and marched against the inhabitants of Vderza saying that they did wrongfully hold from him certaine lands belonging to his wife Hee did first spoile the Countrie round about then he assailed the Citie which beeing taken hee burned downe to the ground Some Authors affirme that vpon the same occasion he assailed likewise those of Ferrara and that he tooke by force a Citie of their confines These warlike actions made him more insolent For he placed a companie of soldiors in the Dukes Palace for his guard and all his speech and actions sauoured of tirannie The people calling to minde their ancient libertie fel on a sodaine vpon him the seuenteenth yeare of his gouernment as some saie or the eighteenth according to others For the Historians doe much disagree concerning the times of euerie Princes gouernment But with his Guarde defending himselfe valiantly from the top of his house they set fier on the houses next to the Palace on this side the Canall on the same side the winde did blow which being kindled the flame did not onely burne the Dukes Palace but Saint Markes Church Pietro seeing himselfe inuironed with so manie miseries and that he must bee constrained either to giue place to the peoples furie or else to die there he tooke his yonge son which he had by this last wife in his armes and went into that part of the Church which the fier had not yet touched and comming forth by a priuie way he endeuoured to saue himself and his sonne by flight whom he meant to carrie into Exile with him But when he perceiued all the waies stopped with Armed men he then fell to intreaties That they would not fall vpon him as on a cruell beast that they would abstaine from hurting him till he had excused himselfe to the people and then it should be at their choice either to put him to a cruell death if they thought it fit or else to saue his life as by their bountie they had done in times past whilst his Father liued at such time as they accounted him guiltie of Treason He did moreouer confesse that the people might be iustly mooued against him but yet the yonge childe in his armes was innocent that they should doe a most vnworthie deede If for the hatred they did beare to the Father they should murther the innocent creature who neuer yet had offended anie one All these entreaties were vaine and those who assailed him cried out a loud That it was lawfull for them being an holie and iust matter to take awaie a Tirant from the Common-wealth whose excuses could not be but wicked And so rushing vpon him he did in a moment fall downe dead to the ground wounded in diuers places with his yong sonne likewise Some saie that they did cut the childes throate in the trembling nurses armes and that the bodies were by the peoples command throwne vpon the dunghill and there left to bee eaten with dogges but that at the intreatie of Giouanni Gradonico that lamentable spectacle was remoued from the sight of the multitude and the bodies honorably buried in St. Hilaries Church Some thinke that through the counsell of Pietro Vrseolo who was Duke after him the people fired the houses next to the Palace and that it was done onely to hurt the Duke But it fell out otherwise For the force of the winde and the houses neere to the Palace did in such sort feede this fier as besides the Palace the most magnificent Cathedrall Church of the Citie and those of Saint Theodore the Martir and Saint Marie Iubenica with three hundred priuate houses were the same daie burnt The end of the third Booke of the first Decade THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE FIRST DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice ¶ The Contents of the fourth Booke of the first Decad. THe Dukes Palace burnt in the last popular sedition is repaired at VRSEOLO'S cost who succeeded CANDIANO He giues a most rich Table to laie vpon Saint MARKES Altar VITALIS Patriarch of Grada sonne to the deceased Duke CANDIANO flies to the Emperour OTHO ADHELETA a most renowned Ladie and her manie crosses The league renued with those of the Cape of Histria VRSEOLO moued with a Religious desire doth secretly leaue the Citie The Common-wealth endangered by ciuile discorde OTHO the second makes secretwarre on the Venetians whom he first seekes to ouercome by famine Saint GEORGES Churche built right opposite to the great market-place The description of the Countrie of Illiria All Histria and Dalmatia brought vnder the subiection of VRSEOLO The Emperour OTHO the third comes to Venice in disguise and remaines secretly for a time with the Duke The Phaledrini build Saint BENETS Church The Venetian ouercomes the Hadrians neere to the mouthes of the Riuers Po and Adice They fight likewise afterward with good successe in Dalmatia with Heresimus King of Croatia Prince OTHO banished DOMINICO VRSEOLO flies to Rauenna the morrow after he had seised on the Dukes Palace being driuen thence by the people Those of Zara reuolt after they had first yeelded to the Venetians PEPIN Patriarch of Aquileia troubleth the quiet of the Common-wealth From whence the Normans are descended who haue a long time reigned in Italie and Sicilie GISCARD their Captaine The Venetians vanquish the Normans at Sea neere to Durazzo THE Common-wealth hauing by the Dukes death preserued her ancient libertie it was an hard matter to declare whether of these two were the greatest either their ioye for being freed from tyrannie or their sorrow to see so many publique and priuate buildings consumed to ashes by the late fire which did maruellously deface the Cities beautie But fearing least such an astonishment might breed some greater mischeife in the Citie as it is often seene that one new sorrow followeth another at the heeles they forthwith created a new Duke But yet they sought out one differing in humour and qualitie from him that last deceased But they needed not make any farre search being so well furnished neere at hand ¶ PIETRO VRSEOLA the 23. Duke of Uenice THe vertuous wisedome of Pietro Vrseolo being at the same time knowne to all men was the cause that at the generall assembly held at Saint Peters Church for the same purpose which is at this day the Patriarks seat he was with a generall applause declared Prince who refusing this charge tooke it vpon him at the peoples entreatie who told him that he ought not to forsake the Commonwealth in so dangerous a season Yet it is most certaine that hee vnwillingly embraced it For being from his youth brought vp and trained in the loue of Iustice hee was afraid of popular gouernment which seldome or neuer respects the innocent But the affection which hee did beare to his Countrie for the which we are chiefly borne as saith diuine Plato made him not to abandon his fellow-citizens in so great a danger So soone therefore as hee was chosen Prince
houses neere to the Cittie with firie arrowes which hee shotte from his Gallies The affaires of the Empire being thus troubled Emaâ—…uel by his Ambassadours had recourse vnto the Venetians of whom in respect of their ancient friendship he freely craued helpe in his great need or if he asked it too late that they would yet reuenge the wrongs done vnto him Therefore they prepared a mightie Fleete which being in readinesse in the Hauen after that certaine Gallies which were abroad were by a decree called home the Prince set forward against the enemies But Historians make no mention at what time these Gallies which were called home departed from Venice We must beleeue they were those which the Venetians did entertaine for the defence of the coaste of Syria according to their promise made to Baldwin as some Authors doe affirme The Fleet being departed from the Citie sayling on the maine and grieuously tossed with a mightie tempest did put it selfe into the Hauen of Caorli a territorie of the Forlani where the Prince falling sicke and perceiuing his disease growing worse and worse and that there was no hope of his sodaine recouerie after he had committed the charge of the Armie to Giouanni his brother and Reyniero his sonne he returned to Venice Emanuel likewise had armed a great number of vesselles which hee committed to the charge of one of his Lieutenants with all authoritie at Sea He came by Land with his forces into Albania where he besieged the Citie of Bùtritot But during these atchieuements the Venetians after they had slaine diuers of the enemies and taken many prisoners tooke the Isle of Corfu by force Some neuerthelesse affirme That the Island was rather recouered that they did not fight on the maine Sea and That the Kings Fleete being dispersed and defeated the Venetians tooke foureteene of his Gallies who after they had left strong Garrison for the guard of this Island sailed forthwith into Sicilia where so soone as they arriued there is no sort of crueltie which they committed not They did put all the Prouince to fire and sword burnt diuers Cities cut downe the Trees plucked vp plants by the rootes and carried great numbers of prisoners with them to Venice By meanes whereof the Empire was not onely protected as at other times by the Venetians forces but restored to her ancient splendor and maiestie which would hardly haue beene done without their aide The Princes death which hapned before the Armies returne hindred the publike ioye for such a victorie who deceased the nineteenth yeare of his gouernment Dominico Morosini was by a generall consent chosen in his place ¶ DOMINICO MOROSINI the 37. Duke of Uenice ABout the same time as some write Rogero King of Sicilie deceased who was an enemie to the Venetians This Prince after diuers great atchieuements hauing subiected vnder his power the Citie of Thunis in Africke caused in his life-time these Latine verses to be engrauen on his kinglie sword Appulus Calaber Siculus mihi seruit Apher Which may be thus englished The prowd Calabrian beares my yoake Black Affrica I tam'd Sicilia's Island felt my stroake with'Pulia Naples nam'd Sixe galleies were sent the same yeare to defend the Sea-coasts on which the Pirats made ordinary incursions who sailing on the maine tooke fiue Galleies of Ancona which Guiscard one of the Pirats of his time did commaund who being taken was presently hanged About the same time likewise diuers buildings aswell publike as priuate were consumed with fier in our Ladies Island no man knowing from whence it came Besides at the same time the foundations of the great Tower was laid which is right ouer against the market-place and is a verie admirable peece of worke For it is reported that the foundations of the same great Masse are laid so deepe vnderground as there was more time spent therein than on the whole worke besides The top thereof glistering with gold is of such heighth as a man may not only from thence see round about the Citie but likewise discouer a great way off at Sea towards the South and East in such sort as the brightnesse therof doth appeare like a luckie starre two hundred stadij in length to those which saile from Histria and Dalmatia The Polani with diuers other of Histria did by their thefts trouble the Gulfe The Dukes Sonne with Marino Gradonico were sent against them with fiftie Armed Gallies Pola being besieged by them the inhabitants at their first arriuall sued for peace which was granted them on condition That they should no more robbe at Sea and pay yearlie two thousand weight of oile for S. Markes Church The Parenzans likewise being moued with the like feare promised to giue them aide as oftentimes as the Duke should goe to the wars The Emonians promised as much with a yearelie tribute of oile Some did besides acknowledge them for their Soueraigne Lords promising to free all the Venetian Merchants from subsidies and impositions Those of Aâ—…cona likewise at the same time made a league with the Venetians The like did William King of Sicilie who succeeded Rogero in regard whereof he graunted diuers priuileges and immunities to the Venetian Marchants which frequented the Faires of Sicilie Pope Anastasius at the Venetians entreatie erected the Church of Zara into an Arch-bishops See whereunto he subiected all the Cities of the neighbour-Islands Yet I am not of opinion that the same was done so much in fauour of those of Zara who were not at the same time greatly affectionate to the Venetians as in hatred to the other Cities of Dalmatia which for the most part being reuolted from the Venetians did at the same time obaie the King of Hungarie If this be so as diuers likewise affirme it we must thinke That Dominico Michaeli at his returne from Syria did not recouer Spalatrá Trahu nor any other Citie in Dalmatia but only Zara or else of a certaine That this Archi-episcopall erection was in the daies of Vitalis Michaeli the second in whose time we finde Trahu Spalatra Ragusa and diuers other Cities of Dalmatia to bee possessed by the Emperour Emanuel The Church of the Virgin which the crossed Friers possesse was built at the charges of the Gussoni an honourable familie as that likewise of St. Mathew toward the which Bernardo Cornari did freely giue the ground This is all which is obserued to haue hapned at home or abroade vnder this Princes gouernment who died the eighth yeare of his Principalitie and was buried in the Church of Holie-Crosse ¶ VITALIS MICHAELI the second the 38. Duke of Venice VItalis Michaeli the second succeeded him who after he had wholly rooted out all ancient emulation betwixt the Venetians and the Pisans made a league with them The Venetians vnder this Princes gouernment took part with Pope Alexander the third vpheld by the kings of France and England against Octauian the Anti-Pope who was alone fauoured by
was Ambassador for the Signorie with his Holinesse brought these presents to Venice which the Prince in great solemnitie did weare vpon that day that the peace was published Peace at the same time was treated of with Sforza by Ambassadors Pascalis Maripietro was to that end sent to Crema whither Ambassadors were come from Milan to treate of that businesse The Senate likewise sent Ambassadors to congratulate Borsia d' Aeste for his promotion to his new principalitie who after the death of Leonello had beene with a generall consent proclaimed Prince At the same time likewise Hermolao Donato a Venetian Gentleman was murthered The Senate by a decree made sharpe search for the murtherers and promised a perpetuall pension besides a present recompence to him that should bewray them The Duke of Austria the Emperours brother in his iourney from Rome towards Germanie came to Venice The Prince and Senate went â—…o meete him and being receiued into the Bucentauro he was conducted to the Pallace of Aeste which was sumptuously prepared for his lodging and hauing at leisure viewed the Citie he went home into Germanie In the accord which they made with king Alphonso the Sienois the Duke of Sauoy the Maquesse of Montferrat and the Lords of Corregia were included their Commissioners sent for that purpose did at one time meete at Venice Ambassadors came from the king of that part of Illiria which at this day is called Bossina who from their master did present the Prince with foure gallant horses hawkes and flagons of siluer they said that they came to bring the presents and in their masters name to congratulate in the presence of the Prince and Senate the marriage of his daughters one of whom had married Stephen the Vayuod and the other Caloianes Viceroy of Hungarie And that therfore the King their Lord did wish perpetual happinesse to the Prince Senate and people of Venice his friends for that he had made new alliance with two such great personages That he did besides take a solemne oath to continue a perpetuall friend to the Venetians which so long as he should liue he would religiously keepe The Prince and Senate did highly thanke the king and gaue kinde entertainment to the Ambassadors Whilest these things were done at Venice Gentilis Leonesio and Tiberto Brandolino some Authors mention Picinino in steede of Brandolino did by the Senates commandement take fifteene hundred horse from Coyoni which he had with him on the territorie of Verona against whom hauing practised some noueltie they came on a sodaine as they had beene commanded But himselfe escaping went to Mantua to Prince Lodouico At the same time king Alphonso the Venetians and their associates did chace the Florentines from their confines in hatred to Sforza whom they had assisted with money Carolo Gonzaga vpon the first report of this warre came to the Venetians to implore their aid and succour against his brother Lodouico who he said had wrongfully bereft him of those lands which he had till then possessed by his fathers testament The Venetians did louingly receiue him and did put him in hope whether that they had peace or warre soone to repossesse him in his estate and the Commonwealth gaue him in the meane time a thousand crownes a moneth for the entertainmenr of himselfe and familie Lodouico Bishop of Aquileia came to Venice and within a while after Pietro Barbe Cardinall who when hee came to be Pope would needs be called Paulo great troupes of Gentlemen went forth to meete either of them and both of them were honorably entertained But the Emperour Fredericke had more princely reception who with Leonora his wife came to Venice about the Spring time of the yeare following For such great numbers of boates neuer went forth to meet any Prince whatsoeuer It is reported that besides the Bucentauro richly hung with cloath of gold wherein the Prince and chiefe Senators were foure great vessels were set forth whose poopes were all guilded in which were the whole nobilitie of Venice These followed the Bucentauro as their Admirall The Gallies went after them The Ganzares and patischermes which are lesser vessels to the number of sixscore were as gallantly decked as those of the Clarissimi in which were the common Citizens who did striue to exceed one another in brauerie The whole Citie was hung that day with cloath of gold purple scarlet and violet colour In euerie place musicall instruments songs and sweet voyces were heard which did in a manner rauish the hearers Fredericke being come to S. Clements Church where the Prince met him came forth of the Duke of Ferraraes Barge and went into the Bucentauro where the good old Prince Foscare welcomed and seated him in a throne of Golde and then sate downe next to him He was with great ioy and generall applause conducted through the middest of the Cittie to the Pallace of Aeste which the Common-wealth had richly furnished for his lodging The Empresse Leonora within a while after came to Venice and to the end that her entrie into the Cittie might be more magnificent shee tarried three dayes at S. Nicholas on the shoare then vpon an holiday she was receiued into the Bucentauro by the Princes wife and two hundred of the fairest Ladies glistering with gold purple and pretious stones The same order of boates as had serued for the Emperours reception did wait vpon her through the Cittie as farre as Saint Eustace his Church vnto the pallace of the Vitturi where shee landed The chiefe Senators went to visite her and to doe her seruiee in the Morning and Euening The day was spent in feasting those great Guests The Councell Chamber was richly hung which was filled with the fairest and noblest Ladies of the Cittie The Senate presented the Empresse so soone as she entred her Chamber with a Crowne of Golde set with three pretious stones which were esteemed to be worth two thousand sixe hundred crownes and with a coate for a little childe as a presage of her future progenie with a Cradle-cloth of purple powdered with pearles Both of them danced together The day was spent in all delights and pleasures And the whole Citie did keepe many Holie-daies in honour of her great Guests although they had not neglected their care for the warre of Lombardie Heereby wee may perceiue how curious the Venetians haue euer beene more than any other people of Italie to giue entertainement to forraine Princes Fredericke being gone the Senate the better to prouide for the expences of the warre made a Decree that all Officers aswell in the Cittie as abroad Iudges Registers and others of meaner qualities vnder great Officers who in anie kinde had pension of the Common-wealth should pay a certaine tribute to the Signiorie And that the Gentlemen after that they had executed their yearely charge for euerie one at the yeares end receiued his pay should serue the Republique gratis for sixe moneths longer At this
of Hungarie as it was afterwards knowne made sodaine incursions vpon the very confines of Italy to surprise Porto-nouo a towne vpon the Riuer Lizonza The Hungarians made a stay vpon the Thryestines territorie But the Senate though it certainly knew that the same King made warre still vpon Frederick and that those troupes were expresly sent into Italy to surprize Porto-nouo and Tryeste which Frederick yet held yet because they were not well assured of the Kings intention they forthwith sent certaine troopes of horse which lay in Garrison betwixt Verona and Padua to the Carnons territories But the Hungarians passing quietly through the territorie of Vdina and frustrate of their hope to take the Citie which the Bandetti had assured them of left Italy and returned without any farther attempt The better part of Haruest was alreadie spent when Roberto Sanseuerino who notwithstanding the peace in Lombardie still remained in the Venetians pay earnestly solicited by Letters from Pope Innocent who succeeded Sixtus went without the Senates consent or knowledge who were then at peace by sea and land with his sonnes Fracasso and Galeas and two and thirtie companies of horse first into Faminia and afterwards to Rome in the middest of winter but hee arriued somewhat before his forces for the Pope being pressed by Alphonso hastened his comming The cause of this warre proceeded from the commotions of the Volaterrans and rebellion of certaine Princes who by a sodaine conspiracie reuolted from Ferdinand retiring to Pope Innocent requesting his aide against that King The Pope finding them not onely worthie to be protected by his authoritie but likewise to be freed from all wrong by the forces of the Church of Rome it fell out that Virgino Vrsino who as we haue elsewhere said besides sundry townes which hee possest neere Rome on this side and beyond Tiber had likewise diuers others in the Marshes as farre as the lake Fuscino in the confines of the Realme of Naples remained still loyall to the King At first he resolued as it is reported not wholly to abandon the King nor likewise in any sort to take Armes against the Pope but together with Ferdinand defending the Realmes frontiers following his Ancestors steps to make no attempt neere Rome In this maner he remained as it were neuter amidst these new garboiles of warre when after Sanseuerins arriual by the perswasion as it was thought of some chiefe Commanders of the contrarie faction the Pallace of the Vrsini vpon Mount Iordano which is the name of some part of the Citie was sodainly by the soldiers spoiled and burnt whereat Virginio being incensed did presently declare himselfe together with the other Lords of that familie an enemy to the Pope Alfonso strengthened by this mans power and hauing seized on certaine bridges neere Rome began after Sanseuerines arriuall to waste and spoile all places round about the Citie We onely mention this to acquaint the reader with the cause of the warre betwixt the Pope and King Ferdinand Now while these things were done neere Rome Prince Mocenigo died the seuenth yeere of his Gouernment ¶ MARCO BARBADICO the 73. Duke of Uenice MArco Barbadico a Senator of great wisdome and authoritie was by a generall consent chosen Prince in his stead This man the Common-wealth being quiet at home and abroad repaired the Ducall Pallace begunne a while before with such expedition as in a few moneths whilest he remained Prince all that part thereof towards the East was with stately Architecture almost finished The cold weather nothing abating the furie of the Pestilence it did greatly afflict the Citie Therefore three Senators were appointed who had ample commission to doe whatsoeuer they should finde necessarie to free it from that calamitie These men that they might the sooner take away the cause of the sicknesse in an open place for the purpose caused a great quantitie of infectious apparell which the couetous graue-makers had layed vp together to bee burned in one fire And because great numbers of people did surcharge the Citie they sent a great part of the vulgar to inhabit elswhere At the same time the great Chanell opposite to the great market-place was clensed the which by a decree of Senate though it were of great extent was in all places scoured They sent certaine foote companies according to their vsuall manner into Cyprus for to guard the Island In the meane time warre betwixt the Pope and the Vrsini who as hath beene said shewed themselues openly for Ferdinand brake forth into great flames after the arriuall of Sanseuerines forces For Pontenomentana being recouered which they had taken and Fracasso sonne to old Sanseuerino almost slaine with a bullet the whole burthen of the warre fellon Paulo Vrsino and other of Virginio's kinsmen For Nomentana being taken by force was sackt and ruined Sanseuerino marched towards Monterotonda when Cardinall Baptista Vrsino came to the Pope and assured him that himselfe and friends would be obedient to the holie Sea by meanes whereof there were none other attempts made neere Rome Virginio's troopes of horse did in the meane time waste the Roman territorie till Alphonso's returne from Tuscanie where according to their agreement they receiued a braue cauallery from the Florentines and Milaneses with which they made towards Rome Sanseuerino with farre fewer number went to incounter him neere Flisco there in skirmish the enemie lost certaine horse but this notwithstanding Alphonso presuming on his owne strength did in despight of Sanseuerino make furious incursions vpon the Romanesca The Pope who till then had constantly maintained this great warre though he alreadie before resolued as some say to craue aide from France hauing sent for Renatus Duke of Lorraine to come into Italy against Ferdinand and had likewise by his Nuncio Nicolao Franco elect Bishop of Treuiso requested the Venetians to associate him in that warre yet because supplies from France are accounted farre off and tedious and that the Venetians in respect of their league sworne in Lombardie at the finishing of the Ferrarois warre with Lodouico Sforza Alphonso and the Florentines would not take Armes hauing thereby lost all hope of aide from any other place and fearing to precipitate the State of Rome into greater dangers he did willingly incline to peace which the enemie offered him on honourable termes For though he was a great Protector of the papall dignitie yet he loued peace and quietnesse in concluding whereof he did as much as in him lay procure the wealth and aduancement of the Church of Rome together with that of his friends and confederates Sanseuerino presently after peace was made being casheerd and resoluing to carrie backe his troupes of horse into Lombardie did by letters and expresse messengers craue leaue of the Senate to retire with two thousand horse into some towne belonging to their territories But his demand not granted himselfe destitute of all counsell as a man forsaken hauing no safe place of retreate and Alphonso
would be reported to king Charles and Alphonso answered That in so difficult a businesse subiect to sundry accidents they knew not what was best to be done and though they loued the one better than the other yet they durst not deliuer their opinion because that Fortune is commonly Mistresse in warre and that it vsually comes to passe that matters done by chance and aduenture did oftentimes prosper better than those which are premeditated and debated with long consultation and therefore they ought to craue councell of none but Almightie God who onely knew what was best for men to embrace or auoide and with this answere dismissed them Now the forces which king Charles and Lodouico had sent before being come neere the enemies neither the one or other durst come to stroakes but marched close together being still protected by some fort or riuer which was euer betwixt them yet they made sundrie light skirmishes to shew their valour King Charles had sent the Duke of Orleans Iulian the Cardinall nephew to Pope Sixtus and Antonio Prince of Salerne of whom we haue heretofore spoken to Genoa with braue troupes of foote to man the Gallies which were ready rigd with them to open a passage by Sea into the Realme of Naples whilest himselfe did the like by Land The end of the third Booke of the fourth Decad. THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE FOVRTH DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the fourth Booke of the fourth Decad. KING CHARLES departs from Vienna in Daulphine towards Italy The King by reason of his sicknesse taries at Ast. The death of IOHN GALEAS Duke of Milan whereupon LODOVICO his vncle vsurps the Title and Armes of Duke of Milan The French take Fiuizana and sackeit PIETRO DE MEDICIS grants all King CHARLES demaunds and for his labour is driuen from Florence and declared an enemie to the Common wealth The King restoreth the PISANS libertie The French take Bertinora King GHARLES his victorious entry into Florence The King makes an accord with Pope ALEXANDER and kisseth his feet and cheeke ALPHONSO in loue to his sonne FERDINAND deposeth himselfe from the Kingdome of Naples FERDINAND retires into the Isle of Ischia King CHARLES entreth Naples and takes the Cities two Castles Aleague made at Venice against the French betwixt the Pope Emperour King of Spaine Venetians and Duke of Milan King CHARLES is crowned in Naples and departs from thence to returne into France The preparation of the League to stoppe King CHARLES his passage The Duke of Orleance his incursions on the Leagues territories he takes Nouara The battell of Fornouo betwixt King CHARLES and the Confederates And lastly King CHALES his arriuall at Ast. SOONE after the departure of the Duke of Orleance and his troopes towards Genoa King Charles leauing Vienna in Daulphine on the 23. of August 1493. iourneyed toward Ast by the mount Geneua Galeas of S. Seuerine met him at Suza and accompanied him to Ast whither Lodouico Sforza came presently to him with his wife and many faire and gallant Ladies of the Dutchy of Milan Hercules Duke of Ferrara came thither likewise where after consultation of sundry affaires it was concluded that the Armie should presently march Lodouico in the mean time retired to Num a Castle on the Milanois a mile from Ast whither those of the Councell went often to see him whilest the King tarried at Ast sicke of the small pocks whereupon his Army was quartered in that towne and in other places neere adioyning the number of it beside the 200. Gentlemen of the Kings guard accounting the Suisses that were gone before with the Bayly of Dijon to Genoa and those troopes in Romagnia vnder the commaund of Aubigni amounted to 1600 men at Armes 6000. Suisse and 6000. French foot-men And for the vse of this Armie they had brought by sea to Genoa great store of Ordnance both for batterie and the field with munition in such abundance as the like before was neuer seene in Italy The King during his aboad at Ast had sent for the Duke of Orleans from Genoa willing him to attend him there This towne belonged vnto him by his grandmother vnto whom it was giuen in dowry by the Duke of Milan her father Now so soone as king Charles had recouered his health hee sent his Armie into the field and himselfe went to Pauia where being lodged in the Castle he went to visite Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan his cofin german the king and hee were sons to two sisters daughters to Lewis the second Duke of Sauoy who lay daungerously sicke in the same Castle His talke to him was generall by reason of Lodouico's presence he told him that he was extreamely grieued for his sicknesse comforted him and willed him to be of good cheere and to vse all meanes for the recouerie of his health But the hope thereof being small the King and as many as beheld him did lament his estate and perceiued that this young Prince through his vncles treacherie would not liue long This compassion was augmented by the presence of Princesse Isabell his wife who languishing aswell for her husbands sicknesse feare of her young sonne as for the daunger whereunto her father and kinsfolke were exposed fell downe at the kings feet recommending vnto him with floods of teares the perseruation of her father and familie of Arragon and though her youth and beautie moued the king to pitie her yet so great an enterprize could not be delayed vpon so weake a ground whereupon he told her that warre being now begunne he was enforced to pursue and continue it From Pauia the king went to Placentia where whilest hee remained he receiued newes of Iohn Galeas death whereupon Lodouico who had followed him returned in post to Milan where the chiefe of the Dukes Councell suborned by him prouided in open Councell that in regard of the States greatnesse and miserie of the times it would be a dangerous matter to haue Francisco sonne to the late Duke Galeas who was but fiue yeeres old to succeed his father but that it behooued them to haue a Duke that was a man of wisdome and authoritie and therefore they ought to dispence with Law and for the generall good enforce Lodouico to accept the Ducall dignitie Vnder this colour honour giuing way to ambition he did the next morning though he seemed to bee vnwilling take vpon him the Title and Armes of Duke of Milan hauing first solemnly protested that he receiued the Dutchie as belonging vnto him by the inuestiture of the king of Romans The King remaining certaine daies at Placentia was in a manner willing to returne home into France as well for want of money as also because no Italian Potentate shewed himselfe on his partie and besides because this new Duke returned no more though at his departure he promised to come backe againe Yet at last he determined to passe on The same day that the
notwithstanding Lodouicos flatteries hee could not but with griefe endure to let Pisa which hee had pursued with such labour fall to their share wherevpon hee caused the Pope and the Ambassadors to the Kings of Spaine who were iealous of the Venetians greatnesse to propound the drawing of the Florentines into the league by restoring Pisa vnto them seeing by other meanes they could not bee induced to it The Venetian Ambassador with great earnestnesse oppugning this proposition the motion was dasht for feare of loosing the Venetians friendship But the hope of King Charles his returne into Italy beeing wholly lost and most of the Italians that held his party otherwise imployed Lodouico hereby encouraged did daily more and more discouer his hatred towards the Venetians concerning Pisa inciting the Pope and Kings of Spaine with greater efficacy to reuiue the motion of the restitution thereof Herevnto he drew the Florentines who to that end sent their Ambassadors to Rome This treaty was continued there many daies where the Pope and Ambassadours of the King of Spaine Duke of Milan and King of Naples did openly vrge the Venetian Ambassadour to this restitution thereby to ioyne the Florentines to their party against the French to the end that all seeds of discord being rooted out no man might againe haue any cause to call the French into Italy But the Senate contradicting all this and sufficiently perceiuing from whom this earnest motion proceeded answered by the same Ambassadour that it was a very daungerous matter to deliuer that City to the Florentines whose mindes were strictly vnited with the French and that the surrendring of Pisa would not diuert their inclination and also that thereby the fidelity of all the Confederates would be called in question who had taken vpon them to protect the Pisans especially the Venetians who when others did shut their pursses had freely opened theirs and to defend them had spared for no cost or labour wherevpon it would bee great dishonour to them to leaue them then and to falsifie their promise Now whilest this businesse was treated betwixt the Confederates a sodaine accident happened in France begetting sundry and different effects in mens mindes It was the death of King Charles who on the seuenth day of Aprill died at Amboise of an Apoplexie as hee stood looking on some of his Courtiers that plaied at tennis and because hee died without children the crowne of France descended to Lewis Duke of Orleance the next Prince of the bloud as heire male Italy by King Charles his death was somewhat freed from feare for no man supposed that King Lewis the twelfth comming newly to the crowne would at the beginning of his reigne make warre in Italy But the same right to the Realme of Naples hee being French King belonged as well to him as to his Predecessor and beside that the Dutchy of Milan which was his owne by succession from his Grandmother Valentine After his Coronation hee desired nothing so much as to conquer that Dutchy and though from his infancy hee had euer carried that minde yet his successe at Nouara had much inkindled him together with his hatred to Lodouico Sforza by reason of his insolent carriage towards him when hee was at Ast. And for an introduction to his deseigne he did not onely intitle himselfe King of France Naples Ierusalem both the Sicilies but likewise Duke of Milan This was as a summons to Frederick and Lodouico Hee wrote letters full of friendly congratulation to the Pope Venetians and Florentines concerning his comming to the crowne These three seemed to bee highly pleased with those letters being desirous to aduance and reuenge themselues Lodouico neuerthelesse though he knew that he had to doe with a rougher enemy feeding himselfe with hope as Frederick of Arragon likewise did that the new King would not so intend the affaires of Italy did still oppose himselfe against the Venetians concerning Pisa his hatred to them making him forget his owne future danger The Venetians notwithstanding his opposition chose three Ambassadors to goe and congratulate the King for his comming to the crowne and by way of excuse to tell him that the onely suspition and not without cause which they had of King Charles least after the conquest of the Realme of Naples he should haue attempted that of all Italy had enforced them to take armes against him The Pope for the same purpose sent a Nuncio into France beeing desirous to inuest his sonne Caesar then Cardinall with temporall greatnesse The Florentines likewise according vnto their antient custome to the crowne of France sent Ambassadours thither Wherevnto they were earnestly solicited by Lodouico who by their meanes thought to frustrate the Venetians practizes for Pisa and also to mediate some accord betwixt himselfe and the King The King did very louingly entertaine all these Ambassadours and gaue them audience concluding nothing till hee had first secured the Realme of France by new leagues with the Princes his neighbours The Florentines in the meane time still pursuing their deseigne against the Pisans their forces which lay Pontadera hauing intelligence that certaine troupes gonne forth of Pisa returned home-wards with great booty went to intercept them and meeting them did put them to rout but fifty men at armes of the Pisans comming on a sodaine to reskew their fellowes the Florentines were put to flight many of their footmen slaine many captaines taken prisoners with the greatest part of their cauallery During these troubles in Tuscany the Venetians reputation was euery where so augmented as Coruin sonne to Mathias King of Hungary seâ—…t an Ambassadour to the Senate to certifie it that hee was very desirous to make a perpetuall league of friendship with them and to bee receiued into the number of the Venetian Gentlemen This propounded to the great Councell was freely graunted Lodouico in the meane time fearing that the Venetians by reason of that defeate of the Florentines would grow so great as it would bee an hard matter to repulse them forth of Tuscany offered to releeue the Florentines and to the same end was desirous to know what prouisions were necessary not onely for defense but to execute the enterprize of Pisa. For though at first hee did not determine openly for to releeue the Florentines but onely to aide and succor them secretly with money yet beeing transported with choller and disdaine vsing insolent and threatning speeches against the Venetians hee resolued openly for to declare himselfe their friend And therefore hauing first denied passage to their people which went to Pisa and enforced them to goe through the Duke of Ferrara's country hee caused the Emperour to declare himselfe their enemy and procured the Pope to promise the Florentines to send them an hundred men at armes and three Gallies vnder the commaund of Captaine Villamarini who should keepe all victualls from entring into Pisa by sea yet afterwards delaying to send them he did
at last openly refuse it fearing by fauoring them to offend the Venetians with whom he was desirous to ioyne Moreouer Lodouico did draw Giouan Bentiuole with the State of Bolognia to his part and caused the Florentines to take his sonne Alessandro into their pay together with Octaniano de Riare Lord of Imola and Furli with an hundred and fifty men at armes He did in like manner cause the Lukeses to promise neuer more to fauour the Pisans The Florentines hauing in vaine attempted to draw the Geneuois and Sienois to their side went into the field vnder the command of Paulo Vitelli their General The Pisans vnderstanding that the Florentines were abroad raised their campe from before Ponte di Succo and went to Cascina where Vitelli placing an Ambuscado assailed them and slew many Stradiots and tooke Franco their captaine prisoner with an hundred horse In this manner did the Florentines annoy the city of Pisa hauing taken diuers townes round about it when they receiued some likely aduertizement from the Duke of Ferrara and others that the Venetians would be content to harken vnto peace prouided that they would proceed in the treaty not as with their equals but superiors They then sent Ambassadors to Venice to sound their meaning Guido Antonio Vespucâ—… and Bernardo Rucelli two of the honorablest Citizens went thither who after kinde entertainment beeing introduced to the Senate after long disputation concerning meanes to satisfie both parties neither the Venetians for Florentine Ambassadors would propound any referring themselues to the Spanish Ambassador who incited them to this accord But the Venetians distasting his opinion the Florentines returned back without any satisfaction This treaty broken the Venetians on the one side and Florentines on the other beganne to strengthen their party with new leagues and treaties the one with the Sienois and the other with Pietro de Medicis and the Lord of Faonza Lodouico still shewing himselfe very much affected to the Florentines The Venetians hope from Syenâ—…a and Perousa being by this meanes frustrate did by the assistance of Pietro de Medicis attempt to releeue Pisa on Romagnias side but in vaine In the meane time Paulo Vitelli Generall to the Florentines tooke the towne and castle of Librafaâ—…ta whereat the Venetians being incensed sought againe to draw the Marquis of Mantua to their pay whom not long before they had dismissed he leauing them by meanes of Alâ—…iana the Florentines army being turned from Pisa but so as the whole burthen of warre fell vpon the Venetians who wisely procured meanes of agreement For although the Florentine Ambassadors departed from Venice hopelesse of any accord yet at Ferrara a new treaty of composition was made propounded by the Duke at the Venetians intreaty During these troubles in Italy by reason of Pisa the new French King made preparations against the next yeere to inuade the Dutchy of Milan where he hoped to haue the Venetians on his side who mortally hating Lodouico did particularly negociate with him so did the Pope who sent his sonne which had cast of his Cardinals hat into France in secular habit to carry a dispensation to the King to repudiate his wife Ioanâ—… and to marry his Predecessors widdow Caesar Borgia came to the French Court in great pompe where the King very honorably entertained him giuing him a company of an hundred men at armes a yeerely pention of 20000. French pounds and made him Duke of Valence in Daulphine Then desirous to pursue his iourney into Italy hee made peace with all Princes his neighbours and especially with the Kings of Spaine who presently called home not only all their Ambassadors from Italy hee with the Pope excepted but Gonsaluo with all his forces The King likewise made an agreement with the Emperor vnto whom for his sonne the 〈◊〉 sake hee promised to surrender the townes in Artois Hee did moreouer confirme the peace made by his predecessor with the King of England Whilest the Senate was busied in prouiding for the releefe of Pisa newes came to Venice that the Turke prepared a great fleet which caused them to send an Ambassador to him for they were afraide that hee was offended with them because that toward the end of the precedent summer Nicolo Priuli Prouidator of their fleet had on the Aegean Sea sunke a great ship belonging to one of his Bashas which first assailed the Prouidator Zancani whom the Senate sent being come to Constantinople had notice of the great numbers of vessels which the Turke had caused to be armed The great Lord curteously entertained him shewing no signe of discontent He determined to assaile the Venetians whilest they should be busied in Lombardy with making head against Lodouicos forces who had promised to inuade them in those parts Zancani intreating him to renew the league with the Signory hee the better to deceiue him granted it giuing him the Articles of the league written in Latin Now their law saith that they are not bound to performe any thing vnlesse it be written in their owne language Zancani aduertized thereof by Andre Gritti a Venetian Gentleman skilfull in the Turkish lawes and customes and for his bounty and other good parts beloued of that nation hauing dwelt a long time at Constantinople was by him in some sort put in hope to haue them written in the Turkish tongue but not obtayning his desire Zancani returned with the Articles in Latin concealing what Gritti had told him because his iourney should not be thought vaine Now the French King so soone as he had made peace with his neighbour Princes and in his absence secured his Realme made a Confederacy with the Venetians not mentioning Pisa as heâ—… had done at the beginning wherein it was concluded that at the same time as he with a mighty army should inuade the Dutchy of Milan they on the other side from their frontiers should doe the like and the Dutchy being worâ—… 〈◊〉 with the country of Gyradade should remaine to the Venetians on this condition that after this conquest they should be bound to defend the King for a certaine time with certaine number of horse and foot the King being bound to do the like for Cremona and what soeuer they possessed in Lombardy This contract was so secretly made as Lodouico nor yet the Pope who was very inward with the King could but very late haue any certaine knowledge thereof The King not mentioning Pisa did afterwards propound conditions to the Florentines farre different from the former wherevpon they resolued to rely on the Duke of Milan by whose assistance their affaires prospered in the Casentine territory where they were Lords their enemies hauing beene inforced to abandon the townes by reason of great difficulties Lodouico who neuer imagined that the Venetians would haue leagued themselues with the French King who was greater nad more potent then they and least of all change his neighbourhood for that of the French was wonderfully danted
Fiquerolla The Venetians conquer the Pollesin of Rouigo The Duke of Ferrara defeateth the Venetians nauall army on the Po. The Emperor holdeth a Dyet at Inspruch The Pope absolueth the Venetians notwithstanding the oppositions of the Ambassadors of the Emperour and the French King The Popes displeasure against the French King The French Kings greeuous displeasure conceiued against the Swisses The Pope in hatred to the French King Assaileth Ferrara The Vincentines are enforced to craue pardon of the Prince of Anhalt The French take Legnaga The Emperor engageth Verona to the French King Monselesia taken by the French The Popes deseignes and propositions against the French King broken and come to nothing The King of Hungary summons the Venetians Ambassador Lastly the French King resolueth to make warre on the Venetians and the Pope The eighth Booke of the fourth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THe Commotion of Treuiso and the Emperors carelesnesse gaue hope to the Venetians to retaine some part of their Signory and to execute diuers great exploits which afterward they did For in all this great course of victories there was nothing heard of but the Emperors name only albeit by meanes of the French army and for feare of it diuers townes had beene yeelded to him He had runne to diuers places since the confederacy of Cambray to get money by way of loane of the Flemmings and other his subiects the which hee quickly spent prodigally after his vsuall manner beside a hundred thousand crownes which he had receiued of the French King for the inuestiture of the Dutchy of Milan Forthwith after the newes of the battaile of Gyradade he sent the Duke of Brunswick to recouer the Country of Friul but for himselfe he did not mooue at all for want of money al-be-it the Pope did greatly solicite him therevnto being afraid of the French forces and to cause him to make hast had sent him fifty thousand Ducaâ—…s At the last hee came to Trent from whence by letters hee thanked the French King for hauing by his meanes recouered his due The Cardinall of Amboise beeing come thither from the King to talke with him they concluded betwixt themselues that he and the King should see one an other and talke together in open field neere to the towne of La Garde on the marches of eithers Countrey The King set forward to be there at the day appointed But the Emperor being come as farre as Riua di Trente for the same purpose hauing tarâ—…ied there two houres returned on a sodaine to Trent sending the King word that by reason of certaine accidents newly hapned in Friul he was enforced to returne backe againe requesting him to defeâ—…re their meeting till an other time and in the meane space to tarry at Cremona This alteration of the Emperour together with his tedious negligence in not prouiding sufficient garrisons to defend Padua and the other Cities were causes that the Venetians did help themselues by this opportunity offered them to recouer Padua which they knew to be badly man'd with souldiers and the which they had by ouer-hasty counsell too soone giuen away They concluded then that Andrew Gritti one of the Prouidators should goe to Nouale on the Paduan territory and that there he should take part of the footmen who being followed by diuers of the Country were sent to the village of Mirana and should march towards Padua to assault the Gate of Codalonga and Christofero de Mora the other Prouidator should follow him at the heeles with the residue of the army This deseigne being thus decreed fell out better then they thought for for being early in a morning come to the Gate they found it halfe open by reason of certaine carts laden with hay which were a little before entred So as possessing it without any difficulty they tarried there without any noise till their fellowes were arriued who were not farre of then they marched to the market-place before any one had descried them But Dressina who was Gouernor of the City for Maximillian being lodged in the Cittadell hauing heard the noise came forth with three hundred Lancequenets which he had only for the gard thereof with Brunaldo of Saregia with fifty horse who perceiuing the townsmen to forsake them and no man to offer them any helpe made great hast to enter into their fort the which being not well fortified they were constrained to yeeld certaine houres after The Venetians by this meanes being masters of the City commanded no hurt to be done to it and that the Iewes houses only with certaine Paduans who had shewed themselues their enemies should be spoiled The French King who not long before had by composition taken the Castle of Cremona knowing the Emperours answere and not staying to doe his bidding went towards Milan resoluing to cassier his army for to free himselfe from so great expenses and to returne into France But the departure of the Kings person and his army did much diminish the reputation of the Emperors affaires For after the Venetians had recouered Padua they soone became masters of all the Countrey round about because the Cities and the champaine countrey did fauour them Vincenza of it selfe had done the like if Constantine of Macedonia who by chance was not farre off had not speedily entred it with certaine forces They recouered neuerthelesse the towne and castle of Legnaga a very commodious place to indomage the countries of Verona Padua and Vincenza It was supposed that the taking of Padua would delay the Kings returne into France but that notwithstanding he determined to passe forward so soone as hee had made new agreements with the Popes Legat in the City of Biagrassa whereby the Pope and the King did bind themselues to protect each other He left on the frontiers of the Veronois the Lord de la Palisse with seuen hundred Launces to doe whatsoeuer should please the Emperor But before his departure an other happy euent befell the Venetians which was the taking of the Marquis of Mantua with the defeat of all his souldiers who were surprized halfe a sleepe in the Island of Escalla who being brought from thence to Padua and then to Venice was imprisoned in the little tower of the publike pallace to the great contentment and wonderfull ioy of the whole City The Emperour till now had not hindred nor did hinder the Venetians proceedings as well because he had not suffiâ—…ient forces as also for that he was kept backe by the peasants in the mountaine and in the planes likewise by other companies of peasants who waited for him at a very strong passage where he was in danger But surmounting all these difficulties and hauing not as yet forces strong enough he busied himself in meane enterprises beseeging now one village and then an other scouring and spoyling the country The Prince of Anhalt did the like who by the Emperours command hauing entred Friul with ten thousand men
beginne the warre on that side seeing that the King of Arragon was dead and that Charles Duke of Burgondy hauing taken vpon him the name of Prince of Castile made himselfe terrible to all those who held any States in Italy and chiefly to himselfe But the Popes cunning being already knowne of a long time caused no great regard to be giuen to his speech The Venetians thus continuing the seege of Bressia without harkening to any truce resolued not to stirre from thence till it was either yeelded vp or taken by force The Emperour who had made warre but slowly the yeere before by his Lieutenants determined to goe thither in person sought all meanes to make new stirres in Italy assembled diuers Diets craued aide made great leauies of soulders and aboue all prouoked the Swisses to take armes to reuenge the death of so many braue men their companions offering to be their captaine and not to abandon them in any trauaile or danger whatsoeuer The King of England made the same request being iealous of the glory and reputation of the French and for that the French King also had taken vpon him the protection of the King of Scots The Pope did no lesse but in more secret manner And all three of them promised good pay to those Swisses that would come shewing them moreouer that the profit which would redound to them by that warre of Italy and by their alliance would bee much greater then their hire The Venetian captaines in the meane time after the arriuall of the Lord of Lautrec did often sit in councel where their opinions were very different saying That there was no great garrison within the towne and that it was besides destitute of all prouision making but small doubt of the seege But this opinion was not receiued by reason of the vnfitnesse of the time which was in the middest of winter when it is not good to discampe and to lead the souldiers to a new faction As also because they thought it meere follie to quit a certenty such as was the taking of Bressia for the vncertaine successe of that which would happen before Verona For they certainely knew that there was in Bressia such want of money corne and al other kind of victuals as it was of necessity soone to be theirs either by agreement or by force and this being verified by diuers it was concluded by a generall consent not to stirre from thence and that the City should be more streightlly looked to In the campe there was plenty of all things for the Senate was carefull to furnish it with all necessaries notwithstanding all the impediments which the enemies vsed against the purueyors which prooued vaine to none effect Marke Antonio Colonna was the man who being lodged at Verona vsed all meanes to cut off victuals from the army and to that end kept great numbers of Spaniards and horse-men at Legnaga which they then possessed so as by little and little the enemies waxed so bold as they came and scoured as farre as the Venetians campe whilest they were busied at their seege The Generall and the Prouidatori thinking if they should endure that indignity it would greatly blemish their reputation sent Iohn Paul Manfron and Marke Antonio Bue with foure hundred men at armes and foure hundred light horse to surprize them but the designe succeeded badly for Colonna being by his spies aduertized of their comming came forth of Verona with six hundred horse and fiue hundred foot and went speedily towards Valegia and met them in the field and comming to handy-stroakes he defeated them At this incounter Iulio son to Iohn Paul Manfron his horse being slaine vnder him in the fight was taken his father fled to Gueda A more prosperous issue had the enterprise of Iano Fregosa Iohn Corardo Visin marching with certaine companies as well of the one as other army to the castle of Anse to stoppe the passage of 3000. Lansequenets for they slue 800. of them and the residew escaped with the mony which they carried into Lodron All these exploits were great but not of any great consequence in comrison of the totall of the warre and of that which happened on report of the Emperors comming into Italy which dayly encreased whereby both the assallants and the beseeged were shaken with diuers hopes and feare The Emperor hauing assembled diuers foot and horse companies prouoked great numbers of Swisses to take armes was on his way to come into Italy intending to enter by the mountaines of Trent and to goe directly towards Verona then to Bressia and leauing strong garrison in both those Cities to passe on into the Dutchy of Milan to expell the French The Pope hauing notice of the Emperours entry into Italy the better to honour him and to acquaint him particularly with his loue towards him created Bernardo de Bibiena Cardinall of Saint Mary in Porticu Legat and sent him to him for that he was euer wont to shew himselfe on the Popes behalfe against the French and to hinder their proceedings But the Venetians beleeuing verily that the Emperour would come into Italy exhorted the French King to prouide for their common affaires and not to suffer the Emperour and the Swisses who enuyed his glory and greatnesse to enioy the fruit of his labour and trauaile and that therefore he should either in person returne againe into Italy with a mighty army or else augment that which he had here already according to the worthinesse of the cause promising for their parts to spare nothing that might auaile him The King knowing that what they said was most true tooke great care not only for the danger wherein he saw the Dutchy of Milan but because he should be enforced to put off his enterprize of Naples till some other time wherevnto he greatly inclined Resoluing neuerthelesse first of all to defend his owne Estates and those of his allies he propounded to the Venetians to wage at their common charge eight thousand Swisses because that he hauing at the same time very opportunely renued his alliance with them it was expresly agreed vpon that it should bee lawfull for the King to draw what number of souldiers he pleased forth of their country The Venetians soone agreed to giue pay to two thousand foot of that Nation and readily to furnish money necessary for other expences of warre And notwithstanding that the publike treasury was much exhausted and the whole City greatly afflicted with so long a warre Yet neuerthelesse there was no want seene in any prouision for the army nor in ought else that concerned the continuance of the warre They made a leauy of foure thousand Italian foot they did encrease their garrisons in the Cities and created two Prouidatori Paul Gradonico and Lodouico Barbaro In the Venetians campe were foure thousand Gascons and fiue hundred men at armes commanded by French captaines but amongst those souldiers
whereof haâ—…ing acquainted Lautrec entreated him to send him more aide that he might the safelier goe to the assault Now al-be-it Lautrec had meanes to doe it for the commodiousnesse of going from one army to an other vpon a very strong bridge ouer the Adicé and that he did often promise to do it did neuerthelesse delay the matter And the campe had already laine fifteene daies before the towne the enemies were reduced to extremity the cannon had beaten downe a great space of the wall the souldiers within the City were wearied with continuall factions they wanted powder the captains and the townesmen did not agree together and yet for all that none of these matters could mooue him to make hast to force the City Newes in the meane time came to the campe how that great numbers of Almaine foot-men were comming to releeue the beseeged These newes did amaze Lautrec more then there was cause and distasted him of continuing the seege so as hee thought on nothing more then how to retire his army into some place of safety The Venetian Prouidators being aduertized of this sodaine resolution came vnto him where after diuers remonstrances of the great blemish he should doe to his honour and reputation to raise his campe they infinitely entreated him with great earnestnesse to temporize for a while longer and not to depart till the enemies were arriued that they might see what they were But all their entreaties could not diuert him from his first resolution Whereupon he commanded on a sodaine to discampe so as all his troupes went to Albareda Paul Gradonic the Prouidator and Iohn Paul Manfron remained for the gard of the bridge with eight hundred horse as well men at armes as light horse-men and two thousand foot fearing if the same were broken their army might want victuals but they tarried not long there for they forth-with went on to Villa Franca where they fortified their campe In the meane time Rocandolf Colonel of the Almaine foot the French and Venetian army being retired entred Verona without any empediment and hauing releeued it with victuals and new souldiers in their stead that were hurt returned into Germany wherevpon the Prouidators did againe solicite the Lord of Lautrecto returne to the seege of Verona and not to spend time so vnprofitably But Lautrec comforting them vsed diuers excuses for his slownesse assuring them that the City of Verona should shortly be reduced vnder the Venetians power The Prouidator hauing seriously ruminated these words in his minde beganne to doubt of some treaty which did not appeare and namely because that at the same time as the campe dislodged from before Verona the report was that a messenger came from France to Lautrec who had secret conference with him and entreated him to keepe close his comming Therefore the Prouidators did earnestly entreat Lautrec to discouer vnto them what hee knew thereof to the end they might be no longer enforced to entertaine so great an army which charged the Republike with a merueilous expence the Senate likewise being aduertized by the Prouidators of what had past had the same thoughts at such time as they had newes from their Ambassador in the French Kings Court of that which had passed at Noyon Because that King Francis beeing desirous that the Venetians should haue time to consult of their affaires would forthwith haue them to be acquainted with the treaty of Noyon betwixt him and the Arch-duke Charles to the end that the Commissioners of both Princes comming to Brussels should find all difficulties to be taken away and resolued on The summe of the treaty concluded at Noyon was thus That there should be a perpetuall peace betwixt the French King and the King of Spaine and a confederacy for the defence of their States against all men in the which were comprehended all other Princes friends or allies of either of them That King Francis should giue the Lady Renè daughter to the late King Lewis in marriage to the King of Spaine That the said King should within a certaine time re-deliuer the Kingdome of Nauarre to her antient King That the Emperour might within two monthes enter into that peace and though he should enter into the league the French King might helpe the Venetians to recouer Verona the which if the Emperour would within sixe weekes commit to the King of Spaine with power to giue it freely to the French King to dispose thereof as hee should thinke fit the King should pay vnto him a hundred thousand crownes and the Venetians an other hundred thousand part whereof should bee paied at the consignation thereof and the rest within sixe monthes after and that he should likewise be acquitted of three hundred thousand crownes which he had receiued of King Lewis whilest they were confederates The Venetians doubting whether the Emperour would accept of peace on these conditions did not cease to solicite the Lord of Lautrec to beseege Verona and also in regard of the summe of money they were to pay which they desired rather to recouer by armes But peace was more agreeable to the French King then force being desirous of accord with the Emperour yet neuerthelesse Lautrec not knowing how to excuse himselfe to the Venetians who had made what prouisions soeuer hee craued as also because the Lansequenets did no more refuse to goe to the seege he condescended to their request and went againe and encamped before Verona Now whilest the French on the one side and the Venetians on the other were busied in the battery nine thousand Lansquenets arriued who were sent by the Emperour to releeue it For the Emperor being solicited by the Cardinall of Syon and by the King of England would not harken to a peace so as his commissioners were ready to depart from Bruxels without any conclusion when the Emperour vnderstood that the French King had made a league with all the Swisses by meanes of a great summe of money for then he seemed to be very desirous of peace with the French and Venetians al-be-it that at the arriuall of these nine thousand Lansquenets the campe did rise from before Verona and was retired to Villa-franca The matter then was concluded at Bruxels as well with the King of Spaine as with the Emperor in the manner aboue said the which going slowly on was hastned by King Francis on condition that there should be truce with the Venetians The whole businesse being thus ended the Bishop of Trent was sent to the Lord of Lautrec to consigne the City of Verona in the King of Spaines name to the French King within the space of sixe weekes according to the contents of the Capitulation the which was done on the fifteenth day of Ianuary 1517. after the Venetians had paied the first fifty thousand crownes and fifteene thousand to the foot-men that were in the City wherevpon at the very instant the Lord of Lautrec in the name of
through their State and to entertaine him by the way The Pope in the meane time hauing promised other matters to himselfe seeing that the confederacy propounded to the Venetians had taken none effect resolued to talke with the Emperor determining first better to assure his owne affaires as well for temporall matters as for Religion and his Pontificall dignity in the councell which was to be held at Trent a city in Germany and next meaning once more to try if the Emperour would quit the Dutchy of Milan to Octauio Farneze for a certaine summe of money which he perceiued the Emperour stood in great need of by reason of the warres he had in hand but concealing for that time those his secret deseignes made shew that the cause which mooued him as the common father and head of Christendome to embrace the Emperor passing along so neere him was to exhort him to peace with Christians and to warre against the Infidels and to try if his presence in that businesse would be of more force then his exhortations made by his Legats sent to the Emperor into Germany and into France to the most Christian King Now the Pope hauing acquainted the Venetians with his departure from Rome and going to Bolognia alleadged no other reason of his iourney then the former wholly concealing the negociating concerning the Dutchy of Milan thereby to feele if he could discouer any thing from them concerning it for on the one side he knew that the same treaty was pleasing vnto them but on the other it behoued them to proceed therein very respectiuely in regard of the aboue mentioned matters The Senate continuing the old resolution not to meddle with these negociations did vnfeignedly commend the Popes good and holy meaning with his resolution in so honest and important a businesse for the common good of all Christendome not passing on any further to any other consideration The Pope seeming to bee greatly desirous of that enteruiew did not cease to pursue it notwithstanding that hee was alone in that negociation and that the Emperour alleadged diuers difficulties and lets who making no great account of him made shew that he did not much affect him either because hee was distasted of him the Pope hauing not openly shewed himselfe his friend as he ought to haue done by reason of the honour done by the Emperor to him and his house hauing by the marriage of his daughter preferred it to so many other noble alliances or else because he did suspect the truth of the matter how that the Pope would recommence his suite that the Dutchy of Milan might be made ouer to Octauio Farneze the which he resolued not to quit to any man whatsoeuer and therefore he was desirous to eschew all occasions of discontenting the Pope and of prouoking him to embrace the French Kings friendship by refusing his demand But the Pope supposing it would greatly blemish his greatnesse and dignity if he should let the Emperour passe thorough Italy without seeing him had to that end sent first Petro Lodouico his sonne to Genoa and then the Cardinall Farneze his Nephew to entreate him that the enteruiew might be at Bolognia and vpon his Maiesties excuse that he was not willing to come so farre backe and to delay his iourney he determined to come farther forward euen to Busset where it was concluded they should see one an other which was a towne very discommodious and smally frequented belonging to the Palauicins but this enteruiew had no better successe then all men expected nothing being there concluded either for the Churches seruice or the particular profit of the Farnezes For the Emperor continued his resolution to make warre vpon the French King and the Duke of Cleues and as for Milan because he would not flatly deny it hee told him that he could not dispose of that State vntill he had acquainted the Princes of the Empire therewith whereby he might easily percâ—…iue that he did meane to appropriate it to himselfe The enteruiew being dissolued which onely lasted three daies the Emperour pursuing his iourney entred vpon the Venetians State where the foure aboue mentioned Ambassadors met with him and did honourably entertaine him furnishing him with whatsoeuer he needed either for his owne person or his household so long as he continued vpon their territories wayting vpon him as farre as the confines of Trent making diuers offers vnto him in generall in the name of the Common wealth not mentioning any negociation till they were ready to take their leaues of him and then they besought him to be a meanes to his brother for a dispatch concerning the agreement of Trent which they had taken vpon them From Trent the Emperour went to Vuormes and from thence to Spire to be nerer to that which he had determined to doe hauing still resident with him Daniele Bouricci Secretary to the Common-wealth the Ambassador de Pont remayning sicke at Trent who being returned to Venice for the recouery of his health Bernardo Nouagera was chosen in his stead Warre was at the same time much kindled in Hungary whither Soliman being come in person with a mighty army hauing first scoured and wasted the country had beseeged the city of Strigonium from whence he sent an Ambassador to Venice to acquaint the Senat with his iourney and deseignes and also there to vnderstand newes of his fleet which at that time lay in the hauen of Villafranca at the enterprize of Nice where of the Senate aduertized him and withal did infinitely thanke him for the honor he did them by acquainting them with his actions and deseignes This demonstration of friendship from the Turkes did serue them for two purposes first to continue peace betwixt them and next to encrease their reputation with other men Therefore Soliman hauing againe sent an other Ambassador to Venice to aduertize them of his progression in Hungary the Senate resolued in reciprocall manner to render him the like demonstration of honour and friendship by sending an Ambassadour to him This charge was committed to Stefano Tepulo hee hauing giuen ouer the place of Generall who at the spring was to goe to Constantinople to Soliman who was come thither from Hungary to reioyce with him in the Common-wealths name for his fortunate successe and to make shew at his Porte of a correspondency of loue and frindship The affaires of Maran were not yet appeased but on the contrary much more enkindled as well in regard of the French who did meane to keepe and defend it as for the Almaines who determined to haue it by force so as besides foure hundred foot-men which the Lord of Senei brought thither the French King sent great troupes of horse and foot on the other side the King of Romaiues hauing caused certaine companies of Lansequenets to passe the mounts at Pontieba vnder the command of Iohn Baptista Sauella did besides assemble all the souldiers on the neerest places of his
from the English and the other hauing called the Protestant Princes to the Dyet of Ratisbon to treat of affaires concerning Religion although he were there in person could not induce them to decree or conclude any thing but whereas at the beginning it seemed that they would haue beene satisfied to haue had the councell held in the city of Trent whither they promised to send their Doctors to treat of matters concerning faith and afterwards to hold and embrace what there should be decided they did then craue first of all to haue a nationall councell held in Germany and if afterwards it should happen to be referred to that of Trent that the assembly might on all sides be free with diuers other exorbitant and vnreasonable demands This caused the Pope no more to feare the councell and to assure the State of Parma and Placencia to his sonne the Emperor Princes and people of Germany hauing turned their thoughts to other matters determining to end that controuersie by armes The end of the fourth Booke of the sixth Decade The Contents of the fist Booke of the sixth Decade THE Venetians goe about to diuert the Pope from taking armes against the Protestants The Venetians grant passage thorow their Territories to the Pope and the Emperors Soldiors who were the Protestants partakers The Venetians refuse to lend mony to the Duke of Saxon and Lantgraue of Hesse The Protestants take the Castle of Chiusa to stop the Italians passage The cause of the losse and ouerthrow of the Protestants What the Venetian Gentlemen are with their prerogatiues The commotion of the Sienois against the Spaniards Petro Lodouico Duke of Parma and Placentia is murthered The Death of Francis the first French King The death of Henry the eight King of England The occasion of the new warre betwixt the French and the English Horacio Farnese marrieth the daughter of Henry the French King The Venetians being solicited by the Pope and the French King against the Emperour continue Neuters The Popes great perplexities Soliman takes armes against the Persian making truce with Christian Princes Contention betwixt the Emperor and the French King concerning the Truce with the Turke Controuersy about the Place wherein the councell should bee held The death of Pope Paul the third with the election of Pope Iulius the third Horatio Farnese committeth him-selfe and his family into the French Kings protection Great warre in Italy concerning Parma and Placentia The Publication of the Councel of Trent Pietro Strozzi his pollicy to reuictuall Parma The German Princes Treate with the French King against the Emperor The French King being incensed against the Pope forbidd◅th the Annates in France The Turkes warre in Hungary and Transil◅ania All Germany in league against the Emperor and his brother Ferdinand to free him selfe from the warre with the Turkes offereth to pay him tribute for Transiluania And lastly the murther of Frier George Cardinall of the Sea Apostolike The fift Booke of the sixt Decade of the History of Uenice THE Pope perceauing the Emperor to be distasted of the Protestants as hath beene said began to heate him more by promising to aid him with great numbers both of horse and foote paid by the Sea Apostolike The Senate from the beginning vsed meanes to appease the Pope and to diuert him from medling in that warre the which it thought could bring no good to Italy and there was small hope to preuaill by force in matter of Relligion For all the free townes of Germany hauing declared them-selues for the Protestant Princes fearing that the Emperor vnder other pretences went about to subiugate them Germany on the other side standing badly affected to the Pope and Court of Rome it was to be feared and not without cause that the same fierce and warlike nation would by reason ther of make incursions into Italy where they that had in no sort delt in that businesse were to smart for it Or if the Emperor should happen to quell Germany hee by that victory growing more mighty both in forces and reputation his greatnesse would proue fearefull to the Princes of Italy But the Senate knowing him to be resolute therein and that being prickt forward by two mighty spurrs Feare and Hope concerning the affaires of state of his own greatnesse and that of his house he would not embrace any councell contrary to his owne opinion did for beare to speake vnto him any more concerning that matter but vpon the Pope and Emperors motion vnto it about that exterprize by their Ambassadors it made a modest answer because it would not vainely offend the Emperor without praising or dispraising it being not willing to giue any occasion to be requested to aide him Yet neuerthelesse it was certainly reported that the Common-wealth had promised at the conclusion of the league at Rome to giue paiment for fiue thousand footemen which was most false The Venetians being desirous in some sort to content these Princes in any thing which was not of expence and being intreated so to doe did promise free passage to the Popes soldiers who being assembled at Bolognia to the number of twelue thousand footmen and fiue hundred horse were to passe thorrow the Territory of Verona to goe to Trent the like was done to the Emperors forces who for their mony were furnished with victualls and other necessaries The best and brauest soldiers of all Italy were in the Popes Army whereof Octania Farnese his Nephew was Generall who was a yong Lord of great hope But that of the Emperor was composed of sundry nations namely of diuers Almans drawne forth of the patrimonial States of the house of Austria frō those of the Dukes of Bauaria and Cleues and the Marquis Albert of Brandenbourg who did follow the Emperors party so that the whole number of his forces were forty thousand footemen and fiue thousand horse The Protestant Princes made preparations at the same time the cheife of whom were Iohn Fredericke Duke of Saxony one of the Electors of the Empire and Phillip Lantgraue of Hesse who saying that they would defend the liberty of Germany which Charles went about to vsurpe as they said did draw vnto their parts diuers of the greatest Lords and Citties of Germany as the Duke of Wittemberg the Count Palatin another Elector with the Common-wealthes of Argentine Vlmes Francfort and Norimberg the Citty of Ausbourg hauing a long time before declared it selfe in their behalfe all which hauing resolued to hold a diet at Vlmes did send their Ambassadors and Commissioners thither to treat particularly of the preparations for warre where the concourse of all Germany was such as they leuied a very great army of fourescore thousand footmen and tenne thousand horse with which forces they promised vnto themselues to be able to ouercome those of the Emperor and to driue him forth of Germany in regard hee was not able to assemble Germaine forces comparable to theirs They feared
hee feared vnlesse hee were releeued to bee enforced for the conseruation of his owne State to ioyne himselfe with some one or other and to deale otherwise then hee desired This demand was thought to be very suspitious and ful of cunning they supposing that the French went about by this meanes to sound their meaning the better to draw them to some confederacie or at least to discouer some-what of their interior purposes wherupon the Senate was of opinion to answer him in generall termes Now it had aboue all thinges desired the peace of Italy and that to those ends it had vsed al possible means with the Pope and others besides according as it had seene occasion but 〈◊〉 nothing preuailed therein they were at least resolued to keep themselues in peace and in their ancient neutrality and the better and more honorably to doe it and with greater assurance other men being armed they thought it â—…it to arme and by prouiding for that which concerned them had together taken care for the preseruation of the Dukes state in regard of the particular affection they did beare him and for their owne interest likewise being in manner inseparable with his by reason of the neere neighborhood of their States This answere not satisfyieng the French they resolued to discouer themselues more plainely to the Senate seeing that all men knew that they did meane to en terprize some matter of consequence vpon Italy for which Lodouico Alemani beeing sent to Genoa had vnder sundry pretences attempted to raise his faction there and craued in the Kings name that it might please the Genouois to lend him their hauen for his fleet to lie in safety where hee might land those troops which he intended to send into Italy Now the Cardinall Tournon beeing at the same time at Venice whither he came from Rome vpon the Popes commandement that all the French Cardinals should leaue the Citty King Henry wrote vnto him that he should in his name expose to the Prince and Senate in open Councell the State of the affaires of Italy the occasion and intent for which and with which he had resolued to send his troopes to the aid of Duke Octauio and to defend his cause That hee thought he should performe a noble part and worthy a great Prince and which in particular ought to be pleasing to the Princes of Italy to defend an Italian Prince weake and vniustly oppressed by the violence of other men who had cast himselfe into his armes and protection that he could hardly be perswaded that the Pope would hinder the defense and preseruation of his owne vassall with an other mans armes and aid seeing he himselfe was able to giue him small releefe and that beeing so defended he could least of all beleeue that the other Italian Princes would crosse him in going about to moderate the Emperors greatnesse and curbe his vnmeasurable desires aiming as all men did plainly see to rob weake Princes of their States and to bring Italy into bondage that the matter it selfe was able to giue sufficient testimony that his deseignes tended to none other ends seing that he stood vpon those termes that without needing the Citty of Parma possessing so many townâ—…s in Piedmont the passages lay open to himt through which hee might march against the State of Milan but because hee then knew that his actions were sinisterly interpreted he was resolued to giue ouer that enterprize yet neuerthelesse he could not be perswaded but that the Venetian Senate beeing so great and wise a Prince in Italy on whose authority all others were at last to depend would be mooued with these troubles which drew after them sundry others of very great importance that he did excuse that which the Pope had done as falling out by constraint rather then of set purpose being incompassed with feare in the midest of the Emperors power and armed forces as also in regard of the Councel already published with very dangerous deseignes the Hereticks of Germany being come to it but when his Holinesse should be assured that other men would aid him it was not then to be doubted but that hee would embrace some other resolution seeing that to quit the Emperors friendship in such a case might rightly be termed a setting of himselfe at liberty The Senate gaue the King thankes and did highly commend his generous deseigne of defending such as are destitute of helpe yet they were in good hope that by an accord already treated of with the pope who did not resist it those businesses might in som sort be composed The King notwithstanding continued the war although contrary to his desire he found none in al Italy Octaâ—…io â—…arnese excepted whom hee might bee assured did fauour him but resoluing to declare him-selfe afterwards more openly against the Emperor hauing sent other forces into Piedmont hee did vnlooktâ—… for cause diuerse places to bee assailed which were kept by the Imperialls some of which hee tooke hee did at the same time proclaime warre by sea commanding the Prior of Capua brother to Pietro 〈◊〉 Admirall of the French Galleys that scouring the seas hee should fight with the Emperors vessels whereby it happened within a while after that Doria wâ—…th his Galleys conducting Maximillian King of Boheme and his wife from Barcelona to Genoa he hardly escaped the French fleet yet neuerthelesse some of his vessels that lod'g behinde were taken and brought to Marseilles But the Kings treaty with Duke Maurice of Saxony Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg and other Princes and free Citties of Germany was of faâ—…re greater importance all these beeing merueilously distasted of the Emperor though vpon sundry occasions some beeing not able to digest the wrong done to the Landgraue whom the Emperor kept prisoner contrary to his promise and others beeing prouoked against the Emperor for matters of Religion King Henry resoluing vpon this league and hauing imparted it to Giouan Capello the Venetians Ambassador resident with his Maiesty hee did assure him that hee would in person goe into Germany earnestly entreating him to follow him thither to the end as it was supposed that hee might haue occasion to practise some confederacy with the Venetians or at least to keepe the Emperor in perpetuall iealouzie and suspition The Senate although it had determined not to enter into any farther allyance with the French did thinke it against reason to deny the King that as well to shew their good meaning towards him as in regard of the profit and commodity which the Republick might receiue thereby to the end that the Emperor who by reason of Parma and Placentia and other his actions which all Italians did greatly suspect might know that a more strict alliance might bee easily contracted betwixt the French and the Venetians to the great danger and preiudice of his Estates in Italy The Pope in the meane time beeing mooued with these troubles and considering that himselfe hauing beene the motiue thereof
remained at Ispruch to goe into Italy he seemed not to allow of that Councell considering with himselfe that there was small safety in passing through the Venetians State and yet they had neuer lesse will to hurt him then at that time hating to take aduantage on the aduerse fortune of a great Prince their freind and Confederate notwithstanding that certaine Germaine Princes had solicited them to take armes against him offering them tenne thousand footmen and two thousand horse which the Senate would neuer accept of but hee being afterwards informed of the truth of the matter by Dominico Morosin who in quality of Ambassador had stil attended vpon him he did commend it highly thanked the Senare for their loue good meaning toward him in so hazardous a fortune His maiesty then perceiuing that in his greatest desaster the Spanish footmen whom he expected were not arriued turned all his thoughtes vpon peace and to to this end the Confederate Princes holding a Diet at Possonia King Ferdinand went thither in person to treate of the conditions of peace But the Protestants desiting to make vse of the time to abase the Emperors authority and to preserue the liberty and priuiledges of the Princes and free Citties of Germany made very vnreasonable demands where vpon the Emperor sometimes being enforced by necessity and so many miseries did for their satistaction grant their demands and at other times againe recalling his vsuall courrage and inuincible constancy he said that he would rather endure all hazards of Fortune then grant things vnworthy of himself and his Imperial dignity In the end standing firme for the matter of Religion not to innouate any thing in the Citties which had accepted the interim nor like wise to submit to the decrees of the new Diets that which appertained to the prerogatiues and authority of the Empyre hee condescended by accepting the accord to the inlargement of the prisoners and granted a generall pardon to the rebells These troubles had put the French King and Prince of Salerne in great hope to be able to execute the enterprize of Naples in which they supposing that the Venetians could doe more then any others the Prince of Salerne returned to Venice where he and the Lord of Selua Ambassador for the King made new more earnest practizes to draw the Common-wealth into a league for that purpose They declared whatsoeuer they thought might incite the Senate to hate the Emperor and on the contrary they forgot nothing which might serue to insinuate the French King into their fauour and to extoll him as well in regard of his great forces as for his loue and affection towards the Republick And because they perceiued the Senate to bee resolute to persist in their neutrality the Lord of Selua embracing the matter with great vehemency spake thus My Lords doe you not perceiue that it lyeth not in your power to diuert the King from this enterprise hee beeing wholy inclined therevnto either alone or in your or others company and whatsoeuer your resolution is these Princes are to striue together for their fortune to which side soeuer it shall incline it is to bee feared that your newtrality will not bee able to defend your State and that which belongeth to you exposed to infinite dangers beeing equally hated of the victor and vanquished of the one because that when you had meanes to assist him you did not respect his misery nor vouchsafed to doe it of the other for that enuying his wealth and prosperitie you would not ioyne with him And what can my King presume eyther of you and of your so ancient as you terme it and deere friendship if to your owne profit and commodity yee accept not his offers full of affection and good will and grant not his honest and iust demands What hope may hee haue of your friendship in aduersity if you make so small account of him in his prosperity What fitter or more commodious occasion can you expect for the aduancement of your Common-wealth or for your assurance against the Emperors redoubred power if you reiect that which is now offered How often vppon lesse occasion haue your Ancestors and your selues to the immortall praise of your Senates magnanimity taken armes Perhaps you thinke that my King beeing now able to his great aduantage to make an accord with the Emperor and refusing so to doe will without you at some other time hearken to it to his owne disaduantage and yours or peraduenture some hope that the Emperor recouering his former greatnesse will remember this good office for that you beeing sued vnto would not take armes against him but vndoubtedly it is more like that hee according to the custome of all Princes and in particular following his owne naturall inclination will make more account of his owne interest and particular pofit then of all duties and good offices done vnto him Florence Siena and Genoa may serue you for examples whom in recompence of their good seruice hee hath wholy depriued of their liberties These reasons were great in shew but being neerly examined it was perceiued that they were not well grounded hauing no firme foundation and therefore after that the Senate had maturely considered the matter as well that which concerned their newtrallity as the time of yeare already farre spent and vnfit for any great enterprize either by Sea or Land they concluded with a generall consent to answer the Prince and the French Ambassador thus That the Senate did infinitly thanke the King and Prince for their loue and affection towards the proffit of the Commonwealth and that it would perpetually remember it but the Venetians hauing for many yeares beene at peace with all Princes they thought it not a fit thing to breake it vpon no occasion that in any other matter the Senate would striue to satisfie the Kings desire vnto whom and his Realme likewise it wished all health and prosperity After this answer the Prince continuing his propositions did in the Citty of Chioggia assemble diuers of the French faction to determine with them on fittest meanes for the enterprize of Naples There met the two Cardinalls Ferrara and Tournon the Lord of Termes the Kings Lieutenant in Italy Selua the Kings Ambassador at Venice The Duke of Somma with other Dukes of the realme of Naples and certaine other Lords vnto whom the Prince hauing represented the businesse very easie the Assembly did not so finde it in regard of diuers great and euident difficulties the which hauing like-wise beene well examined by the King he wrote to the Prince and to his Ambassador not to motion it to the Senate but they had already done it as hath bin said whereby the Senates answer and resolution was the more commended by all men Whithin a while after matters beginning to turne and change the French King was aduertized how that the Almans had forsaken his alliance and were banded against him because he had
their Gallies they made incursions into the Isles of Zant and Cephalonia and the inhabitants being retired into the fortes all the villages and country houses were burned and the whole country wasted The Turke beeing not satisfied with setting forth a fleet had likewise raised a land army vnder the command of Achmat Basha determining to enuade the Venetians both by sea and land in regard the treaty of peace was wholly broken off and no hope of agreement left For so soone as Ragasson came to Constantinople the Turkes hoping by accord to obtaine that which they could hardly get by armes he was together with the Baily brought before Mahomet the Visier Basha who beganne highly to extoll the power of the Ottoman Empire and to relate the great Lords deseignes against the States of the Venetian Common-wealth who resolued to enuade them by sea and land That Selims intent was to propound peace on very hard conditions neuerthelesse hee would find meanes to moderate that great seuerity prouided likewise that they would consent to what hee should tell them which in effect was that the Baily should perswade the Senate freely to surrender to Zelim the entire possession of Cyprus as a State iustly belonging to the Ottoman Empire The Baily perceiuing thereby that the treaty of peace could not bee continued to the honour of the Common-wealth aduised Ragasson to leaue Constantinople which hee did the other businesse concerning merchants remayning likewise imperfect which once was concluded but presently reuoked by reason of some false reportes brought from Syria and Alexandria so that Ragassons iourney was altogether vaine The end of the ninth Booke of the sixth Decade The Contents of the tenth Booke of the sixth Decade THE Spaniards absolutely tell the Pope and Venetians that they will not ioyne their forces till Don Iohns arriuall The great progression of the Turkish fleet The league is concluded at Rome and published at Venice The Turkes take Dulcigna and Antiuary The Venetians great preparations so soone as they heard that the Turkes were come into their Gulphe The enemies come before Mandracchia with their base retreat The Pope soliciteth Christian Princes to enter into the league The arriuall of Don Iohn and the Spanish forces The Turkish army before Famagosta Marc-Antonio Bragadino Gouernor of Famagosta The enemies at one time batter the city in fiue seuerall places The beseeged make a counter-battery The Turkes giue many fierce assaults to the city The cittizens by reason of extreâ—…me want are enforced to yeeld vpon composition Mustapha his perfidious cruelty His impiety against the dead The vnion of the Christian fleete with the number of the vessels The Christian fleet resolueth to fight with the Turkes The famous battaile of Lepanto where the Turkish fleet is defeated and put to rout The number of the dead on both sides with the number of the enemies vessels that were taken The great ioy at Venice for newes of the victory Don Iohn retireth to Messina The Venetians take the fort of Marguerites The Christians enterprize vpon Saint Maur is bootles And lastly Marc-Antonio Colonna his magnificent entry at Rome The tenth Booke of the sixth Decade of the History of Uenice THE Confederates nauall army which should haue met at Ottranto in May there to haue ioyned altogether came not thither at the latter end of Iune neither was there any tidings of it The conclusion of the league hanging in suspence and the Venetians fearing that they should not bee strong enough of themselues to incounter and repulse the enemies fleete which was reported to bee farre greater then those of the former yeere determined to set forth threescore Gallies of the best in all the fleet at Candy to employ them for the releefe of Cyprus or other places as need should bee to hinder the enemies nauigation vpon those seas and to cut off the rereward of the Turkish Gallies which should lagge behind the fleet and in a word to take hold on all occasions which time should offer Such was the State of the Venetian fleet for that time the greatest part whereof remayning at Corfou did daily expect the arriuall of the Spanish Armada The Pope and Venetians made earnest request that the Gallies of Naples and Sicily which were ready might goe to Ottranto but the Spaniards would not heare of it resoluing to tarry for Don Iohns arriuall The Turkes on the other side hauing intelligence that the forces of the Christian Princes were not yet vnited departing from Candy did boldly saile forwards the great Lord hauing commanded them to seeke out the Christian fleete and fight with it and in the meane time to waste all places by the way belonging to the Venetian State The Generall Venieri hauing intelligence of the enemies course and deseignes and knowing that nothing could hinder them from passing forward resolued to saile with the fleet to Messina fearing as it was very likely that if the enemies fleet should come neerer to Corfoù his owne Gallies would bee exposed to sundry perils and and dangers and if the Turkes should come and lie betwixt the Fana and the Merlieres hee likewise feared that they would hinder the vniting of the Confederates forces Whilest these determinations were made abroad the league on the second day of Iuly was with great solemnity and concourse of people published at Venice after the celebration of Masse in Saint Markes Church by Don Guzman de Silua Ambassador for the Catholike King in the presence of the Duke Senate Princes Ambassadors and great numbers of Prelats who together with the whole Clergy going afterwards through the city in Precession came into the great Market-place which was ritchly hung with tapistry and other costly ornaments whither so soone as the Prince came to the vsuall place where proclamations are made to the people the league was by an Herald published with great silence which being done the ordnance were shot off drummes beaten and trumpets sounded to the great ioy and content of all the people The league being in this sort published they hastened the preparations already begunne and solicited other Princes to enter into it that they might the better encrease their forces Wherevpon the Pope determined for that purpose to send his Nephew the Cardinall Alexandrine into Portugall supposing that the forces and territories of that King would bee fit to affoord aide and reputation to the league hee beeing Lord of many armed vessels and his countries of the Indies confying vpon the Turkish Empire in respect whereof the Senate likewise resolued that Antonio Tepulo then Ambassadour in Spaine should to the same end goe to the King of Portugall to bee there in the name of the Common-wealth at such time as the Popes Legat should treat of that businesse The Venetians the league beeing thus concluded were so bent to warre vpon hope to encrease their forces by the assistance of other Princes as they would not harken to any discourse of peace for
will Testament 31 Infidels aduertised of the Christians enterprize 72 Infidels retire 74 Ierusalem 80 In whose time the Turkes recouered the holy land 95 Incursions of the Bandetti of Zara. 118 Isaac the Emperour ratifies what his sonne had promised 119 Isaac deliuered out of prison ibid. Isaac dieth sodainly ibid. Isle of Candie giuen to the Venetians 122 It is lawful for all men to defend their owne 138 Iâ—…ppa besieged by the Barbarians 91 Inconstancie and lightnesse of the Greekes 151 Ingratitude of the Venetians neighbours 153 Incursions of the Turkes 175 In what place and manner the battell was fought 203 Ingratitude of a son to his father 232 In what maner Pisani fortified Venice 247 In what place Zeni receiued newes of the losse of Chioggia and the Cities siege 252 Ielousie betwixt Pisani and Thaddeo Iustiniano 254 Iohn d' Agons a Frenchman Generall of the Venetian Armie 257 Iustiniano is sent to Apulia to forrage 259 Iustiniano is taken by the Genoueses ibid. In what esteeme the Citie of Verona is 286 Incursions of Nichola Stella vpon the Lucan territories 324 Italus of Friull and Giacomo Guiuano are put to death 401 Inestimable valew of the treasure of Venice 410 Inuention of the Art of Printing attributed to a German 431 Isle of Lemnos deliuered to the Venetians 436 Isle of Delos described 451 Italian Princes send a present to Matthias King of Hungarie 479 L. LOmbards giue limits to the Venetians 8 Luitprand Duke of Forleini 11 Leo the Emperor giues many goodly reliques to the Prince 28 Lewis King of Germanie Tributary rie to the Huns. 40 Leo the Pope comes to Venice 64 Leo the Pope vanquished by the Normans 65 Length of the siege of Antioch with the want in the Armie 78 League with Wilâ—…iam King of Sicill 100. League of Achaia with the Venetians 150 League renewed betwixt Paleologus and the Venetians 155 Ligustick and Lybick warre had almost one selfe same end 163 League and alliance against those of Escalla 176 Lewis King of Hungarie defeated before Zara. 195 Luchin Vermio of Verona Generall of the land Armie 217 Lightnesse and inconstancie of the multitude 218 Lithernians returne to the Venetians obedience 223 Liberall offer made to the Senate by a Citizen of Chioggia 250 Loretta recouered 256 Leopold accepteth the Venetians offer 278 Leopold his proud answere to the Paduan 273 Leopold entreth Treuiso ibid. Leopold rendreth Treuiso to Carrario vpon conditions 277 League against Galeas Viscont ibid Ladislaus selleth Zara to the Venetians 290 Lauretano respected and beloued of euery one 352 Lauretano besiegeth Sermone 360 Legnaga is taken 365 Longina is taken by Sforza 369 La Garda Bardolin and Lansiza are taken 383 Lionello d' AEst commeth to Venice 397 La Marca reduced vnder the Popes obedience 400 Lodes and Plaisancia yeeld to the Venetians 404 Leonesio his death 421 Lauretano his exploits in the Isle of Nigrepont 425 Lamentation and great courage of a woman 465 Lodouico Lauretano commeth from the Popes Legate 470 League betwixt the Venetians and the Kings of Portugall with the cause of that league 518 Law of Nations violated 524 Luca Pisani his opinion on Sanseuerino his designe 525 M. MAcrin Gouernour of Hungarie ouercome by the Huns. 3 Monegario his miserable end 19 Miraculous aparition of S. Marke 30 Malamoc ruined 32 Moores returne into Italie 34 Murcimirus King of Croatia sends Ambassadors to the Duke 57 Molloc Gouernour for the Greeke Emperour deceiueth his fellowes 66 Murasis yeelded 76 Moores came into Dalmatia 35 Michael the Emperour driuen from Constantinople 66 Murderers punished 36 Malamoc burnt and drowned 87 Myrtillus issued from meane parents 120 Myrtillus speach to the people Ibid. Myrtillus flight 121 Meaning of the Prophecie 123 Modona and Corona receptacles of theeues and Pirates ruined 125 Mount Ida. 130 Michael Paleologus his treacherie 148 Mastin beggeth peace of the Venetians 181 Mastin raiseth his campe from Pontremolle 182 Mestra yeelded to the Venetians 185 Mastin incampeth to shut victuals from the Venetians 186 Marsilio his answere to the Venetians 188 Mastin imploreth aid of the Duke of Bauiere ibid. Mastin enforced accepteth peace on any conditions 189 Mastin made a gentleman of Venice 190 Manner of Phalerio his conspiracie 207 Marco Cornari Vice-duke during the troubles 209 Miserable death of Andrea Cornari 217 Marco Gradonico murthered in the Palace 218 Mocenigo his resolution 223 Marsilio Carrario forsaketh his brother 230 Mestra besieged by the Carrarians 237 Mestra relieued by the Venetians ibid Mutatio his answere to the Venetians and Genoueses ibid. Market place of S. Marke paued with bricke 280 Malateste giues ouer the Generals place 284 Massolerio conuicted and punished for treason 287 Milanois offer to Philip. 314 Malateste Generall of Philips Armie 320 Marquis of Montferrat commeth for refuge to Venice 334 Mellato his valour 343 Mellato conducteth the Venetian Armie 346 Mantuans excuse 347 Mellato speedily dislodgeth 348 Martinenga's and Auogadres in Bressia are reconciled 349 Mellato commeth forth of Bressia and is constrained to returne 353 Mellato departs from Bressia and marcheth towards the mountaines 354 Mantuan fortifieth Po. 356 Mellato made Generall of the Venetian Armie 357 Mellato prouides to relieue Bressia 359 Mantuans plot to send the warre farre from his owne Countrie 362 Mantuans pollicie for the passage of his gallies 363 Mantuans gallies passe into the Adice 364 Mellato fortifieth the passages neere to Torbolles 372 Malateste Prince of Cesenna is taken prisoner 373 Maguis entreateth the Prince of Mantua not to spoile Verona 375 Mantuan proclaimed Prince of Verona ibid. Mantuans preparation for defence of Verona ibid. Maguis brought before Sforza is clâ—…ered 377 Malatestes take the enemies partie 379 Mellato his death 396 Mount Barri is taken 403 Milaneses suspect Sforza 408 Manerbia and Ponteuico yeelde to Sforza 421 Malateste besiegeth Sparta 437 Mocenigo his answere to Canalis 447 Mocenigo his first exploit 448 Mocenigo his Oration to the Popes Legate 451 Mocenigo his incursions into Asia 454 Mocenigo his answere to the King of Cyprus 469 Micra is taken by composition ibid. Mocenigo his answer to the Ambassadours from the King of Cyprus his sister ibid. Mocenigo his answere to Lauretano 470 Mocenigo aduertised of the enemies purpose 474 Mocenigo his diligence to relieue Cyprus 475 Mocenigo punisheth the murtherers of Cornari 476 Mocenigo is chosen Gouernour of Cyprus ibid. Matthias King of Hungarie a great souldier 479 Mantuan Prince goes to the Confederates Armie 509 Mantuan discontented leaueth the Armie 510 Maximilian is chosen King of the Romans 521 N. NArses comes into Italie 9 Narses answere to the Empresse ibid. Narentines rodes euen to Caorli 35 Narentines great incursions 55 New officers sent to the Cities newly conquered 58 Normans driue the Saracens and Greeks forth of Italy 65 Nicholas the Pope Tributarie to the Normans ibid. Normans defeat Molloc 66 New titles giuen to the Duke of Venice 68 Nicea besieged 73 Nicea yeelded and vpon what conditions 74 Number of
Pope 68 The incursions of Rance de Cera Gouernour of Crema 69 The tenour of the Senates letters to Aluiana 74 Troubles in Asia 75 The Emperour Maximilian prouoketh Selim against the Venetians 76 Traitor punished 77 To what intent the Spaniard spake to the Venetians of peace 88 Those of Bressia make a sally on the Venetians campe 101 The retreat of the Venetians Armie ibid. Triuulcio leaueth his charge 104 The Emperours comming into Italie 105 The whole countrey betwixt Oglio Po and Adda yeelds to the Emperour 107 Truce renewed betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians 117 The King of England chosen Vmpier betwixt mightie Princes 124 Traitours in Milan giue aduertisement to Prospero Colonna 128 Triuulcio taken prisoner by the Imperials 129 The protestation of the Emperor and King of Englands Ambassadors in Senate 139 The French King will by no meanes discampe from Padua 148 The French King is taken by the Imperials and the Armie defeated ibid. The Emperours speech and gestâ—…re vpon newes of the victorie 149 The King of Englands courtesie towards the French king 154 The King of Englandes aâ—…nswere to the Commissioners of the league 156 The two Armies of the Pope and the Venetians march together to Milan 157 The offer of the Pope and the Venetians to the King 159 The King of England offereth the Pope a great summe of money 163 The Emperours preparations by sea and land ibid. The two Armies of the league and Imperialles at once in Tuscanie 171 The king of Fraunâ—…e and England resolue to free the Pope 176 The Emperours dissimulation concerning the Popes taking 177 The French kings great preparations to send into Italy 179 The Turke being assailed by Marcello hath speedie reuenge 183 The Emperour commaundeth the Pope to be enlarged 115 The French kings answere to the Venetians Ambassador and his determination 206 Treason discouered in Barletâ—…a 207 The two Armies of the French and Venetians distrust one another 209 Triuulcio his request from the king to the Venetians 213 The Emperours arriuall at Genoa 212 The Kings request to the Venetians 215 The king entreateth the Emperour to make an accord with the Venetians 216 The Emperour is desirous of an accord with the Venetians 218 The Emperour is crowned at Bolognia 224 The Emperours gift to the Venetian Ambassadors brought into the publike treasurie ibid. The Turkes complaints against the Venetians 226 The Emperour granteth an Interim concerning the difference in Religion 228 The king of Hungarie seeketh peace of the Emperour and Ferdinand 230 The Emperour with a mightie Armie encampeth before Vienna 232 The Emperours and Solimans nauall Armie 233 The Emperour returneth into Italie 235 The Turkes recouer Coron 243 The Turkish fleet scoureth the Sea-coast of Calabria 244 The Emperour seeketh to the Venetians 245 The Emperour for the Venetians sake doth maintaine the Duke of Vrbins caufe 246 The Emperours preparations for Africke ibid. The Emperours great Armie for his voiage into Affricke 247 The taking of Thunis and Bonna 248 The Emperours captious answere to the Venetians concerning the State of Milan ibid. The Emperour challengeth the French King to single fight 250 The Emperour enforced to retire forth of Prouence 251 The three chiefe pointes which the Pope handled with the Christian Princes 252 The French king sendeth an Ambassador to Venice to draw them from the Emperour ibid. The king purposeth to vse the Turke against the Emperour 253 The king commeth to Lyons to go into Italy 257 Three sundrie accidents that caused warre betwixt Soliman and the Venetians 260 The Turks of Obrouazzo retire to the Castle 269 Treatie of peace betwixt the French king and the Emperour broken off 276 The Emperour declareth that hee could not take Armes for the league ibid. The Emperour and French King refuse to sâ—…e one another at Nice in the Popes presence 277 The Turkish feastes of Baieran 278 The Turks wast Dalmatia 281 The Turkes take the Castle of Laurana 282 The Turks leaue Dalmatia and goe into Hungarie 283 The Turkes arriuall makes the Venetians quit Obrauazza 284 The Turks wonder at the Christians boldnesse 286 The Turkish Gallies put to rout by the Armie of the league 287 The Turkes come forth of the Gulph and put themselues in battaile 288 The Turkes purpose broken by Doria 289 The Turkish Armie retireth into the Gulph of Larra 292 The Emperours excuses for not performing his promise 295 The Turkes great preparations for recouerie of Castel-nouo 298 Truce for three monethes betwixt the Turkes and Venetians 299 Truce prolonged with the Venetians 300 The Basha his demaunds to Contaten 302 The Emperour desireth passage through France to goe into Flanders 303 The Emperour and French king send to the Venetians to diuert them from peace with the Turks 304 The Emperour commeth to Paris 307 The traitors which bewrayed Badoatio his Commission to the Turks discouered 308 The traitors punished 309 The Emperours resolution contrarie to his promise 313 The Emperour allieth himselfe with Henrie King of England 319 The Turkes take Regio in Calabria 320 The Emperour returneth into Italy ibid. The Emperour refuseth to conferre with the Pope 321 The Turke makes warre in Hungarie 322 Two Legates sent to the Emperour and the French king to procure peace 324 The Emperour and Ferdinand send Ambassadors to treat of peace with the Turke 326 Truce for one yeare betwixt the Emperour his brother and Soliman 328 Tyrannicall law of the Turks ibid. The Emperor refuseth to inuest Pietro Lodouico in the Dutchie of Parma and Placentia 329 The Emperours the French kings difficulties cause of peace in Italy 330 The Emperours complaintes against the Pope with his returne so Milan 335 The Turke sendeth an Ambassador to Venice 342 The Turkes make war in Hungarie and Transiluania 347 The Emperour sendeth the Vice-Roy of Naples against the Siennois 355 The Emperour Charles resigneth his whole state to his sonne Philip and to his brother 358 Truce granted and soone broken 358 The taking of Calais by the Guise 361 The forme of the great Turkes oath 369 The opinion of the other Bâ—…shaes contrarie to that of Mahomet 371 Treason practised by a Cypriot discouered and punished 374 The King of Spaines aunswâ—…re to the Popes conteâ—…t 376 The Turkes preparations for the war of Cyprus 378 The Emperours answere to the Venetian Ambassadour 382 Turkes repulsed from Tina 385 The Turkish fleete landed in Cyprus ibid. Turks build 3. Forts neere to Nicosiâ—… 390 Turkes take the Bulwarke Constantia 391 The Emperour resuseth to enter into the leâ—…gue 396 The Emperour will not allow of the Popes new Title giuen to the Duke of Florence 399 Tepulo his opinion tends to warre 401 The league against the Turke concluded ibid. Turkes put to rout in Candie 404 Turkes waste the Islands of Xant and Zephalenia ibid. The League published at Venice 407 Turks before Dulcigna 408 Turkes before Mandrachia 410 The king of Spaines answere to the Cardinall Alexandrine ibid. The leagues offer to
of the Genoa Armie What the Thracian Bosphorus is The Greekes base flight A cruell nightflight The Arragonis Generall slaine in the battaile Who dyed on the Ventians side What Petrarch deliuereth concerning this battaile How the Senate disdained the losse of this battaile Foure new officers created in the Armie The Genoueses make roades to Histria Pisani 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 Armie Pisani ioynetâ—… with the Arragonois Grimaldi Generall of the Genoueses In what place the battaile was fought In what manneâ—… the Venetians fought The battaile betwixt the Venetians and Genoueses The Genoueses defeated Great crueltie falsly imputed to the Uenetians The great lamentation made at Genoa The Genouesis commit themselues to Giouanni Uisconte Duke and Arch Bishop of Milan The Authors discourse Visconte his answere to the Genoueses The Venetians make new alliance Petrarke Ambassadour for the Milanoâ—…s Victorie of the Uenetians ouer the Genoueses iâ—… Morea The Genoueses make incursions into the Adriatick Gulph Pisani the Venetian Generall retires to Dalmatia A new Genouesan Armie commanded by Pagano Doria Doria spoileth the Adriatick Gulphe The Genoueses take Parenza The feare which was in Venice for the enemies comming The Venetian Senate displâ—…ased with Visconte They make alliance with the King of Boheme The Venetian Armie in the Isle of Sapientia The Venetian Armie surprized 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 Great discomfort in Venice The Genoueses Generall his error The Venetians diligence Trâ—…ce taken with Visconte A great brauerie of a Gâ—…noueses gâ—…lley The manner of Phalerio â—…is conspiracie A day appointed for the execution Aristocratia repuâ—… thâ—… beâ—… of 〈◊〉 By what meanes the plot was dâ—…scouered The chiefe conspirators punished An excellent Architect punished with the rest Why the Author doth not name those that were guiltie of the conspiracie Phalerio his pictâ—…re razed out in the great hall Phalerio is put to death Sundrie punishments of the conspirators The discouerer of the conspiracie recompenced with his discontent Marco Cornari vice-Duke during the troubleâ—… Peace betwixt the Venetians and the Genoueses with their allies A religious and godly act The Venetians restored to their vsuall trafficke The Earledome of Val-marin fallen to the Uenetians by Phalerio his dâ—…ath The cause of the warre betwixt the venetians and the King of Hungarie What tribute the King of Hungary demanded of the venetians The King of Hungarie his great Armie in Dalmatia The King of Hungarie allieth himselfe with Carrario The King of Hungarie besiegeth Treuiso The Duke of Venice is denied a passe-port Treuiso brauely defended The Venetians incensed against Carrario The Almaines defeated through their owne default Peace refused on vniust conditions A Citie brauely defended The Venetians enforced to sue for peace A peace more necessarie than honourable for the Uenetian The King infringeth the peace The Venetians wisedome The Venetian Ambassadours taken prisoners in Germanie The Duke of Austria commeth to Ueniâ—â— The King of Cyprus commeth to Venice Great sedition in Candie The Gouernour of the Island imprisoned Commissioners sent into Candie to appâ—…ase the troubles Ambassadors sent euery where against the Candiots Aduertisement to Christian Princes against the Candiols The entertainement giuen by the christian Princes to the Venetian Ambassadors Dominico Michaeli Generall of the venetians nauall ArmieLuchin Vermio of Verona Generall of the land-Armie The number of the land-Armie The number of the fleete The rebels feare The miserable death of Andrea Cornari The pretence of a murtherer to execute his enterprize Diuers slaine by the same murtherer Demaund of the Greeke multitude Threatnings of the Candiots Calergo the mur therer taken Exemplariâ—… punishment of Calergo The lightnesse and inconstancie of the multitude The Candiots resolue to yeeld to the Genouese A free speech of two Senators of Candie â—…arco Gradonico murthered in the Pallace The Candiots send Ambassadors to Genoa Georgio Molino Bishop of Caâ—…on The venetian Prince and Senate send Ambassadors to Genoa The Genoueses answere to the Candiots The venetiaâ—… Armie at Fresca Almiron The Candioti crueltie to the venetians The Candiots errour The Candiots defeated The Citie of Candace yeelded The Venetians Souldiers readie to mutinie Vermio appâ—…aseth it The rebells punished Great ioy at Venice for the recouerie of Candy Who wonne the honour at the turnâ—…y A new commotion in Candie Who was the Authour of the new commotion The death of Nicholao Dandulo and his brother The spoiles made by the Candiots Rethimna taken by the â—…ehells Why the Venetians were troubled at this new sâ—…irre The Popes indulgences against the Candiots The CaÌ„diots defeated New Prouidatori sent with supplies to the IslaÌ„d The Candiots defeated and put to â—…light by Ciacomo Bragadino Fifteene villages reuolt Great boldnesse of the rebâ—…lls Mocenigo his resolution New Prouidatori and new supplies sent into Candiâ—… The death of Andrea Zeno. The rebells enforced by famine yeeld to the venetians The Siuerites vanquished by Iustiniano The Lithernians returne to the venetians obedience The rebells executed The situation of Aâ—…polis Aonpolis taken Raâ—…esse of a rebell A merrie answere of a soldier to one of the rebells How hardly Contareni accepted of his dignitie What those ought to doe that are called to publick offices Contareni his fault inexcusable The Thryestines reuolt A Venetian Armie against the Thryestines New supplies comes to the Armie The Thriestines resolue to yeeld to the Duke of Austria The Duke of Austria brings aide to the Thryestines A base retreate of the Almaines The Thryestines returne to the Venetians obedience A new warre with Francisco Carrario The cause of the warre Commissioners appointed on both sides to enquire of their strife Carrario his purpose discouered Traitours in the Senate knowne and punisted â—…arre prepared against the Carrarians Rayniero Uasco Generall of the Uenetian Armie The rendezuous of the Armie at Mestra The retreate dismission of the Generall The Hungarians come to aid the Paduans The Venetians vanquished by the Barbarians The Venetians build two Forts on the takes Diuers opinions concerning Rayniero his dismission Alberto Carrario in Rayniero his place The venetians victorie ouer the Hungarians Fontano his exhortation to his Souldiours The venetians error Marsitio Carrario forsakâ—…th his brother The King of Hangaâ—…ie 〈◊〉 on peace Nouello sonne to Francisco comes to sweare to the peace at Venice The Duke of Austria maketh new war on the Venetians The Almains retreate The Almain marchants imprisoned in venice Giacomo Caballa Generall of the venetians Armie by Land The enemies put to flight before Longina Gerardo Caminensis Feltre besieged by the venetians The venetian Generalls sonne taken with diuers others The prisoners sent home vpon their word Truce with Leopold An absolute peace with Leopold The cause of the fourth war with the Genoueses The punishment of an vngratefull sonne to his father Great ingratitude of a sonne to his father The Isle of Tenedos promised to the Genoueses The Gouernour of the Island refâ—…seth to obey the commandement of the rebellious sonne By what
Triuil and Râ—…molca 〈◊〉 the countrey of Gyradadeart recouered by Sforza Sforza taketh Carauazza Piciniâ—…s proiect The battaile of Anglare betwixt Picinino and the lâ—…ague The defence flight of the Venetians The great number of prisoners Picinino dispa ireth after the losse of the battâ—…le Sfoâ—…zas great conquest Nicolâ—…o d'Aeste commeth to Sforza's Campe to 〈◊〉 of peace The Venetians take Pesâ—…ara Nâ—…colao d'Aestâ—… bringeth the Ladie Bianca to Mantua Sforza's answere to those that entreated him to go thither where Biaâ—…ca lay Raucnna vnder the Venetians The great entertainement giuen to Sforza at Venice Francisco Barbaro highly esteemed in Venice The Bressans are recompenced for their loyaltie Great triumphs at Uenice at the wedding of the Princes sonne Picinino his vnlookt for 〈◊〉 into the Countrie of Bressia Sforza recruers the bridge of Valeza The Venetians place Attendaâ—… in Mellato's 〈◊〉 After what maner Picinino incamped Sforza his speech to his souldiâ—…s The fight betwixt Picinino and Sforza is broken off â—…y the approch oâ—… night Sforza besiegeth Martinenga Philip is reduced to great 〈◊〉 The number of the Venetian armie before Martinenga Philips resolution Peace is concludâ—…d by Sforza and Philips commissioner Picinino his complaints vpon â—…he report of pence The Senates answere to Sforza Sforza is busie in hearing and satisfyng the Ambassadour Sforzas sentence coâ—…cerning the strife betwixt the Ambassours Sforza with his wife commeth to Venice Andrea Dandulo is sent Ambassador to the Soldan of Babilon Mellatos death Three new Procurators of S. Marke created The Citie of Antiuari subiect to the Venetians A great deluge at Venice Bistice assailed by the Uenetians The king of Arragons daughter commeth to Venice 〈◊〉 d'Aeste comes to venice Diuers Gallies armed at Venice against the Turkes The Christianâ—… possesse the streight The Pope and Philpâ—… dâ—…scontent The cause of Sforzas hatred taking Alphonso The Pope king Alphonso and Philip make league against Sforza Sforza sends his brother to the aide of Renatus Picinino departeth from La Marca Warre renued in La Marca Haniâ—…al Beâ—…tiuole prisoner The Bologneses hauing recouered their liberty craue the alliance of the Venetians and â—…lorentines Hanibal Bentiuole is trâ—…acherously slaine by his enemies Picinio entirely defeated by Sforza Picininos death Carpeliâ—…ns death La Marca is reduced vnder the Popes obedience AlexaÌ„der Sforza his brother reuolteth from him Italus of Friul and Giacomo Guiuano are put to death The Venetians in Sforza's behalfe denounce warre to Philip. Disgrace offered to an Ambassador The Venetians vanquish Philips forces An other victory of the Venetians The Venetians reuoke all that which had beene giuen to Sforza Philips Ambassadors come to Venice to treate of peace Pope Eugenius death Ambassadours sent to the new Pope The Princes son is confined into Candie Andrea Donato being accused to haue beene corrupted is condemned in a pecuniarie fine Carolo Montone taketh the Venetians partie Attendulo his incursions vpon the Milanois The 〈◊〉 take Brebia Mount Barriâ—… taken The plague in Venice The Anconitans yeeld to the Venetians Philips death Lodes yeeldeth to the Venetians Plaisancia doth the like An accord betwixt those of Milan and Sforza Sforza comes to the field Ambassadours sent from Milan to Venice with the Venetians answere A nauall Armie determined against the Milaneses Attenduloeâ—… incursions vpon the Milanese A motion of peace A nauall armie against pirates Vitalis Sarde the pirate hanged Alphonso imprisoneth all the venetians in his kingdome Alphonsoes answere to the Venetian Ambassadours 〈◊〉 takes the Venetians party Sforza taketh diuers townes The Venetians nauall armie is broken Sforza besiegeth Carauazza The number of both the armies Diuersitie of opinions in the venetians camp The venetians on a sodaine and vnlookt for doe assaile Sforza's campe Sforza defeateth the venetians Dandulos braue answere A new Armie of the venetians Sforza besigeth Bressia Many townes yeeld to Sforza after the battel The Milaneses suspect Sforza Sforzas resolutioÌ„ Sforzas secret practises with the venetians Accord betwixt the venetians and Sforza Sforza marâ—…heth against the Milaneses A battaile betwixt the Turkes and Christians at â—…drianople Diuers townes of the state of Milan yeeld to Sforza Sforza besiegeth Milan Coyoni his victorie The people of Milan come forth disbanded against Sforza The Milaneses feare of Sforza's Armie The famous theft which a Greeke did enterprise The inestimable valew of the tresure of Venice The theese is hanged betwixt the columnes The accuser is recompensed The Venetians suspect Sforza Alphonso expelleth the Venetians out of his dominions The Venetians nauall army against Alphonso The Gotholans are vanqâ—…shed at Ortona A motion of peace betwixt Sforza and the Milaneses Crenia yeeldeth to the VenetiaÌ„s The articles propounded to Sforza Sforzaes answer to the proposition of peace Accord betwixtâ—… the Venetians and Milaneses Sforza maketh warre on both the Common-wealths A cruel fight at the mouth of the hauen of Siracusa Ambassadors assembled at venice The venetians resolue on warre against Sforza and choose Malateste for their Generall Sforza his preparations A great dearth in Milan Sforzas wise discreet resolution The venetians Ambassador is muâ—…thered in Milan Sforza is proclaimed Duke of Milan Peace betwixt the venetians and king Alphonso An excellent example of chastitie in a Germain Ladie The Emperour Fredericke with his wise commeth into Italy The Pope honâ—…reth the venetiâ—… prince with the golden sword the girdle and ornament for his head A motion of peace with Sforza The death of Hermolao Donato The Duke of Austria commeth to Venice The king of Bossina sendeth presents to the venetian prince Coyone is on a sodaine and vnlookt for assailed by the Senates command Carolo Gonzaga imploreth the venetians aide The great entertainment giuen to the Emperour Fredericke and Leonora his wife at Venice The Senates Decrce to get money to furnish the expences for the warres The Venetian troupes come to the gates of Milan The Uenetians besiege Soncina Sforza with 20000. men commeth into the Bressan territorie The Venetians march against the enemies The number of both Armies William of Mont ferrat is van quished by Sacromor Visconte The Flarentines send to the fieÌ„ch King Coyone makes incursions on the Bressanterritorie Sforzas troupes are defeated Sforza taketh Caluisians The death of Hector Brandolino A fierce fight with victorie on neither side Sforza 〈◊〉 red to Casar Sforza resusing to fight reth retâ—… 〈◊〉 to his winter garrisons Alphonso pursueth the Florentines The Turkes intend to inuade Constantinople Stephano Porcio his conspiracie against the Pope Stephano Porcio is put to death The Florentines recouer Foglian Leonesio his death Sundrie combats and in counters betwixt the Uenetians and Sforzans King Renatus commeth to Sforzas companie Manerbia and Ponteuico yeeld to Sforza Constantinople besieged Aide entereth into Constantinople by Sea The Emperours exhortation to his souldiers The Emperour in despaire The death of the Emperor of Constantinople The Turkish crueltie Pope Nicholas recompence to as many as shold tak armes against the Turkes Sforzaes exploits
Bentiuoâ—…es The Bentiuoles being discouraged submit to the Pope Bolognia yeelded to the Pope The King of Arragon commeth into the Realme of Naples Lewis the French King commeth inâ—… Italy The great hatred which the Pope did beare to the Venetians 1507. A strang suspition of the Pope concerning the King The false reports which the Pope threw abroad against the king Enteruiew of king of France and Arragon at Sauona Aduertizements to the Princes of Germany to cleere the suspition of the French King VVhat was concluded in the Dyet at Constance The Venetians greatly perplexed The Venetians resolute answer to the Emperors ambassadors The Emperor finde to himselfe frustrate of his hopes The Pope refuseth the Emperors request The great preparations of King Lewis the Venetians to stop the Emperors passage The Emperor summons those of Verona to gâ—…ue him passag The Emperor commeth towards Vincenza and on a sodaine returneth into Germany The Venetians great preparations The Almains defeated in the vale of Cadora The Emperor reiteraeteth his Amâ—…assadio the Venetians for passage The Senates answer to the Emperors Ambassador Aluiana his exploits in Friul An old man's speech to the Senate warrs resolued against Maximilian Flight of the Venetian Garrison Maximilians Army desolued for a small occasion The Castle of Creste yeelded to the Venetians The Venetians retire from before the Fort of la Pietra The Venetians refuse to grant Maximilian truce for three yeares Iarring betwixt the Com missioners assembled about the truce Truce betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians The French King complaineth of the truce The French King 〈◊〉 bleth What was practised vnder hand again ct the Venetians Confederacy of the Pope Emperor French King and King of Arragon against the Uenetians The Confederacy ratified by the Emperor and the two Kings The difficulty which the Pope made to ratifie the consederacie The Popes secret menaces to the Venetians The Venetians secret practises with Maximilian The Venetians great preparations for their defence Ambuscado 〈◊〉 surprise the Count Petillan The Pope ratifieth the treaty of Caâ—…bray The Venetians attempt in vaine to be reconciled to the Pope and the Emperor The Venetians are astonished at sondry bad presages The Venetians army on the entry of the country of Giradade Sondry opinions of the Venetian Captaines The Lord of Chaumont General of the Kings army The French take Treui Casal-Maior yeelded The Popes terrible monitory against the Venetians The Duke of Venice his answere to the French Kings Herald The Venetians Armie at Foutane lla The Venetians recouer Treui The Kings Armie 〈◊〉 very neer to that of the Venetians Sundry opinions in the Kings Armie The Kings resolution to enforce the enemies to fight The number of the Kings Armie The number of the Venetians Army The Kings Armie and that of the Venetians fight suriously one with an other The Venetians lose the battle of Gyradade The King take to Carauagia Bressia yeeldeth to the king How the Venetians were daunted at the report of the battails losse The Venetians offer to the Pope The Venetians seeke to be reconciled to the Emperor The great progression of the French army Al Romagnia yeâ—…ldeth to the Pope vpon the same onely of the Kings victory The Duke of Terrara declares him selfe against the Uenetians The Marquis of Mantua doth the like The Emperors army vnder the Duke of Brunswic The Venetians quit Padua Verona and ther places of the firme land The Venetians obtaine nothing of the Pope nor Emperor Hope giuen to the Venetians The Pope being mooued with pitty takes compassion on the Venetians Treuiso coâ—…tinueth obedient to the Venetians The Venetians take courage An enteruiew resolued on betwixt the Emperor and the French King The Emperour on a sodaine breaketh the enteruiew The Venetians take Padua The French Kings resolution The Venetians masters of the Champaine country New agreements betwixt the Pope and the King The Marquis of Mantua taken prisoner and brought to Venice Cadora taken and sackt by the Imperials The Emperour propoundeth to assault Venice Frangipane makes warre in Histria The Venetian Ambassadors come by might into Rome The Emperor determines to beseege Padua The great Turkes offer to the Venetian Senate The Emperors progression nere to Padua The Emperoâ—… beseeged Padua The number of the Emperours army The number of the army in Padua The Count Petillan hath the command in Padua The King of Hungary will by no meanes make warre on the Venetians being solicited therevnto Assault giuen to a Rauelin of the city Assault giuen to the breach of the Bastion of Codolongaâ—… These that came to the assault retire There Emperor raiseth his campe from before Padua The Emperor reâ—…rneth into Germany Contention betwixt the Pope and the King VVhat the Popes meaning was The Popes answer to those who hindered the Venetians absolution The Venetians recouer Vincenza The Imperials succor Verona with men and victuals The Venetians nauall army scoureth the Po as farre as Fiquerolles The cause of the Venetians hatred to the Duke of Ferrara The Venetian General builds two Bastions on the two banks of Po. The Venetians driue the Ferrarois from the Bastions The Venetians recouer the Pollesin The Venetians prouide for Legnaga Suaua and Vincenza The Duke of Ferraradeseateth the Venetians naual army The Duke of Ferrara takes Loretta The Emperour goeth to bold a Dyet at Inspruch A treaty of trnce motioned betwixt the Imperor and the Venctians broken The Emperors proposition to the French King The Pope absolutly the Venetian Maximillian and the French King are displeased with the Pope for absoluing the Venetians The Popes bad meaning to the French King The Kings anger against the Swisses VVherevnto the Popes actions tended The enterprize vpon Verona discouered The Pope in batred to the King doth assaile the Duke of Ferrara a new The French King greatly perplexed The Lord of Chaumont taketh the Pollesin of Rouigo The Vincentine commissioners craue pardon of the Prince of Anbalt The Vincentines yeeld themselues to the victors mercy The French beseege Legnaga Legnaga taken The death of the Cardinal of Amboyse The Lord of Chaumont takes diuers places which stopped the Emperors comming into Italy Verona and her territory pawned to the King for a hundred thousand crownes Monselesia with her Castle taken ruyned The Lord of Chaumont with his forces returneth to the Dutchy of Milan The Popes discontent against the King The Popes secret practises Genoa assured for the King The Popes army taketh Modena Six thousand Swisses come to Varese against the king The six thousand Swisses returne home into their contry for want of victualls and mony The Venetians recouer all the places neere to Padua which had bin taken by the French Verona besieged The number of the Venenetian Army The Venetians raise their Campe from before Verons The King of Hungary summoneth the Venetian Ambassador The Venetians take Azola The Marquis of Mantua is set at liberty Enterprise vpon Genoa The Venetian fleâ—… shâ—…'t by
title of Dutchy to his sonne Petro Lodouico The Emperour refusâ—…th to inuest Petro Lodouico in the Dutchy of Porma and Placentia The new Duke his offers to the Venetians The Emperors and the French Kings difficulties were cause of the peace of Italy The Venetians resoâ—…s â—…o diuert the Pope from medling with the Protestants The Senats answer to the Pope and the Emperor The Venetians grant passage to the Pope and Emperors troups The number of the Emperors Army VVho they were that took part with the Protestants The number of the Protestants Army The Pro testants suite to the Venetians The Senaoes answere to the Protestants The Duke of Saxon and the Landerâ—…ue of Hesse their suite to the Venetian Senate with their answer The Venetians gentle answer to those of Aus bourg The Venetians are in some doubt seing so many soldiers in Italy The Popes discourse to driue the Venetians from their suspition The Protestants take Chiusa The occasions of the enemies losse The Cardinall Farnâ—…se commeth to Uenice VVho be Venetian Gentlemen with their Preâ—…ogatiues The Popes complaints against the Emperor The Emperors complaints against the Pope The Emperor returneth so Milan The Sienois rise against the Spaniards The Emperors deseigns in Italy The death of Petro Lodouico the Popes Sonne The death of Francis the first French King Henry the eight King of England Henry the Second French King The Senate sendeth Ambassadors to the new Fench King And to Edward the Sixt King of England The Cardinall Saint George is sent Legat into France Petâ—…o Strossâ—… sent sor into France to troble the peace of Italy Horratin Farn se marrieth King Henries daughter Gonzaga â—…xeu sethâ—…im concer ning the death of Petro Lodouico The Pope anâ—… French King do solicitâ—… the Venetians against the Em peror The Senates aâ—…swer to the Poâ—…e and French King Sundry practises in Italy An. 1548. The French Kings doubts and deseignes The Pope is greatly â—…erpiexed The Pope to 〈◊〉 the Atmains sendeth a Legat into Germany Solimans Army against the Persians Soliman maketh truce with Christian Princes Strise betwixt the Emperor French king Soliman sendeth Imperioâ—…s letters to the Emperor Contention concerning the place where the Councel should be held The death of Pope Paul the third Parma is kept by Camillâ—… Vrsino The Cordinâ—…ll de Monte is chosen Pope and called by the name of Iulius the third The Senatâ—… 〈◊〉 Ambassadorâ—… 〈◊〉 the Pope Horatio Farnâ—…se putteth himselfe and family into the French Kâ—…ngs protection Presages of great warres The Turke sendeth an Ambassador to Venice Catherin Zene 〈◊〉 sent Amâ—…assador to the Turke An. 1550. A 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 An. 1551. The Pope not thinking there on causeth great warres in Italy Proposition of an agreement about Parma VVho hindred the Emperor from allowing of that agreement The Pope seeketh meanes of agreement with the 〈◊〉 King The warre continueth in Italy Strossi his pollicy to victuall Parma The Duke of Florence taketh the Emperors party The Duke of Ferrara craueth à duice of the Venetians how to behaue himselfe in those troubles in Italy A discreâ—…t answer of the Venetians to the Duke of Ferrarâ—… Instructions sent by the French King to the Cardinall Tournon to be propounded to the Venetian Senate The Senates answer to the Cardinall Tournoâ—… The Germaine Princes treate with the French King against the Emperor The Pope by his Legate goeth about to attâ—…ne the Emperor and the French King The King inciâ—…ed agaiâ—…st the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 biddeth annates A great Turâ—…ish fleet at Sea The course held by the Turkish â—…leet at Sea The Turkeâ—… make war in Hungary and Transiluania Fâ—…rdinand doth 〈◊〉 enioy 〈◊〉 All Germany is bandâ—…d agaâ—…nst the Emperor and his brother Ferâ—…inand Ferdinand to free himselfe from war wiâ—…h the Turke offereâ—…h to pay him tribute Friar George the Câ—…rdinall is murthered The Venetians preparations when they heard how the Turkes armed Metz is taken by tâ—…e French The French King commeth as farre as the Râ—…ine in fauor of the Prâ—…testant Princes 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 of â—…bourg The Prince of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The enterprise of 〈◊〉 propounded to the King The Prince of Salerno his proposition to the Venetian Senate The Senotes answers to the Prince of Saâ—… The Pace of châ—…usa is taken by the Protestants Peace betwâ—…xt the Emperor and Germaine Princes The Prince of Salerno â—…neth to Venite from the king The Oration of Selua the Frech Kings Ambassador to the Venetian Senate The Senats answere to the Prince of Salerne and the French Ambassador The enterprize of Naples being found very difficulâ—… is reâ—… by the King The Almanis band themselues against the French King concerning Metz Thou and Verdun The Emperor sâ—…ndeth the Viceroâ—… of Naples against Sienna The Kings demand tâ—… the Siennois The Viceroy of Naples spoileth the country of the Siennois An. 1552. The councell of â—…enne reuiueth the memory and execution of the lâ—…st will and testament of the Cardinal Zene The death of Edward the sixth King of England The Duke of Florence sendeth forces against the Siennois An. 1553. An. 1554. An. 1555. The death of Pope Iulius he third The election of Pope Paul the fourth The Emperor Charles resigneth all his States to his sonne Philip and to his brother Ferdinand Truce granted and soone broken An. 1556. The Pope an enemy to the Spaniards The Duke of Alua taketh diuers townes from the Pope The Venetians being entreated by the Pope vse meanes to pacifie the Duke of Alua. Octauio Farneze 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Dutchy An. 1557. The Duke of Guise commeth into Italy The losse of the battaile of Saint Lawrence and the towne of Saint Quintins The Spaniards demands vpon the treaty of peace with the Pope Peace betwixt the Pope and Spaniards VVarres betwixt Solimans two soones An. 1558. The taking of Calais Francis Daulphin of Viennois marâ—…ieth the Queene of Scots The French take Thyonuille An. 1559. Peace concludâ—… betwixt the 〈◊〉 and Spanish Kings The Pirates pursued by Bembo saue â—…hemselues in Durazzo The death of Pope Paul the fourth A Popular commotion in Rome Venetian Ambassadors to the French King The creation of Pope Pius the fourth The Cardinall Carassa and three of his kinsmen are put to death The death of Andre Doria The Venetians send Ambassadors to the Pope The ouerture of the councell of Trent An. 1560. Charles the ninth French King The Cardinalâ—… seâ—…t by the Pope to the the councell The Venetian 〈◊〉 that were present at the councell of â—…rent The Pope endâ—… the controtronersie betâ—…ixt the Ambassadors of France and Spaine A strange accident at Rome The Venetians chase away the Pirats Maximilâ—…an Emperor in 〈◊〉 fathers stead An. 1565. The great harme with the Inquisitiâ—…n doth after the manner of Spaine The Senate of Milans answer to the King of Spaine concerning the Inquisition The Venetianâ—… answer to the Pope The Death of Pope Piuâ—… quarâ—…us à nd the election of Peus quintus The death of Soliman before Zighet
to take the Citâ—…y The estate of the beseeged 〈◊〉 them to yeeld The Captains sâ—…ndry opinions The beseeged resolue to yeeld on composition 〈◊〉 giuen on both sides The artiâ—…les of the 〈◊〉 Mustapha his seigned curtesie Bragadin 〈◊〉 to Mustapha his tent Mustapha his 〈◊〉 â—…cliy More then barbarous cruelty Great impiety against the dead The Bascha returneth to Constantinople The vniting of the Confederate fleet The Aduise of D. Bernardino de Requesens for fighting or not fighting with the enemy Barbarico 〈◊〉 speecâ—… peâ—…swading to fight Cornia his speech confirming Batbaricos The Turkish fleet in the Gulph of Lepanto An accident which had like to haue bred great miâ—…chiefe Don Iohn 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against Venieri Venieri his answer to them The order and forme of the chrâ—…stian battaile Don Iohns Oration to his soldiors The speech of Hassan Bascha perswadiâ—…g to fight Mehemet Bey bis speech dissweding from fight The order of the Turkish flect Ali Basha his speech of incouragement to his captaineâ—… and soldiers at the inâ—…ant of battaile The memorable battaile of Lepanto Small hope in the reuolt of the Turkes subiects The Ueneâ—…ians preparations against the spring The Emperors excuses to free himselfe from entring into the league The King of Portugals answer to the Cardinall and Venetians The King of Portugals promises The Pope soliâ—… the King of Poland Bascha Mahomet soliciteth the Emperor The Pope and Venetians doubt 〈◊〉 Turkes 〈◊〉 of the Christians before the battaile The 〈◊〉 of peace beoken Rumors diuâ—…lged by the Spaniard The Spaniards feare least the Uenetians make peace with the Turks 〈◊〉 of Pius Quintus The Venetians solicite the Cardinalls in the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 The enterprize vppon Castelno â—…o propounded to the Senate The attempt vppon Castel-nouo in vaine Soranza is honorably enterteined by Don Iohn at Messina His Remonstrance to D. Iohn The Spanish delayes The true cause of Don Iohns delay D. John leadett the Venetians 22. Gallies The French King â—…orhideth his subiâ—…cts to goe into Flanâ—…ers Râ—…asont alleadged by the Protestants to moouâ—… the French King to warre The Spaniards are iealous of the French mens actions Ambassadors 〈◊〉 from Venice to France and Spaine The Venetian Ambassadors discourse to the French Kinâ—… The French Kings answere to the Venetian Ambassador The mother Queene of France writeâ—… to the Pope The Catholick Kingâ—…s resolution before the Ambassadors ariual Tepulo his sute to the Kinge of Spaine The senates resolution when they perceiued the Spanish delaies Colonna his â—…duice General Foscarini his answer to Colonna Colonna's opinion concerning the setting forward towards the â—…mies Gâ—…l Andrada his opinion Don Iohn certifies the Venetians that bee will shortly bee with them The fleet departeth notwithstanding The Christians descry the Tur kish fleet The number of the Christian and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ulâ—…zzalies policy The death of Sigismond King of Poland The Christians flâ—…et desâ—…rieth that of the Turkes The Turkes retire from the Christian fleet Vluzzali determineth to assaiâ—…ls D. Iohn â—… proposition made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 witâ—… securâ—… D. Iohn Difficultieâ—… arising about the meeting of Don Iohn Quirini sale conducts the great vessels to the fleet The number of the confederate fleet The order of the Confederates fleet The Confederates error The enemies 〈◊〉 to Modon Ulâ—…zzali inâ—… not to fight Charles of Lorraine Duke of Mayen in the 〈◊〉 fleete 〈◊〉 of the Turkish fleet A vayne and vnprofitable engin The situation of the Castle of Nauarine The Turkes comming to releeue tâ—…e castle doe much anoy the Christians The Confederats discampâ—… from before Nauarin Don Iohns excuses Tluzzali returnes to Constantinople The Cousede rate fleet coms to Corfou The Spaniards desirous to returne into the west Don Iohn goes to Naples 〈◊〉 to paine The Venetians complaine to the Pope Venieri his hoâ—… noroble entertainment and welcome at Uenice 〈…〉 The Turkes build a fort against Catarin The Uenetians take the sort They ruine it by a myne Motion of Peace at Constantinople with the Vene tian Baily The Senate at first makes no great account of peace Peace is propounded in the Councell of Tenne The Spaniards conference with the Venetian Ambassador The Emperor seekes to hinder peace Prince Mocenigo his oration to the councell of Tenne The Senates resolution to peace Causes moouing the Senate to imbrace peace The Bishop of Aix Ambassador for the French King at Constantinople The Turkes deale roughly with the Venetian Bayly Peace concluded betwixt the Turkes Venetians Articles of peace Sundry opinions concerning the Venetians peace The King of Spaine iâ—… not discontented with the Venetians The Venetians send an expresse Ambassador to the Pope The Ambassadors excuses to the Pope The Turkish fleet depaâ—…teth from Constantinople The Ambassadors speech to Selim. An. 1573. Henry Duke of Aniou chosen king of Poland Troubles in the Dutchy of Vrbin Don Iohn goes into Affrick The death of Selim Emperor of Turkes The King of Poland returnes secretly into France The entertainment giuen to the French King at Vienna in Austiiâ—… The Dukes of Ferrara and Neuers come with King Henry to Venice The French Kings magnificent reception at Uenice The death of Cosmo de Medicis first great Duke of Tuscany Troubles in Genoa appeased An. 1575. The Venetians scare The Turkish army in the Empires confines The cause why Amurath hated the Emperor Amurath confirmes peace with the Uenetians The Prince Seâ—…ates vow to God Great charity of a Prelat Price set vpon all wares The Pope sends a golden rose to the Venetian Prince Brescia afflicted with the plague Sundry prodigies seene in the ayre Ambassadors sâ—…nt to the King of Spain Decrces against the Venetians superfluous expences A Decree against superfluous dyet A Persiaâ—… Ambassador 〈◊〉 to Veniâ—…e Vpon what occasion the Pope caused tenne daies to be taken from the yeere Contention betwixt the Venâ—…tians and Knights of Malta A Uenotian Gentleman is exâ—…cuted to satisfie the Turke The creation of Pope Sixtus the fifth A Dutchesse iâ—… cruelly murthered in Paduâ—… The murtherers are put to death Pope Sixtus death with the creation of Pope Vrban the 7. Creation of Pope Gregory the 14. The deceit of a Greeke The Venetians are iealous of Turkeâ—… and 〈◊〉 The building of the bridge of Rialto The death of Pope Gregory the 14. The Creation and death of Pope Innocent the 9. The Creation of Pope Clement the 7. A Prodigie The Institution of the Uenetian Academy A sollâ—…mne Amâ—…assage from Fâ—…ance to Rome The Venetians send Ambassadors to the French King The Pope blâ—…sseth and absoluâ—…th the â—…rench King The Cardinall of Florence Legat in France The Venetians defeat the Vsicoques Henry the 4. motioneth a marriage with the Princâ—…sse of Florence The Kings mariage celebrated at Florence Italy zealouâ—… of the Spaniardâ—… Peace betwixt the French King and Duke of Sauoy The caâ—…se of tâ—…e Venetianâ—… icalou siâ—… Diuers Pirates are defeated The Senates Dâ—…cree agaâ—…nst the Clergie A decree concerning building of Churches The death of Pope Clement the viii The election of Pope Leo the 10. and his sodaine death The creation of Pope Paul the fift The Pope complaineth to the Venetian Ambassador The Popes resolution vpon the Venetians refusall The Senates answer to the Pope The censures against the Venetians are publishâ—…d The Venetians make a declaration vpon the Popes excommunication The French King mediates peace betwixt the Pope and Uenetians Cardinâ—…ll Perron 〈◊〉 with the Pope The Pope grants a commission to the Caâ—…dinal Ioyâ—…use The Commission is giuen to Cardinal Ioyâ—…use to reuoke the censures at Venice 〈◊〉 Articles on which the iâ—…terdiction was reuokâ—…d The Cardinals reception at Uenice After what manner the prisoners were deliuered The manner of 〈◊〉 the censures The Duke reuokâ—…th his first declaration The Senats doubt
THE GENERALL HISTORIE OF THE MAGNIFICENT STATE OF VENICE FROM THE FIRST FOVNDATION THEREOF VNTILL THIS PRESENT Collected by Thomas de Fougasses Gentleman of Auignon out of all Authors both Ancient and Moderne that haue written of that subiect Englished by W. SHVTE Gent. VAENETIA LONDON Printed by G. Eld and W. Stansby 1612. TO THE TRVLY NOBLE AND WORTHIE OF ALL HONOVRS WILLIAM Earle of Pembrooke c. and PHILIP Earle of Montgomerie Knights of the Honourable Order of the GARTER MY most honoured LORDS The desire to know and to be knowne are equally predominant There is in both a kinde of infinitenesse which Nature comes short off and can not fill Bookes including matter supernaturall better satisfie it They extend Fame as farre as the vtmost limit of Time and Knowledge beyond being the clearest Oracles to the liuing and faithfullest Heralds to the dead All other Inuentions are lame Touching Fame how barren a shift was he driuen to that was faine to adopt a Pillar Tombes die like their Tenants and are buried in their dust whom they burie Those Liuing Tombes and Speaking Epitaphs Children are neither built when nor as wee would Whereas Bookes the only issue wherein our Wiues cannot defraude vs though they be often conceld by Time yet in euery next impression finde a new being and haue an artificiall Immortalitie of their owne still protecting their Protectors from the murther of Obliuion Hence I haue extracted a hope that your Lordships might be pleased to pardon my gratefull and humble presumption in consecrating my Labours to your Names The great French Henrie and the Illustrious Leonardo Donato now Duke of Venice held their greatnesse no whit lessened by Patronizing the Originall neither will your Honours bee much blotted by the Translation Your Names shall shine to Posteritie in the same gold though lesse curiously stampt If my zeale may likewise shine out to you I aspire to no third happinesse Thus wishing your Lordships the same fulnesse and maturitie of Honour that yee haue of Vertue I remaine Your Lordships humble deuoted W. SHVTE TO THE READER ITALIE is the Face of Europe Venice the Ere of Italie It is not only the Fairest but the Strongest and Actiuest part of that Beautifull and Powerfull Nation In dismembring of any sensitiue Bodie we may obserue some one limbe to out-liue all the rest as if all had bequeathed their Motion to that one and left it sole Executor of Life It seemes in the dissolution of the last Monarchie the Genius of it made transmigration to Uenice In her the VVisedome Fortitude Iustice and Magnanimitie of old Rome doe yet moue and stirre That which now Vsurps that name is not Rome but her Carkasse or rather Sepulcher All but her Ruines and the Cause of them her Vice is remoued to Uenice of whome I may truly affirme their VVarres haue ingendred the Peace and their Peace the plentie of all Christendome Few States haue performed matter more worthie writing than that few Historians composed lines more worthy reading than this I meane not for curiositie of stile but integritie Not that they had not but that this Subject needed not Rhethoricall illustration The nakednesse of Truth is her best Ornament and Noble actions are eloquent not only in any Language but without any euen in mute Pictures Touching my Translation though I haue not as some that write by Precedent followed euery letter of my Copie nor Ecchoed my Author in euery word yet I haue not contradicted or denied him in any sense Touching my stile I haue not made it so high but that the lowest vnderstanding may get ouer nor affected any thing so much as not to affect For my chiefe ambition was that my lines might rather be fit to crowne my Readers braine than hang in his eare and make him a Man than a Parrot To conclude those bright and translucent iudgments which shall shine vpon my worke will soone dissolue and cleare any mist of errour that shall arise before them and so warme and cherish my endeuours that the second crop may bee more worthie tasting But those which like the spies of Ignorance come only to finde fault if they lose their labour in mee perhaps may saue it in themselues and exercise that censorious humour nearer home Fare-well W. SHVTE THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE FIRST DECAD OF THE GENERALL HISTORIE OF Venice From the foundation of the CITIE The Contents of the first Booke of the first DECAD IN this first Booke is contained the originall of the ancient Venetians with the sundrie opinions of the Cities foundation In what place and by whome it was first of all built in the Marishes The terrible fire whereby it was consumed at her first rising Her first Officers vnder the Consularie dignitie Her ancient reuenew and new increase thereof The Tribunes Gouernement who succeeded the Consuls From whence the Lombards are issued with their progression in Italie The confines which this Nation had limited to the Venetians The Venetians first iournie against the Dalmatians The ancient opinion concerning their Marriages The Islanders offer succours to NARSES against the Gothes The forme of the ancient buildings The Church of Grada declared Metropolitane A great inundation ouer all the Venetian Territorie The daylie increase of the Citie Dissension betwixt the Prelates of Grada and Aquileia The Creation of the first Duke The Venetians surprise Rauenna from the Barbarians The dangerous Warre betwixt the Heraclians and the Iesulans Prince VRSVS murthered The Gouernement of the Master or Colonell of the men at Armes newly erected And lastly the retreite of the Heraclians and Iesulans to Medoac FOR as much as no man doubts but that the first Venetians were the founders of this Cittie and State whose Historie wee vndertake I haue thought it not vnfit seeing I perceiue the Historians to disagree about their true originall before wee treat of the beginning of the Cittie briefly to speake some-what of their Antiquitie Now these first Venetians had not their beginning from Italie but were issued as some thinke from the Venetians of Gaule who dwelt on the Coastes of the Ocean Sea And this opinion was not grounded vpon the name only but because those which possessed the Adriaticke Gulphe were like their neighbours very much adicted to Sea businesse and they differed from the Gaules in speech only as POLIBIVS saith and not in manners nor apparrell Others as Titus LIVIVS doe affirme that they are descended from Paphlagania Hee sets downe how that their Captaine PILEMON beeing dead at Troy they came with ANTENOR into Italie CATO following him did thinke that the Venetians were descended from the Troian race Cornelius NEPOS imagines that the Venetians were so named in Italie of the Henetians which inhabited the towne of Cromna neere to Paphlagonia There be some that haue written how that this nation was a neighbour to the Cappadocians and did make warre vpon the Cimmerians and came afterwards into the Adriaticke Sea Others thinke that they
meanes shake Whereupon those vvhich desired the good and profit of the Common-wealth did resolue sodainely to elect a nevve Duke who should represent the whole honour and maiestie of the State and haue power to assemble the generall Councell at such time as the important affaires of the Common-wealth should be in question to choose yearely Tribunes in euery Island from whence the appeales should come before him and moreouer if any man had obtained any dignitie Prelatship or benefice by the suffrages of the Clergie or of the people hee should not enioy the same without the pleasure of the Duke ¶ PAVLVTIO of Heraclea the first DVKE of VENICE THis thus concluded Paulutio of Heraclea a man of singular iustice was by the consent of all men declared Duke the yeare according to some of the Cities foundation 282. or as others write 297 and yet as some others affirme 276. They all agree that the Tribunarie power did gouerne more than two hundred and thirtie yeares But in this first Dukes election they did not keepe this manner of choosing as wee see to bee at this day obserued in the creation of Princes but they then proceeded therein more simply For ambition being not as yet crept into so religious a Citie no bribing for honors they had not in those elections respect to wealth nobilitie and other such like matters but onely to the vertue of the person by which meanes they obtained it and not by cunning But although vertue and wisedome was respected aboue any thing yet neuerthelesse because men beleeue that wee can be neuer sure enough of that which is deerest vnto vs it is reported that the new Duke was constrained to sweare well and faithfully to prouide for whatsoeuer should be fit for the honour of the Common-wealth and the Venetian name After he had taken his oath this new Magistrate was honoured with diuers noble ensignes whereby that soueraigne dignitie was made more illustrious and yet for all that I will not affirme that all the magnificence which at this day the Prince enioyeth was giuen him at the same time for it is certaine that part of them was giuen him a long time after and taken from else-where Now so soone as this new Duke was fully installed hee determined to free the Common-wealth from this warre And the better to effect it hee entred league with Luitprand some say he ouercame him in fight He extended the limits of Heraclea from the Riuer of Piauo vnto the little streame called Piauicolle By his authoritie rather then by force he brought the Equilines vnder his dominion some name the Iesulans for the Equilines which makes me to beleeue their opinion in some sort to bee true who thinke Equiline and Iesulan to be one selfe-same place though different in name who at the same time had forsaken the Venetians Those of Tourcelles in the meane space builded a sumptuous Temple to the glorious Virgin where they placed the bodie of Saint Heliodore of Altina with diuers other Reliques ¶ MARCELLO of Heraclea the second Duke of Uenice THese things effected Paulutio dyed after hee had reigned twenty yeares and six moneths Marcello of Heraclea was by the common voyce chosen in his sted Wee doe not finde in all the time of his gouernment which lasted nine yeares any memorable matter to haue hapned Which in my opinion caused diuers Historians to leaue him out in the Catalogue of the Dukes naming Horteo Hipates surnamed Vrsus next after Paulutio Howsoeuer they say that he was a vertuous man wise and reasonably well inclined to Armes though his hap was to dye after he had gotten more reputation by peace than by warre ¶ HORTEO called VRSVS the third Duke of Uenice HOrteo whom we say was surnamed Vrsus succeeded Marcello The Lombards at the same time tooke Rauenna a verie ancient Citie The Exarch who commanded therein fled for succour to the Venetians Pope Gregorie did likewise by letters entreate them to aide the Exarch against those insolent Barbarians The Venetians much affecting the Pope willingly graunted thereunto and comming before Rauenna with a mightie Armie did forthwith take it and being taken gaue it to the Exarch It is reported that the name of this newe Magistrate was instituted at the same time by one named Longinus whom the Emperour Iustinian sent into Italie in Narses sted to commaund with soueraine authoritie Prodeus of Vincenza a valiant man and of great reputation among the Garrison of the Citie died in that warre Paulus Diaconus in his Historie of the Lombards sets downe this exploit so doth Bonitendius the Secretarie who hath inserted in his Commentaries the Copie of the Popes letters written to the Venetians to the same purpose The Venetians in the meane time were in tumult round about Grada because Calixtus Bishop of Aquileia disdaining as it is thought that the new Church of Grada should preceed his which was verie ancient ouer-ranne the bounds of Grada But the Pope commanding to desist the matter was forthwith ended There arose after that great dissension which in a manner produced a ciuill warre greatly disquieting the State neere to Heraclea It is said that the Dukes insolency was the certaine cause of this commotion For the Iesulans not being able anie longer to endure his presumptuous pride armed themselues and ioyned battaile This proude Duke marched against them meaning to bring them to reasonable tearmes and they fought on either side with more fiercenesse and hatred than force At the last after diuers losses on either parte the Heracleans being wearie of the warres did on a sodaine turne all their hatred towards the enemies vpon the Duke as one whom they knew to be the author of all those miseries who was vilanously murthered by his owne Cittizens about the latter end of the eleuenth yeare of his Magistracie The Heracleans being amazed at the newes of the Dukes death remooued their dwelling soone after as it is thought to Malamoc no man knowes whether it were because they hated those places for the murther committed on the Duks person or else for that the same place was too neere the firme Land and by that meanes more subiect to the ordinarie incursions of the enemies Some affirme it hapned by reason of the warre which arose betwixt the Heracleans and the Equilins Those which are more curious alleadge cause wholly different from these and denie that these places were thus abandoned by and by after the murther And to speake truly this first cause seemes too friuolous to make so populous a Citie at an instant to change her dwelling The troth is that long after the Dukes murther during the principalitie of Mauritio and Giouanni his sonne Heraclea and Equiline were abandoned as shall be hereafter declared in his place I will now returne to that wherein the Authors agree among themselues For Vrsus being slaine in regard the Islanders could not agree about the creation of a
was cut in peeces by the people and his bowels being rent forth of his body were torne in peeces by some of the multitudes teeth his wife likewise who was reported to bee of the royall bloud of France was slaine with him But neither was Charles the leader of this Armie nor did this happen which they report And the common consent of the crediblest Historians makes me to beleeue that it was Pepin which made warre on the Venetians But whether it were the one or the other it is certaine that the Venetians did wholly preserue their libertie and became open friends to either Empire ¶ ANGELO PARTITIATIO the 10. Duke of Venice and the first at RIALTO SOme report that Obellerio being slaine his brother Beato held the Principalitie and others say that Obellerio and Beato being expelled Valentin their yonger brother commanded in the Citie But howsoeuer it was for it is hard to iudge the right in such diuersitie of opinions it is certaine that the Gouernement of these three lasted not aboue fiue yeares Angelo Partitiatio succeeded these three who was the first that held his seate at Rialto They gaue him two yearely Tribunes to assist him in all thinges Some say he had the surname of Badoairio from whom the Badoairians are descended The most curious Historians haue numbred the Partitiatij among the noblest families which came from Heraclea to Rialto And that which makes me easily to beleeue it is because among the most memorable matters acted in his Gouernment we find the reparation of Heraclea which by reason thereof was afterward called Villa-noua And because that in the time of the warre with the French a great number of people ranne to Rialto so as the place was filled with an incredible multitude of inhabitants it came to passe that threescore small Ilands next to them were ioyned together by Bridges But all men did thinke this place for the great multitude of people and for the commodiousnesse thereof worthie that the Soueraigne Magistrate and the whole State of the Commonwealth should reside there And with a good and happie presage for the Duke and the whole Venetian State it was decreed That Rialto should euer after bee the Princes seate According to this conclusion to the end that the Soueraigne Magistrate should not want a house the Duke himselfe did forth with appoint a place whereon to build the Dukes Pallace which stands as we see at this daie neere to the goodly Church of St. Marke But we may truly say that it is only the olde Pallace which Partitiatio did edifie For the other neighbour-buildings confronting the Senate-house doe represent a newer architecture For it is nor likelie that in those daies they could tell from whence to haue gotten so manie costlie pillars and excellent stones their meanes being then verie small But whether it were in Partitiatios time or since as it is most credible by the report almost of all Annalists that this worke was built the excellencie and greatnesse thereof doth deserue that such a thing should not be buried in silence But because it would be too tedious a matter to particularize all the singularities of that place wee will speake onely of the admirable structure thereof This place then as it is appointed to manie and sundrie purposes hath likewise manie and diuers fronts whereof that which lookes vpon the West and South is vnder-propt by two rankes of columns and that which supporteth the whole burthen of the worke hath pillars of a strange kinde of stone rather bigge then long The Arches are verie sumptuous made of the same matter and workemanship embracing vnder the bending of a costlie vault diuers columns set verie neere together That ranke which is aboue is made almost of the same stone and fashion and because it hath a greater number of Pillars they are the more slender and vnderneath enuironed with a verie thicke rew of other pillars but farre lesse so as they doe not onely serue for a staie but for a meruailous adornment But as well the vppermost ranke whereof we now spake as the lowest doth make a great gallerie the most spacious part whereof is almost wholly possessed by the market-place The remainder of the front euen to the toppe of the whole Masse which is of a verie rare stone red and white is so high that it troubleth as much as it delighteth the eies of the beholders being verie richly couered with lead Aboue the gallerie there is a part of a verie great Librarie stored with manie Greeke and Latine bookes the greatest part whereof was giuen by the last Will and Testament of Cardinall Bessarion The residue which lookes towards the South is the Comitia For I know not how otherwise to terme this place where euerie eight daies and sometimes oftner all the Nobilitie are assembled about the creation of Magistrates As also I will more freely call that part of the Palace which lookes towards the East The Court whereas the Senate vsually doe resort I vnderstand by the Senate that which they call the Councell of the Preguays by whom are handled the most important affaires of the Common-wealth For the ancient Fathers the Authors of this State haue among other things borrowed of the Romans to name those Preguays which debate in the Senate because they were intreated to deliuer their opinion concerning that which was spoken by him that held the cheifest place in the Senate But we will speake more amply in an other place We will now returne to the gouernment of Partitiatio who hauing two sonnes he sent the one named Iustiniano to Leo Emperour of Greece by whom he was liberally entertained and greatly honoured and praised and in the mean time he tooke the other named Giouanni for his Colleague whereat Iustiniano at his returne was in such sort moued as he obstinately refused to come and see his Father But the olde man being extreamely desirous to see his sonne after he had deposed Giouanni who refused to obaie his Father had not the people constrained him thereunto did associate Iustiniano and his nephew Angelo sonne to Iustiniano the people did confine Giouanni that was deposed to Constantinople Some saie that hee went of his owne accord to Pergamus to the Emperour Leon from whence returning he did by his Fathers commandement take his wife and children and went to Constantinople About the same time the Emperour Leon gaue Partitiatio the bodie of Saint Zacharie and part of the garments of our Sauiour Iesus Christ and of the glorious Virgin with a peece of the holie Crosse which he religiously lockt vp in Saint Zacharies Church which he had built He did moreouer translate the Monkes of the Couent of Saint Seruulo at the entreatie of the Abbot into Saint Hilaries Church which stood then in the farthest part of the Rialto And they which now knowe those places doe at this day shewe the ruines thereof in the firme Land Hee
had easily beene discouered if they had not perceiued the fore-part of the cloth and the seales to be whole And because they certainely knew that they could not without great danger beare the stoln body to their ships they bethought themselues of a new subtile inuention to deceiue the people The which I would scarse credit were it not that the continuall course of the storie is painted with admirable arte in the sumptuous Church of Saint Marke Now to eschew the brauadoes which that Nation did daily vse to strangers to discouer matters they did put that holie burthen into a basket and couered it with hearbes then they threw swines flesh vpon it which that Nation according to their ancient custome did extreamely abhorre from whence came this prouerb spoken by Augustus That hee had rather bee Herods swine than his sonne Those then which were appointed to carrie it awaie being formerly instructed what to do cried aloud when they met any in the streetes Ganzer which signifieth in the Barbarian language swine and in this manner they brought it to their shippes and the bodie being wrapped vp in the sailes and tied to the shroudes they hung it on the mast as determining precisely to depart fearing least that pretious theft should be perceiued by those who had charge to visit the shippes before the Marchants departure At the last hoising Ankers they departed with great ioy But it is reported that as they were in the maine Sea they were tossed by an horrible tempest and that then Saint Marke appeared to Bono of Mamaluc and willed him presently to strike saile least the shippes driuen by force of the windes vpon the rockes neere at hand should happen to perish which being sodainely done they were by this Diuine oracle preserued from danger The matter beeing diuulged at Venice before their arriuall caused a meruailous ioie ouer all the whole Citie euerie man declaring that the presence of that holie bodie would make the name and State of Venice to be perpetuall That the prophecie which was deliuered from the Father to the Sonne was accomplished That in times past before the Foundation of the Citie Saint Marke in his life-time going towards Aquileia his shippe arriuing in those Islands it was reuealed vnto him in his sleepe that his bones should one day rest in those places which he saw so desert and vninhabited Amiddest this ioie there was nothing heard but songs and daunces with vowes and praiers that in all time of neede it would please him to come and visit his Citizens and to suffer his bodie to rest for euer in that place which the Common-wealth would afterward dedicate vnto him And in this manner the whole people of all sortes sex and age came to meete it at the Port of the Oliuollo the Clergie going before singing Hymnes and praises to God where the Citie receiued with all reuerence in the midst of an infinite number of sweete odors an assured pledge of her future greatnesse Which beeing receiued was carried into the Chappell of the Pallace The end of the second Booke of the first Decade THE THIRD BOOKE OF THE FIRST DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice ¶ The Contents of the third Booke of the first Decad. ADeane and Priests were ordained in St. MARKS Church OBELLERIO taken in the Isle of Veggio is beheaded Malamoc being besieged and taken in hatred to him was wholly burnt The Duke being exil'd the Citie by the conspiracie of CARROSIO goes into France Soone after he being restored by the practise of the Chiefe Citizens is finally confined in the Island of Grada and there dyeth Saint PAVLS Church built in the middest of the Citie The Venetians vnluckily fight with the Narentines Those of Verona are succoured by the Venetians against the inhabitants of the Lake of Benac A mightie Sea-armie against the Sarracen Moores What the Moores did in a short space about Rome and the rest of Italie The Venetians and the Greekes defeated by the Moores on the Sea of Crotona The bodies of Saint PANCRATIVS and Saint SABINA giuen by the Pope were put into Saint ZACHARIES Church Ciuil dissension doth for a time much hinder the Common-wealth Prince TRADONICO is villanously murthered by conspiratours When Poueggia beganne to be inhabited The Isle of Grada was by the Venetians comming deliuered from the Sarracens siege Why Dorce-duro was inhabited Commachia taken by the Venetians for a reuenge The Duke CANDIANO slaine fighting against the Narentines The Duke and Senate giue limits to those of Chioggia What the Hunnes did in Hungarie The Hunnes defeate BERENGARIVS at his entrie into Italie and after they had spoiled the Venetian Territorie they come and besiege the Citie of Venice The Venetians ouercome the Hunnes at Sea The Histrians made tributaries to the Venetians and they fight with good successe as some say at the same time against the Narentines Duke CANDIANO was murthered by the people for his ouer-much pride and for being suspected to haue affected Tyrannie IN this sort did the Citie daily encrease and it was not onely augmented in strength but in Religion and by this happy successe did the gouernment of Iustiniano flourish But by how much it was happier by so much shorter was it Such is the ordinarie custome of humane affaires as they cannot long continue in happinesse For soone after that he had laid St. Marks bodie in the Chapell of the Castle and made himselefe the Hoste of so great a Sanctitie he dyed Hee ordained by his will that his heires should build a greater Church to Saint Marke Hee did moreouer enrich by the same will the Churches of S. Zacharie and Hilarie with manie great reuenues ¶ GIOVANNI PARTITIATIO the twelfth Duke of Uenice GIouanni Partitiatio brother to Iustiniano who being called home from Greece was made his Colleague being declared Prince began his publike gouernment by Diuine actions and appointed for the same purpose the neerest Church to the Palace into the which being dedicated according to the ancient manner the bodie of the holie Euangelist was brought and from among the Clergie certaine Priests were chosen to celebrate Diuine Seruice there vnto whom was giuen a chiefe Officer at this day called the Deane This building was at that time of a meane stature nothing like to that riches and greatnesse wherewith it is at this daie adorned But we will speake of the excellencie of this Church in a more conuenient place The Common-wealth made a league with the Narentines a Nation which vsed to scoure and robbe the neighbour Seas But the same being soone after broken the Barbarians surprised certaine Venetian Merchants at the Sea and slue them comming homewards from Apulia It is said that about the same time Prince Obellerio who according to the opinion of some Annalists did as hath beene said in the precedent Booke voluntarily absent and bannish himselfe came into the Isle of Curtia vulgarly called at this day Veggia resoluing to stirre
fortunate successe of their former voyage promising better fortune to themselues they left their countrie and returned into Italie where they tumultuously assailed at one selfe-same time in a manner the Citie of Tarentum and Sicilie Now seeing it was to be feared that the Moores would spoile all the Sea coasts Theodosius distrusting the forces which he brought from Greece had recourse as hath alreadie beene said to the Venetians succors the which being easily obtained he marched against the Barbarians In the meane time so soone as Saba vnderstood the enemies comming he raised his siege from before Tarentum sodainly retired with his armie into the streights of the Sea neer to Crotona It is not known whether he did it for feare or whether it were most auailable for his purpose to deceiue the enemie vnder colour of flight to constraine him thereby to make some rash attempt Crotona is scituated on the Sea of Tarentum a verie ancient Citie builded in times past by the Greekes following Apollos Oracle vnder Nicellus their Captaine and in times past so mighty as the Crotonians had an Armie of an hundred and thirtie thousand fighting men at such time as they were vanquished by the Locrians neere to the Riuer Sagra They were great warriours and very expert in a wrastling But Pythagoras of Samos and Milo his disciple were the chiefe ornaments of that Citie the one for being a Citizen of the same and the best wrastler of his time and the other for his skill in Philosophie In this place for the Greeke and Venetian Fleet was there arriued after certaine vsuall light skirmshes at last they came to strokes with the whole forces of either side The Greekes being broken and defeated the whole strength of the Moors lighted on the Venetians But they being extreamely busied in the fight neuer perceiued the flight of their fellowes vntill they found themselues enuironed on euery side by the Barbarians and by this mennes did the Venetian Gallies sustaine the force of the furious enemie But the great multitude of the Moors preuailing they were either sunke or taken Those Venetians which were left aliue were taken by the enemie the rest were either slaine in the fight or drowned Some write that the battaile of Crotona was before the Moores besieged Rome among whome is Bonitendius The Barbarians proude of this successe sailed into Dalmatia where they spoiled certaine Townes surprised by their sodaine incursions They tooke likewise certaine Shippes laden with rich marchandize returning from Syria who hauing from farre espied the Moores fleete had retired themselues into the Gulph of Trieste But after they had taken them in hatred of the Venetians they slue all the prisoners The report of the losse of the battaile at Crotona brought a meruailous griefe and terror to the Citie But this latter as least of all look't for did in such sort grieue them as the feare was no lesse in Venice than as the enemie had beene before it and this feare would haue beene greater had they not vnderstood by their spies that the enemies were gone to Ancona which being taken and spoiled by their sodaine and vnlook't for comming they did forthwith put themselues to Sea The Narentines ioyfull for the Venetians losse came sodainely from Dalmatia to steale and spoile euen as farre as Caorli This Towne stands at the mouth of the Riuer Limenes whither the ancient Venetians which fled from Concorda in the troublous time of the Hunnes had retired themselues About the same time or soone after as saith Bonitendius Pope Benedict came to Venice where at the importunate entreatie of Agnes de Morosin Abbesse of the place hee promised to send from Rome the bodies of Saint Pancratius and Saint Sabina by the deuotion done to which bodies the Church might be furthered in the building They were afterwards sent thither and placed with great reuerence in a little Chappell of the Church Vnder this Princes gouernment the Emperour Lotharius and manie Emperours likewise after him did confirme by writing all the ancient priuiledges and immunities of the Venetians to the end they might be inuiolably obserued Moreouer as the Common-wealth was then not very forunate abroad it was much lesse at home For the ciuill dissension of six of the noblest families in the Citie diuided into two factions did greatly trouble it On the one side were the Iustiniani the Polani and the Bassei on the other the Barbolani the Seliani and the Seuoli who beeing ioyned together did by their quarrells often-times present the people with verie fearefull and horrible spectacles And after they had fought in the middest of the Citie with different successe euen almost to the totall ruine of one another the Barbolani with all their adherents were driuen forth of the Citie But soone after at the entreatie of the Emperour Ladowicke to whom they had retired themselues the strife betweene the two factions beeing appeased they were restored to their houses These things hapned during the gouernment of Piero Tradonico who after he had gouerned certaine yeares alone after his sonnes death whome hee had associated for the gouernment of the Common-wealth comming one daie from diuine seruice at Saint Zacharies Church it came to passe as he returned home-ward hee was on a sodaine and vnlook't for assailed by certaine conspiratours and by them murthered the ninth yeare of his gouernment At this so horrible and fearefull a deed his Ministers and seruants which waited vpon him mooued with a charitable affection towards the old man endeuoured to defend him and to repell the wrong but being driuen away by a greater number and stronger then themselues they sodainly with a great noise seized on the Dukes Palace where being besieged by the conspiratours they did thirtie daies together sustaine their furie At the last after they had receiued assurance of the people that the defending of so good a Prince against the trecherous attempts of wicked conspiratours should not be imputed vnto them for a capitall crime nor yet the seizing on the publike place for their safetie which they had so couragiously defended they came foorth of the Palace hauing first of all capitulated That the Citie should not leaue such an example vnpunished to haue wickedly and miserably slaine so vertuous a Prince without desert at all saying That it was an hainous matter to behold Citizens to walke in a Citie where they had committed so execrable a parricide and besprinkled the peoples face with the bloud of the soueraigne Magistrate The people appointed three men to enquire concerning the murther to punish the guiltie and to take order for those who had seized on the Dukes Palace The three which were deputed were Piero Bishop of Equiline Giouanni Arch-deacon of Grada and Dominico Massoni These men bannished the guiltie for euer some into France and the rest into Greece Diuers who as yet were not condemned were murthered Vrso
Grugnario one of the conspirators died miserably being possessed by wicked spirits to shew that the death of Tradonico did not only displease men but God And those who had seized on the Dukes Palace because it was not done without great commotion in the Citie some of them were bannished out of the limits of the Venetians and the most part of the rest were confined into the Isle of Pouegia This place is fiue mile distant from the Citie whither after they had carried their wiues and children they did in time so encrease as the Town which they built there was afterward greatly inhabited but such as it was the warres of the Genouezes did wholly ruinate it ¶ VRSO PARTITIATIO the 14. Duke of Venice THe Commonwealth being quieted by iudgment of these three men Vrso Partitiatio was declared Duke Vnder this man the Citie was abroad and at home prosperously gouerned At the beginning of his gouernment to the end that the Venetians might haue a firme peace they were of opinion to send hostages to the Barbarians Their Annalls affirme this but diuers Historians make no mention of hostages The Saracens soone after who came from Alexandria about eight and twentie yeares after Saba the Moores comming into Italie had possessed the Isle of Candie being come on a sodaine into Dalmatia after they had spoiled the Sea-coasts of Histria they came and besieged Grada Vrso did in such sort terrifie them by his sodaine arriuall as with great feare they withdrew their vessells and in an instant hoised saile and put to Sea Some Historians saie that Giouanni the Princes sonne a couragious yong man did beare himselfe verie valiantly in this action If it be so it will not be amisse to beleeue that the Barbarians were so farre from flying away vpon report of the comming of the Venetians fleet as that on the contrarie they were so hardie as to tarrie for them and to ioine battaile whereby it hapned that this yong man behauing himselfe brauely the same daie against the enemie was therefore by the people giuen for Colleague to his Father Bonitendius reports that Vrso did not only fight there fortunately against the Saracens but likewise at Tarentum That he did moreouer brauely assaile the Naâ—…entines with 30. ships of war for that they had contrarie to the agreement robbed and spoiled certaine townes of Histria But the Historians make no mention why he tooke Armes for the Histrians seeing they were not as yet vnder the Venetians Dominion It is likely that after they had ouerrunne the Histrians they entred vpon the Venetians frontiers Vrso in the meane space bare a secret grudge to Pietro Bishop of Grada till such time as he had confirmed Dominico Calloprini who had beene elected Bishop of Tourcelles the which he refused to do in regard they were enemies Now the state of the Commonwealth being peaceably gouerned abroade the Duke enacted That those who were called the Princes Squiers should inhabit that part of the Citie which at the beginning was called Dorsse-dura and should build houses there And in this sort that place began to bee habitable which before then was desert for feare of Sea-incursions This Princes good fortune was likewise the cause that the ancient strife betwixt the Venetians and the Forlani occasioned by a particular affection which each of them did beare to the churches of Aquileia Grada was wholly extinct vpon the promise which Vulpâ—…rtio of Aquileia made neuer more to molest the Church of Grada All these felicities were followed by an other nothing lesse For hauing fortunatly preuailed against the Saracens he was declared by the Ambassadors of the Emperor Basilius Prothos-pater of the Grecian Empire But because Basilius shold not ouercome him in bountie he sent twelue great Bells to Constantinople to him for a present and the Greekes by this meanes of the Venetians liberalitie began at that time to vse Bells ¶ GIOVANNI PARTITIATIO the 15. Duke of Uenice NOw Vrso after he had thus obtained whatsoeuer belonged to the adornment of mans life deceased in the seuenth yeare of his gouernment and by his death Giouanni his brother began to gouerne the Common-wealth Hee determined to send his brother Badoario to Pope Iohn that by his authoritie Commachia might be added to their State This is likely to haue beene plotted by the Venetians because this place stood on the ancient confines of Venice Marini Earle of Commachia being aduertised of their determination laide waite for the Venetian on the confines of Rauenna as he went towards Rome He hurt and tooke him and after hee had made him to promise to deale no more in that businesse hee sent him home But soone after his returne to Venice he died of his hurts The angrie Duke resoluing to reuenge his brothers death came with a mightie Armie to Commachia tooke it by force and vsed all hostile proceedings against those who had consented to his brothers death and after he had left a Garrison there he did spoyle and ouer runne the Territorie neere to Rauenna because they likewise had their hand in that enterprise Hee builded the Church of Saint Cyprian and Cornelius on the bankes of Malamoc which a while after in the dayes of Prince Vitalis Michaeli and by his meanes was conuerted into a Monasterie of Nunnes Then falling sicke hee left his brother Pietro by the peoples command for his successour but recouering his health contrarie to all mens expectation he tooke him for Colleague in the Gouernment who dying afterwards he associated Vrso his other brother who was elder then Pietro deceased Soone after being troubled with a dangerous disease which hindred him from intending the affaires of the Common-wealth Vrso hauing in the meane space voluntarily deposed himselfe after hee had permitted the people to elect a new Duke hee retired to his owne house as a priuate Citizen the sixth yeare of his Gouernement being not fully expired Some say that both the brethren deposed themselues because they perceiued the people to bee discontented with their Gouernement ¶ PIETRO CANDIANO the first the 16. Duke of Uenice GIouanni being deposed Pietro Candiano succeeded him vnto whom Giouanni being called into the Senate did freely surrender the titles of the Soueraigne Magistrate and withdrew himselfe to his own priuate house At the same time certaine galleis were sent against the Narentines ancient enemies to the Venetians who robbed all the neighbour Seas to preuent their incursions but they returned without doing any thing by reason they could no where meete with the enemie Not long after Prince Candiano went against the same enemies with twelue Galleis some saie but seuen and met them neere to the Promontorie of Dalmatia which the inhabitants cal Micolal The 〈◊〉 animated by their Duke did furiously assaile them The Liburnians did brauely receâ—…ie them They fought on both sides with more furie and courage than with forces The Venetians at the first had the better hauing sunke
certaine of the enemies shippes but the great multitude of the Barbarians beginning to preâ—…aile and the Dukes Gallie being boarded Prince Candiano fighting valliantly was slaine after he had commanded the Common-wealth but sixe moneths His bodie being secretly conueied by the Histrians to Grada was there buried At the first report of this losse the whole Citie was in an vproare which had beene much greater if Giouanni Partitiatio who had renounced the soueraigne dignitie had not sodainely at the peoples entreatie taken vpon him againe the gouernment of the Common-wealth with the Ducall titles But the tumult being appeased the people with a common consent named Pietro surnamed Tribuno for their Prince ¶ PIETRO TRIBVNO the 17. Duke of Uenice THis man was likewise made Prothospater by the Grecian Emperour Their common enemies the Pirats did very much vexe the places neere to the Citie in regard whereof Tribuno caused a wall to be made to defend the Citie from the little Canall neere to the Castle vnto the Church of Saint Maria Zubanica with a chaine from that wall vnto S. Georges Church for feare least the enemie should enter the Citie on a sodaine But at this day there is no signe of that ancient wall to be seene He gaue bounds to the Chioggians from their Hauen along the shoare euen to the mouth of the Riuer Acide which are called Fosson Besba and Conchia and so back againe to the same Hauen At the same time the Venetian State with that of all Italie on the Sea-coast was verie much troubled For they were assailed on the one side by Pirates and on the other by the ordinarie inuasions of the Saracens who as a new amazement seisâ—…d on the Venetians The Hunnes who as we haue else-where said were come forth of Scithia entred Italie with great furie A verie great multitude of them leauing Scithia at that time would staie in no place til they had first seene how their friends and kindsfolke in Hungarie fared These men by continuall frequentation with the Italians being accustomed to the iournies of Italie had for the most part changed their naturall crueltie and manner of life by meanes whereof waxing mâ—…re ciuill they were driuen from the places which they had gotten by right of warre by those that came after them The crueltie of this Nation is reported to be such as after that they had been in Hungarie they abstained not from eating humane flesh after their countrie manner who forthwith tooke vpon them the names of those whom they had driuen thence and were called Hungarians Those which were expulsed were likewise in times past called Huns aswell as the latter And being come into Hungarie in the daies of Attila they were afterward named Bauarians then Huns and certaine letters being taken awaie from both names it was made but one These then after diuers warlike actions done as well in France as Germanie after they had vanquished Lewis king of Germanie and made him tributarie carrying great store of bootie home with them being proude of so good successe resolued to make attempts on Italie hauing perhaps vnderstood that they were at strife among themselues By meanes whereof comming first into Misia they defeated the Princes of the same in a bloudie battaile and made them tributarie Departing thence vpon report that they determined to inuade Italie Berengarius who at the same time held the Roman Empire marched against them with fifteene thousand men and they fought verie furiously vpon the confines of Italie where Berengarius being ouercome fledde from the battaile with the losse of the greatest patt of his forces The Hunnes became more hauty after this victorie and they entred Italie the neerest waie putting all they met with to fire and sword and comming to Treuiso they tooke and spoiled it From thence determining to goe to Milan the report of the great wealth of the Venetians which began at the same time to be verie famous ouer all Italie was the cause that on a sodaine they turned all their forces vpon the Venetians They speedily made a great number of small light boates which they couered as it is reported with leather by reason that they were grossely made and of a thicke substance In these the Barbarians embarqued themselues and assailed Villa-noua so was the ancient Heraclia called after it was reedified which beeing taken at the first assault they burnt downe to the ground From thence marching to Equiline and Iesulune they destroied them in the same manner Then pursuing the course of their victories all along the Sea-coast they spoiled Chioggia and Capodarger and afterward burnt them At the last they resolued to assaile Rialto The feare which then fell vpon the Venetians was not like to that which possessed them in the time of the French-mens warres For this terror was much greater then the other They fought with the French for their libertie They must fight with these men for the safetie of their liues Those albeit they were enemies had in them some sparkes of pietie and Religion The Huns did not only contemne godlinesse but all humanitie for they did not spare the dead carkases but like brute beasts they tare them in pieces and deuoured them The euill disposition of this Nation had at the first report so terrified all people of each sex and age as they did not alone bewaile the losse of their libertie but their liues likewise But as it oftentimes hapneth this despaire of theirs was conuerted into furie and this furie into a desire of reuenge or if that could not be effected to die valiantly This desire gaue them hope to vanquish the Barbarians if they should attempt to hazard the fight It is to be supposed for we cannot certainely affirme it That the Venetians were sodainely encouraged by some by this manner of speech That it was now time for them by their actions to shew themselues valiant men That a mightie danger did not onely threaten their Countrie but their liues That they had to doe with a kinde of people who as little vsed to spare the bodies of the dead as their liues in battaile But yet neuerthelesse they were not made of Iron but their bodies might easily be pierced That they should call to memorie how the ancient Venetians with a few inhabitants of the Latines made no difficultie in their Countries behalfe to expose their liues before the walles of Aquileia against three hundred thousand men for Attila had so many in his Armie That the euent of that battaile did manifest how much vertue and courage is better in warre than great multitudes But it may be that some will tearme them rash and inconsiderate for their attempt in daring to assaile the enemie with that sort of fight wherein he was most expert whereas on the contrarie they should rather haue fought with them at Sea or in the Lakes knowne better to them than to the Barbarians then which
all exercises of pietie and taking vpon himselfe the cause of the poore he did comfort their pouertie with a meruailous affection He built besides a deuout Hospitall which is yet to be seene at this day right ouer against the great market-place He did moreouer take into his owne protection and maintained with an incredible charitie the Colledges the Clergie and all Religious sorts of people He did patiently beare whatsoeuer Vitalis who was absent and his adherents did daily practise against him whose wicked deseignes were likewise as some say diuinely reuealed vnto him At the last after hee had spent the yeare in these good exercises vpon a night for Guerin failed not to returne at the prefixed time he left the Citie in disguised habite vnknown to his wife his sonne and all his kins-folkes and went on his iourney When he for sooke his charge and Countrie he was followed and accompanied by Giouanni Gradonico Giouanni Morosini Remoaldo and Marini of Rauenna they all being partakers of his enterprise He led in processe of time so holie and religious a life as after his death in Aquitaine where he passed the remainder of his daies hee was as hath beene said honoured for many miracles ¶ VITALIS CANDIANO the 24. Duke of Uenice THe Citie being depriued of such a Prince was possessed with a meruailous sorrow but their desire to haue him againe was much greater Yet neuerthelesse remembring the Common-wealth they made hast the next day to elect another in his sted that was so much bewailed Vitalis Candiano sonne to Pietro Candiano the third was by the generall coâ—…sent declared Prince At this mans entreatie Vitalis Patriarch of Grada who till then for feare of the people had absented himselfe was called home into his Countrie And was soone after by the Princes meanes sent in companie of the Ambassadours into Germanie vnto Otho who extreamely hated the Venetians for the cruell death of Pietro Candiano This Ambassade was to much purpose for it did appease the wrath of Otho wherein the presence of Vitalis sonne to the murthered Duke did greatly auaile them of whom he had a verie great care taking order for his safetie which he could not haue done if he had dismissed the Ambassadours vnsatisfied In the meane space Duke Candiano fell grieuously sicke a yeare and certaine moneths after his election and imagining hee could not liue long deposing himselfe from his charge and vowing all the remainder of his dayes to a mouasticke life he caused himselfe to bee carried to Saint Hillaries Monasterie where within few daies after he dyed and lies buried ¶ TRIBVNO MEMIO the 25. Duke of Venice TRibuno Memio a great wise man but of few words was elected in his sted This man although he was very wise as we haue said was not verie fortunate in his gouernment For he was at times cruelly assailed by the conspiracies of his fellow-Citizens And moreouer in his time the Morosini and Caloprini two verie noble families fighting one with the other with greater hatred than force caused the people manie times to behold verie vile and bloudie spectacles of the which I know not whether I may reckon that for chiefe and most cruell which in likelihood though not in effect was done by Stephano Calloprini who came with his children allies and diuers others of his faction well armed to assaile the house of Morosini with an intent not onely to kill all the men but wholly to extinguish if it had beene possible the name of the familie This armed troupe marched through the Citie readie to fight with as great boldnesse and hatred as if it had beene against the publike enemie wherat the people being amazed silently attended to see the issue therof when as the Morosini surprised perhaps or else fearing their enemies came not in sight I know not whether they defended themselues in their own houses or whether dispersed through the Citie which some doe affirme they hid themselues in this tumult among their friends and kinds folkes and did not shew themselues But the Citie could not escape that daie from beeing coloured with the bloud of her Citizens For the mischief was that albeit they fought not yet nener the lesse by chance there was a miserable murther committed Dominico Morosino beeing met neere to the Castle was vnluckily slaine by the Caloprini They beeing afterwards called in question for this murther for they were sure that those of the contrarie faction aided by Tribuno did Arme themselues to reuenge this iniurie fledde with their Captaine Stephano to Verona to the Emperour Otho the second vnto whom for hatred of the Prince and the familie of the Morosini they promised that state of Venice Otho did willingly lend an eare to this offer because hee perceiued the practisers to be of the chiefe of the Citie But before hee would assaile them by open warre he would trie whether he could winne them by famine He forth with forbad ouer all Italie anie traffike with the Venetians He caused to be signified vnto them that they should not enter into anie of the Cities of the Empire neither vpon trafficke nor any other pretence If they did any thing rashly hee would holde them afterwards for open enemies By these menaces they soone knew whereunto Otho tended For in shutting all manner of victuals from them he meant to bring them to the last and most intolerable point of all miserie which is hunger But howsoeuer the Citie might be affrighted thereby yet would not the Venetians seeme to bee amazed nor make shew to vnderstand whereunto Otho his desseignes tended dissâ—…mbling their griefe and feare resoluing rather to endure all extreames than to lose their libertie The want of all necessaries grew already verie great in the Citie when those of Capodarger enioying the same priuiledges with them as oftentimes one mischiefe followes an other reuolted against them The inhabitants obtained of the Emperour for their reuolt certaine inheritances of the Lauretans to the end it might serue for a baite for others to doe the like But these things beeing done abroade and the Citie in the meane time pressed with want of all necessaries they began to laie all the fault on those of the faction of the Caloprini which were neere to Otho accusing them that by their meanes and pursuite the enemie laied all these trappes for them Whereupon by a publick decree the houses of the Calloprini were wholly razed to the ground their wiues and children committed to safe keeping and the remainder of their goods confiscate Otho in the meane space perseuering in his selfe-will not to make open war vpon the Venetians nor yet to haue peace with them went to Rome where being stricken with a sodaine disease he within few daies died The Venetians were by his death as at sundrie other times deliuered from a great danger Adheleta after Otho dis decease not willing to abandon
the Caloprini obtained of the Venetians that Stephano and those who had followed him should be repealed from bannishment which the Prince and people granting at Adheleta's request and the Calloprini being returned into their Countrie it hapned that foure of the Morosini remembring fore-passed wrongs did assaile and kill three brethren of the Caloprini sonnes to Stephano as they returned to the Palace entring into a boate to goe home to their houses The Duke was suspected and the people beleeued it that this murther was committed by his consent but hee cleared himselfe in open Assembly The same Prince gaue to Giouanni Morosino at his returne from Aquitain whither he had accompanied Vrseolo Saint Georges Church which stands right ouer against the Market-place with the Marshes adioining which were dependancies of the Dukes Chappell vpon condition to build thereupon a Monasterie for the Religious of the order of Saint Bennet He sent his sonne Mauritio to Basilius Emperour of Greece to the end that being honoured by him with certaine titles hee might appeare more notable among his fellow-Citizens All these things thus executed he was surprized with a grieuous disease by meanes whereof he voluntarily deposed himselfe or as some say he was constrained so to doe by the people the foureteenth yeare of his gouernment for that in the ciuill dissensions he had carried him selfe not like a iust Prince but had euer fauoured one side more than another He liued not long after for so soone as he had made himselfe a Monke he died forthwith ¶ PIETRO VRSEOLO the second the 26. Duke of Uenice PIetro Vrseolo was by the people declared his successor This dignitie was foretold him a long time before as by a Diuine presage by his Father who was a man of an holie life During his gouernment the Venetians State did meruailously encrease both at home and abroade First of all hee obteined of Basilius and Alexis who at the same time did iointly command the Grecian Empire that through all their Dominions the Venetian Marchants should be free by Sea and land from al customes and tributes He did moreouer by his Ambassadours purchase the frendship of the Kings of Aegypt and Siria Then did he win by bountie and good offices the greatest Lords of Italie So soone as hee perceiued a conuenient time to reuenge all the wronges which the Venetians had receiued of the Narentines hee for bad to paie them any more the accustomed yearely tribute for the free commerce and Nauigation of the coast of Dalmatia The Narentines being thereby incensed against the Venetians did sodainely rob and spoile And not satisfied with their thefts at Sea they came on shoare spoiled the Countrie neere to Zara For that Citie alone of all the rest of Dalmatia was at the same time subiect to the Venetians But the Venetians were not onely molested by these incursions but all the neighbour-Nations Likewise who after they had endured it with much discontentment for a while perceiuing the furie of these robbers who abused their patience daily to encrease and foreseeing that those insolent people would neuer giue ouer vnlesse their attempts were assisted Diuers Dalamatians not finding themselues alone strong enough for such an enterprise had recourse to the Venetians The Ambassadours of Liburnia and Histria came thither likewise being all of them sent for this purpose to treate with the Prince in the name of their Common-wealths That if he would send a mightie fleet into Dalmatia against the Narentines to defend the Sea-coastes and the neere nieghbours thereof from the theftes of these Pirats that it would come to passe which they in the name of their fellow-citizens did promise that all Dalmatia along the Sea-coast Liburnia and Histria would submit themselues vnder the Venetians dominion The offers which the Ambassadours made did puffe vp the Princes minde and filled the whole Citie with great hope one day to be Lords of Dalmatia Whereupon fearing to loose such an occasion they resolued to send forth a mightie Fleet. But before wee speake of the setting out thereof wee must briefly make mention of the situation of that Prouince fetching it from farre The Grecians called those Illirians which inhabited the vpper parts of Macedonia and Thrace from the Cahonians and Thesprotti vnto the Riuer of Histria encreasing in bredth from the hilles of Macedon and Thrace euen to the Peonians and the 〈◊〉 Sea containing in all fiue daies iourney and in length thrice asmuch The which being measured by the Roman Authors was found to containe 6000. stadij in length and 1200. in bredth Whereby it is apparent that the Ancients haue called all that Illiria which is contained within these limits euen to the Adriatick-Sea comprehending therein Dalmatia and Liburnia They 〈◊〉 besides that the Prouince and the Nation were so named by Illirius sonne to Poliphemus and Galathea sometimes Lords of that Countrie that Dardanus Taulanâ—…s with others were his children from whom the Dardanians and Taulantians people of Dalmatia are descended This Prouince such as it is did in times past containe according to the ancient diuision of the Cosmographers Liburnia and Dalmatia At this present all that Countrie whith lieth from Histria verie neere to Liburnia which stretcheth it selfe towards the Adriatick-Sea and almost to the riuer Drillon is called Dalmatia Those who inhabited vpon this riuer were the Dalmatians in times past Since then the Epirots being driuen forth of their Countrie possessed this Prouince euen to Macedon and all the Region is by the Moderns called Albania In this sort Dalmatïa extends it selfe more from the North to the South than from the East to the West Now the armie being in a readinesse and the Soldiours ship't after that Vrseolo had receiued the publicke ensignes in the Church of Oliuollo from the hands of the Bishop he sailed into Dalmatia It was then the spring-time and sailing pleasantly he arriued first at Aquileia after at Grada Vitalis Bishop of the Citie accompanied with the whole Clergie and the people went out to meete him and after he had welcomed him Take saith he Vrseolo this banner of Saint Hermagoras which I wish may be fortunate to thy selfe and to the Commonwealth cause thy Soldiours to follow it among the ensignes of their Countrie and let them fight valiantly vnder it I hope that thou wilt one day confesse that this banner which wee giue thee hath no lesse aided thee in the obtaining of the victorie than the strength and courage of thy people Wee are not ignorant how that by valour all Common-weales are well gouerned but they are much better when they haue God for their guide I doe accept saith the Duke this thy Presage and I pray thee when we are departed hence to beseech that good God to graunt vs a prosperous voiage and victorie ouer our enemies Then bidding him farewell hee came with a faire winde sodainly into Histria Histria is
said was the Authour of Otho his banishment and therefore during the gouernment of Vrso Bishop of Grada hee was banished the Citie as an enemie but not long after hee was repealed at the peoples request So soone as he had receiued the gouernment hee propounded to the people that he thought it fit and most profitable for the Common-wealth to driue the familie of the Vrseoli out of the Citie as pernicious enemies to the publique quiet He willed them then to assemble themselues and to declare the Vrseoli vnworthy euer after to execute the soueraigne dignitie or any other Office whatsoeuer or to haue any authoritie to be present at the suffrages and that they should adiudge them common enemies and as such banish them The people being ill aduised hauing alreadie forgotten the sundrie deserts and benefits of this familie making themselues the ministers of an other mans hatred did sodainely consent thereto After this sort this familie till then famous and which had affoorded so many worthie men to the Common-wealth was by this ignominie so deiected as it could neuer after rise againe He did likewise abolish the custome of associating a Colleague in the Principalitie the which as most profitable is carefully obserued vnto this day I find no memorable matter done by him abroad but being oppressed with yeares he departed this life ¶ DOMINICO CONTARENO the 30. Duke of Uenice DOminico Contareno was by the generall consent of all men established in his place Pepin in the meane time had molested all the places round about Grada and for that time there was nothing decreed against him in regard the City was then busied in affaires of more importance Those of Zara had yeelded to the Lord of Croatia or as some write to Salomon King of Hungarie At the report hereof for it was to bee supposed that vnlesse the Venetian Armie did speedily passe into Dalmatia the other Countries which were now readie to rebell would soone after reuolt from the Venetians the Duke with a great fleet sodainely hasted to Dalmatia besieged Zara and tooke it by force The report of the reprisall of Zara auailed much to containe the other Cities in their dutie and fidelitie Pepin in the meane space tooke Grada the second time by assault and did more harme at this entrie than at the former The Venetians iustly moued by this iniurie determined before they would reuenge it to aduertise Pope Benedict of the wrong which Pepin had done them resoluing that if he did not obey the Pope who they thought would redresse it to reuenge the losse of Grada by Armes Pepin sodainely obeyed the Popes commandement but being of an obstinate and turbulent spirit he dyed as some say soone after miserably Some write that Pope Leo came at the same time to Venice But if they sent to Pope Benedict concerning the businesse of Grada as hath beene said following the opinion of diuers I cannot imagine how the Popes name should bee so sodainely changed which makes me to thinke that it hapned by the negligence of some writers who haue set downe Benedict for Leo or on the contrarie Leo for Benedict or that which is most likely that these things were done at sundrie times They say the occasion of his iournie was to visite the body of Saint Marke and they affirme that hee gaue diuers great priuiledges to his Church and to diuers others in the Citie VVee finde also that about the same time those of Apulia fought diuers times with Robert surnamed Guiscard a Norman by Nation whose power at the same time was very great in Italie The which neuerthelesse I dare not altogether affirme because of all those Authours whom wee follow there is but one which makes mention thereof ¶ DOMINICO SILVIO the 31. Duke of Uenice THis is all which hapned vnder the gouernment of Prince Contareno who the six and twentieth yeare of his Principalitie dyed he was buried in Saint Nicholas Church his funerall being followed by great multitudes of people Dominico Siluio was by sodaine acclamation of the people as hee followed the bodie saluted Duke He is reported to haue married a wife from Constantinople so full of arrogancie and greekish pride who as saith Damian was so nice and delicate in her manner of life as shee would neuer wash with ordinarie water shee neuer touched her meate but with a forke of gold her Chamber was perfumed with such rare odours as the senses of those which came into it were ouercome with the sweetnesse thereof But as nothing is of lesser continuance than vnbridled dissolutenesse which is so much the more dangerous as it is most excessiue This most proude and curious manner of life procured her a very loathsome and stinking disease so as she who by her insolent pride would not vse the most necessarie element of water because it was common to euery one could not bee holpen or comforted by the same nor yet by any other meanes to clense the filth and infection of her bodie About the same time Dominico Bishop of Oliuollo deceased Henrie sonne to the last Duke succeeded him who altered the ancient name of Oliuollo and would be called Bishop of the Castle as they are now at this day It is reported that vnder this Princes gouernment the Normans were driuen out of the confines of Dalmatia And because the Venetians haue had diuers warlike incounters with this Nation we must speake something of them They were then as some Authors affirme neere neighbours to the Sea-coasts of Guyenne who after they had a certaine time scoured the Neighbour-Seas entred in tract of time vnder their Captaine Raoul by the Riuer of Loire into France They ouerranne Lorraine and a part of Germanie with fier and sword afterwards returning into France Raoul made a league with king Charles the third surnamed the Simple and beeing by him perswaded to become a Christian of an Enemie hee became his Guest and being named Robert he married the kings daughter By meanes of which marriage Charles gaue vnto him that Prouince lying vpon the Riuer of Seine which hath beene since called Normandie by the name of the inhabitants This man of whom I speake was great Grandfather to that Robert who came with an Armie into Italie of whom we must say somewhat to the end we may the more easily vnderstand that which they haue done there Now at what time this yong Robert began to wex great on the confines of Lucania and Sicill the affaires of Italie were then in meane estate as well by the new receiued losses as by the incursions of the Saracens who ouer-ranne that whole Prouince and Sicill in like manner But it is vncertaine whether this man or some other of that Nation did bring the Normans out of France into Italie For it is certaine that the same great Robert who from the shoares of the Ocean Sea did enter by the riuer of Loire so farre into France
determined in the Venetians absence to succour the Citie so that it is reported there was a cruell fight neere to the walles and that the Greekes beeing vanquished and one of the companions of the Empire beeing slaine Alexis saued himselfe by flight by meanes whereof the Durassians beeing constrained to yeeld became subiect to the enemies power And not long afterwards the Venetians in the behalf of Alexis came against the Normans almost in the verie same place where the first battaile was fought but the euent did much differ from the former For the Venetians being vanquished receiued so notable a losse as of all that great fleete which Siluio had brought with him a small number was saued part being drowned and the residue taken This purchased the Prince great hatred and enuie For at his return to Venice the people deposed him in the thirteenth yeare of his gouernment Diuers do confesse that the Venetians and the Greekes were vanquished before the Port of Durazzo but that the losse was not so great as wee haue said it was but only that the battaile was very bloudy on either-â—…ide and that so soone as the Norman began to haue the better Alexis fled on the left hand towardes Peloponesus and Siluio on the right hand towardes Venice They doe besides denie that hee was deposed from his gouernment but that the two and twentieth or as others say the three and twentieth yeare of his Principalitie hee fortunately deceased and was honourablie buried in Saint Marks Church ¶ VITALIS PHALERIO the 32. Duke of Venice SIluio being dead Vitalis Phalerio was with the generall consent chosen in his sted His first proposition was no lesse honorable than profitable for the Common-wealth For so soone as hee was declared Prince he propounded to the People to send Ambassadours to Constantinople to the Emperour Alexis to obtaine of him that Dalmatia and Croatia which they had taken from the vsurpers and purchased by right of warre might for euer remaine to the Venetians It was likely that the Emperour would easily grant their request in regard of the kindnesse which he had lately receiued from them The Ambassadours were Dominico Dandulo Andrea Michaeli and Iacomo Auro But in sted of these I finde in some Authors Ciani Vitalis and Antonio Alexis did freely graunt their requests whereby the Venetians haue euer since by iust title possessed Dalmatia and Croatia And Phalerio was the first according to some Annalists who in his titles did beare these Prouinces I finde likewise that about the same time the Greekes and the Venetians fought vnder Phalerio before Durazzo with Guiscard but the issue thereof was as successelesse as vnder Siluio The Emperour Henrie came from Treuiso to Venice to visit Saint Markes Church whose miraculous apparition was a little before diuulged euerie where It is reported that for a time it was not known in what part of the Church his bones did rest so as the coÌ„mon people cryed out that he had retired himselfe into some secret place as though he meant to conceale himselfe from the peoples sight whereupon the whole Citie being desirous to know his resting place prayers and fasts were appointed euery where then diuers Bishops being followed by the Clergie and people came in procession to his Church where it is reported that after diuers prayers he did miraculously shew himselfe to his Citizens by putting out of his armes forth of the earth and that then to the peoples great contentment his body was taken vp and carried to a more honorable place and it was decreed that none but the Prince and the Procurators of the Church should know his resting place and it is thought that at the same time they dedicated a new Church vnto him more rich and sumptuous than the former Phalerio did afterward repaire the Burrough of Lauretta decayed by antiquitie and reducing it into the forme of a little Citie he did enrich it with diuers liberties and priuiledges to make it thereby the more to be inhabited After he had made this reparation we finde no other matter done by him abroad nor at home hee departed this life the twelfth or according to some the thirteenth yeare of his Principalitie ¶ VITALIS MICHAELI the 33. Duke of Venice VItalis Michaeli was chosen in his place In his time and vnder his gouernment a mighty Armie was sent into Siria for to recouer the Cities and places of the Holie land But because wee know that the Venetians haue had share in diuers great exploits executed by the Christians in Asia I haue thought it not impertinent to touch briefly in order what was done there to the end that by that which shall be set downe it may be easily knowne what the Venetians did in that iourney The Author then of this warre as some write was a French Hermit named Peter who going on pilgrimage to the Sepulcher of our Lord Iesus Christ did vnderstand of Simeon Bishop of Ierusalem and of other Christians who were there in small number in what distres and miserable seruitude this holie Land where the Sauiour of the world did redeeme vs was held by the cruell Mahometists That there was no place in the same how holie or religious soeuer it were which that abhominable Nation had not till then defiled and contaminated by thefts murthers adulteries adding therewithall the scourges torments and wrongs which those who professed Christianitie did endure who were of necessitie either to goe from thence or resolue to dye there miserably To this was ioyned a great miracle How that vpon Easter euen about mid-night it seemed vnto Peter in his sleep that Iesus Christ did call vnto him inioyning him so soone as he should arriue in Italie he should tell the Pope and afterwards all the other Princes of France and Germanie that it would be pleasing vnto him and that he did commaund them tred Italie with great furie A verie great multitude of them leauing Scithia at that time would staie in no place til they had first seene how their friends and kindsfolke in Hungarie fared These men by continuall frequentation with the Italians being accustomed to the iournies of Italie had for the most part changed their naturall crueltie and manner of life by meanes whereof waxing more ciuill they were driuen from the places which they had gotten by right of warre by those that came after them The crueltie of this Nation is reported to be such as after that they had been in Hungarie they abstained not from eating humane flesh after their countrie manner who forthwith tooke vpon them the names of those whom they had driuen thence and were called Hungarians Those which were expulsed were likewise in times past called Huns aswell as the latter And being come into Hungarie in the daies of Attila they were afterward named Bauarians then Huns and certaine letters being taken awaie from both names it was made but one These then after diuers warlike
enemie Ordelapho knowing that in such dangerous businesses speed was to be vsed passed into Dalmatia with a greater Armie than before and ouertaking the enemie before the walles of Zara drew him forthwith to battaile At the beginning they fought furiously on either side fortune enclining to neither part vntill that Ordelapho encouraging his Soldiours and thrusting himselfe into the formost rankes fighting hand to hand with the enemie was stricken with a dart of which wound he sodainely dyed The Venetians being amazed at their Princes death did for a time sustaine the enemies forces but beeing disordered they fell to flight diuers were slaine in the fight and many taken prisoners The report of this losse brought great heauinesse to the Citie The common people thought that their Prince being dead and their Armie defeated there was no more hope for them to be able to keepe the Prouince Therefore they resolued to send Ambassadours to the king of Hungarie to obtaine a peace if it might be or else truce for a certaine time Vitalis Phaledrio Vrso Iustiniano and Marini Morosino the Secretarie were sent thither who obtained truce of the king for fiue yeares Ordelapho's bodie beeing brought to Venice was honorably buried in Saint Markes Church who fighting valiantly for his Countrie was slaine in the nineteenth yeare of his Principalitie Dominico Michaeli was chosen in his sted ¶ DOMINICO MICHAELI the 35. Duke of Venice BAldwin the second of that name sent to this Prince for aide For the affaires of the Christians in Syria were brought to such a passe that they spake no more of making themselues greater but only how to keepe that which they had gotten For albeit in the two first yeares of his raigne he had obtained certaine victories of the enemie yet there was some likelihood that they daily waxing stronger as indeede they did they should hardly be able to keepe those places which they held in Syria without fresh supplies He requested the Venetians by his Ambassadours to passe with a mightie fleete into Asia and the more easily to obtaine it his Ambassadours in his name promised a verie great recompence But Baldwin expecting supplies from Italie being taken prisoner by Dalochus king of the Parthians with whom hee had fought was carried away captiue to Cayro Then those that remained in Ierusalem did speedily certifie Pope Calixus of the state of the affaires of Syria assuring him that if they were not forth with succoured with supplies from Italie and Europe that their dominion in Asia would not only be soone brought to nothing but the name of Christians would be extinct and all reduced vnder the power of the Turkes The Pope being moued by this great danger began forthwith to examine which were the chiefest forces of Italie and found that there were none but the Venetians which were able in those miserable times to preserue the affaires and state of the Christians in Syria Therefore he sent his Nuncio to entreate Prince Dominico speedily to passe into Asia with a mightie fleete to aid the Christians The people then being called before the Assemblie after due Praiers made vnto God the Patriarch of the Citie by the Princes commaundement spake to them after this manner The Oration of the Patriarch of Grada to the people of Venice I Thinke ô people of Venice that you are not ignorant what our owne forces in part and partly those of the rest of Europe haue done these precedent yeares for the recouerie of Palestine which ye call the holie Land For this is the six and twentith yeare if I mistake not since that great voiage which so manie Christian Princes taking the badge of the crosse vpon them vndertooke for the same purpose into Asia where by the Diuine bountie and their valour all that which stretcheth from Bythinia euen to Syria was in a short space taken by force out of the hands of the cruell enemie And our people likewise after they had taken Smyrna in Ionia and executed manie martiall exploits all along the Sea-coasts of Syria did not only purchase great commendation but had their share in the Cities that were taken The which if we well obserue ye shall finde that they laid a sure foundation at that instant whereon to enlarge in time to come your Dominion in Syria But it hath hapned in a short time that by the decease of Godfrey Baldwin and Beamond with other excellent Captaines who died according to the necessitie of nature our affaires in Syria haue been so altred as in sted of their woonted prosperous successe they are on a sodaine fallen to the ground and doe daily wex weake so as being more and more exposed to the violent assaults of the enemies wee haue left vs small hope of abilitie to defend that Prouince The which Baldwin the second fearing did not long since send his Ambassadours vnto vs to entreate vs with great promises to prepare forthwith a mightie Armie and therewith to passe speedily into Asia The intreaties of so great a person did mooue vs. But beeing at the point to open the matter vnto you and deuising meanes how to prouide such an Armie we haue with great terrour receiued newes how Baldwin is taken by Dalochus king of the Parthians and carried prisoner to Cayro Whereupon Varimond Bishop of Ierusalem ô yee Christian people being amazed with all those which lie in garrison in the Citie haue speedily sent for aide and succour to Pope Calixtus saying that vnlesse they be speedily releiued themselues with whatsoeuer they possesse in that Prouince are in danger to be lost The Pope being troubled with these newes hath thought the Venetians alone to be worthie of such an enterprise He hath written to your Prince and to you yee people of Venice whom hee intreateth exhorteth and adiureth not to abandon Christian Religion in so great a daunger Wherewith your Princes pleasure is you should be acquainted to the end ye might will and command a great Armie to be prouided for that purpose whereunto pittie alone and the affection which we beare to the Apostolike Seâ—… and to all Christians in generall should not onely prouoke vs which hauing receiued from our Ancestors as here ditarie we ought to preserue and increase with all our power but likewise the desire which wee haue to enlarge the bounds of our Dominions Who is it but seeth that it will cheefely be an holy and iust warre the which wee ought principally to consider in all things and secondarily highly worthie of the charitie and Religion for which ye are are euerywhere famous to defend by Armes and to preserue from the enemies wrong this land where Christ our king was borne did hide himselfe wept was betraied taken and crucified and his most holie bodie laid in the graue and who according as holie Writ doth witnesse to vs shall come the soueraigne Iudge one daie to enquire of the deedes of all mankind What Churches what monasteries what Altars doe yee
Whereupon they bethought themselues of a subtile stratagem to tie counterfeit letters to the Doues feeâ—…e instead of those which Dachines had sent to the Tyrians which imported Not to expect any succour from the King And therefore they should doe wisely seeing their affaires stood so as they must needs yeeld to giue place to the time which they were chiefely to thinke on and by a timely yeelding to prouide for themselues and their meanes These Letters being publiquely read for the Pigeon being let loose flew directly into the Citie the Tyrians being wholly discouraged did yeeld themselues the fifth moneth of the siege I know of a certaine that many will hold this which wee haue reported of the Pigeon for a fable thinking it to be against nature and so consequently vnworthie of beliefe that a bird transported into a farre Region should at a flight returne to her former nest But it is vndoubtedly true that it was so The which hath beene of ten times knowne by experience For diuers doe witnesse that the ancient Romans made vse sometimes of birds for the same purpose Plinie makes mention of a Pigeon which brought letters to the Campe before Modena I finde that Fabius the Roman Historian and Cecynna Volateran haue sometimes vsed swallowes in such like businesse But let it be granted that it may be so it is no lesse strange that these birds flying in the ayre should fall to the ground by a suddaine noyse For some doe affirme the same to haue hapned in the assembly of the Ismenians as oftentimes in other places at such time as by the meanes of Titus Flaminius all Grecia did recouer her ancient libertie Plutarch a man of singular learning hath taught the same to come to passe by the clearing of the aire because that by a suddaine crie ascending vpwards the aire is forcibly cleft leauing no support for the birds for waxing more soft and slipperie the birds fall as though they were come into an emptie place without any stay at all whereby they fall downe being stricken with the noyse as if it were with an arrow It may bee likewise according to the same Authour that this noyse engendreth in the aire a violent by-turning like to the tempest of the Sea wherewith birds being touched fall downe amazed Now the Tyrians hauing yeelded there were set vp on the Towers and highest places of the Citie the ensignes of Varimond and of the Venetians vnto whom were giuen the third part of the Citie according to the agreement the prowesse and valour of whom according to the saying of Chronicles was greatly admired in that siege The like was giuen to them in the Citie of Ascalon Baldwin returning from his imprisonment at the same time did not only approue all these things but did likewise at the ratifying thereof highly honour the Venetian Prince It is to be seene in some Authours that he vsed this preface Dominico Michaeli Duke of Venice and Dalmatia Prince of the Kingdome of Ierusalem who after he had defeated a great Armie of the enemies on the inaccessible shoare of Ascalon slaine and taken many thousands of those Barbarians and deliuered those of Ioppa from the siege where with they were shut in did enter victorious into Ierusalem Some others adding greater matters than these say That besides these things graunted at the same time to the Venetians in Syria it was confirmed vnto them ouer and aboue all the rest that whilest the Duke of Venice should make his aboad in Ierusalem hee should enioy the same honours and prerogatiues as the King did Whereas there is mention made that the enemies were defeated before Ascalon and not before Ioppa the same proceedeth from the varietie of Historians During the Venetians prosperous successe in Syria Caloianes sonne to Alexis some set downe Emanuel for Caloianes enuying that the Christians had obtained so notable a victorie and chiefely the Venetians vnto whom was ascribed all the glorie of whatsoeuer had beene then done in Syria resolued to make open warre against them In regard whereof there was some likelihood that the Venetians if they respected their owne priuate affaires would wholly leaue Syria as indeed it happened For the Prince being speedily called home vpon the first commotion of the Greekes did depart out of the Prouince who being come to Rhodes and the Townesmen refusing to furnish him with victualls he tooke and spoiled the Citie I beleeue hee had some other cause so to doe For that had beene to haue drawne a kindnesse from them perforce But it is most likely that it was done in hatred to Caloianes who had alreadie declared himselfe their open enemie which some Authours affirme or else certainely because the Venetians had in times past receiued some notable iniurie of the podians they would then at the instant call it in question hauing so fit an occasioâ—… Prince Michaeli from thence commâ—…g to the Isle of Chyos wasted it likewise and carried from thence the bodie of â—…int Isidore to Venice which was laid in Saint Marks Church in the Chappell â—…ich we haue elsewhere said was builded by Narses with the spoiles of the enemâ—…s The fleet made some staie there in regard of the great sharpnesse of the wiâ—…er From whence finding that place fit for the affaires of warre they would noâ—…slodge vntill they had taken all the neighbour-Islands from the Greekes Wâ—…eupon departing thence on a sodaine they first tooke Samos then Lesbos Aâ—…dros and all the other Islands of the Greeke Empire Hauing performed these â—…oloits neare to the Islands Ciclades they sayled into Peloponessus where he sâ—…ed on Methon at this day called Modona and left a garrison there Then commâ—…g into Dalmatia he recouered Zara as some write which had before driuen tâ—…nce the Venetian Magistrate and being thus recouered to the end that her destâ—…ction might serue for example to the neighbour Cities how in time to come to fâ—…ifie their faith so religiously sworne vnto they did for the most part ruine it Ten they recouered Spalatra and Trahu by force But other Authours haue pâ—…sed ouer in silence that which we haue now mentioned to haue beene done by hâ—… in Dalmatia All these great atchieuements luckily finished after that he had â—…amed one part by Armes and protected the other from al wrong from the Seacoast of Syria euen to Dalmatia he brought backe his Armie entire to Venice wâ—…ere hee was receiued with generall ioy And so soone as he had related what he hâ—…d done in that voyage the whole Citie did highly praise him The affaires of the Christians in Syria still declining by little and little did euery day wax worse vnâ—…ill the time of Baldwin the fifth From whom Saladine King of Egypt recoâ—…ered Ierusalem the fourescore and eighth yeare after the Christians had taken â—…t There were diuers and sundrie warlike preparations made aswell in Italie as iâ—… other parts of Europe for the conseruation of
Syria But all those attempts pâ—…oued vaine and fruitlesse of which wee determine briefly to speake as occasion shall serue not interrupting the course of our Historie During the aboade of Prince Michaeli in Asia or soone after his returne the Hospitall of the publike charitie was builded with all that which stands neere to it The bodie of Saint Donato brought from Pera to Venice was laid in a Church newly built by the diligence and cost as some Authours say of one called Marco Iuliano Michaeli after hee had gouerned the Common-wealth eleuen yeares did fortunately decease His funeralls were followed by great multitudes of people His tombe is to be seene at this day in the porch of Saint Georges Church right ouer against the Comcell-Hall on the left hand as ye enter into the Church The end of the sixt Booke of the first Deâ—…ad THE SEVENTH BOOKE OF THE FIRSâ—… DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the seuenth Booke of the first Decad. THe voluntarie submission of the Faneses The institution of a new Religious Order in the Church of Saint SALVATORI The erecting of the Church of Saint CLEMENT The Paduans are defeated on the turning of the Riuer Brente The Venetians warre against the Normans in fauour of the Emperour EMANVEL The building of the great Tower before the Market-place Diuers people of Histria made Tributaries The building of the Church of the Crossed Friers How greatly the conspiracies of the Neighbour-people did trouble the Venetians The originall of the plaies made at Shrouetide What the Emperour EMANVEL did to the Venetian Merchants ouer all his Empire in one day The Venetians mightie Sea-armie against EMANVEL The familie of the IVSTINIANI are almost extinct through the malice of their enemies The miserable death of Prince VITALIS slaine by his owne people at his returne from Greece Two huge Pillars of a wonderfull workemanship erected in the Market-place by an Artificer of Lombardie An Ambassadour of Venice is abused by the Emperour EMANVEL The cause why the Emperour EMANVEL hated the Venetians At what time they beganne to shut vp in the publike Treasurie the money of particular persons vnder colour of loane Pope ALEXANDER flies to Venice in disguise The Venetians make warre against the Emperour FREDERICK BARBAROSSA in fauour of the Pope The Emperours Sonne defeated at Sea by the Venetians with his imprisonment and the Emperour FREDERICK his comming to Venice The Honours and Titles giuen by Pope ALEXANDER to the Dukes of Venice The agreement betwixt FREDERICK the Pope and the Venetians made at Venice The Venetian Prince hauing accompanied the Pope to Rome returneth to Venice honoured with rich presents And lastly the description of the magnificent Church of St. MARKE ¶ PIETRO POLLANI the 36. Duke of Venice PIetro Pollani succeeded his deceased Father-in-law Michaeli At his entrance into the gouernement the Faneses submitted themselues to the Venetians authoritie promising to aide them when neede should be to giue yearlie the quantitie of a thousand pound weight of oile for the vse of S. Markes Church and to pay them besides a yearly pension of money in manner of Tribute It seemeth vnto mee that this tribute proceeded from some aide which they had receiued from the Venetians in their warres the which some Historians haue noted albeit they set not downe against whom it was Bonfiâ—…io Michaeli Administrator at that time of the Church of S. Saluatori and all those which accompanied him tooke a Religious habit vpon them instituting a new order which was afterward authorised by Pope Innocent and after him Pope Alexander the fourth consecrated their Church Pietro Gathilaso caused the Church of S. Clement to be builded on the Canal Orphano It is reported besides that at the same time a great strife arose betwixt the Venetians and the Pisans occasioned by a brauado rashly made vpon them in the Hauen of Rhodes by Michaeli Vitalis the Princes sonne Generall of the Venetian Armie where the Pisans being ouer-come and loosing the greatest part of their Armie did receiue a great disgrace which afterward caused diuers and sundrie murthers on either side And these two States would haue beene more sharply bent one against the other had not the Pope by his wise mediation sodainely pacified their strife Diuers cities of Dalmatia insinuating themselues into the Venetians fauour promised each of them in her owne name to waite on the Prince with one armed Gallie as often as he should put to Sea with fifteene Gallies The Polani likewise a people of Histria offered them all aide with all necessaries for the furniture of the Gallies at any time when the Prince marching against the enemies should arriue in their Countrey I finde about the same time the Venetians fought a cruell fight with the Paduans who would haue cut off the Riuer Brente neere to Saint Hilaries Church Guido Monticulano Generall of the Venetians Armie by Land in that warre hauing incountered them neere to Tumba the bickering was verie bloudie on either side but the enemies being ouercome and put to flight three hundred and fiftie of them were brought prisoners to Venice who neuerthelesse at the entreatie of the chiefe of their Citie laying all the blame on some audacious persons among the Common people and not on the Nobilitie were all freely sent home againe Vrso Badoario left to Giouanni Throno of Mayorba diuers goodly Lands seated neere to Muriana and Maiorba to build an Hospitall in the name of Saint Iames which being since much augmented and enriched was giuen to the Religious sisters of the order of the Cistercians But whilest the Citie was thus at quiet the Venetians because they would not liue idely did set set forth an Armie at the request of the Emperour Emanuel against Rogero sonne to Guiscard King of Sicilie This Prince departing from Ottranto with a great Fleete came to the Isle of Corfu bordring vpon the Adriaticke and Ionian Seas And hauing seized thereon hee sailed into Morea where betwixt the Promontorie of Mailla and the Gulphe of Argiers and Laconia he executed diuers hostile actions Returning thence towards the Sea of Sarrona neere to the Hauens of Cenchrea and Corinth hee put all the Countrie adioyning to fire and sword Then passing forward without any resistance at all and being come to Istmos vulgarly called at this day Heximilia he filled all Achaia with feare and terror He tooke likewise the Citie of Thebes where it is reported he shewed himselfe ouer-couetous in his curious seeking for gold In the end he neither spared the Countrie of Nigrepont nor Beotia called Phocides And being puâ—…t vp by this happie successe he sent one of his Lieutenants with threescore Gallies to crosse the Hellespont called at this day the streight of Gallipolis euen to the Bosphorus of Thrace at this present called Saint Georges Arme who with great boldnesse vsed such speed as being arriued on the sodaine before Constantinople he set fire on diuers
and the defeate of the Pisans neare to Modona ISAAC is imprisoned by his brother ALEXIS after hee had depriued him of the Empire The Christian Princes that march against the Turkes arriue at Venice The Venetians agreement with these Princes The recouerie of Zara. The resolution of the Venetians and the stranger-Princes to goe into Greece at the entreatie of yong ALEXIS Constantinople is taken by the Christian Princes and by the Venetians The death of yong ALEXIS after the deceasse of his Father ISAAC through the treacherie of his people The recouerie of Constantinople by the Christian Princes and by the Venetians ioyned together BALDWIN Earle of Flanders made Emperour of Greece The Isle of Candie with all the Islands in a 〈◊〉 of the Aegean Sea allotted to the Venetians for their claime which they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to Constantinople The beginning of the warre against the Genoueses for the Isle of Candie The victorie also against the Paduans for a wrong offered to the Venetians at a publike shew at Treuiso The Venetians send a Colonie to Corfu The Emperour HENRIE who succeedeth BALDWIN is treacherously taken by THEODORE the Albanois The taking of Damiet in Aegypt by the Christians where they became rich with the spoile and what prisoners they brought away with them THe common opinion is That by a Testamentarie legacie of Prince Cyani this holy distribution of money was likewise ordained whereby the Procurators of S. Marke doe at this day releeue with the publike money the necessitie of Orphans and other poore distressed People But the ancient manner of distributing it was altogether different from that at this day the which being more seemely was also more to bee praised For it is said That those distributers did themselues enquire of euery ones necessitie and then putting the money into little coffins of paper wherein were written the seuerall names of such only as they meant to releeue that day they would in the euening go to the poore mens houses and giue them the Almes in very great secrecie A man should not haue seene in those dayes because there was no such neede so many poore people at their Gates as now there are The recommendation of friends and kinsfolkes did then smally preuaile those onely which were knowne to be poore were alone releeued The ancient maner is now wholly changed and this change proceedeth from the great multitude of businesses For they which at this day haue those offices are almost of the chiefe of the Senate for Councell Age and Authoritie whereby they haue not onely the managing of this businesse of the Commonwealth but diuers others likewise and of greater importance So as being imploied in diuers businesses they themselues cannot in such manner intend this as did those of old time But they doe at this day liberally releeue all those who are recommended vnto them prouided that the partie who recommendeth be of good reputation and the pouertie of the person recommended apparant therein omitting no worke of charitie ¶ AVRIA MARIPIETRO the 40. Duke of Uenice IN the place of deceased Cyani the people did subrogate Auria Maripietro called by some Andrea hauing for the same purpose appointed foure men amongst them who should euer after haue authoritie to choose fortie Being by these men chosen Prince he had no sooner receiued the ensignes of Soueraigne dignitie but forthwith he disioyned the Pisans from those of Ancona who being backt by the Pisans and by conueniencie of the places had for a time by their ordinarie incursions greatly molested the Venetians at Sea But at the last after a reciprocall restitution of whatsoeuer had beene taken truce was granted for ten yeares At the same time those of Zara reuolted from the Venetians the fourth time and soone after this reuolt Bella King of Hungarie filled their Citie with Garrisons It is said that they did thus vpon discontentment that their Church should be subiect to that of Grada if it were vpon any other occasion yet this at the least was all their pretext It is certaine that this Citie which in respect of her often rebellions had beene a cause of extraordinarie expence to the Venetians was very glad vnder this pretence to vent her former determinations This reuolt being knowne all men were of opinion forth-with to leuie an Armie to reduce the Zaratins to their obedience and to punish them according to their deserts for their often breach of faith that they might serue for an example to others But mens hope to see this Armie in readinesse in regard of the pouertie of the common Treasurie was small wherevpon diuers of the wealthiest Citizens bearing a singular affection to the common-wealth louing their Countries profit more than their owne did giue great summes of money There were likewise diuers impositions exacted at Rialto towards this warre By meanes whereof the Armie being readie sailed into Dalmatia At the Venetians arriuall Zara was besieged and all the Islands neare to the Citie were in a short space recouered The Citie it selfe in regard of the Kings Garrison within it could not be taken But whilest the Venetians were busied in the Dalmatian warres the Christian Princes tooke armes for the recouerie of Ierusalem from whence the Sarracens vnder the conduct of Saladine had expulsed the French the foure-score and eighth yeare after it was taken by Godfrey Wherefore the Venetians taking truce for two yeares with King Bella at Pope Clement his entreatie who did earnestly solicit them to vndertake this voiage they soone resolued to leuie a mightie armie Diuers great Princes likewise did for the same purpose arme themselues as wee haue said at the Popes request Among whom were the Emperour Fredericke the Kings of France and England and Otho Duke of Burgundie accompanied by diuers great Prelats The Pisans likewise ioining themselues with the Venetians on the Adriatike Sea passed into Syria with diuers vessels But both their fleetes arriued there a long time before those of Frederick and the other kings For the Citie of Acre which the Christians had likewise lost was besieged before Frederick had crossed Saint Georges Arme to come into Asia or before that Philip departing from Messina whither he was come with Richard after they had crossed the Riuer of Genowaie and the Tuscan Sea did arriue in the Prouince Richard being tossed with a furious tempest cast Anker in Cyprus which he wholly spoiled because the inhabitants at his arriuall had refused to receiue him into their Hauen From whence soon after he passed into Syria Frederick after he had taken certaine Townes in Asia entred Armenia the lesse where vnaduisedly going into a deepe Riuer to wash and refresh himselfe beeing carried awaie by the force of the streame he was drowned But before this happened our people had a long time laboured before Acre for they had sometime fought with great hazard with Saladine And besides that want of all necessaries was so great in the
Christians campe as the Soldiours did not refuse to eate whatsoeuer they found how vnholesome or bad so euer it were and being almost starued did expose themselues out of their Trenches to bee slaine by the enemies shot In the end at the arriuall of these two Kings the two Armies beeing ioined together the French became so strong as they no more feared to bee enforced by the enemie to discampe from that side Saladine resolued by force to open a waie for his Soldiours and vsing fraud with force hee caused a ship full of Snakes and Serpents to saile directly towards the front of the Christians battaile But being come in view before the Barbarians who were within it could haue leisure to vse their cunning their fleete being broken and defeated before the Hauen this shippe was of set purpose sunke Whereupon the Townes-men and those of the Garrison hauing lost all hope of being relieued did yeeld after they had maintained the siege a whole yere They were cruelly dealt with by reason that in their capitulation they promised to giue the Christians a part of the holie Crosse the which could no where be found Acre beeing taken the Venetians possessed the selfe-same right which they had in times past purchased by Armes in the same Citie This is all which hapned abroade during the Principallitie of Auria But within the Citie they stamped a new coine called Aurelia by the name of the Authour who retiring himselfe into the Monasterie of Holie Crosse the ninth yeare as some say of his gouernment or the fourteenth according to some or the eight twentieth yeare which is much more as others say tooke the Monastick habit and there died ¶ HENRICO DANDVLO the 41. Duke of Uenice HEnrico Dandulo beeing declared Prince by the fortie according to the manner aboue mentioned succeeded him The Common-wealth vnder this man did not only purchase fame and renowne but did mightily enlarge the bounds of her Dominions He first of all forbad those of Verona from trafficking with the Venetians because they had wronged certaine Venetian Marchants on the Riuer Adice This prohibition caused them to restore that which they had taken from the Venetians in their Priuileges and immunities and neuer more to molest them sailing on those streames The Armie returned from Syria for the great want it had of fresh supplies hauing beene abroade three yeares The Pisans likewise left the Prouince But they continually during the three yeares they were abroad did so enuie and hate the Venetians that the same as it often hapneth did beget open dissension which turned at last to the Pisans ouerthrow For they sailing on the Adriatick Sea surprized the Citie of Pola tributarie to the Venetians with intent to winter there if it were possible But the Venetians not being able to suffer such indignitie did Arme ten Gallies and six ships of burthen and adding certaine fresh supplies of Souldiours they came speedily to Pola the which being as speedily recouered they burnt al the Tuscan ships which they found in the Hauen The greatest part of their Fleet was gone to conuoie six ships of burthen of their owne who returned at that time from Greece laden with Marchandize and were going home The Venetians after they had dismantelled the Citie of Pola not so much for hatred to the Townesmen as to make it lesse fit for the Pisans retreite at any other time sailed towards Modona determining to meete with those six ships of Pisa and to fight with the other which were gone from Pola to conuoie them It was not long ere they were descried and making towards them they fought almost in the view of the Citie where the Tuscan conuoie being broken and put to flight two of the Marchant-ships were taken Soone after they made peace with the Pisans Some Venetian Historians not mentioning this peace do affirme How the same yeare that they fought before Modona the Pisans back't by the Brundusians did hinder the Venetians free Nauigation on the Adriatick Sea Whereupon Giouanni Bâ—…silio and Thomaso Phaledrio beeing sent against them with great forces did in such sort terrifie them as they enforced them speedily to forsake the Seas and going afterwards against the Brundusians who had assisted them with men and victuailes they did constraine them to sue for peace the which was granted by the Venetians Pellegrino Bishop of Aquileia did at the same time make a new league with the Venetians thereby the better to enable himselfe against Treuiso whose open enemie he was And by that meanes being made a Citizen of Venice he did purchase diuers lands in the Citie and did by this agreement promise the Common-wealth all aide and assistance when need should be For his sake the Treuisans were forbidden anâ—…e more trafficke with the Citie About the same time the Venetians had a new occasion presented them to enlardge their dominions Isaac at the same time commaunded the Grecian Empire who was a great friend to the westerne Christians and had not long before liberally receaued and wel-comed which his ancestors before him had neuer done but against their willes for the naturall hatred which that Nation euer bare to all Christians of Europe all the French and Almaigne Captaines which were going into Asia This man had a younger brother named Alexis whom he had euer so deerely loued as the name of Emperour excepted which he reserued to himselfe he liued in equall command with him Isaac had moreouer not long before paid to the barbarous enemie who had by his owne rashnesse taken him prisoner a great weight of gold for his ransome But this most vnthankefull brother forgetting all these benefits tooke his brother Isaac by treason pluckt forth his eies and being blinded shut him vp in prison And not therewith satisfied hee would haue done as much to his nephew his brothers sonne a childe of twelue yeares old But the young boy by the aduice of his friends and by discretion farre aboue one of his age as it is reported saued himselfe by flight The Venetians forces were at the same time verie great For at the beginning of the spring-time the same yeare Boniface of Montferrat Baldwin Earle of Flanders and Henrie Earle of S. Paul were arriued at Venice and with them the Duke of Sauoy intending to march against the Turkes and Sarracens Some Authors saie that they sent their Ambassadours But the most part affirme that the Princes came themselues in person and compounded with the Venetians for the passage of eight thousand foot and foure thousand fiue hundred horse with their baggage victuailes vnto Saint Georges arme by which way all the Christian Princes had still passed ouer their forces because there was no likelihood of anie other safer way into Asia as also for that Germanie and Hungarie were not quiet and likewise in regard of these newes stirres at Constantinople the which daily encreased by reason of that which had hapned The Venetian
Chronicles make mention of nine and twentie thousand foot of whom nine thousand were Targuetiers the which is more credible For it is not probable that foure so great Princes vndertaking so long and dangerous a voyage would leuie but twelue thousand fiue hundred men seeing that anie one of them could easily haue furnished as many It is reported that they promised a verie great summe of money for the transportation of so great an Armie Now the Shippes of warre being readie because the Souldiours arriued later than it was expected the iourney was put off till Haruest By meanes whereof the Princes and Captaines hauing spent all they had brought with them for that voyage were constrained to borrow of the Venetians It is reported that the Venetians in sted of lending did freely giue them the money which they demaunded to the end to tye them vnto them hauing determined to make vse of them promising to vse greater liberalitie towards them if they would lend them their forces till such time as they had reduced the Prouince of Histria vnder their obedience recouered the Citie of Zara which had so often rebelled the which for a few years had bin possessed by the King of Hungarie This being freely granted they made an accord betwixt them for a yeare That the Venetians should only set forth threscore Gallies at their owne costs to ship their Souldiours and that all the towns and booties which should be taken should be equally diuided betwixt them and the Venetians Dalmatia and the adiacent Ilands excepted which they acknowledge to be a part of the Venetians Dominion Duke Henrico albeit he were euill disposed of his person his sight much impaired by the malice of the Emperor Emanuell would neuerthelesse for the loue he did beare his Countrie make one in the number Therefore he departed from Venice before any of the rest the 15. day of October The morrow after they all followed him The Nauie consisted of two hundred and fortie Ships of warre For besides the threescore Gallies promised first to the French they made ready threescore and ten Ships of burthen to embarke the forraine Soldiours and sixescore other Vessels vulgarly called Vrserions for the cariage of the victuals horse and furniture of the Armie The Triestines and other the Inhabitants of Histria accustomed to robbe at Sea amazed to see so mightie a Fleete did speedily send to the Prince for peace which was granted them on these conditions That those of Humaga and the Triestines should pay to the Venetian Prince a yearely tribute for each of them of fiftie hogsheads of Wine And to this purpose they sent Commissioners to Venice to sweare to this conuention before the Senate and to remaine euer after loyall to the Venetians as their Ancestors had done From Histria the Armie came to the siege of Zara. This siege by reason that the Citie was well victualled and furnished with Souldiers lasted longer than was expected The Citie being often assaulted with great effusion of bloud on either side was in the end after sundrie losses recouered and foorthwith dismanteled on that part next to the Sea The chiefe Citizens despairing of pardon in regard of their continuall rebellion saued themselues by flight The Winter in the meane time was very much spent by reason whereof and through the sharpnesse of the weather they were constrained to tarie there At what time yong Alexis who had escaped from the bloudy hands of his Vnkle arriued at the Campe and came into the presence of Duke Dandulo and the French Princes that Wintered there This yong boy after hee had with teares greatly complained on his Vncles crueltie of his Fathers blindnesse darke Imprisonment bonds and ill vsage and of his owne banishment able to draw pitie from his enemies he did earnestly intreate them in regard of the ancient friendship which his Father had euer borne to the Venetians for the fidelitie alliance hospitalitie and other benefits which all Christendome had receiued from him as well at Constantinople as in other parts of the Empire to relieue him in his affliction and not to suffer his Father any longer to languish in darknesse more obscure than his blindnesse And declared how that himselfe being yet very yong depriued of his Fathers helpe and counsell and of all his friends being banished poore needie and ignominiously driuen out of his Fathers Empire was constrained miserably to beg his bread After all which hee promised to giue them a great weight of Gold with other great rewards so soone as by their meanes he should recouer the Empire The teares of this yong child did greatly moue all the assistants his age likewise and his cause were found to be iust and reasonable the which all men did willingly fauour Then the great promises which he made in this great danger did shew that he had beene taught what to say by those who attended him in his flight For hardly could a man of riper yeares much lesse one like himselfe who was not yet out of child-hood haue of himselfe inuented those things which he promised them It is reported that he promised so soone as he should be alone or with his Father restored to the Empire he would make the Church of Constantinople subiect to that of Rome and giue the Venetians and French-men a certaine weight of gold in recompence of the losses which they had sustained in times past and at sundrie times by the Emperour Emanuel And moreouer to giue vnto the Venetians a great summe of money which the forraine Princes had promised them at the first for the transportation of their souldiers Vpon these conditions and promises the Venetians and French departed from Dalmatia at the beginning of the spring determining to saile with a direct course to Constantinople if a contrarie winde did not hinder them The Bandetti of Zara in the meane time so soone as they had notice of the Venetians departure made rodes and incursions all along the Sea-coasts of Histria and Dalmatia against whom a new Armie was intended Rayniero Dandulo Sonne to Duke Henrico a braue and couragious yong man did command in the Citie as Lieutenant to his Father He hauing armed certaine ships of warre passed ouer into Dalmatia against those banished Zaratins He caused a Fort to be built in the nearest Island to Zara which was called Euill Councell to resist the incursions and desseignes of the enemies The Bandetti being backt by the aide of the King of Hungarie came on a sodaine and surprised the Garrison within it and razed the Fort whereupon a greater fleete was set forth sufficient to represse the incursions and rash attempts of those Pirates The which being knowne to them they humbly sued for peace and obtained it on these conditions That the chiefe of them hauing giuen their children in hostage to the Venetians all the Bandetti should returne home into their Countrie and should obey
being taken the chiefe of the Armie consulted together to name fifteene men which should haue authoritie to elect a new Emperour And it was expresly mentioned That if the Emperor whom they chose were not a Venetian it should be lawfull for the Venetians to appoint one of their own nation whom they pleased to be Patriarch of the Citie This thus concluded the Venetians deputed fiue Electors the Earles of Flaunders and Saint Paul as many and the Dukes of Sauoy and Montserrat made vp the number By these mens voices Baldwin Earle of Flaunders was declared Emperour and Thomaso Morosino Patriarch of Constantinople by the Venetians who soone after went to Rome and was confirmed in his dignitie by Pope Innocent The Princes in the mean time desirous to prosecute their voyage to the holy Land vsing great liberalitie to the new Emperour gaue him the moitie of the Citie Prouinces Tributes and other matters fallen to them by agreement of the Greeke Empire And not satisfied with this good office they added to this great liberalitie That all the Cities Castles Forts and Townes which they should take depending on the Greeke Empire should be recouered as in his name and reduced vnder his obedience Some thinke that the fourth part of the Empire was giuen to him and the residue being diuided into two parts the one part thereof fell to the Venetians All things at last being quieted in the Citie the Armie speedily departed Boniface of Montferrat and Henrie the Emperours brother dislodged first of all who with great good successe possessed Thrace which lies on either side betwixt Constantinople and Adrianople three daies iourney in length And all that conquest such as it was they reduced vnder the Emperour Baldwins obedience according to their promise Prince Henrico remaining at Constantinople dealt with the Emperour to bound that part of the Empire which was fallen to the Venetians because it wholly almost consisted of Islands seated in the Aegean and Ionian Seas And because the Isle of Candie belonged to Boniface by the gift of young Alexis Baldwin to take away all cause of strife and that their fellowes should truly receiue whatsoeuer had beene promised them he made Boniface King of Thessalie and gaue the Isle of Candie which he tooke from him to the Venetians And the better to confirme the matter the Venetian Prince sent M. Sanuto Rabani Carcerio his Ambassadors to Boniface who was encamped before Adrianople and till they returned he sent an Armie to receiue all the rest The Ambassadors sent to Boniface arriuing at Adrianople shewed him the Emperours decree and offering him besides a good summe of money he easily condiscended to their request and made ouer to the Venetians all the right which he pretended to the Isle of Candie by vertue of Alexis gift In this meane time Thomaso Patriarch of Constantinople at his returne from Rome where he had obtained whatsoeuer he demaunded came to Venice and after he had staied a while there being readie to returne into Greece hee tooke with him foure gallies which were sent for supplie to the Prince at Constantinople with which he recouered Ragusa which was reuolted from the Venetians and hauing repaired Durazzo which the Greeke Emperours had abandoned he left a good Garrison in it Thence he came directly to Constantinople where he was receiued of all men with great ioy But nothing did so much hasten his returne as the commaundement which the Pope had giuen him to crowne Baldwin Emperour of Greece And that Coronation-day was beautified with a great assembly as well of Greekes as of French-men and Italians Scarse was the yeare expired wherein Constantinople was taken but that all the Cities and strong Townes of the Greeke Empire as well on the Sea-coasts as on the firme Land were reduced vnder the Emperours obedience Adrianopolis excepted But this fortunate fuccesse was interrupted by his too sodaine death Some affirme that hee died at Constantinople And others say that being incâ—…mped before Adrianopolis he fell into an Ambush and being taken by the enemies he died in Prison and that by his death there was no Emperour in Greece for seuen yeares after This is that which the Annalists maintaine Those which alleadge the contrarie say That Henrie his brother was at the same instant saluted Emperour in his stead who being discamped from before Adrianopolis which his brother had besieged to effect his more speedie Coronation at Constantinople receiued newes on the way of the death of Henrico the Venetian Prince so as there was a small time betwixt the death of the Emperour Baldwin and that of Henrico who deceased the thirtenth yeare of his Principalitie and was honourably buried in Saint Sophias Church It shall not bee amisse to set downe in this place certaine propheticke verses which I find in some Historians to bee attributed to Sâ—…bylla the which are reported to haue been common almost in euerie mans mouth long time before the Frenchmen and Venetians tooke Constantinople if it be so I doe assuredly beleeue that this Oracle was the only cause of that mortall hatred which the Emperour Emanuel bare to the Venetians And forasmuch as all that in a manner which hapned at Constantinople since the time of the Emperour Constantine vntill Henrico the Venetian Prince is comprized in these verses I haue thought it fit to set them downe word for word to the end that by them it may be knowne how well this woman possessed with a diuine furie did prophecie of things to come and that which Plutarch speaketh of the Egyptians is not altogether absurd who thought that the spirit of diuination was easily communicated to women They begin thus A Prophecie found in Constantinople AENeadum gloria Bizantium deducetur Eruntque Danai in robore delicato vsque ad Leonem sexaginta pedum Donec catulos eius Vrsus deuoret Hunc Aquila dispecta Vrsum dissipet Aquilam Hircus obumbret Pullum voret Aquilae Fietque Potentum in Hadriaticis aquis congregatio Caeco Duce Hir cum abigent Bizantium prophanabunt Hircus non balabit amplius Nec Gallus cantabit vsque dum sexaginta tres pedes pollices nouem discurrant Which may be thus Englished Bizance shall rise the Romans glorie hight Graecia shall flow with fulnesse of delight Vntill the sixtie-footed Lion come Whose princely whelps with death the Beare shall dome The Beare shall by the roiall Eagle fall The Goat orethrowes the Eagle Chick and all And in the mid'st of th' Adriatick strond Shall meete great States combin'd by mutuall bond Against the Goat They led by Chieftaine blind Shall quell his pride and tame his Tyger mind And Bizance selfe they likewise shall subdue So droops the Goat And the shrill Cock that crew So lowd of late hence forth shall chant no more Till of a greater number kept in store Sixtie three feete with thumbs thrice 3. times told By fading hence this mysterie
Venetians But it is farre more pâ—…obable that it was for some iealousie or secreâ—… grudge happened betwixt the Gouernour and himselfe after the battaile because that either of them enuying one another would seeme more affectionate to his countrey and to deserue better of the Common-wealth than his fellow and that at last he would haue driuen him out of the Island by force deâ—…ermining after he had chaced him thence to giue the VenetiaÌ„s a sufficient proofe of his loyalty in deliuering the Island vnto them peaceable and at quiet being defended by his aide Other reasons likewise may perswade vs to beleeue that it was vpon such occasions as I haue set downe For perceiuing by the new supplies that they pursued him as an enemie he would not of set purpose fight and though he possessed diuers places in the Island he neuerthelesse freely abandoned them depaâ—… ted forth of the Prouince Iâ—… he had marched as an enemy against the VenetiaÌ„s there wanted not those who would haue repossessed him in the Island The Genoueses would willingly haue accepted it who were iealous and enuious of the honour and fame of the Venetians But he did rather giue place to the publike peace than helpe his enemie Tepulo Some Historians referre to the same time that notable victorie ob tained by Giouami Treuisano ouer the Genoueses wherof we haue made mention in the precedent booke Candie remained not long quiet For a new commotioÌ„ much more terrible than that whereof we now spake did trouble the whole Island the which growing from a small cause kindled such a flame as the whole Prouince felt it The common report is that by the counsell of one named Pietro Philameno Gouernour of the Castle of Boreparitano the horses of a certaine Candiot Gentleman were stollen Which being told to Paulo Quirino who at that time was Gouernour of the Island he commaunded restitution to the Islanders of that which had beene taken from them Now because it was not done with that speed as they would haue it the Greeks who were set on by others tooke occasion to ouerrunne vnder the conduct of Petro Scordillo who did owe the stollen horses all the countrie of Reparitana from whence they carried away great spoiles The Candiots vpon this stir being desirous of nouelty complotted forthwith a reuolt whereupon in short space all that lieth from Milopotamus vnto the farthest part of the Island towards the West rebelled against the Venetians The Gouernour to stay these new insurrections of the Greekes speedily sent Pietro Thonisto and Giouanni Gritti with great forces beyond the streights of Milopoâ—…amus who passing through the forrest of Psieuronessus not sending out their discouerers were assailed and defeated by Constantine Seuasti Theodore Milesin who lay in ambush for them being accompanied with great multitudes of Greekes Many Venetians were there slaine by them who knowing the waies of the forrest did meete them scattered heere and therein amazâ—…d troupes Giouanni Gritti one of the Captaines died there who was an industrious and couragious person with Nicolaâ—… Balastro Marco Bono Andrea Thealdo and Vendramino of Aquileia with a greate numbeâ—… of souldiers A few of those which escaped the slaughter hauing throwne away their Armes came by verie strait and narrow waies to the Gouernour In whose place soone afterward succeeded Dominâ—…co Delfino vnder whom peace ensued betwixt the Venetians and the Greekes To some of whom to winne them by bountie as to Seuasto and his companions Authors of the reuolt were giuen in perpetuitie certaine Lands on the hither side the Riuer Musella towards the West There be likewise in the Island certaine Lands possessed in olde time by the ancient men at armes called by the common people Knight-ships Some of these were giuen at the same time to the chiefest of the Greeks as some other of them likewise to Theodore and Michaeli Melissini so soone as they were receiued into fauour This is all which we finde to haue hapned as well abroad as at home during the gouernment of Prince Cianiâ—… who after he had commaunded two and twentie yeares being become vnprofitable to the Common-wealth by reason of his olde age did willingly depose himselfe and dyed fortunately soone after in Saint Georges Monasterie whither he retired himselfe for deuotion sake His bodie was buried in the Monument of his Ancestors ¶ GIACOMO TEPVLO the 43. Duke of Uenice GIacomo Tepulo was by the fortie elected in his place Candie in this Princes time was not verie quiet whereof I will briefly mention some passages before I touch anie other matters which hapned as well abroad as elsewhere during this Principalitie The Venetians too much lenitie towards the Candiots was the cause that the Greeks who are by nature light-headed and inconstant insted of yeelding loue and obedience to the Venetians did shew themselues altogether stubborne and peremptorie For a base minde doth rather abuse another mans patiâ—…nce than make any good vse of it and is sooner brought to his dutie by seueritie and exemplarie punishment than by meekenesse and fauour Thus the Scordilli and the Melissini through too much licentiousnesse hauing giuen themselues ouer to all manner of vices and laying aside all shame beganne first to disturbe the common quiet by secret thefts and afterwards by open robberies to make hauocke in all places The Gouernour being mooued with these vnseemely actions did forthwith leauie Souldiours and sent to entreat Marco Sanuto with the greatest forces he could raise to come speedily into Candie for the more speedie expulsion of those theeues and enemies saying That the Islanders did incline to an open rebellion and that if their desseignes were not sodainely preuented and restained by force hee stood greatly in feare of the whole Islands reuolt from the Venetians Sanuto esteeming deâ—…ay in such a case dangerous to the Common-wealth with all speed possible assembâ—…ed his forces and then wafted ouer into the Isle of Candie Where to bridle the Rebelles â—…ee caused a Castell to be built in a verie comodious place At the sight whereof the enemies beeing daunted though not giuing ouer their wilfull headinesse sent to Iohn Vattasus who held Lesbos an Island of the Aegean Sea and who possessed at that time diuers places of the Greek Empire entitling himselfe Emperour of Greece promising him by their menssengers the entire dominion of the Island after the Venetians should be driuen thence so as hee would in time send them sufficient aide to expell the enemie The forces of Vattasus were at that time verie great For he was in league with the King of the Hexagons who likewise in the places neeâ—…e adioyning to the Ponticke Sea called himselfe Emperour of Greece determining at eithers charges to assaile the Empire of Constantinople This King was angrie because young Robert sonne to the Emperour Peter had by the aduice of his counsell preferred the alliance of the King of Hierusalem who had but the title of that Kingdome
departure were reuolted from the Venetians whereupon at his arriuall hee recouered it spoiled and razed it Zara likewise remained not long in quiet for soone after that the Armie was returned to Venice it reuolted the fifth time and chaced away Giouanni Michaeli their Gouernour For the recouerie whereof a mightie Armie was appointed and fiue and fortie Vessels were armed whereof fiue and twentie were Gallies and the rest ships of burthen Rayniero Zeno was made Generall of the Armie who arriuing with his forces in Dalmatia came and besieged this so often-rebellious Citie where after he had staied two whole Moneths and executed sundrie exploits the stubbornnesse of the Inhabitants being qualified at last they yeelded The Citie being recouered they concluded to send Ambassadours to the King of Hungarie Whereupon soone after Stephano Iustiniano and Pietro Dandulo were sent thither These men dealt in such sort with King Bella as hee renounced and made ouer to the Venetians all the right which himselfe or any other Kings of Hungarie might pretend to that Citie and because this deede of his might be more firme and authenticall they would haue it to be set downe in writing At this stay stood the affaires of the Venetians when Prince Tepulo deceased in the twentieth yeare of his gouernement He was honourably buried in the Church of S. Iohn and S. Paul the Twinnes ¶ MARINO MOROSINI the 44. Duke of Uenice MArâ—…no Morosâ—…ni succeeded him by a new manner of election according to some Authors We haue set downe the forme of the Princes election vsed till those daies which was indeede without deceit and such as if they who liued in those times had beene ambitious it would haue easily ministred occasion to them to haue done much euill But that which hath followed since is much more certaine than that ancient manner and much more different For first of all when question is of electing a Prince before the Electors come to any casting of lots fiue men appointed for this purpose doe in the name of the Common-wealth acquaint the future Prince with that which he is to obserue as well concerning his owne dignitie as for the honour and profit of the Common-wealth For of necessitie the same must bee published in the great Councell and be approued by them After his approbation all those who haue attained to the age of thirtie yeares are commanded to come to the generall assembly There as many little round white Balls as there bee Gentlemen in the Roome are cast into a great vessell among which are mingled thirtie that be gilded I meane that being so mingled together they make vp the iust number of the assistants there being neither more nor lesse than they were in number at the beginning Then being called in order euery man draweth forth one and those which haue lighted on the gilded ones are led into another chamber neare to the same And this is called the first lot of the thirtie Balls Then againe they put thirtie Balls into a Vessell to answere the number of those who first drew nine whereof are gilded and those nine who draw the golden ones doe name fortie men whereupon these men be called the Electors of the first election These fortie thus named returne againe to the lot after they haue put as many Balls into the Vessell twelue whereof are gilded the twelue of this number that draw those are called the second Electors These men name fiue and twentie who againe draw as many Balls nine whereof are gilded and the rest white These nine which haue drawen the gilded ones choose fortie fiue who returning againe to the lot draw out of the whole number eleuen gilded ones they which light on them doe last of all name one and fortie which haue absolute power to elect the Duke and Soueraigne Magistrate of the Common-wealth Sabellicus saith That he learned this manner of election for there is no mention heereof left in writing by any Authors of Benedicto Treuisano whom he accompanied from Venice at such time as he was sent to be the Magistrate at Verona Hee learned then of him that these one and fortie Authors of the Princes election doe shut themselues vp in that part of the Pallace where the Senate doth commonly meete euerie day and then at their entring in they choose three among them exceeding the rest in age and authoritie as Princes of the whole assemblie whom they name Priors vnto whom after they haue giuen the chiefest place the rest of the companie diuide themselues into foure parts from whence they are called one by one to giue their voices and it is lawfull for euerie of them to choose in what place of the foure he will be Now those that be called from anie one of the foure parts for that it is not materiall come before these three euerie one carrying in his hand a little folded scrole wherein is written the name of him whom they choose for Duke They lay them all downe in a certaine place and returning to their seats two Secretaries who stand before these Priors doe in their presence read how many voices euerie of them hath The names of them that are appointed for voyces are put into a cap and being well mingled together they are drawne forth one by one at all aduentures and according as they are drawne they are likewise in the same order with their suffrages afterwards committed to lots But this lot is not so much for the creation of the Duke as to know how euerie man stands affected Now those names being gathered vp in order are againe put together then they begin to cast lots for him who by chance is first drawne who if he be in the companie is forthwith commanded to depart and to withdraw himselfe into a place not farre from thence But before they come to cast lots those that be there present are demaunded whether any of them can alleadge any matter against him for whom they are readie to cast lots and it is lawful for euerie man freely to speake his mind If there be then any one who will taxe him with some crime he riseth vp and declareth all that he knowes against him which may make him vnworthie of such a dignitie This man as faultie is called forth of that secret place before the Lords who commaund him to purge himselfe if he can of that which is obiected against him which hauing done he is sent backe againe to that priuate place Then they aske againe if any man will impugne that which he hath spoken in the same manner as often as he is taxed with any thing hee is called to iustifie himselfe But we haue learned that vpon one or two iustifications at the most the whole matter is concluded Thus after he hath made his last excuse they begin againe to cast lots for him and they cast into vessels one for the consent and the other for the refusal their smal bals marked
with a certaine caracter to auoid deceit Then they heedfully reckon the balles of the consent which if they amount to the number of fiue and twentie he for whom they drew is declared Prince if they are lesse they fall to cast lots for him who was drawne for the second place Against him likewise and so the rest it is lawfull for euerie man to speake what he thinketh good and the like for him to to refute their accusations and this man shall be Prince if the number appointed for the voices be full if not they proceed to the third then to the fourth and so to all the rest He saith That it is a rare matter if the Duke be not created at this first Scratino as they call it And therfore if by chance there proue no creation at the first time the first voices are crossed out after proceede to new casting of lots for those which are shut vp in the same manner as we haue said And the same is reiterated vntill such time as they haue a new Duke This is that which Sabellicus hath set downe vnder the authoritie of so notable a man concerning the Princes election which I haue of purpose mentioned to the end that all men may know what was the ancient manner and what the new forme now is of electing the Venetian Princes whereof we haue hitherto spoken and shal hereafter speake as occasion is offered As also because that Morosini was the first that was created in this sort But howsoeuer this manner of election were then or since invse it is certaine that the Venetians haue of a long time obserued it in the creation of their soueraigne Magistrate Now to returne to Morosini his gouernment In his time Philippo Fontano Bishop of Rauenna came as some Authors say to Venice as Legate from Pope Gregory or according to others from Pope Alexander who vsing spirituall Armour propounded euerlasting life as recompense for all those who should take Armes with him against the tirant Eccelin who was proclaimed enemie to the Church of Rome Eccelin at the same time laid straight siege to Mantua Philippo to breake his forces determined with such troups as he could leuie to trouble and disquiet those townes which he had possessed Diuers men being called to so holy an enterprise by so great a recompence came and met him at Venice But the Venetians power did greatly further the businesse For besides the great number of souldiers wherewith they furnished Philippo they relieued him with Armour ships and victuals and they generally caused all necessaries to be carried speedily to the camp which they thought to be expedient for the warres and besieging of townes The Armie departed from Beâ—…ia which was the Rendez-vous for all the troups to march against the enemie and came on a sodaine to Corregiola Ansedin nephew to Eccelin and gouernour of Padua was alreadie come thither with certaine troupes who being aduertised of what had passed at Venice had caused the ordinarie course of the riuers Brente and Bacchillion to be turned backe so as he did in a manner draw drie all the lakes which were neere thereabouts being wont to be filled by the flowing of those riuers to the end the Venetian ships might not come neere the firme Land to Land the Armie This did in some sort make the Nauigation more difficult For when they came to the mouth of Corregiola finding the ancient channell almost without water and so shallow as it could not beare any great vessels they were constrained to vse small boates barks In them they passed ouer first the Archers to beate back the enemies which stood vpon the bancks opposite against them and afterwards they landed the residue of the Armie which marched directly to the citie of Sacco which being strengthned by Ansedin with a strong Garrison was valiantly defended The Bishop of Rauenna did on a sodaine raise his Campe and seized on some small townes not farre from thence Ansedin beng aduertised thereof after he had committed the guard of Sacco to the Townes-men came speedily to Padua Philippo and the Venetians hauing receiued the Sacceans vpon their faithfull promise pursued the enemie Padua at their arriuall was so sodainely assailed as they had in a manner taken all the suburbes of the crooked bridge ere they in the Citie heard the assault Philippo and the Venetians waxing more hardie by this fortunate successe did more furiously assaile the enemie at the Port Altina The Paduans blushing to see so excellent a citie so fully furnished with men and all necessaries to bee lost by their fault beganne couragiously to resist the enemie The fight was eager on both sides these men fought for their countrie the other for renowne the loue to their countrie did animate the one and the hope of victorie the others At the last the obstinacie of the Townes-men being ouercome the citie was entred by force at that gate Whereupon Ansedin thinking all lost fled with certaine of his friends on the other side of the citie His flight being knowne the towne was forthwith yeelded The castle which at this day is to be seene in one part of the citie within foure daies after did the like Eccelin all this while being ignorant of what was done at Padua and seeing that he lost his time before Mantua resolued to bring backe his troupes to Verona Hee forthwith therefore raised his siege and camped on the Riuer Myncia where hee had determined to tarrie three dayes But he was constrained to alter his purpose vpon the newes of the losse of Padua which he little expected And albeit it did greatly mooue him yet kept he his griefe verie secret dissembling it vntil he came to Verona whither after these newes he marched by great iournies But being entred into it with his troupes he did commit as it is reported incredible crueltie For by sundrie exquisite torments he put tweluethousand Paduans to death which were in his Armie who were not mercenarie men or of the common sort but all Gentlemen and some of them of great account We find not that euer any man did the like except Cornelius Scilla in slaughtering at one time so many men subiected vnder his obedience Of whom it is reported That at one time and place he put twelue thousand Prenestines to death because they had fauoured Marisu partie not pardoning any one of so great a number but onely one that had beene his Hoste who perceiuing by that meanes the slower and choise of his countrey to bee extinct did boldly refuse his mercie and in saying that he would not thanke him for that curtesie he cast himselfe into the throng of those who were put to execution It is not to be thought strange or vntrue which we haue deliuered touching so many thousands of men at one time sent forth of Padua to the warres For it is certaine by the testimonie of a verie credible
verie rich Marchandize in the Channell of Nigrepont some say it was not in the Channell but in the Hauen of Hiericon The Genoueses after that sailed sodainly into Candie where after they had coasted the greatest part of the Island they tooke Cydon a sea towne called at this day Canea by corruption of speech which for the most part they spoiled and ruined During these exploits in Greece there arose a great commotion in Venice which did threaten the Commonwealth with euident danger The expences of this long warre had till then so exhausted the publike treasure as the Senate was constrained to inuent new subsidies for the entertainment of the Armie Whereupon they laid a new impost on white meates Which beeing commanded to bee published the people at that time wearie of so great burthens came running to the Palace with great noise and menaces Wherewith the Senators being amazed Prince Rayniero came forth to the end by his soueraigne authoritie either to dant the popular furie or else to pacifie their tumultuous spirits by some gentle admonition But this manie-headed beast without any respect at all to the ducall dignitie did forth-with cast stones at the Prince who being affrighted gaue place to their furie No sooner was the Duke retired but the Authors of the sedition hauing found a fit occasion for their theeuish intents did by force enter into diuers gentlemens houses which they ransackt and spoiled At the last the tumult being appeased sharpe informaâ—…ion was made against those who had done outrage to the Soueraigne dignitie and were the Authors of this popular sedition whereupon the delinquents being apprehended were seuerely punished It is reported that about the same time all the streets and places of the Citie were paued with bricke and that the bridge of Rialto was with great cost new builded with more cunning workmanship than before All this notwithstanding the ruining of Cydon and the taking of the ship so richly laden did greatly discontent the Venetians Therefore three and twentie well-furnished Gallies were giuen to Marco Gradonico to saile to Acre with expresse commandement to espie a fit time when with most aduantage he might fight and when it should bee offered to employ all his forces by some warlike enterprise to represse the pride and rashnesse of the enemies which was of late encreased by reason of some fortunate successe Some Authors thinke that these Gallies were sent to serue for a conuoy to those which at the same time went into Asia about traffick of merchandize and that they met with eight shippes of Genoa neare to Rhodes laden with merchandize which they tooke and sent home to Venice of which successe the people were very ioyfull I greatly wonder at that which some doe write touching fiue ships of Pisa that were brought to Venice with those of Genoa seeing that some few yeares before the Venetians consorted with the Pisans fought with the Genoueses in Syria and that soone after they were comprehended as friends and allies to the Venetians in the truce made with the Genoueses by the mediation of king Philip Others which make mention how the gallies were sent to reuenge the ruine of Cydon and the taking of the rich marchant-ship affirme that they did not fight neere vnto Rhodes with the Genoueses fleete of eight and twentie gallies but betwixt Tyre and Acre and that they went more couragiously to the charge in regard of the places of retreat which either of them had though neuerthelesse at the last the Venetians there likewise got the vpper hand hauing taken fiue of the enemies Gallies Whilst these exploits were done at Sea Prince Zeno died in the seuenteenth yeare of his gouernment ¶ LORENZO TEPVLO the 46. Duke of Venice LOrenzo Tepulo sonne to Prince Giacomo succeeded him At this Princes entrie Pope Clement the fourth after he had discreetly considered how great miseries the French-men with others who till then were in Syria had endured and were likely still to endure by meanes of the wars betwixt these two potent people he did by his Ambassadours entreat the Venetians and the Genoueses to listen to a suspension of Armes if they could not on a sodaine conclude a peace And the more easily to effect it he entreated either of them to send their Commissioners to him to Viterbo The Kings of France and Sicilie did request the like offering freely to employ themselues to mediate a firme peace betwixt them Commissioners were sent to the Pope but certaine moneths after they returned to Venice without conclvding any thing About the same time there hapned great scarcitie of victuals in the Citie by reason that the passages into Sicilie and Apulia for corne were shut vp from the Venetian Marchants For the Genoueses scouring all the Seas there was no man that would vndertake to relieue the Common-wealth There needed a mightie fleete to serue for Conuoy to the Marchants sailing to and fro But that could not easily be brought to passe in so troublesome a time Wherefore they determined to haue recourse to their neighbours They sent to Treuiso Padua Feâ—…rara and to the neighbour Cities who besides the great abundance of monie offered vnto them were entreated That if euer the Venetians had done any pleasure to their neighbours as well to others as to the Paduans of fresh memorie as those who not long since by their means had shaken off the yoke of seruitude when to al mens knowledge there were no forces greater or readier than those of the Venetians for the ouerthrowing of Eccelins tyrannie They would in so great necessitie relieue that Citie which had so well deserued of them How be it if in their present necessitie they would not remember curtisies receiued yet at least for humanitie-sake to grant their request But neither intreaâ—…ies nor monie being able to ouercome the ingratitude of their neighbours prouision of corne was in all places denied thâ—…m The Venetians disdaining to be thus vnworthily dealt with to the end that all men might know and chiefly they who had so wilfully refused them how gently they had dealt with them in time past they made a decree which continueth till this day That all marchandize passing between the Gulphe of Fana and the mouth of the Riuer Po should pay a certaine tribute to the Common-wealth And to this purpose should come to Venice where their merchandize should be rated if it so pleased the Officers thereunto appointed And to preuent all deceit herein they created a new Magistrate who had certaine ships of warre appointed him carefully to looke to the Sea-coasts This caused for it was likely that the Neighbours at the first report of this new Edict would oppose themselues against it the league to be renewed with the Pisans for fiue yeares About the same time the Genoueses and the Venetians as well in their owne name as the Pisans their associates made a truce by meanes of Philip
being debated without any resolution the Commissioners returned home without any peace So soone as they were gone they resolued to strengthen the Armie with fourteene Gallies two of which stragling by the way were by the enemie surprised who lay in wait to catch what he could Neuerthelesse he bought his peace at no meane rate The Duke being alreadie old and decaied not able for his age to attend the publike affaires by consent of all men deposed himselfe and soone after died His funeralls were great and were followed by multitudes of people to the Church of the Friers Minors where he was buried Giouanni Dandulo then absent was chosen in his place ¶ GIOVANNI DANDVLO the 48. Duke of Uenice SOme Authors affirme that vnder this Prince the peace was concluded with those of the Marches because perhaps this warre ended at the beginning of his gouernment They say besides that it was expresly mentioned in the Treatie that the decree of the impost should remaine firme without any contradiction About the same time the Sea did in such sort ouerflow the Citie as it was in a manner held for a prodigie Whereupon soone after ensued a great earthquake They began likewise at the same time to stampe diuers sorts of golden coine in the Citie A new warre was kindled against the Patriarch of Aquileia in regard of the Histrians whom he especially maintained against the Venetians Certaine people of that Prouince were reuolted whom the Venetian would reduce vnder his subiection and to that purpose had sent an Armie into the Prouince The Patriarch speedily came to their aide but considering with himselfe that his forces were not sufficient to hinder the Venetian he yeelded without any further trouble making shew for a while that he desired nothing so much as peace and thus in the meane space the Histrians were by little and little reduced vnder the Venetian gouernment But this Patriarch so soone as he had ioyned his forces with those of Count Gorician being strengthened with the new alliance of this Prince he returned againe to disquiet Histria These new commotions were followed with rebellions of diuers Cities The Venetians hauing notice hereof were constrained sodainely to arme themselues and to re-inforce their Armie It was commonly reported that the enemies Armie consisted of six and thirtie thousand men among whome were great troupes of horse The rumour of so great numbers caused the whole Citie to bee verie carefull for the preparation of this new warre They prouided therefore a great number of ships of speciall choice which were manned with the third part of all such as were able to beare Armes The Armie being gone from Venice and arriued in Histria did sodainely encampe before Thrieste For among others in this insurrection this Citie likewise did reuolt Now the Venetian resoluing to besiege it in few dayes built sundrie Fortes about it furnishing them with strong Garrisons to hinder the enemies inâ—…ursions Afterwards with other Engins they began to batter the Citie but hauing a strong Garrison within it it could by no meanes bee taken Whereupon because it was not for the Common-wealths profit to entertaine so great forces without action before the walls of Thryeste hauing small hope to take it and supposing the Forâ—…es builded at their arriuall to bee sufficiently furnished with Souldiers and victuals to continew the siege the residue of the Armie marched into other places But whither they went or how they were imploied the Authours whom we follow make no mention Not many dayes after the enemie came thither and at his arriuall assailed the Fortes which were not only well kept and defended but those likewise which were within them hauing made a sallie vpon the enemie skirmished fiercely neere to the Rampier where diuers on both sides were slaine and among others the Nephew of Count Gorician a valliant and braue young man The retreit being sounded truce was taken for a day In the meane time Gordiano a man of authoritie and who till then had held an honourable place in the Venetian Armie was suspected of treason The speech was that he had secretly practised with the enemie to yeeld the Forte vp into their hands Being apprehended and put to the torture he confessed his wicked intent whereupon the next morning by breake of day he was tied hand and foot and put into a warlike engin wherwith he was throwne into the enemies Campe who now perceiuing that hee could neither preuaile by force nor cunning being out of all hope to surprise the Fort hee returned without effecting any thing The enemie being gone the Venetian troupes returned soone after Now whether they had retired themselues of set purpose because they would not fight with the enemie whom they knew to be much stronger than themselues and that in the meane time the fleetrode at anchor in the maine or else in some hauen hard by vntill they had newes of the enemies retreate or rather whether after they had left strong Garrisons in the fortes to maintaine the siege the rest of the Armie not willing to spend the time in one only place went to besiege other townes not farre off and that at the first reporte of the enemies comming they returned to relieue their fellowes I cannot certainely determine But the Venetian being againe returned to assaile the Citie was beaten from the walls with great losse The Armie afterwards departing thence the siege was continued by those who lay in the fortes vntill such time as they vnderstood of the enemies returne Vpon the first tidings whereof they abandoned the same whether through feare or wearinesse to tarrie so long in a place I know not and retired themselues to their gallies This is all in a manner that was done for two yeares space in Histria But in Syria the Venetians which were in Acre madeâ—…ruce with the King of Babilon for two yeares who had at the same time ruined Tripolie a very famous Citie and had caused Tyre Sydon and Berithon to vndergoe the same fortune It is reported that hee made truce with the Venetians and the other Christians which were in Acre to the end that his ouermuch prosperitie might not stirre vp al Europe to take Armes against him Howbeit the same did not keepe them backe For Pope Nicholas by Letters and Ambassadors excited all the most famous Princes of Europe to succour the afflicted Christians in Syria And for his owne part hee made offer of fifteene hundred armed Horse And for their passage into Asia the Venetians offered him twentie Gallies together with victualls for the Marriners who were to be paid by his Holinesse for the expedition of which businesse the Bishop of Tripoli came to Venice The Venetians being moued at the Popes instant pursute added to these twentie Gallies which were promised fiue more armed at their owne cost because they would not seeme carelesse of the affaires of Christendome of the which
fleet Giacomo Tepulo was declared Generall with the Popes Legate But the other Princes of Christendome not appearing all this great preparation of Gallies and Armes was to no purpose For the time of the truce being expired the King of Babylon â—…uing notice of what was done in Europe sent his sonne with a great Armie to besiege Acre who sodainly enguirt it on euery side with furious assaults The Venetians with the Popes Souldiers for a time did brauely defend it But no supplies comming out of Europe those which could escape by Sea slipping away one by one the Citie was at the last taken by a few spoiled and razed downe to the foundation In this manner was the Christian name wholly extinct in Syria the yeare of our saluation 1290. and after that great and notable voiage vnder-taken by the meanes of Pope Vrban the second at that time when Ierusalem with a part of Syria was taken one hundred ninetie sixe yeares Prince Dandulo after all these miseries happened in his time deceased the tenth yeare of his Gouernment being scarce expired and was honourably buried in the Church of the Twinnes It is reported that his funeralls being ended there arose on a sodaine a great tumult and how the people flocking on euery side vsed many threatnings and reprochfull termes to the Senators and by name demanded Giacomo Tepulo for their Duke This man being vertuous and a louer of the publike peace after he had sharply reprehended the peoples rashnesse secretly departed the Citie and came to Marroco where he remained vnknowne vntill the tumult being appeased Pietro Gradonico was by consent of the Senate declared Prince of the Common-wealth The end of the tenth Booke of the first Decad. THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the first Booke of the second DECAD THe warres of the Venetians and Genoueses compared with those of the Romans and Carthaginians The second warre with the Genoueses after the truce expired The Venetians burne Pera. GIOVANNI SOVRANZA looseth diuers Sea-companies through extremitie of cold after his atchieuements on the Pontick Sea The Venetians are defeated at Corfu where they loose a great Armie They receiue the like losse soone after at the streight of Gallipolis A new peace betwixt the Venetians and Genoueses The Commonwealth greatly endangered by the conspiracie of BVCONIO The Venetian fleete brings a great bootie out of Greece Trafficke euerie where prohibited to the Venetians because they had taken Ferrara The publike libertie in danger to be lost by meanes of a cruell conspiracie of her Citizens Warre for a time in Dalmatia about the rebellion of Zara. The Church and Couent of S. DOMINICK builded in the Citie The Citie freed from the Popes interdiction by the meanes of FRANCISCO DANDVLO The ancient Port beautified and enlarged A new rebellion of the Candiots quickly appeased The Venetians free the Paduans againe from the yoake of bondage The warre begunne againe in Histria causeth the Venetians to take Armes The voyage against the Turke â—…oncluded and soone broken through the default of the French The Venetians and Florentines make a league against those of Escalla ¶ PIETRO GRADONICO the 49. Duke of Venice IN writing the Venetian Historie diuers matters offer themselues vnto vs so conformable to those of the Romanes as it is not possible to see any thing more like as well in counsell trauaile accidents of fortune as other sundrie euents But among all which as I haue said are verie many the Venetians warre with the Genoueses seemes in my iudgement to haue great resemblance with those which the Romans had in times past with the Carthaginians For the neere neighbourhood as it oftentimes happeneth did not beget that â—…mulation which was betwixt them nor was cause of the warre because they were as farre distant one from the other as is the spatious bredth of the Tiâ—…rhene and Libicke Seas betwixt Italie and Affricke by this meanes farre enough remoued the one from the other These in like manner are not neighbours For if we consider the breadth of Italie we shall find the one to be so farre off from the other without going forth of Italie as it may be wondered at For Italie as Strabo saith is a promontorie stretching from the Alpes whose height on the North side extending towards the South serues for a Rampier It is besides watered towards the West with the Ligusticke and Tirrhene Seas and on the East with the Adriaticke and Ionian Seas And from thence the waues begin to mingle themselues together and to make it more strong they would faine shut vp the Alpes more closely but it cannot be In this deepe Gulph stands the famous Citie of Venice On the other side the Ligusticke Sea laboureth to hold fast the feete of the Appenine hils which it almost doth and within this turning likewise lieth the Citie of Genoa enuious of the Venetian greatnesse in such sort as they are almost one opposite to the other Prudent nature did seâ—… betwixt the two former a great vastnesse of Sea which might serue for a barre if they should at any time happen to inuade one another thereby to quench their mortall hatred and coole their boyling furie But to these she hath not alone opposed the bredth of Italie but the very tops of the Appenine hilles stretching from Liguria to Ancona from whence being beaten backe by the waues of the Sea they soone turne towards the mount Gargan then on a sodaine as if they feared the Sea they go on to the farthest parts of Italie to subdâ—…e in a manner the waues which they haue so often shunned But neither the distance of Sea could restraine the wrath of the former nor the difficult accesse of the Appenin hilles that of these people The Romans held themselues descended from the Troians The Venetians boast of the same originall The Libians mingled themselues with the Phoenicians and the Genoueses were likewise mingled with them Emulation of great aâ—…chieuements did first stirre vp those men and afterwards the desire of rule And on these two points onely hath the warre growne betwixt these people Those for Sicilie and these as hath beene said for the Citie of Acre The Romans who were victors were often times in greater danger than the Carthaginians whome they vanquished The Venetians haue runne the selfe-same fortune notwithstanding that they haue wholly defeated the Genoueses Those two Nations fought aboue one hundred yeeres together with equall hatred and oftentimes with equall forces These likewise with great care and trauaile haue long time fought with one an other so that like those men these being wearied with the warre haue at times giuen intermission to their Armes but not to their enmitie If the end were not like yet neuerthelesse hath it not heene wholly different That great Carthage was razed downe to the grounde and this proude Genoa wanting further abilitie hath at length giuen
him vnlookt for From thence sailing into Histria he tooke Parenza which hee spoiled and hauing taken thence the bodies of S. Mauro and S. Charles he burnt it The enemies comming into the Gulphe with the taking of Parenza occasioned a great feare and amazement in the Citie no lesse than if the Genoueses had beene at their gates Therefore they speedily chained vp their Hauen and placed a strong Garrison there because they thought that the enemie would come directly to the Citie who knew that their maine Armie was abroad They planted Sentinells and Corps-de-guard ouer all the Citie and sent forth light boats to discouer the enemies deseigne and this feare lasted till certaine newes was brought that the Genoa Armie was dislodged Doria departing from Histria met with a Venetian Barze on the maine he sent three Gallies to encounter it who became Masters thereof the Merchants were taken with their merchandize which was a very great bootie for it was esteemed worth an hundred and eight and fortie thousand crownes Within a while after three Venetian Gallies were likewise taken going to Candie to bee armed there with men and munition The Senate were greatly vexed that the Genoueses after so notable a losse receiued the yeare before had in so short time raised themselues againe in such manner as the Venetians could hardly assure any place abroade nor yet their Gulphe at home And because they knew that the Genoueses were thus strengthened by the aide of Visconte they resolued to wrap him in a Domesticke warre to cause him to forsake them They determined then to renue their alliance with Charles King of Boheme with whom not long before they were allied against Mastin of Escalla That being done it was concluded that he should passe with a mightie Armie into Italie against Visconte And in the meane time the Venetians exchanged prisoners with the Genoueses Andrea Dandulo hauing gouerned the Common-wealth almost twelue yeares deceased After his death the Common-wealth was greatly afflicted abroade and at home during the most dangerous gouernment of Phalerio who succeeded him For besides the sundry losses which it sustained at Sea in his time it was assailed by two insupportable mischiefs famine and pestilence and with terrible Earthquakes And it escaped narrowly from loosing her liberty likewise by his Deuilish conspiracie Dandulo died the sixt of September and was honourably buried in S. Markes Church neare to the Font. ¶ MARINI PHALERIO the 55. Duke of Uenice MArini Phalerio Knight and Earle of Val-Marine being absent was declared Prince He was at the same time Ambassador for the Common-wealth to the Pope At the same time as the Senate were busied about the election of a new Prince newes came that three Genoa Gallies were taken by the Venetians neare to the Islands of Greece The enemies Armie likewise entring the Adriatick Gulph tooke certaine Merchant ships and hauing in a short space gotten a great bootie departed as speedily as they came After the election of Phalerio Pisani who commanded abroade for the Common-wealth and did alone at that time conduct that mightie Venetian Sea-Armie of fiue and thirtie Gallies and two and twentie lesser vessells hauing notice that the enemies were abroade came and cast Ankor and waited for them in the Isle of Sapientia neare to Morea Doria Generall of the Genoueses came thither so soone as hee with an intent to fight Blondus saith that they fought at Sea neare to the Island and that after a long and dangerous combat the Genoueses got the victorie Pisani being taken prisoner with fiue thousand beside If they did fight and imploied their whole forces the fortune of Pisani and the rest is to be excused because the euents of warre are diuers and vncertaine and in mine opinion he is to be praised in that he rather chose to die or to be taken than basely to flie But the Venetian Histories say that the whole Armie was lost that day without fight or slaughter one Galley excepted which escaped If it be so wee may assuredly thinke that the Venetians were surprised by the Genoueses in the same manner as the Venetians did the Genoueses certaine yeares before at Chariste vnder the command of the same Pisani as some say and that he was taken in his owne snare and that the losse was much greater to the Commonwealth than the enemie knew of It is reported that the day before this vnfortunate losse diuers prodigies appeared to them and among the rest a great number of Crowes fought ouer the fleet part of which were so beaten by their aduerse partie as the fethers and bloud dropped downe abundantly into the Venetian gallies Besides a sayler leaping out of one gallie into another was on a sodaine swallowed vp by a sea-monster The Citie being troubled at the report of this losse the people said that they neuer receiued a greater and they did beleeue that their state would haue beene wholly ouerthrowne if the victorious Genoueses should at that instant haue come directly to the Citie Where was their Captaine where their Gallies where were their forces readie to haue beaten him forth of the hauen and to haue defended the Citizens They would haue beene wholly ruinated if the enemie as it often happeneth not knowing how to make vse of his victorie had not sailed some where else as of a certaine it fell so out For victorious Doria satisfying himselfe with his fortunate exploite returned with his whole Armie to Genoa where being no lesse admired for this notable victorie than for the bootie of which he brought home he was welcomed with great ioy and generall applause of all men But the Venetians as their constancie in aduersities hath euer beene admirable did not spend this small time of relaxation from warre in idlenes but did forthwith leuie new forces and in a short space did set forrh foure armed gallies to guard the Gulph Yet neuerthelesse they were not so soone readie but that three of the enemies gallies hauing before entred the Gulph tooke certaine ships of burthen returning from Candie to Venice which would haue greatly molested the inhabitants of Histria and Dalmatia if their attempts had not beene speedily resisted In this state stood their affaires when as on the landside truce was taken for foure monethes with Visconte But in the meane time a galley of Genoa called Grimaldi meeting on the coast of Morea with the same Venetian gallie which as we said did escape from Sapientia tooke it then soone after another wherein was Guido Treâ—…sano the Gouernour of Candie and soone after another in the hauen of Frascane And the boldnesse of the galley was such as it sailed from thence to get bootie euen as farre as Grada The Venetians not being able to endure so great a disgrace sent forth three gallies not onely to hinder her from committing any further harme but to be reuenged for what had beene alreadie done The
were sent into Germanie to the Emperour Charles Marco Cornari Giouanni Gradonico and Lorenzo Celso The Historians make no mention why they were sent Two of them hauing left Celso with the Emperour returning home-wards without effecting what they went for and passing through Germanie were surprized by a Prince of the Countrie and basely carried away by force into a Castle an absolute place of retreat for theeues Celso vnderstanding what had hapned to his fellowes came by an other way to Seigna and from thence to the Sea-side from whence hee safely sailed to Venice Within a while after he was sent with an Armie for the guard of the Gulphe About the spring-time of this yeare the contagious sicknesse began againe The Sommer following Prince Delfino died the fifth yeare of his Gouernment scarcely expired and was buried in the Church of the Twinnes ¶ LORENZO CELSO the 58. Duke of Venice LOrenzo Celso being absent was chosen in his place Twelue of the Senate were speedily in the Common-wealths name sent to congratulate him and to bring him in a Galley to Venice When he drew neare to the Citie the whole Senate went to meet him and receiued him in the Bucentauro Victor Pisani was sent in his sted to guard the Gulph It is reported that the Princes Father did for a time forbeare to come and see his Sonne because he would not be enforced to salute him bare-headed as though it had beene an vnseemely and vnheard-off matter to see a Father inferiour to his Sonne in dignitie But hee behaued himselfe herein I will not say vndiscreetly though like an ignorant person he was so vnskilfull in the affaires of the world and customes of his owne Countrie that hee did not vnderstand that the same Honour was not giuen to his Sonne but to the Majestie of the Common-wealth represented in him It may be that he had heard and so he was the more to be excused the discourses of morall Philosophers which make a question Whether a Father ought to giue place to his Sonne being inuested with soueraigne dignitie Those which are best learned in that discipline say That in publike he ought to doe so but that at home and in priuate the Sonne ought chiefly to honour and respect the Father About the same time the Duke of Austria came to Venice with the Ambassadors which were as hath beene said surprized in Germanie His comming thither was reported to be but only to see the Citie which as hee had heard was builded on the marishes The Prince with diuers of the Senate did honourably receiue him in the Bucentauro and brought him to the Pallace of the Cornari neare to Saint Lucies Church prepared for him by the Common-wealth who so soone as hee had seene the singularities of the Citie and giuen them thanks both in generall and particular for the curtesies which he had receiued he returned into Germanie In the Winter-time of the same yeare the King of Cyprus attended by a Roiall traine arriued with three Gallies at Venice who being receiued likewise by the Common-wealth and brought to the same lodging where some few Moneths before the Duke of Austria had laine did the morrow after in S. Marks Church Knight Andreola surnamed Giouanni who was appointed Gouernour of Treuiso Then departing for France he was accompanied by Prince Celso with the most part of the Senate as farre as Marghera In the Moneth of September the next yeare after that these two great Princes had beene at Venice a great rebellion hapned in Candie by the Venetians who dwelled in the Island whereby the Commonwealth had like to haue lost it The Senate had decreed in regard of their excessiue charge for the waâ—…s to raise a certaine tribute on the Candiots At the publishing of this decree all the Gentlemen almost a few excepted did on a sodaine reuolt who laying hands on Leonardo Dandulo the Gouernour of the Island and the Prouidatori they surprized all the ships of burthen that were in the Hauen which were come thither for the vintage with all the merchants that were in it In this â—…umult they hastily chose Marco Gradonico surnamed Bayardo for their Captaine who was otherwise a verie discreete person Dominico Michaeli who at that time guarded the Gulph hauing notice of this tumult of the Candiots did speedily send a Galley to aduertize the Prince and Senate thereof These newes did greatly grieue the whole Citie and that worthily because the report was that the Authors of the rebellion were of the chiefest families of Venice What worse act could the Greekes and the Islanders haue committed which were neither borne at Venice nor issued from the Venetians It was to be feared that they would haue kindled a greater flame and would become executioners of other mens furie being glad to behold the dominion and state of the Venetians to be dissolued by their quarrels and dissensions seeing by other meanes they could not effect it It was decreed to send three of the Senate to the chiefe of the Colonie who should by exhortations and aduertisements put them in mind of their dutie due to their countrey and diuert them from their wicked designes with ample authoritie to reduce them to their obedience on such conditions as they should thinke most expedient Pietro Souranza Andrea Zeno and Marco Mâ—…rofino were sent thither It is reported that fiue more did soone after follow them but the first and last Ambassages were to no purpose those of the Island not onely refusing to giue them audience but to receiue them The Ambassadors perceiuing that warre must needs end the businesse determined to depart thence in the Venetian gallies who returning from the Faiâ—…es of Grecia were by chance arriued there The Captaine of the gallies being readie to hoist saile did furiously seize vpon the inhabitants whom he found in the Hauen and at Sea and brought away three hundred of them prisoners to Venice The Senate vpon the returne of the Commissioners resolued by a generall consent to make warre vpon those perfidious Colonies and the residue of the Island who had openly reuolted from their obedience and did particularly banish diuers of the chiefe of the rebellion whom they had proclaimed enemies to the Commonwealth But first of all they dispatched messengers to the Pope the Emperour Charles Lewis King of Hungarie Ioane Queene of Sicily and to all Christian Princes and people almost to let them vnderstand of the treacherous and vnworthie rebellion of their Colonie in Candie to entreate them if they would not giue them aide and assistance to reuenge such an iniurie at the leastwise not to hinder them from doing it and that they would not aide their rebels though they should request it That they knew well enough that it was notorious to the whole world that the Citie of Candace in Candie was a Colonie of the Venetians and that the Venetians were scattered ouer the whole Island That
the Townesmen ran speedily to the Castle by whose assistance those aboue who defended the place did beate the enemies from the walls with great slaughter Twentie men at Armes were taken and eight and twentie of the Traitours were apprehended who beeing conuicted of the fact were hanged to serue for an example to others About the same time the Bishop of Verseil sent by Amadeo Duke of Sauoy arriued at Venice and in his Masters name requested the Senate to send Ambassadours to his Highnesse who greatly desired to heare the deputies as well of the Venetians as the enemies and maturely to vnderstand the cause of their strife and that he would doe his best to attone them and to procure a peace saying that hee had already for that purpose sent to Genoa and would likewise send to King Lewis and their associates whom he did not doubt but that they would accept of peace Vpon this offer Michaeli Morosino Giouanni Gradonico and Zacharia Contareni were sent Ambassadours to the Sauoyan who accompanied the Bishop The Ambassadours beeing gone the Senate were aduertized by letters from Pantaleon that Leopold had accepted the offer of the Citie of Treuiso whereupon the Duke sent two Almain Gentlemen to receiue it of the Venetian officers These according to their Commission did muster the Souldiours of the Garrison and gaue them pay onely for one moneth till Leopold with his forces were arriued Newes was brought at the same time that the Venetian prisoners at Genoa were so hardly delt with by the enemie as more than three hundred and fiftie of them were in few daies dead with hunger whose bodies they had inhumanly flung into the Sea Some thought that they had beene poisoned in regard so many of them died at one time Vpon this report all men were so enflamed with choller as they presently ranne to Terra-noua to the publike prison where breaking open the prison dores they had like to haue slaine all the Genoueses But thinking it to be a diuelish deede they would be reuenged in an other kinde by depriuing them of all their commodities as of kniues beds couerlets and their kitchin forbidding women who for charitie did minister vnto them not to come any more there Their ordinarie pittance was but bread and water and that verie sparingly But the Citie did soone after remember their accustomed elemencie and all that had beene taken from those poore creatures was by a publike decree restored vnto them Whilst these things were done at Venice and on the confines of the firme Land three Genoa Gallies did in the Hauen of Pisauro take foureteene Venetian vessells loden with wine which they burnt and taking away the Marchants whom they found in the houses neere to the Hauen they speedily departed thence and rauaging from Pisauro euen to Chioggia they did infinite harmes to the Venetians in the Hauens and at the mouthes of Riuers Hauing afterwards taken fiftie vessells loden with Marchandize they sailed towards Ancona and from thence fearing least the Venetians would come to their rescue they sent them speedily to Zara. Vpon report that the Genoueses Armie was greatly encreased Zeno in the meane time beeing with the Gallies farre from home the Senate fearing least the enemie would on a sodaine come and assaile the Citie did speedily fortifie the Hauen and the forces being called from Mestra which since the yeelding vp of Treuiso were there to no purpose they appointed a Campe at S. Nicholas on the shoare They had besides eight Gallies in a readinesse to saile whither neede should be vnder the conduct of Nicholao Michaeli In the meane time the siege of Treuiso was not discontinued but daily augmented by new supplies which the enemie sent thither Arcuano Buccecarino the Princes brother in Law commanded there whereof Leopold being aduertized came within few daies after his people had taken the possession thereof with tenne thousand horse and encamped on a sodaine before Conigliana He was reported to haue in his Armie besides that great number more than foure Hundred Knights and great Lords Arcuano hauing intelligence of the Almans comming sent speedily to his Campe to treate with him about some matters But he was so far off from hearing the messenger as he would not vouchsafe to see him but commanded him speedily to returne and tell the Paduan That he attended him and that the next day they might conferre together about their affaires Arcuano did soone perceiue whereunto those words tended whereupon fearing to be ouerthrowne by his sodaine arriuall the morrow after by breake of day he raised his Campe fled thence Which Leopold hauing notice of was highly displeased that he had lost so faire an occasion of a battaile who soone after departing thence caused his troupes to passe ouer the Riuer of Piaua and came and encamped neere Treuiso in the same place where the enemies had beene And he with the chiefe of his Armie entring into the Citie brought thither such abundance of corne and wine and all other necessaries as the Citie was in an instant deliuered from the siege and famine In this manner did the Venetians loose Treuiso fortie yeares after they had taken it from the familie of Escalla But the Senates constancie in dissembling such a losse was so great as they sent Ambassadours to Leopold to congratulate his welcome and entrie into Treuiso Giacomo Delfino Pietro Hemo Bernardo Bragadino Marini Memo and Alberto Contareni were sent thither Prince Carrario albeit that at Leopold's comming hee had raised his Campe from before Treuiso did not cease for all that to molest and make incursions on the Treuisan where he tooke certaine Townes since the Almains arriuall saying openly that he did it by the King of Hungaries commandement albeit Leopold was newly allied with the same King and at his entrance into the Citie had caused his roiall Armes to be set aboue his owne It was thought that King Lewis had speciall regard to Leopold's profit but because he would not seeme to abandon his associates he entreated them to take Carrario his wilfulnesse in good part whereupon he did often intreate them by Ambassadours the which hee might haue done by force and chiefly the Paduan to desist from his enterprize But neither entreaties nor threates could make him to abstaine Zeno who as hath beene said was of late come from Morea to the lower Sea arriuing at the mouth of the Riuer Arno was aduertized by the Senates Letters that peace was concluded with the Genoueses wherupon being sad and displeased to see himselfe snatched forth of the enemies throat he went back again towards Morea from thence by the Senates commandement he returned with his Armie to Venice And by this meanes this sommer which was the last of the fourth Ligusticke warre was spent without any memorable action By the mediation then of the Duke of Sauoy peace was concluded with the Genoueses King Lewis and their allies
furie earne safe to Venice The yeare following three Gallies departed from Venice the Duke of Austria had prepared two of them and Prince Carrario the third to fetch and conuoie from Apulia the sister of King Ladislaus who being newly restored to his kingdome was Crowned King by Barthimeo Iuliari Cardinall of the Sea Apostolike sent from Pope Boniface This sister was promised to one of the Dukes of Austria But these Gallies came back to Venice by reason that Ladislaus refused to send his sister Some Annales make mention how that the Emperour Robert with his wife came the same yeare to Venice where he was magnificently entertained and honoured with diuers rich presents But those Authors whom we follow conceale the cause of his comming I finde in some that Robert being vanquished by Galeas in the Territorie of Cremona hauing in a manner lost all his Armie retired to Trente where hauing leuied new forces he came to Padua and from the firme Land to Venice where being curteously entertained after he had familiarly discoursed with the Prince and Senate of the wrong which Galeas had done him he returned into Germanie But because mention is made of his wiues being there with him we must think that he left her at Venice because himselfe went on pilgrimage to Rome For it was the yeare of our Saluation one thousand foure hundred at such time as Pope Boniface the ninth celebrated the great yeare of Iubilie The same yeare the bridge of Rialto was reedified In this manner did the Common-wealth peaceably flourish and the greatest care of the inhabitants was set on trade of Marchandize But this quiet was interrupted by the Genoueses new stirs They had about the same time armed one and twentie Gallies and sixteene great Argosies Some Authours make no mention of Argosies The report was That this preparation was made against the King of Cyprus Boucicault a Frenchman was Generall of the Armie The Genoueses had beene for a time as they were then vnder the French Kings protection and the most part of their Gallies were manned with French-men The Fleet departing from Genoa arriued after a tedious course at Scandelora a Sea-Towne of Cilicia those who are most expert in Nauigation affirme this place from the firme Land to be opposite to Cyprus The Genoueses receiued there so great a losse as of all the Gallie-slaues in one and twentie Gallies there were not so manie left as would furnish eleuen Departing thence they sailed into Syria where surprizing Barut they ransackt spoiled as enemies all the Venetian ships and others who by chance were then in the Hauen From Syria they sailed into Moreâ—… Carolo Zeni whome the Senate at the first report of the Genoueses preparations had sent with eleuen Gallies into the Adriatick Gulph hauing at Sea narrowly pursued the Genoueses Fleete had speciall care that they should not attempt on any place belonging to the Venetians for their Armie spoiled all places where they came and yet he would not fight with them because they were not proclaimed enemies In this sort both of them dissembling the Venetians kept the Genoueses in aw and the Genoueses the Venetians But both of them staying neere to Modon they made shew of other matters than they had done at the beginning Zeni fearing least by his patience the Venetians affaires might incurre some great danger did on a sodaine set forward towards the Genoueses Fleete who vnder colour of taking in fresh water lay betwixt Modon and Ijonches At Carolo his vnlookt-for arriuall there was a sharp-fight and the Venetians fortune was so much the worse because the Genoa Gallies were better manned than theirs It is reported that euerie Gallie had besides the ordinarie banke of Rowers fortie men at Armes and all French-men who fought furiously with the Lance sword after the manner of their Countrie And the Venetians did but in a manner beare off the blowes at such time as Hermolao the Lombard returning from a long voiage came thither opportunely with two Gallies He perceiuing the danger wherein the Venetians were did with great furie turne the prowes of his Gallies vpon the enemie who was busied in fight and strooke one of their Gallies with such force as he ouerturned it into the Sea with the Souldiers and Marriners At Hermolao his arriuall fortune sodainly changed For the enemie who had alreadie in a manner wonne the victorie for the losse of one Gallie began to faint The Venetian on the contrarie being strengthened by these two Gallies did valiantly renew the fight Their fortune hung for foure houres space in equall ballance at the last three of the enemies Gallies being sunke and as manie taken the residue which were fiue betooke themselues to flight More than fiue hundred of the enemies were slain and drowned and more than eight hundred were taken prisoners The Venetians for their part obtained not this victorie without bloud shed who found an hundred and three and fortie of their men to be wanting It is said that after the victorie certaine Captaines of the Gallies were disgraced and noted of cowardize for comming too slowly on the enemie at the beginning of the fight because by their basenesse they had endaungered the state of the Common-wealth Others among whom was Gyles the Black were honored with great rewards because they had brauely borne themselues in that conflict The fiue Genoueses Gallies which fled from the fight encountring with a Venetian Gallie loden with victualls they easilie tooke it after that they tooke an Argosie wherein were diuers Venetian Gentlemen Much more harme besides they did to the Venetians but because after this defeate they knew no safe place of retreate they returned verie disconsolate to Genoa Within few daies after a French-man of the number of those who were taken prisoners in the fight being wearied with imprisonment said in choller That he hoped one daie to wash his hands in the bloud of the Venetians This cruell presage being reported to the Senate did so highly offend euerie mans eares as they all with one voice commanded that hee should bee hanged betwixt the two Columnes In this mean space Nouello Carrario commanded in Padua where he was some few yeares before replanted by the Venetians This vnthankfull man did hate the Venetians more than euer his Father had done He practized day night against them their state he dreamed on nothing else all his attempts tended to that purpose The Venetians hauing knowledge of a long time how he stood affected to them had I know not by what meanes discouered all his practises vnderstood by the French prisoners that he had beenâ—… the cause of the setting forth of the last Genoa Fleete that was defeated They knew likewise by letters found in the coffers of Galeas Visconte lately deceased the traps which those Tyrants had laied for them And besides all this after Galeas his decease hee
by the great frost and snow for it was winter they raised their Campe. The Bishop being out of hope to effect any thing did follow them into Hungarie The Venetians recouered Feltre Belluna and other places which had beene lost in that warre they entred the Patrians confines where they wholy ruined the Citie of Prata Philippo Arcia was Generall of the Armie one of the best experienced Captaines of his time He Prata being ruined marched towards Vdina where the gate on the side of Ciuitade being opened to him by Fredericke and others of his partie the Citie was then like to haue beene taken by that treacherie But a great noise raised on a sodaine and the alarme giuen on euerie side all men ranne to armes The Bandetti being amazed at this sodaine and vnlookt for feare hauing lost diuers of their Souldiours who were at hand with the armed Squadrons of the Citie retired without doing any thing Afterward the Venetian Ensignes ranne here and there vpon the Patrians territorie and the Vdinois for certaine yeares were in danger Diuers Cities and Lords of the Forlani did acknowledge the Venetians But the Vdinois perceiuing that it was in vaine to expect reliefe from any place and that the Bishop his arriuall was vncertaine they resolued likewise to yeeld Therefore they sent their Agents to Venice to offer vnto the Venetians their Lands and meanes as well publicke as particular and in Generall all matters both diuine and humane The Agents being friendly entertained the Senate decreed that Fredericke and his associates should be restored to their Citie and their goods By which decree not onely the Sauergnans but their adherents and all those who had beene banished returned into the Citie and their inheritances The whole Countrie of the Patrians in Friul followed the example of the Vdinois The Bishop being aduertized of the Vdinois yeelding thinking it no time to delay came through Germanie with great troupes of Hungarians and fell furiously on the Forlani and at his arriuall in the streights of the Alpes he tooke the Castle of Clasino a most strong and well defended place and neere thereunto that of Mutiano a place then as now well fortified And the Patrians were like to haue receiued a great losse if the Venetian forces sent thither for that purpose had not opportunely by their arriuall broken the enemies designes who were still in the streights of the Alpes The enemies did not onely refuse to fight but they durst not attend the Venetians who came towards them for they came into Italie with an intent rather to robbe and spoile than make warre And by this meanes within few daies after this great stirre all the Countrie of the Patrians was at quiet all those places which the enemie had seized being easily recouered Within a while after the Bishop returned into Italie with a greater Armie and entring the Patrians confines he assailed Mansane and soone after Rosacia But this iourney prooued as vnfortunate as the former whereof we now spake The Venetians at the first newes of the enemies comming were in the field whereat the Bishop being greatly astonished departed forthwith out of Italie And within a while after practizing nouelties he deceased By his death the Vdinois and Patrians were afterward at quiet vnder the gouernement of the Venetians These things hapned abroad But the Citie sustained great losse by fire as it had oftentimes done before The fire breaking forth on a sodaine from the Dukes Palace did in an instant take hold on Saint Markes Church which is verie neere to the same where the flame did so terribly encrease as the lead beeing melted wherewith it was then couered as it is at this day there was nothing left but the open vaults They tooke great paines neere to the Church to keepe the fire from the neighbour-houses The fire being quenched the Senate decreed that no man vnder paine of forfeiting a thousand Ducats should dare to propound to the Senate to pluck downe the old Palace and to reedifie it more sumptuously It is reported that then the Prince preferring the honour of the Common-wealth before his owne priuate profit brought the same summe to the Senate and requested the Senators that they would permit command that the fore-part of the Ducal Palace which was much defaced might be reedified in more sumptuous manner as was befitting for the maiestie of the Common-wealth The publicke Aduocates and Procurators did forthwith craue that the Prince might pay the forfeiture for that he had enfringed the Senates decree The Prince hauing liberally paid the summe did so constantly pursue his proposition as the Senate reuoked their former decree and ordained that the Palace should be new built whereupon the ancient structure was pluckt down and another more sumptuous was begunne But the Prince dyed before it was finished after he had gouerned ten yeares and almost three months His bodie was buried in the Church of the Twinnes Francisco Foscari succeeded him ¶ FRANCISCO FOSCARI the 65. Duke of Uenice HIs promotion was so pleasing to all the people and to the whole Venetian State as in signe of gladnesse there was no holy day for one whole yeare wherein fight at Barriers running at Ring or other sundrie shewes were not presented The yeare following the Porch of Rialto was builded at the charges of Scipioni Boa and afterward built new againe by him because the former building was thought to be of no long continuance The same yeare likewise warre was begunne against Philip Duke of Milan The cause of which painefull and tedious warre we must fetch from farre to the end that all men may know that it was not vndertaken rashly or without cause against so mightie a Prince and a great friend as then to the Venetians but that they were constrained so to doe This Philip was sonne to Galeas Visconte who being left verie young with Iohn Maria his eldest brother did loose a great part of his Principalitie For Galeas being dead diuers Tyrants and pettie Kings beginning to stirre here and there each of them seized on one or many Townes of his Dukedome and like a bodie being left in the middest of them they tare it in peeces But in succession of time as well by his owne valour as that of Francisco surnamed Carmagnolla one of the greatest Captaines of those daies hee did not onely recouer the greatest part of that which did belong to his deceased father but by a wonderfull course of victorie became master of diuers Townes which were neuer possessed by his Ancestors At the last comming to besiege Genoa and the Genoueses being brought to all extremitie it is certaine that they were relieued by the Florentines with a great summe of money on condition that they should giue them for assurance of the lent summe the Citie of Liuorne a verie strong place on the mouth of Arno. Philip perceiuing that the same warre would beget matter of new dissension did neuerthelesse
Lauretano likewise was come thither with his Gallies Each of them did but waite for a fit occasion The same yeare there were such Terrible tempests ouer all Italie and especially vpon the Venetians Coasts as wonderfull hurt was done thereby It is reported that one storme brake as manie glasse windowes in Venice as were thought to be worth seuen thousand Ducats The Venetians being at peace euer sinte the taking of Constantinople there was no Prince nor Common-wealth in all Italie that had warre but only Pope Calixtus and the Genoueses who for the losse of Pera for so soone as Constantinople was taken those of Pera yeelded had some attempts vpon the Turkes Calixtus all the time of his Papacie did not cease both by Letters and messages to stirre vp all Europe to take Armes against those Infidells and to those endes himself Armed thirteene Gallies whereof Lodouico Patriarke of Aquileia was made Generall This man for three yeares space did scoure all the Sea Coasts of Asia doing great harme and tooke diuers Islands from Mahomet This cruell Tyrant in the meane time preuailed so farre in Europe by an admirable course of victorie as he subdued all Thrace the Tribals and Macedonia and in Asia likewise he vtterly subuerted the Empire of Trebisond howbeit rather by treacherie than force of Armes Then he tooke the old new Foglies and drawing one war from an other he seised on Imbria and Smirna Then he tooke from the Gathelosis of Genoa against whom he began the war about a child the Isle of Lesbos which yeelded on conditions He did afterwards vsurp vpon Bossina killing the king thereof And in a manner reduced vnder his Empire whatsoeuer the Christian Princes had till then enioied from Constantinople as farre as Albania and Dalmatia betwixt Hungarie and the Danubie and the Ionian and Aegean Seas But whilest the Infidell made all these conquests the Venetians attempted nothing although their aide sundrie times had beene earnestly implored Morea onely which at last they tooke from the Princes Thomas Demetrius did certaine yeares after Arme against the Turke We will in the bookes following set downe the originall and successe of that warre But whilest Othoman executed these exploits the which we thought good briefely to touch in regard they do in some sort belong to our Historie the Venetians had no warre The end of the seuenth Booke of the third Decad. THE EIGHTH BOOKE OF THE THIRD DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the eighth Booke of the third Decad. THE Prince accompanieth the funeralls of his Predecessour which was neuer seene before since the custome of associating a Colleague was abolished The cause of the warre against OTTOMAN The Description of Morea The Venetians hauing taken Argiers fortifie the Streight The Venetian Armie hath no good successe at the siege of Corinth The Venetians in Italie besiege Thryeste The Turkes driue the Venetians from the Streight They fight twice with good successe against the Turkes before Naples The sieges before Thryeste and Arimini are raised at one time The Venetians being vanquished at Talamata in Morea receiue a notable ouerthrow VRSO IVSTINIANO doth twice assaile those of Mitylene in Lesbos with great losse of his souldiers SIGISMVND of Arimini taketh Sparta by assault VENIERI his Gallie hauing in the night-time passed beyond the Dardaneans returneth safely to his Countrymen Pope PIVS being come to Ancona dieth within a while after that the Prince and Venetians nauall Armie came thither Supplies of money are giuen to the King of Hungarie in the name of all Christendome VICTOR CAPELLO after that hee had fortunately executed diuers gallant enterprises vpon the enemies at last receiuing an ouerthrow at Patras dieth with griefe BARTHOLOMEO of Bergamo surnamed COYONI comming into Flaminia had like to haue endaungered the Venetians with a new warre NICHOLAO CANALIS Generall of the Venetians nauall Armie ruineth Oenos MAHOMET hauing a long time besieged Nigrepont takes it in fine to the great hurt of the Venetians THE Venetians State for the space of tenne yeeres had peace both by Sea and Land But this securitie was mixed with feare and care For the Venetians in this meane time might well be likened to that man who seeing his neighbors house on fire although his owne be free from it can not for all that but feare lest the same flame being dispersed should take holde of his and runneth foorthwith according to the prouerb to the Riuer Euen so the Venetians though they had no open warre against the Turkes omitted not carefully to obserue his tenne yeeres actions in Asia and Europe to ruminate diuers things in their minds and to premeditate on that warre which they foresaw they should one day be inforced to make vpon that barbarous Tyrant Yet in all that time they kept themselues from taking Armes till some iust occasion should enforce them But heereof we will speake heereafter Now wee must set downe that which happened at Venice during that peace The Venetians limits were mightily extended during Foscari his principalitie Which came to passe as well by reason of the publique felicitie and good fortune of the State as by the long time of his gouernement which was managed with singular skill and discretion And not the State alone but the cities selfe was illustrated with rare and costly buildings For in his daies the Porch of the Pallace was on the outside beautified with white Marble Saint Gregories church which was begunne to be repayred from the foundations was finished in costly manner After all this the Prince when hee had gouerned the Common-wealth foure and thirtie yeeres being foure score and tenne yeeres old and in regard of his age being no longer able to manage the publique affaires was deposed from the soueraigne Magistracie And because his fortitude and vigor of spirit was not yet diminished although his bodie were enfeebled hee was reduced among the ranke of Gentlemen ¶ PASCALIS MARIPIETRO the 66. Duke of Uenice PAscalis Maripietro the other yet liuing was subrogated in his sted But Foscari suruiued not long after the creation of the new duke The honorable Ensignes that had beene taken from him in his life time were restored to him after his death For he was buried with Ducal pomp in the Church of the Friers Minors and by this meanes it came to passe that one Prince accompanied anothers funeralls which had neuer hapned till then since that the custome of associating a Colleague was abolished His Nephews built him a Tombe of white Marble richly guilded neere to the high Altar In the time of Maripietro that great Earthquake happened which about the fift day of December did shake all Italie especially the Realme of Naples This Prince was adorned with diuers eminent vertues Hee had a sound and excellent iudgement without faining or dissimulation He was a louer of peace a friend to Religion and a seuere punisher of vice Hee did execute offenders according to their
beiâ—…g come to certaine Farmes within a mile of the cittie the souldiers being desirous of bootie did without any commaundement fall to pillaging those country houses Whilest these were busied in spoyling and expected nothing lesse than the enemies arriuall three hundred Turkish horse did with great cries inuiron and assaile them who were all slaine there hauing no meanes of defence or escape Barbadico riding vpon a Mule and comming by chance to that place where the enemies made great slaughter was beaten downe among a number of thicke bushes and there trodden to death vnder the horses feete His body beeing afterwards knowne by his Coate-armour and Signet was carried to the Castle of Patras and impaled vpon the highest tower thereof and of so great a number one thousand onely escaped Ragio being taken by the enemies was impaled aliue Capel for all this was not discouraged supposing it to haue happened rather by the carelesnesse of his owne souldiers than by the enemies valour and prowesse Therefore eight dayes after he sent the brauest men of his troupes together with the Ensignes to assaile the Cittie Vincimanica the Sicillian who commaunded the nauall Armie as Vice-admirall with Dominicke the Blacke and other valiant men that followed the Ensignes went and displayed them before the cittie The enemies did not refuse the fight but making a furious salley came couragiously vpon the Christians There was a cruell fight for some houres space at the last fortune inclining to neither side the Venetian resolued to send threescore horse of the remainder of those which were Ragios downe the hill which was on the one side to charge the enemie in flanke and thereby to make him retire and abandon his standing but they were not gone farre ere they discouered the Turkes comming forward for the same purpose at the sight of whom Ragios horse betooke themselues to flight and fell in among the troupes of the Islanders There a great slaughter of men and horses was presently made The Turkes in the meane time arriued who did cut the disordered squadrons in peeces And this losse would haue proued farre greater than the former had not a great dust risen vp into the aire like to a black clould which tooke away the sight both of Turkes and Christians A thousand Christians lay dead vpon the place and the rest with the ensignes escaped to the vesels Capello being daunted with these two ouerthrowes went to Xant from thence to Modon and within a while after to Nigrepont where he remained sixe whole moneths without any memorable exploit After the ouerthrow at Patras he was neuer seene to smile though Giouanni Diede the States Secretarie with diuers others of his familiar friends told him that it hapened not through his default At the last being wasted with griefe and melancholie eight monethes after the battaile of Patras he died at Nigrepont Giacomo Venieri after his death commanded the Armie vntill that Giacomo Lauretano sent by the Senate to succeed the late Capello arriued in the Prouince This man for the space of sixteene monethes that he was Generall of the Armie did brauely defend all the Islands and Sea-coasts from the enemies assaults and incursions About the same time likewise or soone after or rather a little before Lauretans departure to the Armie although the Venetians were in some sort quiet in Italie the cause neuerthelesse is not knowne why Bartholomeo of Bergamo a great Captaine in his time did by his sodaine incursions into Romagnia in a manner trouble and entangle them in a new warre This man departed from Lombardie with great troupes of horse and foot at the pursuit of Angelo Accaiuola and Nicolao Soderino that were banished from Florence vpon hope that they gaue him of good successe in Tuscanie by meanes of a popular commotion this was the common rumour But others supposed that he departed in Armes from Lombardie at the soliciting of Pope Paul to the end that bringing his troupes through Romagnia and La Marca he might on a sodaine in his name make warre on king Ferdinand who refused to pay vsuall tribute to the Church of Rome But whatsoeuer the cause was it is certaine that al his attempts which seemed at the first to be fearefull to all Italie did soone deceiue euerie mans expectation For so soone as he came into Romagnia Galeas Maria Duke of Milan a braue and couragious young Prince made head against him Then did the forces of king Ferdinand and the Florentines withstand him wherewith this great Captaine being troubled did in some sort begin to decline A battaile was presently giuen at Molinella a towne on the confines of Bolognia which was fought in the absence of Galeas vnder the conduct of Fredericke of Vrbin Those that were at the battaile affirme that in memory of man there was neuer a more furious or mortall in Italy The Senate fearing if his forces should be broken for till then he had euer beene in the Venetians pay and therefore it was thought that the Venetians did fauour him the aduerse Princes and Commonwealths being armed would cast the whole burthen of the warre vpon them sent him some supplies of horse and foote with expresse charge to make peace and safely to bring backe the Armie into Lombardy Ieronimo Barbadico a man of excellent wisedome and aduise and who not long before was made Procurator of S. Marke was in the Armie yet this new dignitie nor the entreaties of his friends were of power to keepe him at home nor to stay him from assisting the Republike in so great a danger But his authoritie and wisedome being grealy feared of the enemies it fell out that before peace was concluded he was by their meanes for so it was thought poisoned There is no other mention made of Lauretans exploits at Sea besides that which hath alreadie beene said Nicolao Canalis succeeded him He departing from Venice with two Gallies arriued at Nigrepont from whence setting sa le with twentie Gallies hee spoiled certaine farme houses and villages in Thessalie and then returned to Nigrepont and from thence went to Modon and afterwards to Coron He resolued to seize vpon the cittie of Lagostitia on the Sea of Patras which the Turkes had forsaken and speedily to fortifie it the which hee easily performed without any resistance Ieronimo Nouello for Malateste had left Morea had well fortified it and there the whole Armie remained consisting of six thousand men at such time as two thousand Turkes made an attempt to recouer it but they being beaten from the rampires with great losse did within a while after dislodge Canalis hauing left Giacomo Venieri with six Gallies for the guard of the citie returned with the rest of the fleete to Nigrepont and hauing there re-enforced the fleet with fresh supplies he sailed to Lemnos and thence to Imbres where he determined to assault Oenos and comming by day-breake to assaile the citie he commaunded his souldiers
of the Prouince Dominico Georgio who in that iourny died at Vdina was sent thither with Zacharia Barbaro Giouanni Hemo and Candian Bellano to take order for that which should be expedient for the Common-wealth and either to raze them both or else repaire and fortifie them And for safe withstanding the enemies incursions it was concluded at the least to place a strong garrison of horsemen in one of them Carolo Montone who the yeare before had beene cassed was called from Tuscanie and sent into the Prouince he placed a strong Garrison in the Fort of Gradiscan and fortified it with dikes and Rampires But whilest hee continewed his workes Prince Vendramino died the second yeare of his Principalitie beeing scarce expired Hee was honourably buried in the Church of the Seruians ¶ GIOVANNI MOCENIGO the 72. Duke of Uenice GIouanni Mocenigo brother to Prince Pietro a man of singular wisedome and iudgement was by generall consent declared Prince Such successe had the Venetian affaires in Italie whilest in Dalmatia the siege of Croia without any intermission lasted one whole yeere Ottoman not satisfied heerewith did on the fifth day of Iune with greater forces than foure yeares before come and besiege Scutari At his arriuall those of Croia oppressed with famine and terrified with the fearefull report of the Turkes arriuall yeelded Alibeg a little before his comming had with 15000. men beguirt Scutari Foure daies after Solyman came thither and incamped on the east side of it with threescore and tenne thousand men The Gouernour of Asia followed him with a power not much inferiour and lodged on the south side Last of all the great Turke himselfe came thither in person on the fifteenth day of Iune Those which were present at this siege say That the enemies multitude was such as on the Mountaines Plaines and on all sides of the City as farre as mans sight could discerne there was nothing to be seene but Tents and Pauillions The ordnance was forthwith planted to batter the walls In the Citie there were sixeteene hundred inhabitants and two hundred and fiftie women They had before the enemies arriuall rid the towne of all vnprofitable eaters Moreouer there were sixe hundred mercenarie souldiers in it vnder the commaund of Carlino Antonio Cortone Francisco Sanserobar Micaele Spalatino and other braue Captaines Antonio Legiero was Gouernour and Prouidator of the citie This small handfull of men was in Scutari when it was the second time besieged by so great a multitude The Defendants did cheerefully receiue the enemies for they were now better prouided of all necessaries for a siege than at first A breach being made the Turkes gaue two assaults Both Christians and Turkes vsed the selfe same Armes and Engines as at the former time But by how much the preparation for warre was greater than at the first siege by so much more great was the slaughter on both sides And the assaults were much more furious by reason of the Emperours presence than at the beginning vnder the conduct of Solyman Those of Scutari were twice assaulted in a short space and in both the retreit was made with great slaughter The enemies shot such store of arrowes as some worthie of credit report That a dogge being frighted with the great noise ranne home to his masters house with eleuen arrowes sticking in his hinder parts And because the Reader shall not thinke this to be a ridiculous report all writers affirme that for many monethes whilest the siege lasted after the great Turkes departure the inhabitants vsed no other wood to heat their Ouens nor to dresse them meat but fagots made of Turkish arrowes They write beside that in the hottest assaults at such time as nothing was heard but terrible reports of the Canon imitating thunder and that a thousand sundrie kinds of death were presented to mens view the inhabitants and souldiers of Scutari fought with such animositie and resolution as nothing did lesse terrifie them than the hazard of their liues so soone as one troupe of enemies were ouerthrowne others presently marched to the assalt on the dead bodies and others after them The dikes were filled with dead carkasses so were the hollow places of the mountaines and though multitudes were slaine others stept in their steed Those in the Citie likewise contemning death wounds though they saw their fellowes torne in peeces by the Ordnance did not for all that cease valiantly to repell and beat backe the enemies from the Rampiers In the end Mahomets wilfulnesse being ouercome and diuers telling him that it was in vaine to hazard so many thousand braue men to such manifest dangers tha he had to do with enemies who rather resolued to die that yeeld he al inraged sounded the retreat afterwards gaue no more assaults yet still continued his batterie But whilest he streightly besieged the Scutarians he forgat not Italy For he sent forces to those places whither hee thought the Venetians would send least aid who arriued in Italie the same day as the first assault was giuen to Scutari They encamped with great noise not farre from the Forts of Lizonza where embattialing themselues they sought to draw forth Carolo Montane to fight But he remembring the late ouerthrow durst attempt nothing rashly but containing his souldiers within the enclosure of his Fort he kept the Turkes in expectation more than halfe a day But they perceiuing that they could not draw the Venetians to fight went from thence and encamped within foure miles of the Fort Gradiscan betwixt the mount Medea and Cremona But the next day he left Masan and marched through the deepe bottome directly to the foote of the mountaines They were in number 30000. who went into Germanie through the precipices of those steepie hils which are in a manner in-accssible to the inhabitants of the countrey In passing those mountaines they performed matters scarce credible and among others I thought good to set downe this one Being come to the top of those craggie hilles which were impossible to be descended by horse they tied them with cords and by engins and deuises which they made did let them downe into the next bottomes and from thence into the rest till they were come downe into the lowest of all What did they not to get ouer the top of the Alpes downe to the foote of the mountaine Cargna where hauing intelligence that the mount Lanca ouer which they were to passe into Germanie was guarded by the inhabitants of the Alpes being come thither neither that danger nor difficultie to ascend to it could in any sort amaze them who leaning on their targets crept vp those steepis rockes ind despite of their enemies wherewith they that guarded the passages being afrighted betooke themselues to flight and thereby goue occasion to the Turkes to commit great slaughter This was the last iourney which the Turks made into Italy against the Venetians But in the meane time Mahomet still continued the siege of
to the Citie These hauing begunne to fortifie the Riuer banckes to defend themselues from the enemies incursions that they might afterwards without any let batter the towne walls Sigismundo d'Este on a sodaine with Nicolao Corregio Hugo Sanseuerino and other noble men comming foorth of Argento with three thousand men assailed them and gaue their first charge vpon Andrea Burgensis quarter where at first the Venetians had the worst but so soone as the alarme was giuen in the camp euery man armed ranne fiercely to the fight Sigismond opposed to the Venetians front foure waggons on each of which lay foure falconets There the battaile was very doubtfull till three hundred Venetian light horse wheeling about to giue in vpon the enemies backe did so terrifie Hercules souldiers as Sigismond and the other Captaines betooke themselues to flight then the Gallie called Valeresa comming with great rumor vp the water vpon their backes the enemies changed their fight to flight Sigismond mounting a swift horse escaped himselfe alone to Argento Many were drowned in the Riuer more were slaine in the battell but the number of prisoners was greatest of all Souranza that day obtained a great and notable victorie For besides Hugo Sanseuerine he tooke three score and tenne other Captaines whom he sent prisoners to Venice Roberto Sanseuerino being likewise desirous to execute some memorable enterprize resolued to passe ouer into the Ferrarese Territory and for effecting it hee commaunded a bridge to be made on galliots and committed the worke to Bassan of Verona which being soone finished he left Barbadico at Ficarolles and himselfe with Heme and Sanuto the Prouidators went a mile beneath the enemies Fort where hee beganne to passe ouer his troupes and so soone as one boate had passed it cast anker and so the rest serued for a bridge By this time eighteene hundred horse and foote were already gone ouer into the enemies Countrey when they perceiued that there wanted vessells to finish the bridge which happened by their errour who had not taken the iust breadth of the Riuer by the meanes whereof a troupe of valiant souldiers remayned on the other shoare destitute of their fellowes aide whereat Sanseuerine was moued in great choller protesting that if they did not before day prouide boats to finish the bridge his brauest troupes through the carelesnesse indiscretion of some would vndoubtedly be cut in peeces before his face But by the Prouidators diligence it was preuented and the bridge beeing wholy finished the rest of the Armie crossed the riuer ere the enemie had anie notice thereof Hercules souldiers hauing discouered them and not trusting to their Fort threw their ordnance into the Riuer and setting fire on their fortification retired speedily to Ferrara By their example others that held certaine fortified places vpon the Riuer did for feare abandon them whereupon the Venetian in an instant became Master of the Riuer one Fort excepted standing at the head of the Polesine which the enemies had fortified So soone as the Venetians perceiued that neither the riuer nor any forts could resist their furie they wasted the whole territorie burning farmes and country houses downe to the ground There is a Parke within a mile of Ferrara Borsia was the first that inclosed it with walls but Hercules inlarging it did much beautifie it with lakes ponds groues and other places fit for chace The Venetian first encamped neere to the walls which are close to the riuer and in the meane time made a new bridge ouer the Po stronger than the former They first placed a ranke of shippes of burthen one close to another from one side to the other fastened to their ankors by strong yron chains which could not bee cut in sunder then they laid euen planckes vpon them so cunningly ioyned together as it resembled a well-framed bridge of stone This beeing done they builded shoppes vpon it on both sides wherein all sortes of wares were sold which hindered Passengers from looking on the water They made moreouer draw-bridges at both ends which when they were drawne vp those shoppes seemed an Island in the middest of the Riuer And to keep the enemie from firing it by night some two hundred paces before it they hung vp aboue water great wodden plankes fastned to ankors with yron hookes to keepe out the fire works which might be throwne vpon it till they were either quenched or burnt out The bridge finished Sanseuerine brake downe the Parke walles and through it marched with his armie in battell within a mile of Ferrara where he remained for a time in the Cities view but when he saw that the enemie did not sallie he brought backe his troupes to the Campe then he beganne to repaire the Fort vpon the riuer which the enemie had abandoned hee did first enlarge it then enuironed it with trenches of twenty foote deepe with strong bastions Towers and Rauelins This worke vndoubtedly was in a manner impregnable and would perpetually haue terrified the Citie of Ferrara had it not by peace beene razed The Venetian hauing in this manner assured his Campe galloped with his Cauallerie to the very gates of Ferrara filling all places with feare The Citizens viewing the bridge so neere them and the Fort much neerer beganne to lament their owne and Common-wealths estate saying That Hercules Principalitie was ouerthrowne themselues in great daunger and that the stroakes of warre had pierced their very heart that they were out of hope euer to haue peace with the Venetians who had displayed their victorious Ensignes at their gates That the Marshes Lakes and Riuers had not beene of force to restraine the course of their Victorie of whom they were to receiue verie vniust conditions of peace or submit themselues to their mercie The Venetian in the meane time omitted nothing that might further his Victorie he did shut vp the riuers and lakes placing corps du guard and garrisons in all passages In a word he held those of Ferrara at such a bay as Conquerours are wont to do the vanquished when they are desirous speedily to end the Warre The end of the first Booke of the fourth Decad. THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE FOVRTH DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the second Booke of the fourth Decad. THe Pope maketh a new league and abandoneth the Venetians The Duke of Calabria comes to Ferrara All Princes and Commonwealths of Italy band themselues against the Venetians The Senate sends for the Duke of Lorraine into Italy and giues him large pay SANSEVERINO with great forces crosseth the Adda by a bridge and encampeth at Frezzia LODOVICO SFORZA doth easily ouerthrow the ROSSIANS ALPHONSO taketh diuers townes from the Venetians on the Bressian and Verona territories then crossing the Mincia he scoures the countrey as farre as the Riuer Adice and not long after takes Azzola The Venetian Infanterie vpon HERCVLES arriuall at Stellata leapes into the Riuer ALPHONSO leauing Azzola with an
intent wholy to ouerthrow the Venetian forces vpon Po being stopt by SANSEVERINO returnes without effecting it GIACOMO MARCELLO Generall of the Venetian fleet dies at the siege of Gallipolis which being taken the Venetians make farther incursions into Calabria The enemies Armie comes to Baignols where peace in vaine before motioned at Cesenna is determined and concluded And lastly the triumphes turnaments and barriers made at Venice for ioy of this peace THE Venetians had alreadie mightily preuailed and the warre with Hercules would soone haue beene ended had not Pope Sixtus by his sodaine alteration not onely snatched the victorie forth of their hands but that which worse is thrown them headlong into a dangerous war For the Pope and Ieronimo Visconte by whose councell and aduise all matters were directed â—…alling by little and little from the Venetians after Malatestes death did at last openly declare themselues friends to the Feâ—…arois Francisco Diede who at that â—…ime was Ambassador with the Pope had of a long time foreseene it and a little before had by letters aduertized the Prince and Senate thereof who to containe them still in league omitted no kinde offices of good friends and confederates It is not certainly knowne vpon what cause they did it The Pope hauing made a league with the enemie did by letters goe about to cause the Venetians to lay downe Armes to induce them no more to warre vpon the Ferrarois and to restore vnto him whatsoeuer till then they had taken from him The Senate moued by these letters were vnwilling to let goe the victorie whereof they had so sure hold and yet desirous to answere the Pope and to let him and all the Princes of Italy and Europe vnderstand that they were not Authors of that warre for they would neuer haue taken armes against Hercules had not Pope Sixtus prouoked them thereunto They decreed that Bernardo Iustiniano a verie eloquent person should in the Common-wealths name answere the Pope The effect of those letters which he composed and after the Senates approbation were sent to Rome is this That the Senate were so farre from entertaining this warre without his Holinesse consent as they did it by his instigation That as at first so now they did not onely preferre peace before warre but before victorie so it were sought for in time and not on such conditions as might make their lenitie inâ—…erpreted in discretion That they were confident his Holinesse actions had no priuate end but such as imported the common good of Christendome onely in this it was notorious to the whole world that he dealt more subtilly than sincerely That for twentie yeares wherein both by land and sea they had beene singled out by dreadfull Ottoman none of the Princes of Italy afforded one drop of bloud towards the quenching of this neighbour flame but seemed deafe to all solicitations lame in assistance But in this priuate cause of Ferrara those which shranke backe from the publike quarrel could all bandie together not as if they would arbitrate but enforce peace That they humbly desired his Holinesse to deliberate this businesse temperately which others did passionately let his owne vnderstanding aduise him whether it more concerned him to fauour the Venetians or the Ferrarois As for them they were resolued to prosecute that warre which by his aduise they had vndertaken hoping the successe should be as happie as the cause iust and honorable This is in summe the import of the Venetian letters But the Pope not respecting his ancient league and perceiuing the Venetians to continue their resolution excommunicated them He had alreadie leagued himselfe with Ferdinand and others And whilest this businesse was pursued by letters to and fâ—…o Alphonso Duke of Calabria came to Ferrara with two thousand men among whom were foure hundred Turkes which he brought from Otranto but they within a while after ranne ouer to the Venetian Vpon his arriuall certaine skirmishes were made neere the Citie himselfe stayed not long there but leauing his troups with his brother in law went first to Mantua and then to Milan But at a councell held at the sametime at Casal-Maior vpon the Cremonese where the commissioners of all the confederate Princes and states met warre was concluded against the Venetians by general consent Fredericke Gonzaga Prince of Mantua had the title of Generall of the Armie but Alphonso Duke of Calabria the honour The Senate hauing intelligence of what had beene concluded in that assembly and considering the dangerous warre they were to oppose the next Spring For the Genoueses excepted whom Giouanni Pascalis sent to that end had exempted all other Princes and States of Italy had coniured their destruction and for the strengthening of their partie they sent into France for Renatus Duke of Lorraine vnto whom they gaue honourable entertainment Antonio Vinciguerra one of the Secretaries had long before solicited him from the Pope and Venetians to come into Italy against the Ferrarois who now the Pope relinquishing the cause remained firme to the Venetians and brought two hundred horse and one thousand foote to their aide Vinciguerra conducted him through the Alpes Bartilmeo Victurini and Nicolao Foscarini Venetian gentlemen went as farre as Trent on the confines of Italy to meete him The Duke of Austria and the other Potentates of Germanie in fauour of the Pope denied passage to the Sauoyards and other French whom Lorraine had enrolled The Spring was alreadie come when Pietro de Priuli and Marco Antonio Morosini came to the Armie as Prouidators The enemies comminations were great but the Senate hauing intelligence that their fauorites in Milan which yet stirred not would if Sanseuerin crossed the Adda raise some commotion vpon difference betwixt the widow of Galeas and Lodouico Sforza after mature deliberation commanded one part of the Armie to passe into Lombardie and the other to remaine before Ferrara Deifebo Aâ—…guillare went before with a braue troope of horse and expected Sanseuerino at Azzola vpon the Bressan Confines Roberto soone followed him leauing the Prince of Mirandola Bernar dino Montone Antoniace Dulcino Gasparo Perussini Alessandro surnamed the Turke and diuers other Captaines at the siege before Ferrara The French Generall went thither likewise with his forces But their arriuall was more terrible to their enemie than profitable to the Venetian the French euerie day mutining Sanseuerino with Marc-Antonio Morosini the Prouidator being come to the Bressan territorie remained for a time at the new Orges then making a bridge ouer the Adda aboue Trezzia and fortifying it at each end himselfe encamped on the further side where he contained his souldiers without executing any hostilitie vpon the Countrey rather like a guest then enemie which was so farre from diâ—…inishing the malice of the Confederates as on the contrarie it increased it hastening not deferring this intended warre Lodouico Sforza with a mightie Armie was in field against the Rossians of Parma who till then had brauely
defended their patrimonie but now seeing so vnequall a power bent against them fortified their townes and yet not thinking themselues secure retired with their children into the Genoueses territories Their Tenants following not their Lords but their fortune presently vpon their departure yeelded to Sforza Lodouico vpon this victorie marched vnto the territorie of Gremona where Alphonso expected him as some say called in by the Milaneses vpon Sanseuerins arriuall to guard the frontiers in the absence of Lodouico Others affirme that he came voluntarly offering his assistance against Sanseuerino Such was the state of the Venetian affaires when the Commonwealth was shaken with a new feare by a transcursion of two of Sâ—…ins sonnes to the enemie Hee had foure sonnes which serued in this Armie all valiant and braue young Gentlemen of whom Francisco and Galeas vnknowen to their father dishonorably fled to the enemie allured as it seemes by faire promises yet their error was so much the lesse as it extended no further then to themselues This at first did greatly â—…rpiex the father who in great passion called God and men to witnesse of his sonnes treacherie practizing not onely against their fathers honour but life yet herein comforting himselfe that his fidelitie was sufficiently knowen to the Venetians and should euery day be more and more manifested whereupon hee sent messengers to Venice to make his owne Apologie and excuse the temeritie of his children which he hoped ere long to redeeme with his owne seruice and loyalty and let the world know that he esteemed nothing so deere as the safetie and honour of the Venetian Estate But the Senate was so farre from imputing the érrour of his sonnes to himselfe as they did by letters comfort him Alphonso in the meane time hauing made a bridge ouer the riuer beyond Cassian passed ouer his Armie with great rumor into the Gyradade and thence marching into the Bergamasco tooke Colloigna and Vnguiana Sanseuerino hauing intelligence of his comming kept strong guard on the bridge on that side and strengthened his Rampiers and then retired with his forces towards Bergamo Thence crossing the Oglio at Palaznoles he encamped at the new Orges The enemie hauing taken Trecian and reenforced the Popes and Florentines troupes passed ouer the Oglio betwixt the new Orges and Quintiano The Senate considering how dangerous the enemies Armie would bee to their territories for it was reported that he had an hundred companies of men at Armes did speedily send the rest of the Cauallerie which lay vpon the Po to Sanseuerino that hee might be better able to resist him Alphonso in the meane time had taken all that part of the Bressan territory which lieth betwixt the Riuer Mella and the new Orges a very fruitfull soyle abounding in townes and villages which vpon terrour of his arriuall presently yeelded vnto him The Venetian being inferiour to the enemie in strength resolued not to confront but follow him and preuent his attempts And leauing Antonio Scâ—…riotto with 300 horse in garrison in the new Orges himselfe went through by-waies first to Maclou then to Saint Zene three miles from Bressia Augustiâ—… Barbadico and Zacharia Barbaro men of great authoritie came from Venice to the Campe. But Morosmi and Barbadico remaining with Sanseuerino in the Armie Barbaro went to fortifie Bressia He was sonne to that Francisco who in former time had for three yeeres space defended that Citie against all the attempts of Duke Philip worthie indeede of such a father whose wisdome and vertue he inherited but more famous in being father to Hâ—…olao the learnedest of his time in Greeke and Latinâ—… Alphonso crossed the Riuer Mella and seized on Baignols The Prince of Mantua who till then had caried himselfe as a friend not enemie to the Venetianâ—… did openly shew himselfe their enemie ioyning with Alphonso whose Armie by this addition amounted to one hundred and thirtie companies of horse which being diuided ouer the Bressan territorie tooke all the townes on this side the Riuer Mella Azzola excepted from the Venetians Sanseuerino vpon the enemies comming to Baignols retired to Regiana fiue miles from Bressia but Alphonso taking all the other townes brought his Armie to Calcina This is all which that summer till the beginning of Autumne was done vpon the Bressan and Bergamasch territories Neer to the Po most of the French being dead by sicknesse their Generall hauing intelligence of King Lewis death who by his Testament had made him Gouernor and Protector of his Realme returned into France The Senate being aduertized about the Spring that King Ferdinand assisted by the Pope and Consederates had rigged a mightie Fleet the better to resist the enemie at Sea wrote to Iacomo Marcello who succeded Souranza in the Admiraâ—…tie â—…o haue a care that the State were not preiudiced about the Islands nor in the gulfe neere to Histria and Dalmatia and if he might safely doe it to inuade the froâ—…tien of Apulia and Calabria as Souranza had done Marcello had not long beene Admirall when fortie of the enemies Gallies vnder the commaund of Frederick of Arragon sonne to Ferdinand a braue young Prince came into the Hauen of Ancona Their arriuall did trouble the Senate for it was likelie that the enemie by tarrying in that place would cut off the Venetians passage on the Sea All Venice had their hope fixed on Marcello and his Fleet despairing of their Dominion at Sea vnlesse the enemie could be speedily repelled expecting when Marcello should either assaile or fire them But whilest he intended the supplying of the Gallies not yet compleat with soldiers and marriners which he could hardly effect without promise of pardon and impunitie to the Bandetti of Albania Dalmatia and Histria the enemie thinking himselfe not safe departed from Ancona three dayes before his arriuall This omission was hardly interpreted especially by the vulgar measuring things by the euent But better vnderstandings made more fauourable construction of it saying He did better to absent himselfe from fight than vnaduisedly hazard his naked Fleet and that victorie was more easie in discourse then action Thus was hee variously censured The enemie in the meane time being out at Sea vn willing to seeme idle made sodaine incursion vpon Lissa an Island in Dalmatia putting all to fire and swordâ—… From thence he sailed to Corfou Georgio Viare a wise valiant Gentleman gouerned the Island He descrying the Arragonian Nauie encouraged the inhabitants prâ—…paring all things requisite for defence The enemies first assaults were very violent for being many they at one time scaled all parâ—…s but through the valour of the defendants they were not onely kept from entrance but preâ—…ipitated from the wals with great slaughter Notwithstanding this braue repulse the assault continuing till night without intermission and the Gouernour fearing that the Defendants wearied though not conquered would giue way to the enemie inuented this stratagem Hee diuâ—…ged that the Venetian fleete
still at his backe who had followed him into Flaminia was enforced to leaue his Cauallerie to his enemie and himselfe with a few followers to make a speedie retreat into the frontiers of Rauenna Such was the end of Sanseuerino and his sonnes renowned iourney from Lombardie to the warre of Rome which we haue not so much mentioned for himselfe as to let the world vnderstand the Venetians great constancie and loyalty For although an occasion was offered to ruine king Ferdinand intangled in a domesticke war or at least mightily to endanger him if they would haue embraced those offers promises and conditions yet because they would in no sort violate the treatie of peace which they had once sworne to they stopt their eares to these motions Now whilest these things were done neere Rome newes was brought from France that Maximilian sonne to the Emperour Fredericke was chosen King of the Romanes a name verie hatefull to the Citie of Rome taking it original in the daies of that Charles who ouerthrew the Lombards greatnesse in Italy For many Historians affirme That he did afterwards make his sonne Pipin King of Italy himselfe being Emperour and by this meanes it came to passe in time that he is not only called king of Italy but of Romans which enioyeth the same digintie and greatnesse like him Maximiliam had maried the daughter and heire of Charles Duke of Burgondie who died in the war against the Suisses and by this marriage purchasing great and ample Signories being young valiant and apt either for warre or peace had after some new troubles and difficult men aces of warre inforced that stirring nation to obey his commandemment Himselfe and Fredericke his father acquainted the Venetians as their great friends with this new election Dominico Treuisano and Hermolao Barbaro were sent Ambassadors to them both with commission in the States name to congratulate that royall election They were both knighted Another Ambassador was likewise sent into Portugall to thanke that king from the Prince and Senate for that not long before he had relieued and assisted the Venetians who by Pyrates had beene robbed and spoiled and set on shore in his countrey Ieronimo Donato a verie excellent Philosopher was appointed to goe thither Toward the Spring the sicknesse lessened and before Summer ended it wholly ceassed so as of a long time before the Citie was not seene more healthfull This prosperitie was accompanied by another proceeding from Prince Barbadicos care and diligence which was great plentie and abundance of all things for such store of corne wine oyle and all sorts of meate was brought to the Citie as in the memorie of man the like had not beene seene This ioy was likewise seconded by another for the Venetians at that time had peace both by land and sea so as the Commonwealth was neuer more happie than at that time The Prince was not onely busied in maintaining the State in this prosperitie but in augmenting it when on a sodaine to all mens griefe death preuented him He died in the ninth moneth of his gouernment and therein perhaps more happie than all his predecessors because that besides a goodly race which he left behind him himselfe hauing well deserued of Religion Countrey and Citizens the Citie at his death was cleare from pestilence and abounded in plentie We may moreouer adde this to his good fortune That vpon his death-bed an Ambassador came to him from Baiazet sonne to Mahomet Emperour of Turks and brought him rich presents It is reported that drawing towards his end he called for foure of his sonnes whom after vertuous instructions which he gaue them he exhorted to loue and honour the State intreating them often to remember the honour it had done him for raising him from a meane Citizen to the highest and soueraigne dignitie the which ought to make them to render that pietie to their countrey which their father by reason of his short gouernment could not performe The whole Citie did infinitely bewaile his death Euerie one did publikely speake of his meeknesse towards all men For besides other pious examples towards the poore he did at the beginning of his gouernment fearing that by reason of multiplicitie of causes the poore should haue no free accesse to him make a decree That the names of those who were desirous to haue audience of him should from eight to eight daies be drawne by lot and that their names who were first drawne should be first dispatched This holy Decree was cause that neither ambition briberie nor fauour could hinder poore mens suits nor barre them from audience Great numbers of people followed his funerals to the Church of the Twinnes But his bodie lies buried in the Church of the Publike charitie It shall not be impertinent to set downe briefly in this place the ceremonie which is at this day vsed at the interment of the Venetian Dukes After he is dead and bowelled they embalme the bodie and lay it vnder a Canopie of Gold with his guilt sword and spurs reuersed he is publikely kept in the Pallace for three whole daies then all the companies of the Citie which are as many as there bee Trades doe with their banners in solemne order goe before the bodie after them follow the Cleargie next them the mourners who are many in sad and sorrowfull manner last of all come the Senate clothed in Scarlet and Purple to demonstrate That the Citie which is free doth neuer in mourning habit follow the funerall of any Prince how vertuous so euer In this manner and habite so soone as the bodie is brought into the Church they sit round about it whilest the memorie of the deceased Prince according to the ancient manner is recommended to the people in a funerall Oration From thence the Senators returning to the Pallace doe publish the first assembly for the creation of a new Duke AVGVSTINO BARBADICO the 74. Duke of Venice AVgustino Barbadico brother to the deceased Prince a man of singular wisedome and grauitie and at that time Procurator of S. Marke succeeded his brother This election was by so much more pleasing to the Cittie by how much euery man thought that they could not haue chosen a man more resembling the late Prince in all vertuous qualities than this man The next day after his creation he made a sweet and gentle Speech to the people but his maiestike and reuerend presence with a long white beard hanging downe beneath his girdle made him more venerable After his election all things flourishing in peace as before hee beganne his gouernement like to his brother by repairing the Ducall pallace The next Winter Antonio Ferriere and within a while after Giouanni Baria were sent to Constantinople to the Turkish Emperour Antonio Lauretano Ambassadour at Rome was called home because the Senate supposed that hee had not faithfully discharged his place hee was a very wise man and excellently learned he was banished the Cittie
King went from Placentia Lorenzo and Giouan de Medicis stole secretly from their Countrey houses whither the Florentine Magistrate had confined them at the pursute of Pietro de Medicis their kinâ—…man and mortall enemy They came to his Maiestie earnestly entreated him to come neere Florence and told him that he should be honourably entertained there as well in regard of the peoples loue to the house of France as for their hatred towards Pietro de Medicis who commaunded there and held the Arragonois partie being by marriage allied to the familie of Vrsini Vpon this proposition the King changed his purpose for though at his departure from France it was concluded in his Councell that hee should rather passe through Romagnia and La Marca than through Tuscanie and the territorie of Rome yet the Pope and Florentines being declared his enemies his Councell thought it a matter vnworthy the greatnesse of such a King if for feare of them he should refuse to passe through their territories As also because it was dangerous to inuade the Realme of Naples and to leaue Tuscany and the Churches State behinde him as enemies Therefore it was resolued rather to passe the Appenineâ—… by the hills of Parma then by the direct way of Bolognia and to march without delay to Florence The vantgard conducted by Guilbert of Burbon Duke of Montpensier a Prince of the bloud went on to Pontrema a towne feated at the foot of the Appenine vpon the Riuer Magra the King following with the rest of the army From Pontrema the Duke went into the country of Lunigiana where hee ioyned with the Swisses who had defended Genoa together with the ordnance which by sea was come to Specia and drawing neere to Fiuizana belonging to the Florentines which they tooke it by force and sack't it killing all the souldiers and many of the inhabitants the which did merueilously amaze all Italy not accustomed to such cruell and bloudy warres Serezzana was not farre from thence where the Florentines determined for to make their chiefe resistance which they had strongly fortified but not sufficiently to hold out so mighty an enemy for it wanted a captaine to command it and men to defend it Yet because some thought it would not bee easily taken especially the Cittadell and least of all Serezanella a strong Castle on the hill aboue Serezzana they councelled the King to passe on and leaue them but the King disdayned so to doe and thought that vnlesse hee tooke the first towne that made resistance it would much blemish his reputation and that they would take example to do the like The Florentines hauing intelligence that the King resolued for to come to Florence and that his army had already passed the Appenine and then the cruelty which was vsed at the taking of Fiuizana did publikely detest the rashnesse of Pietro de Medicis who of himselfe without any necessity had so inconsiderately drawne vpon them the army of so potent a King assisted by the Duke of Milan and this rumour had like to haue raised a great tumult in the Citty Pietro terrified herewith and with the daunger which hee had before rashly contemned and perceiuing the aide promised by the Pope and Alphonso to be but à dreame precipirately resolued to goe seeke that safety amongst his enemies which hee could not hope for with his friends And there vpon leauing Florence and not farre on his way from the city hee heard say that the troupes of horse and fooâ—… sent by the Florentines to enter Serezzana were defeated by the French and all of them either slaine or taken This caused him to tarry at Pietra Sancta for a passe-port from the King whether the Bishop of Saint Malos and other Lords of the Court went to him to safe conduct him to the campe comming thither the same day that the King with the rest of his forces ioyned with his vantgard which beeing encamped before Serezanella battered it with the ordnance Presenting himselfe before the King hee was entertained with more ceremony then loue and perceiuing that the King did not much affect him by reason of his enemies reports hee resolued by all meanes to appease and satisfie him The next day beeing brought before him he granted all the kings demands which were excessiue viz. that the 〈◊〉 and castles of Pietra-Sanctâ—… Serezzana and Serezanella which were the keyes of the Florentine State and the forts of Pisa and of the hauen of Liuorne should be deliuered to the king who by a promise signed with his owne hand obliged himselfe to surrender them so soone as he should haue conquered the Realme of Naples That Pietro should cause the Florentines â—…o lend the king 〈◊〉 Ducats and that then hee should receiue them into his protection The consignation of the strong places was presently made for the money they wrote to Florence Pietro de Medicis did hereby much assure the State of Tuscany to the King and remooued all impediments from him on Romagnias side The Florentines aduertized of these Articles which Pietro de Medicis had agreed to the whole city was highly discontented with this reprochfull and dangerous wound giuen to their Commonwealth Pietro hauing notice of this rumor the better to prouide for his affaires before any greater troubles did arise tooke leaue of the King vnder collour of going to accomplish that which hee had promised But at his returne to Florence hee found most of the Magistrates banded against him and the mindes of his deerest friends greatly troubled and the next day as hee would haue entred into the councell chamber he was put back Hee returned home to his owne house destitute of courage and councell and presently left Florence beeing followed by the Cardinals Iohn and Iâ—…lian his bretheren who after their departure were declared enemies to the Common-wealth their houses ransacked which were very ritch in moouables and their goods confiscate Two of them the eldest and the younger went to Venice the second which was Cardinall Iohn staied for a time at Bolognia and then retired himselfe to some of his kinsfolke The King went from Serezzana to Luca and from thence to Pisa where the cittizens both men and women falling at his feete beganne to crie out liberty liberty infinitely complayning of the wrongs and iniuries done to them daily by the Florentines The King at the perswasion of some of his Lords not considering the importancy of the matter did freely grant their request wherevpon the people presently armed themselues and throwing downe the Florentines armes that were set vp in the publike places recouered their so much desired liberty repealing all those whom the Florentine Magistrates had bannished In this confusion of all things the King departed from Pisa hauing first deliuered the Cittadell to the Pisans keeping the new one of greater importance for himselfe and then went towards Florence Beeing come to Signa seuen miles from the city hee
and Venice and if any thing should happen otherwise then well their forces thus ioyned together they might easily preuent it This speech of Suares did highly content the Senate who being already iealous of King Charls his greatnesse and good fortune began to looke about them and to feare other matters not yet thought of Lodouicos distrust likewise of King Charles as well for that Iohn Iames Triuulce whom he had driuen forth of Milan receiued the Kings pay as because he had commanded the Duke of Orleance to attend him at Ast for Lodonico complained thereof to the Venetian Ambassador and told him that he would gladly leaue the French parts and make a league with the Venetians Beside all this Maximillians Ambassadors whose father the Emperor Frederick died that yeere did not cease to solicit the Senate to league it selfe with them against the French In the meane time Castelnouo and that Del-Ouo two Cittadels in Naples which yet held for Ferdinand yeelded to the French For Castelnouo the abode of Kings seated on the shoare was after some small defence yeelded to King Charles by the cowardize and basenesse of fiue hundred Lansequenets that lay there in Garrison And the castle Del Ouo built vpon a Rock in the sea beeing continually battered with Ordnance was content to yeeld if it were not releeued within eight daies The fort likewise of Gayetta notwithstanding that it was prouided of all necessaries did after some sleight assaults yeeld so as in a very short space the whole kingdome in a manner was with great facility reduced vnder the Kings obedience the Isle of Ischia excepted and certaine townes in Puglia and Calabria which still held out for the Arragonois King Charles did now no more entertaine the Venetian Ambassadors with such cheerefull countenance as hee was wont but oftentimes said That those who were not pleased with his comming into Italy for the conquest of the Realme of Naples should repent it This being reported at Venice caused them to hasten the conclusion of a new league to which end Lodouico had sent new Ambassadors Lorenzo Suares at his arriuall told them that his Kings pleasure was to haue him in his name to enter into the league on any conditions pleasing to the Senate Pope Alexander likewise did daily expect a fit time to ioyne himselfe with the Venetians and the rest hauing openly said that if the French returned to Rome hee would goe to Venice and no more behold them At last in the month of Aprill the Ambassadours of these Princes did in the City of Venice make confederacy betwixt the Emperour Kings of Spaine Venetians and Duke of Milan it was onely published for the defense of one an others States with reseruation of place for any else to enter into it that would But all of them thinking it more then necessary to draw the French King forth of the Realme of Naples concluded in their more secret capitulations that the Spanish companies that were in Sicily should aide Ferdinand of Arragon to recouer his Kingdome who much presuming of his peoples loue made meanes to enter into Calabria In this confederacy it was concluded that the Confederates should make account to entertaine an army of foure and thirty thousand horse and twenty thousand foot viz. That the Pope should furnish foure thousand horse Maximillian 6000. the King of Spaine 8000. the Venetians the like number and Lodouico as many And if any of them by reason of the long distance of place could not so soone as need were leuy the number of soldiers hee was rated at in sending to his associates six hundred pounds of gold they should for him furnish such forces These were the conditions of the Consederacie the which was so speedily and secretly concluded as Philip de Comines Lord of Argenton Ambassador for king Charles at Venice who went dayly to the Pallace and conferred with the other Ambassadors had neuer any inckling thereof and beeing the next day after it was concluded sent for into the Senate and vnderstanding by the Prince and Senators what had beene done he was in a manner like a man berest of his sences and when the Prince told him that they had not done it to make warre vpon any one but onely to defend them selues he recouered his spirits and said My King then shall not returne into France The Prince answered But hee shall if hee will returne as our friend and wee will willingly helpe him with whatsoeuer hee shall need After this answer hee went forth of the Senate so amazed as being at the staires foote he turned towards the Chancellor who accompanied him and said to him Good Sir tell mee what the Prince said for I haue for gotten it which he did Beside the insolency of the French by reason of the facility of their victory was so encreased as in respect of themselues they contemned all Italians for which the peoples loue towards them was already conuerted into mortall hatred and on the contrary their hatred towards the Arragonois into pitty and compassion to Ferdinand Wherevpon Naples and all the rest of the kingdome waited but for a fit occasion to repeale him King Charles had in a manner resolued before the conclusion of the league to returne presently into France prouoked therevnto by some occasion vnknowne to mee notwithstanding that diuerse important businesses were not ended in Naples his victory beeing not fully perfected by reason that the Realme was not yet altogether conquered But hauing intelligence that so many Princes were leagued against him and that the Venetians had called home their Ambassadors resident with him his minde was much troubled and hee consulted with his Lords what was best to bee done in a matter of so great importance His Councellers were of opinion to hasten his departure fearing that by his longer stay difficulties might increase and the Confederates haue time to make greater preparations Therevpon the King resolued to returne by land maugre all the Confederates seeing that hee wanted vessels to transport so great an Army by sea for the fleete which hee had prepared at Genoa was wrackt by tempest vppon the shore of Plombino the Admirall whereof and Antonio Prince of Salerno came to him by land In the meane time King Charles perceiuing that Lodouico as well as others had deceiued him was desirous to take the Citty of Genoa from him and to that eâ—…d sent Pietro Fregosa Cardinall thither who had beene Duke thereof and Obietta de Fiesca with eleuen Galleys the remainder of his whole fleete Then desirous to prosecute his owne returne he left Guilbert of Bourbon Duke of Montpensier Prince of the bloud his Lieutenant Generall in the kingdome with the moyety of the Suisse and part of the French footmen eight hundred French lances and fiue hundred Italian men at armes which were in his pay part of them vnder the command of the Prouost of Rome and the rest vnder Prospero
hee houered two whole dayes before the Citty of Naples expecting some popular commotion in the Citty which had been promised but it was in vaine for the French tooke good order there for that time so that the third day after Ferdinand dispayring of any good successe made to Sea determining to returne to Ischia The Cittizens of Naples who had resolued to deliuer the towne to Ferdinand their plot being halfe discouered determined to make a vertue of necessity and to win or loose all according to this resolution secretly sent a small boate to call back Ferdinand intreating him to land all or part of his forces to giue incouragement to those that intended to rise in his behalfe Vpon this aduertizement Ferdinand returned againe before Naples and then landed a mile from the Citty which the Duke Montpensier perceiuing sallied forth of Naples with all his forces to hinder his landing The Neopolitans then taking hold on occasion presently tooke armes and at the first ringing of the Toxin or larum bell made good the gates and began euery where to cry Ferdinand Ferdinand The French amazed at this suddaine tumult thinking it dangerous to abide betwixt the rebellious Citty and the enemies determined to returne to Naples but they were enforced to fetch a great compasse to come to the Gate neere Castelnouo for that through which they came forth was seazed on by the Neopolitans Ferdinand in the meane time entred the Citty on horseback where to the peoples incredible ioy he rode vp and downe The French entring at the Gate next the Castle did their best to get into the heart of the Citty but their attempts were vayne for at euery streetes end they found resistance and night approaching they retired into the Castle to gether with the Duke of Montpensier Yues of Alegre a famous Captaine Antonio Prince of Salerne and many other French and Italian Captaines of note Those of Capua Auersa the Fort Montdragon and other townes neere adioyning and the greatest part of the Kingdome did the like Those of Gayetta going about to follow their example were with great slaughter preuented by the French Garrison who in heate of blood sackt the Citty The Venetian Senate hauing intelligence that Ferdinand had recouered the Citty of Naples wrote to Antonio Grimani that he should no more assault any towne of the Kingdome in the Venetians name but to remaine at Monopoli to know their farther pleasure The Pope vnderstanding that the Venetian fleet was idle intreated the Senate that it might saile to Naples to aid Ferdinand this was granted and Antonio Grimani leauing 100. light horse and two Gallies for the gard of Monopoli went to Tarentum which held out against Ferdinand But Grimani being there aflicted with a flix sent twenty Gallies to Ferdinand vnder the command of Contaren the Prouidator and himselfe with the rest of the fleet for he had in the meane time receiued new supplies directed his course to Corfou At the same time the Florentines being desirous by all meanes to recouer Pisa and the Pisans being to weake to resist sent secret messengers to the Venetian Senate to intreat them to receiue their Citty into their protection and to hold it for a member of their state At first the Senate found the matter to be of such importance as they made no great hast either to refuse or accept it yet at last some Senators beganne to tast this offer and to harken vnto it as they who with the deseignes and hopes embraced the entire Monarchie of Italy for obtaining whereof they supposed that the Signory of Pisa would greatly auaile them in regard that their antient vnion with other Potentates was broken and most of those who were wont to resist them weakened as also because that Citty would giue them sure footing in Tuscany and extend their bounds as farre as the lower sea and therefore concluded to accept it as an offer sent from God This opinion being approued by the greatest part of the Senate the businesse was consulted on by the councell of Tenne that the resolution of it might bee kept more secret whose opinions being various the matter was put off till some other time Lodouico likewise was greedy to impatronize this Citty and therevpon seemed very ready vnder-hand to aid the 〈◊〉 against the Florentines whom he entertained with sundry practises The Pope mooued by Ferdinands intreaties wrote at the same time to the Venetians to send part of their Army returned from the seege of Nouara to aid Ferdinand to driue the French forth of the Realme of Naples promising that Ferdinand should engage certaine sea townes to them till they were satisfied for their expence in that warre The Senate not fully resolued to send the Army to the King commanded Bernarao Contaren to go before to Rauenna with 600. light horse to the end that if they should determine to send it he might be so farre onwards on his way This beeing vnderstood at Rome the businesse was prolonged for Cardinall Ascanio brother to Lodouico made a proposition that the Venetians should assist the King in that warre and yet haue no townes engaged to them Ferdinands Ambassadors that came to Venice to make an accord following the Cardinalls aduice demanded the army but offered no pawne The Senate knowing that this was Lodouicoes practise who enuied their greatnesse did on a sudaine dismisse the Ambassadors not suffering them to remain a moment in the Citty The Ambassadors spent many dayes to pacifie the Senate and notwithstanding that they promised that Ferdinand should deliuer three of his best Citties with their territories vnto them namely Trani Brundusium and Oâ—…ranto they would hardly agree to it had not the Confederate Ambassadors there present interceded for them whereuppon a new league was made by which the Venetians hauing first receiued the three townes were obliged speedily to send 600. men at armes and 3000. foot to Ferdinand and the Treasorer to the State did deliuer to Ferdinands Ambassadors 150. pounds of gold by way of loane with diuers other conditions which the Pope approoued and ratified as one hauing interest in the Realme of Naples The League thus made Commissioners were sent to Ferdinand to receiue the three townes and messengers to the Marquis of Mantoua to will him without delay to lead his troopes into the Realme of Naples These things thus concluded and diuulged caused diuers townes in the Kingdome which the French held presently to yeeld to Ferdinand the like did the two Castles in Naples King Charles after his returne into France sent the Lord of Argenton to Venice to tell the Senate that hee accounted their State to be comprehended in the accord made with Lodouico because their Generals Prouidators were present at it in which regard he intreated the Senate to surrender Monopoli to him which their Army had taken from his subiects and that they would no more assist Ferdinand The Venetians sent him back without
satisfying his Kings demands Charles raised a new army determining to send it by Sea to the releefe of Caietta vnder the Conduct of the Duke of Orleans who crauing to be excused from that iourney the army was dissolued and the determination to releeue those in the Kingdome of Naples vanished into ayre Lodouico hauing intelligence of what-soeuer was done in France and now no more fearing the French was aduertised by letters from his frends of the Pisans request made to the Venetians whervppon hee intreated the Senate to receiue him as an associate in the defense and protection of Pisa because that the Florentines were leagued with King Charles and him-selfe had taken their Ambassador in his owne Dominions which was going into France This businesse sundry times debated in the Senate it was at last concluded by the generall consent of the Ambassadors that Pisa should bee defended at the common charge of the Pope Venetians and Duke of Milan and that two thousand foot should bee leuyed at Genoa by the Venetians to bee sent to Pisa. Herevpon the Florentines raised 6000. foot and with the ordnance sent them to Pisa before the enemies forces were assembled hoping to take the cittie But comming neere to the gates those within the towne made a salley and after a furious charge vpon the enemy defeated and put them to route and tooke their ordnance Not long after Paulo Vitelli the Romane a valiant and braue Captaine forsooke the Pisans and went to Florence where beeing honorably entertained and made Generall of their Army hee marched with 10000. foote against the Pisans and at his arriuall lodged in the Citties suburbes from whence the townesmen did beate and repulse him but the Florentines winning them againe were enforced to quit them and to giue ouer the siege to defend their owne confines against Pietro de Medicis who was said to be comming with great forces against the citty of Florence accompanied by this kinsmen the Vrsini The Venetians in the meane time leuied fiue hundred foote at Genoa whom they sent to Pisa the like did Lodouico The Florentines hauing vsed all their cunning to take the Cittadell of Pisa as well by meanes of the King as money the gouernour thereof prouoked by his owne inclination to the French that were in Pisa or by secret Commissions from the Lord of Ligni whose Lieutenant hee was or else beeing enamored on a young maiden of Pisa for it is not likely that money alone would haue preuailed with him seeing hee might haue receiued a greater summe of the Florentines was very loath to yeeld vp the Castle but in the end beeing enforced by the Kings frequent commandements and threatnings hee surrendred it to the Pisans hauing first receiued twenty thousand Ducats of them whereof twelue thousand fell to his owne share and eight thousand for the soldiors that were in it The Pisans running in heapes to the Cittadell razed it downe to the ground But because they found themselues too weake to resist the Florentines they sent to craue ayde at one time of the Pope Emperor Venetians Duke of Milan Geneuois Seinoiâ—… and Lukeses but they were most earnest with the Venetians and Duke of Milan on whom they relyed more then on any other because hee had prouoked them to rebell and had speedily releeued them But the Duke though hee extreamly desired it did neuerthelesse doubt whither hee should accept it or no fearing least the other confederates should take it ill by whose councell the treaty of the State of Pisa had bin begun as a matter common to them all and standing in need of them hee durst not openly declare himselfe vntill the King were wholy forth of Italy But the Pisans then grew cold hoping to bee releeued by the Venetians who without sparing for any cost did bountifully supply them with all things wherevpon they betooke themselues to their protection and were receiued by the Senate after long contâ—…station among the Senators The Venetians at the same time had taken Astor Lord of Faenza into their pay and accepted the protection of his state which was very fit for to bridle the Florentines Bologneses and all the rest of Romagnia To these particular aides of the Venetians other supplies from the Confederates were ioyned for the Pope Venetians and Duke of Milan sent certaine companies of men at armes paid in common to the ayde of Ferdinand In the meane time Antonio Grimani beeing enforced by his indisposition of body to retire from Corfou to Venice Melchior Treuisan was in his steed sent as Generall to the fleet who going to Corfou with certaine Galleys did presently saile into Puglia and from thence into Calabria where hee vnited himselfe with the rest of the Venetian vessels and with them enforced diuerse townes to yeeld to Ferdinand Whilest the whole kingdome of Naples was filled with warre and troubles King Charles hauing vnderstood the losse of the two Castles in Naples through want of supplies began a new to bend his thoughts on the affaires of Italy and to determine to goe thither againe in person This desire dayly increasing in him wherevnto diuers great Lords both French and strangers prouoked him Therefore his councell concluded that Triuuâ—…cio who not long before was come forth of Italy to his Court should returne in post to Ast as Lieutenant to the King and with him eight hundred Launces two thousand Swisses and two thousand French foot that the Duke of Orleance should ere long follow him with greater forces and the King last of all with all prouisions moreouer that thirty ships in the hauens of Prouence where thirty Gallies Gallions were to be armed should saile through the Ocean with supplies of men victualls munition and money into the Realme of Naples and that in the meane time whilest the fleet was making ready certaine vessels well manned and victualled should bee sent thither The rumor of these preparations in France diuulged in Italy did much trouble the Confederates especially Lodouico Sforza who was the first to be exposed to the enemies fury but most of all when hee vnderstood that the King had dismissed his Agents with sharpe and bitter speeches He sent Ambassadors to the Emperor to draw him into Italy and others to Venice to request the Venetians to contribute towards this expence to preuent this common danger and to send certaine troupes to Alexandria to make head against the French The Venetians freely offered to send forces to Alexandria but they were not so willing to giue their consent for the Emperors passage who was no great friend to their State yet fearing least Lodouico whom they knew to bee fearefull and timorous should fully reconcile himselfe to the French King they agreed to send Ambassadors to the Emperor to the same end And standing in doubt of the Florentines they sent word to Giouan Bentiuole to make warre vpon them with such forces as the Confederates should furnish him on
Iunca returned into Sicely Pesare presented him with fiue hundred peeces of Malmsey and seuenty thousand weight of sweet meates of all sorts which the Senate had sent him from Venice Pesare aduertised that the enemy had made certaine Galleys at Preueze and that some of them were already lanched sayled thether with foureteene well armed Galleys and drew them thence notwithstanding all the enemies resistance and directed his course to Corfou there to trimme his vessels and to review his fleete The Senate in the meane time recompenced those who had well deserued in that warre as well those that were liuing as their heires that were dead The Precedent yeare the state had sent an Ambassador to Ladislaus King of Hungary to mooue him to warre vpon the Turke who after a long discourse did in the Senates name make a league and confederacie with him by which the King was bound to make warre on the Turke with his whole force and the Venetians to giue the King yearely at three distinct times three thousand pounds of gold The Pope would needs make one in this treatie of peace and sent a Cardinall thither for his Legate promising for three yeares space to giue foure hundred pounds of gold yearely to the same King Pesare hauing repaired his fleete determined to burne the Turkish Galleis at the mouth of the riuer Bojan but this enterprize tooke none effect because that the Turkes had inteligence of it who fearing the like danger as at Preâ—…ese with-drew their vessels fourteene miles vp the riuer from sea The Turke at the same time recouered the Castle of Iunca Pesari returning to Corfou had inteligence that the enemies Galleis vppon the riuer Bojan would shortly come forth hee sent certaine of his Galleis thither to keepe them in himselfe in the meane time with the rest of the fleet consisting of fiue and twenty Gallies returned into Morea where from the confines of Coron hee laded his Gallies with great numbers of men women and young children carrying them into Cephalonia desolute of inhabitants From thence hee returned to Corfou expecting the French King and King of Portugalls fleet Whilest these things were done abroade Prince Augustino Barbadico dyed at home hauiuing gouerned the Common-wealth fifteene yeare and in his place according to the vsuall manner Leonardo Loredano a man wise and noble was chosen LEONARDO LOREDANO the 75. Duke AT the first great Councell held after he was made Prince Benedetto Pesare Captaine General of the fleet was made Procurator of Saint Marke in steed of Philippo Troni who was newly dead In his time the French Fleet went to ayde the Venetians against the Turke the like did that of Portugall according to both those Kings promises but they came not both at one time nor to one place for that of Portugall went to Corfou and the French to Zant and yet neither the one or other did any great seruice to the State which hauing long time mainetained warre against the Turke alone of it selfe and in the company of the King of Hungary did at last make peace when it least thought thereof For those beeing redeemed who at the beginning of the warre were imprisoned at Constantinople Andre Gritti was one of the number who returning to Venice was by his Contrey-men kindly welcomed home He brought letters to the Senate from Achmet one of Baziazets cheefe Captaines which contained that if they were desirous to end the warre they should send one to Constantinople to treat of the conditions of peace and that hee would bee their freind The Senate vppon these letters sent word to Pesare to dissolue the fleet twenty Gallies excepted which he should keepe with him and wrote to Ladislaus King of Hungary sending him Achmets letters that they determined to send an Agent to Constantinople intreating him to doe the like to the end peace might be made with more honor Ladislaus vnderstanding the Senates determination did highly commend it and promised to grant what they demanded But the King prolonged the matter because if the Senate made peace with the Turke vnles there were som new agreement betwixt them he should be depriued of the yearly sum which the Signory gaue him wherevpon the Venetian Ambassadors that were in Hungary fearing to prolong the treaty with the Turke granted that the three thousand pounds of gold which they paid him yearely towards the war should if peace were made be reduced to three hundred pounds of gold so long as Baiazet liued In the mean time Baiazeth made peace with the Sophi therby finding himselfe more fit to continue warre against the Venetians grew haughty and told Achmet that he would not haue peace with the Venetians except they would redeliuer the Isle of Saint Maur which not long before they had taken from him The Senate aduertized thereof by Achmets letters written to Gritti and sent by an expresse messenger vnwilling any longer to consume them selues in expence by continuing the warre quitted that Island to Baiazeth and made peace with him reseruing the Isle of Cephalonia to them selues in old time called Leucadia The Venetians were much troubled for that the King of Portugall forestalling their traffick had appropriated vnto himselfe the trade for spices which their vessels and Marchants bringing from Alexandria did with meruailous profit vent into all places of Christendome For the Portugalls going by Sea into those remote partes and in the Indian Sea insinuating themselues into the friendship of the Kings of Calicut and other lands their neighbors haue gotten to themselues the Commerce for spices which the Alexandrian Marchants before were wont to haue and bringing them home into Portugall send them by sea into those places whether the Venetians vsed to trade But to returne to the Peace the Senate commanded thankes to bee giuen to God and three pounds of gold to be distributed to the Preists Baiazeth sent an ambassador vnto whom the Prince should sweare to obserue the peace as he had done to the Venetian Ambassador At the same time Lewis the French King sent Iohn Lascaris of Constantinople his Ambassador to the Venetians to request them to renew the league and Confederacy betwixt them for he being inforced to make warre vppon Gonsaluo Lieftenant Generall to the King of Spaine who had defeated his Army in Calabria was desirous to haue the Venetians take armes in his behalfe and to induce them therevnto propounded many faire conditions but they refused to renew the Confederacy and also his offers saying that they were satisfied with the old one Pope Alexander in the meane time supping in a Garden neere to the Vatican with the Duke Valentinois his sonne was on a sodaine carried thence for dead to his Pallace whither his sonne was likewise carried sick like the father and the day following the Pope dyed black and swelled and very vgly very euident signes of poyson but the Duke his sonne by reason of his youth and presently taking
law the vassall could not do it without the leaue of the chiefe Lord and that the same did preiudice those of Bolognia his subiects threatning him if he did not take away those imposts to make war vpon him The King heereby found himselfe greatly perplexed for on the one side it greeued him to make warre on the Pope and on the other hee would not forsake his friend the Duke of Ferrara beeing obliged to maintaiâ—… and defend him and the more the Pope did vrge him to forsake him the more constant he was in his defence After diuers reasons alleaged on either side that the King had propounded conditions whereby for the most part he should bee satisfied for those losses which hee should pretend to haue sustained by the Duke hee was moreouer content to bee bound according to the Popes request made vnto him that his army should not passe ouer the Riuer Po vnlesse it were to protect the Florentines and to molest Pandolpho Petrucci and Iohn Paul Baillon During all these differences the Lord of Chaumont had taken without any impediment with fifteene hundred Launces and tenne thousand footmen with great store of Ordnance followed by three thousand Pioners the Pollesin of Rouigo which the Venetians had abandoned and the tower Marquisana the Duke of Ferrara beeing ioyned with him with two hundred men at armes fiue hundred light horse and two thousand footmen Then he came to Castelbaldo and from thence to Montagnane and Este which he tooke at the first summons and gaue them to the Duke The Prince of Anhalt the Emperours Lieutenant came forth of Verona with three hundred French Launces two hundred men at armes and three thousand Lansquenets and following the Lord of Chaumont they came both together towards the Vincentine territory where the whole country did forthwith yeeld vnto them the Venetian army being retired into a place of safety by meanes whereof the Vincentines perceiuing themselues to be wholy forsaken hauing of themselues no meanes of defence had none other hope left but only in the victors mercy the which they did hope to obtaine by the meanes of the Lord of Chaumont of whom hauing gotten passe-port they came to the Campe in wretched habit where one of their number hauing with great humillity declared to the Prince of Anhalt the infinite and intollerable losses that they had susteined and the misery and calamity whereto they were brought to the end to mooue him to some compassion and to appease his wrath they receiued but a very vnpleasing and vngentle answere which in effect was to haue their liues goods and honours at his owne discretion The Vincentines being daunted with so cruell an answere remained for a certaine space like men without any motion or feeling and not knowing what to answere or thinke they at last by the Lord of Chaumonts councell fell downe prostrate on the earth and did absolutely referre themselues and their city into the conquerors hands But the Lord of Chaumont making intercession for them with diuers others the matter was so handled as the Prince of Anhalt was content to promise them that their persons should haue no harme but the disposing of their goods should be absolutely referred to his will and pleasure After the taking of Vincenza al be-it the Emperour did in no sort stirre against the Venetians as hee had promised hee would but on the contrary his companies decreasing dayly for want of pay the Lord of Chaumont neuerthelesse perceiuing that whatsoeuer had beene done till then was to no purpose vnlesse Legnaga were taken hee determined to goe and encampe before it where hauing ouercome the difficulties of the waters which the Venetians had in such sort let forth as the whole country was drowned therewith he wanne Porto which is a part of Legnaga and hauing caused foure thousand French foot and sixe peeces of ordnance to crosse ouer to the farther side of the Riuer Adicé hee beganne to batter the Bastion on both sides the Riuer part whereof being beaten downe the Prouidator who was within it al-be-it his souldiers did what they could to rampire it vp againe being danâ—…ed with feare retired on a sodaine the night following into the castle with certaine Venetian Gentlemen This retreat beeing knowne by daie breake the captaine of the footmen which were in the Bastion did yeeld on condition of safetie of liues and goods The Towne was forth-with sackt and they who kept the other Bastion fled thorow the Marshes The castle yeelded soone after on this condition that the Venetian Gentlemen should remaine prisoners and the souldiers should depart with white wands in their hands There did the Lord of Chaumontreceiue newes of the death of the Cardinall of Amboise his vncle whereat the Pope made great shew of contentation thinking that so long as he liued he shold euer haue an enemy And so much he told the Venetian Ambassador discoursing with him concerning other occurrents The Lord of Chaumont hauing left for the gard of Legnaga an hundred Launces with a thousand footmen determined to returne into the Dutchy of Milan according to the Kings command but by the Emperours entreaty he was countermanded till the month of Iune were ended by which time the Emperour promised to come into Italy and to the end his comming downe might bee more easie the Almaines desiring to recouer Marostic Ciuitella Basciana and other places neere about the Lord of Chaumont came and encamped with his army at Longare to keepe the Venetians troupes from entring into Vincenza wher was a weak Garrison but the Venetian army was retired to Padua The Almaines who were ioyned with the Lord of Chaumont went to Torricelles then to Ciuitella which soone yeelded the like did Marostic Basciana and other places not farre from thence which were abandoned by the Venetians From thence they marched towards Escalla which the Almaines did much desire to take because it was a commodious passage for those companies which were to come forth of Germany but they could not passe forward for the peasants wonderfully affecting the Venetians had possessed diuers places in the mountaine so that hauing taken Castel-noua by composition which is likewise a passage in that mountaine they returned to the Brente where they had formerly beene quartered From thence the Prince of Anhalt did by an other way send diuers foot-companies towards Escalla who passing by Feltre did spoile and burne it then being come to the place of Escalla they found it wholly abandoned and Couola likewise The Country of Friul was no lesse ruined and assaulted on euery side now by the Venetians and then by the Almaines now defended by some then spoiled by others There was nothing to be seene euery where but dead bodies and burnt and sackt places The time drawing neere that the French army was to depart the Emperour and the French King made new couenants together That the army should remaine there the next whole moneth
contracted with the French And if the Pope would call to minde the antient benifits of the French Kings not onely to the Venetian common-wealth but likewise to the Church and to consider the wealth and power of that Kingdome hee would not onely excuse but commend the Venetians councell and bee desirous himselfe to follow it because that beeing backed by the French forces and those of the Venetians there was likelihood that he should be able to lay surer foundations as well for the state of the Church as for the greatnesse and aduancement of his owne house This speech beeing pronounced by Prince Lauretan they made priuate remonstrance to Bembo how the Senate did greatly suspect that vnder that treaty of peace some deceit might lurke in regard it was practized by the Emperor by Ferdinand being assured that vnder collour of agreement they wold as at diuers other times practize some dangerous warre on the Venetians because that at the same time as the Spanish Ambassadour delt with the French King cōcerning the affaires of Italy Ferdinand had reuiued this treaty of peace to none other end but to cause the French King to suspect the Venetians friendship and thereby to separate himselfe from them the better afterwards to enforce them to agree with him to his owne great aduantage and that the same comming to passe the Venetians being so diuided from the French what should hinder Ferdinand to make himselfe master and quiet possessor of all Italy as long time before then he had aspired thereunto Bembo being returned to Rome reported all this to the Pope but before he left Venice he assured the Venetians that the Pope would neuer suffer any man to attempt against their State knowing very well that on them depended the liberty of Italy and that he was to rely on them for the greatnesse and maintenance of the house of Medicis The Venetians made declarations that they did not greatly care for that agreement for thereby they should be depriued of the richest and goodliest city belonging to their state which was Verona and that which maintained them therein was the hope which they had that the French King would shortly come into Italy For King Lewis being prouoked with a desire to recouer the Dutchy of Milan had made peace with Henry King of England and made preparations to repasse the mounts and to come into Lombardy with a mighty army wherevnto the Venetians being ioyned they hoped with ease to chace their enemies from their bounds and confines This hope caused them to send Ambassadors to the French King and to the King of England their friends for to continue them still in their affection towards them and to this end were appointed Francisco Donato and Petro Paschalic but in Donato his stead who fell sicke Sebastian Iustinian was sent thither Their chiefe commission was to congratulate both of them for the peace and alliance contracted betwixt them King Lewis hauing married King Henries sister and to thanke them for that in the treaty of agreement made betwixt them they had therein comprehended the Venetians by name as their friends and confederates That they should moreouer assure the French King that the Senate did beare the same loue-towards him as it had done in times past determining to preferre his friendship before any others resoluing to renue the warre if he so pleased and that to that end they should councell him to returne speedily into Italy where he should find the Venetian forces ready to ioyne with his Now whilest these Ambassadors were on their way King Lewis died for as hee ouer ardently tooke his pleasure on the excellent beauty of his new wife who was not aboue eighteene yeeres old not remembring his age nor the weakenesse of his complexion he was taken with a feuer beside which being troubled with a continuall flixe hee soone departed out of this present life and made the first day of the yeere 1515. famous by his death It was thought that his death would haue bread great alterations Yet for all that they did not call backe the Ambassadours but commanding them to goe forward on their iourney they were enioyned to stay at a certaine place to expect a new commission from the Senate King Lewis was a lust Prince and welbeloued of his subiects who neither before that hee was King nor afterward did euer finde either bad or good fortune firme and constant to him The ioy which they had of King Lewis his death who desired not the returne of the French into Italy lasted not long For Francis Duke of Angoulesme succeeded Lewis the twelfth as the next in ligne Masculine of the Royal bloud and of the very race of the Dukes of Orleance whose vertues and magnanimity was admired of all men who with the title of French King did likewise take that of Duke of Milan as belonging vnto him not only by the antient claime of the Dukes of Orleance but as being comprized in the inuestiture which the Emperour made according to the treaty of Cambray and besides he had the same desire to recouer it as his predecessor had The which he neuerthelesse dissembled for the present seeking first of all to practize the friendship of other Princes diuers of whose Ambassadors came forth-with to him whom hee graciously receiued and among others those of the Venetians hauing had new commissions sent vnto them to Lyons where they staied with whom he confirmed the league in the same forme as it had beene made with his predecessor and he caused the Bishop of Ast to doe the like in his name who being sent to Venice by King Lewis tarried still there The Venetians who already did make great account of the friendship of the French and had enioyned Marco Dandulo their Ambassador to sound what the new Kings minde was concerning their alliance and confederacy were exceeding glad when they receiued his letters and had seene the Bishop of Ast his commission praising his gentlenesse beeing desirous to shew how highly they esteemed his friendship and therefore they commanded their Ambassadors to giue him great thankes for the loue which he seemed to beare to their Republike and his desire to aide and succour them promising him to employ themselues with like affection in ought that should concerne his seruice and would vse meanes that the French might againe hold some dignity in Italy to the enemies feare and terror and to the maintenance and stay of the Republike their friend and confederate They should likewise perswade him to hasten his iourney and assure him that the chiefe point of victory consisted in speed and not to giue the enemies leisure who were now weake to strengthen themselues as also for feare least the City of Crema which did import much for the recouery of the State of Milan should incurre some danger in regard it had of a long time endured many discommodities of warre so as it was reduced to the
with all the troopes 〈◊〉 within it and the Marquis of Pescara to Lauda but they gaue 〈◊〉 order that 〈◊〉 might be well fortefied and stored with soldiers and all other necessary prouisions into the which Aâ—…tonia de 〈◊〉 entred with three hundred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and fiue thousand foot partly Spaniards and Almaines 〈◊〉 all of them old soldiers In this sort did the French recouer the Citty of Milan into the which the King would not haue the army enter least they should sack it At the same time Iohn Stuard Duke of Albanie appointed by the King to goe and enuade the Realme of Naples with two hundred Lances seauen hundred light horse and foure thousand Suisses craued passage of the Pope thorow the Churches territories and thorow Tuscany to march to that enterprise which was resolued on to draw the Imperiall forces thither to the end that the defence of the state of Milan might bee weakned where dayly sundry townes yeelded without any great difficulty All the cheefe exploits of warre were neere vnto Pauia whither the King with his whole army was come to besiege it resoluing not to stirre from thence till hee had taken it thinking that it would greatly diminish his reputation if hauing so goodly an armie hee should leaue such a Citty behinde him so well stored with Soldiors and victuals as that was The King had according to the common report not reckoning those who stayed at Milan two thousand Lances eight thousand Lansquenets sixe thousand Suisses sixe thousand Pioners and foure thousand Italians the number of whom did afterwards very much encrease with great prouision of Artillery and the flower of all the French Nobility The Imperials on the other side placed their chiefe hope in the conseruation of that Citty and therefore all men were desirous to see what the euent of that siege would bee especially the Pope and the Venetians fearing on the one side the French Kings armes who was displeased with them if hee should prooue the victor and on the other those of the Imperialls if chasing thence the French they should become maisters of Italy Amidst these sundry thoughts they shewed themselues in a manner newters neither sending their forces to the ayde of the Imperialls nor agreeing in any sort with the French expecting with good deuotion the successe of Pauia which beeing reduced to a siege did seeme would bee very long The Pope neuerthelesse thinking it to bee a part of his duty to procure peace betwixt these Princes sent his Datarie to the Kings Campe to treate of an agreement wherevnto the King seemed to condiscend the Viceroy was soone aduertised thereof by his Holynesse to the end hee might testifie that his desire was conformable to the duty wherevnto hee was obliged by the place and degree that hee held to vnite the Emperor and the most Christian king in a firme peace and friendship that all of them together might afterwards arme against the power of Soliman who was already in the field with a mighty Armie The conditions of the treaty of peace propounded by the Pope were That the Emperor should enioy the kingdome of Naples and the French king the Duchy of Milan with particular promise not to passe on any farther into Italy without the Popes knowledge and consent This treaty hauing continued for certaine daies no effect thereof succeeded but onely iealousies betwixt the French and Spaniards wherevpon the Venetians were againe solicited by both parties to fauour their sides The Count of Carpi came to Venice from the French to solicite the Senate to renue their alliance with the most Christian king or at leastwise that they would not bee against him The Viceroy on the other side sent Charles of Arragon thither to require them to send those forces which they were bound to by the capitulations of the league They answered the French Ambassador in generall termes how that they had referred all that businesse to the Pope but to him the Viceroy sent albeit they did not refuse his demand yet neuerthelesse they answered coldely as those who knew very well how to fit their councels to the euent of things and this irresolution of theirs continued till such time as the Pope had very secretly concluded with the French king both for himself them wherevpon when they came to resolution in the Senate their opinions were different either because in many of them the memory of their ancient â—…lliance with the French King was renewed or else for that they supposed hee would prooue victorious in regarde of the great forces that hee had ready in Italy against enemies that were wholy vnready and very ill prouided of all necessaries which caused them rather to encline to the French then to the Imperials According then to this resolution a peace and league betwixt the Pope the King and the Venetians was determined and concluded at Rome with the Ambassadors in the beginning of Ianuary the yeare 1525. and confirmed afterwards by the Senate at Venice This treaty beeing handled very secretly the Senate beeing most importunately vrged by the Emperors Ambassadors to ioyne their troopes with the Imperiall Armie after sundry excuses answered that they would not contradict the Popes command and least of all at that time when they were vpon a treaty of peace which his Holynesse pursued by the Emperors consent and that therefore they would not interrupt it nor bee a a meanes to prolong the warre The league beeing thus concluded the French King sent the Bailiffe of 〈◊〉 to Venice to congratulate them and to assure them of his loue to the Common-wealth from which hee promised neuer to diuide himselfe Hee did afterwards require that the same accord which was secretly concluded might be published abroad wherevnto the Venetians did freely condescend thinking it to bee the best thereby to cause the Imperials who expected their ayde to hope no longer for it and that they beeing destitute of their helpe dispairing of beeing able to keepe the State of Milan might retire some-where else or incline to peace The Pope was of a contrary opinion saying That the treaty ought not to be published the better to reduce the Imperials to greater necessity and danger which would happen so soone as the French should passe the Po which they said they would doe promising to repasse it at the Popes pleasure but time and necessity pressing him to discouer himselfe in regard hee was to grant passage to the Duke of Albany thorow the Churches territories for his iourney into the Realme of Naples the Pope made shew as if the Duke of Albany would passe by force and violence with his troopes thorow the lands of the Church and the Florentines and that for himselfe hee would remaine neutrall in that warre and seeke to procure an vniuersall peace and concord protesting against those two Princes and admonishing them both to throw downe Armes to come to an agreement
and to lay in deposito in the hand of a third person not suspected whatsoeuer did yet hold out in the Dutchy of Milan for the Emperor and Duke Hee gaue notice thereof to the Viceroy by Paul Vettori Captaine of his Galleys as also how he could not stop the Duke of Albanies passage but that it behooued him to bee assured of him by new conuentions hee likewise sent him diuerse other articles which hee hoped to insert in the peace These propositions caused the Imperialls to suspect that the Pope had agreed with the French King as in effect hee had done for perceiuing themselues enforced at one time with great want of money to maintaine the warre in Lombardie and to haue an eye to the kingdome of Naples they could neuer bee ayded eyther by the Pope or the Florentines and were besides very well assured that the Venetians would forsake them who entertaining the Imperiall Captaines with hope that they would obserue the league did deferre the execution thereof with sundry excuses so as the Viceroy was euen at the point to returne with his Army into the Realme of Naples for the safety thereof But in the Councell held for that purpose the opinion of the Marquis of Pescara did wholy prâ—…uaile who shewing himselfe no lesse couragious then discreet sayd That it was most necessary to continue the warre of Lumbardy and that on the victory thereof all other matters did depend The Emperor at the same time according to his alliance made with the King of England did so handle the matter that the said king should the yeare following come to Calais with a mighty army to make war on France who to that end sent a Knight to the Emperors Campe which caused the Imperials to hold out more boldly as being assured that the Christian King assailed in his own Realme would be enforced to raise his camp to hast thither for the defence thereof the agreement made betwixt the Pope himself the Venetians being not as yet diuulged The newes then of the King of Englands great warlike preparations for his comming downe into France beeing blazed abroad caused the Venetians not to hasten the publication of the agreement fearing least the King vpon that report might bee enforced to lead his forces else where But the successe of the enterprise of Lombardy and of all other deseignes depended at the last on the siege of Pauia which held out longer then all men expected the which the Pope and the Venetians did very much distaste not altogether so much for the length thereof as fearing least the French Captaines impatient of so long stay should perswade the King to goe and charge the enemies and by that meanes commit to the hazard of fortune not oney his Armie but likewise their states and the liberty of Italy which hauing none other meanes to withstand the Imperialls if they should become victorious would prooue their prey In the meane time the siege of Pauia still continued notwithstanding that for want of munition the battery did in some sort cease which was forth-with remedied by the Duke of Ferrara who caused great store to bee brought to the Campe thorow the Paâ—…mesan and Placentine tenitorics by the carriages and beasts of husbandmen But the Imperiall forces beeing augmented by the succours which were newly arriued and the Viceroy hauing notice of the decay of the Kings Armie by reason of the long winter that they had continued in field as also that the King had diuiden his Army namely those whom the Duke of Albany led and fiue thousand men that the Marquis of Saluces had with him at Sauona and the places neerc 〈◊〉 besides great numbers of others who remained as well at Milan as in other places for the safety of Victuals determined till the Duke of Bourbon with the Lansquenets should arriue to marche into the field for the reliefe of 〈◊〉 But the Duke of Bourbon arriued in the meane time with fiue hundred Bourgonian men at armes and six thousand Lansquenets whom the Archduke paide wherevpon pursuing their iourney not determining to giue the King battaile vnlesse it were vpon great aduantage but onely to trye if they could put fresh succours and victuals into the Citty they came and lodged without the Parke on the side of the Chartreuse with in Cannon shot of the Kings Campe who beeing perswaded by all his followers to discampe and to retire either to Binasca or to Milan and that therby without bloud or danger hee might forthwith obtaine the victory because that the enemies Army beeing without money could not long hold out but would bee enforced to dissolue it self or to be scartered vp and down heere and there about the countrey Hee would not for all that giue ouer the fiege of Pauia thinking that it would highly shame and disgrace him if that Army wherein hee was in person should see me to be afraide and giue place at the enemies comming The Imperialls then hauing made two squadrons of horse and foure of foot they came thorow she Parke wall of which they had beaten downe three score â—…athom some of them directly to Mirabel the residue to the kings camp where after â—… so 〈◊〉 fight oâ—…â—…ither side the king being with great numbers of meÌ„ at armes in the midst of the battaile fighting valiantâ—…y his horse was slaine vnder him and falling to the ground being 〈◊〉 in the face and in the hand was taken by fiue soldiore 〈◊〉 knew him not but the Viceroy 〈◊〉 hee made himselfe knowne to him who with great reuerence kissed his hands and receiued him prisoner for the Emperor All the French Army was forthwith put to rout the greatest part of the 〈◊〉 were disarmed the rereward of 〈◊〉 excepted conducted by the duke of Alançon This so great famous a victory obteined by the Imperials ouer the French did greatly afflict the Venetians with care fore-seeing the great burthen they were to vndergoe the counterpoize of the French forces failing them and all the other Princes of Italy beeing too weake to make resistance and were greatly affrighted with that successe they alone beeing to defend the liberty of Italy against such a mighty enemy growne great in strength and reputation beeing yet doubtfull whether hee would conteine himselfe within the limits of the Dutchy of Milan or else beeing puffed vp with that fortunate successe passe on farther and follow the course of his victory Their whole forces were but a thousand men at armes sixe hundred light horse and tenne thousand foot and resoluing to leuy more they exhorted all the other potentats of Italy to do the like according to their strength and means but they cheefely laboured to vnite themselues with the Pope supposing that all other Italian Princes would depend on his authority vnto whom after they had declared all the eminent dangers that threatened them and that he had attentiuely heard them they would not for
Popes Nephewes being declared enemies to their country when as the Duke of Vrbin arriued opportunely at Florence during these stirs who so soone as he perceiued the Duke of Bourbon to direct his course towards Tuscany taking with him fourescore gentlemen forth of the army with the Prouidator Pisani and Fredericâ—… Bozzola went speedily to Florence to continue the Florentines in their fidelity towards the league He by his arriuall did frustrate the deseignes of the contrary faction which was affrighted to see the army so neere hauing no assurance of any reliefe from elsewhere so as he reduced matters to their former state without any effusion of bloud for that time and delt besides in such sort as the Florentines should be vnder the protection of the league and should maintaine at their owne charge in the confederates caâ—…pe two hundred and fifty men at armes and fiue thousand foot or a greater number if the Pope should so appoint it Whilest these things were done in Florence the other confederates renued the league at Rome by which they promised the Venetians to contribute towards the expence of their army prouided that it did not depart foâ—…th of Tuscany or the Churches State without the Popes permission and that it would be one of the first in the enterprize of Naples These conditions seeming to hard to the Senate were not accepted Dominico Veniâ—…ro their Ambassador for being to forward in his offers was called home to Venice and as one guilty for going beyond his commission was deliuered ouer into the hands of the Auogario to haue his processe made and Francisco Pesare was sent Ambassador in his stead The Duke of Bourbon either for that hee despaired of being able to make any attempt vpon Florence by reason that all the confederates forces were not farre from thence or for that he was euer dâ—…sirous to goe to Rome determined to march thither being partly prouoked by the negligence and small care that they had in Rome to prouide for the daungers which threatned it because that the Pope relying in vaine on the people and on a great number of husbandmen that were retired thither of whom more then fiue thousand were armed had not taken care to leauy new forces and least of all to prouide for those that he already had namely that hauing giuen charge to Philippin Doria to leauy three thousand foot-men he hauing raised one thousand and brought them to Ciuitauecchia his Holinesse did not vouchsafe to send for them to come to Rome for the gard of the City and caused his Datary to write to Count Guy of Rangon who lay at Ottriccoli with great numbers of foot not to come to Rome vnlesse hee should bee expresly commanded by him so to doe notwithstanding that the Earle was aduertized from the Duke of Vrbin that the Duke of Bourbon marched thitherwards and that he might haue come thither in time but hee durst not disobey the Popes commandement so that diuers did blame him for it saying that in such a case he should haue obeyed the Duke of Vrbin as captaine Generall of the league The Duke of Bourbon then departing forth of the country of Arezzo without artillery or baggage and marching with incredible speed not being hindred by the raine which at that season was very great nor yet by want of victuals he came neere to Rome before such time as the Pope had scarcely any aduertizement of his comming and hee found no resistance neither at Viterbo whether the Pope had not sent forces in time nor yet in any other place yet neuerthelesse before hee would come nere to the walles hee sent to the Pope to demaund passage for his army into the Kingdome of Naples as hee said beeing mooued therevnto by reason of the small store of victuals which hee had and fearing least by his long tarrying that hee might bee surprized by the army of the league who very neerely pursued him or as others thought by a martiall arrogancy to haue some collour for that which he had in his minde determined to doe The Pope would not regard his demands nor yet heare them as well because hee knew already the inward policies of the enemy as for the great trust which he reposed in the people of Rome and in the leagues nauall army of sixe and twenty gallies that lay at Ciuitauecchia with certaine companies of foot-men As also for that Rance de Cera vnto whom the Pope gaue the chiefe defense of the City of Rome had rampired the suburbes in the defense whereof hee so much trusted that al-be-it they were in all mens iudgements very weake hee would not permit the bridges vpon Tiber to be cut for the safety of Rome if the suburbes and part of the City beyond Tiber could not be defended and had besides made such bad prouision of all necessaries as it encouraged the enemies to approach the walles and to come to the assault with ladders The defendants did not descry the enemies till it was almost to late by reason of a thick mist which sodainely arose wherewith the enemies army was couered vntill it came to the very place where they gaue the assault where Antonio de Moâ—…tfalcone was in gard with an hundred souldiers vnto whose rescue diuers of the armed people came running who for a certaine space susteined the enemies attempts But the Imperials continuing the assault very fiercely these new vnexperienced souldiers perceiuing daunger hourely to encrease forsooke the defense and committed themselues to flight The Duke of Bourbon at the beginning of their assault marching formost went before all the companies where being shot into the body by an Harquebuze he fell downe dead to the ground The Prince of Orange being very neere him when he fell caused him forthwith to be couered with a cloake to the end the souldiers might not be daunted by the death of their Generall and then he did hotly purfue the victory The Pope who in the palace of the Vatican attended what would bee the euent thereof hearing that the enemies had entred did forth-with flie with diuers Cardinals and other Prelats to the castle Saint Angelo The Lords Rance de Cera and Langey hauing laboured in vaine to mooue the people to take armes for their owne defense and had sought valiantly with those few forces they could gather together and with them a long time kept the castle bridge were at last enforced to retire The City beeing thus abandoned and all the people in confusion and flight the enemies on all sides entred it and became Masters thereof without any difficulty Philippin Doria and Count Guy so soone as they perceiued the Duke of Bourbon to march towards Rome did on a sodaine without wayting for any other commandement set forwards to rescue the Pope with the forces of Ciuitauecchia and Oruietta but the Duke of Bourbon by his speed hauing preuented them and shut vp all the passages by which they were to follow him
did enforce them to returne from whence they came Now the Duke of Vrbin hauing set forward to follow the enemies but very slowly by reason of the hindrances of his campe did at last with the whole army come as farre as Viterbo who finding all the country to be spoiled by the enemies hee was enforced by want of victuals to tarry there his army beeing by sundry accidents much diminished hauing in all but seuen thousand men in stead of thirty thousand appointed by the confederates The army lodging in that place the light horse and foot-men did oftentimes scoure the whole Country where meeting with the Imperiall souldiers that were laden with great spoile and disbanded comming from Rome they striped them of all they had Besides that at the taking of the City all manner of crueltie was vsed faction would at least haue preuailed those of Medicis beeing driuen from the publike gouernment and Hippolito and Alessandro of Medicis the Popes Nephewes being declared enemies to their country when as the Duke of Vrbin arriued opportunely at Florence during these stirs who so soone as he perceiued the Duke of Bourbon to direct his course towards Tuscany taking with him fourescore gentlemen forth of the army with the Prouidator Pisani and Fredericâ—… Bozzola went speedily to Florence to continue the Florentines in their fidelity towards the league He by his arriuall did srustrate the deseignes of the contrary faction which was affrighted to see the army so neere hauing no assurance of any reliefe from elsewhere so as he reduced matters to their sormer state without any effusion of bloud for that time and delt besides in such sorâ—… as the Florentines should be vnder the protection of the league and should maintaine at their owne charge in the confederates campe two hundred and fifty men at armes and fiue thousand foot or a greater number if the Pope should so appoint it Whilest these things were done in Florence the other confederates renued the league at Rome by which they promised the Venetians to contribute towards the expence of their army prouided that it did not depart forth of Tuscany or the Churches State without the Popes permission and that it would be one of the first in the enterprize of Naples These conditions seeming to hard to the Senate were not accepted Dominico Veniero their Ambassador for being to forward in his offers was called home to Venice and as one guilty for going beyond his commission was deliuered ouer into the hands of the Auogario to haue his processe made and Francisco Pesare was sent Ambassador in his stead The Duke of Bourbon either for that hee despaired of being able to make any attempt vpon Florence by reason that all the confederates forces were not farre from thence or for that he was euer dâ—…sirous to goe to Rome determined to march thither being partly prouoked by the negligence and small care that they had in Rome to prouide for the daungers which threatned it because that the Pope relying in vaine on the people and on a great number of husbandmen that were retired thither of whom more then fiue thousand were armed had not taken care to leauy new forces and least of all to prouide for those that he already had namely that hauing giuen charge to Philippin Doria to leauy three thousand foot-men he hauing raised one thousand and brought them to Ciuitauecchia his Holinesse did not vouchsafe to send for them to come to Rome for the gard of the City and caused his Datary to write to Count Guy of Rangon who lay at Ottriccoli with great numbers of foot not to come to Rome vnlesse hee should bee expresly commanded by him so to doe notwithstanding that the Earle was aduertized from the Duke of Vrbin that the Duke of Bourbon marched thitherwards and that he might haue come thither in time but hee durst not disobey the Popes commandement so that diuers did blame him for it saying that in such a case he should haue obeyed the Duke of Vrbin as captaine Generall of the league The Duke of Bourbon then departing forth of the country of Arezzo without artillery or baggage and marching with incredible speed not being hindred by the raine which at that season was very great noâ—… yet by want of victuals he came neere to Rome before such time as the Pope had scarcely any aduertizement of his comming and hee found no resistance neither at Viterbo whether the Pope had not sent forces in time nor yet in any other place yet neuerthelesse before hee would come nere to the walles hee sent to the Pope to demaund passage for his army into the Kingdome of Naples as hee said beeing mooued therevnto by reason of the small store of victuals which hee had and fearing least by his long tarrying that hee might bee surprized by the army of the league who very neerely pursued him or as others thought by a martiall arrogancy to haue some collour for that which he had in his minde determined to doe The Pope would not regard his demands nor yet heare them as well because hee knew already the inward policies of the enemy as for the great trust which he reposed in the people of Rome and in the leagues nauall army of sixe and twenty gallies that lay at Ciuitauecchia with certaine companies of foot-men As also for that Rance de Cera vnto whom the Pope gaue the chiefe defense of the City of Rome had rampired the suburbes in the defense whereof hee so much trusted that al-be-it they were in all mens iudgements very weake hee would not permit the bridges vpon Tiber to be cut for the safety of Rome if the suburbes and part of the City beyond Tiber could not be defended and had besides made such bad prouision of all necessaries as it encouraged the enemies to approach the walles and to come to the assault with ladders The defendants did not descry the enemies till it was almost to late by reason of a thick mist which sodainely arose wherewith the enemies army was couered vntill it came to the very place where they gaue the assault where Antonio de Montfalcone was in gard with an hundred souldiers vnto whose rescue diuers of the armed people came running who for a certaine space susteined the enemies attempts But the Imperials continuing the assault very fiercely these new vnexperienced souldiers perceiuing daunger hourely to encrease forsooke the defense and committed themselues to flight The Duke of Bourbon at the beginning of their assault marching formost went before all the companies where being shot into the body by an Harquebuze he fell downe dead to the ground The Prince of Orange being very neere him when he fell caused him forthwith to be couered with a cloake to the end the souldiers might not be daunted by the death of their Generall and then he did hotly pursue the victory The Pope who in the palace of the Vatican attended what would bee
opinion to passe on nofarther with the army the which was allowed almost by all the other Captains and therefore hee did speely aduertize the Senate saying that for to releeue the Castle it behooued him to haue greater forces then he then had and in particularizing them he did affirme that to draw the Pope from thence there ought to bee in the army the number of sixteene thousand Swisses leuied by a decree of the Cantons not accounting those that were already there and besides the Swisses tenne thousand Italian Harqueguziers three thousand Pioners and fourtie peeces of ordnance These newes did greatly displease the Venetians in regard of the delaying of matters and of the Popes troubles and wearysomenesse which was much encreased by reading of a letter written by the Pope to his Liuetenant Guicciardyne who sent it to the Senate by the which hee entreated solicited and coniured the confederates by all meanes to procure his deliuerance The Senate therefore hauing heard of the opposition and hinderance made by the Prouidator Vitturi concerning the approach of the army neere to Rome discharged him of his office and being called home to Venice he was committed to the Auogario there to yeeld an account of his actions The Senate in the meane time insisting more earnestly in the same resolution to releeue the Pope and to draw him from thence wrote to the Generall and to the Prouidators to vse all meanes possible for that purpose to approach neere to the Castle the which the Generall refusing chose rather to giue ouer his place which the Senators tooke in bad part but after that the one and the other of them were appeased they confirmed him in the place of Generall for two yeares more The French on the other side greatly detesting the Popes imprisonment and enuying the Spaniards fortunate successe made great preparations of warre the King making account to come to Lyons to take order for the affaires of war hauing first commanded fifteene thousand Swisses to be leuied and tenne thousand Italian foote And that hee might like-wise haue a nauall army for that purpose hee tooke Andre Doria to his pay with eight Gallies and promised to giue him a yearely entertaynement of sixe and thirty thousand crownes and appointed the Lord of Lautrec Captaine Generall of all the troupes by land where-with the Venetians being highly pleased did the more to honour him appoint Petro Pesare Procurator of Saint Marke their Ambassador who should meet him at his comming into Italy and waite vpon him wheresoeuer hee went The Imperialls in the meane time that were in Rome albeit that their number was much encreased by the arriuall of the Spaniards that came from Naples finding them-selues to bee foure and twenty thousand foote tooke their leisure enioying with ease the wealthy spoyles that they had gotten at the sacke of the Citty their Captaines beeing not able neither to cause them to come fourth of the towne nor yet to restraine their vnbrideled licence two companies alone of Lancequenets leauing the Citty went and spoyled Terni and Narni going on no farther not-with-standing that the Confederates army was farre enough of for those of the league hauing lost their hope of the enterprize of Rome the Venetians following the Marquis of Salusses and all the French went and encamped on the confines of the Siennois to assure thereby the Florentines Territories and to bring them to this passe the which they did to ratifie the league and to entertaine fiue thousand foote in the army at their owne charges wherein they shewed them-selues so much the more willing and ready by how much they were neere vnto danger the Imperiall Captaines threatning to turne their forces vpon them being displeased with them for that in the beginning of the Popes misfortune they had made some shew to follow the Emperors party and yet after-wards had cleaued to his enemies The Venetian forces did at that time consist of sixe thousand Italian footemen two thousand Lancequenets thirteene hundred light horse and two thousand men at armes and the French Infantery was not aboue seauen thousand foote-men albeit the King paid a greater number But the great dearth of victuall and the sharpe diseases which did dayly decrease the army did hinder them from enterprizing any matter By reason whereof the enemies forces being encreased and those of the league diminished the Pope hauing lost all hope of speedy releef did wholly incline to practizes of agreement and hoping to haue a better composition of the Viceroy who was at Sienna he sent for him and by the same meanes entreated the Duke of Vrbin to suffer him safely to come to Rome The Viceroy went willingly and in great hast to the army not so much for the Popes profit as for the hope he had to be made General therof But being arriued at Rome whither he came by a safe conduct of the Captains of the league he had notice that the Lancequenets and Spaniards wisht him no good who after the Duke of Bourbons death had chosen the Prince of Orange for their Generall so as he had not the courage to speake of any agreement with the Pope but much lesse to tarry there for being not gracious in the eyes of the army he had no more authority neither in the affaires of warre nor in the treaty of agreement with the Pope who at the last being banckrout of all hope did on the sixth day of Iune make an agreement with the Imperialls on the same conditions in a manner as he might before then haue decreed vpon with them That the Pope should pay vnto the army foure hundred thousand Ducats should deliuer to the Emperor to keepe so long as he should thinke good the Castle of Saint Angelo the Forts of Ostia Ciuitauechia and Ciuitacastelane with the Citties of Placentia Parma and Modena For the accomplishment of which matters the Pope being not yet wholly set at liberty was to remaine prisoner in the Castle with the Cardinalls that were with him who were thirteene in number vntill the army had receiued the first paiment which was of one hundred and fifty thousand Ducats and that afterwards they should goe to Naples or Gayetta to expect in that place how the Emperour would determine of them This manner of proceeding did greatly displease the Venetians but the Pope fearing his owne life because of the Colonesi and the Lancequenets was enforced to allow of this agreement albeit that it was very preiudicial to him whervpon the Venetians hoping that time might bring them better fortune determined to keepe the Citty of Cremona and to that end caused the army which they had in Lombardy neere to Crema to crosse foorthwith the riuer Adda to put a Garrison into that Citty and to hinder the consignation of the others by breaking the condition agreed vpon and by spoyling the Contrey neere to Milan and Pauia to molest and weaken the Imperialls Now the Castle
quited and determined to seeke them out and to offer them battaile mooued chiefly therevnto as hee said afterwards for feare least his army should on a sodaine dissolue it selfe and depriue him of the fruite of other fortunate successes till then obtained for want of pay For payment being to come from France he perceiued that the King did openly shew himselfe to be weary of so great expences and his officers to be negligent in appointing necessary prouisions hee had besides great hope to winne the victory the Marquis of Salâ—…ss es being ioyned with him and daylie expecting the Venetian and Florentine troupes consisting of very choice footmen On the contrary notwithstanding that the number of souldiers in the Imperiall campe was not inferiour to the French their valour neuerthelesse was much diminished as well by the great sicknesse as by the disorder and excesse which they had for the space of many monthes committed whereby their bodies and mindes being become weake and effeminate had in a manner lost all their vsuall brauery and besides those souldiers beeing wont to liue at pleasure with an extraordinary liberty did no more obserue as they ought martiall discipline Moreouer Lautrec was much stronger then the enemy in cauallery and prouision of ordnance whereby it seemeth that he did not without cause perswade himselfe to obtaine the victory and to conquer that whole State The Imperiall army hauing intelligence that Lautrec approached came forth of Troy and hauing possest a little hill which rised towards the plaine did their encampe and fortifie it selfe Lautrec beeing come neere therevnto placed his souldiers in order of battaile determining notwithstanding that the Venetian and Florentine troupes were not arriued to fight with them and to offer battaile defying and prouoking them by his ordnance which plaied vpon their campe But the Imperials receiuing small hurt by the shot in regard of the sytuation of the place wherein they were and resoluing not to fight keeping themselues within their rampiers and fortifications sent forth onely some light-horse and a few Harguebuziers to skirmish with the French who marching still forward came and lodged hard by the enemies campe which they did indanger by their artillery those that were come forth to skirmish not beeing able to hinder Lautrec from comming forwards wherevpon the enemies determined to dislodge and to goe and encampe on the farther side of Troy towards Nocera where hauing within a while after intelligence that Horacio Baillone with the Florentine troupes was come to the campe of the league and that Camillo Vrsino and the Prouidator Pisani would arriue there the morrow after they resolued to depart forth of Abruzzo and to march directly towards Naples according to their first deseigne chiefly to defend that City as the principall of the whole State The Lord Lautrec being out of hope to enforce the enemies to fight who had already so openly refused it conuerted all his deseignes to make himselfe Master of the country and not to leaue any enemy towne behinde him before that he would march to Naples Wherevpon hauing intelligence that the Prince of Melfi had entred Melfi with great numbers of souldiers he sent Pedro of Nauarre thither with his Gascon companies and Baillone with the blacke bands and two Cannons who hauing battered it they tooke and â—…acked it At the same time the Prouidator Pisanâ—… with two thousand Venetian footmen tooke the towne of Ascoli and then he came and ioyned with Lautrec vnto whom were yeelded Barletta Trany and diuers others townes neere adioyning some of them being mooued therevnto by the feare of the disaster of Melfi and others by a particular affection which they did beare to the French being weary of the Spanish gouernment so as there was no other towne in all Puglia that held for the Emperour but only Mansredonia Wherevpon Lautrec hauing left for the beseeging of that City and for the gard of those that he had conquered the Venetian troupes which were in all two thousand foot-men an hundred men at armes and two hundred light horse he marched in great speed with the residue of the army towards Naples all places thorow which he passed yeelding vnto him Being come to Caforia three miles from Naples vpon the high way to Auersa hee determined to encampe there as the onely meanes to make himselfe Master thereof and for that purpose caused his army to march directly towards the City betwixt Pogâ—…o Royall and Saint Martins Mount the companies extending themselues within halfe a mile of Naples and the Lord Lautrec in person was gonne somewhat farther then Pogio royall to the Duke of Montalto his Farme where he fortified himselfe At the same time the Venetians nauall army hauing beene refreshed and restored at Corfou after the losse that it susteined by tempest neere to the Isle of Sardinia was come along the coast of Puglia being sixteene Gallies in number vnder the conduct of Iohn Mora the Prouidator because that Petro Landâ—… Generall of the Venetian gallies was gonne into Candy to appease certaine troubles of the country men in the streight of La Canea Now by the agreement and conuention of the league sixe cities of Puglia were appointed to the Signory of Venice namely Ottranto Brundusium Monopoli Poâ—…ignane Molâ—… and Trani which it had in times past enioyed and therefore the Venetians hauing besides the Gallies diuers other armed vessels did with greater courage pursue the conquest of those townes being assured besides their owne strength of the loue and goodwill of the Inhabitants who did infinitely wish for them wherevpon so soone as the army approched Monopoli and Trani yeelded to them the rest making shew to doe the like so soone as occasion should be offered But the Lord Lautrec hauing solicited the Venetian captaines to come and ioyne their gallies with Philippine Doria at the seege of Naples they were enforced to giue ouer their enterprize they being enioyned to follow his commandements for Philippin Doria was come before Naples with eight gallies onely to keepe victuals from entring into the City by sea but fearing least the beseeged sallying forth vpon him he might be defeated in regard he had no greater forces the arriuall of the Venetian gallies would assure him and more straightly shut in those of the City At this stay stood the affaires of the Kingdom of Naples whilest the Venetians were elsewhere busied with alarmes because that Henry Duke of Brunswich after a great report of his comming being solicited by the Emperour and his brother Ferdinand to passe into Italy had entred Lombardy to diuert the Confederates forces from the enterprize of the Realme of Naples the which being reduced to great extremity hee could not so speedily releeue as by this meanes The Duke of Brunswich then being come to Trent he entred Lombardy by the Veronois territory leading along with him about twelue thousand foot-men saying that he would ioyne with Antonio de
moneth was spent in the handling of the difficulties as well of his accord as of that of the Venetians and at last the Pope hauing greatly imployed him-selfe therein both the one and other were concluded Francis Sforza promised to pay vnto the Emperor within a yeare foure hundred thousand Ducats and other fiue hundred thousand within tenne yeare namely fifty thousand yearely Coma and the Castle of Milan remayning in the Emperors hands who promised to surrender them so soone as the first yeares payment were made and gaue him the inuestiture or rather the confirmation of that which hee had before giuen him As for the Venetians they did like-wise consent to surrender Rauenna and Ceruia with their Territortes to the Pope their clames saued the Pope pardoning those who had practized or done any thing against him They did like-wise agree to render to the Emperor in the moneth of Ianuary next ensuing all that which they possessed in the Kingdome of Naples and to pay him the residue of the two hundred thousand Ducats due at the last peace contracted betwixt them namely twenty thousand Ducats within a moneth and fiue and twenty thousand yearely after-wards till the end of the payment and to pay him another hundred thousand Ducats besides the one halfe within tenne moneths and the other within a yeare after and that the Duke of Vrbin should be comprized in that peace as being vnder the Venetians protection Diuers other Articles were added concerning particular persons and the generall commerce so as by this peace and confederacy Italy was freed from the tumults and dangers of armes where-with it had beene afflicted the space of more then eight yeares with infinite ho◅tible accidents Florence alone was exempted from this good hap vnto whome other mens peace had procured a worse and more dangerous war by reason of the Florentines contention with the Pope The Imperiall army leauing the Venetian State and being come neere to the confines of Tuscany went on very slowly by the Popes commandement who desired to preserue the city of Florence and her whole territory from the souldiers spoile and oppression which gaue the Florentines time and occasion to fortifie them-selues and to make strong rampiers about their walles and to receiue two thousand foot-men into it which Malateste Baillone brought thither after that he had by composition yeelded the City of Perusa to the Marquis of Guasto which made them more vnwilling to grant the Popes demaunds As also because that their delay to make their approches had begotten an opinion in the Florentines that the Emperour would rather in shew then in effect satifie the Popes de◅ire But the Pope on the other side being extreamely incensed against them because they would not referre themselues to his iudgement wherein ◅e promised to proceed with all meekenesse and being in great hope to obtaine his desire by freely disposing of the Emperours forces seeing that he had no more need of them by reason that he had made an agreement with the Venetians and the Duke of Milan he determined rather to come to the extreamest point of all then to giue place in any thing The Venetians were greatly grieued for the Florentines troubles and vexations as their friends and confederates and ioyned together in one selfe same cause for the tuition and defense of the liberty of Italy but the Republike was charged with such excessiue expences as al-be it that all her forces were still whole yet neuerthelesse it could not giue them that aide and assistance which was needfull and therefore the Senate exhorted the Florentines to make an accord if it were possible with the Pope vpon any honourable condition which might not preiudice their liberty The Emperour in the meane time commanded the Marquis of Guasto to set forward with the army and to goe and encampe before the walles of Florence being mooued therevnto by his owne particular interests besides the Popes greatly desiring to haue those of Medicis to returne into the city because that he had promised to giue the Lady Marguer◅te his naturall daughter in mariage to Alexander the Popes Nephew to the end that his sonne in law might hold an estate answerable to the greatnesse of so high a marriage thinking moreouer that it would greatly profit him for the encrease and assurance of his power in Italy to haue the gouernment of that City which had euer shewed it selfe much inclined to the French to depend wholly in time to come vpon him All the warre being in this manner brought into Tuscany and neere to the wals of Florence all the remainder of Italy and Christendome were at peace the which hapned very opportunely at the same time that all of them being vnited together might march against Soliman who desyring there to purchase glory and reputation by armes being the more emboldened therevnto by the quarells and contentions of Christian Princes did menace their Realmes and Dominions for notwithstanding that winter approched and that he wanted great ordnance he was constrained to discampe from before Vienna the which was defended by a number of braue men he neuerthelesse cau◅ed it to giuen forth abroad that he would returne againe at the spring and beseege it with greater forces or else some other City of Germany Soliman dislodging from those quarters did establish Iohn in the Kingdome of Hungary shewing thereby that his principall aime was to purchase the ◅ame of a valiant and generous Prince he did moreouer create high Treasorer of the Kingdome Lodouico Gritti sonne to Andre Gritti Duke of Venice borne of a Concubine at Constantinople whilest being young he remained there about businesse The conditions of peace being thus accomplished the Venetian Senate being very carefull to establish it and to purchase and keepe the fauour and friendship of these Princes determined to send Ambassadors to the Pope and the Emperor to testifie both to the one other the gr◅at conten◅mēt which they had receiued by such an accord and reconciliation and how desirous they weare to haue that peace and friendship long to continue betwixt them Some of the cheefest Senators were appointed for this Ambassage namely Marco Dandulo Lodouico Gradonico Lod◅uico Moceniga and Lorenzo Bragadin◅ vnto whom to make the Ambassage mo◅e honorable were added Antonio Su◅iano chosen at the first for successor to Gasparo Contare◅ Ambassador with the Pope and Nicolao Tepulo who was to be resident with the Emepror These sixe then came to Bolognia at the beginning of the yeare 1530 where the Pope and Emperorlay who honorably entertayned them where they executed the tenor of their commission a part first of all to the Pope and then to the Emperor They did highly e◅toll the Pope for that a◅ the common Father embracing with Piety and wisdome the cause of Christendome hee had ended so many troubles and calamities and the Republi◅e did particularly thanke him for his care of the wealth and commodity thereof by composing in
Constantinople Conalis was with greater praise honored by all men who dying within a while after in executing the same office for the Republick the Senate in acknowledgment of his good seruice decreed that Antonio his sonne should during his life enioy the reuenew of the I le of Corfou These things happened in the Venetians Army but that of the Emperor hauing a long time stayed at Naples and at Messina did at the last boldly aduenture to releeue Coron which was reduced to all extremity where at the first hauing had some hope of Victory by reason of the flight and shamefull retreat of the Turkish army it returned afterwards without any honor at all either by the Captaines fault or by a destined plague to Christians seeing that the basenesse of the Turkish Captaines did afterwards procure great hurt to Christendome For Soliman being displeased with those vnto whom he had committed the charge of his fleet taxing their small experience determined to call Cariadine surnamed Barbarossa who of a Pirate beeing become a Prince commanded at the same time in Argier to giue him as he did the whole superintendence of sea matters Hee beeing most expert in marine matters and hauing of a long exercised the trade of a Pirate in Barbary had gotten a perfect knowledge of all the Christians sea places of retreat and in Affrick likewise making incursions vpon the Moores but particularly by his defeating of the Spanish Galleis whereby hee purchased great reputation at such time as foure yeares before they comming vnder the command of Don Hugo de Moncada to meet Doria at Genoa hee did assaile and defeate them Wee may iustly say that this man was the first which taught the Turkes the meanes of well ordering a nauall Armie beeing before then smally experienced in sea matters as those who till then had encreased their power by armes on land hee likewise was the first that began to vse slaues in galleys wheâ—…as before they were wont to man them with the first vnexperienced commers which hath euer since made the Turkish fleetes more mighty and more fearefull to Christians Soliman then resoluing to make vse of this man would so dainly aduertise the Venetians thereof to the end that if they should meet him at sea they might vse him as one of his Porte knowing very well that they hated him for the great harme which he had done them And of a certaine this man was afterwards an instrument of great calamities to Christendome and of sundry losses to the Signory of Venice as heere-after shall be seene At the same time albeit that the Pope seemed to bee carefull for the imminent dangers that threatned Christendom beeing neuerthelesse more ardent then euer in his vsuall thoughts to aduance his Nephewes and his house had vsed some secret meanes with the French King concerning the marriage of Catherine daughter to Lorenzo de Medicis his Neece with Heâ—…ry Duke of Orleans his second sonne for the which treaty it was concluded that the Pope and the King should meet together at Nice a towne belonging to the Duke of Sauoy and seated neere the riuer of Var which separateth Italy from Prouence The report of this enteruiew the occasion thereof beeing vâ—…knowne had greatly troubled the Venetians and especially because it was added that the Emperor would be there wherevpon they carefully obserued these Princes actions because they would not be ouer taken as they had beene at the assembly of Cambray saying that by reason of Princes ambition they were to beware of all things and to suspect all things but this meeting which should haue beene in the moneth of Iuly beeing deferred to September following the true occasion of that enter view was in the meane time discarded for which there mette together at Nice the Bishop of Faenza for the Pope and the Lord great Maister of France for the King which did free the Venetians from all suspition The Pope did afterwards aduertise them of his departure and of the occasion thereof and concealing those nuptialls no longer he sought to couer it with some other shadow saying that in this treaty hee had not so much respected his owne particular interest as the common good and safety of all Italy wherein nothing did so much auaile as the Senate had often told him as to hold the forces of two most mighty Princes in equall ballance to the end that the power of the one might giue counterpoize to the other in regard whereof fearing least the French King being wholy out of hope by reason of the treaty of Bolognia of the friendship of the Italian Princes would presently breake off from him and that the Emperor thereby might come to command all according to his owne pleasure hee thought it fit to draw him vnto him by the bond of kindred as hee had likewise done by the Emperor Now these nuptials which all the Princes of Italy did suspect were celebrated not at Nice by reason of the difficulty which the Duke of Sauoy made because hee would not displease the Emperor to grant the Castle vnto the Pope but at Marseilles according to the Kings desire who thought it more honorable for himselfe to haue the meeting in â—…is owne Reaâ—…me wherewith the Pope was pleased beeing desirous to giue the King all content but that which men feared came not to passe by reason of â—…dry accidents and then by the Popes death which happened â—…oone after so as Italy continued quiet and the Venetians freed from all obligations of taking Armes againe That which did greatly helpe to moderate the Popes great desseignes were as it was reported the stirres in Germany because that the Lantgraue of Hesse hauing with other protestant Princes leuied great numbers of soldiors to restore Vâ—…drick Duke of Wittenberg to his Estate it was reported that they would afterwards march into Austria against Ferdâ—…nand and that from thence they would come into Italy the which the Germaines did very much desire but all these troubles were soone appeased by an accord made with the King of Romaines against whom their principall quarrell was about the Duke of Wittembergs lands which hee possessed In this manner were the affaires of Italy quiet in the firme land whereby the Common-wealth was on that side freed from care and trouble but for the Sea it behooued them dayly to bee at new expences beeing very iealous of their Staâ—…e so as the Republick might iustly say that it was depriued of the benefit of a perfect peace It was no more freed the yeare following one thousand fiue hundred thirty and foure from troubles and â—…pitions then it had beene before because that a great fleete was prepared at Constantinople which was to bee commanded by 〈◊〉 surnamed Barbarossa and the like was expected in the West for the Emperour supposing that the Turkish forces would fall vppon his States vsed all meanes to encrease his sleete and to make it fitte and able to resist them
proceed more slowly in that wherein they were bound to the Emperor and to abstaine from entring into any new league or confederacy with him he complained of all these matters Câ—…sar Fregoza Captaine of a company of light horsse in Verona departing without leaue and going to Genoa to fauour the Kings partie was depriued of his pay and rancke which he held and was wholly banished from their State The King complained thereof and of diuers other matters and sometimes with very bitter speeches because that the Venetians went about as he said to mar his deseignes and enterprizes The Emperors agents on the other side seeming to be displeased if they should casse certaine vnprofitable soldiers said that they did it to augment the enemies army whither they retired themselues which was assembled at Mirandola so iealous were these two Princes one of an other which of them should haue the Republick for his friend and Confederate The Emperour departing as hath beene said from Prouence went to Genoa meaning to passe as hee did into Spaine leauing the Marquis of Guasto for his Lieftenant Generall in Italy in Antonio de 〈◊〉 steed who dyed in Prouence with twenty thousand foote-men both of Almaines Spaniards and Italians Other Ambassadors from the Republicke came vnto him to Genoa namely Nicolao Tepulo Marc-Antonio Veniero Marc-Antonio Cornare and Antonio Capello and at their arriuall he dispatched Doâ—… Pedro Gonzales de Mendozâ—… to Venice to acquaint them with his successe in warre and with the cause of his returne together with his great loue to peace particularly rehearsing vnto them whatsoeuer had beene treated of with the King the first practises beeing againe renued where the King had taken time for three moneths to resolue him selfe whether hee should accept the Dutchy of Milan for his sonne the Duke of Angoulesme and thereby haue him to marry with Duke Sforzas widdow And if within the time prefixed the King did not resolue thereon hee did intend to giue that State to Don Luigi Infant of Portugall or to Emanuell sonne to the Duke of Sauoy wherein he desired to know their mindes but he added that for the better establishing of all these matters it was necessary to contract a new league betwixt the Princes of Italy for otherwise it was impossible that himselfe alone could beare such a burthen wherevnto if they would not giue their consent they should haue no cause to complaine of him if hee were enforced to do that which would not greatly please them The Senate beeing constant in their former resolution not to declare their meaning concerning the Dutchy of Milan vntill they had more particular notice of the Emperors intent therein nor yet to make any new confederacie other then that of Bolognia so oftentimes renued answered that concerning the new Duke of Milan when the Emperor should directly name any one the Senate would afterwards better consider of their particular common interests and make a more certaine resolution as for the new league they alleadged the selfe same reasons as at other times that there was no need thereof with the same regard to the Turke who euery day grew great and according to common report prepared a mighty Army for the yeare following The Venetians did aduertise the Pope of what had passed still assuring him of their great affection to the peace and safety of Italy for which they intreated his Holynesse readily to employ himselfe because that hauing reuiued the matter concerning the Dutchy of Camerine he seemed to neglect this other important businesse satisfying himselfe onely for that hee had declared himselfe as neuer but being at last earnestly solicited by the Venetians and by the imminent dangers which threatned them from the Turke which did dayly encrease as also for that he had vndertaken to conuoke a generall Councell which was published to be held at Vincenza insteed of Mantua where it had beene first appointed hee did expresly resolue to send his Legates to both these Princes to treate particularly of this businesse namely of an vniuersall peace betwixt the Christian Princes of the league against the Turke and of the celebration of the Councell The Cardinall Triuulcio went to the French King and the Cardinal Carracciola to the Emperor but these Legations were fruitlesse because none of these three points did take effect by reason of sondry difficulties whih happened War by this meanes did in such sort kindle betwixt the Emperor and the French King as enemies and most barberous nations were there-in vsed to the hurt and ruyne of Christendome where-in the Venetians like-wise had an hand notwithstanding that they had determined to remaine neuters and to be at peace and friendship with both parties Now by that which hath beene said the deseignes of Francis the French King may be sufficiently discerned who determining to trie all meanes to abase the Emperors greatnesse and to reuenge all those wrongs which he said he had receiued from him he did at sondry times sound the Venetians meaning and did by diuers meanes seeke to seperate them from the Emperor at the last the Lord of Rhodâ—… comming from him to Venice propounded sundry faire hopes and promises to the Senate and vsed all meanes to change their former determination to continew the league with thâ—… Emperour but it was in vaine For the Venetians were as firme and constant in keeping their promise with the Emperor as they were hard to be drawne to doe any thing which might disturbe the quiet of Italy The kings hope herein being frustrate and himselfe being mightily animated against the Emperor for comming to assaile him in his owne Kingdome knowing likewise that he was to weake of him-selfe alone to finish the enterprize of the Dutchy of Milan which was defended by the entire â—…orces of the Emperour and the Venetians supposed that there was nothing which would sooner cause him to obtaine his desire then to purchase the friendship of Soliman which he had already practized whereby he did hope to enforce the Venetians either to take his part or at least to abstaine from following that of the Emperor the causes being very great and many which did moue the Venetians to make high account of Solimans authority and on the other side by causing the Turkish army to passe ouer into Puglia or to other places of the Emperors obedience hee did thinke to diuert his forces and greatly to weaken his defence for the State of Milan The King then turned all his designes towards the Port of the great Turke where not-with-standing that Iohn â—…orrest was his Ambassador hee did besides send thither Dom Zerafin de Gozi of Ragusa with new and more important instructions and great promises These two being often in company of the Baschas of most authority propounded diuers matters which being reported to Soliman might easily induce him to grant the Kings demands as the Emperors greatnes the which if it were not moderated would become
other matter he was desirous to continew in his neutralitiy to the end that he might obtaine first to haue the state of Milan deliuered into the hands of Octauiano Farnese as Guardian thereof and to yeeeld to the Emperor and the French King a certaine homage til such time as they should find out some more assured meanes of Agreement wherin he presumed that the Venetians would interpose their authority The Venetians perceiuing that they proceeded slowely in that businesse and with small hope beeing desirous not to giue the Turkes any occasion of suspition did abstaine from it notwithstanding that they were diuers times sollicited by the Emperor to send their Ambassadors to Luca where the Pope and hee were to meet In all other matters they had neuer failed in their duty to the Emperor They had giuen passage through their state to the Almaine footmen leuied for the iourney of Affrick and so soone as they vnderstood of his comming into Italy by the way of Trent they appoynted foure Ambassadors to weet Iohn Antonio Veniero Nicholao Tepulo Marc Antonio Contaren and Vincenzo Grimani who entertained him very honorably vpō the Verona territory and attended vpon him so long as he remained vpon their State which was for the space of two dayes for beeing come to Pescara he entered the Mantuan territory from whence afterward he went to Milan from thence to Genoa and then to Luca where hee met with the Pope with whom hauing made some small abode he pursued his iourney for the enterprize of Affrick which succeeded badly as it had beene foretold for hauing landed his soldiers vppon the sands of Argier he found more resistance in the Garrison of the Citty then hee did expect and did besides receiue great hurt by the Arabian horsemen procured by the Turks who comming vpon them with great celerity and fighting in a new and vnusuall manner with our soldiers did preuent all their deseignes and the businesse beeing drawne forth in length great harme happened for their arose so terrible a tempest at Sea as the ships beeing not able to ride at Ankor by reason of the force of the wind som of them were driuen on shoare and the others to Seaward in the midest of the tempest So as hauing lost diuers of his vessells and the residue beeing sore brused and beaten the Emperor was enforced to giue ouer his enterprize Diuers men of note dyed in that voyage by diseases and bad ayre and among others Marin Iustiniano Ambassador for the Signory who by the Senates command had still followed the Emperor and Doctor Nicholao de Ponte who at that time was gouernour of Vdina was sent in his place During the Emperors iourny the French King was not at quiet who being mightily incensed as hath beene said against the Emperor thought on nothing but meanes how to be reuenged of these wrongs which he had offered him therefore by meanes of his Ambassadors whom he sent to Luca to meet the Pope he had earnestly entreated his Holinesse to declare the truce made at Nice by his owne meanes and authority to be broken and infringed by the murther of Fregosa and Rincon the better to let all men see the iustice of his cause But resoluing by all meanes to preuaile by force he did with greater vehemency reuiue his former conceits to preuent the Emperor by meanes of the Turkes aid and friendship whereupon he determined to send back Polin to Constantinople to treat in particular of the comming of the Army against the Emperor and as he passed along to vse new meanes to draw the Venetians to his party Polin then beeing come to Venice from thence to passe to Constantinople he with the Bishop of Montpellier ordinary Ambassador to the King came into the Councell of the Tenne according to the vsuall custome of secret audiences where they discharged their commission from their Prince Polin siriuing very much by a long oration to perswade the Senators by a new aliance to embrace the Kings friendship But all his discourse and goodly reasons could not preuaile with the Senators to make them alter their opinion or to draw them to any new alliance thereby to entangle them in a new warre Therfore that businesse being referred to the Senate their resolution with a generall consent of them all was like to that of the councel of the Tenne to giue the lame answer to the French Ambassadors as was made to Ianusby How that the Common wealth did deerely account of the French Kings friendship the which for their parts they would euer constantly and inuiolably maintaine yet neuerthe lesse they determined to liue at peace wi◅h other Princes not to enterprize any thing which might procure war betwixt them Polin after this answere being inbarked in the Venetian Gallies sailed into Albania and from thence pursued his iourny towards Constantinople with a certaine assurance to cause the Turkish army to march whither he would desire but the deseignes of the French tooke none effect for that yeare either because it was already to far spent to make great preparations and to execute all at one time or else because Soliman had setled all his thoughts vpon the enterprize of Hungary making account to goe thither in person with a farre greater army The French King in the meane time resoluing on warre had raised three armies the one conducted by my Lord the Daulphin went to beseege Perpignan the other commanded by my Lord the Duke of Orleance marched to enuade the French County and Luxembourg the third greater then any of the rest by reason of the supplies of the Duke of Cleaues gouerned by the Duke of Vendosme Prince of the blood of France entred Flanders by the country of Artois But all these forces did by the report of such great prouisions more am aze then hurt the Emperor because that the Daulphin finding Perpignan to be suffitiently fortified by the Duke of Alua returned without any notable exploit the Duke of Orleans on the other side did but scoure and wast the country Wherevpon the French King perceiuing all his deseigns were to no purpose did greatly taxe Soliman and the Venetians because they had not taken Armes to fauour his party whilest the Emperor was busied else-where The King being thus discontented was the more incensed against the Venetians thorow the bad offices of the Bishop of Montpellier his Ambassador so as Polin being informed of his Maisters discontent did openly in all places oppose himselfe against the Venetians affaires scandalizing the Baily and the Common-wealth and because he hoped to haue the Turkish army the yeare following at his kings deuotion he said that it being once ready he would make the Venetians feele to their losse what great force his Kings pursuts and authority had against them The cause of the kings discontentment proceeded from that which is aboue mentioned for that they went armed and in troupes to the house of the French Ambassador to
of Saxony whereon and vpon the quality of the engagement hauing a long time insisted the whole businesse remained vnresolued on This assembly was broken off by reason of the rumors spred abroad at the beginning of the yeere 1543. of the great prouisions for warre made in sundry places and chiefly at Constantinople to enuade Hungary and Austria and to scoure all the sea-coasts belonging to the Emperour The French King hoping by meanes of this army raised in his behalfe and at his entreaty to breake the Emperors designes and forces had likewise raised a great army as well of his owne subiects as of Swisses to vphold the Duke of Cleues rebellion and to assaile the Emperor in diuers and sundry places who on the other side determining to reuenge the wrongs and iniuries receiued from the French and especially to chastise as he said the audaciousnesse of the Duke of Cleues a feudatary of the Empire for taking armes with his enemies against him did assemble the Dyet of Princes and free townes according to the custome of the country where hee procured them to make warre on the French King and the Duke of Cleues at the common charge of all Germany and for the augmenting of his forces he resolued to ally himselfe with Henry King of England notwithstanding that the same King had repudiated his Aunt Queene Katherine and shaken off the yoake of the Romish Catholike Church that they might both of them together make warre vpon France King Henry did easily agree to the Emperors motion beeing distasted of the French King for fauoring Iames King of Scots his enemy The Pope in the meane time and the Venetians did still continue in their neutrallity meaning as much as in them lay to maintaine the peace of Italy The Pope neuerthelesse being for sundry reasons displeased with the Emperor made suite to the Venetians to contract a more strict alliance together for their common safety propounding at that time termes tending wholly to peace and not to depart but vpon constraint from their neutrallity but determining neuerthelesse as it was perceiued by sundry signes to draw the Republike afterwards to some new confederacy with the French King The Senate continuing the accustomed answers and telling the Pope how that there was not any cause to mooue them to renue their alliance which might not without suspition to Princes rather hasten then preuent the mischiefe to come made an excuse saying that it could not make any new agreement with any one for feare least the Emperour would be incensed against them who had so often sought vnto them for new confederacy to the which they had neuer consented But they were most of all troubled to see the Turkish army to depart from Constantinople whereof men spake diuersly notwithstanding that the Turkes did promise them in no sort to meddle with any thing which did belong to their Common-wealth and that captaine Polin who was to goe along with it had assured them of the like who by his Kings commandment had changed his minde Yet the Senate not relying ouer much on all these promises determined likewise to arme the number of three score Gallies and to appoint a Generall ouer them which was Stefano Tepulo a man very famous for his rare vertues and deserts whereof they forthwith aduertized all Princes to the end that the making ready of their fleet might not make them to suspect that they had any sinister meaning saying that the Republike had armed certaine Gallies for the defense of their owne subiects and for the gard of their sea-coasts and they commanded their Generall to visit the Islands vnder their dominion and all their forts vpon the sea to giue order and prouide for all things necessary with expresse charge to auoide all occasions that might giue the Turkes any cause of distrusting their friendship towards them whereinto they very well knew that Doria would haue oftentimes cunningly drawne them The Turkish nauall army in the meane time consisting of sixe score saile departed from Constantinople vnder the command of Cariadine Barbarossa captaine Polin going along with him and comming to Negrepont where it made some stay to take in souldiers and other necessaries it sailed to the Hauen of Figara and from thence directed their course towards the West and hauing passed the Far of Messina came neere to Calabria where landing certaine of his troupes he tooke the city of Regio and after he had spoiled it and scoured the country round about the castle still holding out he did re-embarke his people and held on his course towards France and by the way he tooke in water at the Isle of Ponze and next at Ostia vpon the Riuer Tiber whereby Rome was in alarme but Polin did by letters assure the Gouernor of the towne that no harme should bee done to any one vpon the coast then hoysing ankors and still coasting along the Riuers of Tuscany and Genoa he arriued in the Hauen of Tolon where finding two French Gallies hee was by them conducted towards Marseilles whither the Kings other foure and twenty Gallies came Barbarossa went on shore where hee was magnificently entertained in the city together with great numbers of Ianissaries Polin riding post to finde the King and to receiue his commandements whom Barbarossa was enioyned wholly to obey did speedily returne to the army which being encreased by sixteene French Gallies and certaine shippes wherein were sixe thousand foote-men hee departed from Marseilles and sailed with a faire winde to the hauen of Villafranca to beseege the city of Nice which the Duke of Sauoy then possessed which had euer belonged to the crowne of France The Artillery and souldiers beeing landed the City for certaine daies was battered whereby it was enforced to yeeld without being sacked but the Marquis of Guasto hauing victualled the castle and Barbarossa being diswaded from makeing any longer aboade there Autumne being very farre spent raised his campe and returned with his whole fleete to the hauen of Marseilles Now the Venetian fleete beeing truely aduertized what course the Turkes held and how that Ianetin Doria was gonne into the Leuant did entertaine time in the Gulphe the Generall thinking it more safe and proffitable to prouide for that which concerned themselues and to auoide occasion of meeting with the others that he might take away all suspition of being desirous to helpe or hinder their deseignes The Emperor at the same time resoluing to goe into Germany to stirre vp that country against the French King hauing first caused the Estates of Spaine to accept the Prince Don Philip his sonne for their King came to Barcelona where finding Doria with forty Gallies and certaine ships he imbarked himselfe with the Spanish fantery and came to Genoa Vpon the report of his arriuall in Italy the Venetians chose foure Ambassadours to wit Carlo Morosin Gabriele Veniero Lodouico Faliere and Vittor Grimany to meet him as he passed
themselues likewise bee elected this authority is giuen them from their birth so as who-so-euer is borne of noble parents is noble and may at a certaine time and manner limitted by the lawes enter into the great councell where the ordinary electon of Magistrates is made Into this ranke are receiued either those who hauing beene the cheefe inhabitants of the Citty and most famous for vertue and wealth haue from the beginning had the mannaging of publike affaires or alse those who for some notable and worthy act done in serof the Common-wealth are at sundry times and for sundry accidents admitted therevnto who for the most part haue beene of the cheefe and noblest families of some other place or some others vnto whome by speciall grace and fauour this title of Nobillity hath beene giuen Wherein neuer-the-lesse they haue carried them-selues very moderately it being graunted but to Lords of great Estate and in this manner were the families of Este and Gonzaga with some others of the cheefe of Italy admitted there-vnto namely Henry King of France and Poland being at Venice in the yeare 1574. and among other honors receiuing the title of a Venetian Gentleman did seeme to be highly pleased and satisfied with that guift Besides all those that descend from them who haue beene once receaued into this degree haue the same preeminence and to the end it may continually be the better maintayned in it perfection they do curiously search out the pedegrees of those who are to enter into the great councell not only the nobillity of the father but like-wise whether they bee borne of lawfull matrimony and of no common woman but of some honorable degree and condition wherof a regester is kept by one of the cheefe magistrates termed the Auogario of the Common-wealth But to returne to our history the Emperor Charles was in all places highly praised and commended for his fortunate successe and for breaking the enemies army Duke Fredericke and the Landgraue were yet vnuanquished who despayring as authors of al those troubles of obtaining the Emperors fauour did still continew in their rebellion and yet for all that men might perceiue that they could not long resist the forces or so great and victorious a Prince The Pope calling to mind by himself whatsoeuer was past perceiued how much more proffitable it had beene for him to haue followed the Venetians councell whose wisdom he highly praised for he saw no prosperous successe of any thing that he had taken in hand The councell lay open as before the Emperor doing it to content the people of Germany although by reason of the warre certaine Prelats were gone home againe That Pietro Lodouico was in no great fafety in regard the warre was so sonne ended the which he thought would haue continued longer with diuers other matters which discontented him and gaue him cause to complaine The Emperor on the other side made his complaints saying that he had broken promise with him because the warre being not yet ended which hee had begun thorow his perswasion he had countermanded his troupes leauing him still entangled in Germany betwixt two mighty enemies the Duke of Saxony and the Landgraue of Hesse the which he much amplified to draw the Pope to a new contribution of mony or that hee might haue leaue to make vse of the wealth of the Churches of Spaine which he had often craued or els to make his victories seeme greater by exalting the enemies forces so as they made him more proud and encreased in him his desire to rule especially after that he had in battaile vanquished and taken Iohn Fredericke Duke of Saxony prisoner and enforced the Landgraue to craue his pardon wherevpon entring intriumphant manner into the Citty of Ausbourge he there held a Diet where he obtayned whatsoeuer he demanded for his owne proffit and commodity Yet neuer-the-lesse in the middest of all these prosperities his mind stil ran vpon the affaires of Italy how he might keep to himselfe the State of Milan whither he sent great store of ordnance which he had taken from diuers Lords of Germany with great numbers of Spanish foot as those in whom he reposed most trust and him-selfe going thither afterwards caused the oth of allegiance to be made vnto him-selfe and to him whom he should appoint for their Prince meaning his Sonne Philip who for that purpose was shortly to passe into Italy yet neuer-the-lesse he procured an agreement with the Swisses whereby they were bound to maintaine and defend the State of Milan He had moreouer placed foure hundred Spaniards in Siena for the gard of the Citty with an officer of his owne who in diuers matters vsed great authority and went about to build a Castle there that he might afterwards make him-selfe absolute maister thereof vnder collour of the commotions of the people and nobility who being not able in the end to endure to see them-selues brought into bondage had driuen the Spaniards forth of the citty and committed diuers other outrages against the Imperiall Maiestie he did likewise vse meanes to seaze on the towne of Piombino to take it from the true Lord vpon sundry pretences promising to recompence him with some other place hoping to make vse of the commodiousnesse of that place being seated on the sea of Tuscany and fit for his other deseigns But his seasing on the Citty of Placentia together with the death of Petro Lodouico did more then all the rest amaze euery man and especially the Pope for the ful accomplishment of the Emperors happinesse there died at the same time not long one after another the two greatest and mightiest Kings of Christendome Francis the first of that name French King and Henry the eight King of England so that all things seemed to fauour him and to fall out according to his desire seeing that those two great and mighty Princes being taken away who were his enemies and enuious of his greatnesse hee remained alone of him-selfe in a manner Iudge and Vmpier of all matters with a soueraygne authority Henry Daulphin of France succeeded King Francis his Father not onely in the crowne but in the selfe same affections and desires in no sort to giue way to the Emperors fortune The Senate were greatly greeued with King Francis death where-vpon they chose two Ambassadors namely Vittore Grimani and Mateo Dandulo who were in all hast to goe into France to the new King and according to the custome to bewaile with him his fathers death and next to congratulate his comming to the crowne and to assure him that the Venetian Republike was disposed and resolued to continue peace and friendship with him as it had done with his Father the late King As for Henry King of England Italy was not so much greeued fot him that Kingdom being farther off the Venetians alone bewayled him by reason of their ordinary commerce and trafficke into that realme for which they
meane time after that he had repaired and embellished the Ducall palace after the same manner as it is to be seene at this day and by his example animated diuers Senators to doe the like departed forth of this life to the great griefe of all men in the seuenth yeere and sixth month of his principallity and lieth buried in Saint Maries of Serui. MARC-ANTONIO TREVISAN the eighty Duke MARC-ANTONIO TREVISAN sonne to that Dominico Treuisan who was so renowned for his great seruice done to his country succeeded him after the accustomed manner He was a man of such integrity and holinesse of life as they had much to doe to perswade him to accept the dignity for being a good man and brought vp from his youth in all simplicity he knew not what ambition did meane At the last being enforced by his friends he consented to their pleasure with as great humillity and modesty as could be desired so as being feared and honoured of euery one he maintained iustice without any parciallity He found the Republike at peace both at home and abroad by the discreet gouernment of his predecessors who had cut off all occasions of warre with forraine Princes continuing still Newters In the meane time Cosmo Duke of Florence hauing declared himselfe against the Siennois sent Giouan Giacomo de Medicis Marquis of Marignan with Italian Spanish forces to assaile them The French King being incensed there at commanded Pietro Strossi his Lieutenant Generall in Italy to beseege the city of Florence to vse meanes to take it and to restore it to her former liberty expelling the Duke but the Marquis preuenting Strossi came with his forces vnlooked for in the night to assaile the city of Sienna and hauing at his first arriuall giuen iâ—… vpon one of the Gates the allarme was so hot as euery man ranne thither whereby he was repulsed and enforced to retire but with no losse of courage for in his retreate he seized on a fort builded with in a Harquebuze shot from the walles which the Lord of Termes had caused to be made there for the defense of the city and fortifying himselfe therein he could not be driuen thence by any meanes that the Siennois or Strossi could vse who vpon the report thereof came speedily to Sienna where for the safety of the city he caused an other fort to be built betwixt that of the enemies and the Gate forth of which they did vsually come to skirmish Strossi after that marching into the field with certaine troupes surprized Rodolfo Baillon and Ascania de la Corne who were going vpon an enterprize against Chiusi whom he put to rout slew Baillon and sent Ascanio prisoner to the King who did ransomlesse set him at liberty Thus passed this yeere 1553. which was full of warres in sundry places the next ensuing was not exempted from it and yet the Venetians were no way touched there with being spectators of other mens games they themselues hauing no hand therein though warre was very neere them as well in Tuscany as in Parma and Mirandola and afterwards in the Isle of Corse against the Geneuois the Emperors partisans In this manner did the city of Venice enioy an assured peace on euery side when on a morning Prince Treuisan being at Masse in the Hall of the Heads died sodainely of a faintnesse that tooke him proceeding according to the common report from to much abstinence hauing gouerned eleuen monthes and seuen and twenty daies hee lieth buried in the Church of the Saints Iohn and Paul FRANCISCO VENIERI the eighty one Duke FRANCISCO VENIERI a man of sixty foure yeers old was vpon the eleuenth of Iune chosen in his steed The Republike likewise was in his time at peace whilest fiers of warre flamed in all places neere vnto them and that no Prince or common-wealth of Italy but felt the misery thereof the armes of the French and the Imperials ranging euery where abroad In this sort was the yeere 1554. spent which in sundry places was full of warre desolation fiers smoke and ashes in the yeere following diuers alterations of State were seene For first Pope Iulius the third deceased on the three and twentith day of March whom the Cardinall Marcello Ceruin succeeding who was a Tuscan by Nation death within a while after buried both his name and memory Giouan Pietro Caraffa a Neapolitan called in former times the Cardinall Theatin was chosen in his place who being termed Paul the fourth did at his entrance put all men in great hope of a good reformation in the Church and of a generall peace to which he being not able to induce the Emperor and French King warre beganne to kindle more then before Sienna after a long seege did through want of Victuals yeeld to the Imperials and yet vpon honorable composition which was partly performed but not altogether The Emperor Charles at the same time bending vnder the burthen of worldly affaires and being discontented to see that great good fortune which had euer accompanied him in all his haughty enterprizes to giue place to that of the French King or else being touched with some remorse of conscience for hauing beene the occasion of so much bloudshed in Christendome in regard of the length of the sad precedent warres sent for his sonne Philip forth of England to Bruxels and resoluing to quit the Empire his owne Kingdomes and honours of this world did by authenticall letters of the fiue and twentith of October resigne vnto him all his Lands and Signories enioyning all his Estates and subiects to acknowledge him their true and lawfull King determining to withdraw himselfe as he afterwards did into a Monastery in Spaine hauing likewise renounced the administration of the Empire to King Ferdinand his brother and recommended him by letters to all the Princes and Potentates of Germany Philip then according to his fathers earnest exhortation seemed very much to encline to peace but in regard of the great difficulties which were found therein on either side truce was granted for fiue yeeres that in the meane time they might haue leisure to conclude a peace but this truce likewise was as soone broken as concluded being supposed to haue beene but a false baite to delay the prouisions of the French in Piedmont whilest the Duke of Alba should set forward wherevpon warre beganne againe more hotly then before to the great griefe of al men which continued the yeere following 1556. in which Prince Venieri being ill disposed of his person aud ordinarily sicke departed forth of this mortall life hauing grouerned two yeeres one month and one and twenty daies and is buried in Saint Sauiors Church LORENZO PRIVLI the eighty two Duke THE Senate being afterwards assembled according to the vsual manner did in his stead elect Lorenzo Priuli a man wise and learned At the beginning of his principallity the plague beganne to shew it selfe which within a while after ceased by the
dilligence and industry of Petro Mosto the Senator deputed at that time to the office of La Sanita The pestilence was followed by a dearth and want of victuals proceeding from a suspition that the sicknesse still continued by meanes whereof strangers did no more bring any thing to the city At the same time Pope Paul the fourth a bad friend to the Spaniards did imprison in Castle Saint Angelo the Cardinall Santa Fior Camillo Colonna Iuliano Caesaren and the Abbot of Bresegna all of them enemies to the house of France for secret assemblles which they made in Rome in the houses of Marc-Antonio Colonna and that Cardinall Marc-Antonio escaping went to the King of Spaine who presently commanded the Duke of Alua to releeue them This Duke being Viceroy of Naples was greeued to see the Pope openly to pursue the Roman Lords Spaines partizans and being desirous to obey the King his Masters commandement marched into the field and tooke from the Pope neere to Rome Agnane Pilaâ—…tina Segna Tiuoli and last of all Ostia whereby he did cut off victuals from the Romans he on the side and the Colonnessi on the other keeping the Pope in this manner shut vp within the circuit of his wailes The Pope made meanes to the French King sending the Cardinall Carassa his Nephew vnto him his Maiesty wrote to the Marshall Stossi who then lay in Tuscany to march thitherwards and to expect aide which the Duke of Guise should bring him His Holinesse diâ—… likewise send to Venice to mooue the Senate to aide him The Senators being greeued for the Popes troubles and desyring to haue him at quiet sâ—…rit Phaebe Capello a very wise discreet Secretary to the Duke of Alua to pacifie the matter if it were possible Philip King of Spaine in the meane time perceiuing this warre to be backed by the French and that thereby it was likely to prooue more dangerous in regard of the intelligences and partiallities which they had in Italy did receiue Duke Octauio of Parma into fauor restoring to him the city of Placentia and all other places nere adioyning which he had seized in regard whereof this Duke embraced the Spanish party to the Popes great discontent who said that a Prince feudatary of the Church as he was ought not to make an accord with his enemies without his leaue wherevpon he caused him to be cited to Rome together with the Cardinal Farneze his brother The Duke of Guise about the same time came from France into Italy which was at the beginning of the yeere 1557. with fifteene thousand footmen eight hundred men at armes and twelue hundred light horse to aide the Pope against the Imperials with whom within a while after Strossi Monluc and others who by the Kings commandement were gonne before to Rome with six hundred horse and fiue thousand foot ioyned themselues Vpon the report of the arriuall of these forces the Duke of Alua had retired himselfe to the frontiers of the Realme of Naples by his retreat opening a way to Rome for the Duke of Guise who presently went thither vpon hope to finde great forces ready there according to the accord concluded betwixt the Pope the King and the Duke of Ferrara but finding none at all there he went into La Marca where the Marquis of Montebel came vnto him with the Churches forces and from thence they marched into the Realme of Naples where they stayed not long by reason that the aide came not which the Cardinall Caraffa had promised to the King and because the French army for want of pay did dayly decrease anâ—… on the contrary that of the Duke of Alua did encrease wherevpon the Duke of Guise returning to La Marca and afterwards going to Rome to talke with the Pope perceiuing the small meanes his Holinesse had to make warre and the great pursuite made by the Duke of Alua hee aduized him to harken vnto peace and agreement with the Spaniard resoluing to returne into France For at Rome hee receiued letters from the King bearing newes of the losse of the battaile of Saint Laurence and of the taking of Saint Quintins by the Spaniards with commandement presently to returne into France the Duke of Guise being willing to obey tooke his leaue of his Holinesse and went forward on his iourney home-ward the Pope determining to follow his councell During this warre against the Pope The Venetians and Cosmo Duke of Florence had solicited King Philip and the Duke of Alua to make an accord with his Holinesse either of them answered that they had not taken armes to take from him any thing that was his but only to defend the Realme of Naples and that they had made warre in an enemies country to defend their owne subiects and therefore so soone as his Holinesse should leaue his confederacy with the French and the resolution of making himselfe master of the Realme of Naples they would yeeld him the obedience due to the soueraigne pastor of Christendome and would restore whatsoeuer they had taken from him during that warre to which the Pope giuing eare the Cardinall Caraffa with certaine others went to the Duke of Alua to treat of peace the which was easily granted with restitution on all sides of places taken in the warre the Duke of Ferrara being therein comprehended The Senate to mediate this agreement sent Marc-Antonio de Franceschis thither who was Secretary to the Common-wealth a very wise and discreet man who stirred not from thence till the finall conclusion thereof In the meane time two hundred Turkish Gallies returning from the coast of Calabria did cast anchor at La Valona and did in no sort hurt the lands belonging to the Venetians Within a while after the two sonnes of Soliman Selim and Baiazet tooke armes against one an other in Asia and because the father did most fauour the elder brother Selim the other was enforced to haue recourse to Tamas King of Persia who in hatred to Soliman did willingly aide him and giuing him great forces the two brethren ioyned their battaile which continuing a day and a night Selim was victor his brother being fled from the battaile hurt and more then forty thousand Mahometans one either side slaine in the place The Senate on the other side being still desirous to continue their ancient customes and alliances sent Giouan Capello Knight and Bernardo Nouagera Ambassadors to the Emperor Ferdinand to congratulate his promotion to the Empire as hath beene said and Paulo Tepulo to King Philip. This was at the latter end of the yeere the next 1558. bred great warres both in France Piedmont and Tuscany together with the death of Princes and Princesses For so soone as the Duke of Guise returned into France hee executed the enterprize of Calais a long time before determined of and reduced vnder the Kings subiection the country of Oye and all the forts which the English held there
concluded it of his owne peoper motion The Venetians had enioyned Sigismond de Caualli their Ambassador with the Catholick King to ayde and further the Treaty of Torres who hauing well and duly acquitted himselfe of that charge returned to Venice Leonardo Donato was sent thither in his place who dealt so with the King as hee continued him in that good desire and inclination Torres hauing dispatched his businesse in Spayne did for the same purpose make a iourney into Portugall hauing first obtained letters of recommendation from the Kings mother who lay then at Madrill Sebastian the first of that name was at the same time King of Portugall beeing seauenteene yeares old bred and brought vp in Christian piety vnder the gouernment of D. Luigi Genzabeil a Iesuist a man very famous and of great authority neere the King by whose meanes the Pope presumed to obtaine of that Prince whatsoeuer he was able to doe for the profit and serucie of Christendome Torres hauing requested this King to send the tenne Gallies which were vsually ready armed in that Kingdom that they being ioyned with the King of Spaynes might altogether saile into Sicily The King shewed great loue and reuerence to the Sea Apostolick and seeming to be desirous to satisfie his Holinesse demand in a matter so holy iust and honorable did to his great greefe excuse himselfe for that hee could not accomplish his good desire saying that his Gallies were at the same time vnready and disarmed by reason of the contagious sicknesse which had the yeare before beene at Lisbone and that it would be impossible to make them ready vppon a suddaine or to be seruiceable that yeare so as by this meanes Torres iourney into Portugall was to no purpose During this negotiating in Spayne Giouani Michaele being the Venetians Ambassador with the Emperor a man of singular vnderstanding and well seene in affaires of importance had already motioned the matter to the Emperor telling him that the occasion was now offered which he had so often desired in their discourses together how he might fearlesse enuade the Turkish States whilest they being busied at Sea might not haue leisure to succour them and therefore he should not delay it till they had ended their warre and assured their Sea coasts at which time it was to be feared that they being freed from all other care would seek to enlarge their Empire by his losse and ruine as for the small safety in the truce with them their Example might giue him sufficient testimony thereof Selim hauing broken it with them and infringed his oath vpon none occasion but only through a couetous desire to rule ouer the whole world The Emperor gaue a willing care to these remonstrances with a ready answer that he would neuer be wanting to the wealth and commodity of Christendome but that he was desirous to see how the King of Poland the Muscouit with other Christian Princes and especially the King of Spayne would carry them-selues there-in vnto whom hee woold send an expresse messenger into Spayne to know his mind As for Charles the ninth the French King the Pope vsed all the meanes hee could by his Nuncio to draw him into the league exhorting him to fauour and further it with all his power notwithstanding al the domestick warres and broiles which had for certaine yeares molested his Kingdome if not with his forces yet atleast with his name and authority the which the King seeming not to be able to satisfie and being likewise vnwilling to neglect the authority and exhortation of his Holinesse he said in manner of delay that he would see what others would do who were more mighty and free from all other letts for he had at the same time sharpe warre in his Realme where not long before the battaile of Monâ—…contour was fought betwixt his brother the Duke of Aniou his Lieuetenant Generall and the Photestants of whom the Duke of Aniou gat the victory But the Queene Mother who had the entier gouernment and managing of affairs making a more open excuse alleaged That the condition of other Princes was not like to that of hir sonne because that others treated of continuing warre against their enemies wheras they made a proposition in France to breake the truce with a most mighty Prince their antient freind and therefore that the businesse deserued longer and more mature consultation Yet neuerthelesse the King and Queene gaue louing and kind speeches to the Venetian Ambassador residing in their Court and besides diuers offers made to the Senate from them by their Ambassador resident at Venice the King did expressly send thither one of his Gentlemen to offer to the Signory that which the condition and misery of the time would permit his Kingdome troubled with such greâ—…uous accidents namely to be a meane to diuert that warre and to compose that controuersie with the great Lord making vse in that manner of that freindship the which he himselfe had not contracted but hauing found it established by his Grandfather and afterwards confirmed by Henry his father he would vse meanes to preserue it the which hee supposed would for that time bee to purpose and redound to the profit of the Venetians his ancient and great freindes The Senate did not thinke those offers of any force at that time the preparations for warre being very foreward on both sides fearing least by an vncertaine hope of peace the mindes of other Princes who were already much animated to warre would be so ftened The Italian Princes were much disposed to this league as the Dukes of Vrbin Sauoy Florence and Ferrara who did all of them offer to spend their meanes and liues in that warre Tamas King of Persia was sollicited to take armes and to reuenge the old and new wronges receiued from the Ottomans and to this end 〈◊〉 Alessandri a Cittizen of Venice was sent thither who hauing dwelt a long time at Constantinople could speake diuers languages Hee beeing come to Casbin where the King of Persia lay was by meanes of certaine Armenian Marchants brought in by night according to the manner of the Contrey although it was in the summer time before Sultan Caydar Mirisi the Kings third sonne who was at the same time his Lieuetenant with whom hauing a long time discoursed concerning his comming â—…hither and telling him what great warlike preparations Selim made against the Venetians together with the great prouisions of al Christian Princes to fight with him hee entreated him in the name of the Senate to make vse of such an occasion and to make warre vpon the Turkes in Asia whilest the townes there should bee vnfurnished of Garrisons by reason of the warre of Cyprus Caydar lending a willing care to this discourse did dilligently craue to bee informed of the whole mattter not promising him any thing but to procure him audience of the King his father But Alessandri perceiuing that they vsed many delaies therein beeing
Milladonna Secretary to the Councell of Tenne to read it which in effect was thus That the Senate did greatly maruaile that his Lord beeing no way by them prouoked nor vpon any iust cause would violate and enfringe that oath by which he had so solemnly confirmed the peace and tooke for a pretence to make warre vpon them that they should giue away a kingdome which the common-wealth had for many yeares lawfully and peaceably enioyed the which hee might bee well assured that they would neuer part from but seeing hee was determined to proceed against them after that manner the Venetian Senate would not faile to defend that which did belong vnto it hoping by so much more to bee the better able to doe it by how much the iustice of their cause would procure them all ayde and succour both diuine and humaine They told him afterwards that his Lords letters beeing translated and read hee should receiue an answer and so the Chiaus without any farther discourse was dismissed The beginning of those letters was stuffed with sundry complaints against the Venetians for that they had disquieted the ancient bounds of Dalmatia which by conuention made with his predecessors had beene established betwixt both the one and other Empire that contrary to the old and new agreement the Admiralls of the Venetian Galleys hâ—…d put diuerse Turkish Pirates to death after that they had taken them aliue in fight but especially for that the Westerne Pirates were welcome into the Isle of Cyprus who did continually disquiet his neighbour citâ—…ies and barred his subiects from their free nauigation then toward the latter end hee craued that if the Venetians were desirous to continue their ancient friendship with him that they should surrender vnto him the Isle of Cyprus to take away that cheefe cause which did entertaine those controuersies betwixt them otherwise they should prepare for a fierce warre by sea and land for hee was determined to send his nauall Army with great forces to take that Island and in other places to inuade their dominions by land hoping in God the giuer of victories and in his blessed Prophet Mahomet by whose fauour the Ottoman Family had obtained so great an Empire to be victorious in that enterprise The Senate made this answer to these letters That the Venetians had euer inuiolably maintained peace made with the Ottâ—…man Emperors and contemned all other respects whatsoeuer by refusing all occasions whereof they might haue made good vse to their owne profit because that aboue all other things they thought it fit and beseeming a Prince carefully to keepe his promise and they being desirous to auoyde all suspition of so great an infamy had dissembled and buried in silence diuerse wrongs done vnto them because they would not bee the first desturbers of the peace But now perceiuing that vppon no occasion warre is denounced against them at such a time as they least expected it they would not refuse it for the defence of their owne and in particular for the defence of the Realme of Cyprus the which as their Aucestors had enioyed it with so iust a title for so many yeares they did likewise hope that God would giue them the grace to defend it valiantly against all those that would vniustly take it from them Warre beeing in this sort denounced against the Venetians and by them entertained the Senate made a decree to sell diuerse publick possessions to accept of sundry loanes of money to the great profit of those that brought them and in a word to vse all meanes to gather great sums of money together wherevpon for this purpose the number of the â—…rocurators of Saint Marke was augmented which is the cheef dignity next to the Duke bestowing it vpon those that should lend twenty thouâ—…and Ducats to the Common-wealth they did likewise permit all young Gentlemen to enter into the great Councell before the time appointed by the lawes who thereby might be capable to elect magistrates and likewise to execute the like places themselues so as they would lay in deposito certaine sommes of money in the publique treasury The surcease of armes had continued for a while till the returne of Cubat and the end of his negotiation but being come to Raguza the answere which he brought was soone divulged wherevpon the souldiers that lay in the parts neere adioyning not tarrying for any others commandement being assembled in great numbers did not only waste and spoile the champaine country of Albania and Dalmatia which was subiect to the Venetians but went and encamped before Dulcina and Antiuari who finding them to be manned with strong Garrisons and hauing no ordnance to batter them they were enforced to retire Now the Chiaus being returned to Constantinople and the Senates answere being knowne all men did greatly wonder at it for the Turkes hauing seene in former time what deere account the Venetians made of the great Lords friendship supposed that they would try all meanes before they would take armes against him But Selim did not so much wonder as he did scorne and disdaine accounting himselfe highly wronged and contemned in his owne person because that the vsuall ceremonies and entertainments done to Ambassadors had beene denied to Cubat and for that they had not sent an expresse messenger to him with their answere but had contrary to their promise detained the Secretary Bonricci at Venice In regard whereof his pleasure was being so councelled by Mahomet to haue Cubat come into his presence and particularly to relate the Venetians speeches and entertainment giuen vnto him together with their preparations for warre which he vnderstanding from his mouth was some times amazed at the report of the Republikes forces repenting him in a manner of his determination and on a sodaine he would enter into rage and choller being therevnto prouoked by his owne pride and by the flattery of his councellors wherevpon he placed gards about the Baylies house that he should not goe abroad commanding the Bashas of Cairo and Aleppo to doe the like to the Venetian Consuls of Alexandria and Syria yet they were afterwards set at liberty on condition they should not depart nor conuay their marchandize forth of the Turkes Dominions LODOVICO MOCENIGO the 85. Duke IN the meane time Prince Loredan died at Venice and Lodouico Mocenigo was chosen in his place to the peoples great ioy and vnusuall applauds presuming that they had a Prince who was wise discreet and a louer of the poore and would constantly oppose himselfe against all those perils and dangers which did then threaten the Commonwealth The Senaâ—…e after this election hauing acquainted all Christian Princes with the comming of the Chiaus to Venice together with their answere went about to continue the former motions of the league Therefore for the greater recommendation of the matter they resolued to send an expresse Ambassador to the Emperour and to that end they appointed Giacomo Sourance a man of great
Lords and Barons of Poland proclaimed a generall assembly at Varsouia in Aprill next ensuing there to proceed to election of a new King After this election posts were dispatched into France to giue Henry notice thereof whilest Ambassadors were making ready to receiue and conduct him into Poland Italy being now freed from the dreadfull Turkish warre was like to haue baâ—…ched an other in her owne bowels for the Duke of Vrbin going about to lay some new impositions vpon his subiects they denied to pay any thing but that which they had granted to Duke Francesco Maria when he entred into the State and therevpon tooke armes protesting neuerthelesse that they did it not against their Prince but onely to defend their ancient priuiledges The Duke on the other side raised an army to enforce them and the matter would haue proceeded to battaile had not the Pope quenched this flame making them friends but the Duke entring afterwards with a power into Vrbin beheaded some of the chiefe of the sedition and banished others consiscating their goods and then built a Cittadell at the Cities charge the better afterwards to conteine them in their obedience Don Iohn of Austria being at the same time in Sicily with a gallant Nauy and vnderstanding that the Venetians had made peace with the Turkes did by King Philips permission passe ouer with his forces into Affrick to â—…eate the sonne of Muleassem in the Kingdome of Tunis who for his intelligence with Christians had beene expulsed by the Turkes and had honorable entertainment giuen him by the King of Spaine in Goletta Being come into Affrick he landed his souldiers and in order of battaile marched to assault the City of Tunis where no resistance being made the Christians without any slaughter entred and sacked it then Don Iohn causing a fort to be built nere to the City placed Gabriele Serbellone the Milanois in it with three hundred Italians and himselfe with the fleet returned into Sicily About the beginning of the yeere 1574. the Venetians hauing intelligence that Selim armed at Constantinople fearing that he would not obserue peace suspected that hee ment to enterprise vpon Candy wherevpon they leauied 12000. foot-men to guard it and rigged their fleet making Iacomo Souranza their Generall but these preparations were needlesse for Selim turning his deseignes vpon Affrike to bee reuenged on Don Iohn ratified the peace and tooke from them all suspition of being inuaded by him sent Sinan Basha with a mighty army into Affrike to recouer Tunis and raze Goletta the which in one month he did Selim perceiuing all things to succeed according to his desire intended to breake his word and oth with the Venetians and to inuade the 〈◊〉 of Candy but whilest he made his preparations death ouerthrew his vniust and proud deseignes God so prouiding for the quiet and safety of Christendome Amurath his eldest sonne succeeded him in the Empire In the meane time Henry of Aniou entring Poland did vpon the confines in great power and magnificence meet with the chiefe of the Kingdome who conducted him to Cracouia where with royal solemnity he was crowned and whilest he busied himselfe with enquiring of their manner of gouernment beginning by little and little to order the affaires of State the Queene his mother sent a speedy messenger to him from France to aduertize him of the death of his brother King Charles and to aduise him to returne into France with all possible speed to receiue the crowne and to remoue those troubles wherewith by his brothers death she was entangled The King accquainted the Polanders with these newes telling them that hee was of necessity to returne into France to order the affaires of that Kingdome which were much embroiled But the Lords which were then with him at Cracouia answered that his departure could not be treated of but in the Generall Councell of the whole Realme who would send him so well accompanied as he should terrifie those that durst make any resistance The Generall Estates of the Kingdome were to the same end summoned to Cracouia but the King againe solicited by his mother to make hast and on the other side perceiuing that the Polanders did not proceed with such celerity as his affaires required and that they were vnwilling to let him goe resolued in secret manner to depart and in disguise by night leaping on horse-back him-selfe with three more went from Cracouia and with great speed hasted towards the confines of the Empire His departure was not long concealed for the Earle of Tericenia the Kings Chamberlaine with other Lords comming to his chamber and finding him not there did presently take horse pursuing the same way that hee had taken meaning to stay him and bring him backe but the King made such speed as they could not ouer-take him till he arriued in the Empires territories where they earnestly entreated him to returne with them which he not granting they went back againe to Cracouia The King in the meane time pursuing his iourney came to Vienna where the Emperors sonnes met him and within a while after the Emperor himselfe who very magnificently entertained him From thence he sent word to the Venetians that he determined to come and see their Citty Archduke Charles accompanied him through his Cuntrey vpon the Venetians confines he met with a gallant troope of Noblemen who came to waite vpon him with eight hundred souldiers the next day foure of the chiefest Senators of Venice came to him as Ambassadors and intreated him to come and view their city where all men with great desire expected him which he pro mising to doe the Duke of Neuers who was then in Italy came likewise to him and so altogether arriued at Maguera the farthest place of the firme land on the lakes where hee met with threescore Venetian gentlemen which came to waite vpon him and entring into a Gondola prepared for him together with the Dukes of Ferrara and Neuers attended by infinite numbers of Gondolas hee came to Murana where the next day hee was visited by the Prince and Senate with foureteene Gallies then beeing conducted to Lia hee went into the Bucentauro and with him the Prince and Senate from thence with great magnificence he was brought to Venice all that Channell betwixt Lia and the city beeing full of boates made in fashion of sea monsters wherein were all the youth of Venice ritchly attired with infinite numbers of Gondolas who rowed before and on euery side of the Bucentaure which was gently towed to Venice where the King remayning certaine daies the Signory shewed him all pleasures and delights that could be imagined and at his departure the Prince and Senate accompanied him three miles from the city where taking leaue of each other the King embraced the Prince giuing him great thankes for his royall entertainment which hee promised neuer to forget and in so saying gaue him a diamond of great valew entreating him to
weare it for his sake After his departure whilest with his friends the Prince celebrated the day of his election â—…ire by negligence had like to haue consumed the dukes pallace who was enforced to with-draw himselfe to the house of Giouan de Leggè knight and Procurator of Saint Marke this fire besides the present great hurt it did was by some interpreted as a bad presage The same yeere died Cosmo de Medicis the first great Duke of Tuscany a Prince of rare and excellent iudgment Francesco his eldest sonne succeeded him There arose likewise great troubles in Genoa betwixt the antient and moderne nobillity which continued the remainder of that yeere and most part of next 1575. till that the Pope Emperor and King of Spaine whom they had made vmpiers of their controuersies made them friends So soone as Amurath had possest himselfe of his fathers Empire following the president of his Ancestors hee murthered all his brethren and to let the world see that he was a souldier commanded Vluzzali to prepare a mighty fleet This did greatly trouble all Christian Princes especially the Venetians who fortified all their sea-coasts against the fury of this barbarous enemy but they were soone freed from this feare by a great plague and dearth at that time in Constantinople which enforced the new Emperor to abandon his warlike deseignes and to seeke meanes to redresse the miserie and calamity of the chiefe citie of his Empire yet to confirme mens opinions conceiued of his new enterprises he commanded truce beeing not yet ratified with the Emperor that his Garrisons neere to Hungary should enter into the Empires territories to waste and burne the country where the Turkes did not only execute many hostile and bloudy actions but tooke diuers castles of the Empire carrying away with them many Christian prisoners whereof the Emperors Ambassador complayning to Amurath he willed him to write to his Master that if he ment to haue truce with him he should resolue to pay him tribute for all his dominions otherwise hee would in person come into his country to ruine him Amurath was incensed against Maximillian because that the Polanders determyning to elect a new King by reason of King Henries departure he was one that laied claime to that crowne and because the house of Austria and the Ottoman family had of a long time hated each other Amurath would by no meanes haue him for his neigbour and therefore inuaded him to diuert him from those thoughts sending word likewise at the same time to the Polanders that if they could not agree about the election of their King they should choose Stefano Battori Prince of Transiluania threatning if they did not so to waste and spoile their country Whilest the Turke stood on these termes with the Emperor and Polanders he sent one of his Chiaus to Venice to promise and ratifie both by word and writing perpetual peace with them This Ambassage was entertained with wonderful ioy they being thereby freed from great care and expense At the same time an exchange of prisoners taken at the battaile of Lepanto which were now at Rome was granted for Christian prisoners held by the Turke among whom was Serbolone and many others of note Toward the latter end of this yeere the pestilence which had much afflicted the city of Trent bewraied it selfe in Venice where by reason of cold weather it brake not forth much that winter but the spring following the yeere 1576. it beganne to rage and with the heate so encreased as there died that yeere aboue three score and ten thousand persons and no humaine remedy appearing the Prince and Senate had recourse to God and meeting altogether in Saint Markes Church the Prince in all their names made a sollemne vow to God to build a Church and dedicate it to the worlds Redeemer beseeching him with heart and mouth that it might please him of his infinite mercy to heare them and to appease his wrath by restoring them to their former health This gracious God heard their humble and deuout praiers and from that time the sicknesse beganne to decrease so that the City in March following was wholly freed from that scourge wherevpon a goodly Church was builded at La Zuecca and dedicated to the Redeemer where now the Capuchins abide whither the Signory and Clergy doe yeerely goe in precession euery third sunday in Iuly to giue thankes vnto God for his mercy and fauor shewed vnto them The city of Venice was not alone infected but diuers other townes of the Marches of Treuiso and Lumbardy but especially the city of Milan where Cardinall Borromeo Archbishop of the place a Prelate of holy life spared neither his means nor life for the releefe of his flock exposing himselfe without feare to all dangers that were offered Things thus variably changing Lodonico Mocenigo Duke of Venice deceassed in Iune the yeere 1577. hauing gouerned eight yeeres hee was honorably buried in the Church of Saint Iohn and Paul vnder the great Gate neere to Loredana Marcello his wife His funeralls ended all men were desirous to acknowledge the vertue and deserts of Sebastiano Venieri who when he was Generall had renouned the Christian Commonwealth by so notable a victory and though hee had competitors did neuerthelesse merit to be preferred before them all wherevpon the forty one being assembled of which number himselfe was one they without any contradiction chose him Prince SEBASTIANO VENIERI the 86. Duke THIS election published the people were very ioyfull of it But that which seemed most strange and therewithall pleasing was that amongst such multitude of all sorts of people as went to congratulate his new dignity ten Turkes who were then in Venice came and kissed his feet saying aloude This is that inuincible Generall who by defeating our fleet and vs hath iustly purchased to himselfe this deserued crowne vnto whom we wish a long and happy life The Prince thanked them and with a liberall hand rewarded them Not long after fiue correctors of the lawes were created who had authority to order the affaires of iustice For sundry corruptions by long continuance crept into pleas did much confound mens sutes to the preiudices of iustice These fiue were Giouan Donato Iacomo Gussone Francesco Venieri Iustinian Iustinians and Lodouico Micaele all Senators of great reputation Then vpon intelligence that the Turke rigged certaine Gallies at Narento to send into the Hadriattick Gulph contrary to the treaty of peace made with the Venetians to defend his owne subiects trafficking on those seas whom the Vscoques of Segna robbed the Venetians sent foure well armed Gallies thither who cleered and defended those seas from their thefts and robberies whereof the Turke hauing notice called home his owne Gallies forth of the Gulph and freed the Venetians from all feare and suspition The Senate perceiuing that the prices of all things were excessiue in Venice either by reason of the late sicknesse
or vpon some other occasion a decree was made to reduce all wares to the old price appointed by the lawes and to see it effected fiue Senators were appointed namely Marco Iustiniano Lorenzo Bernardo Sebastiano Barbarico Nicolo Quirini and Lodouico Contareni Three Senators were afterwards deputed to take order for the discharge and payment of the States debts occasioned by the last warres the Senat was desirous it hauing beene propounded by Giouan Francesco Priuli a wise and vertuous Senator to pay euery man his due and to that end they appointed the said Francesco Priuli Antonio Bragadini and Iacomo Gussone At the same time Haniball of Capua elected Archbishop of Ottranto came to Venice as the Popes Nuncio whose arriuall was pleasing to the Senate for the memory of his dead vncle who in former time had beene Legat there as also because that by his comming the passage towards Romagnia was opened which till then had beene shut vp by reason of the late sicknesse his presence likewise brought content with it for hee presented the Prince with a rose of gold from his Holinesse which is a guift which Popes are wont to bestow vpon Princes which are their greatest friends and fauorites Pope Alexander the third in the yeere 1177. honoured Prince Sebastian Ciani with the like guift and the ceremony of presenting it was magnificently performed in Saint Markes Church fifteene daies after vpon the one and twentith day of Iuly a publike proclamation was made wherein the City was declared to bee cleere and sound from all infection At which publication the Prince and Senate went to visit the new Church built in honor of our Sauiour at La Zuecca Not long after Ormanetta Bishop of Padua beeing dead the Pope bestowed that ritch Bishoprick on Frederico Cornare the Bishop of Bergamo and that of Bergamo vpon Ieronimo Ragazzone Bishop of Nouara it did highly content the Senate to see one of those Churches restored to the family of Cornares who for a long time had gouerned it and the other to a house so well deseruing of the Common-wealth for Ragazzone was brother to Iacomo and Placido Ragazzoni beloued of the Signory for their good seruice done to the State This ioy the fate of Brescia did greatly lessen where the plague dayly consumed multitudes wherevpon in Iuly the Prince and Senate for three daies made sollemne precessions praying vnto God for their health The same yeere sundry prodigies were seene a great Comet ouer all Europe and at Rome a globe of fire in the ayre like to a great tunne which arising ouer the gate del populo vanished ouer Castle Angelo besides a cleere light was seene in Romagnia at midnight which notwithstanding the darkenesse shined so bright as that men did as easily see to read as at noone day these were interpreted signes of future misery Not long after newes was brought to Venice of the death of D. Iohn of Austria who deceassed at Namur in the beginning of the yeere 1578. at which time likewise Prince Venieri opprest with old age and surprised with sicknesse then when he thought to celebrate the birth day of Princesse Cecilia Contareni his wife for which Francesco Morosini his sonne in law a noble Gentleman prepared great triumphs departed this mortall life on the third of March being generally bewailed of the whole City hauing gouerned the Commonwealth eight months and twenty daies The ceremonies which were wont to bee made in the Church of Saint Iohn and Paul were by reason of the great raine performed in Saint Markes his body was afterwards buried in the Church of Maran The Archduke of Austria craued his picture of the Senate together with his coate armour which hee wore vpon the day of the battaile of Lepanto which the Senate willingly granted The funerall ceremonies ended and the Senators after the vsuall manner proceeding to a new election Nicolo de Ponte a very graue and noble Senator foure score and eight yeeres old and Procurator of Saint Marke being a learned man which in his youth had read publikely at Venice was chosen In his time the Commonwealth was peaceable the Turke turning his force vpon the Persian NICOLO DE PONTE the 87. Duke THE same yeere the great Duke of Tuscany discouered a conspiracy against himselfe and his brethren made by certaine Florentine Gentlemen who were apprehended and publikely executed and not long after Iâ—…ne of Austria his wife died in child-bed a very vertuous Princesse The yeere following 1580. though there were fierce wars both in the East and Netherlands men fearing that it would likewise renue in France the Venetians were quiet ouer their whole dominions The second yeere of Prince Ponte his soueraignty an accident happened at Venice very pleasing to the Senate Francesco de Medicis great Duke of Tuscany a very potent Prince was desirous to marry for his second wife Bianca daughter to Bartilmeo Capello a Venetian Gentleman and to that end sent Mario Sforza to Venice to acquaint the Senate and her father therewith The Senate sent for Barthelmeo and his sonne Vittorio whom they knighted then adopted the great Dutchesse Bianca daughter to the Venetian Signory in the same manner as in former time they had done Catherina Cornare Queene of Cyprus the State then and afterwards shewing great signes of ioy but chiefly vpon the arriuall of Don Iohn de Medicis the great Dukes brother sent to Venice to conduct her to Florence and Giouan Micaele and Antonio Tepulo were sent Ambassadors to the great Duke in the Senates name to congratulate his marriage and to be present at Florence at the great Dutchesse coronation They likewise sent Marco Iustiniano Ambassador to Charles Philibert the new Duke of Sauoy to bewaile with him the death of Emanuell his father a great friend to the Venetian State And because Philip had obteined the crowne of Portugall by the death of the Cardinall King the Senate appointed Vincento Troni and Ieronimo Lippomano both Knights and noble Senators Ambassadours to his Maiesty to reioyce with him in the Senates name for his happy fortune Now because peace had in Venice begotten excesse in the expense of priuate Cittizens which commonly carrieth sundry mischiefes along with it for there where frugality and parcimony hath place religion vertue and modesty doe flourish a decree was made that superfluous expence in garments feasts and womens lying in should be moderated They abolished the vse of all sorts of pearle true or counterfeit onely women were permitted to weare a small carkanet of them about their neckes costly skinnes and furres were wholly forbidden to bee worne together with the vse of any gold or siluer lace vpon garments Moreouer it was not lawfull for any Curtezan to weare any precious iem iewels of gold or siluer or to vse any tapistry Great penalties were imposed not onely vpon the transgressors of this decree but on workmen which should make or sell any of these prohibited things and
reduced to this forme That none of what quality soeuer should giue lands to the Church but onely for two yeares space in which time they should be sold and if the sale were not made by the Clergie a ciuill Magistrate should bee appointed to doe it This beeing considered by the Senate hath euer since beene generally practised ouer the whole Venetian state The yeare 1603. the Councell of the Preguays at Venice decreed that no Venetian cittizen of what degree or quality soeuer should in the Citty without the Senates consent build any new Church Hospitall or Monastery not that the Senate would wholy prohibit such buildings but because the Prince and Senate as Superiours would consider whether it were needfull or not there beeing in the citty one hundred and fifty Churches Monasteries Hospitalls and other like places of deuotion The yeare following 1604. the Venetians inioying peace warre remooued it selfe to other places as Germany the Leuant and Flanders In the yeare 1605. Pope Clement the eight falling sick on the twelfth of February dyed on the third of March following hauing gouerned the sea of Rome thirteene yeares his body was carried to Saint Peters Church and buried in the Clementine chappell which himselfe had built Then the Cardinalls entring into the Conclaue elected Alessandro de Medicis Cardinall of Florence sonne to the illustrious Octauio who beeing Archbishop of Florence was made Cardinall by Pope Gregory the thirteenth and beeing chosen Pope tooke vpon him the name of Leo the tenth The Romaines were very glad of his election but their ioy lasted not long for hee dyed of a Feuer the twenty sixth day after hee was made Pope Some thought hee was poysoned but his body beeing opened in the presence of diuerse Physitions they found it otherwise hee lyes buryed in Saint Peters Church The Cardinals proceeding to a new election and desirous to make haste the Cardinalls Farnese and Montalto went to Cardinall Aldobrandini intreating him to name three among the whole Colledge of Cardinalls Tuscus and Baronius excepted and they would choose one of the three Wherevpon the Cardinals Clement Arragon and Borgesius beeing named Borgesius as best beloued was presently saluted Pope by way of adoration intitling himselfe Paul the fift This Pope descended from an ancient family in Syenna was sonne to a Romaine Gentlewoman his Father comming to dwell at Rome But the Venetian Clergie notwithstanding the Senates decree did dayly more and more augment their reuenues and possessions as well within the Citty as abroad the Senate for reducing their whole State to one conformable custome had before as hath beene said diuulged their law ouer all their dominions and added therevnto a prohibition that none within their Citty or Signory vnder what coullor soeuer should sell giue or in any sort alienate lands to the Clergie without the Senates permission which should not be granted but with the same solemnities vsuall at the alienation of the publick reuenue and all alienations made otherwise to bee declared voide the lands confiscate and Notaries punished The Pope at the beginning of his Papacie hauing notice of this law did duly examine it and would in no sort approoue it but toward the end of October the same yeare complained thereof to the Venetian Ambassador at the time of publick audience saying That whilest the Sea of Rome was vacant the Venetians had made a lawe which prohibited the Clergie to purchase lands adding though it were made vpon important occasion and by vertue of a former dedree yet the Cannons disanulled them both therefore his pleasure was to haue them reuoked inioyning the Ambassador in his name to signifie as much to the Signory The Ambassador did what the Pope commanded and within a while after receiued instruction and Commission from the Senate to acquaint his Holynesse with the equity of their cause and iustice of their law together with the Signories power and authority to make such decrees The Pope confident in his owne opinion said aloud That he gaue him audience onely to content the Venetians and not to admit any of his propounded reasons or excuses then made an other complaint about the detaining of a Channon of Vincenza and the Abbot of Nerueze both of them accused of notorious crimes and within a while after another concerning the law forbidding to build Churches without permission beeing resolute to haue those two lawes reuoked and the prisoners deliuered to his Nuncio residing in Venice And on the tenth day of September making two Iniunctions one concerning the two lawes and the other about sentencing the Clergie hee sent a Commission to his Nuncio to present them resoluing vpon their answer and refusall to proceed to excommunication But the Nuncio beeing peraduenture mooued with pitty because the Senate at that time had chosen an extraordinary Ambassador by humble meanes to seeke to diuert his Holinesse from his resolution and to induce him better to consider of the matter delaied the presentation of those iniunctions which the Pope tooke in bad part wherevpon in all hast he sent him an expresse commandement to present them without farther delay In regard whereof vpon Christmasse day when Duke Grimani lay at point of death and that the Signory and Senators were assembled some of whom had receiued the holy Sacrament and others were ready to receiue the Nuncio craued audience and presented the two iniunctions which notwithstanding the Dukes death happened the day following were not opened till after the election of the new Duke Prince Grimani hauing gouerned nine yeares and odde moneths departed this mortall life in the Christmasse holy-dayes in the yeare 1605. his funerals ended Leonardo Donato Knight and Procurator of Saint Marke was after the 〈◊〉 manner chosen in his steed on the tenth day of February 1606. LEONARDO DONATO the 90. Duke AFter his election the two iniunctions beeing opened were both of one substance containing that his Holynesse was aduertised that the Venetian Senate had decreed diuerse things contrary to the liberty of the Church and authority of the Sea Apostolick and diuulged ouer all their Signories certaine lawes particular to the Citty of Venice forbidding to build Churches and Monasteries and to allienate secular possessions to the Clergie without the Senates permission which as repugnant to the Churches liberty his Holynesse declared to bee of no force and they who had made them to haue incurred Ecclesiasticall censures commanding them on paine of excommunication presently to reuoke and breake those lawes threatning to proceed farther if they obeyed him not To this the Senate answered on the 28. of Ianuary the same yeare 1606. That with greefe and amazement it vnderstood by his Holynesse letters that hee disliked the lawes of the Venetian common-wealth prosperously obserued for many ages and neuer till then taxed by any of his predecessors the reuocation whereof would ouer-throw the foundation of their State that hee accounted those lawes to be contrary to the authority of the
those who tooke the Croisado after the councell at Cleremont 71 Number of the dead Infidels farre greater than of the Christians 75 Number of the Infidels Armie ibid. New religious order 97 New army against the Normans 98 New deceit of the Greeks 102 New manner of electing the Prince 113 New Armie of Christians for recouerie of the Holy Land 114 Number of the Christian Armie 116 New Greekish inuention to deceiue the Christians 120 New agreement betwixt the Venetians and the Princes 121 New strife betwixt the Venetians and Paduans 126 New commotion in Candie 131 Noble courage of a Prenestine 143 New warre against the Greekes 94 New warre against Bolognians 154 New warre with those of Cape-Histria with the Anconitans 156 New contention with the Paduans 167 New stirres in Candie soone suppressed 174 New Magistrates created 195 Nicholas Pisani Generall of the Venetian Armie 200 New Prouidatori sent with supplies to Candie 222 New suplies come to the Armie 225 Nouello sonne to Francisco Carrario comes to sweare to the peace at Venice 230 Number of the Genoueses army 240 Nou◅lla besieged by the enemie 267 Nouello sonne to Carrario recouereth Padua 279 Number of the Venetians army 311 Number of Philips armie ibid. New league against Philip. 314 Number of the Venetians nauie 352 Nicholao de Aeste fortifieth his owne estate and is afterward freed from his feare and suspition 353 Notable seruice of women 356 New Orgies yeelded to Picinino by treacherie ibid. Nicolao de Aeste his motion made to the Senate 358 Nicholao de Aeste is receiued into the league 361 Newes of the league brought to Venice 362 Nicholao de Aeste commeth to Sforzas campe to treat a peace 387 Nicholao de Aeste bringeth the Ladie Bianca to Mantua ibid. Nauall Armie determined against the Milanois 404 Nauall Armie against Pirates 405 Nicholo Canalis Generall of the nauall Armie 441 Nauall Armie giueth an assault to Sattalia 452 Number of the Turkes and the Persians Armies 471 Number of the Turkes Army before Scutarie 477 Noblest families of Rome 501 O ORiginall of the Huns and their comming into Italy 3 On what day the Citie of Venice was builded 4 Obellerio practiseth treason against Pepin 23 Otho the second hateth the Venetitians 53 Otho the second his designe 54 Otho Duke of Venice vanquisheth the king of Croatia 61 Otho the Duke dieth in Greece 62 Originall of the Plaies dedicated to them that are married 43 Otho the Emperors answere to Vitalis 51 Occasion of the war betwixt Alexis and Beamond 86 Ordelapho comes againe into Dalmatia 88 Ordelapho dies and the Venetians are defeated ibid. Otho his discourse to his father Fredericke 109 Orlando Rossis chosen Generall of the Armie 188 Of all earthquakes the agitatiō of the water is most dangerous 196 On what conditions Arbawas deliuered to the Genoueses 265 On what conditions Te◅edos was yeel ded 276 Officers sent by the Sen. to Padua 288 Occasion of the warre against Philip Duke of Milan 295 Oration of Cornari to Philip. 297 Oration of the Florentine Ambassador 299 Oration of Carmagnolla to the Senate 302 Oration of the Milanois to Philip. 313 One Prince waiteth vpon anothers funerals 430 Occasion of the Ottomans warre against the Venetians 431 Order of Ottomans campe against the Persian 470 Ottoman besiegeth Rhodes 491 Ottoman takes Ottranto ibid. Opinion of those disswading warre with the Ferrarois with the contaries answere 494 Originall and spring of the Po with her course 496 Originall of the Rheticke warre 523 P PAduan fugitiues dwell at Embragola 10 Pepin king of Italy 22 Pepin retires to the firme land 26 Publike games at Shrouetide 28 Pollicie of those which carried Saint Marks bodie into the ships 30 Prophecie accomplished ibid Pola an ancient Citie 33 Pythagoras and Milo the two ornaments of the Crotonians 35 Pope Bennet comes to Venice ibid. Pouegia newly inhabited 36 People sweare to the Prince 50 Palace and Saint Markes Church repaired ibid. Prince resolues to giue ouer his place 52 Plague and famine in the Citie 60 Pepin Patriarch of Aquileia disquiets Grada 61 Pepin obeyes the Popes commaundement 64 Pope Leo comes to Venice ibid. Pope Leo vanquished by the Normans 65 Pope Nicholas tributarie to the Normans ibid. Peter tels his message to the Pope 70 Pope Vrban comes to the councell at Cleremont ibid. Pope Vrban his Oration ibid. Peter the hermit ignorant of martiall discipline 72 Prohibitions to pay no more tribute to the Barbarians 55 Priuiledges granted to the Venetians by Henry the fourth 86 Pope Calixtus his resolution for succour of the Holy Land 89 Phaenicians the inuenters of Arithmeticke the Alphabet and Astronomie 92 Proofe of the Venetians loyalie 93 Paduans defeated 97 Plague very great in Venice 103 Prince Vitalis murthered 103 Pope Alexander comes to Venice in disguise 107 Preparations for warre against Fredericke 108 Ptolomais yeelded 114 Pisans take Pola 115 Pisans defeated by the Venetians ibid. Peace granted to the Brundusians 116 Prince Dandulo deceaseth 122 Pleasant games inuented at Treuiso 126 Paduans and Venetians quarrell at the games at Treuiso ibid. Paduans make roades on the Venetians ibid. Paduans defeated ibid. Peace betwixt the Paduans and the Venetians bid Peter Count of Auxerre chosen Experour of the East 127 Pope Gregories entreatie to arme against the Turks 138 Pietro Tepulo defeated and taken prisoner 139 Pope Alexanders diligence to make peace betwixt the Venetians and the Genoueses 147 Power of the French much decayed in Greece 148 Paleologus taketh Constantinople 149 Paleologus readie to leaue Constantinople ibid. Popular commotion in Venice 152 Pope Clement endeuoreth to accord the Venetians and Genoueses 153 Peace granted to the Bolognians 155 Paleologus defeateth them of Nigrepont ibid. Patriarch of Aquileia succoureth the Rebels 156 Patriarch of Aquileia allieth himselfe with Count Gorcian 158 Patriarches Armie comes to Thryeste 159 Pope Nicholas exhorteth the Christian Princes to vndertake the voyage into Syria with his offer 160 Popular tumult about the creation of the Duke ibid. Pisans vanquished by the Genoueses 164 Pera taken and burnt by the Venetians ibid. Punishment of the guiltie 166 Peace with Paleologus 167 Punishment of conspirators 169 Pension giuen to the woman that slue Baiamont ibid. Polans and Valesians brought vnder the Venetians obedience 175 Power of those of Escalla 176 People come from all parts to the Venetian Armie 178 Pietro Rossis declared Generall of the Venetian Armie 179 Pietro Rossis his first victorie 180 Pietro de Rossis arriueth at Venice 181 Pietro Rossis Oration to his souldiers 183 Padua reuolteth from those of Escalla 187 Pope Clement the Venetians and other Christian Princes in league against the Turke 193 Pope Clement permitteth trafficke with Infidels ibid. Prince Dandulo causeth all the decrees of the Citie to bee gathered into one forme 195 Pagano Generall of the Genoa Armie 200 Petrarch his speech concerning the battaile 202 Pisani Generall of the Venetian Armie 203 Pisani ioyneth with the
Arragonois ibid. Petrarch Ambassadour for the Milanois 205 Pisani retires to Dalmatia ibid. Prodigies appeare before the losse of the Armie 207 Phalerio his picture razed out of the great Hall 208 Phalerio is put to death by decree of the Senate 209 Peace betwixt the Venetians and the Genouses with their allies 210 Peace refufed on vniust conditions 213 Pretence of a murtherer to execute his enterprize 217 Popes Indulgences against the Candiots 222 Pisani with the Captaines of the fiue Gallies imprisoned at Venice 240 Pelestrina taken by the Genoueses 241 Pisani set at libertie by the Senates decree 246 Pisani his great modestie ibid. Prince Contareni his speech to Pisani in open Senate ibid. Pisani his answere to the Prince ibid. Pisani restored to his former Office 247 Prisoners sent home vpon their word 231 Prince Contareni with his Armie in the Hauen of Chioggia 253 Passage of Brondolli shut vp to the Genoueses 254 Pisani appeaseth his murmuring Souldiers 255 Pisani entreth into Brondolli 259 Paduans defeated ibid. Pola taken by the Genoueses 264 Paduans besiege Treuiso 265 Pisani dieth and is honourably buried 266 Peace betwixt the Venetians and Genoueses 273 Perfidious treacherie 282 Paulo Sabello a Romane Generall of the Venetians 284 Padua taken and the Tyrant with three of his children brought to Venice 288 Prisoners by the Senates commaund strangled ibid. Paduans Ambassadors come to Venice 289 Pius the Florentine makes incursions on the Venetians 292 Prince Mocenigo constrained to pay forfeiture for infringing the Senates decree 295 Philip his dissimulation 296 Philip his answere to Cornari 298 Prince Foscari his Oration 394 Peace betweene Philip and the Venetians 312 Philips complaints to the Popes Nuncio 313 Philips answer to the Milanois ibid. Philip changing his mind the Milanois waxe clold 314 Philip reneweth the warre with the Venetians ibid. Philips forces driuen forth of Brissels 315 Philippes speech to the Milanois 318 Philip comes to the Armie ibid. Philips Armie marcheth in battaile against the Venetians 320 Philip hath recourse to the Emperour Sigismond 322 Philip marrieth the Duke of Sauoys daughter ibid. Peace betwixt the Venetians and Philip. ibid. Philippe contrarie to his promise makes warre on the Bandetti 323 Paulo Guenesio Tyrant of Luca. 324 Prince Foscari outraged by a mad man 325 Picinino commeth to the aide of the Luquois 326 Philippe promiseth to giue his daughter in marriage to Sforza 327 Picinino defeateth Barnabo Adorini 333 Picinino and Stella make an accord together 338 Pope Eugenius leaueth Rome and commeth to Florence ibid. Picinino defeateth the Armie of the league 339 Philip solliciteth the Paduans against the Venetians 340 Picinino his complaints against the Florentines 341 Prince of Mantua Generall of the Venetian Armie 342 Picinino defeateth the Venetians at Pontoglio 343 Prince Foscari and the Senates answere to Sforzas Agent 344 Picinino encampeth before Casall-Maior 347 Picinino his designe to famish the Venetian Armie 349 Picinino besiegeth Rhoades 351 Philip exhorteth his Captaines to besiege Bressia 355 Philip enforced to raise his campe from Bressia 357 Penetra yeelded to the Venetians ibid. Pilosus death ibid. Philip delayeth and deludeth Sforza 361 Picinino flouteth Sforza ibid. Picinino besiegeth Legnaga 364 Picinino attempteth to burne the Venetians Armie 372 Picinino put to rout ibid. Picinino escapeth in disguised hahabit 373 Picinino maketh warre in Flaminia 379 Politiana is taken by Picinino 380 Picinino his good fortune beginneth to decline ibid. Prouidators aunswere to Sforza 383 Picininos proiect 385 Picinino despaireth after the losse of the battaile 386 Picinino his vnlooked-for arriuall into the countrey of Bressia 388 Picinino his complaints vpon report of peace 391 Philip is reduced to greate necessitie 390 Peace is concluded betwixt Sforza and Philips commissioners 391 Pope Eugenius and Philips discontents 398 Pope Eugenius king Alphonso and Philip make a league against Sforza ibid. Picinino departeth from La Marca ibid. Picinino entirely defeated by Sforza and the death of Picinino 400 Philippes Ambassadors come to Venice to treat of peace 402 Pope Eugenius death ibid. Pcinces sonne confined into Candie ibid. Plague in Venice 403 Philips death 404 People of Milan come forth disbanded against Sforza 409 Peace betwixt the Venetians king Alphonso 415 Pope Nicholas honoureth the Venetian Prince with the Golden sword the girdle and ornament for his head ibid. Paleologus the Emperour his exhortation towardes his souldiers 423 Pope Nicholas his recompence to as many as should arme against the Turke 424 Pope Nicholas his Nuncio commeth to Venice to tre◅t of peace 42◅ Pope Pius comes to Ancona to prepare an Armie against the Turkes and there dieth 438 Pietro Mocenigo is chosen Generall of the nauall Armie 446 Peace concluded betwixt Ottoman and the Venetians 486 Peace betwixt the Florentines the associates 490 Persiāsvanquished by the Turks 470 Pope Sixtus withdrawes himselfe from the Venetians 506 Pope Sixtus excommunicateth the Venetians 507 Part of the Dukes Pallace burnt 511 Peace concluded betwixt the States of Italy and the Venetians 516 Peace betwixt the Pope and Ferdinand 521 Prince Barbadico his instructions to his children on his death bed 522 Peace concluded betwixt Sigismond and the Venetians 528 Philip de Commines Ambassador for Charles the eighth at Venice 534 Q QVirini safe conducts the great vessels to the fleete 464 R RAuenna taken by the Venetians 14 Rialto chosen for the Princes ordinarie residence 27 Reuolt of Cape-darger 54 Raoul the Norman Captaine becoms a Christian. 65 Raimond a Germane chosen in the Hermites steede 72 Raimond flies to the enemie ibid. Rebellion of Zara. 87 Rogero sonne to Guiscard king of Sicilie 98 Robert the Emperour his vnfortunate marriage 128 Radamanth and Minos Lords of Candie 130 Rainiero Dandulo his death 131 Request made to the Venetians for the preseruation of the Greeke Empire 136 Reason why the Venetians suc◅oured Constantinople 138 Rogero Morosino Generall of the Venetian armie 164 Rossis departeth in disguised habite 180 Rossis first exploit ibid. Rossis receiueth the ensignes of Saint Marke 182 Rossis chalengeth Mastin 184 Rossis at the gates of Padua 185 Resolution of a desperate man 186 Reward propounded against the Rebels 191 Reddition of Zara. 195 Rethimna taken by the Rebels 222 Rebels enforced by famine yeelde to the Venetians 223 Rebels executed ibid. Rashnesse of a Rebell 224 Rainiero Vasco Generall of the Venetian Armie 227 Retreat and dismission of the Generall 228 Roberto de la Marca hanged at Venice 261 Resolution of the Counsellers of the widow of Galeas 283 Rampier builded against the Castle of Bressia 310 Remonstrances of Vrban of Dertonna to keepe Sforza and Picinino from battaile 339 Rhoades diuers other Towns yeela to Picinino 352 Riua is taken by the Venetians 383 Rauenna vnder the Venetians 387 Ragusa in Dalmatia described 479 Roberto Malateste Generall of the venetian Cauallerie 489 Rouero yeelded to the Almanes on composition 524 Reception of the Queene of Cyprus at Venice 530 S SVndry opiniōs of
The Dukes request to the people ibi The bodies throwne vpon the common dunghill ibi The Emperours cruell Edict against the Venetians 54 The peoples reuenge on the Calloprini ibi Three sonnes of Stephano Calloprini slaine ib. The situation of Pharos 57 Those of Pharos summoned ibi The taking of the Castle and Towne of Pharos called Lessina 58 The Emperour graunts sundry priuiledges to the Venetians 59 Tho Emperor Otho comes to Venice in disguise ibid. The Dukes last will 60 Too great nicenesse of a woman 84 The sundry passages of the Christians into Syria 72 The strength of Nicea 73 The Turkish succour defeated 74 The great danger the Christians were in ibi The taking of Iconium 75 Tharsis being yielded is giuen to Baldwin ibi Treachery of a Citizen of Antioch 78 The taking of Antioch ibid. Tripoly besieged by the Christians 79 The defeat of the enemy before Ierusalem with the number of the dead 83 Acon taken by Baldwin 85 The taking of Sydon 86 The Castle of Soball builded by Baldwin ibi The Emperours mediation betweene the Venetians and Paduans 87 Two great accidents of fiâ—…e ibid. Truce with Hungary for 5. yeres 88 The Duke of Venice comes to Ierusalem 92 The lot fell vpon Tyre ib. Tyre besieged ibi The distrust conceiued against the Venetians 93 The Christians stratagem before Tyre ibid. The third part of Tyre giuen to the Venetians 94 The building of the Hospitall of the publike charitie 95 The originall of the games at Shrouetide 101 The answer made to the Greeke Ambassadours ibi Treachery of Emanuel 102 The contagious sickenesse in the Venetian armie 103 Three great pillars brought to Venice 104 The recompence which the Inginer demaunded 105 The true cause of Vitalis his death 106 The Emperor Fredericks rigorous Edict against the Pope 107 The Prince imbarketh himselfe in the Popes presence 108 The Emperor arriues at Venice 109 The Emperors obedience to the Pope ibid. The ornaments and ensignes of the venetian Princes 110 The death of Cyani and his last will ibi The recouerie of Zara. 117 Theodore Lascaris sallies foorth on the Christian pilgrims 118 The mutuall comfort of the father and the sonne 119 The treachery of Myrtillus 120 Thomaso Morosino Patriarke of Constantinople 121 The Princes liberality to the new Emperour ibid. Thrace reduced to the Emperors obedience ibi Thomaso confirmed Patriarke by the Pope 122 The names of the Islands possessed by particular persons 125 The Bishops See at Malomoc translated to Chioggia 127 The Emperour Peter murdred ib. Tepulo Gouernour of Candie 131 Two Prouidators giuen to euery armie 135 The Pope excommunicateth the Emperour Fredericke 139 The riuers Brent and Bacchillion turned backewards 142 Twelue thousand Praenestines slaine by Sylla in cold blood 143 The originall of the war betwixt the Venetians and Genoueses 146 Their difference referred to the Pope ibidem The Popes Sentence ibidem The treatie of peace broken 147 To what extreamitie Baldwin was brought 149 Treachery of the Greeks against the French ibid. Tyre besieged by the venetians 151 The Genoueses ambush discouered 151 Three Genoueses gallies taken by the venetians ibid. The people beare small respect to the Prince 152 Truce graunted betwixt the venetians and the Genoueses 154 Those of Ancona complaine to the venetians 155 The truce betwixt the venetians and the Genoueses prolonged ib. Thrieste besieged by the venetians 159 The distance betwixt Venice and Genoa 162 The Conspiratours designe 166 The tenour of the Excommunication 168 Those of Pera constrained to sue for peace 173 Turkes put to flight by the venetians 175 Treachery practised by Mastin 182 The suburbs of Mestra burnt by Mastin 183 The territory of Verona spoiled 186 The King of England craueth aide against the French King 191 Truce take with Lewis king of Hungary 197 Those of Cape-histria reuolt ibi Those punished which did not follow the Senates commandement 198 The Genoa-gallies taken 199 The armie returneth to Venice with great booty 200 Truce taken with Visconte 207 The manner of Phalerio his conspiracy ibi The discouerer of the conspiracy recompenced with his discontent 209 The king of Hungary his great armie in Dalmatia 212 The king of Hungary besiegeth Treuiso ibid. Treuiso brauely defended 213 The king infringeth the peace 214 Threatnings of the Candiots 288 The situation of Anopolis 224 Thryestines doe reuolt 225 Thryestines resolue to yield to the Duke of Austria ibi Thryestines returne to the venetians obedience 226 Traitours in the Senate knowne and punished 226 The king of Hungary resolueth vpon peace 230 The enemies put to flight before Longina 231 The Fort of Catharra yielded 236 The common complaint of the people 246 The peoples talke in fauour of Pisani ibi The Genoueses determination fearing to be shut vp 253 The Genoueses beate backe the Venetians to their gallies ibid. The Stellani warre on the Genoueses 254 Two and fiftie gallies in the venetians army by sea 255 Tumult in the venetian army 257 Thryeste reuolteth and yieldeth to the Genoueses 263 The Castles of Thryeste razed by the inhabitants 264 Treachery of two Captaines of the garrison of Conigliana 272 The traitors punished ibid. Thryestines yield to Leopold 277 The Castle of Padua recouered for Nouello 279 The death of Paulo Sabello 285 The goodly situation of Verona 286 Two Forts at Verona ibid. The poore entertainement which the Paduans gaue Carrario returning without peace 287 The death of Pipus 292 The Florentines Ambassadour at Venice 298 The Castle of Bressia yielded to the Venetians 312 The Dukes of Sauoy and Montferrat make incursions on the Milanois 319 The chiefe of Florence animated against the Venetians 324 Those of Luca craue aide of the venetians of Philip and the Sienois ibid. The Prince outraged by a mad-man 325 Thessalonica in Macedonia taken by the Turkes 327 Tollentine leaueth Philips partie 329 The Prince of Mantua Generaâ—…l of the venetian armie 334 The two nauall armies of the venetians and Genoueses returne home 335 Treaty of peace almost concluded broken off 341 Those of Casal desire parlie 347 Treachery plotted against the veneâ—…ians 348 The two armies skirmish 352 The vnlooked for danger whereinto the Common-wealth was like to haue fallen ibi Those of the vally of Sabia seeke to sâ—…op their passage 354 The order which the besieged Bressans kept in the Citty 356 The part of a true Generall of an army 373 The valour of Contareni 382 Three new Procurators of S. Marke created 396 The king of Arragons daughter commeth to Venice 397 The thiefe that would haue robbd the treasury of Venice hanged and the accuser recompenced 410 The king of Bossina sendeth Presents to the venetian Prince 416 Turkish cruelty 424 Turkes successe both in Asia and Europe 427 Traitor punished according to his deserts 432 Turkes before Naples 434 Turkes leaue Naples ibid. Thryeste besieged 435 Thryeste and Arimini freed from the siege 436 Turkish fleet at Tenedos 441 Turkish fleet before Nigrepont 442 Treason
discouered 443 Turkes take Nigrepont 444 Tabia a city of Caria 450 Turkes put to rout at Pergamus 451 Turkes incursions into Italie 453 Turkes enter the Country of the Forlani 454 The Popes Legate his speech to Mocenigo at his departure 465 The King of Cyprus speech to Mocenigo 418 The Turks designe vpon the Boyano 478 The manner of the Turkes assault at Scutarie ibi The Turke retireth from the assault 479 The Turke besiegeth the Isle of Lemnos 281 The great valour of a young maid ibi The Turke besiegeth Croia 482 The Turkes come to the riuer Lizonza 483 The Turkes take the Fort neare the bridge 484 The Turkes burne the Country of Friâ—…l 485 The Turkes great labour and daunger to passe the mountaines 487 The Coritian Prince flies into Germanie 493 Two Venetian fleets at once 495 The State of the Rossians of Parma yeeldeth to Lodowicke 508 Two of Sanseuerines sonnes flie to the enemie ibid. The Tower Tristania taken 513 The French King by reason of sickenesse staieth at Ast. 537 The King visites Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan the Dutchesse her lamentation to the king and his answer to her 538 V VIsion in a dreame 10 Venetians great modestie 7 Venetians first voiage to sea 8 Vderza ruined by the Lombards 10 Venetians haue euer kept their ancient libertie 23 Venetians pollicie 25 Venetians resolution ibid. Venetians compared with the Romans ibid. Vlric Bishop of Aquilcia vanquished by the Venetians 28 Vsurper punished 32 Veronois request against those of Benaâ—… 33 Venetian armie defeated before Crotona 35 Vrso declared Protos-pater of the Graecian Empire 37 Venetians constant resolution 41 Venetians ouercome the Hunnes ibi Vderza taken and ruinated by the Duke 46 Vrseolo ouercomes the Sarracens before Barri 50 Venetians braue resolution 54 Venetians free ouer all the Graecian Empire 55 Venetians armie against the Narentines 56 Venetian gallies surprise the hauen of Pharos 57 Venetians army succoreth Nicephorus 66 Venetians victorious ouer the Normans ibid. Venetians defeated 67 Venetians defeate the Pisans at Rhodes 77 Venetians take Smyrna ibid. Venetians comming into Syria 83 Venetians take Ascalon 84 Venetians and Frenchmen ioyned together ibid. Venetians agreement with Caloman King of Hungarie ibi Venetians take Brundusium ibid. Venetians take Faronia by assault 86 Venetians and Paduans reconciled 87 Venetians resolue to succour the holie land 91 Venetians army in Sicilie 98 Venetians neighbours take armes against them 101 Vlrich Bishop of Aquileia brought to Venice prisoner ibid. Vitalis Duke of Venice murdered 103 Venetians bountie to the Christian Princes 116 Venetians and the Princes resolue to goe to Constantinople 118 Venetians fleete against the Pirates 125 Venetians send a Colonie to Candace ibid. Venetians armie in Candie 131 Venetian supplies in Candie 132 Venetians defeated in Candie 133 Vattasus his army succoureth the rebells in Candie 135 Vattasus army leaues Candy and suffers shipwracke ibi Vattasus sendeth new aide to Candy ibi Venetians fight with the enemies 136 Venetians fleet commeth to the aide of Constantinople ibid. Venetians ioy at the returne of their Nauy 137 Vattasus Nauie put to flight and his death ibid. Venetians take Frederickes great ship 139 Venetians commanded to leaue Acre 146 Venetians send a fleete to guard the Islands 149 Venetians in Nigrepont 150 Venetians victory against the Genoâ—…eses 152 Venetian fleete scattered by tempest 157 Venetian Ambassadors brought back to Rome ibi Venetians take truce with the King of Rabilon 159 Venetians offer for the voyage of Syria 160 Venetians and Genoueses compared to the Romans and Carthaginians 162 Venetians defeated at Corfu 165 Venetians defeated at the streight of Gallipolis 166 Venetians masters of Ferrara 167 Venetians excommunicated by Pope Clement 168 Venetians restore the Paduans vnto their libertie 174 Viari confined to perpetuall prison 175 Venetians besiege the Fort of the salt-pits 114 Vpon what cause the Venetians made warre on those of Escalla 189 Venetians Rhodians and Cypriots defeated by the Turke 193 Venetians in league with the King of Arragon 200 Visconte his answer to the Genoueses 204 Victory of the Venetians ouer the Genoueses in Morea 205 Venetian Senate displeased with Viscont ibid. Venetians incensed against Carrario 213 Venetians enforced to sue for peace 214 Venetian Ambassadours taken prisoners in Germanie ibid Venetians vanquished by the Barbarians 228 Venetians build two forts on the lakes 229 Venetians victorie ouer the Hungarians ibid. Venetians General his sonne taken prisoner 231 Venetians in Constantinople wronged 232 Victor Pisani Generall of the Venetians 233 Viscont of Milan giueth his daughter to the King of Cyprus 234 Venetians take the Hauen of Famagosta 235 Venetians deceiued by the Anconitans taken and spoiled by the Genoueses 239 Venetians enforced to retire into Chioggia 244 Venetians besiege Pera in hatred of Andronicus 252 Venetian barkes taken and burnt by the enemies 253 Venetians and Genoueses lodge at one time in one Hauen 254 Venetians repulsed from the fort at the Milles. 259 Venetians recouer Chioggia 262 Venetians nauall Armie of 100. vessels 265 Venetians recouer Cap-histria ibid. Venetians enforced to offer Treuiso to the Duke of Austria 268 Venetians hated of all their neighbours 269 Venetians troubled about the yeelding vp of Tenedos 275 Verona pillaged 279 Venetians in danger before the comming of Hermolao 281 Verona possessed by the Carrarians 282 Vincenzans aduertisment to Galeas his widowe 283 Venetians entertaine the Vincenzans Commissioners ibid. Venetian Garison sent to Vincenza ibid. Venetians allie themselues with Gonzaga ibid. Venetians nauall Armie defeated 284 Venetians affrighted at the arriuall of young Carrario 285 Verona in the Venetians power 286 Venetians enter Padua in the night by Scalado 217 Venetians recouer Feltre Belluna and other places 294 Vdinois voluntarily yeeld to the Venetians ibid. Venetian Ambassadours sent to Duke Philip. 296 Venetians denounce warre against Philip. 306 Venetians enter Bressia by treachery 308 Venetians troupes defeated by Philips Armie 310 Venetians send new supplies to Bressia ibid. Venetian Commissioners ill dealt with at Milan 313 Venâ—…tians take Casal-maior 319 Venetians besiege Macale 320 Venetians take the new Orges 321 Venetians answere to the Ambassadors of Sienna 325 Venetians summons to Philip. 326 Venetians proclaime warre against Philip. 327 Venetians put to rout vpon the Cremonese 328 Venetians nauall Armie defeated 330 Venetians defeat the Genoueses Nauie 332 Venetians defeated by Picinino 335 Venetians perswasions to the Genoueses 340 Venetians craue aide of Sforza 342 Venetians great distresse 355 Venetians ratifie the league with the Florentines 363 Venetians victorie neere the lake of Benac 365 Vnion of the Greeke Church with the Latine 370 Venetians Nauie defeated on the lake of La Garda 371 Veronois protestations to cleare themselues 377 Venetians victory vpon the lake 382 Venetians take Pescara 387 Venetians in Sforza's behalâ—…e denounce warre to Philip. 401 Venetians vanquish Philips forces ibid. Venetians reuoke all which had beene giuen to Sforza ibid. Venetians take Brebia 403 Vitalis Sarde the Pirate hanged 405
ex 〈◊〉 was in the beginning The Venetians zeale to Religion The Arrian sect ouer all Italy The Venetians great modestie The first gouernment of Venice vnder Consults The Creation of Tribunes The partes of mans life compared with Cities The comming of the Lombards into Italy From whence the Lombards are descended The Lombards giue limits to the Venetians The Venetians first voyage to Sea The ancient custome of marrying their daughters The Triestines defeated The occasion of the games dedicated to the glorious Virgin Narses comes into Italie Wherein the Venetians aided Narses Churches builded by Narses The Empresse Sophia reprocheth Narses Narses auswere to the Empresse The Church of Grada made Metropolitane by the Pope Strange prodigies A great miracle at Verona The Paduan fugitiues dwell at Embragola The Church of Grada robbed Vision in a dreame Uderza ruined by the Lombards The foundation of Heracles The Episcopall See of Padua translated to Malamoc The foundation of Equiline Luitprand Duke of Forleini What moued the Venetians to change the gouernment The generall assemblie held at Heraclea Complaint in the assemblie against the Tribunes What forme they obsâ—…ued at the first Dukes election The Duke takes his oath A league made with Luitprand The taking of Rauenna by the Uenetians The creation of Exarch The troubles round about Grada The Duke murthered by his owne Citizens Difference arising about the creation of a new Duke The master or Colonell of the men at Armes Dominico Leon the first Felix cornicula the second Theodato the third Iuliano Cepari the fourth The gouernment of Duke restored A cruell and vnworthie acte A punishment of God Monegario his miserable end The first association into the Principalitie Conspiracie against the Duke What Bonitendius saith concerning the association The cruell death of the Bishop of Grada Conspiracie against the Duke discouered The Duke and his sonne expeld the Citie Who led the French Army against the Uenetians Pepin King of Italie The cause of the warre betwixt the two Empires The French takâ—… Commada The Greeke defeated before Commada Obellerio practiseth treason against Pepin The opinion of Blondus concerning the warre French against the Venetians Why the French did assaile the Venetians The Venetians 〈◊〉 allwaies kept their ancient libertie Discription of the scituation of the Citie of Venice The retreate of Valentin and all the Venetians to Rialto The auncient Malamoc ruinated The Albiolans yeeld The Venetians pollicie The Venetians resolution Different intents of the combatants The French vanquished by the Uenetians The Venetians compared witâ—… the Romans Pepin retires to the firme land Heraclea after it was repaired 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rialto chosen for the Princes ordinarie residence The Dukes Palace in Rialto Description of the Dukes Palace A verie excellent Librarie within the Prelace Wherefore they are called Pirguays Iustiniano the Dukes sonne sent to Constantinople Giouanni deposed by the people The Emperour Leo giues many goodly relikes to the Prince A conspiracie against the Prince discouered Vlric Bishop of Aquileia vanquished by the Venetians The publike games at â—…tide Succour sent to the Greeke Emperour against the Sarazens From whence came the name of Sarazens Why S. Marks bodie was brought from Alexandria The Alexandrines insolent to strangers Augustus his prouerb Pollicie of those which carried S. Markes bodie to the ships Miraculous apparition of S. Marke The prophecie accomplished Iustinians last will and Testament concerning S. Marks Church The Creation of the Deane of S. Markes Church Malamoc ruined The death of Obellerio Duke Giouanni flieth The vsurper punished Giouanni repealed Duke Giouanni deposed from his charge and becomes a Priest Pola an ancient Citie The 〈◊〉 request against those of Benâ—…c The comming of Theodosius to Venice A Sea-armiegraunted to the Grecian against the Sarracens From whence the Sarracen Moores are descended The Pirgueys Saint Peters Church at Rome taken by the Moores The spoiles made by the Moores The Moores returne into Italie Saba the Moore before Tarentum The Citie of Crotona Pythagoras and Milo the two ornaments of the Crotonians The battaile of Crotona The Greekes stir The Venetian Armie defeated before Crotona The Moores came into Dalmatia The Narentineâ—… roâ—…des euen to Caorli Pope Bennet comes to Venicâ—… The bodies of S. Pancracius and S. Sabina brought to Venice The Emperour Lotharius confirmes the franchizes of Venice Great strife among the Citivens Duke Tradonico murthered The Princes household-seruants retired into the Palace doâ—… Capitulate Three men appointed by the people to enquire of the Princes murther The murtherers punished Pouegia newly inhabited The Saracens before Grada The Sâ—…racens fought with before Grada Dorsse dura newly inhabited Vrso declared Prothospater of the Grecian Empire The Dukes brother taken by the Count of Commachia Duke Giouanni doth voluntarily depose himselfe The Duke dies fighting with the Narentinâ—…s Giouanni Parti tiatio takes again the gouernment vpon him The Citie 〈◊〉 fortified The Huns 〈◊〉 into Italie the sâ—…cond time Ciuill warre betwixt the Huns. Lewis King of Germanie Tributarie to the Huns. Berengarius defeated by the Huns. Treuiso taken by the Huns. The Huns assaile the Citie of Venice The great crueltie of the Huns. Exhortation to the Venetians The Venetians constant resolâ—…tion Battaile betwixâ—… the Venetians and the Hunnes The Venetians ouercome the Hunnes Great praise giuen to the Duke The Dukes son taken at Sea The Duke voluntarily deposeth himselfe becomes a Monke The originall of the plaies dedicated to them that are married The Commachians vanquâ—…shed Complaints against the Narentines A fleet sent against the Narentines The Dukes son which was his Colleague stirres vp sedition in the Citie The Dukes son banished the Citie A solemme oath made by the Clergie and chiefe Citizens The sonne warrs on the Venetians The Duke dyes for griefe The Church of the Augustines builded The Generall Councell held at Rome declares the Church of Grada for Metropolitan The Duke puts awaie his wife The Duke marrieth Vualdeâ—…ta daughter to Guido The Dukes tirannie Uderza taken and ruinated by the Duke The people assaile the Duke The Duke seekes to saue himselfe and his yong son The Dukes request to the people The death of the Duke and his son â—… The bodies throwne vpon the common dunghill Buried afterwards verie honourably The great harm which the fier did the same day He refuseth to take the charge vpon him The people â—…weare to the Prince The Palace and Saint Markes Church repaired Vrseolo ouercomes the Sarazens before Barri The husband wife â—…ow chastitie The complaint of Vitalis Bishop of Grada The Emperours answere to Vitalis A maruailous example of for tune Berengarius his some Albert defeated The Histrions tributarie to the Venetians Guerin comes in pilgrimage to Venice The Prince resolues to giue ouer his place How the Prince spent the time in the meane space till he departed The Dukes secret departure Otho the second hateth the Venetians Ciuill discordes The cruel intent of the Caloprini Dominico Morosino
Hungarie for fiue years Baldwin taken prisoner by Dalochus king of the Parthians The Popes resolution for the succour of the holie Land The Venetians resolue to succor the holy land The number of the Fleet. Ioppa besieged by the Barbarians The Barbarians defeated by the venetians before Ioppa The Duke of Venice commeth to Ierusalem The lot fell vpon Tyre Description of the Citie of Tyre The Phoenicians the inuentors of Arithmeticke the Alphabet and Astronomie The conditions graunted by Varimond to the Venetians Tyre besieged The distrust concâ—…ed against the Venetians A couragious act of Prince Michaeli Proof of the Venetians loyaltie A strange case of a Pigeon The Christians stratagem before Tyre The yeelding vp of Tyre The like done by a Pigeon before Modena The third part of the Citie giueÌ„ to the Venetians Baldwin ratifies it New warre against the Greeks All the Islands of the Grecâ—…an Empire taken Zara and all the other Cities of Dalmatia recouered The Prince returneth to Venice In whose time the Turkes recouered the Holy-land The building of the Hospitall of the publike charitie The Faneseâ—… made Tributarie to the VenetiaÌ„s A new Religious order Agreement with the Pisans The Paduans defeated Rogero sonne to Guiscard King of Sicilie Emanuell his request against the Normans A new Armie against the Normans Corfu taken by the Venetians The Venetians Armie in Sicilie The death of Rogero king of Sicily A sodaine fier A league with Willam King of Sicil. Zara made an Archbishopricke The Venetians neighbours take armes against them Ulrich Bishop oâ—… Aquileia brought to Venice as a prisoner The originall of the Games at shrouetide A secret league betwixt the Greeke Emperour and the king of Sicilie The Emperour Emanuels Ambassadours at Venice The answere made to the Greeke Ambassadours Emanuel seizeth on the Cities of Dalmatia Treacherie of Emanuel A great Fleete against the Greeke Emperour A new deceit of the Greekes The contagious sicknesse in the Venetian Armie The family of the Iustinians woâ—…ne out by the sicknesse The family of the Iustinians restored The Plague very great in Venice Prince Vituliâ—… murthered The creation of the ten An example of great affection to a mans Countrey Three great Pillars brought to Venice How the Columnes were erected by whom The recompence which the Ingâ—…ner demanded Crueltie against the law of Nations Cruell determination of a Woman All the Princes of the Greeke Empire murthered The cause why Emanuell hated the Uenetians When the loane began at Venice The True cause of Vitalis his death Wherefore the Emperour Frederick hated Pope Alexander the third A generall councell published to be holden at Dijon The flight ofâ—… Pope Alexander The Emperour Fredericks rigorous 〈◊〉 against the Pope Pope Alexander comes to Venice in disguise How the Venetians entertained the Pope when they knew him A resolued Ambassade to Fredericke in the Popes behalfe At what time the Venetian Prince began to seale with lead Fredericke his answere to the Uenetian Ambassadours Frederickes menaces Preparations for warre against Fredericke The Prince imâ—… himselfe in the Popes presence Fredericke his Fleet put to flight and his sonne brought prisoner to Venice At what time the Venetian Prince did beginne to mâ—…rrie the Sea Otho â—…is discourse to his father Fredericke How farre Otho his entreatie preuailed with his Father The Emperour ariues at Venice The Emperours obedience to the Pope Diuers opinions of the Historians concerning this reconciliation How long the Venetian Princes haue vsed the Canopie Why they vse siluer Trumpets The ornaments and ensignes of the Venetian Princes The death of Prince Cyani and his last Will. The description of Saint Markes Church Who was the Author of the publike Almes The ancient maÌ„ner of distributing Almes A new manner of electing the Prince The fourth rebellion of those of Zara. Example of great loue towards a â—…ans Countrie A New Armie of Christians for the recouerie of the bolly Land Who were the chiefe of this enterprise against the Turkes The Emperour Frederick dieth in Armenia Great famine in the Camp before Pâ—…olomais Saladines Armie defeated Ptolomais yeeldeth The Pisans take Pola The Pisans defeated by the Venetians Peace granted to the Brundusians Great ingratitude and crueltie of a brother The Christian Princes arriued at Venice The number of the Christian Armiâ—… The Venetians boâ—…ntie to the christian Princes Agreement betwixt the Venetians and forraine Princes The number of the Ships for the Voyage Histria reduced to the Venetians obedience The recouerie of Zara. Yong Alexis commeth to the Armie The complaint and request of yong Alexis Yong Alexis 〈◊〉 promiseâ—… The Venetians and the Princes resolue to goe to Constantinople Incursions of the Bandetti of Zara Agreement with the Bandetti of Zara. Description of the Citie of Constantinople Yong Alexis giueâ—…h the Isle of Candie to Boniface of Montferrat Constantinople besieged by Sea and Land Theodore Lascaris sallies foorth on the Christian Pilgrims A great â—…ght aâ—… the Hauen Constantinople streightly besieged An assault giuen to the Citie The flight of Alexis Isaac deliuered out of prison The mutuall coÌ„fort of the father and the Sonne Isaac ratifies what his Sonne had promised Isaac dieth sodainly Sedition against the yong Emperour A discreet answere of the yong Emperour Myrtillus issued from meane Parents The treacherie of Myrtillus Myrtillus speech to the people Yong Alexis murthereâ—… A new Greekish inuention to deceiue the Châ—…istians The Greekes put to flâ—…ght neare the Citie A new agreement betwixt the Venetians and the Princes Constantinople besieged the second time Myrtillus flight Constantinople yeelds Fifteene men appointed to elect a new Emperour Baldwin of Flan ders chosen Emperour of the East Thomaso Morosino Patriarch of Constantinople The Princes liberalitie to the new Emperour Thrace reduced to the Emperors obedience The Isle of Candy giuen to the Venetians Thomasâ—… confirmed Patriarch by the Pope The coronation of the Emperour Baldwin The death of the Emperour Baldwin Henrie brother to 〈◊〉 Emperour of the East Prince Dandulâ—… decâ—…aseth The 〈◊〉 why the Emperour Emanuel hatâ—…d the Venetians The meaning of the prophecie Boniface King of Thessaly A Deeree of the Venetians about the possession of the Islands The cause of this decree The Venetians flecte against the Pirats Modâ—…na end Corona recepâ—…acles of theeueâ—… and Piraâ—…s â—…ned The names of the Islands passesseâ—… by particular persons Henrie the Fisher maketh aâ—…tempts on 〈◊〉 Isle of Candie The Venetianâ—… send a Colonie to Candace The Genâ—…ueses defeated by the Uenetians Pleasant games inuented at Treuiso The Paduans the Venetians quarrell at the games of Treuiâ—… The Paduans make roads on the Venetians The Paduans defeated Peace beâ—…xt the Paduans the Venetians A great cuâ—…tesie A new strife betwâ—…xt the Uenetians and Paduans The Bâ—…shops See at Malamoc translated to Chioggâ—…a A Colonie sent to Corfu A â—…dition of the â—…stantinopolitans affirming their Church not to be subiect to that of Rome The Emperour Otho confiâ—…mes the Uenetians priuileges
The King of France and England resolue to free the Pope The Cardinals meet at Bolognia to treat of the Popes deliuery The Emperors dissimulation concerning the Popes taking The Venetians preparations by Sea land The Venetians place a Garrison in Rauenna for the behoof of the Sea of Rome The Duke of Vrbin taketh Perusa The Duke of Vrbins preposition Vittury is contrary to the Duke of Vrbin VVhat great forces they were to haue to free the Pope from prison Vitturi called to account for being contrary to the Popes deliuery The kings great preparations to send into Italy Andre Doria in the Kings seruice The number of the Venetians army The Pope inclineth to agreement Articles of agreement betwixt the Pope and Emperor How the Venetians behaued themselues vpon this agreement Sondry opinions in the Confederats army about the Popes deliueryl Lautrec ente reth the Dutchy of M â—…lanwith great for ces Bosco and Alexandria are taken by Lautrec Strise betwixt the confederats concerning the taking of Alexandria The Venetians oppose themselues against the Lord Lautrecs proposition to goe to Rome and to leaue the State of Milan Pauia is taken by Lautrec Genoa reduced vnder the Kings obedieence The French and Uenetian fleet are scatered by tempest The Turke be ing assailed by Marcello had his speedy reuenge Marcello dieth by the way for greefe Solimans liberality to the Venetians Lautrec leueth Milan and marcheth towards Rome VVhat mooued the Lord Lautrec to change his determination The Venetians do suspect the Duke of Vrbin VVhat moued the Venetians to eat the chardge of the wavve in Lombardy A cotorable excuse of the King of England to the Venetians request The French king and Venetians demands VVhat was the Emperors meaning concerning peace An accord in de with the Duke of Ferrara The marquis of Mantua ioyneâ—… to the league The Emperor commaedeth that the Pope should be enlarged The Pope complaineth of the imperialls dealings The Venetians Ambassad to the Pope The French Kings Ambassador to the Pope The Popes excuse because he would not enter into any new consedera cy VVhat the Popes Intention was Lautrec marcheth towards Naples The number of the Imperial army The Popes demands to the Venetians The Popes excuses to the French King Sundry opinions of the Senate concerning the Popes demand The Senates answere to the Pope Sundry opinions of the Imperial captaines The Imperials embrace the opinion of Alarcon Lautrec resolueth to fight with the enemy Lautrec defiâ—…th and prouoketh the Imperial army to battaile The Imperials retire towards Naples The confederates take Melfi Ascoli Barletta Trani and diuers â—…ther towâ—…es yeeld to the confederates Lautrec marcheth with his army towards Naples Lautrec encampeth within two miles of Naples Six Cities appointed to the Venetians by the agreement of the league Monâ—…pli and Trani yeelded to the Uenetians The Duke of Brunswich commeth into Italy with great â—…orces A vaine and rediculous challenge The Venetiaâ—… preparations against the Duke of Brunswich The Duke of Brunswich being ioyned with Antonio de Leua doth come and beseege Laudâ—… Brunswich returneth into Germany Pozzuolo takenâ—…y Lautrec An enterprize of the Spaniards against the Gallies of Philippin Doria A policy of the enemies The Imperials â—…e 〈◊〉 at sea The number of the dead of the prisoners The great commodity which the arriuall of the Generall of the Venetian Galleys brought to the confederates The Lord of Barbezieuâ—… commeth to Sauona A fierce incounter of those of â—…he league and thâ—… Imperialls The 〈◊〉 of the Aâ—…my of the league before Naples The great sorâ—…w of the Lord Lautrec The Lord Lautrecs nature Greâ—…t sicknes in the French Campe. André Doria 〈◊〉 from the Kings seruice The cause of André Doria 〈◊〉 reuolt The Popes answer to the King concerning the entertainment of Andrew Doria Articles â—…fgreement betwixt the Emperor and Doria The great discomodity which the reuolt of Doria did procure The wants of the army besoâ—…e Naples Disorders 〈◊〉 the army The Lord Lautrec greeuously sick The Lord Lautrecs death The Marquis oâ—… Saâ—…usses Generall â—…f the Army aftâ—…r Lantrecs death The Marquis with the Army retireth to 〈◊〉 The Capitulation about the yâ—…elding of Auersâ—… Genoâ—… by meanes of Andrè Doria 〈◊〉 from the King to the â—…peror The Venetians great preparations The number of the Venetians sorces The Duke of Vrbins determination The proposition of the coâ—…nt Saint Paul The enterprise of Milan broken The Consederates besiege Pauia The Conseâ—…erates take Pauia Nouara and diuerse other townes yeeld to the Consederates The Lord Saint Paul leaueth Milan to go to the releef of Genoa The lord Sâ—… Paul his aeseignes to re leeâ—… Genoa proouetâ—… vaine Castle of Genoa raced by the People The Genowaies fill the Hauen of Sauona with grauell The Venetiâ—… forces 〈◊〉 diminisâ—…d The Venetians keepe the câ—…ties in Paglâ—…a The French Kings instance to the Veneâ—…ians in the Popes behalse The Venetians answer to the Kingâ—… Ambassadâ—…r The Vâ—…counts offers to the Pope The Uenetiaâ—… offers to the Pope so that peace might be procured Sâ—…cret practises betwixt the King and the Venetians The Emperorâ—… great preparations to coâ—…e into Italy The Popes intention The Uenetians intention The Venetians great preparatioâ—… by sea and 〈◊〉 The Venetians loâ—…e to the French and the Duke of Milan The â—…esolution of the assembly held aâ—… Venice by the Confederatâ—… The King determineth to make warre iâ—… Spaine The resolution of the Venetian councel vpon the Kings comming into Italy The Kings answer and determination The Venetians care to pâ—…serue the placeâ—… which they held in Puglia The Lord Chastillon commeth to Venice and makes a shew that hee would gâ—… into Puglia The Senaâ—…s suspâ—…tion â—…cerning the Kings comming The Venetians soliciâ—…e the King to come into Italy The bandetti of Naples come into the field Aquila is recouerâ—…d of the Imperials Martrica taken by them Treason discouered in Barletta Monopoli beseeged bâ—… the Marqit of Guasto The Maâ—…quis giueth an assault â—…o 〈◊〉 â—…ity to his lesse The Marquis reâ—…ireth from before Monopoli The city of Brundusium yeeldeth to the Venetians The Prince of Orange deâ—…ermineth to goe to Peâ—…sua The Duke of Vrbin runneth to the defense of his owne State The Prince of Orange changeth his determination The Duke of Vrbin being come backe to the army determineth to beseege Milan Enteruiew of the French Venetâ—…an armies The two armies distrust one an other The Lord S. Paul resolueâ—… to execute the enâ—…erprise of Genoa Antonio de Leua assaileth the Lord Saint Paul The number of the Venetian army Antâ—…io de Leua followâ—…th the Dukâ—… 〈◊〉 Vrbin in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cassaâ—… Part of the enemies are defeated by the Duke of Vrbin Gâ—…eat valor of a woman in mans attire The Duke of Vrbîns enterprize to defeate the enemie The enimes 〈◊〉 beaten by the Duke of Vrbiâ—… The doubts and feare of Antonio de Leua Antonio de Leua retireâ—…h 〈◊〉 Milan The report of the Lancequenâ—…ts
six yeares and foure moneths after that this last warre beganne The conditions of the peace were That the prisonners of warre on both sides should be set at libertie That the Paduan Prince should deliuer Cap-darger and Morensana to the Venetians That he should raze all the Fortes which he possessed in the Lakes and neere to the Riuers that the Venetians should giue him the Tower of Corania that Alberto D'Aeste should be iudge of the controuersie betwixt the Venetians and Paduans concerning their limits that the Venetian should withdraw the Garrison that he kept in Tenedos and that the Duke of Sauoy should haue the keeping of the Island for two yeares and that it should be kept at the Venetians and the Genoueses charges that at the two yeares end the Fort should be razed if the Genoueses thought it fit to be done and that the Venetians should then giue ouer the entire possession of the Island that the Florentines should be caution in the summe of two hundred thousand crownes that neither the Venetians nor the Genoueses should euer after possesse the Island that both the Genoueses and Venetians should not trafficke neere to the Riuer Tanais for feare least by ancient ielouzie as it had oft hapned they should beginne the warre a newe That euerie ten yeare the Venetians should paie seuen thousand Dukats to King Lewis who in regard of the said summe should be bound to free the Sea-cost of Dalmatia of all Pirats and that no Sclauonian nor Dalmatian should make any salt But Chinatius of Treuiso who hath more truely than any other written of this warre maketh no mention of any tribute giuen to the King Some say that on the same day that the peace was published a childe was borne in Venice which had foure Armes and foure Leggs and did liue till it was baptized The Venetian Dames made a collection of money to relieue the Genoueses that came forth of prison halfe naked with cloakes shirtes hose and shoes and other cloathing according to euerie mans need and did besides furnish them with money to beare their charges home to the end they should not be enforced to begge by the way Those that went thence were aboue fifteene hundred persons the residue dyed with the stentch of the prison and others with too much filling their bellies Besides it was found that aboue eight thousand naturall Genoueses did dye in this warre and of the Venetians halfe as many The Senate being freed from this warre because they would performe the promise made by the Common-wealth called thirthie of those into the number of the Senate who in the heate of the warre had at their owne costs relieued the Common-wealth and for others the summe of fiue thousand crownes euerie yeare was appointed to bee distributed among them Those who were made Senators before they came into the Senate went all together to heare diuine seruice then being brought before the Prince and Senators they tooke their oathes to continue loyall and not to reueale the secrets of the Common-wealth Chinatius saith that Caballa of Verona for his great and notable seruice done to the Venetians in this warre was honored with the same dignitie The end of the seuenth Booke of the second Decad. THE EIGHTH BOOKE OF THE SECOND DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the eighth Booke of the second Decad. HOw greatly the difficultie in deliuering vp the Island of Tenedos did trouble the Venetians The Thryestines in fauour to LEOPOLD doe reuolt The Carrarians by LEOPOLDS permission become masters of Treuiso A law against murtherers Prince ANTONIO VENIERI suffereth his Son to die in Prison for wronging a Senatour The Venetians aide GALEAS VISCONTE against those of Escalla and the Carrarians whereby they recouered Treuiso and raised the siege before Mantua The Paduans for saking GALEAS returne to the Carrarians subiection The Duke of Austria and the French Kings Nephew come at sundrie times to Venice The Citie newly beautified The Genoueses nauall Armie comming forth of the Higher into the Lower Sea doth for a time keepe the Venetians in suspence The Genoueses being ouercome in battaile before Modon doe wholly loose the possession of the Sea The Carrarians possesse Verona by deceit VINCENZA BELLVNA and FELTRA are reduced vnder the Venetians obedience The cause that moued the Venetians to warre on the Carrarians who pursued them by Sea and Land Warre for a time against those of Aeste because of the Carrarians The Venetians take Verona from the Carrarians A briefe description of the Citie of Verona The Carrarians Padua being taken become subiect to the Venetians and afterwards by the Senates commaundement are strangled in Prison The Ambassadours of Padua and Verona arriue almost at one time at Venice which did greatly reioyce the people PEace being thus established by Land and Sea the yeelding vp of the Isle of Tenedos did for a while trouble the Venetians Mutatio was at the same time Gouernour there who being too indiscreetly transported with the loue to his Countrie had almost hazarded the publicke credit of the Common-wealth The Senate had giuen commission to Pantaleon Barba who was sent thither for that purpose to deliuer the Fort of the Island according to the agreement into the hands of Bonifacio Deputie to Amadeo Duke of Sauoy The Genoueses Agent was come thither to see it done and to pay the Souldiers that were there Mutatio hauing receiued the money which the Venetians and Genoueses had brought declared to Boniface and the Commissioners his owne determination with that of the Islanders saying That they had heard how in the Articles of peace it was expresly mentioned that the Fort of the Island their only refuge should be razed wherein both the Genoueses who had requested it and the Venetians who consented thereunto had carried themselues basely But he told them that the Islanders would looke to their owne affaires and that therein they should doe wisely That they had neuer yeelded to the Venetians on that condition that their Fort being razed their Island in time should become desolate And therefore calling now to minde that which concerned them they were resolued to hazard all rather than to see their Island in such sort to be wholly ruined And to that end they had instantly entreated him to take their Citie Castle and meanes into his protection The which he finding to bee great both in shew and effect he was determined to keepe and defend the Island as his owne seeing it belonged neither to the Venetian nor to any else He willed them then to depart and not any longer to expect the deliuerie thereof vnto them saying That they were well dealt with in being suffered to goe freely thence Then was there a great noise made by the Souldiers and the Inhabitants of the Island calling Mutatio their Lord and Captaine who commanded the Venetians and Genoueses speedily to depart thence Some say that Mutatio made a shew that this came wholly
the assaillants and who are in the field for the conquest of Ferrara to seeke to assaill vs and our Captaines whose part is to defend ought not to attempt to assaill them contrary to all rules of Martiall discipline But let vs consider what aduantage wee haue or what necessity inforceth vs to it It seemeth vnto me and I doe not altogeter deceiue my selfe that it is a matter very apparent that wee cannot do what the Duke of Ferrara propoundeth but with our great disaduantage because we cannot goe to that place but by a causey and by a very narrow and bad way where all our forces cannot display them-selues and where the enemies may very well with small forces resist a greater number Wee must march vpon the causie one horse after another and wee must bring the artillery carriage wagons and bridges ouer this narrow causie And who is it that knowes not that in a straight and foule way euery peece of ordnance euery waggon that shall sticke fast in the mire will for a large houres space cause the whole army to make a stand And that being pestred with so many incombrances euery contrary accident will easily disorder vs The enemies are driely lodged furnished with victuals and forage we shal in a manner encampe in the open ayre forrage is to be brought after vs and we shall not be able but with great labour to bring the one halfe of that we shall need We must not referre our selues to that which ingeners saie and to husbandmen which know the Countrey Because warres are managed by soldiers armes and by Captaines Councels They are made by fighting in the field and not by proiects which those that are ignorant of warres do figure forth in paper or describe with their fingers or with a stick in the dust As for my selfe I doe not presuppose that the enemies areso weake noâ—… their affaires in such disorder nor that in their lodging and fortification they haue had so smal skill as not to helpe themselues by the opportunity of the waters and sytuations as I can promise to my selfe that so soone as we shal be com to the place whether we make account to go their we could with ease ariue ther that it lyeth in our power to assaile them Sundry difficulties may enforce vs to tary ther two or thre daies and if there were none other let the snow and rayne falling in so bad a season will stay vs And besides how should we prouide victuals and forage if it should fall out that we were to carry there And though it were in our power to assaile them who is he that can so easily promise to himselfe the victory Who is it which considereth not how dangerous a matter it is to deale with enemies that are strongly encamped and to haue to doe at one time with them and with the discomodities of the contries situation Vnlesse we can be able on a sodaine to to enforce them thence we our selues shall be constrained to returne back And how hard a matter will it be in a country which is wholly our enemie and where euery small mishap will prooue very great Besides I see small reason to put the Kings whole state in such precipitate danger seeing we are chiefly in action for no other matter but for to releeue the Citty of Ferrara of which if we furnish it with a stronger garrison we may be assured yea although we should breake vp out army for it is thought to be so much consumed as if the enemies waight on ita little longer it is impossible but it wil shortly fall of it selfe Is it not yet in our power to turne back a most mighty remedy in warre whereby without hazarding any one horse we will enforce them to depart from before Ferrara I haue euer councelled and now councell more then euer to turne towards Modena or Bolognia keeping the broad way and to fortefie Ferrara for a few dayes for it will not be long with all thinges necessary Now in mine opinion it is best to go forthwith to Modena wherevnto the Cardinall of Este doth prouoke vs who is a personage of great state in which Towne he doth assure vs to haue intelligence and that we may easily take it For by winning a place of so great importance the enemies shal be enforced to retire on a sodaine towards Bolognia And although we should not take Modena yet the feare which would possesse the enemies as wel for that as for the state of Bolognia will constrayne them to doe the like as without al doubt they would long ere this haue done if at the first this oppinion had beene followed The great reasons of this wise Captaine was approoued by al men by meanes wherof the Lord of Chaumont hauing strongly man'd Ferrara with soldiers for her safety held on his way towards Carpy from thence to march to Modena But the Pope by the king of Arragons councell hauing restored it to the Emperour to auoid so many discontents and to quiet his mind which was displeased for that the Pope had seased on it it being euer accounted a Citty of the iurisdiction of the Empire was cause that the Lord of Chaumont being certefied of this restauration desisted from his enterprise who within a while after falling sick was brought to Corregia where fifteene dayes after he dyed hauing before his death very deuoutly adknowledged the faults which he had committed against the Church and besought the Pope to giue him absolution the which hee freely graunted By his death Iohn Iames Triuulce gouerned the Army because hee was one of the foure Marshalls of France vnto whome the Generall of the Army beeing dead the gouernment belongeth by the customes of France vntill the King hath other-wised disposed thereof There happened at the same time a great Earth-quake in Venice whereby part of the walls of the Ducall pallace fel downe with the Marble statues in Saint Markes Church which had beene set vp for the beautifing of the building the stâ—…ples of Churches were shaken and the Bells range of them-selues The waters of the canalâ—… did swell diuers houses and chimneis fell downe wherewith infinite numbers of people were slaine sundry women with child dyed But Gods pleasure was that it lasted not long wherevpon the Patriarks commanded prayers to be made ouer all the Citty with fasting for three daies space with bread and water The like Earth-quake happened soone after at Padua Treuiso Vdina and in other places and territories belonging to the common wealth Now Triâ—…ulcio commanding the Army returned with all his forces to Sâ—…rmidi to goe to releeue the Bastid Geniuola which the Popes Army beseeged and whether the Venetian fleete was going But he went on no farther hauing notice in that place that the Duke of Ferrara with the Lord Chastillon and the French forces were gone forth with great numbers of soldiours and had defeated the enemies whome they found in disorder and
taken their enseignes and Artillery During these warlike exploits the deseignes of the Princes were sundry and vncertaine especially those of the Emperor who being by nature variable and inconstant and solicited by the Kings of Arragon an enemy to the French name and iealous of the French Kings greatnesse determined to listen to peace notwithstanding that he had concluded before with the French King by meanes of the Bishoppe of Gurcia to make warre withall his might on the Venetians at the spring and to this end wrot at one time to the Pope and the French King that he was resolued to send the Bishop of Gurcia to Mantua to treate of an vniuersall peace requesting them to send their Ambassadors thether likewise with full and ample power hee wrot nothing to the Venetians knowing that they would doe what-so-euer pleased the Pope whose authority they were enforced to follow This aduice pleased the Pope vpon hope to reconcile the Venetians to him and to disunite them from the French King whereat he cheefely aimed But the King was not contented with such an vnhoped for determination as well for feare of the determination of matters concluded with him as also for the doubt he had that the Pope thorow faire promises to aide him in the conquest of the Dutchy of Milan and to giue a Cardialls Hat to the Bishoppe of Gurcia might separare him from his party He was well assured that it was the practises of the King of Arragon and knâ—…w very well that his Ambassador with the Emperor had labored and did openly labour for the agreement betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians and did vse diuers other practizes to contradict his deseignes and among others did hotly oppose him-selfe against the conuocation of a generall councell vnder collour of curtesie and caused the King his Maister to bee earnest with him to make peace with the Pope making in a manner a silent protestation to take Armes in the Popes behalfe if hee did not agree with him The French King dissembling all these dealings because hee would giue the Emperour no cause of discontent resolued to send the Bishoppe of Paris to Mantâ—… and in the meane time aduertised Iohn Iames Triâ—…lce that his pleasure was to haue him to command the army but that he should not assaile the Churches state till the Bishop of Gurcia were arriued Triuulcio vpon this command turned his forces against the Venetians and came to Stellata then passing on farther he surprized certaine Venetian cauallery and sent Gaston of Foix son to a sister of the kings being yet very yong with a hundred men at armes foure hundred light horse and fiue hundred foot to scoure euen to the enemies barriers who did put those that kept them to flight and made them to retire to a strong place beyond the channel In the meane space the Bishop of Gurcia came to Mantua but later then hee was expected where within a while after the Bishop of Paris arriued The Pope entreated the Bishop of Gurcia to come and visit him hoping by his presence and authority and by faire promises to winne him The Bishop after diuers difficulties propounded and wel debated on being solicited by the king of Arragons Ambassadors consented therevnto on condition that the Bishop of Paris should stay at Parma and expect what would fall out by his iourney The Bishop of Gurcia arriuing at Bolognia whether the Pope was of purpose come to receiue him there was so great honour done vnto him as a King could not be entertained with greater magnificence the Venetians Ambassador neere to the Pope went to the city gates to meet him vsing signes of very great submission but the Bishop turning from him with merueilous pride and disdaine shewed great discontent because that â—…epresenting the enemies of the Emperour his master he had beene so bould as to come before him That being done he went with great pompe to the Consistory where the Pope accompanied by all the Cardinals staied for him And hauing breefly declared the causes of his comming into Italy he returned to his lodging The next day with great arrogancy he conferred of diuers matters with the Pope and especially that if the Venetians did mean to haue peace with the Emperor it behooued them in any case to restore whatsoeuer they deteined which did belong to the Empire Yet neuerthelesse they beganne after to treat of agreement betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians where at the first diuers difficulties were made on both sides at the last after long disputation each party cutting off some peeces of the hard conditions propounded by them it was thought that by the mediation of the King of Arragons Ambassadors they would come to an agreement But so soone as they beganne to speake of reconciling the Pope to the French King betwixt whom appeared none other contention but concerning the Duke of Ferrara and that the Bishop of Gurcia went to the Pope to make an end thereof because without that the Emperour would conclude nothing the Pope did sodainely interrupt him requesting him to hold on with the Venetians and not to talke of the affaires of Ferrara being in a manner desirous to incite the Emperor against the French whereupon the Bishop of Gurcia tooke his leaue and without effecting any thing returned from whence he came Triuulcio perceiuing the departure of the Bishop of Gurcia and by that meanes all hope of peace being lost came into the field and beseeged Concordia which he tooke the same day and then marched towards Bomport a village seated on the Riuer Panare that he might be nere the enemies to the end that by cutting off their victuals he might enforce them to dislodge or to fight forth of their campe Entring into the country of Modena he vnderstood that Iohn Paul Manfron was with three hundred light horse of the Venetians at Massa nere to Finall he sent Gaston de Foix thither with three hundred foot and fiue hundred horse who found Iohn Paul Manfron at a bridge in order of battaile to stoppe his passage but being forsaken by his owne souldiers hee was taken prisoner by the French with some others Triuulcio found meanes to passe the Channell to assaile the enemies who durst not tarry his comming The Channell being passed he foorded Panare without impediment in a very broad place and where the water is not deepe and marched towards Plumacia three miles off from the enemies army which was the cause that Castel-franco yeelded to him He was there in great doubt what to doe for on the one side he would willingly haue assailed Bolognia if he had beene certaine that the people would haue taken armes in the Bentiuoles behalfe on the other side he feared if he should come thither vpon hope only of a popular commotion to be enforced forth-with to depart thence as the Lord of Chaumont had done to his great disgrace At the last he determined
the accomplishing of the rest till their enteruiew which by their mutuall consent was concluded to bee at Bolognia The Pope for that purpose departed from Rome and the King from the City of Milan the Venetians Ambassadors did accompany his Maiesty all Italy receiued great contentation by that assembly hoping that it would produce an assured peace to the whole Prouince A legat was sent to the Emperour to treat of agreement betwixt him and the Venetians and to haue him to remit Bressia and Verona to them for a pecuniary recompence The Pope likewise sent a briefe to the Venetians exhorting them vnto peace The Pope and the King being come to Bolognia they couenanted together That the King should take vpon him the protection of the Popes person and the Churches State of Iuliano and Lorenzo de Medicis and the State of Florence That the Pope should cause his forces to leaue Verona and countermand those companies sent to the Emperors aide against the Venetians Diuers other Articles were concluded concerning onely the proffit of either of them In the which treaty hauing continued sixe daies together both of them departed from Bolognia the King thinking that he had done a great matter to haue drawne the Pope to his side and to haue disioyned him from his enemies The King being come to Milan beganne to thinke on his returne to France hauing nothing to detaine him but the desire he had to see the Venetians re-established in their Cities Therefore he commanded to re-enforce the Venetians army which lay before Bressia and had reduced the beseeged to that extremity as all men thought that they would soone yeeld for the Almaines and Spaniards that lay within it had resolued together that if within twenty daies they were not releeued they would yeeld vp the City to the Venetians on these conditions neuerthelesse to depart with displayed Enseignes the drumme beating with the artillery and all their baggage which was the selfe same composition which they had concluded with the Venetians Generall But the Almain succors came and entred the towne before the time agreed vpon was expired The report of the comming of this aide had caused sundry opinions in the army some of the being of opinion to continue the seege others to lead the army elsewhere but the report of the number of the Almaines being greater then the effect and for that they had notice by their spies that Marke Antonio Colonna who was come forth of Verona entred the Mantuā territory made preparations to come and assaile them caused the Venetian captaines who feared that by staying there the enemies might come and enclose them to determine wholy to dislodge and to bring the artillery to Crema and Cremona and the rest of the army to Castlenedulla six miles off from Bressia These newes being brought to Venice did greatly amaze the whole City because they expected rather to haue heard of the taking of the City then of any thing else The Generall and the Prouidatory had written that there was such strong Garrison at all passages as it was impossible that any aide could enter into it which might keepe them backe from obseruing the agreement which they had made and that which caused them most to beleeue it was that the French supplies which were to come to the campe being three thousand Almains and 400 horse were departed from Milan and were on their way towards their campe This did much blemish Triuulcio his reputation whereof he hauing notice craued leaue of the Signory That he might depart saying that the affaires of his owne house called him thence and that he could tarry no longer in their army But the Senate knowing that this mans experience was much important for their affaires vsed meanes to appease him by letters and did entreate the King to cause him to take that charge vpon him but he would by no meanes consent therevnto but returned to Milan Theodore Triuulcio tooke charge of the Venetian army and of the whole mannaging of the warre holding the same authority in the army as Iohn Iames Triuulcio had done al-be-it he had not the name nor degree of captaine Generall The King in the meane time hauing giuen order for his returne into France left the Duke of Burbon for viceroy in the Dutchy of Milan and before his departure he commanded Odet of Foix Lord of Lautrec to carry speedily greater aide to the Venetians and generally to doe all matters for them as if it were for his owne seruice shewing thereby his great affection to the Republike as in all other his speeches and discourses not letting to say that if the Venetians were not wholy restored to their Cities he would returne into Italy with greater forces then before The King being gonne forth of Italy and the Duke of Bourbon tarrying there to command the Dutchy of Milan the Venetians still kept an Ambassador nere to him to sollicite whatsoeuer was needfull for their affaires Andrew Treuisan was sent thither who being come to Milan Andrè Gritti who had remained there after the Kings departure to hasten the supplies went to the army to be Prouidator there in stead of Dominico Contaren that fell sicke and was brought home to Venice At the very same time the Lord of Lautrec came to the army with great forces which did much encrease it so as it seemed that there was no doubt but that Bressia would be taken Now the Pope supposing that this successe did greatly crosse his deseignes sought all meanes to hinder it He propounded truce to draw the matter forth at length hoping to cause the Venetians to condescend to some agreement though it were to their disaduantage by reason of the difficulty to take that City And because he knew that himselfe could doe no good in that businesse for the small credit which the Venetians did giue to his words he determined to make vse of the King of Polands authority whose Ambassador hauing intelligences likewise at Venice he perswaded to reuiue the treaty of peace and to propound to the Venetians that if they would disioyne themselues from the French and allie themselues to the Emperor they might add two goodly Cities to their State Lodi and Cremona because that with the Popes armes the Emperours and their owne being vnited together they might easily expell the French and afterwards by the King of Polands authority obtaine them of the Emperour in guift so as being thus separated from the State of Milan they might for euer after be incorporated to the Venetians demaines Besides this proposition the Pope hoping that by the Generals absence the seege of Bressia might be prolonged wrote to King Francis that it might please him to command the Lord of Lautrec to goe to Rome being desirous to confer with such a man about diuers matters concerning the affaires of Naples to which he knew the King enclined wherevpon he exhorted him to make hast to