted of 12000. Soldiers besides Commanders 38. Galeons and 26. Gallies but as Marriages so Victories are decreed in Heaven Another disastrous Accident hapned in the Port of Herradura in the Kingdom of Granada wher Don Iohn of Mendosa son to Bernardin de Mendoza Vice-roy and Captain-Generall of Naples who having a considerable Fleet wherin ther were 3500. land Soldiers which were to be quarterd in the Kingdom of Valentia wher an Insurrection was feard there blew upon a sudden such a furious gust of an East-wind that most of the Fleet perishd and above 5000. Souls But this mis-fortune was inferior to that which hapned three yeers after which was in 1574. when Aluch-Ali that famous Turkish Generall came with a formidable Army to the coasts of Barbary wherwith he made himself Master of Goletta and Tunis wher above 200. peeces of Ordinance were found which the Enemy made prize of with other rich Booties they destroyed all the Churches and Monasteries except the great Church which was preservd by a ransom of money This crowd of Disasters ushering in one another besides that costly and remote War in Flanders might in any mans judgment have daunted the spirits of King Philip who before had bin so long habituated to good success for as the morall Philosopher tells us Miserum est fuisse felicem One of the worst kind of unhappiness is to have bin happy but he was a Prince of a marvailous aequanimity and temper one who had long studied the mutable condition and lubricities of this world insomuch that these crosser traverses did rather heighten his mind then depress it for not long after he riggd a mighty Fleet upon a great Dessign no less then for the conquest of England which he thought to swallow at a bit which shews that neither his spirits nor treasure was wasted notwithanding the vast expences in the Flemmish Wars and so many millions that he buried in building the Escuriall The ground of this hardy Enterprize upon England was that he had receivd divers Indignities and his Subjects much damage from his Sister Queen Elizabeth though for his part he ever since the death of his wife Queen Mary forbore to do any thing that might displease her during his aboad in England he had don her such signall and high favors as to preserve her head from the Scaffold to have her allowance enlargd to divert her Sister from a design she had to send her beyond Sea to be a Nun and at his departure from England he desired not to carry with him but one Ring of 100 l. price nor demanded he any thing of his wifes moveables after her death And lastly he had shewed no small love for comprehending the surrendry of Calais to the English in his treaty of peace with France But in lieu of these Plums he gave her she threw the stones at him by assisting Don Antonio the Bastard against him about the Title of Portugal by fomenting his own naturall Subjects against him in the revolt of the confederat Provinces as far as to send a Governor of her own amongst them by giving commissions to rob him in the Indies by intercepting som
a Treaty commenâ—d a little after for a cross mariage twixt Spain and France which took â—ffect though there was much opposition in France about it made by them of the Religion and their party The Ceremonies of these reciprocall Nuptials were performd the one at Burgos in Spain the other at Bourdeaux in France In the first the Duke of Lerma married the Infanta by commission from King Lewis In the second the Duke of Guyse married Isabel Daughter of France by proxy from King Philip the exchange of the two Princesses was made upon a River calld Bidasso hard by Saint Iohn de Luz which separates the two Nations There were two stately Barges provided to transport them with divers sorts of inventions of wit the Spaniards on their side had a huge vast Globe representing the world raisd upon a Pavilion very high which made an ostentous shew the Duke of Guyse took exception at it protesting that he wold never bring ore the Princess till the sayd Globe was taken down which was done accordingly the next day the young Queen came to Bayon where Luynes then Favorit to the French King attended her with a Letter all written with the Kings own hand in these words Madam SInce I cannot according to my desire find my self neer you at your entrance into my Kingdom to put you in possession of the power I have as also of my entire affection to love and serve you I send towards you Luynes one of my confidentst Servants to salute you in my name and tell you that you are expected by me with much impatience to offer unto you my self I pray therfore receive him favourably and believe what he shall tell you Madam from your most deer Friend and Servant LEWIS Luynes delivered her also from the King two rich Standerds of Diamonds which she receivd and kissd and from her own Table she sent him a dish of meat In the morning she returnd the King this answer Sir I much rejoyced at the good news Luynes brought me of your Majesties health I com therwith being most desirous to arrive where I may serve my Mother and so I am making hast to that purpose and to kiss your Majesties hands whom God preserve ANNE THe Kingdom of Naples to congratulat the Kings Espousals presented him that yeer with a Donative of two millions Not long after there was a Treaty set on foot for a mariage twixt the Prince of Wales and the Infanta Donna Maria the Kings second Sister but there had bin an ouverture made before by the Duke of Lerma for a match twixt our Prince Henry of England and the eldest Infanta Anne now Queen of France as hath bin spoken This Treaty with England was above ten yeers in agitation it was a Web that lay long upon the Loom of Policy and afterwards was torn off being just wrought to the point of perfection By the endeavours of Count Gondomar in England and the Earl of Bristol in Spain matters were brought to such a hopefull pass that it inducd the Prince of Wales to undertake that hazardous youthfull journey to Spain traversing the whole Diameter of France under a disguise being accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham who was not only his Companion but had bin his chiefest Counsellor herein they came both in an advantagious time to Paris for they were admitted to see a Mask being Carnival time wher the Prince had a full view of the Lady Henriâ—tta Maria who was designd by Heaven to be his wife afterwards though he little dreamt of such a thing then Thence by the name of Iac and Tom Smith they posted to Spain but two daies after t was discoverd in the French Court what they were therefore being sent after withall possible speed if they had stayed but three hours longer at Bayon Monsieur Gramond had had order to stay them Being arrivd at the Earl of Bristols House in the Court of Spain at the close of the day in the evening he was struck with amazement to see such objects there having no fore-knowledg at all of the Plot saying I am afraid we are all undone The next day there was a buz abroad that som great man was com from England but none imagind he could be the Prince In the evening of the next day the Duke of Buckingham went in a close Coach to the King of Spain where he had privat audience and he was returnd no sooner but Olivares was sent to visit the Prince which was done with extraordinary expressions of joy and complement Oliuares saying that Spain and England wold divide the World betwixt them The next day somwhat late at night the King himself came in a close Coach to visit him but the Prince having notice of it met him half way so they greeted one another with mutuall embraces there were divers great Lords appointed to be the Prince his Officers and a part of the royall Pallace was preparing for his Quarter whither the next Sunday he removd and rod in triumph under a large Canopy of State the King accompanying him all the way and giving him still the upper-hand all the Grandees Noblemen and Officers attended them in the same manner as they usd to do at a Coronatiâ—n Now it seems that Gondamar was the chief man who tracd this journey for the next day after the Prince his arrivall he was made Privy Counsellor and suddenly after coming to visit the Prince he told him that he was com to tell him strange news which was that an English man was sworn that morning Privy Counsellor in Spain meaning himself in point of affection The third day after the Prince had bin there the King of Spain with the Queen and the Infanta who wore a blew Ribon about her left arme that she might be distinguisht came abroad in an open stately way of purpose that the Prince might see his Mistress which he did out of a close Coach wherein Count Gondamar attended him with the English Ambassadors So much for matter of Ceremony now touching the substance of the business it self when the Prince came thither matters had bin brought to that perfection by the activity of Ambassadors that there wanted nothing for the consummating of all things but the Popes dispensation which upon news that the Prince was com to Spain was retarded and som advantages taken to clog it with further clauses The Pope demanded caution for performance of such Articles that were granted in favor of the Roman Catholicks in England upon this match hereupon Sir Francis Cotington rid Post about it from Madrid Touching that point King Iames answerd that he wold take his oath upon the Evangelists to accomplish the said Articles and his Son the Prince shold do the like His privy Counsellors also shold firm and subscribe the sayed Articles and this was all the security King Iames cold give Now wheras the Pope demanded that som Roman Catholic Prince should undertake for him and his Son in point of
shall be performd the same week after that the Ratification shall com from Rome to which purpose he wold engage his Contratation house in Sevill if need requird The Prince shewd himself to be mightily taken with this proposall so he left two Proxies behind in the Earl of Bristols hands one for the King and another for Don Carlos his brother to be his Substitutes the wedding day so the Prince put himself in an Equipage for his return to England and the King with his two brothers and Grandees accompanied him beyond the Escuriall on his way and wold have done it to the Sea-side had not the Queen bin then big with Child At their parting King and Prince often embracd one another but Oliuares and Buckingham did not part so kindly for the Duke told him that he was infinitely beholden to their Majesties of Spain for many royall Favors as also to the Lady Infanta and that he wold live and dy there Servant and continu to do his best Offices for continuance of peace twixt tht two Crowns but for your self Count Oliuares he sayed I must tell you plainly you have disobligd me so far that I cannot make further profession of friendship unto you without flattery Oliuares turnd about and made this short answer aceto lo diesto I accept of what you say and touching the first part of your Speech if you perform what you promise you will do well and I must tell you that your own safety depends upon it but for any particular correspondence of friendship twixt you and me it matters not much and so I bid you farewell Thus the King of Spain and the Prince of Wales parted with many interchanges of endearment in a field calld el Campa de Balsain not far from the Escuriall at the bottom of a great Hill upon which departure this monumentall Inscription was erected In campo Balsain HEic ubi fausta sors tulit ad praerupti montis radices in latè patente campulo solenni Regum venatione nobili sed in solenni Rei e ventu longè Nobiliori Philippus Quartus Hispaniarum Indiarumque Rex Catholicus Carolus seremissimus Wallie Princeps pactis cum Maria serenissima Infante Nuptijs ad quas petendas It Fama per orbem in Hesperiam properabat dextras dederunt in amplexus mutuo ruentes pacis Amicitia aeterna faedera nodo astrinxerunt Herculeo O magnum invictum Regum Par sine pari Nullus mehercule Hercules contra duos Ipsi potius contra omnes perfidia fremente duo Aleydae solo salo Iusuperabiles siste Fama non plus ultra viderunt suspexerunt stupuerunt duo Austriacae sobolis Incrementa maxima Carolus Ferdinandus serenissimi Infantes Gasper Oliviariorum excellentissimus Comes a Belli Statusque Concilijs Sacri Cubiculi Regis stabuli summus Praefectus Didacus Carpentis Marchio cui fas per sacratioris Aula limen Ex Britannis Johannes Comes Bristoliae Orator Extraordinarius Gualterus Astonus eques Legatus ex munere Baro Kensingtonius praetorianae militiae Angliae Dux Posteritati sacrum In the field of Balsain Here by the conduct of a propitious Star at the foot of a craggy Mountain in a spacious field ennobled by the common hunting of Kings but grown more noble now for the solemn event of the Thing Philip the fourth Catholic King of both the Spaines and the Indies and Charles the serenissim Prince of Wales Nuptials being agreed upon with the Lady Mary the serenissim Infanta to seek which sa the Fame of it flies through â—he world he posted to Spain the said King and Prince plighted their Troths and running into mutuall embraces they tyed with an Herculean Knot an eternall league of peace and friendship O mighty and invincible peerles pair of Kings no Hercules can be against these two and they two enough against all let disloyalty rage never so much two Alcides insuperable both by Land and Sea Fame stop thy mouth for thou canst go no further Two of the Royall branches of the Austrian Tree Don Carlos and Don Ferdinand saw beheld and stood astonisht hereat as also Gaspar the most excellent Count of Olivares chief Gentleman of the sacred Bed chamber and of the royall Stables as also Didacus Marques of Carpio who had the golden Key among the British Heros Iohn Earl of Bristol Ambassador extraordinary and Walter Ashton Ambassador ordinary with the Baron of Kensington Captain of the English Praetorian Bands Sacred to Posterity In this Inscription the Duke of Buckingham was not mentiond though he was there present all the while which shews that the Spaniards did not so much affect him yet was he at first much esteemd in regard of the charge and trust he had being the Princes Gardian but afterwards he began to grow out of request by his French carriage and over familiarity with the Prince c. Insomuch that his Commission being examind it was found to be signed only by King Iames and the Prince wheras the Commission of Bristol and Ashton was signd also by the privy Councell and exemplified under the great Seal of England Therfore the King of Spain being instructed by Olivares sent him word that he shold not trouble himself any further in point of audience about the match for he was resolvd to treat only with the two Ambassadors who had a more plenary power and understood the busines better so il blood began to engender betwixt Olivares Buckingham and Bristol The Prince was attended by som of the Grandees and Count Gondomar to the Sea-side where being com not without som danger aboard the Prince-Royall he sent Mr. Clerk a Creature of Buckinghams to Madrid with a privat Letter to Bristol not to proceed in the busines of the Match till further order from England notwithstanding that the Ratification shold com from Rome Clerk lay in Bristols house but was not to deliver him the sayed Letter till the Ratification shold com the Earl of Bristol suspecting such a thing causd a rumor to be spread that the Ratification was com hereupon the Letter was deliverd him so he went to confer with my Lord Ashton about it who was in joint Commission with him to conclude the Match he askt him whether upon that Letter he wold suspend the busines of the Match and Ashton answering that the Letter was to be obeyed Bristol replyed that then he wold protest against him telling him that they had a royall Commission under the broad Seal of England signd and seald by King Prince and Councell therfore he conceivd that a privat Letter from any other could not have power to suspend the Kings immediat command but his own counter-command he alledgd also that if when the Ratification came they shold delay a moment of the time in point of proceeding the Infanta wold hold her self disparagd in point of honor He subjoynd that this Match tended to the restitution of the Palatinat and settling of an eternall peace in
entire continent having intelligence how well their Neighbours and Fellow-subjects had sped the tother side by that popular Insurrection thought that they were as free born people as the Sicilian and did contribute more to the Spanish greatnes their Donatives therfore they might very well deserve and expect as good usage as they There had bin not long before a new Tax layd upon all Fruits green dry which amounted to about eighty thousand Duckets yeerly The Duke of Arcos then Vice-roy was often told that there was an universall muttering at this Tax which might beget dangerous consequences Hereupon som Commissioners were appointed to consult how som other way might be taken to raise monies for the King as also to repay those sums that had bin imprested and already lent upon the credit of the sayed Fruit Tax At that time there was in Naples a young fellow about four and twenty yeers old who got his living by retayling of Fish up and down he was of a stirring and spritfull humor of a confident speech and utterance This poor Retayler of Fish calld Thomas Anello and by contraction Masanello observing what discontents and mutterings raignd in every corner about this Tax upon fruit with divers others and the next day meeting with a great company of boyes in the Market-place he made them follow him up and down the streets with sticks and Canes in their hands making them cry out Let the Pope live let the King of Spain live but let the ill Government perish This and such like Doctrine being infusd by Masanello into his young Schollers the Shop-keepers laught at him as he went asking him whether he were not frantic or foolish but he told them yee laugh at me now but you shall see shortly what Masanello can do let me alone if I do not free you from the Slavery of so many Taxes let me be held infamous for ever At which Speech the laughter encreasd but Masanello grew more and more intentious about the work so that he enrolâ—d the names of divers boyes twixt 16 17 and 18. yeers old so that at last he made a Regiment of two thousand the next day being a Festivall he marchd with his brigade of boyes after him and it chancd that being in the Market-place the Fruiterers and Costermongers or Shop-keers fell out about the paying of the new Tax and the baskets of Fruits were thrown down and the boyes fell a gathering and eating of them in the streets Masanello encouraging them all the while hereupon the Lord Anaclerio the elect of the people threatning him with whipping and the Gallies not only the Fruiterers but other people threw Apples and Pears into Lord Anaclerios face and Masanello gave him a good thump upon the breast with a stone So with much ado the Lord Elect broke his way in a Coach through the crowd and leaping into a Boat or Feluca he scapd Upon these hopeâ—ull beginnings the Rabble flockd together in many places protesting to pay no more Gabell and crying still let the King live and the ill Government dy So now Masanello began to be attended with men as well as boyes and leaping up upon a stall which was in the Market-place among the Fruiterers he sayed with a loud voice to this effect making this noble Speech as if he had bin inspird Rejoyce my dear Companions and Country-men give God thanks and the glorious Virgin the time of our redemption draws neer This poor Fisher-man barefooted whom you see shall aâ— another Moses who freed the Israelites from Pharaohs Rod free you in like manner from all Gabels and Impositions It was a Fisher-man I mean Saint Peter who reducd Rome from Satans slavery to the liberty of Christ Now another Fisher-man who is Masanello shall release Naples and with the City of Naples a whole Kingdom from the tyranny of Tolls From henceforth yee shall shake off your necks the intolerable yoke of so many grievances which have depressd your spirits hitherto To effect which I do not care a rush to be torn in peeces and dragd up and down the gutters of Naples Let all the blood of my body spin out of my veins let this head skip off my sholders by a fatal steel be pearchd up in this Market-place upon a Pole yet I shall dy contented and glorious it will be an honor and a triumph unto me that my life and blood perishd in so glorious a Conquest This Speech did wonderfully work upon the people whose hearts were ready to cooperat with him so for a handsom beginning the Toll-house for Fruit with all the books of accounts were burnt to the ground with much of the Customers goods which were shewd there Hereupon the Shops were shut up and down almost through all the City and the Keepers of them went to other quarters of the City where the Toll-houses for Corn Flesh Fish Salt Wine Oyle Cheese and Silk stood all which they burnt to the very earth withall the writing and Custom house books as also all the Hangings and Houshold-stuff were hurld into a great Straw-fire together with som Chests of moneys and Plate and all burnt And in this confusion there was this strickt point of Government already that it was deâ—th for any one to pourloin or take away any thing out of the fire for his own use The people all this while having met with no opposition at all grew to be above ten thousand in number and they made towards the Vice-roys Palace many of them holding loafs of bread upon the tops of their Pikes which was then very deer because of the Toll upon corn There were som among the Brigads of boyes who carried black clowts upon the tops of their Canes crying out in dolorous notes as they passd Have pitty upon these poor Souls in Purgatory who not being able to endure so many grievances seek how they may escape away O brothers joyn with us O sisters assist us in so just a cause In such dolefull tones they went about and coming to Saint Iames Prison they freed there all the Prisoners and admitted them to their Society At last they came under the Vice-roys window and made a hideous cry that they wold be freed not only of the Fruit Gabell but of all other specially that of Corn The Vice-roy out of his Balcone promisd them very fair to take off quite the Fruit Tax half of that of Corn but this not suffizing they rusht into the Vice-roys Palace notwithstanding the German and Spanish Guards which were there and breaking through all the Rooms they came at last to that Room where the Vice-roy was shut up under lock which they broke open but the Vice-king was fled and thinking to go to the Castle where his Lady was retired he found the Draw-bridg up and so came back and fled to a Franciscan Monastery while the Rabble was in his Palace they did much mischief and pursuing him still and understanding that he was retired to
revengfull as any other Italian Among a world of examples that could be producd let this suffice In the ancient Citty of Nocera there were three young Noble-men calld Conrado Cesare and Alexandro the eldest was Prince of the place before Charles the Fifts time There was and is still in Nocera a strong Castle where the Prince Conrado had a Garrison wherof he made a Confident of his Captain and Keeper of the Castle the Prince most of his time kept in his Country-house and his Brothers also but somtimes he wold com and ly som dayes in his Castle It fortund that his Captain having a comly woman to his wife the Prince fell in love with and never left till he enjoyd her which he had done often to the knowledg of her husband so beating his brains how to be revengd he fell upon this way The Prince being at his Country-house the Captain sent him word that there were two wild Boares discoverd in the Forrest hard by therfore if he and his two Brothers wold com such a day with their Dogs he doubted not but they shold find very Princely sport So Conrado came with his second brother Cesare but Alexander could not com till two dayes aâ—ter so the Captain had provided a fitting Supper for the Prince and his brother who had brought another Noble-man with him to have part of the Sport the Prince and the sayd Noble-man lodgd in the Castle but Cesare lay in the Town The Captain was wonderfull officious to attend the Prince to his Chamber but having confederated with the chiefest of the Garrison in the dead of night they rushd into the Prince his Chamber and the first thing they did they chopd of his Genitories then his Head which they put to stand on a window and quarterd the rest of his body This being done very silently in the morning betimes they sent in the Prince his name for his second brother to com in all hast when Prince Cesare came the Captain waited upon him to his brothers Chamber where the first Object he beheld was Conrados head upon a window and his members quarterd and strewd up and down the Room ah sayd Cesare is this the wild Boar you writ of yes answered the Captain but I writ to you of two so they fell upon Him also and made the like Sacrifice of revenge upon him this being done the Captain barrd up the Gates and going upon the walls of the Castle he sent for the chief of the Town made a Speech unto them in what slavery they livd in under Conrado therfore if they ever desird liberty there was a fair opportunity offerrd now because he had Conrado in his Custody and he could do with him what he pleasd But the Cittizens wold hearken to no such motion so they sent speedy word to Alexander the younger brother who coming with som Country forces the Citty joynd with them and beleagurd the Castle the Captain finding his case to be desperat takes his wife first on a high Turret and hurld her down amongst them then his Children and afterwards murtherd himself in the ey of all the Citty There is no Country swarms with Nobility more then the Kingdom of Naples the number wherof do daily encrease insomuch that the last account which was taken there were in Naples Calabria and Apulia with the rest of the twelve Provinces adjoynd two thousand Barons fifty Dukes ninety Marquesses seventy Earls and five Princes But som of these Nobles have but slender Estates as Aretin reports who sayes that three Marquesses in Lunigiana were found eating of Figgs off one Tree to keep them from starving Now though the Spaniard entitle himself King of both the Sicilies yet he holds the latter I mean the Kingdom of Naples in Fee from the Pope whom he acknowledgeth to be Lord-Paramount therof by right of Donation to the Church Therfore the Spanish Ambassador upon the Vigile of Saint Peter or every Saint Peters Eve presents the Pope in his Masters name with a Heriot and a Rent viz. With a Muâ—e and seven thousand Duckets in Gold at the reception wherof the Pope answers Sufficiat pro hac vice Let it suffice for this time and till this be done the great Catholic King lyeth under an Excomunication which in a short compass of time is layed on him and taken off every yeer I. H. Senesco non Segnesco FINIS A Catalogue of Mr. Howells Works in severall Volumes Printed by Mâ— Humphrey Mosely I. Mr. Howels History of Lewis the thirteenth King of France with the life of his Cardinal de Richelieu Fol. II. Mr. Howels Epistolae Hoelianae familiar Letters Domestick and Forren in six Sections partly Historicall Politicall Philosophicall the the first Volume with Additions 8 o. III. Mr. Howels new Volume of familiar Letters partly Historicall Politicall Philosophicall the second Volume with many Additions 8 o. IV. Mr. Howels third Volume of additionall Letters of a fresher date never before published 8 o. V. Mr. Howels Dodon as Grove or the Vocal Forrest the first part in Fol. 4 o. 12 o. with many Additions VI. Mr. Howels Dodon'as Grove or the Vocal Forrest the second part in 8 o. never printed before VII Mr. Howels Englands Tears for the present Wars VIII Mr. Howels Pre-eminence and Pedigree of Parliament in 12 o. in answer of Mr. Pryn. IX Mr. Howels Instructions and Directions for Forren Travels in 12 o. with divers Additions for Travelling into Turky and the Levant parts X. Mr. Howels Vote or a Poem-Royall presented to his Majesty in 4 o. XI Mr. Howels Angliae Suspiria lachrymae in 12 o. XII Tumulus Thalamus two Counter-Poems the first an Elegy upon Edward Earl of Dorset the second an Epithalamium to the Lord M. of Dorchester XIII Parables reflecting on the times XIV A German Dyet or the Ballance of Europe wherin the Power and Weakness Glory and Reproach Vertues and Vices Plenty and Wants Advantages and Defects Antiquity and Modernes of all the Kingdoms and States of Christendom are Impartially poiz'd by James Howell Esq Fol. XV. Parthenopoeia or the History of the most noble and renowned Kingdom of Naples with the Lists of all their Kings the first part translated out of the Italian by Mr. Samson Lennard the second Part continued to these present times 1654. by James Howell Esq More of Mr. Howels Works Printed by other Men. XVI THe great French Dictionary refind and augmented in a large Fol. XVII A Survey of the Signory of Venice in Fol. XVIII A Dialogue twixt the Soul and the Body XIX The first Part of the late Revolutions in Naples XX. The second Part of the sayed Resolutions XXI The Warr of the Iewes epitomiz'd XXII Sir Robert Cottens Works which he was desird to publish XXIII Saint Pauls Progress upon Earth XXIV A Venetian Looking-glass XXV A Winter Dream XXVI The Trance or Mercurius Acherontious XXVII A Dialogue twixt Patricius and Peregrin XXVIII An Inquisition after blood XXIX The
Ossidionale Who first mounted upon the walls of the enemy to him was consecrated a crown of gold with the form of battlements of the wall and this kind of crown was called Murale and the Emperour did give it with his owns hands Who first entred into the enemies camp to him was given the crown Vallare which was also called Castrense which was of gold in the form of a Bulwark Who first in battell at sea boarded the enemy to him was presented the crown Navale which was of gold in the fashion of a ship The first that had this crown was M. Varro for overcoming the navy of Pirats and Rovers and this En. Pompeius gave him The crown which was given to those which had preserved any Citizen in battel received in token of safety from him a crown called Civica which was first of Oke and afterward of Holm Finally those which were accustomed to be made of metall in recompence of worthy deeds were the Vallari or Castrensi the Murali and the Navali These were of gold as were also those in process of time of Bayes whereupon it was called crown gold which was given to those who had the crown made them for triumph But none among the aforesaid crowns was ever more noble or more glorious with the Romans then that of grass after which the Civiche the Tirumphale and those of gold were the next in estimation because that all the other crowns Captains did give to Souldiers but this of grass was presented by the whole Army as to the preserver thereof And sometimes the Senate did give it and the people of Rome to some particular person as to Fabius Maximus when Hannibal departed Italy and which was also given to Augustus when he shut the Temple of Ianus and made peace both by sea and land Now concerning the Royall crown according to the use in these days was by the Ancients in no such sort observed athough the Priests of Persia and the Kings did wear a round wreath of Linnen and the Meonii the Syrians the Phrygians and the Lydians the Miter the which is now used by our Bishops as an ornament over the Scutchions of their Arms signifying thereby the Nobility of their House and their divine profession But in exchange of the crown the King had the Scepter the Chair of State the purple Robe wrought with gold and carried a Diadem upon their heads which was a roll of white linnen which the Kings were wont to wear upon their heads an invention as I think of the Egyptians and the Hebrews who using to anoint their Kings upon the Temples or sides of the head did roll a veil round about that the sacred oyntment might not be wip'd away Whereupon to this purpose we find that Alexander the Great took from his head the Diadem to put it upon Lysimacus who whas therewith wounded in the forehead the which accident was prognosticated by the future reign of Lysimacus And that Pompey surnamed the Great was envied because he did wear a wreath upon his knee for a certain hurt that did much offend him as though he would aspire to the kingdom of Rome Now concerning the use of this crown according to the modern custome the Emperours and Kings which descended from the Romans were wont to send to those whom they exalted to any Royall dignity a crown in token of honor And moreover the invention came from them for it is not long since this ceremony was exercised by the chief Bishops Emperours forsomuch as it was not honor enough for the Pope as election should be made of that supream degree to sit in St. Peters Chair But this ceremony gathering daily greater force was introduced that between the solemnity of the Masse he should be crowned by the hand of the Bishop of Ostia And likewise the coronation of the Emperours was unknown in the first Ages of the Empire for the first of the Roman Emperours that put a golden crown upon his head was as Aurelius Victor declares the Emperour Aurelianus who ruled the Empire in the year of Christ 271. and used apparrell embrodered with gold and pearl and full of pretious stones Afterward Dioclesian as Eutropias writeth begun the fashion of the Royall state of a King because that not onely in his apparell but even in his shooes had pretious stones embrodered causing others to do him honor and reverence and was the first that would be adored But the first of all the Emperoers which received the crown of the Roman Empire from the Pope was Charls the Great who having setled the affairs of Italy of France and Germany came to Rome with all the honor that might be was placed in the seat of Pope Leo the third which through the envy of some men was deposed from the Papacy Charls the Great was crowned in the year of our Lord 801. The Pope having celebrated the 〈◊〉 upon the Reliques of St. Peter by the consent and desire of the pâ—â—ple of Rome declared Charls Emperour of the Romans and put an Imperiall crown upon his head the people making great applause and acclamation and proclaiming with a loud and high voyce three times To Charls August crowned by God the great and peaceable Emperour Life and Victory And the Pope anointed him with oyl and balm consecrated to this effect together with Pepin his son whom he pronounced King of Italy the which things were all done in the year of our Lord 801. And so Charles began to Occidentall Empire of Germany which to this present hath continued with great honor and glory Whereupon the Emperours which succeeded him imitating Charls either because that action seemed unto them worthy observation or perhaps because they desired by that means to maintain the title of the Empire which Leo gave to Charles as is said they followed from time to time the custome to be crowned In this manner also were together with the power annexed the demonstrations of Regall or Princely fortune of the which demonstrations of honor they participating more or lesse the which did participate more or lesse of Kingly fortune from thence proceeded the use of Crowns and Chaplets signifying Royall or Princely dignity or the honor of a Duke or Lordly power authority because that the Roman Empire being fallen from the greatness therof and Barbarians coming into Italy who like the inundation of a mighty river carrieth with it infinite damage replenished unfortunate Italy with their brutish manners whereupon miserably fell to the earth not onely the beauty of the Roman tongue and the perfection and propriety thereof but all that semblance and similitude of the ancient customes and new titles new fashions and new lawes were intruded the word Prince was taken for a new kind of dignity which being inferior to a King and Imperiall preheminence taketh the precedence of Dukes Marquesses and Earls The first which used this name in Italy was