Venetians 296 marries Giulia daughter to the Duke of Camerino Succeeds his Father in the Dutchy of Vrbine and confirm'd by the Venetians in their service falls into the Popes displeasure for the Dutchy of Camerino 361. Yeilds up that Dutchy to the Church 557. Is made General of the Venetian Militia 611. Marries Virginia Neece to Pope Paul the third 621 H HEnry the 8. King of England undertakes to reconcile the Venetians with the Emperour 76. enters into a League with Charls the 5th 193. Offers to engage for the safety of Italy 223. Treats about relieving Pope Clement besieged by the Imperialists 255. Angry with the Venetians and why 349. Is displeased that he was not included by the Christian Princes in their League against the Turk 414. Makes a League with the Emperour against the King of France 591 Henry the 2. Son to King Francis marries Catarina Neece to Pope Clement the 7. Succeeds his Father in the Kingdom of France 354 355. Intends to make war in Italy 620. Negotiates a League with the German Princes against the Emperour 638. Favourâ— the Senesi in their insurrection 649 Henry the 3. King of France in his passage through Venice made a Noble Venetian 616 I IAnusbei sent from Soliman to the Venetians 363. Being sent to the Venetian General is taken by those of Cimera and restored gratis 379 Islands of the Archiepelagus taken from the Venetians by Barbarossa 392 Julius the 2. Pope his Death and Character 12 Julius the 3. Pope elected with great hopes from all men of future goodness 630. He answers not those expectations 632. Discovers himself to be an enemy to the French 639 L THe Landgrave of Hessen and other Protestant Princes raise up a vast Army in Germany 355 A League negotiated between the Venetians the French 8 9 10 11 Concluded 12. A League between the Pope the Emperour the King of Spain Sforza Duke of Milan and the Switzers 101. Between Pope Leo and Charls the 5. and the conditions thereof 174. Between Charls the 5. and Henry King of England 193. Between Charls the 5. and the Venetians 199. Between the Pope the King of France and the Venetians 227 A League between the Pope the Venetians and the Florentines 223 Between the Venetians and Francesco Sforza Duke of Milan 318. Between the Pope the Emperour and many Princes of Italy 348. Of the Christian Princes against Soliman 387. A League between the Pope the Emperour the Venetians and other Princes against the Tuâ—k 413 414. Of the Princes â—f Germany against the Emperour 641 Leo the tenth chosen Pope 13. His Designs in the beginning â—f his Popedom ibid. His ill Will to the Venetians 31. Negotiates a Peace between the Emperour and the Venetians 72 73. His Designs in that Negotiation 75. Enters into a League with the Emperour 174. Restores Parma and Piacenza to the King of France 125. Gives the King of France a meeting in Bologna 126. Negotiates an accord between the Emperour and the Venetians 125. Sends his Legate to the Emperour 133. Suspects the French 138. Puts for an universal Truce among Christian Princes 160. Sideth with the King of France in the Election of the Emperour 162. Unresolved to confirm the League with France 165. Ioyns in League with Charls the 5. against Milan 174 Dies 179. Lodi taken by the Switzers and retaken by Alviano 107. Sacked by the Switzers 137. Yeilded to the French Taken by the Imperialists 178. Taken by the French 202. Taken by the Venetians 228 Lodowick the 12. King of France gets the Dutchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Naples 4. Hath new practises on foot for the recovery of Milan 7. Makes a League with the Venetians 12. Makes a Truce with Ferdinand King of Spain 15. Raises an Army for Italy 16. Annulleth the Council of Lions and adhereth to that of Lateran 31. Dies whiles he prepares for invading Milan 92 Lodowick King of Hungary prepares for his own defence against Soliman 163. Sends an Embassadour to Venice 168. 170. Is relieved with monies by the Venetians ibid. Lewis Lord of Tramogly General for the King of France in the Enterprize of Milan 16. Passeth into Italy and takes Milan and other Cities 19. Assaults Novara 22. Draws off from before it 23. His Camp is routed by the Switzers 26. Returns into France ibid. Luigi Badoara Embassadour for the Venetians in France 395. And in Spain 398. Commissary General in Dalmatia 425. Embassadour to Constantinople and his Commission 571. Concludes a peace with the Turks and yeilds up to them Napoli and Malvasia 573 M MAffeo Leone and others punished for revealing the secrets of the Commonwealth of Venice to forraign Princes 574 Malta bestowed upon the Knights of Rhodes by Charls the 5. Marano seiz'd upon by Frangipane â—8 Assaulted by the Venetians 58 59. Taken by Baltrame Sacchia and yeilded up to the French 589. Given by the King of France to Pietro Strozzi who selleth it to the Venetians 598. The Marquess of Saluzzo with the French Army in Lombardy 228. Succeeds Lautrech before Naples whence he suddenly rises 287. His Army is defeated by the Imperialists and himself taken prisoner ibid. Maximilian the Emperour intends to drive the French out of Italy 5. His qualities 10. He stirs up the Great Turk against the Venetians 55. Makes great preparations for the War of Italy 102. Agrees with the Switzers and some Princes against the king of France 127. Affirms that the State of the Church belongs to the Empire 130. Passeth with an Army into Italy 133. Takes in many places of the Dutchy of Milan and besiegeth Milan 135 136. Returns into Germany 137. Makes peace with France 151 152. Makes a Truce with the Venetians ibid. Dies 161 Maurice Duke of Saxony helps the Emperor in his Wars against the Protestants 615 Milan yeilded up to Francis King of France 115. Besieged by the Emperour Maximilian 136 Taken by the Army of Charles the 5.178 In what condition it was by Pope Leo's death 180. Assaulted by the Popes and Venetians Forces 229. Besieged by the French and the Venetians 309. Returns into the hands of Duke Francesco Sforza 324. Falls into the Emperours 363 Monsieur de S Paul sent by King Francis with an Army into Italy 288. Ioyning with the Venetians he takes Pavia 190. Makes new progresses in Lombardy 308. Goes against Genoa 309. His Army is routed and he taken prisoner by Leva 310 N NAples assaulted by the Leagues Army 240. Besieged by Lautrech 279. Much streightned both by Land and Sea 282. The Siege is raised 287 The Nature and Customs of Charls the Fifth 167. Of Francis King of France 168. Of the French 296. Noble Venetians go to the defence of Padua and Trevigi 51. Employed in great Gallies into the Levant upon diverse sorts of merchandise 159. Sent by the Senate to the defence of their Cities in Terra Ferma 280. What they are that are so called 615. The Number of the vessels that were into the
Leagues fleet against the Turke at Prevesa 432. Of the Army which king Francis brought in Italy 108. Of the Galleyes and Souldiers to be raised by the Christian Princes against Soliman 413. Of the Souldiers sent by the Pope to the Emperour in his war against the Protestants 61. Of the Imperial Army against the Protestants ibid. Of theirs against him 613. O ODetto di Fois called Monsieur de Lautrech sent by King Francis to assist the Venetians 129. Goes to the defence of Milan 135. is declared by the King General in Burbon's stead 139. Ioyned with the Venetians goes towards Verona 144. Assaults Verona 145 146. Riseth from before it 147 148. Having received the keyes of Verona he immediately delivers them to the Venetians 153. Drawes his Army into Milan 177. Is beaten out thence by the Imperialists 177 178. Takes Pavia 262. Quitteth Lombardy and goes towards Naples 265.269 Enters that Kingdom and proffers the Imperialists battell 278. Takes in almost the whole Kingdom of Naples 279. Besiegeth Naples ibid. vexed at the many sufferings of his Army he sickens and dies 286 287. The Oration of Andrea Loredano to the Army 40 41. Of Cardona to the Army 44 45. Of Antonio Grimani to the Senate 69. Of Pietro Bembo to the Senate of Venice 88. Of the Cardinal of Seduno to the Switsers 110. Of Domenico Trivisano to the King of France 116. Of the King of Hungary's Embassadours to the Senatours of Venice 168. Of Alberto Pietra Commander of the Switzers 186. Of Georgio Cornaro to the Senate of Venice 210. Of Domenico Trivisano to the same 213. Of the same man to the same Senate 271. Of Luigi Mocenigo to the Senate of Venice 273. Of the same man in the same place 297. Of Marco Antonio Cornaro in answer to him 300. Of the same in the Senate 373. of Lunardo Emo in answer to him 375. Of Marc Antonio Cornaro in the same place 406. Of the Cardinal of Ferrara in the Colledge of Venice 599. Osofo its Situation and strength 63. Assaulted by the Imperialists 64. The siege raised by Alviano 71. P PArma assaulted by the Imperialists 176. Yeilded to the Emperour together with Piacenza 178. Attempted by the French 181. given by the Pope together with Piacenza to his son Pier Luigi 610. Pavia taken by the French 108. Yeilded up to the Imperialists 178. Besieged by Francis King of France 209. Taken by Lautrech and the pillage of it given to his Army 262. Taken and sack'd by the confederates army 290. Paul the 3. of the family of the Farnesi succeeds Clement the 7. in the Papacy 358. Seekes to make peace between Charles the 5. and King Francis 361. Negotiates by his Nuncioes for an universal peace among Christian Princes 368. Denies the Venetians the Tything of their Clergy 366. Concludes the league of the Christian Princes against Soliman 387. Procures an Interview between the Emperour anâ— the King of France at Nice in Provence 417. His designes in this Interview 418. Gives the Emperour a meeting and with what design 595. His designes fall not out to his hopes for which he complains of the Emperor 616 617. Seekes to bring the Venetians to joyn with him and the King of France 622. His vast designes and irregular thoughts 624. Sends the Bishop of Verona his Legate in Germany 626. He dies 629. Peace between the Switzers and the French 151. Between the Emperour and the King of France 152. Universal between Christian Princes treated about 235. Negotiated between the Emperour and the Venetians 323. Concluded and the condition of it 325. Between the Venetians and Soliman 573. Concluded between the Emperour Charles the 5. and Francis King of France and the conditions 604 Prelates of Rome how handled by the Germans in the sack of that city 252. Princes of Italy call in forrain Nations to their own ruine 45. Princes named in the confederacy between Charles the 5. and the Venetians 200. Princes of Italy affrighted at the great forces of Charles the 5. 315. Much troubled for the death of Paul the 3.629 A treacherous Priest hanged up by one foot in Venice and there stoned by the common people 58. New Pretences of Francis King of France for the State of Milan 94. Of the Venetians for Ravenna 293. Proffers made by the French to the Venetians if they would enter into a League with them 370. by Charles the 5. to his brother Ferdinand if he would yeild the title of King of the Romans to his son King Philip 626. Prospero Colonna in the Imperial camp 27. Disswades from the enterprise of Trevigi 51. Iâ— declared by Pope Leo General of the Ecclesiastick army 174. Assaults Milan and takes it 177 178. Raises the siege before Pavia 184. Takes Lodi and Cremona 189. Upon the Frenchmens passage into Italy provides for the Cities of Lombardy 208. Q THe Queen mother of France Negotiates with the Christian Princes for her son Francis his liberty 221. Meets at Cambray with Margaret of Austria to treat about a Peace between the Emperour and the King her son 313. R RAvenna desires of the Venetians a Commissary and a Garrison 256. By what right the Venetians held it 293. It is restored to the Pope 325. Renzo da Ceri Commander of the Garrison in Crema and his gallant carriage 33. Defends Crema against the Imperialists 65 Being declared by the Venetians General of the Horse will not accept of the place 67. Frees Crema from the siege 80 81. Takes in Bergamo 85. Makes a Truce with Milan and goes to Venice 86. Quits the service of the Venetians and goes to Rome 107 Rome taken by the Duke of Burbon and sacked by the Imperial Army 250. Much affrighted at the coming of Barbarossa with the Turkish Fleet to Ostia 593 S SAvii del Conâ—iglio what Office it is in Venice 366 A Sea-fight near Naples between the Imperialists and the French 282 Skirmishes between the Venetians and the Imperialists at Valeggio and Anfo 132 133. The Imperialists and French at Bicocca 185 186. The Imperialists and Venetians before Monopoli 306 307. The Duke of Urbine and the Spaniards 311 312 Soliman confirms the Truce to the Venetians 164. Is very curteous to them 265. Threatens to drive Charls the 5th out of the Empire pretending that it belonged to him 343. Shews himself an enemy to the Venetians and why 364. Passeth with a mighty Army to Vallona with a designe for Italy 368. makes peace with the Venetians 575. Sends his Fleet to the King of France 594. A friend to what is just and honest 610 Spaniards under the conduct of the Viceroy of Naples against the Venetians 27. Take Brescia and Bergamo for the Emperour 28. Fall upon the Venetian Camp 45 Defend Brescia beâ—â—eged by the Venetians 119. Those which took Rome would fain carry the Pope Prisoner into Spain â—â—4 Stefano Tiepolo General of the Venetian Fleet. 593. 〈…〉 dâ—ur to Soliman in Hungary 597. Chosen General of the forces in Terra
too much trusting the Spaniards to put the whole Affairs of Italy into their hands that they had condescended that an Italian Duke should be Master of Millan because they knew he was rather to be a Prince in appearance than in effect whereby they hoped they might reduce that State upon the first occasion that should be offered under their Dominion That therefore moved by the same Interests they profess'd now to defend Maximillian Sforza that they might make use of the Millaneses and of the Switzers to drive the French out of Italy whom they thought they ought only to fear That it might clearly be seen the Spaniards did no less aspire to the Empire of Italy then did the French but whereas these made their way by open Force the others finding themselves to be too weak sought to work their ends by cunning and by cozenage and did under a colour of Friendship with the Italians undermine their Liberties That therefore it was very advantageous to suffer the Forces and Reputation of an other Forreign Prince to increase in Italy to obviate their Power since that the Italians who had been so long afflicted with War were not able of themselves to defend themselves against Forreign Nations The Venetians did by these reasons make good their Counsels and Actions but whilst these things were in Treaty with the Pope all sides made diligent preparations for War Nay Princes seemed to be the more set thereupon for that Leo by his various thoughts and promises made many of them hope to be able to maintain the War by his Help and Authority But the Venetians were more sollicitous in this business then the rest as those who found themselves most necessitated to continue the War therefore they raised men diligently in all parts to make up an Army They sollicited the King of France continually to come speedily into Italy shewing him that the Victory consisted chiefly in celerity That if such Cities as were not yet provided of Garrisons should be on the sudden assaulted they might be easily reduced into their Power But that if the business were spun out in length greater difficulties would daily arise King Lewis being moved by these Exhortations bent himself wholly upon this War and being desirous to imploy his whole Forces therein he agreed with Ferdinando to lay down Arms on the other side of the Mountains for a certain time This King was so carryed away with a vain glorious desire of recovering the State of Millan as he valued neither fear nor infamy So as not caring what blame he might incurre thereby he by this suspension of Arms gave over his Friends and Kinsmans Cause the King of Navarr who for having taken part with the French was a little before driven out of his Kingdom by the Spaniards and reduced to a miserable condition And being likewise advertised of great preparation for War made by Henry King of England a powerful Prince to assault France he contemn'd the Forces of that Kingdom though they had oft times made the French feel them to their Cost For having already in his mind taken in the whole state of Millan and taken the Victory for granted he thought he might bring back his victorious Army time enough to defend his own Kingdom before the English devested of all Military Preparations by reason of their long Peace could provide all things necessary for so great an Enterprize All the Kings men meâ— then according to Orders in the City of Susa that they might the more easily pass from thence into Italy Lewis Lord of Tremuglia a Personage very famous both for his Birth and for many places which he had discharged was made chief Commander of the Army Yet the War was for the most part govern'd according to the pleasure of Giovanni Giacomo Trivulcio who was at that time in great estimation for his great experience in Military Affairs 'T was said that the French Army consisted of about 20000 fighting men 〈…〉 muster'd 8000 choice Italian Foot to which were added 200 Câ—rassiers and 500 light Horse and a great Train of Artillery which did much strengthen the Army Two noble Venetians Domenico Contareno and Andrea Loredano were the Commissaries general whose particular care it is to provide Victuals Monies and all things requisite for the Army and then to be assistant in their Advice to the Captain General in all difficult businesses for the Venetians do themselves execute all the places of the Militia by Sea but in Terra firma by their ancient wont and the Custom of their Fore-fathers they manage their War by Forreigners At this time Bartholomeo Alviano was Captain General of the Venetian Army who being lately returned from France and Count Pitigliano being dead was chosen by the Senate to succeed in his place with the same Conditions which were granted formerly to Pitigliano His yearly pay was 50000 Duckets and he was bound to keep still on foot 300 Curassiers and 500 Cross-bow men on Horse-back to be ready upon any occasion to serve the Common-wealth This man when his place was conferr'd upon him went to the Army which was then upon the Banks of Adice and thinking it fit to be speedy in the business began forthwith to exhort the Senate that he might anticipate the time and that they would suffer him to march with his Army into the state of Millan whilst the Enemy were unprovided of aid and the Cities ungarrison'd That all other attempts would be in vain or to very little purpose that it was requisite that the Venetians should run the same fortune as did the French in 〈◊〉 War That if Affairs should go well with them it was no question but they were to share in the good Fortune but if otherwise they had no hope neither of getting any thing nor yet of keeping any thing that they had lately re-gained But the Senate after they had well and narrowly examined the business resolved that the Army should not pass the Rivers of Po and Ada for what remain'd they left the whole managing of the War free to Alviano with leave to direct his Forces and Designs whither he should be invited by the negligence of the Enemy or advised by his own Industry and Reason There was not as yet any certain News come that the French were past the Alpes therefore the Senate thought it a rash Counsel to leave their Countrey exposed to the Injuries of the Enemy and to send their Army to a place from whence in any case of adverse fortune they could not return But Alviano being very fervent in all he took in hand and very quick and bold thinking that the occasion and the present condition of Affairs invited him so to do resolved to advance immediately with his Army and took his way first towards Verona hoping to get that City Pandolfo Malatesta was taken into pay by Cesar at this time and made Governour of one of the Towers who allured by greater rewards had sided with the
to trouble Maximillian any longer with that unreasonable War These Letters being read in the Senate they resolved to justifie the Common-wealth by their Embassadour who was then resident in the Court of England and to free the King from such false suspitions The Senate seemed to wonder very much why Henry towards whom the Common-wealth had shewed such affection as became them well to do to a great Prince who was their Friend and Confederate a well Wisher and Amplifier of their Dignity should believe that the Venetians would injure him or should have endeavoured to disturbe his Victory whereat they had much rejoyced to witness which they had at this time sent Francisco Capello Embassadour into England who dyed in his journey thitherward But that as for those things whereof he particularly complained he was to know that all the Albanesi were not Subjects to the Common-wealth nor were the Venetians able to inhibite them the Service of other Princes That their Fleet was prepared not to assist others but only to withstand the so great Forces which the Enemy had prepared against their State that they had long before been Confederates with the French as the condition of those times required which was the reason why they had not satisfied Maximillian in his first requests Which had made him wage War with that Common-wealth not having been any ways injured by them nor had the Venetians taken up Arms against him otherwise then in their own defence that after these first successes and Truce being made it was violated by Cesar who entred in an hostile manner into their Dominion wherefore they were forced to take up Arms again to drive him out of their Confines whereby Henry might conceive that they had not been the first Authors of War against the Emperour having only endeavoured to keep themselves from being injured according to the wont of their Ancestors who were always accustomed neither to do nor suffer wrong And that notwithstanding they forbear not all this while endeavours by Letters by Embassadours and by all other means which they thought might do any good that the occasion of controversies being removed they might come to some Agreement with Cesar that many might witness this but especially the Arch-Bishop of York an honourable and worthy Gentleman who had often interceded in this Treaty of Peace and who knew very well what their intentions were and what the Enemies were minded to do that men would think that Cesar who was a great Prince should offer at nothing which was not honourable and becomming him yet it could not be denyed but that many of his Advisers did corrupt this his good Will endeavouring their own advantage by drawing out the War at length though they seemed to be concern'd in Cesars Interests only That therefore it became Henry who was a great and excellent King to be so just and moderate as not to suffer himself to be diverted by any conjunction which he had with the Emperour from what was fair and right but as a just and upright Arbitrator to interpose his Authority for the laying down of Arms on all sides upon such reasonable conditions as might not be injurious to any one So as the people of Christendom long molested with so many Wars might nâ—w enjoy some rest and safety and as for them they would the more willingly make peace with Maximillian in respect of Henry's being the Authour of it But all these endeavours were of little avail with a Prince who minded more the composing of his own Wars then those of others wherefore the Venetians finding no hopes of Agreement began to bethink themselves of War All people whom it became to speak their minds were enjoyn'd by the Senate to propound such things as they thought fittest for the raising of Monies upon such occasions Many things were propos'd and argued in the Senate with diversity of Opinions New Taxes were laid upon the City and several ways were found whereby to bring in Monies into the publick Treasury There was a new Magistracy instituted consisting but of three who had Authority given them to impose what sum they should please upon every Citizen or Inhabitant of Venice according to every mans condition and ability provided that it should not exceed 300 Duckets for any one Family or Person Moreover power was given to Alviano and two Savij of the Council who upon occasion of some other imployment were then in Padua to free such from exile as had been banished for no very grievous offences enjoyning them to pay such sums of Money as they should think fit for payment of the Army whereunto if any one should be backward their Goods were to be distrain'd So as in a short time the scarcity of the Exchequer was provided for and some hopes were had of being able to maintain War for a while Alviano being this mean while gone out of Friuli as hath been said the Senate being thereunto chiefly moved by the perswasions of Ierolimo Savorâ—gnano resolved to re-assume the Enterprize of Marano the chief care whereof was given to him who chearfully taking the imployment upon him and having got together about 2000 Country men and drawn 400 of the best Foot out of Udine went about this And that he might do it with the more safety and Honour Iovan Vitturi who commanded all the light Horse and Iovan Paolo Manfrone Captain of the Curassiers were ordered to pass with all their Horse over the Tagliamento and to be aiding to Savoragnano in his Enterprize by over-running the Country and by securing it from any new commotions of the Enemy moreover the Fleet was sent to the Marishes of Marano that it might be beseâ— both by Sea and Land As soon as Savoragnano came to Marano he possess'd himself of a strong situation not far from the Walls where he took up his Quarters He then began to make Ditches by which the Souldiers being shelter'd might get to the Walls The Town was situated much to our mens disadvantage for it was environ'd all about with low Moorish Grounds wherefore Savoragnano to overcome the badness of the Seat by Industy made certain rises of several materials like so many little Towers and did munite them excellently well whereby he got two great advantages the one that they might be a greater safety for his men if the Enemy should sally out of the Town at unawares the other that for matter of fight his men and the Enemy might be upon equal terms the one standing upon the Walls the other upon the made Rises Thus all things being prepared for an Assault towards which the Souldiers had already made some advancement some Captains who did differ in opinion from Savoragnano before meeting with some let by reason of deeper waters were occasion why what was before resolved upon was not put in execution And in the Interim Letters came to Savoragnano and the chiefest of the Army from the Senate wherein they signified their opinion that it was better to
the same chances That they should remember that they also being govern'd once more by their own peculiar affections then by reason and to revenge the injuries done by Lodowick Sforza had not such consideration as they ought to have had to the danger whereinto they put the Common-wealth by calling in for their Companion of War a powerful forreign King who was to neighbour upon their Dominions in stead of a weak Italian Prince That therefore they should be well advised and learn how to reap some advantage by the Popes favour which they had ever till now endeavoured to preserve Thus did Bembo deliver his Embassie in such manner as he was commanded but the Senate were much otherwise minded esteeming it neither a safe nor easie thing to have recourse to Cesar's favour and the Spaniards So as these the Popes request being reported to the Senate by the Savij of the council according to custome they were not accepted of but by frequent Votes they resolved to continue in the favour of the French and to give this Answer to the Popes Legate That his Embassie was very wâ—ll received by the Senate as well in respect of his own person whose worth and singular love to his Country was very well known to them all as also in regard of that Prince who had sent him for great had the observancy always been which the Common-wealth had born to the Popes of Rome but that their inclination bore them more particularly to reverence and observe Leo wherefore the Senate had always highly esteemed his wise Counsâ—ls and friendly Admonishments But that it had fallen out by a certain Fatality that the more they had desired his Friendship and Association above that of all others in so great variety of Affairs the less could they get to joyn in confederacy with him so as though their good wills were never sever'd from him yet it behooved that their Forces should be always divided That therefore as they returned many thanks unto his Holiness and did confess the great obligations which the Common-wealth had to him for his having by many endeavours readily imbraced and favoured their cause so were they very much troubled that they could not follow his advice since the ancient custom of the Common-wealth would not permit that leaving ancient Confederacies they should make new ones or unprovoked by any injury forbear to do that which was convenient fâ—r them and which by Articles and Conventions they were bound to do That they had always been taught by their Fore-fathers that what was honest was useful that therefore they could not without great Infamy to the Common-wealth break that League which they had a little before made with the French Moreover that if the Pope would call to mind the ancient merits of the Kings of France as well towards the Church as towards the State of Venice as also the Wealth and Power of so great a King he would commend this their advice and think that he himself ought to follow their example for the safety of the Ecclesiastical State and the greatness of his Family would be better founded by his adhering to the Forces of the French and to the Venetians Friendship Moreover they acquainted Bembo with their Jealousies which made them believe that such a Treaty of Peace would not be very safe Since the Pope was perswaded thereunto by the Emperour and by Ferdinand who as it did plainly appear did under a pretence of agreement plot as they formerly had done a pernicious War against the Common-wealth for at the same time when the Embassabour of Spain treated with the King of France touching the Affairs of Italy Ferdinando had begun to renew these Treaties of Peace out of no other end certainly but to make the King of France jealous of the Venetians whereby he might make more advantagious conditions with him Which when he should have done and that the Venetians were dis-associated from the French what could keep him from making himself Master of whole Italy which he had long endeavoured Bembo returned to the Pope with this answer to his Embassie The Venetians calling to mind what Leo had often affirmed that he would never give way no not though the Senate had assented thereunto that any part of the Common-wealth should remain in the power of any other knowing that by her the Liberty of Italy was chiefly maintain'd and that it behooved the Greatness of the House of Medici to have her for their leaning stock they certainly thought they ought not to believe much in his exhortations for at the same time that he divulged these things under pretence of Friendship he treated with them of peace after such a manner as that if it had been granted the Common-wealth would be berest of the richest and noblest part of her Dominions by consenting that Cesar should keep Verona a gallant City and the Gate of Italy whereby he might always enter at his pleasure to ruine her But the Venetians did build their chiefest hopes upon the coming of the French into Italy which made them care so little for Peace for Lewis not being able to fall upon the Enterprize of Millan the year before by reason of the War with England and yet longing very much to put an end to the War in Itataly the differences being now accorded between him and Henry King of England he had promised to send over a great and powerful Army very speedily to Italy to which when the Venetian Forces should be added they thought they might be able to drive their Enemies from the confines of the Common-wealth Who as they were more insolent by reason of the late troubles of the French so the force of the League being strengthened by their return into Italy and they themselves wanting many things especially Monies they would lay aside their audaciousness and for their own safeties sake put on new resolutions To increase these their hopes and to confirm such Princes as were their Friends still in Friendship with them they chose two Embassadours to send to the two Kings the one of France the other of England to wit Francisco Donato and Pietro Pasquillio but Donato falling soon after desperately sick they chose Sebastiano Giustiniano in his place They were first to congratulate with both these Kings for the Peace and Marriage which had ensued between them for Lewis had married Mary Sister to Henry and that they should render them many thanks for that the one and the other of these Princes had in the Articles of Peace made between them named the Venetians as their Friends and Confederates That they should also assure the King of France that the Senate had the same intentions as he had and the like desire of renewing the War and to increase the strength of the League that therefore he should not doubt of the Venetians good will towards him since they were not only most ready to continue the Friendship of the French and to prefer it at all
expence weakened the Forces of the Common-wealth which were always ready to serve the French The Senate being acquainted by their Commissaries with what had past in the camp were much perplex'd not knowing what course to take for the advancement of their Affairs they who but a little before were so rejoyced and comforted for their good success at Brescia began now to have new fears and troubles since when they thought the War to be near an end they saw reasons arise of greater length and difficulties And they were chiefly troubled to think that the French in whose assistance they had put their chiefest hopes should proceed with various and uncertain counsels and perhaps as it was then believed wholly seperate from the Common-wealths Interest Whilst these things were in agitation Letters came from their Embassadour who was in France by which they were fully informed with all that had past at Noion for King Francis being desirous that the Venetians might have leisure to advise well would have them quickly acquainted with whatsoever had past till then between him and the Arch-Duke Charles To the end that as soon as the Commissioners of both parties should be come to Brussels for the confirmation of such things as had been treated of they might find all doubts resolved The chief things treated of and resolved at this convention were That the King of France and the Duke of Burgony a name which Charles of Austria took unto himself till this time had by the means of their Embassadours contracted Friendship and Peace and confirm'd it by the tye of Alliance for King Charles had promis'd to give the Lady Renea daughter to King Lewis to Charles for wife In this Confederacy all the other Princes that were friends to either party were included On Charles his part Maximillian Cesar was chiefly nominated and the Common-wealth of Venice on the King of France his behalf But those that would be comprehended within this agreement were bound to declare their minds within two moneths space The Emperour being hereof advertised promised to stand to what was agreed upon provided that peace might be established upon fair conditions wherefore Brussels was appointed for the place of convention to treat more particularly of the conditions of agreement where Charles his Embassadours and those of France were to be who should intercede as Moderators and freely Composers of the business One chief thing which they were to treat on was how the Venetians might by this agreement recover Verona for it was evident that as this business had oft times before disturb'd the Treaty of peace so if it should not now be decided all other Negotiations would be in vain for the King of France being mindful of the League which he had made with the Venetians and being desirous to keep his word was resolved not to come to any agreement with the Emperour unless Verona were thereby first restored to the Venetians Wherefore as soon as the Assembly was met this was the first proposition which was taken in haâ—d Cesars Embassadours demanded a great sum of money in exchange for the restitution of Verona and moreover the possession of some other Towns which were formerly in that jurisdiction It was farther added that Cesar would not consign over that City into the hands of the Venetians but unto some of Charles his Ministers in whose power after it had been six weeks the French might dispose of it as they should please Notice being given of all these things by the Embassadour of Venice the Senate was much perplex'd and full of various thoughts After so tedious and troublesome a War nothing certainly could be more desirable then peace and quiet They knew that they had often hazarded the fortune of the Common-wealth that they were now to endeavour some case and amendment to free them from the necessity of continuing longer in War Yet some men of more mature years and greater experience thinking how great a change of things a short time was often cause of feared that some time being by the agreement required for the re-delivery of Verona some accident might happen the mean while whereby all things being put in disorder they might remain in the same troubles and peradventure be plung'd into greater This jealousie was much increased by the knowledg of Maximillian his nature and tricks which he had wont to use which if he should continue to do in this business they feared left under the colour of Honour by which he seemed desirous that Verona should be restored to the Venetians by the hands of some others and not by himself he might plot a greater mischief against them For which doubt of theirs they seemed to have the more reason for that being contented to yield up another place of much greater importance he earnestly desired certain little Towns from whence not being able to reap any profit they judged he might have a mind to keep the way open in several parts so as he might assault the States of the Common-wealth when he should please Many things were moved in the Senate but nothing concluded because they generally desired to recover Verona which they thought they might effect better by force then by agreement They ceased not continually to sollicite Lautrech not to wait for the receiving of that from the Enemy which he might take from them by force for sure peace was not to be hoped for but by Arms. If Cesar did really desire friendship with the French he would not stand so much upon the loss of Verona but would covet their Friendship though upon conditions more advantagious to them The Senate would therefore have the King of France acquainted with these doubts which made them suspend their resolution desiring him that he would so provide for the common Affairs as became his wisdom and his singular love towards the Common-wealth and that he should take heed not to do any thing which might occasion greater difficulties As for them they would willingly submit all things to his pleasure if it should be needful so to do assuring themselves that he would have a great care of the Honour and safety of the Common-wealth The Assembly being this mean while met there were many differences between the French and Dutch which grew to that height as Cesar's Embassadors were ready to depart from Brussels leaving the business unperfect These differences were thought to be in a part occasioned by Cardinal Sedunense for this man who thought to acquire much glory by disturbing peace finding a fit occasion to provoke the Switzers laboured to undoe whatsoever was formerly agreed upon between them and the King of France He went likewise to Henry King of England and sought by all means to incense that King yet more who did already sufficiently envy and hate the King of France Sedunense had propounded unto himself to perswade both these Princes to joyne their Forces with those of Cesar or at least to promise him they would doe so to keep him as he alledged from being necessitated to throw himself by headlong counsel into the Friendship of the common Enemies which could not be done without prejudice and danger to them The King of
peace Cesar prepares to succour Genua Giorgio Sfonspere musters 10000 Dutch at Bolzano and in despite of the Confederates passes into the Country of Mantua Giovan de Medici his Valour The Dutch pass into Tuscany The Venetians succour the Popes State and send Marco Foscari to Florence The Imperial Fleet towards Genua is pursued by the Venetian Fleet chas'd by Navarro gets at last to Gaetta and lands the Vice-roy of Naples Renzo de Ceri sent by the King of France to Rome The Viceroy succours the Collonesi and besiegeth Frussolone The Colleagues attempt the taking of Naples their proceedings Important actions before the City The Neapolitans are afraid and are supported by Don Ugo Moncada The Ecclesiastical Army in disorder Burbone comes forth of Milan to joyn with the Duth and goes to Bologna The Pope the mean while concludes peace with the Viceroy his little discretion in laying down Arms his fears and his excuse to the Colleagus Embassadours A Tumult in Florence appeased by the Duke of Urbane Burbone despairing of the Enterprise marches towards Rome desires passage from the Pope which is denied wherefore he besiegeth the City he is shot upon the walls thereof with a musket and dies The Emperours Army enters Rome The Pope retires to the Castle of St Angelo Rome in a few dayes undergoes the miseries of being sack'd of Famine of Pestilence and suffers totall desolation of all things as well sacred as prophane THe Fortune and reputation of the French being much declined by their being driven in a short space out of the State of Milan and by Forces not greater then their own it was generally thought that the Venetians whose Army was defeated and the greatest part of their Horse by them dismist they having likewise given leave to their Commissary Gritti to return from the camp and come home having largely made good their Confederacy with King Francis though they got but little good thereby would at last follow the victorious Fortune of Charles the Emperour who as he had formerly seemed to desire their friendship so did he now more then ever endeavour to draw them to side with him hoping by reason of the low condition which the French were in to be able to seperate them from King Francis and believing that the preservation of the State of Milan and the good end of all the war did chiefly depend upon this new Confederacy and upon the assistance and forces of the Venetians for it was very certain that king Francis made great preparations to pass into Italy with a powerfull Army and that if he should be assisted by the Venetians the Emperialists and Sforzas would not be able long to maintain the burthen of so heavy a war As on the contrary if the Venetians should joyn with the Imperialists it was thought that the French would be kept from retiring into Italy being they were to meet with so stout resistance and that King Francis seing himself deprived of the Venetian's aid would lay aside all thoughts of coming into Italy as despairing of good Success Cesar therefore laboured hard to effect this and did not onely treat thereof at his own Court with Gasparo Cotarini who was Embassadour there for the Com-wealth acquainting him with many reasons wherefore the Senate should be perswaded to joyn in like Confederacy with him to defend the States of each other as they had of late years done with the King of France but he likewise interposed the authority of the King of England with whom Charles having had speech at his return from Spain he had had much discourse thereupon and the Cardinal of York had the copy of the Capitulations drawn up by the Emperour's Lord Chancellour and having acquainted Gasparo Contarini with them offered to moderate them and to make them such as the Common-wealth which had complained thereof as being too severe should have reason to accept them But the business requiring some length of time by reason of this distance of place a League was concluded between Charles and Henry reserving room for the Venetians to be comprehended therein if they would declare within three months and if they would accommodate their affairs first with Cesar either by way of Truce or Peace which being communicated to the Senate produced as then no other result save onely fair correspondency in general with a shew of being much inclined to peace and to friendship with Cesar so it might stand with the honour and safety of the Commonwealth and that since the Cardinal of York had already offered himself to be a Mediator and stickler in the business of greatest difficulty it was requisite to hear what he would propound before any resolution could be taken But the news of the French preparations for the affairs of Italy increasing dayly and greater doubts arising in Charles and Henry by reason of the Venetians delaying to put on any resolution that their State would continue their confederacy with France they resolved to send Embassadours to Venice to accelerate the conclusion of the League which was propounded by them The King of England's Embassadour came thither first which was Richard Pace who having received his Commission from his King whilest the said Richard was at Rome discharged his trust together with the Emperours Embassadour which was resident at Venice desiring in their Princes name that the Senate would declare what they intended to do when the King of France should return with an Army into Italy to possess himself of the State of Milan But the Emperours Embassadour proceeded further desiring that the Commonwealth would wage war against the King of France if he should not desist from troubling Cesar and from disturbing the peace of Italy alledging that the Venetians were bound to do so by a particular Confederacy made two years before at London wherein by particular consent of their Senate the State of Venice was named amongst the chief Contracters The Venetians proceeded very maturely in this Treaty weighing how pernicious any resolution they could put on might prove to the Commonwealth according to the various events which might happen in the affairs of Italy and by the secret Counsels of Princes for it was certain That if the King of France should through any accident that might happen delay sending a powerfull army on this side the Mountains his reputation would be so much lesned and the Forces and authority of his enemies so confirmed as the adherers to the French would be exposed to eminent dangers and on the other side to forego their Friendship to boot that it went against their general inclination brought with it no lesser difficulties For it was rather to be believed both in respect of the power and wealth of the Kingdom of France and out of the immense desire that King Francis had to get the State of Milan that the French would return with powerfull Forces on this side the Mountains and regain his former power and authority so as they might have means
lesse willing to revenge himselfe for the injuries he had received from the French and chiefly to chastise the Duke of Cleve's daring as he termed it who was a Feudatary of the Empire for having taken up Arms with his Enemies against him assembled the Diet of Princes and Hans-towns according to the custome of Germany and had gotten all the Forces of Germany to joyn with him in making War against the King of France and the Duke of Cleve and to the end that his Forces might be the more formidable laying aside to the wonder of all men the memory of the heinous and great injuries received from Henry King of England for having repudiated his Aunt Queen Katherine and not regarding that this Prince had declared himselfe a Schismatick and was become contumacious to the Church of Rome he resolved to joyn in league with him and to make War upon France Thus it seems that all other Reasons both Humane and Divine give way to the Reason of State though Princes oftentimes term their meer Appetites Reason And Caesar found Henry the more inclined to this Invitation by reason of his not being satisfied with the King of France for having adhered unto his enemy Iames King of Scotland in a difference between them concerning Confines In these great Commotions the Pope and the Venetians continued in their Neutrality being desirous to maintain the peace of Italy as much as might be But the Venetians were herein much more resolute and constant for the Pope being troubled with severall jealousies was sometimes otherwise minded Many things made him apprehend Caesars greatnesse he considered how much more powerfull Cesar was likely to prove being assisted by the forces of Germany and of England and that the power of Emperours had ever been formidable to Popes and that he was the more particularly concern'd in that Cesar had satisfied the German Protestants in many points and now of late in procuring the Councill to be celebrated within the confines of Germany whither the Embassadors being gone very early they gave out that matters of Reformation were to be treated on which is not usually very acceptable to Popes and chiefly then by reason of the freedom of their speech who being alienated from the obedience of the Church of Rome sought to cover their own faults by the errours of others Nor was it of any small moment to make him think the worse of the Emperour that he had contracted friendship with a Prince who had thrown off his obedience to the Apostolick Sea and that he seemed not willing to gratifie Him in the affairs of Millan The Pope being moved out of these respects proposed a streighter conjunction and intelligence with the Venetians for the common safety a thing proposed then onely as looking at Peace and Quiet and not of forgoing their Neutrality unless upon utmost necessity but with intention as was discover'd by many signs to bring the Common-wealth to joyn with the King of France But the Senate continuing their accustom'd answer shew'd the Pope that there was no Occasion much lesse any Necessity to make any such Innovation whereby mischiefs afar off might be rather hastned then kept back by making Princes jealous Herein the Senators did maturely consider that the forces of the Emperour and of the King of France were so equally ballanced each of them being very strong of himselfe and assisted by other great Princes as it was not to be feared that one of them should so exceed the other as that his power might prove prejudiciall to the affairs of Italy and that Time often produceth notable and un-thought of advantages which they ought most to attend who propose unto themselves the safety and preservation of what is their own rather then the getting of what appertains to another That the Common-wealth could not confederate with any other without offending Cesar who having so ofen desired new Leagues they could never be brought to alter any part of their old Capitulations that at the present the King of France was excluded all Italy but that it was more to be desired then likely that he might at this time have a share therein the better to counterpoise Cesar now when he must be necessitated to imploy his forces in defence of his own Kingdom it being set upon both by English and Imperialists The Venetians were much more troubled at the coming forth of the Turkish Fleet which was now much talked of and whereof great preparations were seen though the Turks promised that all fair respects should be had to what appertained to the Common-wealth and that Paulino affirm'd the same constantly who was to be in it and had wholly changed his mind by reason of new instructions which he had received from his King It was foreseen that Italy would be disfurnished of souldiers since the flowre of her Militia was to go serve Cesar and Ferdinand in Hungary and Flanders That Doria's Fleet consisted but of a few Gallies and those employ'd in bringing Cesar's person into Italy That the Common-wealth had not as then above thirty Gallies at Sea so as all Seas were open and free for the Turks all Shoars exposed to their assaults Nor was it to be comprehended nor much to be credited what their present intentions were nor what they would hereafter be according as occasions should fall out Therefore the Venetians thought good to increase their Fleet to the number of 70 Gallies arming some in Dalmatia some in Candia and in other places and making Stephano Tiepolo Captain Generall at Sea a man famous for his own worth and more famous afterwards for being father of Paolo Tiepolo Procurator of St. Mark a famous Senator of our times both for his eloquence and wisdom in the Senate who gave an account of this to all the Princes Courts to the end that the newes hereof might not make her designes to be thought greater then they were to tell them That the Common-wealth had armed some Gallies for the safety of their Subjects and for the guard of the Sea and of her Shoars and had made a supream Commander over them to the end that the publick Officers and Subjects might be kept within the bounds of obedience and all occasions removed whereby the publick quiet might be disturbed And accordingly the Generall was enjoyn'd to keep within the Gulph and visit the Shoars and Islands of their Dominions ordering and taking course for all things that were necessary where he was to be met by Iustiniano one of the Sea-Commissaries the other Commissary which was Alessandro Bondomiero being to tarry in the waters of Corfù with 15 of the best Gallies wherewith upon the approach of any Fleet he might be safe in the Mandracchio And he was also ordered to shun all such things as might cause suspicions in the Turks of the insincerity of their intentions towards them which it was very well known was often cunningly endeavoured by Doria This mean while the Turkish Fleet put to sea
altered the Colleagues should contribute such Forces as should be requisite to effect it and that when it should be gotten the Pope should determine to whom it should be given so as might make most for the quiet of Italy and so as it were done with the satisfaction of the Confederates without whose consent the Pope promised he would do nothing in that point that the new King who ere he should be should pay the usual Tribute to the Church and 70000 Duckets to the King of France whose pretences should remain entire to that Kingdome if it were not won now This being agreed upon the League was finally concluded in France Don Capona intervening for the Pope and Secretary Andrea Rosso for the State of Venice The end of this Conjunction was specified to be The freeing of the State of Milan from the oppression of the Imperialists the Liberty of Italy and the recovery of the King of France his children adhering for what concerned particularities and preparations for War to what had been formerly treated on and concluded with the Kingdome before the King had his Liberty Yet it was not published till they might know the King of England's resolution who was desired to be one of the chief Contractours For it was thought that his name and authority might adde much to the reputation thereof It was therefore resolved that some should be sent into England from the Colleagues to request Henry that he would quickly declare in the behalf of the Confederate Princes against Cesar. For the Pope there went Iovan Battista Sanya a man of an high spirit and great with the Datario for the King of France Ioan Ioachino and Mark Antonio Veniero for the Venetians who was intended before to be sent Embassadour thether from the Common-wealth But the king of England though he said he was very well inclined to this League and not well affected towards Cesar resolved notwithstanding not to declare himself publickly till he had desired Charles that to gratifie the Colleagues he would set the son of the most Christian King at Liberty and restore the State of Milan to Francisco Sforza which if he would not do he declared he was to denounce war against him in all their names which though it was consâ—nted unto yet the business was prolonged and divers difficulties promoted So as any longer delay being thought to be unseasonable the League between France and the Princes of Italy was published and proclaimed with great solemnity and it was generally thought that the Forces of this League would be able to quel the Imperialists and to drive them out of the State of Milan especially since the Castles of Cremona and Milan held still for Sforza There were at this time in the Venetian Army 1000 foot 900 Curasiers 800 Light-horse and a great many Switzers were suddenly expected taken into pay partly by the Pope and partly by the Venetians and partly by the King of France who when they should be arrived it was resolved that the Colleagues would go to succour the Castle of Milan to attempt the taking of that City and that on the other side the Marquis of Saluzzo should fall down into the Dukedome of Milan wiâ—h the French Curassiers and 10000 foot raised at the Confederates common expence and assault the Cities of Novarra and Alexandria and that in the mean while the Maritime affairs should be prepared to molest the Imperialists in other places and to divide their Forces The Venetians gave order to their Captain Generall and to Commissary Pietro Pesaro to bring their Camp as soon as might be to Chiari in the Territories of Brescia to begin the war and the Pope ordered all his Commanders and souldiers to go into the parts about Parma to the end that being joyned together they might do what should be thought best for the League But this joyning of forces was unseasonably deferr'd by reason of the difficulty in what place the Armies were to meet for Francesco Guicchiardini who was Lieutenant General of the Ecclesiastical Army would not give consent that the Pope's men should go to Cassalle Maggiore as it was first resolved alledging that the State of the Church was not to be abandoned though it was urged on the contrary that they being masters of the field there was no cause of fear This mean while Malatesta Baglione came to Lodi with a Troup of Vinetians where he had private intelligence with Lodovico Vistarlino a Citizen thereof and though there were in it a good Garrison of 1500 foot yet he easily took it and held it in the name of Francisco Sforza After this the whole Venetian Army past over the Poe and two dayes after the Popes men joyn'd with them and they went all to Milan the Duke of Urbane had good hopes to get the City at the first assault for he was informed by some of the Milaneses that the people were up and ready to side with them as soon as their Army should be come to the City and that the Imperial Commanders having already sent away their baggage would soon be gone themselves and give over the defence of the Town This was so verily believed as Lodovico Count di Belgiojoso had desired the Duke of Urbane to give him 2000 Foot with which he offerr'd to relieve the Castle of Milan The whole Army of the Confederates being advanced they quartered in the Monastory del Paradiso toward the Porta Romana with a firm intention to give an assault hoping to win the Suburbe and to lodg there and the enemy being often come forth to skirmish were still valiantly repuls'd by our men but soon after came the Duke of Burbone with a good number of foot and did not onely make good his station against such as skirmished with him but indammaged them on sundry parts so as the Duke of Urbane failing of his hopes of getting the city by assault and fearing lest he might fall into some greater disorder if he should tarry long in those quarters retreated with the whole camp in good order to Marignavo without receiving any prejudice But great hopes having been had by the Armies being drawn near Milan of good success in the Enterprise and there being great necessity of relieving the Castle of Milan the Senate when they heard by their Commissary that the camp was raised were very much amazed and grieved and the Duke to justifie this his act sent Luigi Gonzaga to Venice who might by word of mouth give an account of what was done and of the reasons which had moved the Duke thereunto whereupon the Senate were satisfied but the Pope was not so easily appeased he did not onely complain very much of this action but likewise of the manner of the Dukes proceedings for not having acquainted those that imployed him with his most important counsels which Guicchiardini did aggravate to the Pope by his bad offices done to the Duke being displeased with him because his Discourses were not well listned unto
they did trust their too just and too well known respects would be both acknowledged and allowed of throughout Christendom But Ferdinando though he saw all these indeavourings of Leagues would prove vaine hoping that he might obtain better conditions by Armes then those that were profferd him by King Iohn despised all Treaties for he was already declared in the convention of Cullen to be the King of the Romans and Successor to his Brother Charles in the Empire and he had got many aids in the Diets held at Lins and Prague and hopes of greater succours from his Brother But the Venetians continued still in their indeavours for peace and having sent their Embassadours to Ferdinando to congratulate his new dignity they inserted many speeches wherein they exhorted him to imbrace peace and to make good the hopes which were conceived of him that as a wise and an excellent Prince he would above all things study the peace and good of Christendom Peace was the more indeavourd and desired by those who did sincerely desire the common good and considered the conditions of the present times because it was known that grievous Wars and the beginnings of other calamities were threatned elsewhere for the Kings of France and England finding that they had opportunity offer'd them of molesting the Emperour by reason of the necessity he lay under of defending the Territories of his own family and of the Empire from the Turks plotted several waies how to make War against him The former being moved by his antient desire of recovering the State of Milan the other by a new distaste conceived against Charls for defending his Aunt wife to Henry but who was by him repudiated through the desire he had of another Wife They therefore joyntly endeavour'd to egg on many German Princes against Charls who were not well satisfied with him and they themselves prepared for Arms So as it was imagined that nothing was expected to the making of War but that the Turks should be the first who should draw the Emperours forces into those parts whereof greater and more certain rumour now arose for Soliman who heard daylie of these intentions of the Christian Princes and thinking for the same reasons to find Cesar busied in several Wars at one and the same time seemed every day more resolute to defend and maintain the cause of his friend and confederate King Iohn and more desirous also to recover the reputation of his Forces which he thought was not a little lessened by his retreat from Vienna In the beginning therefore of the year 1532. he went to Andranopoli where he divulged what he intended to do and having before his departure shewed both in words and actions a great desire of preserving friendship with the Venetians he had given order for the expedition of the great Gallies which for the aforesaid reasons had lain idle in Soria and in Alexandria permitted all free commerce to the Merchants of that Nation laying aside the thought of reducing the business to Constantinople readily granted the carriage of Corn and Saltpeter out of divers parts of his Dominions giving many other signs of putting an esteem upon the Commonwealth and of his desire to continue peace with her But being intent upon assembling his Army he had sent orders to all the Spacchi of Greece these are a sort of men who serve on Horseback receiving a perpetual proportion of land granted them by the Prince to come and meet him well provided with Horse and Arms. He had likewise demanded such Auxiliaries from the Tartarians Wallacchi and Transilvanians as they were bound by Articles to send unto his Camp so as having taken the field and begun his march he had when he came neer the confines of Hungary about an hundred and fifty thousand souldiers amongst which there was twenty thousand gallant Janizaries all foot bred up from their youth perpetually and solely to this sort of Militia When Soliman was come with this his Army to Belgrado a Town lying in the lower Hungary he made it be proclaimed that he would give Battel to Charls the Emperour and assuring himself of victory he insolently threatned that he would drive him out of Germany and assume unto himself all the Rights and Territories of the Western Empire affirming them to appertain unto him as to the true Emperour and Lord of Constantinople But Charls had raised a no less powerful Army to oppose these Forces which he had gathered out of almost all the Nations of Christendom which was greater and gallanter then had been seen in many former ages and herewith he stayed expecting the enemy before the Walls of Vienna All mens minds were held in suspence touching what would become at this so great a rumour of War chiefly the Venetians who for other important reasons were much concern'd in this business and were very solicitous in expecting what the event would be but in their wishes they were for the Christians and permitted the souldiers of their dominions to go to the Emperour and did that underhand which they were not allowed to do in publique But truly it was very miraculous that so great a preparation for War should produce no notable effect on either side for Soliman without passing any further and sending only one of his Captains by name Cassone to pillage Carinthia and Stiria who was afterwards supprest and destroyed by the Count Palatine returned back to Constantinople and on the other side Charls not having ever stirr'd with his Camp from before the walls of Vienna for his Captains thought it not safe to quit that quarter that they might not go far from Danubius and go into the open champagnia whereby they might want the conveniency of that River and be exposed to the violence of Solimans so numerous Cavalry having received certain news whither the Turks were gone dissolved his Army suddenly and leaving a Garrison of Souldiers with his brother resolved to come himself in person into Italy and to pass from thence to Spain which gave the French occasion to upbraid him with this sudden departure when their King was at another time accused by Charls for keeping him from advancing against the Turks since as they said when he himself was in Arms and free as then from all other Wars he had not used opportunity of pursuing the enemy but suffered him to retreat with such safety and conveniency as that he carried away above thirty thousand Prisoners from off his Territories So as it seemed Cesar was to confess either that he had not forces sufficient or else courage and resolution to fight the Turkish Armies At this very time the Imperial and Turkish Fleets were gone forth very strong to Sea wherefore the Venetians thinking it became them both for the honour and safety of their State to Arm so as they might be provided for whatsoever should happen they resolved to add a great many Gallies to their Fleet and to constitute a Commander of great authority over
the Duke of Orleans the Kings Son with a Million of Gold for her portion which was to be given to the Emperour in recompence for the State of Millan whereinto the Duke of Orleans was to be invested but many difficulties being found herein the one not being willing to trust the other and the Bride not being of fitting years for marriage the businesse was broken off the convention dissolved to the great displeasure of the Venetians in particular who by reason of this disagreement were likely to bear a greater burthen in this war with the Turks as by many signs did already appear For the Marquiss of Guasto who had formerly been sent for to the Court by the Emperour to make use of his advice and actions touching the enterprise in the Levant was by new orders appointed to stay in Italy and to be diligent in increasing the Garrisons in the State of Millan And Cesar when the hopes of this Agreement failed had oft-times said that his forces being elsewhere diverted by the King of France he could not for the present do any thing for the service of Christendom but stand upon his defence and keep his Dominions from being prejudiced by the Turkish Fleets these respects had made the Venetians more diligent in indeavouring the conclusion of the League believing that the King of France whilst he should see this union suspended whereby the heavier weight would lie upon Cesar being onely of himselfe to resist the Turkish forces would be the hardlier brought to a reconcilement with Cesar building his hope of the recovery of the State of Millan upon the weaknesse of the Emperours forces the Pope was likewise much troubled hereat to whom as being the chiefe head of Christendom the care of making peace between Christian Princes and of opposing the eminent danger of the Turks did principally belong Therefore seeing all his indeavours by Letters and Embassies proved vain he bethought himselfe of bringing these two Princes to speak together face to face in his presence hoping that by his authority intreaties and reasons he might bring them to an Agreement Wherefore though he was very aged yet not being willing to spare any painse after he had thus exhorted and invited these two Princes he offered to give them a meeting himselfe in person at Neice as an opportune place where they might all meet together This meeting proved in one respect pleasing to the Venetians for if the peace should be effected the hopes and forces of the League would be greatly increased which would be but weak and lame without it but in another respect they were troubled at it by reason of the losse of time which it would occasion in making provision for the War and in the uniting of the Fleets For the Emperour being to come by Gallies from Barcellona to Niece Doria must be unseasonably imploy'd in this voyage when he should have put his Fleet in order and have advanced against the Enemy who were already put forth very strong to Sea This their fear was the greater because it was not counterpoysed by equall hopes of advantage since it appeared almost impossible that these two Princes should be reconciled as it was thought by those who vvere best vers'd in such affaires and who could penetrate the furthest into the secret designes of Princes For vvhat hopes vvere there of making true friendship between Cesar and the King of France their natures vvere beyond measure contrary they differ'd in fashions ends and thoughts grievous injuries had past between them on both sides which they kept in memory with desire of revenge On the Kings behalf his Imprisonment and his severe usuage therein his being inforc'd to purchase his liberty by assenting to unjust conditions and by giving his Sons in hostage for the performance of his word and the War lately made by the Emperour in the bowels of his own Country The Emperour held himselfe as much offended by the King not onely for the falsifying of his word and breach of the Articles at Madrid but for his having made the Turks make war against him whereby to keep him and his Dominions perpetually molested What reason was there then to believe that those who bore such bitter hatred to each other were to yeeld to an Agreement whereby the ones power would be greatly augmented to the as great inconveniency of the other to yeeld up the State of Millan to the King of France to boot with the opening the way thereby unto him how to molest the Kingdom of Naples and of disputing Cesars power in Italy bore with it greater consequences For by giving the State of Millan to the Duke of Orleans France would become the more formidable since all the States would be united in the Crown whereinto not onely Britany would fall which belonged to the Kings second Son as in right of his Mothers Dowry but the Dukedom of Orleans and of Angoulesme On the other side the King knew that the releasing of the Cities and Forts which he had taken in Savoy would secure Cesars affairs in Italy and confirm him in the possession of the State of Millan it was therefore thought that nothing had made Cesar and the King of France yeeld to the Pope's proposall but a desire of justifying themselves to the World and to shew that they would not be back-wards in making peace knowing that the maintaining so long and bitter discord at this time would denote their immoderate Ambition Moreover they were thereunto invited by a certain jealousie they had of the Popes favour which made them indeavour to perswade him that they valued all his advices for the one fearing to be exceeded by the other they would not suffer that either of them should become greater by the forces and authority of Apostolick Sea especially in Italy Some did also add that the Pope himselfe did not aim so much at the generall good by this meeting as at his particular conveniency hoping that by his presence and by the concurrency of these Princes he might get far into favour with them and obtain something of much moment from them which might establish the greatnesse of his House which was now discovered to be his chiefest aim as was afterwards more clearly seen at this meeting wherein the marriage between the Lady Margaret Cesars naturall Daughter who had been wife to Alexander Duke of Medecis with Octavio Fernese the Popes Nephew was concluded who was likewise invested in the State of Novara Though the Venetians began quickly to suspect these things yet did not the Senate forbear to do what occasion required but to shew all due respect to these Princes and chiefly to the Pope and not to leave any thing undone whereby they might be ayding and forward to the making of peace as they had alwaies been they chose two Embassadours Nicolo â—iepolo and Mark Antonio Cornaro to assist at that meeting and to declare the Senates desire of friendship between Christian Princes and their readinesse to
Cesar had not shared the advantages of war with him by giving him part of the monies which were paid by those that compounded nor having communicated the most important advices of peace or war to him nor his representatives as he ought to have done since he shared in the expence and hazard But on the other side Cesar said that the Pope had fail'd him in his promise and devoire since the war not being yet fully ended which he had undertaken chiefly at his entreaty and by his advice he had recalled his men whereby he did not onely deprive him of that aid but did diminish the forces and reputation of his Army whereby there was yet a great strength of men to be overcome in Germany under the conduct of Iohn Frederick and of the Lansgrave the one of which for the antient blood of Saxony and the other by reason of the love the people bore him would be able to raise so great an Army as without due providing for the contrary might yet question the victory These things did Cesar amplifie either to draw the Pope to a new contribution of Monies or Foot or to get leave as he had often desired to make use of the revenues of the Church in Spain for this war or peradventure to make his victories appear the greater by magnifying the forces of the enemie But the Pope being far from favouring Cesar's designes any further prefer'd the apprehension of his greatnesse and his being very ill satisfied with him before all other respects But the occasions of dividing the Pope from the Emperour grew much greater the next year 1547. For Cesar's power and reputation daily encreasing he grew the more ambitious of Government He did so prosper in Germany as bringing the Duke of Saxony to Battle not affording him time to withdraw into the strong holds in his own Country as he designed to do he won such a victory as he thereby put an end to the war the Duke being taken prisoner and his forces so utterly defeated as the Lansgrave dispairing to save himself by force of Arms or by any other means put himself willingly into Cesar's hands who possessing himself of the Forts of Hessen detained him prisoner So as all things being peaceable and quiet in Germany he entred as it were in triumph into Auspurg where he summoned a Dyet from all the parts of Germany wherein he obtained many things for his advantage and satisfaction amongst the rest a great contribution from all the Princes and Haunâ—e-Towns whereby to take 20000 Foot and 4000 Horse into pay for the service of the Empire wherein he comprehended his own patrimoniall estate and the like of his Family Betwixt which and the Princes and Haunâ—e-Towns of Germany a perpetuall League was made for the common defence Yet these his great prosperities did not at all quench his thirsting after new acquisitions and glory his chief aime was at Italy and together with other higher designes to settle himself fast in the State of Millan whither he sent great store of Artillery which were presented him by divers German Lords and afterwards a good number of Spanish Foot making of them an ordinary Garrison in that State esteeming them most faithfull to him He also made the people swear fealty to him and to whomsoever he should name to be Lord over them intending that Government to his son Philip who to that end was to go quickly for Italy And he treated still with the Swissers capitulating with them to defend the State of Millan He moreover had placed a guard of 400 Spanish Foot in Sienna and an Officer of his who exercised much authority in many things and attempted to build a Fort there intending as it was thought to bring them under the yoke of servitude for the which occasions were not wanting by reason of commotions raised in the City the people whereof not being able to see themselves inslaved had driven out the Spanish Foot and done many other things contrary to Cesar's dignity He sought also to possesse himself of the Town of Piombino and to take it from the Lord thereof upon severall pretences promising to recompence him with other territories that he might make use of that scituation which lay upon the Sea-cost of Tuscany and was very commodious in other respects for affairs at Sea But above all other things the taking of Piacenza which was done as shall be said together with the death of Duke Pier Luigi caused fear in all men and particular affliction in the Pope and two of the prime Princes of Christendom Francis the first of France and Henry the eighth of England's death which ensued not long after one another all things seemed to smile upon Cesar For these Princes of great power and mature counsell being taken away he remained in supream authority and sole arbitrator of affairs The King of France his death begot more alteration in thought than in effect for Henry his third son comming by the death of the Dolphin and of the Duke of Orleance to the Crown who was brought up under his father's discipline and did inherit his affections especially his hatred to Cesar appeared soon ready to tread in his fathers foot-stâ—ps and not to yield any waies to Charles his fortune But the King of France his death was severally interpreted by the Italians some thought that the occasion of many troubles to Italy was taken away which by reason of his unquiet nature of the bitter hatred which he bore to Cesar and of his obstinate resolution of getting the Dukedom of Millan was never to have an end but by his death Others were of a contrary opinion who thought the new King would not so soon forego his fathers resolutions and enterprises which though he should do they thought that more prejudice then advantage would redound thereby to the Italians who the counterpoise of the French forces being taken away were with little cure to their libertie to depend the more upon the Spaniards will Some in Venice did with much griefe call to minde the love which the late King bore to the Common-wealth his readinesse to assist her in her lowest ebb of fortune and chiefly his assisting her in the recovery of Verona They likewise alleadged as signes of his good-will his having so often desired a new conjunction with the Common-wealth not being any waies scandalized at his so many repulses which had won no small honour to the Common-wealth and had made her be the better esteemed by Cesar's self Others not without some bitternesse of spirit remembered the ficklenesse used by this King upon many occasions and his great ingratitude towards the Common-wealth which having with much readinesse taken up Arms and exposed her self to so much expence and hazard of war first for his own freedom and then for the like of his sons from Cesar's hands had been so scornfully abandon'd by him as that in his agreement made with Cesar he had made peace not onely without