not to lose by such enemies is reputed a kind of victory The Venetians therefore paid their thanks to God singing Masses and Psalmes throughout all their Churches making solemn processions and giving much alms both in publick and in private to poor Monastaries and other religious places But Soliman seeking to molest the Venetians in several places had commanded Cassin Sanghiacco of Morea that assembling the souldiers of the neighbouring parts together he should besiege Napoli di Romania and Malvesia The Common-wealth had long had the Government of the chief Towns in Morea a fruitful Country and more famous than any other part of Greece for the number and worth of her Inhabitants and which was very convenient for the Venetians by reason of her many Havens wherein her ships have safe receptacle But having lost Modene and Corone in the last Turkish Wars made against Bajazet Ottaman Grand-father to this Soliman she kept yet those two Towns strongly seated and inhabited by people who were very affectionate to the Venetians Napoli stands upon the head of a little Promontory which thrusting it self out from the land makes a large and safe Haven and is inviron'd on three sides by the Sea and hath a steep and difficult ascent by the Mountain called Palamide on the side towards the Land so as there is onely a very strait way which leads to the City lying between the side of the mountain and the Sea and on the out-side the banks are so high and steep as no gallies can come to batter the walls or land men The entrance into the Haven is likewise so strait as the Gallies cannot enter thereinto but by one and one so as they may easily be kept from entring by the Artillery especially by those of a little Castle seated upon a Rock about some 300 paces in the Sea just over against the mouth of the Haven so as it may play on all sides upon any Vessel that shall approach It cannot be assaulted by land-forces being it lies in midst of the Sea nor by gallies as having so many shelves about it as none but very small Vessels can come unto it Malvasia is likewise seated in the same place nearer Cape Malio upon a mountain or Rock divided for the space of 80 paces from a point of land which in a long and very narrow shape thrusts it selfe into the Sea so as this City being seated very high is wholly inviron'd by the Sea having no passage to land but by a bridge nor can it be waded to on any part so deep are the waters round about And as it is strong and secure by naturall situation so hath nature furnisht it with fountains of spring water and with good and fruitfull land for there is a fair plain upon the top of the Mountain bearing Corn sufficient for 50 or 60 men which are enough to defend this strongly seated City against any whatsoever forces Vittore de Garzoni had the Government of Napoli with the title of Bailo a man very aged and well experienced by reason of his imployments both by Sea and Land This man did not onely defend the Fort free from all danger by his wisdome valour and by the fidelity of those men but making his Cavalry make out many sallies he secured the Country and did much indamage the Enemy therefore Cassin who in obedience to Soliman was come thither with his men having tri'd the Inhabitants of Malvasia both by promises and threats and finding the difficulty of the enterprise and not being sufficiently furnisht with any thing to use violence or to besiege the Town after having staid some few dayes about Naples went from thence disbanding some of his Army and carried the rest into the neighbouring Country about six miles from the City But Barbarossa Luftebei being entred with the rest of the Fleet into the Streit of Galipoli to disarm staid abroad with 70 Gallies and 30 Galliotte and other Fly-boats ran over the Islands of the Archipelagus which belonged to the Common-wealth some whereof having no means neither by scituation nor Garrison to defend themselves othersome through fear yeelded at the first appearance of the Fleet. As Sciro a great Island but little inhabited as then which looks upon the Pegasean Gulph Pathmos a place of no great note in it selfe but rendred famous by St. Iohns devotions one of Christ's Disciples who being confined to that Island writ the Apocalyps there Legina of small circuit but so well inhabited as the Turks were said to have carried above 6000 prisoners from thence it was likewise of better esteem by reason of the Haven wherefore there remained usually a Venetian Magistrate there who at this time was Francisco Suriano There were also some Islands which belonged to the particular jurisdiction of divers Gentlemen of Venice Nio appertaining to the Pâ—san family an Island of about 40 miles about noted for the admirable quality of the soyl thereof which whithersoever it be carried it drives away all venemous creatures Stampalia an Island of greater circuit well inhabited which belonged to the House of Quirina Paro one of the Cyclades much spoken of by Poets and famous for the excellent Marble which is fetcht from thence it is about fifty miles about extending from the West to the East and the remainders of many noble buildings shew how much it hath been anciently inhabited and on the North side it hath a little Castle with a Haven and Wharfe this belonged then to the family of Veniero but being by sucession to come to Bernardo Segredo he was gone thither himself to keep it Wherefore this alone of all the rest made some resistance and chiefly by his valour but the defendants wanting powder they were forc'd to surrender themselves to the discretion of the Enemy who gave them all their lives but made many of them prisoners amongst whom Segredo himselfe who by great good fortune was afterwards freed by the means of one of Ragusa a Renegado who had been long in his gallie and remembring how well he had been used by him made him this return at his great need and the Island of Tine although it had a Fort and was both by natural scituation and art able enough to have held out took example of the rest and followed the Victors fortune but soon after the Inhabitants repenting that they had so soon yielded and desirous to continue under the Government of the Venetians free from the Turkish Tyranny they rebelled and of themselves sent into Candia to desire a Garrison of souldiers and a Venetian Magistrate and this Island doth till this day keep in loyalty and obedience to the Common-wealth though it lies in the very jaws of so potent Enemies The Island of Nicsia or rather Nasso with some other Neighbouring Islands whereof Iovanni Grispo was Lord kept still under his Dominion for he yeelding to the Turks at the very first appearance of their Fleet agreed to pay 5000 Duckets yearly by way of tribute to
another great mischief was added to all their sufferings for the Plague began to grow hot amongst them For which the Senate charged the Magistrates to thank the Citizens in the Name of the Common-wealth promising them that these their good Services should be kept in perpetual Memory and that their Deserts should be acknowledged and rewarded even to posterity That they knew their singular Worth and Loyalty That therefore they might promise unto themselves all things which could be expected from a grateful Common-wealth which did always willingly embrace and very much cherish all such as were faithful and valiant The Senate did likewise commend Renzo da Ceri as they had done many times before striving to confirm him in the loyalty and worth which he had hitherto shewn and herein they used many gracious expressions exalting his deserts so to honour that man with praise which is the reward of Virtue who was so desirous of Glory and to invite him to the undertaking of other worthy Enterprizes They said That the Venetian Souldiers had learnt to overcome under the Conduct of such a Commander who by the greatness of his Courage had overcome even the greatest difficulties and made them appear easie that they expected yet greater things from his Gallantry And having occasion soon after to shew themselves thankful to so well deserving a man he was by general consent chosen to succeed Giovan Paolo Baglione in his Office who having ended his Conduct had taken his leave of the Venetian Army Baglione being taken Prisoner as you have heard in the unfortunate Battle at Vicenza had got leave of the Spanish Commanders to go to Venice upon exchange for Caravagiale a Spanish Commander which if he could effect he was to have his liberty but if otherwise he was to return Prisoner to the Enemy Baglione got leave of the Senate for the exchange and Captain Caravagiale was carried from Venice to Padua but Gurghense without whose knowledg this exchange was made opposed it saying it was not to be observed the quality of the persons not being alike nor the good which might redound to the several Princes by the Exchange Wherefore Baglione thinking he was free from his Parole since the fault proceeded not from him refused to return any more Prisoner to the Enemy and having obtain'd leave of the Venetians went to Rome whither he was sent for by the Pope Baglione held the next place in Dignity after Alviano who was the Venetians General his pay was 30000 Duckets a year and he was bound to have in his Troop 200 Gens d' Armes and 100 light Horse His place was granted to Renzo upon the same conditions but he refused it Rendering notwithstanding many acknowledgments to the Senate who of their own free wills had conferr'd that Honour upon him who was absent and had no ways sought it though it was wont to be much put for by others he told them that his abode in Crema at this time of many eminent dangers was of much concernment to his own Honour and to the service of the Common-wealth that he desired nothing more then to preserve that City to the Common-wealth that he knew very well the Senate had offer'd him that preferment not to invite him to serve them well and faithfully but to witness the love they bore him for nothing could now adde to his ancient affection which he knew he could not more apparently manifest then in defending that City There were some who thought Renzo the more to be commended for having preferr'd Worth it self before the badg of Worth but many suspected what did afterwards appear by many signs more clearly to wit that Renzo would not be obliged to go unto the Army because he bore a secret enmity to Alviano and shunn'd to be under the command of another especially of one who was of so severe a nature and who was no very good friend of his Whilst these things went thus the year of our Lord 1514 began and began unfortunately for on the 10th of Ianuary the first hour after midnight some shops fell on fire in the Rialto which is seated in the midst of the City a place much frequented and held in great esteem for the happy Auspice of the Cities first rise which began first to be built there and wherein all things are usually sold which fire taking hold of the neighbouring houses did soon mightily increase and in a moment burnt many publique Buildings and great store of Merchandise of all sorts and for the greater misforfortune the wind blew very furiously then from the North which carried the fire into the most remote parts of the City and the houses that were nearer hand were soon irreparably consumed there was not any one who either by Council or Action could suppress the violence of the fire in this sad and sudden chance and in this confusion which fill'd the whole City with fear though the Nobles and common people flock'd presently thither from all places The fire dilating it self on all sides got to the Pescaria on the one side and on the other side to the Temple of Santo Apollinare places which stood far asunder miserably consuming and throwing all things down to the ground Many gallant Ornaments of the City and much wealth of private people which was long in gathering perish'd almost in a moment which caused great lamentation and out-cries throughout the whole City The Citizens and Merchants bemoaned themselves that their so long labours should be so soon lost others were more troubled at this misfortune as if it fore-boded greater mischiefs they began now to fear the greatest Some in these common afflictions shew'd some more moderation for being inured to so many afflictions they were not easily sensible of new sorrows It was never clearly known whether this hapned by chance or by the Enemies abominable wickedness yet by many tokens it was thought that the fire was fraudulently and by cunning convey'd into those shops where it first brake forth Thus at this time nothing was free from the treachery of the Enemy The Senate though perplex'd with so many adversities managed the War with their wonted constancy and did not slacken in providing for all things which might either maintain their Honour or obviate the Enemy But the Affairs of Friuli did chiefly trouble them for Frangipane having as you have heard possess'd himself of many places of the Country did still besiege Osofo Many of the Senate were of opinion that they should gather all the Forces they could together and endeavour to relieve Savorgnano Others were of a contrary opinion affirming That they had already sufficiently try'd the fortune of War and that the many damages which they had suffer'd might teach them and others to how many various and uncertain chances Battles are subject and how often it falls out that men come to a day of Battle even against the determinate will of the Commanders That after so many losses the best course would be
that it would be his Fate to return the Dignity of the Empire in Italy by his Forces to its former greatness Therefore they who thought they saw more into Leo's intentions were of opinion that his chief aim was to take the Venetians off from the friendship of the French Which if he could not do yet that by the weakening of their Forces those of the King of France would likewise be weakened he being a friend and confederate of the Common-wealths whose greatness moved thereunto either by hatred or fear the Pope could not tolerate Whereas he was less jealous of Cesar's Forces as well in his own respect as of that of the Church by reason of his natural light headedness by reason of his paucity of men and want of monies for which reasons he thought his greatness could never be so well grounded but that it might by some chance be made to toâ—ter Thus did this year end mens minds being variously possess'd with hope and fear and not knowing what the end of so many evils would be for in the beginning of the next year which was the year of our Lord 1516 and the 8th year from the time that all Italy and especially the State of Venice began to be sorely molested with War new Preparations for Arms and evident signs of future troubles began to appear Souldiers were taken into pay every where more means were used for the renewing of War then was before and chiefly the Venetians refusing all Treaties of Peace or of new Leagues and being return'd to besiege Brescia with great hopes of gaining it were resolute to continue the War till such time as they should have gotten that City either by force or by voluntary surrender Cesar also who had not been himself in person in any of the Armies the last year past but managing the War by his Captains had not managed it over well re-assuming his former thirst after War sought to raise commotions in all parts and to augment his Forces that he might molest the affairs of Italy he called many Dyets craved aids muster'd men sent for Commanders but he chiefly sollicited the Switzers to take up Arms and to revenge the death of their valiant companions promising to be their Leader and to be willing to share with them in all labour and danger The King of England did the like out of envy to the King of France his recent glory and out of anger that he had taken the King of Scotland into his protection The Pope with the like intention but more secretly endeavour'd the same with the Switzers All these affirm'd that the Switzers could undertake no War which could bring them greater glory or richer booty then that of Italy which being already begun must now again be renewed with greater Forces They moreover promis'd them some pay for their Souldiers but much hopes of greater advantage which they might always have by their Friendship This mean time the Venetian Commanders Lautrech being already come as hath been said with aid to their camp held many Councils and did differ in their opinions touching the managing of the War Some were for the raising of the Siege from before Brescia and for carrying the whole Army to Verona for which they alledged that that City now that their veterane Souldiers were gone to relieve Brescia was but weakly garrison'd and that the Enemy had made no provision for necessary defence as not suspecting any such thing then But the season of the year made much against this opinion for the Camp could not without great inconvenience be removed in the midst of Winter nor the Souldiers be led to a new Enterprize Besides it might appear a rash thing to change greater hopes of getting Brescia with the uncertainty of what might befall about Verona for the condition of Brescia being considered it was evidently seen that unless they did intermit their begun works the Town must of necessity fall into their hands either by force or by surrender it was apparent that the City was in great want of money Corn and of all sort of Victuals the Commanders were at oddes within themselves the Souldiers weary of being long besieged and by reason of many sufferings rather ready to mutiny then to fight and the Citizens as well by reason of their new grievances laid upon them by their new Masters as out of their ancient affection to the Venetians desirous of Novelties and ready upon any accident to drive the Garrison out of the City Moreover the Defendants were reduced to a small number for the Foot who were come a little before to assist the Besieged seeing that with diversity of opinion but no resolution many discourses had been had of leading the Souldiers forth to fight and that the scarcity of Victuals did daily increase were most of them gone from the City leaving the business unperfected These things being found by the report of many to be true it was by general consent agreed that they should keep their Quarters and attend with all diligence to straiten the City more Our Army abounded in all things for the Senate were so careful to provide all things requisite for War as though the Enemy strove much to hinder it all their endeavours proved vain Amongst the rest Mark Antonio Colonna endeavour'd often by sending his Souldiers out of Verona to keep the Army from victuals and by laying ambushes to intercept the monies which were sent to the Venetian camp To which purpose he kept continually good store of Spanish Foot and Horse at the Town of Legnano which was now fallen into his power to block up all the ways of that Country and the Enemy growing daily more bold and offering at great matters they made incursion even to the Territories of Brescia which they might safely do because they saw the Venetian Army was busied about the Siege Wherefore the Captain General and Commissaries thought that it stood not with the honour and reputation of that Army to suffer that so few men should come so near hand to insult over them Wherefore having notice that Colonna endeavour'd to come into the confines of Mantua to block up that way likewise which as the safest was frequented by those that went to the camp Paolo Manfrone and Mercurio Bua were sent by our men to meet them and to fight them Who though they undertook the business couragiously yet did they not succeed well therein for Colonna having notice of their coming by his Scouts took with him some companies of veterane Souldiers and went speedily towards Valeggio where he had such advantage of place as he might chuse whether he would keep safe there or fight upon advantagious terms Our men and the Enemy entred at the same time by several ways into this Town and both of them strove to possess themselves of the Bridg which joyns the Town together being otherwise divided by the waters of Menzo each side hoping to repulse the Enemy and to make themselves Masters of the
peace Cesar prepares to succour Genua Giorgio Sfonspere musters 10000 Dutch at Bolzano and in despite of the Confederates passes into the Country of Mantua Giovan de Medici his Valour The Dutch pass into Tuscany The Venetians succour the Popes State and send Marco Foscari to Florence The Imperial Fleet towards Genua is pursued by the Venetian Fleet chas'd by Navarro gets at last to Gaetta and lands the Vice-roy of Naples Renzo de Ceri sent by the King of France to Rome The Viceroy succours the Collonesi and besiegeth Frussolone The Colleagues attempt the taking of Naples their proceedings Important actions before the City The Neapolitans are afraid and are supported by Don Ugo Moncada The Ecclesiastical Army in disorder Burbone comes forth of Milan to joyn with the Duth and goes to Bologna The Pope the mean while concludes peace with the Viceroy his little discretion in laying down Arms his fears and his excuse to the Colleagus Embassadours A Tumult in Florence appeased by the Duke of Urbane Burbone despairing of the Enterprise marches towards Rome desires passage from the Pope which is denied wherefore he besiegeth the City he is shot upon the walls thereof with a musket and dies The Emperours Army enters Rome The Pope retires to the Castle of St Angelo Rome in a few dayes undergoes the miseries of being sack'd of Famine of Pestilence and suffers totall desolation of all things as well sacred as prophane THe Fortune and reputation of the French being much declined by their being driven in a short space out of the State of Milan and by Forces not greater then their own it was generally thought that the Venetians whose Army was defeated and the greatest part of their Horse by them dismist they having likewise given leave to their Commissary Gritti to return from the camp and come home having largely made good their Confederacy with King Francis though they got but little good thereby would at last follow the victorious Fortune of Charles the Emperour who as he had formerly seemed to desire their friendship so did he now more then ever endeavour to draw them to side with him hoping by reason of the low condition which the French were in to be able to seperate them from King Francis and believing that the preservation of the State of Milan and the good end of all the war did chiefly depend upon this new Confederacy and upon the assistance and forces of the Venetians for it was very certain that king Francis made great preparations to pass into Italy with a powerfull Army and that if he should be assisted by the Venetians the Emperialists and Sforzas would not be able long to maintain the burthen of so heavy a war As on the contrary if the Venetians should joyn with the Imperialists it was thought that the French would be kept from retiring into Italy being they were to meet with so stout resistance and that King Francis seing himself deprived of the Venetian's aid would lay aside all thoughts of coming into Italy as despairing of good Success Cesar therefore laboured hard to effect this and did not onely treat thereof at his own Court with Gasparo Cotarini who was Embassadour there for the Com-wealth acquainting him with many reasons wherefore the Senate should be perswaded to joyn in like Confederacy with him to defend the States of each other as they had of late years done with the King of France but he likewise interposed the authority of the King of England with whom Charles having had speech at his return from Spain he had had much discourse thereupon and the Cardinal of York had the copy of the Capitulations drawn up by the Emperour's Lord Chancellour and having acquainted Gasparo Contarini with them offered to moderate them and to make them such as the Common-wealth which had complained thereof as being too severe should have reason to accept them But the business requiring some length of time by reason of this distance of place a League was concluded between Charles and Henry reserving room for the Venetians to be comprehended therein if they would declare within three months and if they would accommodate their affairs first with Cesar either by way of Truce or Peace which being communicated to the Senate produced as then no other result save onely fair correspondency in general with a shew of being much inclined to peace and to friendship with Cesar so it might stand with the honour and safety of the Commonwealth and that since the Cardinal of York had already offered himself to be a Mediator and stickler in the business of greatest difficulty it was requisite to hear what he would propound before any resolution could be taken But the news of the French preparations for the affairs of Italy increasing dayly and greater doubts arising in Charles and Henry by reason of the Venetians delaying to put on any resolution that their State would continue their confederacy with France they resolved to send Embassadours to Venice to accelerate the conclusion of the League which was propounded by them The King of England's Embassadour came thither first which was Richard Pace who having received his Commission from his King whilest the said Richard was at Rome discharged his trust together with the Emperours Embassadour which was resident at Venice desiring in their Princes name that the Senate would declare what they intended to do when the King of France should return with an Army into Italy to possess himself of the State of Milan But the Emperours Embassadour proceeded further desiring that the Commonwealth would wage war against the King of France if he should not desist from troubling Cesar and from disturbing the peace of Italy alledging that the Venetians were bound to do so by a particular Confederacy made two years before at London wherein by particular consent of their Senate the State of Venice was named amongst the chief Contracters The Venetians proceeded very maturely in this Treaty weighing how pernicious any resolution they could put on might prove to the Commonwealth according to the various events which might happen in the affairs of Italy and by the secret Counsels of Princes for it was certain That if the King of France should through any accident that might happen delay sending a powerfull army on this side the Mountains his reputation would be so much lesned and the Forces and authority of his enemies so confirmed as the adherers to the French would be exposed to eminent dangers and on the other side to forego their Friendship to boot that it went against their general inclination brought with it no lesser difficulties For it was rather to be believed both in respect of the power and wealth of the Kingdom of France and out of the immense desire that King Francis had to get the State of Milan that the French would return with powerfull Forces on this side the Mountains and regain his former power and authority so as they might have means
of Peace between these two Princes The King did not acquaint the Venetian Senate with these Treaties till it was very late when by the departure of Queen Mother to the Diet at Cambray it could be concealed no longer nor did he then communicate any particulars unto them but did only promise he would come to no agreement with Cesar without their consent and knowledge and the like of the other Confederates and afterwards by endeavours which shewed him to be very well affected towards the Commonwealth he exhorted to universal peace which being as he said to be treated of at the Diet he desired that the Embassadors who were at his Court might have Commissions sent them to conclude it But the Senate though they were very jealous of the King's courses by these proceedings the rather for that they found he had long cunningly nourish'd them with hopes of his coming in person into Italy or of sending powerful forces both by Sea and Land and that yet he had done none of all this the King forbearing to do so for fear of disturbing this Treaty and expecting what the end thereof would be yet to shew that they had still the same minde which they ever had to peace and agreement they resolved to send commissions and authority to their two Embassadors who were yet together in the Court of France Giustiniano and Navagiero to intervene and promise in the name of the Commonwealth what should be fitting to the Treaty of peace But Navagiero having been very sick was dead before this Order came to France which was a great loss to the Commonwealth and much lamented by them all for he was a very learned Gentleman and when he betook himself to the management of publique affairs he shewed great ingenuity and wisdom Giustiniano remained then alone to negotiate this Treaty who received particular instructions from the Senate which in brief were That all things contained in the agreement of the year 23. should be punctually observed and likewise that whatsoever had been formerly promised and confirmed in the Diet at Worms should be effected for in the not observing of these things the difficulties between the Commonwealth and the House of Austria did depend but chiefly that whatsoever should become of the Agreement the restitution of the State of Milan to Francisco Sforza should primarily and principally be regarded But the Embassadour had no occasion to make use of these Instructions for though he followed the Queen to Cambray yet he kept for the most part at St Quintains some few miles from thence nor was he made acquainted with the most important particulars of the Treaty Wherefore the Senate began to be still more afraid that the King would minde himself only in the Agreement without any consideration of their or of the Confederates Interests and that his promise not to come to any Agreement without them was made not with any intention to keep it but least the Confederates should prevent him and by accommodating their affairs with Cesar should make his Agreement the harder and less advantagious To this purpose the King had likewise sent the Bishop of Tarba to Venice to treat of the particular provisions for War the which the less he intended the more did he seek to advantage himself thereby in the Treaty of peace that the contrary might be believed And soon after Theadore Trivultio being come to Venice by order from the King required the Senate to deposite the Cities of Ravenna and Cervia in his hands till some accommodation might be found in that business affirming that he did it to make the Pope declare himself since it was a thing of great moment to have him on their side if he should come himself in person into Italy to which answer was made that for as much as concern'd his coming the Commonwealth would in no wise be wanting in lending such assistance as they had often promised to witness the which they would be content to send twenty thousand Ducats by way of Imprest for the first payment to Susa or to Asti but touching the assignment of the Towns in Romagna that if the Universal Peace should be treated of in the Dyet at Cambray that was likewise to be decided together with the other difficulties and that the Senate would not be against such a deposition when they should see their affairs in a safe condition and when all other differences should be accorded But discovering the King 's cunning and contrary intentions in these intercessions they very much longed to hear the result of the Diet at Cambray The Senate therefore ordered their Embassadour in England Lodovico Faliero that he should mediate with King Henry who had alwaies been a friend to the Commonwealth to take upon him the protection of the Republique as he had formerly done when things went hardest with her and endeavour that in what should be treated off in the Dyet at Cambray nothing should be concluded which might prove prejudicial to her nor to the Liberty of Italy whereof he for many years past had to his infinite praise been a particular Defender Whilst these things were in treaty Cesar who for all this negotiation of peace gave not over thinking nor preparing for his coming into Italy came to Genua accompanied with many grâ—at Lords with thirty five Gallies and eighty other vessels having brought with him eight thousand foot and a thousand Horse from Spain which he caused to be landed at Savona that they might pass the more easily into Lombardy It was not easie to discern then what his design was for he had still constantly given out that he came into Italy to settle peace in her and to accommodate his differences with all the Italian Potentates yet he was very diligent in increasing his forces raising many Souldiers from all parts and giving order that all his men should meet in that place where he himself should be in person and resolving to go to Piacenza he sent forthwith to have his Lodgings prepared there Leva had at this time twelve thousand foot with him the Prince of Orenge was gone from Naples with seven thousand to Spoleti whither the Popes men were come Ten thousand Dutch foot began to fall down from Trent into the Territories of Verona which were raised in the County of Tirol and those that were lately come from Spain were eight thousand So as when all these should be met together the Emperour would have about fourty thousand foot in his service besides Horse whereof the number was not small the Dutch foot being accompanied with ten thousand Burgonian Horse The Italian Princes grew mightily afraid of this so very great power which increased by the fame that was given out though the King of France continued to affirm the contrary that peace was agreed upon between him and Cesar in the Diet at Cabrai all the other Colleagues being excluded Only the Pope measuring the danger according to the present state of affairs thought himself
to the neighbouring shores that the Triesteene Vessels which were but weakly furnisht might be resisted and be made to suspect that force should be used against them Whilst these things were in Treaty Iovan Francisco de Pazzi a Florentine came to Venice to deliver up the Fort of Marano in the name of Pietro Stozzi to the Common-wealth receiving a reasonable reward and to tell them if they should not listen to this offer of his he should be forc't to treat with some other great Prince who he knew would willingly accept of it And it was generally said every where that Strozzi being resolved not any ways to deliver up that Fort to Ferdinando and intending to make what advantage he could of it might easily close with the Turks The King of France had left Marano in the free power of Strozzi in reward of the service he had done that Crown and as others more expresly said in account for great debts which he pretended unto and that he therefore affirmed Strozzi might doe with the Town what he listed Yet it was thought that nothing was done without the knowledge and particular consent of the King of France whose Embassador then resident at Venice as soon as the Agreement was made did much commend the Senates resolution and did thank them for it in his Kings name The Venetians were much troubled at the businesse for the receiving or refusing of the offer was a trouble unto them in divers respects They desired to shun doing of any thing that might displease Ferdinando and much more to occasion any jealousies that they had had any hand in Strozzi's Counsells but to permit that a place so near the Towns of Venice standing as it were upon her own shore should fall into the hands of the Turks was too hard and prejudiciall a businesse and which might prove injurious not onely to the Common-wealth but to all Christendom Being therefore reduced to this necessity they resolved to listen to Pazzi's proposall and two Senators Antonio Capello and Francesco Contarini were appointed to treat with him upon the particulars After many meetings the businesse was conculded thus That upon the delivery up of Marano to the Common-wealth Strozzi was to receive 35000 Duckets Thus Alexander Bondemiere was chosen Commissary of the Town who accompanied by Pazzi and a few foot was received in and had the Town delivered into his hands by Strozzi and with the peoples applause Some of the chiefe of them swore allegiance to the Common-wealth they afterward acquainted the Emperour and Ferdinando with all that was done alleadging just reasons for this their necessary resolution That their actions for two years last past might sufficiently witnesse their sincerity during all which time they would not onely listen to these practises which had been proffer'd them severall times before but had readily given passage victuals and all other commodities to Ferdinando's men for the recovery of Marano that they had considered that Town was of no moment to Ferdinando's affairs neither for State Confines nor advantage that he got thereby but that it would have been very dangerous for his other Territories if it should have fallen into the Turks hands as it was apparent it would have done if they had continued to have dispised Strozzi's offer these reasons being handsomely represented to these Princes by Bernando Navagiero and Marino de Cavalli the one being sent Embassador to Caesar the other to the King of the Romanes did appease them who were at first much incenst at this accident But the condition of the Times did chiefly make them capable of these reasons for a Dyet being intimated to be held in Spire in the beginning of the year 1544. wherein the chief Lords of Germany were to intervene to treat of important affairs of making War with the French and of withstanding that which the Turks made with them the Emperour and the King of the Romanes were wholly bent upon these Negotiations and preparations And as they did much desire this so they hoped that the Common-wealth moved by the Authority of so many German Princes and Cities would suffer it selfe to be drawn into some confederacy when they should see that they had imbraced the enterprise against the Turks But the Emperour in particular was not free from suspitions that the Venetians so often attempted by the King of France should upon the taking of any distaste at his hands part from his confederacy and joyn with the King of France which troubled him the more at this time for that having made peace with the King of England and the Swissers he hoped he might prosper better in his attempts against France then he had done the last year wherein the good he had got was not answerable to his preparations for War For the French having lately relieved Landresi were returned with all their Forces safe into France and the imperial Army dispairing to get the Town gave over the enterprise Wherefore Cesar intending to fall upon France with more forces at the same time that it should be assaulted by the King of England was very desirous of the peace of Italy that his Forces might not be divided by being imployed elsewhere But on the contrary the King of France knowing all this placed much of his hopes in being able to defend and secure his own affairs by troubling the peace of Italy by assaulting Napolls and Millan so as Cesar should be necessitated to turn his Forces to defend those States which he so highly valued therefore considering the advantage he might make thereby either forgetting other respects so often considered by reason of his ardent desire or for that he hoped to bring him the more easily to some Agreement or that he believed time and accidents might make the Venetians alter their determinations he resolved to invite them once more by many offers to joyn in League with him against Cesar and to the end that the Authority of the person imploy'd might purchase more beliefe and honour to the businesse he sent the Cardinall of Ferrara to Venice who was received there very honourably and publick Complements being past he was brought according to his desire to private Audience in the Colledge where he spoke thus The occasion of this my coming hither and the proposal that I am to make as it may peradventure be cause of wonder to others so ought it to cause content and no small consolation to you wise Senators since that coming from a great King to make new intreaties and new confederacy with this Common-wealth after the having so often indeavoured your friendship may be a manifest sign of Francis King of France his good will towards you and your affairs and of the great esteem he hath of this Common-wealth and of her Forces it will sute with the wisdome which is attributed to you Gentlemen and with the praise which is particularly given to your Senate to know how to make good use of this Prince his well wishes
agreement should be made as a friend to the Grand Seigneur nay that it should be declared in express words that the State of Venice should not be molested during that Agreement by those Princes that were therein comprehended and that if it should happen otherwise the Agreement with Soliman should be taken as broken and yet there was an opinion that the Venetians opposed the Truce which there being no hopes of Peace was treated of wherefore Caesar made his Embassador Mendosa return from Trent to Venice not cloaking this suspition but attesting howsoever his great good-will to the Common-wealth and praying the Senate to favour the treaty of Truce which was said to be already well begun at Constantinople and would be the easilier brought to a good end by the assistance of the Common-wealth promising to make her be named therein on their behalfe and included as a friend These things made the Venetians the more desirous to indeavour a suspension of Arms between these Princes because besides other no small considerations they thereby received much safety and honour being to be declared friends to both Parties and to receive and injoy the benefit of peace which might arise from that Agreement which made the Senators more zealous in interposing their Authority knowing very well how much it might make for them to make the Turks believe that she was in good esteem with the Christian Princes and the same Christian Princes that she was so valued by the Turks as that they were stedfastly resolved to keep peace with her It was thought the Emperour did so very much indeavour the conclusion of this Truce with the Turks because he was not onely out of all hopes of being assisted by the German forces against them but inforced to take up Arms against the chiefe Lords and States of Germany who contaminating both sacred and prophane things to the great disparagement of the Church of Rome and Majesty of the Empire did dayly plot more Novelties breaking forth into open Rebellion Wherefore the Emperour who to purchase their loves had formerly yeelded not without the Popes resentment that the Councill should be held in the City of Trent with great prerogatives on the Germans behalfe did afterwards repent himselfe knowing that he had done little good to the cause of Religion lost much ground with the Pope and gotten nothing with Germany and sought to moderate the conditons whereupon the Councill was to meet he therefore sent his Embassador Don Diego de Mendosa to the Common-wealth to bridle the liberty which some of the most licencious and worst affected towards the Court of Rome used But the Venetians knowing that the calling of the Council was not acceptable to the Pope as being done at an unseasonable time and in an unfitting place and in a manner little becomming the dignity and authority of the Apostolick Sea thought they would not openly oppose it would not send their Embassadors thither But the Agreement at Constantinople which was so hopefully brought neer a conclusion of Truce for many years no way of accommodation being to be found for the difficulties which arose touching the restoring of some little Castles in Hungary ended in a short suspension of Arms for but one year but with intention as it was said and written also from Salamons selfe to the King of France that things being better debated at Ferdinando's Court the Embassadors were to return again the next year to the Court at Constantinople with new Commissions to establish peace for a longer time New dislikes arose this mean while between the Turks and Venetians upon occasion of the Confines of Dalmatia where the Sangiacchi of Bossina and Clissa desiring to trouble the quiet for their own advantage or else to pillage the Country or to make the Venetians give them something to avoid those troubles went about to usurpe a good part of the Territory of Zara alleadging that a Country which contained 49 Towns did belong to the Towns of Nadino and Urana as the proper Territories thereof which being by the last conventions granted to belong to the Grand Seigneur they said their Territories belonged unto him too wherefore they threatned the Inhabitants of these places upon pain of great penalties not to acknowledge any other Government then Solimans This did much trouble the Venetians this Country being of great concernment both in it self and for the preservation of the City of Zara. And though their claim was clear for Nadino and Urana being small Castles have no peculiar Country but the Towns thereabout make up a Country together with Zara the chief City of that Province yet by reason of the strange and insolent proceeding of the Turks in such like affairs laying claim to any whatsoever Country whereupon the Grand Seigneurs Horse hath once set his foot they feared this might be the occasion of longer and greater trouble But Soliman being acquainted with the businesse referr'd the examination of the difference over to the Sangiacco of Chersego and to two Cadi's these are the ordinary Judges in point of justice and what they should determine should be done who were to meet upon the place to that purpose with the Representatives of the Common-wealth The Senate chose Luigi Reniero for this employment who handled the businesse with such dexterity and wisdome as the possession of that whole Territory which was in question was left free and quiet to the Common-wealth And new difficulties being raised again upon what had already been decided according to the Turkish custome Reniero as being well acquainted with the businesse was sent Consull to Constantinople who making our claim appear clear to Soliman did not onely obtain that these pretensions should never be any more questioned but that some other Towns formerly usurped and till then injoy'd by the Turks should together with the 49 Towns be restored to the Venetians So great a friend was this Prince to what was just and honest unlesse he were misled by false suggestions This year the Doge Pietro Lando dyed leaving behinde him the reputation of a good and wise Prince and Francisco Donato was chosen Prince in his place Nor did any thing else worth memory happen this year The next year 1546. those who desired the peace of Italy were sorely afraid that she would quickly return to her former troubles for the peace between the Emperour and the King of France not having effected the most important affairs which were agreed upon between them it remained so loose that nothing but opportunity of time was expected to make them re-assume Arms both their forces and thoughts for the present being otherwise employ'd The King of France by the unseasonable death of his son the Duke of Orleans could not obtain the Dukedom of Millan promised him in consideration of the marriage but his antient desire of possessing it was no whit lessened Nor was the Duke of Savoy re-possessed of his Towns the King detaining them under various excuses hoping to satisfie
making any mention of her but with much prejudice to her affairs and not acquainting her with any such resolution And that the estimation he seemed to put upon the Common-wealth proceeded onely from his own interests which when they were severed from those of the Common-wealth he valued her honour nor safety no longer Yet in this variety of opinions all agreed in preserving friendship with the Crown of France as they had done of late years without quitting their Neutrality Wherefore as soon as they heard of King Francis his death they chose two Embassadours Vector Grimani and Matteo Dandelo who were to go forthwith for France to condole according to custome with the new King and court-Court-Lords and then to congratulate the King's succession to the Crown affirming that the Common-wealth was willing and ready to continue peace with the same observancy with Henry as they had done with his father and according to the usuall and antient affection born by the Venetians to the Crown of France The Italians made lesse account of Henry's of England's death he being lesse interessed in the affairs of Italy by reason of the far distance of his State but the Venetians valued the friendship of that King and Kingdom more then the rest not for any reason of State but for that by holding good intelligence with the English they received many conveniences in their Merchandising for divers sorts of Merchandise were usually sent from Venice to England so as the commerce with that Nation was very advantageous to the Venetian-Citizens and Merchants Wherefore the Common-wealth kept usually an Embassadour in Ordinary in England who being upon some occasions removed in the time of war with France upon the ensuing peace the same King desired the Embassadour might return and Bernardo Navagiero was chosen for that employment whose journey was stopt by Henry's death who by reason of this commerce had tane a great affection to the Venetians and did much favour the affairs of the Common-wealth in her times of greatest trouble as may be known by the precedent Narrations And though being alter'd in his own conditions his minde was sometimes alter'd in this point and his friendship lessened he continued notwithstanding to make much of those of the Nation particularly of the Nobility in whom upon many occasions he did confide in many most important businesses and lately in the Treaty of peace with France he made use of Francesco Bernardo a young man full of spirit who for some occasions of his own kept in that Kingdom and past often by order from the King into France and was the chief instrument in making the peace King Henry was succeeded by his son Edward who not being yet eleaven years old the government of the Kingdom was put into the hands of some of the chief Barons The Senate chose Dominico Bolani their Embassadour for England who met with excellent correspondency in the chief Lords and those of greatest authority touching the maintenance of friendship and commerce with the Venetians with promises of giving fair entertainment to all Venetians who should come to that Island But the peace between the English and the French lasted but a while the Inhabitants of both Nations being naturally enemies for the King of Scotland having left one onely daughter heir to his Kingdom King Edward's Governours desired she might be married to their King so as those two Kingdoms might be joyned under one Government as they are joyned in neighbourhood But the Scots abhorring to be brought under the obedience of the King of England to preserve the honour of their Kingdom and through a naturall hatred which they bear to all the English would not give ear thereunto and had recourse to France for help if the English should endeavour to compell them by force of Arms promising their Queen to Henry for wise to one of his sons together with the succession of that Kingdom and obliging themselves to bring her into France as a pledge of their fidelity These offers were the readilier accepted by King Henry who took upon him the protection of the Infant-Queen and of the Kingdom of Scotland For that being desirous of acquiring new Dominions he was not well pleased with the agreement made by his father whereby the City of Bullen was to remain in possession of the English So that a bitter war began already to be kindled between these two Kingdoms Those that dreaded Cesar's power did much dislike to see the new King busied in this enterprise whereby he was to give over the thoughts of Italy and leave Cesar free to prosecute his own designes But of all others the Pope was most troubled hereat who not onely for the common cause but for his own private interests also had designed to bridle Cesar's greatnesse by the French forces He therefore resolved to send Cardinall St. George into France to procure as it was given out that the French Prelates might come to the Councill of Bullognia but indeed to make the King set his minde to oppose Cesar's greatnesse offering him therein his friendship and assistance Whereunto Henry willingly listned as he who being strangely ambitious of warlick glory would not let any occasion slip of making war upon hopes of doing some remarkable action for which the Pope was thought a very fit instrument in regard of his forces for the opportunity of affairs in Italy and much more in respect of his authority Wherefore being easily perswaded to attempt novelties he set his minde upon encreasing his faction in Italy by all means that he might and to gain friends and amongst the rest he sent for Pietro Strozzi whom he honoured with the Order of St. Michael which was then in great esteem and given onely to people of great birth and such as had deserved very well of the Crown of France esteeming him for the vivacity of his spirit for his being an enemy to quietnesse and for his being greatly followed by out-lawed Florentines and others to be an apt instrument to make some important commotion for the service of the Crown of France by disturbing the affairs of Italy He also fomented the rising of those of Sâ—enna and incited them to defend their Liberties out of hopes of his assistance but the Pope and King of France between whom a union was already setled and confirm'd Horatio Fernese Son to Pier Luigi having married a naturall daughter of Henries bent chiefly all their indeavours to get the Venetian Senate to joyn with them whereupon they thought they were to ground their chief foundation of attempting any thing in Italy against Caesar to which purpose the King sent Monsieur de Soissonne to Venice a man of great account for his births sake and to the same purpose made use of Monsieur de la Casa who was the Popes Nuncio there These hoped to finde the Venetians more ready hereunto than they had been formerly for what hath been already said of Cesars Atchievements and particularly in consideration of
much incouraged to hold out by the love which those Inhabitants bore to the Common-wealth and by the scituation of the place which is naturally very strong For the Fort had but one front to defend which lay towards the south East which by reason of its hight was safe enough and was surrounded every where else by an unaccessible Rock â—â—ali being gone from Castel Rosso which is seated upon the head of Nigraponte after Sun-set came early the next morning before the Island of Tine where landing about 8000 foot he made them presently march towards the Town which was five miles from the shore hoping to take it by assault But the Governour who was alwaies vigilant discrying the Fleet before it came to the Island and indeavouring at one and the same time the safety of the Islanders and of the Fort gave the Islanders timely notice of the Enemies approach by shooting off of Guns so as they might get time enow to get within the Town and by them he might the better resist the assault which was made that very day and wherein the Enemy were repuls'd and much galled by the Artillery as they retreated in so much as they were forced to keep aloof off and quarter that night in the plain called St. Nicholas The next day landing some great Guns they intended to batter the Fort but finding by the scituation of the Place that that design would prove vain they incampt about it hoping that many men being gotten into the Town they might take it by siege Wherein having spent 12 days and solicited the Governour in vain by Letters containing both threats and great-rewards to surrender the Town and finding him still more resolute to defend himselfe they resolved to be gone having first ransackt the whole Country fired the farm Houses ruin'd the Churches and kild all the cattle This action purchas'd great praise to the Governour who was not at all daunted at the sight of such forces had valiantly sustain'd the assault and in so great commotions of War preserved that Island which lay in the very jaws of the Enemy and rendred this their first design vain The Turks leaving the Island of Tine went to Rhodes where having staid a while and designed what they would do they came to Fenica Hither were all the Souldiers brought which were to come aboord the Fleet which being altogether made above 200 Sayl whereof there was 150 Gallies and of the bigger sort some vessels for burthen one Gallyoune six Ships and a great number of lesser Vessels for carriage called by the Turks Caramusolini and about fifty Palandarie which are made like small Gallies but somewhat larger in the Poope and higher on the sides and much covered containing about a hundred Horse a peece The Turks parted with these forces from Fenica and steered their course towards Cyprus but because the actions of greatest importance in this War hapned in this Island the possession whereof was the cause of the War it will be worth the while to acquaint you with the State and most remarkable proprieties of this Country before we proceed to the Narration of what was there done The Island of Cyprus lies towards the Levant in the furthermost part of the Mediterranean which according to the severall Provinces which lye upon it hath severall names given it The Island looks on the East towards Soria with which if we will credit the testimony of the Ancients she did at first joyn in a Terra Ferma On the West lies Panfilia which is now called Sarmania On the South Aegypt and Caramania on the North which is the ancient Cilicia on which side this Island lies nearest the continent It is seven hundred miles in compasse extending it selfe about 200 miles in length East North-East towards the Levant but in the largest part it is not above seventy miles over It is of a very good Air being placed in the beginning of the fourth Climate under the ninth Parallel so as it produceth almost all things belonging to humane life in great abundance and perfection And though hardly the fifth part thereof he cultivated the half thereof lies every other year follow yet is it so fruitfull as it hath not onely wherewithall to supply the necessity of the Inhabitants but to serve Forrainers Besides Corn it yields much Sugar Cotton Saffron and many other things which are transported into forrain parts It abounds in Salt-pits which though they be now reduced to the third part of their former number yet as much pure white salt may be taken from thence every year as will load one hundred great ships It abounds also in severall sorts of Creatures excellently good nor doth it want Mines of the most pretious Mettalls By reason of this great plenty of all things it was anciently called Macaria as if Blessed which made the Poets fain that the goddesse Venus was born here and did delight to live here as in her proper 〈◊〉 Wherefore the Cyprians erected a famous Temple to her in the City of Paphos It was celebrated by antiquity as the seat of nine Kings having within it thirty Cities which though according to the custom of modern daies they be greater in number then reality yet there remains many worthy memorialls of their pristine grandeâ—sa and prosperity And there are yet seen the ruines of severall Cities as well Maritime as Inland which are wholly destroyed But at this time her chiefest Towns are Nicossia Famagosta Baffo Cerines and Limiso which latter two were onely reduced into any strength there not being any other place in the whole Island able to resist the Turks power though Cerines hath held out long formerly against lesser forces The Inhabitants of this country were so highly esteâ—â—ed for worth in war and for experience at sea as Alexander the great forbore to molest them with his Arms. And we read in modern Histories that they did many memorable acts in the businesse of the Holy Land and in Soria against the Infidells This Island was Tributary to the greatest Empires of the world for following the fortune of other Eastern people it became obedient to the Kings of Aegypt and to those of Persia and lastly to the Romans When the Roman Empire began to decline it was possest by the Sarasins which the Turks make use of at this time to shew they have some just pretence to this Island affirming that they found in their Hâ—stories that their fifth Captain of the Mahometan Religion after Mahomet had acquired and possest it and that there were the Sepulchers of many Musselmans which they could not suffer to remain in the power of those of another Religion But it was recovered from the Sarasins by the Christians in the year 1122. and joyned to the Kingdom of Jerusalem when they went to the taking of the Holy Land And after severall accidents being separated from thence it was governed for many years by Lords of its own under the protection of the Emperours of
Soliman which he for the first year sent speedily to Barbarossa but yet he could not keep his people from being plundered wherein the souldiers behaved themselves so insolently as they carried booty from thence worth more than 25000 Duckets This is the chiefe Island of the Cyclades amongst which it is numbred for one and the ground thereof is so fruitfull as it was formerly called Little Sicily Thus did Barbarossa strive to win the love of his souldiers by the ruines of these miserable people and provided great presents for the chief men of the Court hoping thereby to win their good will that he might go to Sea the next year with greater forces and authority Some of our Captains were of opinion to have followed the Enemy with their whole Fleet when they went from Corfu to hinder these mischiefs which were foreseen by every one and to keep possession of those Islands from whence they reaped great convenience and especially great store of men for their Gallies yet considering the season and the enemies strength whence some bad accident might befall them but chiefly minding the Senates order and intention of uniting the forces of the Colleagues which they could not do and go so far off with their Fleet they laid aside the thought thereof and resolved that Generall Pesaro drawing a good many men out of the Garrisons of Dalmatia should go with some gallies to the taking in of Scardona and that Vetturi should go with some other gallies to Obrovazzo but he not being able to go thither himselfe by reason of his indisposition of health sent some Governours of the gallies thither and Colonell Gabriele dalla Riva who was then in Zara and these were afterwards accompanied by Nicolo Buondelmiero Captain of the gulph with some other gallies and fly-boats to assist the enterprise The Town of Scardona is near Sebenico and therefore of great esteem for the safety of that Fort and for the inconveniency which the neighbouring parts may receive from thence it being in the Enemies hands The Town was walled round about but weakly and had in it two small Castles As soon as the Venetians drew near it after some small resistance the Turks surrendred upon discretion to General Pesaro who though he had a good will to save the lives and goods of the Inhabitants yet his commands being neither hard nor obey'd amidst the fury the first that entred the Town fell to sacking and the Turks who retired to within their confines to save themselves meeting with a number of people in Arms belonging to the Territory of Sebenico they were all cut in pieces by them Francisco Salmone was left Governour of the Town by the Generall who thought then to have secured it by a new Fort but better considering the difficulty and the expence of maintaining that place seated in the midst of the Enemies forces and the damage which they might receive if it should fall back again into the Turks hands it was thought better to slight the Castles and to content themselves with having deprived the Enemy of such a receptacle The Turks who were in Obrovazzo though they were but a few did for a while defend the Town valiantly but being forc'd at last to yeeld they retreated into the Castle which whilst they were ordering their affairs how to take it the gallies were sent for back by the Generall by reason of new orders sent from Venice to go with the Fleet towards Corfu Touching the preservation whereof the Senate had had very great care being awakened by the past dangers and by those eminent ones which were yet threatned They therefore sent Captains Ingineers Monies and Men to reduce the Fort to greater security They likewise desired to comfort the people that were there by the presence of the chief Sea-commanders and by restoring their losses as much as they could by furnishing them with wood and other Materials to re-build their houses which were destroyed by the enemy Thus the winter comming on ended the war for this year the effects whereof were no waies answerable to the so great preparations and mens minds were quieted who stood expecting to what side the fortune of War would lean The Princes bethought themselves in this interim what was to be done the next year 1537 wherein their ends were various not well known Soliman seemed to desire peace with the Venetians whereof the first Bashaw had by Solimans consent some discourse with Consul Canale desiring him that the Embassador might come to Constantinople who was already chosen to that purpose promising he should have a safe conduct and all fair entertainment But the greater the unaccustomed civility of these haughty men was the more were their proceedings suspected fearing that they did not intend peace by this Treaty but to take the Commonwealth from off friendship with Cesar and to break the Treaty of League Charles the Emperour seemed to be wholly bent upon making war with the Turks saying sometimes that he had a great desire to go himselfe in person to that enterprise and that he very much covered so great glory which was all the reward which he desired and that what Territories soever should be taken from these Enemies should by his consent be added to the common-wealth of Venice calling her the true Out-bulwork against the Turks and that therefore it was a great service to Christendom to increase their power Cesar made these outward appearances and his Officers in Italy that they might agree with their Princes outwardly appearing sense and to make it be believed that he did really intend it seemed to be very solicitous in preparing for War Doria promised to have his gallies ready to put to Sea very early and that he would joyn with the Venetian Fleet saying that he very much desired to do some signall service in this War to Christendom and particularly to the Common-wealth And Marquis Guasto Governour of Millan seemed as ready to lend his helping hand to the businesse in all things that were requisite he sought upon all occasions of discourse especially when he met with the Secretary of the Common-wealth to advance any thing whereby Cesar might be believed to be well-minded to the League and zealous of the good of Christendom yet there were those that doubted lest Cesar by these outward shews might seek to conceal his other more secret thoughts and that he either had other ends or was not well resolved either upon War or Peace but would observe what others did and pitch upon what might be best for himself but in the interim by seeming so desirous of War he made the Venetians listen more eagerly after the League and reposing their trust therein to break off the Treaty of Peace which was propounded to them by Soliman so as necessitating them to adhere to him and to continue War with the Turks he thought to reap some advantage to himself by making the Common-wealth his Bulwork and so with safety to himselfe prolong time