the simple The magnificence of Her Temples the great nomber of pardons such a confluence of people flocking to Church and the visit of holy places imprinted within me such an opinion of the Roman piety that when afterwards I fell to observe the lifes and luxury of the Cardinalls little compatible with the Doctrine of Christ I ascrib'd the cause of my mistake rather to my own ignorance then want of Religion in others but when I seriously descended into my self I thought I was not born senslesse Processe of time and mature reflexions made me discern afterwards that the Roman Religion consisted most in Ceremonies of exterior worship which were it properly defin'd might be call'd a kind of practise of life in the small sort and an hypocrisie in the greater For the rest ev'ry action being judiciously examin'd you will find it tending chiefly to objects of privat interest and temporall benefit profit and delight are the two poles wheron the Firmament of Roman designs wheel about if Christ and his Law be embrac'd it is not embrac'd for the tru finall end but as means to compasse some terrene businesse which transform'd me to wonder while I observ'd how much Christ was vilified among the Romans considering how much he serves their turn for encreasing their temporall interests You shall find all vices reduc'd in this City as to their proper center and which is worse with specious titles of holines their pomp appears under the name of Church decorum and their ambition under the title of Majesty their tyranny under the semblance of zeal nay most scandalous lusts are brought into the houses of the greater sort under the mantle of spirituall recreations Adulation hath founded here her Palace for you shall have it preach'd most impudently that the Pope cannot err notwithstanding that his actions are the very tops of errors Tell me O reverend Frier if the Pope cannot erre wherfore are ther Decrees and Ordinances of Councells instituted 't were enough to be regulated by his will only without importuning any Synod or attending any rules from the universall fuffrage of Christianity But to unbowell unto you my tru meaning I hold that the Ecclesiastics now that they see they cannot fit the custom of the Pope to the Laws they procure to fit the Laws to his customes God forgive them who somenting a parasiticall Doctrine introduce so many enormities to Gods House so frontlesse and void of all shame these men being dandled with ambition have transported S. Peters Seat from Caves to Thrones of Gold these being carried away with avarice to declare this magnificence to be necessary for the dignity of the Church together with those worldly Dominions so expressely forbidden by Christ Poor Church to what case art thou reduc'd the time was when the Clergy were reverenc'd for the Sanctity of their lifes and profoundnesse of their learning and for the fame of their miracles but now they raise respect unto themsels by worldly rule and greatnesse for nothing els makes them to be reverenc'd now adaies But to compasse this mundane grandeur which is founded most commonly upon Bases of gold what unlawfull path is not troden what iniquity is not practis'd the Law of Christ being turn'd by the Ministery of the Romans to be a Law of ruin and rapin ther is no action exercis'd in the Roman Church but you shall find it conjoyn'd with the interests of worldly emolument O how deplorable are these times were they parallel'd with those of the Ancients yea when the world was depriv'd of Evangelicall Light Then if an Alexander rose up who with an immense kind of cupidity snatch'd at ev'ry thing Nature who is a friend to counterpoises created a Philosopher who glorying in his poverty contemn'd the possession of all transitory Princes But now among the Christians if a Pope starts up who with insatiable appetit goes about to grapple all we do not find that vertu hath such a force as to dispose any Ecclesiastic to shew an example of that poverty which is commanded him by heaven Good Frier if you have ever bin in the Dominions of the Church you will be astonish'd at such abominations wherwith the Worship of God is daily prophaned Moreover you shall hear nothing els preach'd in the Pulpits but Paradoxes Delight not the utility of souls being the scope of their matter and so the ears being tickled with the Doctrine the Collections use to be greater which under the name of Almes is drain'd afterwards from the Auditors but their sacrilegious greedines stops not here you shall see often lame miracles publish'd for gain you shall often see those inspired Fathers use certain acts of Conjuration rather to draw money out of the purse then to cast devills out of the body you shall oft times see many neglected Images making themselfs miraculous upon a sudden to enrich the Ecclesiastic professors deluding by this trick the simplicity of those who hold that the vertu of doing miracles being lost in men is retir'd into statues of stone and wooden pictures In somm the abuses are so many which are introduc'd by the covetousnesse and rapacity of the Romans that I prognosticat that all reality of Religion will be quite extinguish'd e're it be long and faith her self also as much as remains for I have observ'd that Christ did not live long upon earth when he was put between two theeves Ther is an opinion that 's current among som Theologues that when the Host begins to moulder the Divine Presence immediately departs from the Eucharist Now if Christ cannot stay no not the least moment in corrupted bread how shall we think that he can abide to stay amongst a corrupt people Friend if your salvation be dear unto you turn face about and never go to Rome cast your self rather upon the remotest shores of India whither they say all vertu and Religion is retir'd perhaps to be the further off from Rome one cannot so journ in this City without endangering his Faith take example by me who being com from among the Mahumetans to learn to lead the life of a Catholic do now go away hence with strange kind of confus'd imperfect thoughts within me to turn Turk S. Paul having parted with the Maronit and advancing towards Lorette while he pass'd in a Friers froc hard by a village he was call'd in to confesse a dying Cardinall he goes in and hears his confession which was thus Father I feel the pangs of death com upon me God summons me to satisfie the last debt of human nature my soul finding her self in these extremes trembleth to appear before the face of God in regard She is so full of carnall spots It is your function to help me to wash them off while these eys of mine shall afford you tears and this panting spirit though strugling with the assaults of death shall endeavour to declare unto you in short periods the sum totall of all my offences pass'd Know then that I
in the yeer having 3000. persons perpetually at work with other advantages as will appeer when we com to describe it with the Tresury for these are but prolegomena and generall Ideas of things 7. Seventhly The counterpoise of rewards and punishments may be sayed to have bin the plummetts which have made the great clock of this Commonwealth to go tru so many ages In this government whosoever is detected to have the least attempt or thought of conspiring any thing against the Republic dies without mercy On the other side whosoever finds out or invents any thing that may tend either to her advantage or honor shall be as sure of his reward as the other of punishment 8. Another reason why Venice hath lasted so long at such a constant stand is her wonderfull sagacity in discovering any privat conspiracy against Her self her cautions to prevent it and ready means to suppresse it for there is allwayes a privat Armory besides the great Arsenall wherin ther are choice armes ready for 1500. men the musketts and arquibuzes chargd match ready and every thing fitted for a present execution in case of a sudden surprize or uprore This Armory is very secretly kept nere the Dukes Palace and not to be shown without 3. Gentlemen of the great Councell being reserv'd meerly for the use and safety of the Senat in case they shold be assaulted by any ill-favour'd commotion or privat outrage while they are consulting about the affaires of the Republic It is closely and curiously kept and hath many new divises of armes as steel-bowes which shoot needles or small darts and hitt unseen ther be musketts and pistolls that will go off 6. times together halbards with pistolls in them one at each end strange kinds of polaxes with other sorts of defensive and destructive armes if occasion should require Besides this means of suppressing all violence she hath many cautions besides to prevent them It is death without mercy for any of her Senators Officers or Gentlemen to receave pensions from any other Prince or State nor is it permitted that they have any privat conversation with their Ambassadors or public Agents Her own Ambassadors must not conceal the presents and gifts they receav'd from other Princes where they are employ'd but at their return they must present them to Saint Mark 's Tresury which hath much multiplied the wealth of it 9. Another reason of her so constant subsistence may be the sundry restraints She putts to the power of the Prince which are such that 't is impossible for Him to be a Tyrant or able to attempt any thing against her liberty and government He may be sayed to be but a Collegue to the rest of the Senators diffring from them only in the hinmost part of his Capp which riseth up like a Cornet Besides though Maydens commonly love young Men yet she never chooseth any to be her Prince or Duke till he be stricken in yeers and season'd with the experience of the world untill he be half mortified having shaken hands with those extravagant humors appetits and passions that attend humane Nature Hereunto may be added the limitations She putts to the wealth of the Nobles that none of them grow over rich but to such a proportion in regard that it is a quality ever inhaerent and hereditary in the nature of man that excesse of riches puffs up the mind and incites it to ambitious and high attempts nor is there a more catching bayt for one to take vulgar affections and draw them after him than Wealth therfore one of her prime principles of State is to keep any man though having deserv'd never so well by good successe or service from being too popular Therfore when forren Ambassadors are employed to Her they have it among their privat instructions not to magnifie any of her subjects in particular for She cannot endure to hear of it though She can be allways very well contented to hear Her self extoll'd and tickled with complements in the generall 10. Add herunto that one of her policies is to exempt her Cittizens from going to the warrs but She hires others in their places by whose death she sustaineth the lesse losse for She hath bin allwayes observ'd to be parsimonious of her own bloud Moreover She entertaines som forren Prince for Her Generall whom the warrs being ended and the game played She presently discards by which cours She avoyds not only superfluous expence but likewise all matters of faction and apprehensions of danger which might well happen if She shold employ any of her own peeple in so high an employment which might elevat his spiritts to too great an altitud She hath allso another politic law that permitts not the younger sonnes of the Nobility and Gentry to marry lest the nomber encreasing so exceedingly it should diminish the dignity and her great Councell shold be too much pester'd and this may be one reason why she connives at so many Courtisans for the use of the Cadett-gentlemen 11. Eleventhly the rare secrecie She injoynes in her chiefest Councells may be a reason that no forren Prince could come nere her privy parts all this while for it is there an irremissible crime and such a mortall sin that drawes upon it death without mercy to reveale the privat transactions and secretts of her Councell of State In so much that the designes of this close Mayd may be sayed to be mysteries till they be put in execution 12. Lastly the cause of her continuance may be imputed to another reach of policy She hath not to admitt Churchmen to any of her secular Councells nor was She ever subject to the authority of Women And the reason why the Clergy is made incapable to sit in the Senat is because as it was touch'd before they have relation to another goverment viz. the Pontificiall Moreover She hath had a speciall care of the Pulpit and Presse that no Churchman from the meanest Priest to the Patriarch dare tamper in their Sermons with temporall and State-affairs or the transactions and designes os the Senat It being too well known that Churchmen are the most perilous and pernicious Instruments in a State if they misapply their talent and employ it to poyson the hearts of the peeple to intoxicat their brains and suscitat them to sedition and a mislike of the government and now Churchmen have more power to do this in regard they have the sway on the noblest part of the rationall Creature over the soul and the intellectualls Therfore if any intermeddle with matters of State in the Pulpitt they are punish'd in an extraordinary severe manner Yet they bear a very high respect unto the Church as long as she keeps within her own sphere and breaks not out into ceccentricall and irregular motions They suffer Her to this day to enjoy above 2. millions of crowns in yeerly revenue holding it for a maxime that reverence riches decency and splendor are the greatest pillers that
making Warre out of a private spleen against Heraclea he was slain by the Citizens of Venice upon the eleventh year of his Magistracy URSUS being thus thrust out of the world there happen'd an intervall in the Ducall Government and another kind of Magistrat was chosen call'd the Master or Consull of the men at Armes Dominico Leo was the first and Cornicula succeeded him but the fifth year after the Creation of this new Magistrat the whole City was transported with a marvailous desire to have a Duke again Hereupon THEADATO HYPATO Son to the slain Duke was chosen the fourth Doge of Venice in an Assembly at Malamocca but there was a powerfull man in the Republic call'd Galla who malign'd him and having rais'd a Party surpriz'd him the thirteenth year of his Government and put out his eyes managing the businesse with so much Art that he succeeded him in the Dukedome GALLA in his second year of his Principality displeasing the people had his eyes also put out and was banish'd DOMINICO MONEGARIO was forthwith appointed Duke but being of a furious nature there were yearly Tribunes chosen to assist him and counterpoise the violence of his spirit but the fift yeare of his Authority his eyes were outed of his head and his Person of his Office MAURITIO of Heraclea was chosen next who did purchase so much popular love that he obtain'd that which none of his Predecessors could compasse which was a Liberty to associat his Son Givanni as Collegue with him in the Principality In his time a bold Declaration was publish'd which imported that the Venetians were a free people acknowledging neither of the Empires East or West This did so move Charles of France then Emperour that he commanded his Son Pepin who then governed the affairs of Italy to make furious Warres upon the Venetian Coasts where Heraclea and Equâ—…ine stood the Inhabitants whereof being frighted thereat fled to Mâ—…lamocca and the Rialto GIOVANNI MAURITIO Son succeeded the Father in the Dukedome there happen'd a shrewd clash 'twixt him and the Bishop of Gradâ—… a man eminent for Sanctity GIOVANNI sent his Son MAURITIO with som troupes to assail the said Bishop who being taken he was thrown headlong down from a high Tower hereupon Pepin by Order from Charlemain to expiat the Bishops Bloud made a fierce warre upon the Venetian Territory hereupon GIOVANNI and his Son were expell'd the City and Heraclea the place of their Nativity was utterly demolish'd and OBOLLERIO ANTHENORIO of Malamocca was chosen Duke Anno Dom. 801. 〈◊〉 associated his brother Beatâ—… for Collegue and an eager warre happen'd 'twixt Pepin and the Republic who infesting the Sea Frontires up and down came as far as Malamocca and thinking to passe thence to the Rialâ—…o to find out the Duke he vvas beaten back by a Tempest wherein he lost the greatest part of his Army About this time the Lombards Kingdom was extinguish'd by Pepin 802. There was another battail fought among those Lakes ' tvvixt the Venetians and King Pepin where the Venetians had the better again hereupon a Peace vvas concluded and French Ambassadors came to the Rialto where having being honorably entertain'd they departed OBELLERIO vvho vvas cryed up to be the occasion of the former vvarres was cut to peeces by the fury of the peeple and his bowells gushing out they were drawn at length like ropes and torn up and down the streets his wife likewise who was of the Bloud Royall of France was slain with him ANGELO PARTITIATO succeeded next and he was the first that held the Seat at the Rialto Heraclea was repair'd in his time and call'd Villa Nuova Anno Dom. 809. The Historians rank the 〈◊〉 the Noblest Family that came from Heraclea There happen'd a hot war in this Dukes time 'twixt Venice and the Bishop of Aquileia who had bin declar'd Heretique by Pope Alexander the Venetian took him prisoner but they gave him his liberty on condition that they shold send yearly to Venice on the same day that the Victory was got twelve wild Boars which with a Bull shold be kill'd before the Generall Assembly by way of sacrifice this custom with other sports continues annually to this day And now I may say that the Republic of Venice did passe her Infancy her Youth may be sayed to follow hereafter as by her actions will appear JUSTINIANO was chosen next in whose time a Fleet was sent to assist Michael the Eastern Emperour against the Saracens who did good service but the remarkablest passage in this Dukes Government was that the body of St. Mark was translated from Alexandria to Venice where it is kept with great devotion to this day in a curious Church made of Mosaicall work GIOVANNI PARTITIATIO brother to JUSTINIANO was declar'd the next Prince but having many potent Adversaries he was surpriz'd neer to St. Peters Church whither he was going to his Devotions and being disrob'd of the Ornaments of Soveraign Dignity they shav'd his beard and head and confin'd him to a Monastery in Grada PIETRO TRADONICO was chosen in his place he was born at Pola a very ancient City built by the Colchians there came Ambassadors from Verâ—…na to desire help of the Republic against some enemies they had which they obtain'd and overcame their foes at the Lake of Benae whereupon they sent rich gifts to the Venetian for their succour Theodosius the Greek Emperour sent his high Admirall to sollicit the Republic for Auxiliaries against the Moors whereupon she armed sixty Gallies which did do notable exploits in regaâ—… whereof TRADONICO the Duke of Venice was call'd Protospater viz. the first father of the Graecian Empire by Theodosius But at the battail of Crotâ—…na the Greeks not sticking close to their businesse the Venetian receav'd a shrewd overthrow by the Moors under Saba their Captain who aftervvards grew so insolent that he march'd to Rome and pitifully ransack'd S Peters Church with others A little after Pope Benedict came to Venice unto whom about the year 840 he promis'd the bodies of S. Pancratius and Sancta Sabina Lotharius also the Emperour did confirm unto Venice many extraordinary immunities but in this Dukes time the Republic receav'd divers illfavor'd successes abroad and there were odd factions at home against the Duke in so much that returning one day from St. Zacharies Church he was murthered but the actors and conspirators thereof were soundly punisht for 't this Duke had govern'd nineteen years URSO PARTITIATIO came next to the Ducall Dignity who had a magnanimous young man to his son and did divers exploits against the Moors and Saracens in the behalf of the Greek Emperour so that the Title of Protospater was confirm'd again to the Duke of Venice who among other Presents sent twelve Bells to Constantinople which was the first time that the Greeks us'd Bells Anno Dom. 864. GIOVANNI PARTITIATIO brother to URSO was chosen to govern but he did
the Venetians all which was freely condescended unto so that this PHALERIO was the first Duke who in his titles did bear these Provinces The Western Emperor Henry came to Venice to visit St. Mark where the Annallists write of a great miracle that happen'd Anno Dom. 1082. VITALIS MICHAELI was next after in his time a mighty Army of Christians were sent to Syria for recovery of the holy Land he that gave the first hint to the expedition was Peter a French Hermit who gave out that he had a Vision appear'd to him to that purpose hereupon Pope Vrban came expressely to the Councell of Clermont and made this hortative Oration That he was not departed from Rome and come to that holy Assembly for the affairs of the Church of Rome only although it needed greatly to be reform'd but was stir'd up by another occasion which was more holy was likewise more notable that he did not doubt but those who were there assembled had heard tell of what had befaln long since in Syria and chiefly in the Confines of that Region which is call'd the Holy Land the injust usurpation of the holy Sepulcher of our Soveraign Lord Jesus Christ which he could not utter without tears by those cruell barbarous Saracens that there was no Church Altar or any other sacred place but was either raz'd down to the ground by those accursed Mahumetans or converted to their profane uses that the religious peeple dwelling there at such time as the enemy made themselfs masters thereof were constrain'd som for fear of horrible punishment to renounce the Faith of Jesus Christ others that woldpersever therein were destroy'd by fire and sword and others by various sorts of torments were miserably consumed That devout Matrons going thither upon Pilgrimage from all parts of Europe had not bin only forc'd by them to satiat their brutish lust but likewise in contempt and derision of us were tormented by monstrous embracements that if that which he had related was not sufficient in their opinions to incite them to take Arms and to prosecut revenge He besought them at least to consider and call to remembrance how in a short time through the negligence of their Ancestors the forces of Asia were encreas'd and besidesâ—… how far the Mahumetans had in length and breadth extended their Dominions how many Countreys they possess'd who had in times past belong'd to the Roman Empire but wold to God sayed he that the affairs of Christendom were brought to that passe that we were but to complain of other mens miseries we have helas in our daies seen our Italy wholly destroy'd by their incursions and spoils Castles Cities and Churches beaten down and burnt by those sacrilegious persons But wherefore do I relate the murthers captivities rapes other tyrannies never heard of before which this Land hath endur'd a long time seeing that Spain likewise and her Neighbour Aquitain and all the occidentall Provinces have not only felt the like losse but having at this day scarce dried up their tears do stand in fear of the like And ye O Frenchmen though this wound be not yet entred into our bowels no doubt but in regard of your Neighbourhood you have heard and seen somwhat of that whereof I have now spoken and the Germans with other Northwest Nations who have not as yet felt those losses ought often to forethink what dangers menace them from the East nay how neare they are to them already I knovv not if the Venetians were not vvho with strong Garrisons defend the Sea Coasts and vvho have often repulst this cruell enemy from Dalmatia and Istria whether this storm ere this wold have blown into Hungary and Germany The power of the Grecian Empire vvhich vvhilst her strength and vigor lasted vvas vvont to be the bulvvark of Europe on the East and West side is in such sort ruined as the Emperour dreams on nothing but on means and forces vvhereby he may conserve his City of Constantinople vvhich place if vve had lost as God forbid vve may easily conjecture hovv great such a losse vvold be as vvell to all Europe as to him I tremble vvith horror vvhen I do but think vvhat vvill happen if this fire be not quickly quench'd vvhich doth daily more and more kindle all the miseries vvhich have befallen those vvhom vve bevvail hang over our heads men and vvomen shall be reserv'd to satisfie the luxury of those barbarous peeple and ye vvill aftervvards lament vvhen ' t vvill be too late that having had means you have not oppos'd your selfs against these miseries it may be you think 't is impossible this should com to passe so did they once who since have felt it and wold to God we did not feed our selves so often with vain hopes but 't were better O couragious spirits while we have strength councel aid power and money ready and generally what may give hope of a victory to divert this evident perill nor is our enterprize above human strength that Charls surnamed the great in a manner your Countrey-man O ye Germans in regard of the descent of his Ancestors and your King O ye Frenchmen and the glory of your name did drive the Saracens forth of Spain and Aquitain the same Charles constrain'd them to quit Italy the same Charles of whom ye so much vaunt did recover Ierusalem which ye term Holy and drave thence the enemy and by how much glory and â—…eputation is great by so much the more ought it to incite you which are descended from him to attempt som new exploit which may augment this your ancient renown if ye do not thus but give your selfs to rest and idlenesse ye shal not only hazard what your Ancestors have left you but you shall suffer the Native Countrey of our Soveraign King to your great shame and contempt with that of all Christendom likewise to be trodden down by these cruell enemies and his Sepulcher Temple and other holy places to be polluted by murthers rapes and sacriledges Arm your selfs therfore in time and prevent this common infamy pourchase to your selfs and all Europe an assured safety I think you may easily do it for by how much your forces surpasse those of Charles if ye all joyntly undertake this voyage by so much more shall the victory be certain and easie for you the Victors profit shall be great and inestimable by the spoils of so opulent a Nation and such rich Kingdoms but the celestiall reward shall be much greater which in the Name of Almighty God we promise to as many as shall valiantly venture themselfs This flexanimous speech did so heighten and melt the hearts of all that a Croisada was presently resolv'd upon whereunto the Republic of Venice did contribut 200. vessells of all sorts which sayl'd to Ionia under the conduct of Hemico Contareno a Bishop and MICHAELI VITALIS the Dukes son this Fleet did much advantage that mighty expedition though som affirm that the Venetians
lost then above sixty Gallies yet she appear'd again shortly after and about the streight of Gallipoli she lost again sixteen Gallies and the Genoway a little after took Canea in Candy but a peace was at last mediated ' twizt Venice and Genoa Upon these ill successes abroad ther were some treasons detected in Venice but quickly suppress'd Padoa also stir'd but to little purpose The next yeer notwithstanding all the late losses the Republic sends a considerable Fleet against Paleologus the Greek Emperour whereof Iustiniano was Generall because he refus'd to pay the Republic a great sum of money which he ow'd her this Fleet sailing into the Pontik Sea quickly brought Paleologus to reason to repay the mony This victroy did much heighten the spirits of Venice which had somwhat languish'd for her great losses in the Ligustic war with Genoa she also made her self Mistress of Ferrara a little after which being a City fewdetary to the Church of Rome the Pope excomunicated Venice interdicting her from the use of the Sacraments which drew a great deal of odium upon her so that she thought it high time to restore Ferrara to the Popes Legat yet she wold pause a little further upon 't About this time the famous conspiracy of Baâ—…amonti Tepulo was suppress'd who was kill'd by a Venetian woman out of a zeal to her Countrey who had an honorable Pension ever after during life MARINI GEORGO was now created the fiftieth Duke of Venice in his time Zara revolted the sixth time from the Republic but was reduc'd GIOVANNI SOVRANZA succeeded GEORGIO who had govern'd but ten moneths the City which had bin a good while anathematiz'd sent Francisco Dandulo to the Pope this Nobleman being admitted to the presence of Clement who perfectly hated Venice because of Ferrara by a wonderfull example of piety to his Countrey and love to Religion continued a long time on the ground before the Popes Table with an iron chain about his head like a dog untill the Excommunication was taken off which was don upon those acts of penitence Hereupon a little after Venice had a notable successe against Genoa in the Pontik Sea where above thirty bottomes were sunk and taken by JUSTINIANO the Generall FRANCISCO DANDULO who had bin Ambassador with the Pope and by that penance formerly spoken of had got the Excommunication taken off was elected the next Duke the Polani and the Valesians who had bin a long time subject to the Patriark of Aquileia did voluntarily yeeld themselfs under the protection of Venice About this time the Republic did divers exploits upon the Coasts of Syria against the Turks for securing of Navigation upon those Coasts she likewise did many feats in Lombardy her Army took Padoua and Bergamo Brescia also fell under her protection BARTILMEO GRADONICO was chosen next and a little after ther arose one night a most furious Tempest which caus'd such an inundation three foot deep above the streets of the City In this Dukes time ther came Ambassadors from England craving aid against Philip the French King whom the Genoways who were mortall enemies to Venice did favour but nothing could be obtain'd and this was the first time that ther was any acquaintance 'twixt England and Venice which was in the yeer 1332 ther was another revolt in Candie suppress'd ANDREA DANDULO came next to the principality a man of extraordinary parts of learning as well as valour for he compil'd the Venetian story in two styles The Republic sent a Fleet against the Turk which took Smyrna again There was an Ambassadour sent by the Senat to the King of Babylon concerning the Venetians free Trade into Egypt which though stood upon by the Pope in regard they were Infidells was setled Zara had rebell'd now the seventh time but was reduced and Lewis King of Hungarie repuls'd There happen'd a fearfull earthquake in Venice about this time which overturn'd divers steeples and palaces This Earthquake usher'd in a fearfull contagion which brought the City to a pitifull desolation for the time the said earthquake lasting fifteen dayes by intermissions This terible earthquake gives me occasion to desire leave of the Reader to step a little aside out of the great Road of this History and make a short excursion to give a touch of the causes of these dreadfull effects of nature of these tremblings and shiverings of the earth or rather Aguish shaking fits wherunto we find her body is as subject as the body of men or lions who are observed to have their monthly paroxismes The Babylonian Philosophers think the cause of these impetuous motions hapneth by the force of som Planet meeting with the Sun in the region of the earth others hold it to be a vapour a long time engendring in som concavities of the earth and restrain'd from salâ—…ying forth into the air others affirme that 't is a wind peâ—…'d up in the entrails of the earth Pliny sayeth that the earth never quaketh but when the Sea is very calm and the air so still and clear as the birds can hardly bear themselves up and that the winds are then shut up in the bowells of the earth their improper station He addeth further that an earthquake is nothing else but as thunder in the air or an overture and crevice in the earth or as lightning breaking forth violently and making irruptions from the midst of the clouds the wind inclos'd therin and strugling to comforth by force The Stoicks speak of divers sorts of Earthquakes that cause the gapings of the earth the swellings of the water and boiling of the same a horrid confus'd sound commonly precedeth and accompanieth this quaking somtimes like to the roaring of a Bull somtimes to the lamentable cry of som humane creature or like the clattring of armor according to the quality of the matter which is inclos'd or according to the form of the cave and hole or Spelunca through which it passeth which resounds in vaulty and hollow places It waxeth hot in sharp and dry places and causeth defluxions in those that are moâ—…st and humid Now amongst all Earthquakes the agitation of the waters is most dangerous for lightning is not so hurtfull nor the shaking of buildings or when the earth is puff'd up or falleth down by an interchangeable motion because the one keeps back the other The safest buildings are those upon vaults the corners of walls and on bridges leaning one against another beside brick buildings are lesse dangerous in such accidents your skilfull Navigators can foretell these earthquakes at such time as they perceive the waves to swell on a sudden without a wind and likewise those on land may likewise foretell them when they behold birds in a maze to stay their flight or when waters in wells are troubled more than ordinary having a bad unsavoury smell all these are presages of such hideous motions Pherecydes the Syrian drawing water out of a well foretold an Earthquake
hoping therby to obtain his desire He told the Bassa how ill beseeming it wold be for the Majesty and generosity of so great a Prince to invade those on a sudden and unexpected who upon his word and oath thought themselves firm and safe as though when time and occasion wold be offer'd he could want Forces to employ against them for the recovery of that which might justly belong unto him against whom he ought first to proceed by way of Justice and next by force using first gentle means before he did take arms Herupon by the advice of Mahomet Bassa the gran Visier Selym sent a Chiaus to Venice who being admitied to a privat audience was brought to the Senat and according to the usuall custome being plac'd on the Dukes right hand he kiss'd his gown and after divers reverences he presented a purse of gold tissue wherin were the Emperors Letters saying Most excellent Sir this is a Letter from my Lord when you are acquainted with his demand I expect an answer The Duke answer'd it should be so The Cwiaus being at a stand because he had no other answer addressed himself to the Senators saying My Lords Mahomet the Visier Bassa hath commanded me to tell you that he is very sorry that an occasion is offer'd that he must break with you having ever sought to continue your friend but complaints coming so often to the Port and from so many places of the unfriendly dealing of the Officers belonging to this State and specially of the kind entertainment and reception given to the Western pyrats at Cyprus who this very year have done great hurt to the Musulmans hath taken such impressions in the mind of the great Lord and so often provok'd him against this Common-wealth finding that complaints made hereof to your Baylio hath taken little effect that he could detain himself no longer from denouncing war against you and because you cannot hold out long against the arms of so potent a Prince he adviseth you as a friend to take som course to shield you from so many dangers and to this end he hath procur'd my coming hither offering to do all he may that ye may avoid this mighty stroke offortune and continue your ancient friendship with the great Lord. The Prince replied that the Senat had resolv'd on an Answer which shold be read unto him that he might the better understand and know their intentions which was don by Antonio Milladonna Secretary to the Councell which was thus That the Senat did extremely marvail that his Lord being no way by them provok'd nor upon any just cause wold violat that oath wherby he had so solemnly confirm'd the peace taking now for a pretence to make war upon them because they wold not give away a Kingdome which they had so many years lawfully and peaceably enjoy'd wherewith he might be well assur'd they wold never part but seeing that he was determind to proceed against them in that manner the Republic wold not fail to defend that which did belong unto her hoping by so much more to be the better able to do it by how much the justice of their cause wold procure them all aid and succour both divine and human and so the Chiaus was dismiss'd with an Answer to his Letter which was as followeth That the Venetians had inviolably maintain'd the peace concluded with his Imperiall Majesty and contemn'd all other respects whatsoever by refusing many fair oportunities whereof they might have made good use to their extraordinary advantage because that above all worldly things it befits a Prince to keep his promise and they being carefull to avoid all suspition of so great an infamy had dissembled and buried in silence divers wrongs done unto them because they wold not be the first disturbers of the peace but now perceaving that upon no occasion he denounc'd war against them at such a time as they least expected it they wold not refuse it for the defence of their own and in particular for defence of the Iland of Cyprus which as their Ancestors had enjoy'd by so just a title they did likewise hope that God wold give them grace to maintain it valiantly against all those that wold injustly take it away from them The Chiaus being return'd to Constantinople Selym took it in high indignation that the usuall Ceremonies us'd to Ambassadors were not perform'd to his Chiaus Cubat who coming before him and relating what preparations the Republic made he seem'd to repent himselfe of his determination and fell into a great heat of passion therupon there were gards put upon the Bailios Palace as also upon all the Venetian Consulls in Egypt and Syria LODOVICO MOCENIGO was elected the next Duke at the beginning of whose government the Turk sent mighty forces both by Land and Sea for the conquest of Cyprus the I le of Rhodes was the first rendevous of the whole Fleet which came to more then two hundred armed Vessells accounting one hundred fifty Gallies together with Fusts and Galeots among which ther were certain Mahonnes which are like to great Gallies not altogether so big as a Galeon six Ships and a great nomber of Vessells commonly call'd Caramussolini and som fifty Palandaries to transport horse This Fleet bended it's direct course towards Cyprus was descryed nere Batto the first of Iuly 1570. they dispatch eighty Gallies and divers flat battom'd Vessells to Tripoli and to the river of Caramania ther to raise more horse and foot forces all which arriving in Cyprus made up the nomber of fifty thousand foot two thousand five hundred horse three thousand Pioners and thirty peeces of Ordnances with one hundred and fifty Falconets The ordinary Garrison of the Iland was but two thousand Italian foot and som thousand recreuts sent from the firm Land with Martinengo two thousand fresh soldiers many whereof perish'd by incommodious transportation so that the greatest hopes of being able to defend the Towns and Castles consisted in the fresh supplies which the Iland her self being populous had promis'd to levy and for Cavalrie ther were but five hundred Stradiots which were upon the pay of the Republic Things being thus and sufficient forces wanting to repell so huge an enemy the Cavalry was too weak to hinder his landing and the Infantery too few therfore resolution was taken to defend the two main Cities Famagosta and Nicotia The two chief Commanders of the Turkish Army was Mustapha and Piali wherof the first was of a fierce fiery spirit these two differ'd in opinion which to besiege first Piali was for Famagosta but Mustapha was for Nicotia saying that the reputation of so great an Army as theirs ought not to be blemish'd by attempting any mean enterprize therby to encrease the enemies courage and diminish their own that the Genoways had for ninety years held Famagosta at the same time as the Kings of the Family of Lusignan commanded the Iland wherby might be gather'd that the taking of
proportionable rate of equality yet to the satisfaction of all the Venetians thinking they had the more honor though the Spaniards the greatest luggage and the reason might be that the Spaniard contributed more money though the Venetian more Gallies Venieri highly extoll'd the magnanimity of the General propo singunto him the rescue of Greece an exploit which shold immortalize him more then the conquest of Tunis did his Father whose Genius wold not envy sayed he to see it self exceeded by him which was not equall'd by his Predecessors This much inflam'd the hot aspiring mind of the youthfull Conquerour insomuch that they proceeded to consultation how this Trophy might be perfected whose hardest work to wit the foundation was already so happily layed therfore making Aprill the time and Corfu the rendevous of their next years convention the Navies were dissolv'd Don Iohn returning to Messina Venieri expecting that Don Iohn wold by his example have poursu'd the point of this victory was much heightned in his spirits but somwhat discontented and the Spaniard expos'd himself to som reproaches abroad hereby so that Don Iohns departure was interpreted no lesse then a kind of running away For in the opinion of all the world had this opportunity bin well improv'd ther might have bin made far greater use of it For though that high spirited Turk to expresse the inequality of the taking of Cyprus with the defeat of this Fleet said That Selym had cut off an Arm of the Christians and they had but shav'd his Beard Intimating therby that Timber wold grow again but not Kingdoms that Ships might be built but not Ilands yet was it manifest that the chief strength of that Samson lay at the same time in that tuff of hair and if he had bin re-essail'd e're it had grown out again the razor which took off his beard might have cut his throat Here it will not be improper to add an Answer of an old Chious who being com Ambassador to England in King Iames's time and being ask'd among other things by the King whether he had bin at the battail of Lepanto Yes sayed he and at the taking of Cyprus also Colonna departed also with Don Iohn and return'd to Rome where his fame had arriv'd long before him This successe rais'd the spirits of that ancient City in a shape of rriumph to see her aged glory give such a fresh lustre in this glasse of victory to entertain her new Champion the whole City seem'd to be turn'd inside outward the rich Tapistries now beautifying the wals without the streets were strew'd with flowers as at a marrage It is reported that a little before this battail the Pope Pius Quintus had perform'd many rigid and austere Penances in his own person and having bin a whole night contending with God in prayer in his own privat Oratory he came at last suddenly out with a cheerfull countenance and in a kind of ravishment or extasie saying alegramente la Vittoria é nostra be of good cheer the Victory is ours and as the Manuscript hath it this was the very morning before the battail began No lesse were the triumphs at the Court of Spain when tydings were brought to Philip the second of this Signall and glorious Victory yet when the very first and long expected news therof was brought and related unto him he never chang'd countenance or gave as much as a smile or least outward shew of alteration he was a man of such a rare constancy of temper only he sayed after a long speculative pause Mucho ha aventurado mi hermano Don Iuan my brother Don Iohn hath ventur'd very far but it was the first time that ever he was heard to call him Brother which stile he continued ever after The Republic hoping that the rest of the Christian confederat Princes wold be constant in the League rigg'd up their Gallies again and made great preparations against the following Spring but Pius Quintus deceasing who gave the greatest vigour to the League matters began to languish yet ther was a conjunction of som forces the Sommer after against Vluzzali a great Pyrat and Admirall to the Turk and there were considerable Fleets on both sides the Turk had two hundred Sails the Christians not so many and about the Mona they twice fac'd one another but encountred not so all dissolv'd without performance of any thing though Venieri made fair Propositions unto them for som attempts both by Land and Sea and to be the first in the Van himself but the Spaniard was too cold and cautious besides Don Iohn of Austria himselfe had promis'd to come in person but did not Hereupon it was high time for the Republic to hearken to a peace with her potent Neighbour specially ther having bin divers Overtures made by the Gran Visier to that purpose among other inducements which might move her thereunto was that the Spaniard was not able as formerly to continue the League in reâ—…ard he had so much new work cut him out in Flanders by the revolt of som of the seventeen Provinces Moreover the Senat had notice that an Ambassadour was come from Constantinople to the Emperours Court to desire safe passage for the Turkish Army to passe through some of his Territories to invade Friuli besides the Bishop of Aâ—…x who was Ambassador at the Port for the King of France advis'd her in his Masters name to a peace for which purpose he came himself expressely to Venice afterward so after much difficulty and divers proposalls on both sides a peace was at last solemnly concluded the two main Articles whereof were that all the Venetian Merchants goods shold be restor'd unto them which were taken by Turks in so many years and that the Signory shold pay a hundred thousand Crowns for three years The world pass'd sundry censures of this peace specially in regard the Venetians had done it without the consent of the other Confederats Paul the third then Pope storm'd at it but the King of Spain seem'd to dissemble his discontent saying That he doubted not but that the motives which shold induce so wise a Senat were of great importance hoping that as he had freely employed his forces for the generall incolumity of Christendome and particularly of the Venetian so they likewise wold if occasion requir'd be ready to do the like for him The world wondred at this calmnesse in the Spaniard and the reason which peeple alledg'd then was the revolutions in the Low Countreys and that he was like to fall out with France with whom he was loth the Venetian shold ligue together against him Notwithstanding this solemn peace with Selim yet the Republic understanding that Amurath who had newly succeeded in the Ottoman Empire upon the death of Selym did arm apace to be reveng'd upon Spain in regard that Don Iohn of Austria had lately sack'd Tunis in Barbary this made the Republic apprehend som fears that the Turk wold fall foul up on some of
shold come to Arms he prayed his Serenity to consider that though Philosophie tells us the Sun warms these inferior bodies without heat in it self yet in human things it is not so but he that wold heat in his favour must first be hot himself The Senat determin'd to signifie unto all Princes the Declaration of the King of great Britain wherin he call'd God to witnesse ' That his resolution to defend the cause of the Republic had no other end but the service of God and to conserve the Liberty which God gave to all Princes not for any ill will that he carried to the Pope nor was he mov'd by the particular interest of the Republic but only so far because he knew She defended a cause most just and acceptable to God which the more he considered in his mind so much the more was he confirm'd in Her protection and defence not finding any the least shadow of reason to relinquish Her That he had already taken this resolution and wold sustain it suddenly That he wold not do as the Spaniard who by a Letter had fill'd the Popes spirit with vanity to carry him into a precipice but that he wold execut with courage and sincerity what he had promis'd he consider'd also as a thing of great consequence that the Pope prepar'd himself for warr and had to this effect erected that new Congregation of men disaffected to the Signory and all dependents of Spain herunto he added that he wold be as ready to perform his promise as to publish his Declaration and wold besides procure som good offices from his brother the King of Denmark and other Princes of Germany his Allies The Kings of France and England appearing so earnestly in this businesse the Emperour also did contribut his intercession the Grand Duke of Florence likewise stir'd in it yet nothing could be concluded to any purpose Therfore the Spaniard begins to arm in the Duchy of Milan to which end the Count de Fuentes had particular Commission The Republic having intelligence herof it did not stand with Her wonted prudence and circumspection to stand idle wherfore to meet with all occasions that might occurr She sent to Padoua Verona Crema Bergamo and Brescia five hundred thousand Crowns one hundred thousand for each City to prepare themselfs for all exigents Unto the old nine thousand six hundred Footmen and six hundred Horse To the one hundred fifty Albanian Horse She added six hundred Italian Foot and one thousand Albanians more under Paolo Ghini Order also was given to Count Francis Maâ—…tinengo to levy in the Confines four thousand French soldiers and six hundred Cuirasses which She caus'd to be arm'd To the three great Gallies was adjoyn'd one other and to the thirty eight light Gallies they sent five more in the Iles of the Levant and twelve more newly arm'd at Venice In Candy also were arm'd twenty Gallies Nicolaâ—… Sagredo Proveditor general by his prudence dexterity which was singular in managing of Martial affairs wrought in such sort that all this was don at the expence of privat gentlemen so that ther were in all seventy five light Gallies four great ones got together Divers of the French Nobility made profer of their service to the Republic and the great Turk seem'd to importune her to accept of his assistance She utterly refus'd the last and wav'd the first The rumor of these preparations fill'd ev'ry corner of Christendome therfore the Kings and Princes who were already engag'd in quality of Mediators 'twixt the Pope and the Republic stir'd more nimbly in the businesse specially the French who to accelerat things and do them with greater countenance employed to that end the Cardinall de Ioyeuse in a splendid Embassie both to Rome and Venice In Spain the Duke of Lerma complain'd to the English Ambassadour for the proser of such assistance that his King had made to the Republic which had put her to stand higher a tiptoe against the Holy Father and impeded the Treaty for She wold not shew Her self so obstinat against him if She were not so much incouraged by his King because from France She could expect but words or peradventure som troops hired with her own silver The Treaty began now to be poursued with som heat and the Cardinal de Ioyeuse carried himself with such address that he overcame all difficulties and brought both parties to a conformity but the Republic wold by no means part with her Laws or revoke Her Decrees formerly mention'd touching Ecclesiastics and Her Ban against the Jesuits She only deliver'd the foresayed Count and Canon to the French Ambassadors hands who deliver'd them afterwards to the Nuntio so the quarrel ended the thunder câ—…as'd which had made such a noise and cut the Princes of Christendom so much work to do herupon Letters of thanks were written to the Kings of France and Spain but specially to the King of great Britain for his propensity and good intentions towards the Republic The Cardinall Ioyeuse had a present of 6000. Crowns value and Don Francisco de Castro had another of 3000. who had bin sent from the King of Spain expressely to compose these differences which charge in his first Speech before the Duke Senat he sayed that he had willingundertaken both in obedience to his Catholic Majesty and for the particular affection he did bear unto so illustrious a Signory hoping easily to conclude a peace betwixt the Holy Father and his Serenity specially seeing he shold not meet with those three impediments that usually render all Treaties difficult which are first the passion or extraordinary affection of him in whose name men treat or of him who treateth secondly the inconvenience of the matter treated and thirdly the incapacity or want of good will in the person with whom the treaty is For touching the first it was certain that the King his Master was well-affected and had no other aims but the common good That the greatnesse of the Republic was advantagious unto him as being the Bullwark of Christendome against the power of the Turk and for his own person he protested that he was not com to use deceit or subtilty being Noble by birth and therfore oblig'd to tell truth above all things Touching the second the point of treaty was for peace a thing excellent in its own nature and for an union with the See Apostolic a thing very profitable to the Republic all stories being full of the mutuall good offices which they have ever rendred one to the other as on the contrary their disunion must needs be pernicious to the Republic for if their cause were injust it wold incense all Princes against them and though it were reasonable yet was it not fit therfore to forget what reverence men shold owe to the Soveraign Bishop Touching the third That the Treaty was with a Senat of great prudence lovers of peace enemies of novelty who had bin Authors alwaies of
was born to a poor fortune but nature who hath also her portion of goods in this world to dispense among mortals was pleas'd to endow this body with such Prerogatives that my parents might well formalize som hopes within themselfs of my greater advancement at Rome Being grown up to twelve years devoting my self not to God but to Ambition they cloath'd me with the habit of an Ecclesiastic and to stablish the foundation of their hopes the better they applied me to the service of a Cardinall Now 't is a rule that wher the end is crooked the means tending to that end can hardly prosper Hence it coms to passe that now adaies in Rome to arrive to the end of their designs they do not use learning and vertu the effects of a tru heavenly vocation for means but courtship and flattery which are the base parts of that interest which hath alwaies an eye to the worldly advantage of ones self I applied my particular study to be a proficient in the garb fashion of the Court which is no other thing then to devote ones person to any pleasure of the great ones He who confesseth must not conceal any thing but be pleas'd Father to comprehend in your imagination whatsoever wherin an engaged and well respected youth may sin and suppose it in me so my feeble toung shall be exempted from the labour of my Narration only this I tell you that I knew how to gain the entire affection of the Prelat my protector and he for my sake was not ill look'd upon at Court Pensions did reign upon my person which made me wonder at that which the Ancients write that Iupiter shold Metamorphose himself into a showr of Gold only for Danae since he converts himself so more often now for Ganimeds This my youthful age was free from those passions which use ordinarily to transport the minds of young men viz. from the love of women yet I do not deny to have tried it oft it seeming to me very strange that I shold pray who was us'd to be prayed unto but I continued not long in that state my humor alter'd with my age then I entangled my self in Feminine Love and in a short time I tried what adultery fornication and incest were In the mean time I arriv'd to that age which was capable of Priesthood then taking Holy Orders I liv'd a while retir'd within my self being perswaded to a moderation of life by that Synedresis that touch of conscience which coms somtimes by nature and teacheth som sort of respect which is to be had to that Sacrament but at the end too much familiarity turn'd into contempt for wheras at first I began to sin with som scruple those scruples quickly flew away from my conscience and so I came to such a reprobat sense that fornication rebellion of the heart and celebrating of the Masse was in my person but the act of one hour oftentimes Father 't was no Sacrament 't was a Devill that entred into my soul when I took the Character of a Priest it was an infernall Spirit that perswaded me not to fear that Christ which was daily to passe through my hands I found my self immediatly dispos'd to ev'ry wickednes And wheras at first no affection molested me but that of Lust me thought that all vices assail'd me in a moment Nor is it to be wondred at for if Iudas found himself to betray Christ after he had taken the sop unworthily though but once much more must it be suppos'd that those impious Priests must be inclinable to all motions of prophanesse who ev'ry day receave the Sacramentated Redeemer peradventure more unworthily then Iudas Covetousnesse also came to be my inseparable companion fomented chiefly by occasion of that command authority I began to get in the State of the Church while I exercis'd the Office of a Shepheard I learnt quickly the art to shear my sheep all that belong'd to the subject was created me thought by nature for the service of my affections my favors were still expos'd to the highest offerer nor did I ever refuse a present from any hand I did wonder at the custom of the Priests of the old Testament who rejected many Oblations as unworthy for the Sacrifice and so concluded within my self that because the times and Laws were alter'd the Priests of the New Testament ought to receave any thing offer'd them But this was the the least for if the Parishoners did not do it voluntarily I found waies to snatch it from them I remember that among other passages taking occasion once to visit a young gentleman who was within the compasse of my Jurisdiction I observ'd in his house som pictures of good value and giving him an inkling of my desire he with many humble complements answer'd That he wold be very unwilling to be dispossess'd of them I kept this deniall in my brest and having trac'd a way by means of the Holy Inquisition to clap him in prison he presented unto me the foresayed Pictures that he might be remov'd only to a gentler Goal and afterwards for his full Liberty was forc'd to suffer the better part of his estate to be confiscated but fearing that by his appeal to Rome this act of mine might be too narrowly winnow'd and so I might run a hazard of the precipitation of my fortunes not yet so firmly grounded to secure my self from after-claps I call'd him unto me and rebuking him for his course carriage towards me at first it made me by right of that incumbency I held over him to reform all misdemeanours and to teach him how to comply with Church Governours for the future In fine for the reparation of his losses pass'd I made him a friendly promise to point him out a way how he might be made capable to weare an Ecclesiastic habit and so ascend to the Dignity of a Prelat For they in the Romane State â—… among the multitudes of their miseries have no other comfort but this that they may easily arrive to such a condition as may enable them to a revenge upon some others the wrong they receave themselfes By these meanes I knew how to feather my nest so well that I return'd afterwards to Rome to live in the lustre of a conspicuous Prelat by introducing to my house the wonted pomp and exces of the old Romanes I parallell'd any other in ornament of rich hangings of magnificent Coaches in nomber of Groomes and Laquais and specially in multitudes of Courtiers and gelded Musitians the greatnesse of Rome's ambition being to shew her self barbarous yea in the pomp of Eunuchs eleven youths did undergoe the Martyrdome of Origâ—…n of purpose to devote themselfs to the luxury of my pleasure Poor Boyes by what a strange effect doth the lust of others make you chast While I did lead this splendid life the Cardinall my Protector came to the Popedom By this exaltation myhopes soard very high nor did ther much time passe when