condition to pay vnto him as his feodatory an Annuall tribute of six Barbery horses twelue falcons and twelue thousand crownes for the paiment of a thousand Spanish footmen whom he left in Garrison at Goletta departed victorious from Affrick and sailed with his whole army into Sicily where hauing made some abode in the Citties of Palermo and Messina he dismissed the greatest part of his fleet and cassed his army retaining no more then two thousand Almaiââ¦e footmen for his guard and afterwards went to spend the winter at Naples Sundry Princes and Princes Ambassadors went thither to him the Slgnory likewise according to their ancient custome sent soure Ambassadors thither to him namely Marco Foscare Gionan Delphino Vincenzo Grimani and Tomazo Contaren to reioyce with him in the Republicks name for his victories obtained in Affricke Whilest the Emperor was on his iourney Francisco Sforza Duke of Milan deceassed without any Children of his owne to succeed him The Senate after his death requested Antonio de Leua to haue an eye vpon that State and to gouerne it in the name of his widdow vntill that the Emperors pleasure were therein knowne The Dutchesse went to Naples to the Emperor where being honorablie entertained by him he seemed to be very sorry for the Death of the Duke hir huââ¦band either for some particular friendship which he had borne vnto him or elce for feare least hiâ⦠death would breed some new troubles in Italy or rather by dissembling it to seeke thereby meanes to make all men beleeue that for his owne part he would lay no claime to that State But the Venetians were extreamely sory for his death who hauing so long a time with great expence and discomodity maintained warre to the end that the same state might be possessed by a particular Italian Lord perceiued them-selues by the Dukes death to be throwne into new doubts and difficulties and being depriued of their hopes to be peraduenture enforced to renew the warre Therefore so soone as the Emperor was come to Naples the Venetian Ambassadors that followed him did represent vnto him the Senates desire together with the State of the affaires of Italy Earnestly entreating him to find a meanes if it were possible to maintaine that peace which himselfe had there established and the which he seemed so much to desire The Emperor made answer that in regard it belonged to him as chiefe Lord to prouide for that State he did likewise therein desire to giue content to the Princes of Italy and cheefely to the Venetians therfore he would very willingly learne of them what were best to be done for the safe establishing of the quiet of Italy and also what their meaning there in was The Venetians notwithstanding they desired to haue the State of Milan fall into the hands of some particular Lord yet neuerthelesse being therein ignorant of the Emperors pleasure beeing not willing and it may be not in vaine to offend him or any other they continued constant in this proposition to haue som one inuested therein who should be esteemed ââ¦it and sufficient to maintaine peace and quiet in Italy with-out proceeding any farther where-vppon the foure departed Ambassadors had no commission at al for this businesse when they departed towards Naples whereat the Emperor wondering and beeing defirous to draw the Venetians to his party occasion now beeing offered hee beganne againe to discourse of that matter concluding in the end as hee had at other times done that being not yet well resolued on whom to bestow the State of Milan hee would willingly know their opinions the which hee would greatly esteeme and respect in that businesse Within a while after there beeing some suspition that the French did meane to stirre vp new troubles the Emperor sought to the Venetians that as by the Popes death they had renewed the league betwixt themselues euen so to renew it now againe by reason of the Duke of Milans deââ¦th that he did desire it the better to assure the affaires of Italy and to take away all occasion from those that were desirous to trouble it The Venetians beeing of the same mind did therein giue consent to fatisfie the Emperor by confirming the league on the self same former conditions reseruing therein place for the Pope and for him also that should bee chosen Duke of Milan It was well aduised sodainly and freely to grant the Emperors first entreaties to shew by that readinesse how much they did affect him and to auoid besides the occasion of handling that businesse at Rome whither he determined speedily to goe whereof the Turkes would haue conceiued some sinister opinion in regard of the leagues which Popes were wont to propound against Infidells although of a long time they haue beene to no purpose The Pope not well considering all these occasions or else beeing ignorant of them made shew to be displeased with the Venetians for that they had so readily graunted the Emperors demand saying that they ought to haue tarried for his presence and vntill the Emperour had beene come to Rome The Duke of Milans death had reuiued in the French King his former claimes and his earnet desire to conquer that State wherein being resolute knowing how greatly the Venetians might aid him in that enter prize he determined first of all to sound their meaning and to this end sent the Lord os Beauais one of the Gentlemen of his Chamber to Venice to vnderstand how they stood affected to the occasion which did now offer it self to assure as he said and augment their State declaring vnto them how that his King had great store of money friends and all other necessaries for such an enterprise whereby they could not but hope for a good and prosperous successe and if that they shew themselues to be his friends and Confederates he would very nobly recompence them The Senate supposing it to bee no fitte time to giue an eare to these propositions made answer in generall termes that the Republick had beene euer desirous of peace and neuer more then now as well by reason of the great discommodities of the late warres as for that Christendome was in sundry places afflicted with many heresies the which ought to bee rooted out before any new warre were to begin yet neuerthelesse they did highly thanke the King for his offers and for his confident communicating them vnto them wherof they would stil be mindfull and perhaps in time make vse The French King for all this not giuing ouer his deseigne of sending his Army into Italy to conquer that State did leuie as great forces as hee could to enuade it on the sodaine and to that end sent to the Duke of Sauoy to craue passage thorow his country which the Duke denying by the perswation as it was reported of the Dutchesse his wife the King tooke it very strangely in regarde of the ancient alliance and neere kindred that was betwixt them by
meanes whereof he determined first to enuade it The King had sundry occasions to bee displeased with the Duke of Sauoy which did the more heate and hasten him on for the loane of money made by the same Duke to the Duke of Bourbon a traitor to the King his gratulatory letters written to the Emperor when he was taken prisoner his practises to allienate the Suisses from the alliance with France the purchase of the County of Ast his refusall to lend Nice for the enteruiew of Pope Clement and himselfe the Kings claimes to the dowrie of the Lady Loisa of Sauoy his mother sister to Duke Philibert who died without children the King affirming thââ¦t a great part of the succession of Sauoy did belong vnto himselfe by reason that his mother was borne of the first wife and sole sister and heire to Duke Philibert together with his ââ¦resh refusall to giue him passage thorow his countrey to march to the conquest of the Dutchy of Milan all these things were euident signes of the Dukes small affection towards the King wherevpon the Duke knowing very well that he had greaââ¦ly offended him and being out of hope to be reconciled to him so soone as the Emperor was come to Palermo in Sicily beeing returned from his iourney of Thunis hee did secretly send vnto him to craue his ayde against so mightie an enemy This businesse could not bee so secretly carried but that the King had speedie intelââ¦igence thereof which caused him on a sodaine to send his forces beyond the mounts vnder the conduct of Philip Chabot Admiral of France his Lieutenant Generall whom he sent to enuade Piedmont about the beginning of the yeare 1536. where finding the country badly prouided of defence hee easily tooke the citties of Thurin Fossan Pigneroll and was besides like to haue taken the citty of Verceill had not Antonio de Leua who was in the Dutchy of Milan come thither to the speedy rescue thereof staying by his arriuall the designes and progression of the French The Emperor seemed to bee extreamly displeased and incensed against the French King for making warre in Piedmont and causing speedily a mighty Army to bee leuied hee did soone hope to ouer-runne him affirming boldly that hee would goe in person to assaile him in his owne kingdome and within a while after comming to Rome hee cââ¦me into the Consistory where in the presence of the Pope and Cardinalls and great numbers of Ambassadors and Prelates Dukes Earles Barons and other noble personages hee began to complaine of the French King so as beeing traââ¦sported with choller hee proceeded so farre as for the auoyding of greater effusion of bloud heâ⦠would end all controuersies by fighting with him hand to hand and that heâ⦠would challenge him for that purpose The Pope did all hee might to appease him and had already employed himselfe to make them friends but all in vaine The greatest difficulty was to findâ⦠a meanes which mââ¦ght content both the one and other concerning the Dutchy of Milan in which treaty although the Venetians had an hand the Emperors pleasure beeing to haue them acquainted therewith yet neuerthelesse they did very slowly proceed in it in regard of the aboue ââ¦entioned reasons which were much encreased by these new accidents of Piedmont For the Duke of Sauoy beeing driuen from his State went to Naples to the Emperor to beseech him to haue pitty vpon him and to helpe to restore him to his Dutchie The Emperor beeing mooued with piââ¦ty was ready to make an agreement with the French King to free himselfe from that war and to restore the Duke of Sauoy to his state but not agreeing together vpon the persons of the Duke of Orleance or the Duke of Angoulesme for the Dutchy of Milan the Emperor beeing desirous to giue it to the Duke os Aââ¦goulesme and the French King to the Duke of Orleance the matter remained vndecided and the Emperor departing from Rome after some small stay in Tuscany went without tarrying any where to Ast. Hauing there assembled all his cheefe Captaines among whom were D. Fernand of Toledo Dââ¦ke of Alua the Marquis of Guasto and D. Fernand de Goââ¦zaga he conferred with them concerning the meanes to make warres where of hââ¦s owne proper motion he propounded against al reason the opinions of the best experienced into Prouence wherevpon to that end the rendezuous for all his troopes was at Nice whither Doria likewise came with fifty Galliââ¦s to second the land army The Emperor came thither in person from thence entring into the French Kings countrey he encamped not farre from the Citty of Aix beeing not well resolued what to attempt first cheefely desiring to assaile either Marseilles or Aââ¦les and hauing spent much time in this irresolution he gaue the King leisuââ¦e to assemble a mighty army who beeing come to Lyons for that purpose did practise with sondry Italian Captaines who in his behalfe hauing raised forces neere to Mirandola made an attempt to surpriââ¦e Genoa and to reduce it to the French Kings deuotion The Emperor beeing by this meanes called away to defend his owne perceiuing likewise that his army sustained diuers discommodities by reason of the bad disposition of the ayre where it was encamped was enforced to retire without doing any thing but only making a shew of his great desire to hurt the King But before hee came into Prouence hee sent Roderico D'Analos to Venice to acquaint the Senate with his great preparations of warre and with his deseigne to inuade France and to entreat them by the same meanes to make ready those forces which they were tyed to furnish by their Confederacy for the defence of the state of Milan if need should be The Senate therevpon determined to leuy six thousand footmen vnder the command of Antonio de Castello Generall of the artillery and did in the meane time answer the Emperor that as it had beene ready to renew the league it was likewise as diligent to maintaine that whereunto it was bound and that for their parts they would in no sort faile to defend the State of Milan they did afterwards adde to these foot-forces fiue hundred light horsse armed after the Burgonian manner commanding all those forces of foot and horsse to meet by a certaine day at Azola vpon the Bressan territory to passe from thence when need should bee vppon that of Cremona The Duke of Vrbin was likewise sent for to come in person to the Armâ⦠but truce beeing granted by the arriuall of the Cardinall of Lorraine this former heate of the French seemed to be quenched wherby the Venetians had no cause to march forth of their owne confines yet neuerthelesse the French king made shew openly to be distasted of them although he very well knew that he had no iust cause by reason they did not exceed the bounds of their Confederacy but hoping by his complaints to cause them to
proceed more slowly in that wherein they were bound to the Emperor and to abstaine from entring into any new league or confederacy with him he complained of all these matters Cââ¦sar Fregoza Captaine of a company of light horsse in Verona departing without leaue and going to Genoa to fauour the Kings partie was depriued of his pay and rancke which he held and was wholly banished from their State The King complained thereof and of diuers other matters and sometimes with very bitter speeches because that the Venetians went about as he said to mar his deseignes and enterprizes The Emperors agents on the other side seeming to be displeased if they should casse certaine vnprofitable soldiers said that they did it to augment the enemies army whither they retired themselues which was assembled at Mirandola so iealous were these two Princes one of an other which of them should haue the Republick for his friend and Confederate The Emperour departing as hath beene said from Prouence went to Genoa meaning to passe as hee did into Spaine leauing the Marquis of Guasto for his Lieftenant Generall in Italy in Antonio de ãâã steed who dyed in Prouence with twenty thousand foote-men both of Almaines Spaniards and Italians Other Ambassadors from the Republicke came vnto him to Genoa namely Nicolao Tepulo Marc-Antonio Veniero Marc-Antonio Cornare and Antonio Capello and at their arriuall he dispatched Doâ⦠Pedro Gonzales de Mendozâ⦠to Venice to acquaint them with his successe in warre and with the cause of his returne together with his great loue to peace particularly rehearsing vnto them whatsoeuer had beene treated of with the King the first practises beeing againe renued where the King had taken time for three moneths to resolue him selfe whether hee should accept the Dutchy of Milan for his sonne the Duke of Angoulesme and thereby haue him to marry with Duke Sforzas widdow And if within the time prefixed the King did not resolue thereon hee did intend to giue that State to Don Luigi Infant of Portugall or to Emanuell sonne to the Duke of Sauoy wherein he desired to know their mindes but he added that for the better establishing of all these matters it was necessary to contract a new league betwixt the Princes of Italy for otherwise it was impossible that himselfe alone could beare such a burthen wherevnto if they would not giue their consent they should haue no cause to complaine of him if hee were enforced to do that which would not greatly please them The Senate beeing constant in their former resolution not to declare their meaning concerning the Dutchy of Milan vntill they had more particular notice of the Emperors intent therein nor yet to make any new confederacie other then that of Bolognia so oftentimes renued answered that concerning the new Duke of Milan when the Emperor should directly name any one the Senate would afterwards better consider of their particular common interests and make a more certaine resolution as for the new league they alleadged the selfe same reasons as at other times that there was no need thereof with the same regard to the Turke who euery day grew great and according to common report prepared a mighty Army for the yeare following The Venetians did aduertise the Pope of what had passed still assuring him of their great affection to the peace and safety of Italy for which they intreated his Holynesse readily to employ himselfe because that hauing reuiued the matter concerning the Dutchy of Camerine he seemed to neglect this other important businesse satisfying himselfe onely for that hee had declared himselfe as neuer but being at last earnestly solicited by the Venetians and by the imminent dangers which threatned them from the Turke which did dayly encrease as also for that he had vndertaken to conuoke a generall Councell which was published to be held at Vincenza insteed of Mantua where it had beene first appointed hee did expresly resolue to send his Legates to both these Princes to treate particularly of this businesse namely of an vniuersall peace betwixt the Christian Princes of the league against the Turke and of the celebration of the Councell The Cardinall Triuulcio went to the French King and the Cardinal Carracciola to the Emperor but these Legations were fruitlesse because none of these three points did take effect by reason of sondry difficulties whih happened War by this meanes did in such sort kindle betwixt the Emperor and the French King as enemies and most barberous nations were there-in vsed to the hurt and ruyne of Christendome where-in the Venetians like-wise had an hand notwithstanding that they had determined to remaine neuters and to be at peace and friendship with both parties Now by that which hath beene said the deseignes of Francis the French King may be sufficiently discerned who determining to trie all meanes to abase the Emperors greatnesse and to reuenge all those wrongs which he said he had receiued from him he did at sondry times sound the Venetians meaning and did by diuers meanes seeke to seperate them from the Emperor at the last the Lord of Rhodâ⦠comming from him to Venice propounded sundry faire hopes and promises to the Senate and vsed all meanes to change their former determination to continew the league with thâ⦠Emperour but it was in vaine For the Venetians were as firme and constant in keeping their promise with the Emperor as they were hard to be drawne to doe any thing which might disturbe the quiet of Italy The kings hope herein being frustrate and himselfe being mightily animated against the Emperor for comming to assaile him in his owne Kingdome knowing likewise that he was to weake of him-selfe alone to finish the enterprize of the Dutchy of Milan which was defended by the entire ââ¦orces of the Emperour and the Venetians supposed that there was nothing which would sooner cause him to obtaine his desire then to purchase the friendship of Soliman which he had already practized whereby he did hope to enforce the Venetians either to take his part or at least to abstaine from following that of the Emperor the causes being very great and many which did moue the Venetians to make high account of Solimans authority and on the other side by causing the Turkish army to passe ouer into Puglia or to other places of the Emperors obedience hee did thinke to diuert his forces and greatly to weaken his defence for the State of Milan The King then turned all his designes towards the Port of the great Turke where not-with-standing that Iohn ââ¦orrest was his Ambassador hee did besides send thither Dom Zerafin de Gozi of Ragusa with new and more important instructions and great promises These two being often in company of the Baschas of most authority propounded diuers matters which being reported to Soliman might easily induce him to grant the Kings demands as the Emperors greatnes the which if it were not moderated would become
and expence by a new warre The King supposing this answere to be no flat deniall so desirous hee was to draw the Venetians to his party against the Empetour within a while after the Cardinals returne to Rome imagining that the speech which the Pope had vsed in his behalfe would be of force to alter the Venetians mindes caused Bartholââ¦meo Caualcanti who was banished from Florence to goe from Rome to Venice to acquaint the Venetians with the Popes great affection towards the affaires of France and to reuiue the negociation of the league not long before propounded although the King by dissembling it to make the offence and sorrow seeme lesse for that so many of his attempts had not taken effect did protest that Caualcanti his going to Venice proceeded from the Cardinals sole and onely motion Caualcanti was a man of great iudgement and an excellent Orator as his workes that are published doe manifest who made a long and excellent discourse to the Senate contayning the selfe same substance that the Cardinall had before vttered but the Senate being firme in their resolution did stop their eares to his speech till they heard him speake of peace betwixt the Emperour and the French King with all men so much desired The Pope to hasten the matter sent two of the chiefest Cardinals to wit Moron to the Emperour and Grimani to the French King exhorting the Venetians to send their extraordinary Ambassadours as they had done at the assembly at Nice to the end that the exhortations both of the one and other might be of greater force to perswade them to so good a matter and worthy the piety of any Christian Prince The Senate although it desired to see peace and concord betwixt those Princes did neuerthelesse know that it behoued them to gouerne themselues moderatly therein for diuers reasons hauing oftentimes had experience of the bad offices done vnto them by sinisterly interpreting in the Courts of Christian Princes their sound and sincere actions and that the selfe same interpretations had beene divulged at Constantinople vnder false collours to their preiudice yea euen in Solimans hearing and satisfying themselues with doing their duties by their ordinary Ambassadors they were desirous to eschew that vaine and dangerous apparance These Ambassadors acquainting the Senat with what was done in the Court of those Princes reported that they were very much enclined to peace not so much for any desire they had to be good friends as because they were weary of the warres for the French being on the one side assailed by the King of England who comming to Calais with a mighty army did in person beseege Bullin and on the other by the Imperiall army which after along seege had taken the city of Saint Desier vpon Marne was very desirous by peace to free himselfe from so many discontents the Emperour on the other side wholy wanting money for the continuing of the warre and fearing the losse of that which he held in Italy by reason of forces raised in the Kings behalfe neere to Mirandola Doubting likewise the successe of that warre in regard of the great numbers of Swisses which went to the Kings aide and being very desirous to see the Duke of Sauoy restored to his State who vpon his occasion had beene despoiled there of the which could not be done but by agreement was very willing and desirous of it but each of them did looke when some other would motion the businesse The French Queene offered to employ her selfe therein who was the Emperors sister hauing caused Don Gabriel de Guzman a Spanish Frier and her Confessor to goe to her brothers campe to motion the matter to the chiefe of the army supposing therein to doe a pleasure to her husband and brother both at once This treaty then begunne by Guzman after sundry goings and commings from one campe to another did speedily take effect Therefore there being assembled the Admirall of France and the Secretary Bayard which Granuelle and D. Ferrant de Gonzaga to conclude in their Princes names on the conditions of peace it was deereed that on either part those townes which had beene taken since the treaty of Nice should bee redeliuered that all particular controuersies which might arise therevpon should be decided in the city of Cambray by Commissioners therevnto appointed that the French King should aide the Emperor with a certaine number of horse and foote whensoeuer hee should make warre vpon the Turke that the Duke of Sauoy should be restored to his State certaine places thereof excepted to the which the French King laied some particular claime and for the better assurance of this accord the Duke of Orleance the Kings second sonne should marry the Emperors daughter or one of his Neeces daughter to Ferdinand according as he should thinke fit who within foure monthes was to resolue himselfe therevpon and yet with a different dowry for marrying with the Emperors daughter the whole Low-Countries were promised him for her dowry and for the Neece the Dutchy of Milan The Venetians as friends to them both were comprehended in that peace who had so discreetly behaued themselues during those warres as both the one and other of them were satisfied and pleased with their proceedings the like did not happen to the Pope of whom the French did greatly complaine because that hee hauing made a shew to fauour their party had not aided them at their greatest need the Imperials on the other side did accuse his deseignes saying that if hee had not openly declared himselfe for the French King it was not for want of loue but for feare of the Emperors forces so as his Legat had much to doe to get him to be comprehended in the peace but because it was said to be made for the common good of Christendome it was requisite and necessary to haue him therein named as the chiefe of Christians This peace happening at a time and after such a manner when all men least expected it gaue occasion to men to discourse diuersly thereof some thinking that it would continue because the King did thereby purchase vnto himselfe either the Dutchy of Milan or Flanders with the whole Low Countiers others beeing of a contrary opinion did imagine that the same accord would bee of none effect at all by reason whereof the Emperour who would not see the Realme of France to bee any way ruined by the English which was the cause of the agreement would not likewise endure to see it grow great and florish by peace and by the purchase of so many goodly dominions The Venetians for all that did not let to reioyce therefore both by bonefiers and other demonstrations of ioy yeelding sollemne thankes to God for that he had inspired the hearts of those Princes to imbrace peace Barbarossa in the meane time departing from Villafranca to returne towards Constantinople and sayling alongst the coast of the Realme of Naples he spoyled
knowing that therein he had done no great good seruice to Religion that he had broken with the Pope and nothing preuailed with the Almains wherevpon he sought to moderate the conditions with which it had beene published The Venetians on the other side perceiuing that the assembly of the councell though they would not openly hinder it was not pleasing to the Pope as being made in an vnfit time and place and by meanes not beseeming the dignity and authority of the sea Apostolike would not send their Ambassadors thither Concerning the accord treated of at Constantinople of which al men hoped for a prosperous end by meanes of a long truce of many yeeres certaine difficulties arising about the restitution of some few castles in Hungary it ended by a short suspension of armes for one yeere with an intent neuerthelesse as Solimans selfe did say and write to the French King that after the matter should bee well debated in Ferdinands Court the Ambassadours might returne to the Port the next yeere following with new Commissions to strenthen the peace with a longer terme In the meane time a new Contention arose betwixt the Turkes and the Venetians about the confines of Dalmatia where the Sangiacks of Bossina and Clissa being desirous to disturbe the peace for their owne particular profit or else to spoile the country or to receiue so me presents of the Venetians would haue vsurped a great part of the territory of Zara saying that a country contayning nine and forty villages did belong vnto them as dependances of the castles of Nadin and Laurana which by the last accord remayning to the great Lord they said did likewise belong vnto him with all their territories wherevpon they forbad the inhabitants of those places vpon grieuous penalties to acknowledge any other Lord but Soliman This new trouble did greatly vex the Venetians the country in question being of great importance both for it selfe and for the preseruation of the city of Zara and although their reasons were vnreasonable in regard that Nadin and Laurana small castles had no territory belonging vnto them but did with the other villages nere adioyning depend on Zara the chiefe city of the Prouince yet neuerthelesse fearing least the strange and insolent proceedings which the Turkes are wont to vse in such businesses who hold it for a law that the whole country whereon the horse of the great Lord hath once trod doth belong vnto them might occasion longer strife had recourse to Soliman who referring the decission of that controuersie to the Sangiac of Chersega and to two Cadis these men are ordinary iudges in law was desirous to haue whatsoeuer they should set downe to be executed who were to meet in the same place with the Commissioners of the Signory The Senate did for that purpose choose Lodouico Rayniero who handled the businesse so wisely and discreetly with the Turkish officers as the whole territory in question was quietly adiudged to the Republike of Venice The same yeere deceassed Prince Landi leauing behind him a great and singular reputation to haue well and wisely gouerned the Common-wealth for the space of sixe yeeres and eight monthes and lieth buried in Saint Antonies Church Francesco Donato was chosen in his place FRANCESCO DONATO the seuenty ninth Duke ABout the beginning of the yeere 1546. all those that desired the peace of Italy were afraide least it would be shortly shaken with new troubles because that the peace betwixt the Emperor and the French King the principall Articles thereof taking none effect was so badly assured as there wanted nothing but a fit time to take armes The French King by the sodaine death of his sonne the Duke of Orleance hauing not obtained the Duchie of Milan promised vnto him by meanes of the marriage had not for all that lost his desire to recouer it the Duke of Sauoy likewise could not be restored of his State the King still detayning it vpon sundry pretences hoping to enforce the Emperor to some other conditions by the restitution thereof seeking thereby to obtaine his desire An other new matter happened in Italy which gaue cause of feare of some new troubles for the Pope perceiuing al his deseignes to fal out contrary to his desire for the aduancement of his house hauing cut off from the Churches demaines the cities of Parma and Placentia which Pope Iulius the second had annexed therevnto gaue them in see to Petro Lodouico his son on condition to pay a yeerely rent of eight thousand crownes to the Church and in recompence thereof to make ouer to the sea Apostolike the Dutchy of Camerin and the Signory of Nepi wherwith his son Octanio had beene inuested This Cession did so much displease the Emperor as he could by no meanes be induced to giue the Pope the inuestiture of those two cities which he demanded hauing beene in formet time incorporated into the Dutchy of Milan This resusal of the Emperor had equally incensed both the father and the son so that Petro Lodouico would willingly haue embraced the first occasion offered against the Emperour and the Pope distrusting both the Emperour and the French King resolued by all meanes to maintaine and defend what he had done concerning the erection of the new Dutchy in the person of his sonne who discoursing with the Venetian Ambassadour told him into what danger Italy was like to fail so soone as the French King should be at peace with the King of England which at that time was treated of and that the Emperor if he could not at the Dyet of Ratisbon draw the Protestant Princes to his desire would bee enforced to make warre vpon them therefore he did exhort the Senate to ioyne with him a firme and sound intelligence as it behooued them for their common interests and for a greater assurance he caused the new Duke to send Augustino de Landes his Ambassador to Venice who acquainting them with the new grade and dignity which he had lately obtained did in his name offer both his State and person to the seruice of the Signory The Senate did very louingly thanke him for his offers offering him the selfe same but in generall termes which could not tie them to any thing because they would not thereby giue his Holinesse any hope by their meanes to raise any troubles in Italy then prouiding for the defense of their owne States and foreseeing what might happen they tooke into the seruice of the Common wealth Guido Vbaldo Duke of Vrbin in quallity of Generall of their forces by land with a yeerely pension of fiue thousand crownes and fifteene thousand crownes for an hundred men at armes and a hundred light horse which he was bound to haue continually ready for the seruice of the Signory But the troubles wherein the Emperor and the French King were engaged was cause of the safety of Italy because that the one notwithstanding all his attempts could not get Bolloigne
French king 37 Cause of the Venetians hatred to the Duke of Ferrara 25 Confederacie a new betwixt the Emperor the French King 37 Concorda takeÌ by the Popes army 39 Cardinall of Pauia dealeth badly with the Duke of Vrbine 45 Cardinall of Pauia slaine by the Duke ibid. Confederacy betwixt the Pope the king of Arragon and the Vene tians 47 Cardinall of Medicis prisoner at Milan 56 Cremona taken and sackt by the Spaniards 67 Constancie of the Venetian Senate 74 Compromise made by the Pope 75 Citie of Vdââ¦na abandoned to the enemies 79 Countrey of Frinl acquit by meanes of the taking of Frangipan 85 Cardinal of Syens Oration to the Suisses 95 Cardin. makes vse of false rumors 96 Charles king of Spaine chosen Emperour 118 Commissioners of the Emperour and the Venetians meet at Verona 120 Conditions of agreement betwxt the Pope and the Emperour 126 Colonna fortifieth Milan 130 Cremonia yeelded to the enemies 136 CreatioÌ of Pope Adrian the sixt 138 Creation of Pope Clement the seuenth 142 Cause of the French kings discontent with the Emperour 145 Conditions of peace propounded by the Pope 146 Children of France in hostage for the king their Father 156 Confederates send Commissioners to the king of England ibid. Capitulation of Cremona 161 Colonessi enter Rome violently ibi Chiefe Articles of the treatie 163 Confederates prouide to resist the Emperour ibid. Confederates consult about the siege of Naples 167 Confederates Armie still followes the Imperials 171 Cardinals meet at Bolognia to treate of the Popes deliuerie 177 Cause of Andrea Doria his reuolt 194 Capitulation about the yeelding of Auersa 198 Confederates take Pauia 200 Castle of Genoarased by the people 201 Citie of Cambray chosen for the treatie 212 Circumcision of Solimans children 226 Castle of Milan and the Citie of Coma renared to Duke Sforza 228 Coron Patras takâ⦠by Doria 223 Cariadin Barbarossa his great experience at Sea 241 Cariadine taketh Thunis 244 Creation of Pope Paul the thiird ibid Cariadine his fleet 247 Confederacie confirmed betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians 249 Causes of the kings discontent with the Duke of Sauoy 250 Confusion of the Venetian Army seeing the Turks lie neere them 262 Canalis commanded by Soliman to send to the Venetian Senate ibid. Candiots preparations for their defence 280 Capello his answer to Doria 288 Capels speech to Doria to prouoke him to the battaile 290 Confederates Armie commeth to besiege Castelnouo 293 Castelnouo taken by Barbarossa 300 Cantelmo departeth from Venice without any commission 304 Cause of the warre of Hungary 312 Controuersie betwixt the Venetians and Ferdinand put to compromise 319 Cardinall of Ferrara exhorteth the Venetians in the French kings behalfe 324 Capitulations of the peace betwixt the Emperor the French king 325 Commissioners decide the controuersie betwixt Ferdinand and the Venetians 326 Contention betwixt the Venetians and the Turke 328 Cardinall Farnese commeth to Venice 334 Cardinall S. George sent Legate into France 336 ContentioÌ concerning the place where the Councell should be kept 340 Cardinall de Monte chosen Pope called by the name of Iulius 3. 341 Catherine Zeni sent Ambassador to the Turke 342 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã the memorie and execution of the Last will of Cardinall Zem. 356 Creation of Pope Pius the fourth 363 Cardinall Caraffa and three of ãâã â⦠ãâã are put to death 363 Charles the ninth French king ibid ãâã sent by the Pope to the ãâã ibid. ãâã of bringing Ambassa dors to the great Turke 368 Counsaile of Mahomet the Vizier ãâã 371 Chancellor of Persia his answere Concerning the Emperours de ãâã 378 Contents of Selims letters to the Venetians 380 Count Roccas slaine 391 Citie of Nicosia taken ibid. Cyprus yeeldeth to the Turkes 392 Colonna escapeth two great dangers in his returne homewards 397 Colonna his remonstrance to the Venetian Senate 4ââ¦0 Christians surprize the enemies by ãâã 409 Care of those in Famagosta for their ãâã 412 Cornia his speech confirming Barbarico 419 Catholicke kings resolution before the Ambassadors arriuall 458 Colonna his aduise ibid Colonna his opinion concerning ãâã setting forward towards the enemie 459 Christians dââ¦scrie the Turkish fleete 460 Christians discampe from before ãâã 467 ãâã mouing the Senate to embrace ãâã 473 Charles of Lorraine Duke of Mayââ¦n ãâã the confederates flââ¦ete 465 Cause why Amaraââ¦h hated the Emperor 480 Contention betwixt the Venetians and the knights of Malta 485 ãâã of Pope Sixtus the fift 486 Creation of Pope Gregorie the fourteenth 489 Creation and death of Pope Inââ¦o cent the ninth and the creation of Clement the seuenth 490 Cardinall of Florence Legate in France 492 Creation of Pope Paul the fift 495 Censures against the Venetians are publââ¦shed 496 Cardinall Perron conferres with the Pope 498 Commission is giuen to Cardinall Ioyeuse to reuoke the censures at Venice ibid. Cardinall Ioyeuse his reception at Venice 499 D DVke of Venice his answere to the French kings Herald 14 Duke of Ferrara declares himselfe against the Venetians 17 Duke of Ferrara defeateth the Venetians nauall Armie 26 Duke of Ferrara takes Loretta ibid. Difficulties concerning the agreement betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians 58 Diuers Venetian young Gentlemen sent to Padua and Treuiso 7â⦠Death of Lewis the twelfth French king 88 Dissension among the Suisses in Milan after the battaile 99 Duke of Burbon Vice-Roy in the Dutchie of Milan 104 Demaunds of the Venetian Commissioners 120 Duke of Milan coÌmeth to Pauia with sixe thousand Lansequentes 134 Different opinions in the Senate concerning their alliance with the Emperour 139 Duke of Vrbin Generall to the Venetians 1ââ¦0 Duke of Burbon forsaketh the French kings partie ibid. Duke of Vrbins difficultie to executâ⦠the Senates command 142 Duke of Albany inuades Naples 146 Duke of Burbon commeth to Milan 157 Doria suspected to relieue Genoa 159 Duke of Vrbin brings supplies to the siege of Verona 161 Duke of Burbon marcheth into the field in dââ¦spite of all difficulties 189 Domnico Veniero put to his triall 172 Duke of Burbons speed in his march to Rome ibid. Duke of Burbon assaults the suburbs of Rome 173 Death of Duke of Burbon ibid. Duke of Vrbin taketh Perusa 178 Duke of Brunswich commeth into Italy with great forces 191 Duke of Brunswich ioyned with Anto nio de Leua besige Lauda ibid. Duke of Vrbin runneth to the defence of his owne state 208 Duke of Milans great humilitie to the Emperour 202 Doria his subtile meaning 233 Duke of Ferrara reconereth Modena and Regââ¦o by the Emperours sentence 234 Dandulo banished at his returne to Venice 239 Death of Pope Clement the 7. 244 Death of Francis Sforza Duke of Milan 248 Duke of Sauoy denieth the French king passage 249 Difficulties to accord the Emperour and the French 250 Doria his incursions causeth the Turks to suspect the Venetians 261 Doria his policy to enforce the Venetians to ioyne with him 262 Description of the Isle of Corfu 264
Ambasdors at Rome to receiue any Ecclesiasticall benefice from the Pope during the time of their Ambassage the Senate tooke the audacious infringing of this law in bad part And though he were very rich well allied and had great friends his father being one of the noblest men in the Citie the onely loue and reuerence to law caused the Senate to write backe vnto him that presently without delay he should redeliuer the Patriarkeship to the Pope and for not so doing they threatned to take from his Father the Procuratorship of S. Marke and to confiscate all his goods His father not being able to moderate the sentence giuen by the Councell of Tenne fell sicke with griefe and within a while after died The sonne likewise hauing published certaine excellent bookes of his owne composing did before the yeeres end die of a Squinancie The same yeere Lorenzo de Medicis died at Florence a man of a rare and excellent iudgement gouerning his Countrie in Peace He left three children liuing who were afterwards expulsed the gouernment and banished The summer following Pope Innocent died in whose stead by guifts and briberie Alexander Borgia a Spaniard borne in Valentia was chosen This Pope made a league offensiue and defensiue for fiue and twentie yeeres with the Venetians and Galeas Sforza Lord of Milan who was at that time very young and ruled by Lodouico his vncle By this league they were tyed to defend and maintaine one anothers territories and to destroy their enemies And because Zemes brother to Baiazeth the Turkish Emperour liued at that time in Rome there was an addition made in the treatie of the league that if Baiazeth should make warre on the Venetians the Pope should deliuer him vnto them that they by him might inuade his brother This Zemes being by his brother driuen forth of his kingdome fled to Rhodes The Rhodians vnwilling to draw warre to their owne Gates sent him to the French King he deliuered him to Pope Innocent who had earnestly craued him Pope Alexander at his election found him at Rome where hee was carefully guarded lest he should renew warre against his brother in recompence whereof Baiazeth sent yeerely to Rome to the Pope 400. pounds of gold Hercules de A Este Duke of Ferrara did afterwards enter into this league The Venetian State thus peaceable Charles the eight French King sent a Gentleman to Venice who being brought before the Senate told them That his King being resolued to come into Italy with a mightie Armie to conquere the kingdome of Naples which by hereditarie right belonged to him did desire therein to know the Venetians loue towards him and to be satisfied whether they intended to keep and obserue the same league and friendship which of old had beene betwixt them The Senate vpon this newes which was likely to alter the State of Italy assembled the great Councell namely to debate this businesse being loth by their answere to prouoke the King against them After sundry opinions the Councell answered the Ambassador that the Signorie had euer preferred peace before warre and did now desire it more than euer therefore they could wish that his King liuing at peace would suffer other Princes of Italy to doe the like yet if hee came thither with an intent to make warre they would in no sort stirre nor quit his league and friendshippe This Gentleman with their answere left Venice and went to Rome After him two others in lesse than two moneths came to Venice one after another from the same King for the same businesse who receiued the selfe same answere as the first But Lodouico Sforza was the onely motiue that prouoked this King to the enterprize of Naples He after the death of his brother Galeas Sforza Duke of Millan tooke vpon him the gouernment of the State and expulsed his widow who would haue managed it in the behalfe of her sonne Iohn Galeas that was very young when his father died Then by little and little he dismissed the ancient Officers placing others in their roomes and in this maner had commaunded the Dutchie aboue thirteene yeeres And though in outward shew he seemed very carefull of his Nephew yet in his young yeeres he had so carelesly brought him vp as it seemed that his onely ayme was to make him incapable and vnfit for any honourable exercise drawing him from all vertuous studies Alphonso sonne to Ferdinand King of Naples gaue his daughter Isabell in mariage to this young Iohn Galeas yet though he were maried and had children by his wife his vncle neuerthelesse still gouerned the State meaning to leaue it to his owne children Ferdinand and Alphonso taking his vsurpatio for it was no better in bad part moued by the continuall lamentable letters of their daughter did louingly entreat Lodouick according to equitie and reason to surrender the gouernment of the State of Milan to his nephew sonne to his brother vnto whom it belonged who was of yeeres to gouerne maried and had two children They hauing often vsed these intreaties proceeded to sharpe and bitter termes telling him That they had made alliance with the Duke of Milan who was his Nephew whose State hee vsurped and therefore he should doe well to detaine it no longer Lodouico fearing their power and threatning and hauing intelligence that the French Kngs laid claime to the kingdome of Naples sent an honourable Ambassade into France vnder colour to salute king Charles not acquainting Pope Alexander or the Venetians with it with whom he was in league and commanded his Ambassador secretly to motion the matter and to assure the king that if he would attempt the recouerie of that Realme he would assist him with all his forces and meanes and that the conquest would be easie so that he would onely passe the Alpes and shew himselfe in Italy This aduertisement comming from such a person did greatly preuaile with the king to cause him to vndertake this iourney being besides incited thereunto from another place Antonio Prince of Salern maligned by Ferdinand and by that meanes enforced to forsake his countrey Italy had retired himselfe into France He in all his discourses with the king spake of no other matter telling him That he should doe ill to let slip so faire an occasion offered for the recouerie of his owne right assuring him besides that Ferdinand was generally hated for his auarice crueltie and treacherie and therefore it would be an easie matter to dispossesse him especially for a king of France whose authoritie and credit in those countries was verie great Besides all this Pope Alexander was no friend to Ferdinand in regard of Virginio Vrsino that serued him whose open enemie the Pope had declared himselfe in regard of the towne of Anguilare All these reasons were approued by the Lords of France that were in fauour with the king who desired nothing more than this iourney For some of them hoped by the Popes
would be reported to king Charles and Alphonso answered That in so difficult a businesse subiect to sundry accidents they knew not what was best to be done and though they loued the one better than the other yet they durst not deliuer their opinion because that Fortune is commonly Mistresse in warre and that it vsually comes to passe that matters done by chance and aduenture did oftentimes prosper better than those which are premeditated and debated with long consultation and therefore they ought to craue councell of none but Almightie God who onely knew what was best for men to embrace or auoide and with this answere dismissed them Now the forces which king Charles and Lodouico had sent before being come neere the enemies neither the one or other durst come to stroakes but marched close together being still protected by some fort or riuer which was euer betwixt them yet they made sundrie light skirmishes to shew their valour King Charles had sent the Duke of Orleans Iulian the Cardinall nephew to Pope Sixtus and Antonio Prince of Salerne of whom we haue heretofore spoken to Genoa with braue troupes of foote to man the Gallies which were ready rigd with them to open a passage by Sea into the Realme of Naples whilest himselfe did the like by Land The end of the third Booke of the fourth Decad. THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE FOVRTH DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the fourth Booke of the fourth Decad. KING CHARLES departs from Vienna in Daulphine towards Italy The King by reason of his sicknesse taries at Ast. The death of IOHN GALEAS Duke of Milan whereupon LODOVICO his vncle vsurps the Title and Armes of Duke of Milan The French take Fiuizana and sackeit PIETRO DE MEDICIS grants all King CHARLES demaunds and for his labour is driuen from Florence and declared an enemie to the Common wealth The King restoreth the PISANS libertie The French take Bertinora King GHARLES his victorious entry into Florence The King makes an accord with Pope ALEXANDER and kisseth his feet and cheeke ALPHONSO in loue to his sonne FERDINAND deposeth himselfe from the Kingdome of Naples FERDINAND retires into the Isle of Ischia King CHARLES entreth Naples and takes the Cities two Castles Aleague made at Venice against the French betwixt the Pope Emperour King of Spaine Venetians and Duke of Milan King CHARLES is crowned in Naples and departs from thence to returne into France The preparation of the League to stoppe King CHARLES his passage The Duke of Orleance his incursions on the Leagues territories he takes Nouara The battell of Fornouo betwixt King CHARLES and the Confederates And lastly King CHALES his arriuall at Ast. SOONE after the departure of the Duke of Orleance and his troopes towards Genoa King Charles leauing Vienna in Daulphine on the 23. of August 1493. iourneyed toward Ast by the mount Geneua Galeas of S. Seuerine met him at Suza and accompanied him to Ast whither Lodouico Sforza came presently to him with his wife and many faire and gallant Ladies of the Dutchy of Milan Hercules Duke of Ferrara came thither likewise where after consultation of sundry affaires it was concluded that the Armie should presently march Lodouico in the mean time retired to Num a Castle on the Milanois a mile from Ast whither those of the Councell went often to see him whilest the King tarried at Ast sicke of the small pocks whereupon his Army was quartered in that towne and in other places neere adioyning the number of it beside the 200. Gentlemen of the Kings guard accounting the Suisses that were gone before with the Bayly of Dijon to Genoa and those troopes in Romagnia vnder the commaund of Aubigni amounted to 1600 men at Armes 6000. Suisse and 6000. French foot-men And for the vse of this Armie they had brought by sea to Genoa great store of Ordnance both for batterie and the field with munition in such abundance as the like before was neuer seene in Italy The King during his aboad at Ast had sent for the Duke of Orleans from Genoa willing him to attend him there This towne belonged vnto him by his grandmother vnto whom it was giuen in dowry by the Duke of Milan her father Now so soone as king Charles had recouered his health hee sent his Armie into the field and himselfe went to Pauia where being lodged in the Castle he went to visite Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan his cofin german the king and hee were sons to two sisters daughters to Lewis the second Duke of Sauoy who lay daungerously sicke in the same Castle His talke to him was generall by reason of Lodouico's presence he told him that he was extreamely grieued for his sicknesse comforted him and willed him to be of good cheere and to vse all meanes for the recouerie of his health But the hope thereof being small the King and as many as beheld him did lament his estate and perceiued that this young Prince through his vncles treacherie would not liue long This compassion was augmented by the presence of Princesse Isabell his wife who languishing aswell for her husbands sicknesse feare of her young sonne as for the daunger whereunto her father and kinsfolke were exposed fell downe at the kings feet recommending vnto him with floods of teares the perseruation of her father and familie of Arragon and though her youth and beautie moued the king to pitie her yet so great an enterprize could not be delayed vpon so weake a ground whereupon he told her that warre being now begunne he was enforced to pursue and continue it From Pauia the king went to Placentia where whilest hee remained he receiued newes of Iohn Galeas death whereupon Lodouico who had followed him returned in post to Milan where the chiefe of the Dukes Councell suborned by him prouided in open Councell that in regard of the States greatnesse and miserie of the times it would be a dangerous matter to haue Francisco sonne to the late Duke Galeas who was but fiue yeeres old to succeed his father but that it behooued them to haue a Duke that was a man of wisdome and authoritie and therefore they ought to dispence with Law and for the generall good enforce Lodouico to accept the Ducall dignitie Vnder this colour honour giuing way to ambition he did the next morning though he seemed to bee vnwilling take vpon him the Title and Armes of Duke of Milan hauing first solemnly protested that he receiued the Dutchie as belonging vnto him by the inuestiture of the king of Romans The King remaining certaine daies at Placentia was in a manner willing to returne home into France as well for want of money as also because no Italian Potentate shewed himselfe on his partie and besides because this new Duke returned no more though at his departure he promised to come backe againe Yet at last he determined to passe on The same day that the
and Venice and if any thing should happen otherwise then well their forces thus ioyned together they might easily preuent it This speech of Suares did highly content the Senate who being already iealous of King Charls his greatnesse and good fortune began to looke about them and to feare other matters not yet thought of Lodouicos distrust likewise of King Charles as well for that Iohn Iames Triuulce whom he had driuen forth of Milan receiued the Kings pay as because he had commanded the Duke of Orleance to attend him at Ast for Lodonico complained thereof to the Venetian Ambassador and told him that he would gladly leaue the French parts and make a league with the Venetians Beside all this Maximillians Ambassadors whose father the Emperor Frederick died that yeere did not cease to solicit the Senate to league it selfe with them against the French In the meane time Castelnouo and that Del-Ouo two Cittadels in Naples which yet held for Ferdinand yeelded to the French For Castelnouo the abode of Kings seated on the shoare was after some small defence yeelded to King Charles by the cowardize and basenesse of fiue hundred Lansequenets that lay there in Garrison And the castle Del Ouo built vpon a Rock in the sea beeing continually battered with Ordnance was content to yeeld if it were not releeued within eight daies The fort likewise of Gayetta notwithstanding that it was prouided of all necessaries did after some sleight assaults yeeld so as in a very short space the whole kingdome in a manner was with great facility reduced vnder the Kings obedience the Isle of Ischia excepted and certaine townes in Puglia and Calabria which still held out for the Arragonois King Charles did now no more entertaine the Venetian Ambassadors with such cheerefull countenance as hee was wont but oftentimes said That those who were not pleased with his comming into Italy for the conquest of the Realme of Naples should repent it This being reported at Venice caused them to hasten the conclusion of a new league to which end Lodouico had sent new Ambassadors Lorenzo Suares at his arriuall told them that his Kings pleasure was to haue him in his name to enter into the league on any conditions pleasing to the Senate Pope Alexander likewise did daily expect a fit time to ioyne himselfe with the Venetians and the rest hauing openly said that if the French returned to Rome hee would goe to Venice and no more behold them At last in the month of Aprill the Ambassadours of these Princes did in the City of Venice make confederacy betwixt the Emperour Kings of Spaine Venetians and Duke of Milan it was onely published for the defense of one an others States with reseruation of place for any else to enter into it that would But all of them thinking it more then necessary to draw the French King forth of the Realme of Naples concluded in their more secret capitulations that the Spanish companies that were in Sicily should aide Ferdinand of Arragon to recouer his Kingdome who much presuming of his peoples loue made meanes to enter into Calabria In this confederacy it was concluded that the Confederates should make account to entertaine an army of foure and thirty thousand horse and twenty thousand foot viz. That the Pope should furnish foure thousand horse Maximillian 6000. the King of Spaine 8000. the Venetians the like number and Lodouico as many And if any of them by reason of the long distance of place could not so soone as need were leuy the number of soldiers hee was rated at in sending to his associates six hundred pounds of gold they should for him furnish such forces These were the conditions of the Consederacie the which was so speedily and secretly concluded as Philip de Comines Lord of Argenton Ambassador for king Charles at Venice who went dayly to the Pallace and conferred with the other Ambassadors had neuer any inckling thereof and beeing the next day after it was concluded sent for into the Senate and vnderstanding by the Prince and Senators what had beene done he was in a manner like a man berest of his sences and when the Prince told him that they had not done it to make warre vpon any one but onely to defend them selues he recouered his spirits and said My King then shall not returne into France The Prince answered But hee shall if hee will returne as our friend and wee will willingly helpe him with whatsoeuer hee shall need After this answer hee went forth of the Senate so amazed as being at the staires foote he turned towards the Chancellor who accompanied him and said to him Good Sir tell mee what the Prince said for I haue for gotten it which he did Beside the insolency of the French by reason of the facility of their victory was so encreased as in respect of themselues they contemned all Italians for which the peoples loue towards them was already conuerted into mortall hatred and on the contrary their hatred towards the Arragonois into pitty and compassion to Ferdinand Wherevpon Naples and all the rest of the kingdome waited but for a fit occasion to repeale him King Charles had in a manner resolued before the conclusion of the league to returne presently into France prouoked therevnto by some occasion vnknowne to mee notwithstanding that diuerse important businesses were not ended in Naples his victory beeing not fully perfected by reason that the Realme was not yet altogether conquered But hauing intelligence that so many Princes were leagued against him and that the Venetians had called home their Ambassadors resident with him his minde was much troubled and hee consulted with his Lords what was best to bee done in a matter of so great importance His Councellers were of opinion to hasten his departure fearing that by his longer stay difficulties might increase and the Confederates haue time to make greater preparations Therevpon the King resolued to returne by land maugre all the Confederates seeing that hee wanted vessels to transport so great an Army by sea for the fleete which hee had prepared at Genoa was wrackt by tempest vppon the shore of Plombino the Admirall whereof and Antonio Prince of Salerno came to him by land In the meane time King Charles perceiuing that Lodouico as well as others had deceiued him was desirous to take the Citty of Genoa from him and to that eââ¦d sent Pietro Fregosa Cardinall thither who had beene Duke thereof and Obietta de Fiesca with eleuen Galleys the remainder of his whole fleete Then desirous to prosecute his owne returne he left Guilbert of Bourbon Duke of Montpensier Prince of the bloud his Lieutenant Generall in the kingdome with the moyety of the Suisse and part of the French footmen eight hundred French lances and fiue hundred Italian men at armes which were in his pay part of them vnder the command of the Prouost of Rome and the rest vnder Prospero
Venetians The fifth Booke of the fourth Decade of the History of Uenice THE Venetians aduertised that King Charles at his departure from Naples had sent diuerse vessels to make incursions into the riuer of Genoa as hath beene said sent one of their Cittizens to Genoa with money to rigge certaine great Argozies Lodouica Sforza had likewise giuen order to arme a certaine number of Galleys so as together they prepared a fleete the which departing from Genoa did by night land seauen hundred footmen which without any difficulty tooke the towne and castle of Rapalla seazed on by the French at their arriuall Then meeting at sea with the French fleet it assailed and defeated it the Admirall thereof being taken and foure French Ensignes which the Geneuois sent to Lodouico Sforza who presently gaue two of them to the Venetian Ambassador resident with him saying that he did present them to the honor and merit of the Venetian common-wealth The Marquis of Mantua in the meane time beeing at Clastegia following King Charles his Army requested by Lodouico and commanded by the Senates decree sent two thousand foote in Garrison to Tortona and Alexandria Then he intreated the Senate to send two Senators who as Prouidators should manage the warre with him wherevpon Luca Zeno and Andrea Venieri were appointed who comming to the Army went all together to the siege of Nouarra which Lodouico with a mighty Army did streightly besiege The Venetians sent so great aide as scarce any enterprize can be remembred wherein they spent more money so that in a short space there were three thousand men at armes three thousand Almaine horse fiue thousand Italian foot and ten thousand Lancequenets in the confederate campe The Venetian Senate was not onely carefull to send forces to this siege but the more to incourage their soldiers had from Lieutenant of the Army made the Marquis of Mantua Captaine Generall thereof the better to honor his courage and valour manifested at the battaile of Fornouo and with a very gracious example had not only augmented their pay who had valiantly behaued them-selues but giuen pensions and sundry recompences to the children of those that were slaine in the battaile and dowries to their daughters The seege still continuing before Nouara those of the towne were in great want of victualls by reason of the great number of soldiers and Contrey people that were in it nor could the King who lay at Ast releeue it for want of men and though the Duke of Orleance when hee was made acquainted with the dearth did put forth all vnprofitable eaters yet this remedy was to no purpose The French made many attempts by night to victuall it but beeing still discouered they were enforced to retire without effecting it and often times with great losse of their men The King then out of hope to raise the siege in any time and dayly importuned by the Duke of Orleans who was in great want determined to hearken vnto peace But the difficulty to obtaine it was very great in regard of the iealozie and distrust betwixt the King and Duke of Milan yet it was motioned by an vnexpected meanes For the Lady Marques of Mont-ferate beeing dead the King wishing well to that State sent the Lord of Argenton to Cassall to consult with her subiects concerning the profit and commodity of a young sonne shee had left behind hir The Marquis of Mantuas Steward came thither likewise in his Maisters name to bewaile her death They two entred so farre into discourse of peace as the Lord of Argenton by the perswasion of this Steward did write therof to the Venetian Prouidators who inclining therevnto acquainted the Duke of Milans Captaines with it who with one consent sent to intreate the King which lay at Verââ¦eill to appoint some of his officers to meete them in some fit place where they might conferre together The King allowing it the Commissioners on both sides met betwixt Bolgare and Camarian where after sundry difficulties alleadged on both parts peace at last was concluded and signed by the King which was no sooner sworne to by the Duke of Milan but the King made hast to returne into France And in this manner about the end of October 1495. hee repassed the mounts The Venetians were displeased with Lodouico for that without the aduise and consent of all the Confederates hee had made peace with King Charles seeing that they hauing beene often intreated by the King and him to hearken therevnto had euer answered that they would doe nothing but by the consent of all the Confederates so that now they perceiued it was a dangerous matter to trust him and therefore they would no longer bee in league with so perfidious a man Lodouico was much troubled with these newes and perceiuing that the Venetians were no more his friends gaue secret commandement to all his Garrisons by which the Venetian Campe was to passe to guard the passages and especially the Riuers and to shutte vp all the boates to stay their departure against his will This beeing knowne to the Prouidators they were much amazed in regard they were to passe many great riuers and conferring heerevpon with Bernardo Contaren not knowing what to resolue on hee offered to poinard Lodouico in open counsell saying That hee once dead no man would stirre The Councell of Ten at Venice beeing acquainted with this proposition wrote back that by no meanes hee should doe so for it would much blemish the Venetians reputation but onely temporize with him till they were forth of his territories which they did whervpon Nouarra surrendred they ledde their army which in a maner they cassed to Crema and from thence went to Mantua and so to Venice But to returne to that which was done at the same time in the Realme of Naples where warre was managed as well as in Lombardy So soone as Ferdinand had intelligence of King Charles his departure from Naples beeing then in Sicill attended by the Spaniards who were come thither by Sea he landed in Calabria to whom many Contrey people presently ranne and within a while after the Citty of Regium yeelded to him the Castle hauing still held out for him At the same time likewise the Venetian fleete was descried not farre from the shore of Puglia whereof Antonio Grimani a man of great authority in the State was Generall who comming neere to Monopoli a Citty in Puglia landed the Stradiots and certaine foot companies then by land and sea gaue an assault to the Citty which was taken by force wherevpon the Castle soone yeelded This fleete likewise tooke the Citty of Pulignana by composition Ferdinand in the meane time with many vessels but few soldiers leauing Sicily hauing besides the loue and fauour of the people of the Realme of Naples who longed for him came to the flattes of Salerno and on a sodaine Salerno Melphi and la Caua erected his banners Afterwards
beginne the warre on that side seeing that the King of Arragon was dead and that Charles Duke of Burgondy hauing taken vpon him the name of Prince of Castile made himselfe terrible to all those who held any States in Italy and chiefly to himselfe But the Popes cunning being already knowne of a long time caused no great regard to be giuen to his speech The Venetians thus continuing the seege of Bressia without harkening to any truce resolued not to stirre from thence till it was either yeelded vp or taken by force The Emperour who had made warre but slowly the yeere before by his Lieutenants determined to goe thither in person sought all meanes to make new stirres in Italy assembled diuers Diets craued aide made great leauies of soulders and aboue all prouoked the Swisses to take armes to reuenge the death of so many braue men their companions offering to be their captaine and not to abandon them in any trauaile or danger whatsoeuer The King of England made the same request being iealous of the glory and reputation of the French and for that the French King also had taken vpon him the protection of the King of Scots The Pope did no lesse but in more secret manner And all three of them promised good pay to those Swisses that would come shewing them moreouer that the profit which would redound to them by that warre of Italy and by their alliance would bee much greater then their hire The Venetian captaines in the meane time after the arriuall of the Lord of Lautrec did often sit in councel where their opinions were very different saying That there was no great garrison within the towne and that it was besides destitute of all prouision making but small doubt of the seege But this opinion was not receiued by reason of the vnfitnesse of the time which was in the middest of winter when it is not good to discampe and to lead the souldiers to a new faction As also because they thought it meere follie to quit a certenty such as was the taking of Bressia for the vncertaine successe of that which would happen before Verona For they certainely knew that there was in Bressia such want of money corne and al other kind of victuals as it was of necessity soone to be theirs either by agreement or by force and this being verified by diuers it was concluded by a generall consent not to stirre from thence and that the City should be more streightlly looked to In the campe there was plenty of all things for the Senate was carefull to furnish it with all necessaries notwithstanding all the impediments which the enemies vsed against the purueyors which prooued vaine to none effect Marke Antonio Colonna was the man who being lodged at Verona vsed all meanes to cut off victuals from the army and to that end kept great numbers of Spaniards and horse-men at Legnaga which they then possessed so as by little and little the enemies waxed so bold as they came and scoured as farre as the Venetians campe whilest they were busied at their seege The Generall and the Prouidatori thinking if they should endure that indignity it would greatly blemish their reputation sent Iohn Paul Manfron and Marke Antonio Bue with foure hundred men at armes and foure hundred light horse to surprize them but the designe succeeded badly for Colonna being by his spies aduertized of their comming came forth of Verona with six hundred horse and fiue hundred foot and went speedily towards Valegia and met them in the field and comming to handy-stroakes he defeated them At this incounter Iulio son to Iohn Paul Manfron his horse being slaine vnder him in the fight was taken his father fled to Gueda A more prosperous issue had the enterprise of Iano Fregosa Iohn Corardo Visin marching with certaine companies as well of the one as other army to the castle of Anse to stoppe the passage of 3000. Lansequenets for they slue 800. of them and the residew escaped with the mony which they carried into Lodron All these exploits were great but not of any great consequence in comrison of the totall of the warre and of that which happened on report of the Emperors comming into Italy which dayly encreased whereby both the assallants and the beseeged were shaken with diuers hopes and feare The Emperor hauing assembled diuers foot and horse companies prouoked great numbers of Swisses to take armes was on his way to come into Italy intending to enter by the mountaines of Trent and to goe directly towards Verona then to Bressia and leauing strong garrison in both those Cities to passe on into the Dutchy of Milan to expell the French The Pope hauing notice of the Emperours entry into Italy the better to honour him and to acquaint him particularly with his loue towards him created Bernardo de Bibiena Cardinall of Saint Mary in Porticu Legat and sent him to him for that he was euer wont to shew himselfe on the Popes behalfe against the French and to hinder their proceedings But the Venetians beleeuing verily that the Emperour would come into Italy exhorted the French King to prouide for their common affaires and not to suffer the Emperour and the Swisses who enuyed his glory and greatnesse to enioy the fruit of his labour and trauaile and that therefore he should either in person returne againe into Italy with a mighty army or else augment that which he had here already according to the worthinesse of the cause promising for their parts to spare nothing that might auaile him The King knowing that what they said was most true tooke great care not only for the danger wherein he saw the Dutchy of Milan but because he should be enforced to put off his enterprize of Naples till some other time wherevnto he greatly inclined Resoluing neuerthelesse first of all to defend his owne Estates and those of his allies he propounded to the Venetians to wage at their common charge eight thousand Swisses because that he hauing at the same time very opportunely renued his alliance with them it was expresly agreed vpon that it should bee lawfull for the King to draw what number of souldiers he pleased forth of their country The Venetians soone agreed to giue pay to two thousand foot of that Nation and readily to furnish money necessary for other expences of warre And notwithstanding that the publike treasury was much exhausted and the whole City greatly afflicted with so long a warre Yet neuerthelesse there was no want seene in any prouision for the army nor in ought else that concerned the continuance of the warre They made a leauy of foure thousand Italian foot they did encrease their garrisons in the Cities and created two Prouidatori Paul Gradonico and Lodouico Barbaro In the Venetians campe were foure thousand Gascons and fiue hundred men at armes commanded by French captaines but amongst those souldiers
who were particularly vnder the command of Triuulce were seuen thousand foot and about fiue and twenty hundred horse as well men at armes as light horse-men and there staied with the Duke of Bourbon after the Kings departure foure thousand Gascon and Italian foot-men and seuen hundred men at armes Now all these forces being vnited together with the Swisses who were already said to be arriued at Iuree to the number of sixe thousand seemed to be sufficient to defend the State of Milan and to make all the Emperours attempts vaine and vnprofitable al-be-it the report was that his army consisted of fiue and twenty thousand which were no great good souldiers especially the Almaine foot who had beene leauied forth of his countries in hast and his Cauallery was well worse so as his best forces were Swisses whom the Emperour did well not to trust ouer much as well in regard of the Nature of that Nation which is variable and inconstant as for the small loue they beare to the house of Austria so as the Emperours forces being such the common opinion was to march against them as they approched neuerthelesse they resolued on the contrary and the whole army departing from the Bressan Territory came vpon that of Cremona whither the Duke of Bourbon a while before was come with all his Cauallery and foot intending there to stay for the Swisses who were not yet arriued and likewise to stop the enemies from passing on any farther The Emperour being come by Trent to Verona went and encamped before Asola which was garded by an hundred men at armes and foure hundred Venetian foot-men where hauing spent diuers daies to no purpose he was enforced to depart thence and crossed the Riuer Oglio at Orcinouo wherevpon the French and Venetians determined to raise their campe and hauing left three hundred Launces and three thousand foot-men in Cremona they retired on the farther side of the Riuer Adicé resoluing to stop his passage But the French and Venetians were scarce gonne from thence but the whole country which lieth betwixt the Riuers Oglio Po and Adda were at the Emperours deuotion Cremona and Crema excepted the one garded by French and the other by Venetians After that the Emperour had crossed Oglio he drew nere to the riuer Adda to passe it at Pisquetona and finding the passage there to be very difficult he came to Riuolta the French lying at Cassiana on the other side of the Riuer who by reason that the Swisses were not yet arriued and that the Adda might be foorded in many places they marched away the next day to Milan whereby the Lord of Lautrec purchaced small honour who had published and written to the King that he would with ease stop the Emperors passage ouer that Riuer Maximillian being mooued at this retreat crossed the Adda then he pursued his iourney and being come within sixe miles nere to Milan he sent an Herald to summon those of the City threatning the Milanois that if within three daies they did not chace thence the French army he would handle them in worse manner then Frederike Barbarossa his predecessor had done saying that he was come into Italy to receiue according to the custome of his Ancestors one of the markes of the Empire in the City of Milan and to driue thence and forth of all the confines of that State the French as vniust and vnlawfull possessors thereof They answered the Herald according to the pleasure of the French That the State of Milan being in times past a member of the Empire was by the consent of Emperors cut off from it for a summe of money giuen vnto them in regard whereof Emperors could no more lay any claime to it the which was lawfully possessed by Francis the French King as well for that it was his owne inheritance as being likewise wonne by right of armes and therefore that the Milanois would keepe that City for their lawfull Lord vnto whom they had sworne homage and fealty Notwithstanding this braue answere the whole City was filled with great amazement and their determinations were different Some were of opinion to abandon the City despayring of being able to resist the enemies others on the contrary reiecting that councell as too base would not depart but perswaded to tarry still and defend the City and the better to doe it they resolued to retaine all the foot-men in Milan with eight hundred Launces and to distribute the residue for the gard of the neighbour townes Neuerthelesse the first councell had beene followed had not André Gritti and Andrè Treuisan the Prouidators disswaded it who by meanes of their authority procured them not to make so much haste so that as they were ready to depart certaine newes arriued that the day following Albert Peter would be at Milan with ten thousand Swisses and Grisons These newes did encourage the Citizens and souldiers The Emperour in the meane time came and encamped at Lambre two miles from Milan whether he was no sooner come but the Swisses arriued at the City This comming gaue spirit to the French but greater terror to the Emperor For seeing the City to be strengthened with such a garrison he doubted not but that the seege would be long and painefull whereunto he himselfe had no meanes to tarry there long for want of money victuals and all other necessaries for a seege as also for that he did greatly suspect the fidelity of that Nation by reason of matters past and for that the French might easily winne them for some great summe of money the which himselfe could not doe in regard of his pouerty calling to minde beside what had befalne Lodouico Sforza at Nouara there hauing beene Swisses in his army and in that of the French his enemies he feared least they should play him the selfe same tricke as they had don to Sforza because he could not pay them The Emperour beeing troubled with these and other such like cogitations feare hauing mightily possessed him determined to leaue his army and to returne into Germany hauing caused it to be giuen forth that his departure was only to prouide money to pay his souldiers and that he would soone returne againe And in this resolution he went on his way with two hundred horse onely Now the souldiers of the campe perceiuing themselues to be forsaken of their captaine beganne to take a new party as their particular profit vrged them The Swisses went to Lodi which had yeelded to the Emperour when hee crossed the Adda where hauing wasted the country round about they spoiled the towne and had continued their rauaging had not the other Swisses that lay in Milan protested against them that if they did not abstaine from so doing that they with the French and Venetians would come and assaile them Vpon these threatnings they ceassed from spoyling and hauing remained peaceably there for certaine daies they returned home into their country some
complaine because that by the agreement made betwixt them it was expresly mentioned that the Pope should not receiue the bandeââ¦i of the Dutchy of Milan into his Territories nor the king those of the Dominion of the Church into his The Venetians being desirous as much as in them lay to appease this discontent for the Popes resolution and the treaty made and sworne by him with the Emperor was noâ⦠as yet manifestly knowne sought to blot out of the Popes mind the suspition which he seemed to haue by remembring him of the good offices which the King had euer performed to the Sea Apostolike earnestly entreating him not for a trifle to breake the holy alliance so long time sworne betwixt them seeing that by the breach thereof nothing but mischeefe could ensue But all these remonstrances and entreaties were bootelesse with the Pope who had already contracted with the Emperor on condition that the French being expelled forth of the Dutchy of Milan Parma and Placentia should bee ioyned to the Churches Patrimony and all the residew of the state should bee restored to Francis Sforza and that the Pope in the meane time should dispense with Charles for the oath which hee had taken in the inuestiture of the Kingdome of Naples to the end hee might with more iust title still retayne the Empire The Venetians being wholy hope-lesse of making any attonement betwixt the Pope and the French King resolued not to faile in their duty wherein they were tyed to the King for the conseruation of the Dutchy of Milan The report was that diuers soldiers were already leuied by the Pope and the Emperors command and if their secret practizes could not preuaile they would on a sodaine fall to open warre for which cause the Pope albeit it was vnder an other collour had leuied sixe thousand Swisses and Prospero Colonna being declared cheefe of the enterprise comming to Bolognia did from all parts leuy soldiers whilest the Viceroy of Naples with the Cauallery of that Kingdome and the Marquis of Pescara with the Spanish Infantery were on the bankes of the Riuer Trante speedily to passe ouer on the first occasion This caused the Venetians for their part speedily to enrole sixe thousand Italian foot and to assemble all their Cauallery on the Bressan Territory commiting their whole army to Theodore Triuulcio their Generall commanding him to encampe on the banks of the riuer Adda that hee might speedily passe ouer if the affaires of the French should require it They commanded moreouer Paulo Nany Gouernor at that time of Bergamo to follow the Army with the Generall in quallity of Prouidator In the meane time vpon the rumor that was spred abroad in France of these stirres in Lombardy the King forth-with sent the Lord Lautrec to Milan and being comme thither perceiuing that his forces were not sufficient to defend that state if it should be enuaded with a mighty army he thought it fit to keepe backe the new aide which the enemies expected from comming to ioyne with them who already had a thousand men at armes and about eight thousand foot The Pope had but three thousand Swisses for of sixe thousand that he had leauied there remayned with him but the one halfe And at the same time Fernand the Emperors brother being come to villac to assemble sixe thousand foot-men to passe afterwards with them into Italy to the releefe of the imperiall army for which forces the Emperor hauing craued passage of the Venetians they answered that they could noâ⦠doe it in regard of their alliance with the French King whome if they failed at his need they should be taxed with shame and infamy Vpon this answer because they would haue their passages to bee enforced they sent strong garrisons thither yet neuerthelesse after diuers propositions for the stopping of Almaines passage the matter being found to be difficult they left it by the consent of the Lord of Lautree to the inhabitants of the country and sent all their forces on the Cremonois there for to ioyne them with the French according to Lautrecs direction who beeing desirous to haue neere him some Venetian Gentlemen of authority and experience to conferre withall on the affaires of the war and about the defence of the State of Milan the Senate sent Andrè Gritti to him Paulo Nââ¦i notwithstanding remayning still in the campe as Prouidator They choose likewise Ieronimo Pesare for Prouidator Generall who was carefully to prouide for all their fortes on the firme land wherein were placed two thousand foot-men newly leauied and certaine companies of men at armes who on all occasions should defend them from trouble and dangers They determined moreouer at Lautrecs perswasition to haue other three thousand foot namely fifteene hundred Gascons and as many Valesians and likewise to contribute to the expence of certaine horse and foot companies with whom the Duke of Ferrara promised to come into the field in the behalfe of the French to the end that the King and all men else should know that they had in no ââ¦ort failed for the speedy reliefe of the State of Milan according to the couenants made betwixt them The French in the meane time were readier to solicite the Venetians to doe that wherevnto they were obliged by the treaty of confederacy then they were of themselues to make necessary prouisions proceeding therein very slowly which vndoubtedly is a very dangerous matter in warre and al-be-it the Lord of Lautrec did warrant that the Lord of Saint Vallier should speedily passe the mounts with six thousand French and that tenne thousand Swisses leauied for the King should forthwith march yet for all that none caââ¦e and on the other side the enemies being growne strong and mighty by being ioyned with the Almain foot hauing safely passed thorow the Mantuan and from thence thorow the State of Milan knowing how greatly speed might import them in that enterprize were come to beseege Parma supposing that the taking of that City would purchase them great safety and reputation Now the Lord Lautrec hauing intelligence of their march suspecting their deseigne sent his brother the Lord of Escut with a strong garrison for the gard of that city yet neuerthelesse that did not stay their enterprize hoping easily to achiue it as well for that the place was not very strong as because their army was great and wel stored with all necessaries as in deed it would haue come to passe if Lautrec who had receiued new supplies of Swisses had not approched the enemies by whose comming and likewise for that the Duke of Ferrara with great numbers of foot-men marched to assaile Modena and Regio Prospero Colonna was enforced as he afterwards said to discampe from before Parma to the great griefe and discontent of the Pope who by his confederacy with the Emperor did chiefly harken after the taking thereof The euent of this first enterprize hauing such bad successe was cause
with all the troopes ãâã within it and the Marquis of Pescara to Lauda but they gaue ãâã order that ãâã might be well fortefied and stored with soldiers and all other necessary prouisions into the which Aââ¦tonia de ãâã entred with three hundred ãâã ãâã ãâã and fiue thousand foot partly Spaniards and Almaines ãâã all of them old soldiers In this sort did the French recouer the Citty of Milan into the which the King would not haue the army enter least they should sack it At the same time Iohn Stuard Duke of Albanie appointed by the King to goe and enuade the Realme of Naples with two hundred Lances seauen hundred light horse and foure thousand Suisses craued passage of the Pope thorow the Churches territories and thorow Tuscany to march to that enterprise which was resolued on to draw the Imperiall forces thither to the end that the defence of the state of Milan might bee weakned where dayly sundry townes yeelded without any great difficulty All the cheefe exploits of warre were neere vnto Pauia whither the King with his whole army was come to besiege it resoluing not to stirre from thence till hee had taken it thinking that it would greatly diminish his reputation if hauing so goodly an armie hee should leaue such a Citty behinde him so well stored with Soldiors and victuals as that was The King had according to the common report not reckoning those who stayed at Milan two thousand Lances eight thousand Lansquenets sixe thousand Suisses sixe thousand Pioners and foure thousand Italians the number of whom did afterwards very much encrease with great prouision of Artillery and the flower of all the French Nobility The Imperials on the other side placed their chiefe hope in the conseruation of that Citty and therefore all men were desirous to see what the euent of that siege would bee especially the Pope and the Venetians fearing on the one side the French Kings armes who was displeased with them if hee should prooue the victor and on the other those of the Imperialls if chasing thence the French they should become maisters of Italy Amidst these sundry thoughts they shewed themselues in a manner newters neither sending their forces to the ayde of the Imperialls nor agreeing in any sort with the French expecting with good deuotion the successe of Pauia which beeing reduced to a siege did seeme would bee very long The Pope neuerthelesse thinking it to bee a part of his duty to procure peace betwixt these Princes sent his Datarie to the Kings Campe to treate of an agreement wherevnto the King seemed to condiscend the Viceroy was soone aduertised thereof by his Holynesse to the end hee might testifie that his desire was conformable to the duty wherevnto hee was obliged by the place and degree that hee held to vnite the Emperor and the most Christian king in a firme peace and friendship that all of them together might afterwards arme against the power of Soliman who was already in the field with a mighty Armie The conditions of the treaty of peace propounded by the Pope were That the Emperor should enioy the kingdome of Naples and the French king the Duchy of Milan with particular promise not to passe on any farther into Italy without the Popes knowledge and consent This treaty hauing continued for certaine daies no effect thereof succeeded but onely iealousies betwixt the French and Spaniards wherevpon the Venetians were againe solicited by both parties to fauour their sides The Count of Carpi came to Venice from the French to solicite the Senate to renue their alliance with the most Christian king or at leastwise that they would not bee against him The Viceroy on the other side sent Charles of Arragon thither to require them to send those forces which they were bound to by the capitulations of the league They answered the French Ambassador in generall termes how that they had referred all that businesse to the Pope but to him the Viceroy sent albeit they did not refuse his demand yet neuerthelesse they answered coldely as those who knew very well how to fit their councels to the euent of things and this irresolution of theirs continued till such time as the Pope had very secretly concluded with the French king both for himself them wherevpon when they came to resolution in the Senate their opinions were different either because in many of them the memory of their ancient ââ¦lliance with the French King was renewed or else for that they supposed hee would prooue victorious in regarde of the great forces that hee had ready in Italy against enemies that were wholy vnready and very ill prouided of all necessaries which caused them rather to encline to the French then to the Imperials According then to this resolution a peace and league betwixt the Pope the King and the Venetians was determined and concluded at Rome with the Ambassadors in the beginning of Ianuary the yeare 1525. and confirmed afterwards by the Senate at Venice This treaty beeing handled very secretly the Senate beeing most importunately vrged by the Emperors Ambassadors to ioyne their troopes with the Imperiall Armie after sundry excuses answered that they would not contradict the Popes command and least of all at that time when they were vpon a treaty of peace which his Holynesse pursued by the Emperors consent and that therefore they would not interrupt it nor bee a a meanes to prolong the warre The league beeing thus concluded the French King sent the Bailiffe of ãâã to Venice to congratulate them and to assure them of his loue to the Common-wealth from which hee promised neuer to diuide himselfe Hee did afterwards require that the same accord which was secretly concluded might be published abroad wherevnto the Venetians did freely condescend thinking it to bee the best thereby to cause the Imperials who expected their ayde to hope no longer for it and that they beeing destitute of their helpe dispairing of beeing able to keepe the State of Milan might retire some-where else or incline to peace The Pope was of a contrary opinion saying That the treaty ought not to be published the better to reduce the Imperials to greater necessity and danger which would happen so soone as the French should passe the Po which they said they would doe promising to repasse it at the Popes pleasure but time and necessity pressing him to discouer himselfe in regard hee was to grant passage to the Duke of Albany thorow the Churches territories for his iourney into the Realme of Naples the Pope made shew as if the Duke of Albany would passe by force and violence with his troopes thorow the lands of the Church and the Florentines and that for himselfe hee would remaine neutrall in that warre and seeke to procure an vniuersall peace and concord protesting against those two Princes and admonishing them both to throw downe Armes to come to an agreement
the euent thereof hearing that the enemies had entred did forth-with flie with diuers Cardinals and other Prelats to the castle Saint Angelo The Lords Rance de Cera and Langey hauing laboured in vaine to mooue the people to take armes for their owne defense and had sought valiantly with those few forces they could gather together and with them a long time kept the castle bridge were at last enforced to retire The City beeing thus abandoned and all the people in confusion and flight the enemies on all sides entredit and became Masters thereof without any difficulty Philippin Doria and Count Guy so soone as they perceiued the Duke of Bourbon to march towards Rome did on a sodaine without wayting for any other commandement set forwards to rescue the Pope with the forces of Ciuitauecchia and Oruietta but the Duke of Bourbon by his speed hauing preuented them and shut vp all the passages by which they were to follow him did enforce them to returne from whence they came Now the Duke of Vrbin hauing set forward to follow the enemies but very slowly by reason of the hindrances of his campe did at last with the whole army come as farre as Viterbo who finding all the country to be spoiled by the enemies hee was enforced by want of victuals to tarry there his army beeing by sundry accidents much diminished hauing in all but seuen thousand men in stead of thirty thousand appointed by the confederates The army lodging in that place the light horse and foot-men did oftentimes scoure the whole Country where meeting with the Imperiall souldiers that were laden with great spoile and disbanded comming from Rome they striped them of all they had Besides that at the taking of the City all manner of crueltie was vsed euery where infinite complaints were heard of those who were inhumanely tormented partly to enforce them to pay their ransom and partly to bewray the wealth that they had hidden The cries and pittifull lamentations were heard of Roman dames and Nunnes who the souldiers lead away in troupes to satisfie their Luxury All holy things the Sacraments and Relikes of Saints where-with the Churches were stored being despoiled of their ornaments were euery where trodden vnder foot wherevnto were added infinite vilanies of the barbarous Lansequenets The sacke and pillage lasted many monthes which according to the common report as well in ready money gold siluer and iewels amounted to more then a Million of Ducats and the ransomes that were paied did rise to a farre greater summe The end of the sixth Booke of the fifth Decade The Contents of the seuenth Booke of the fifth Decade THE Venetians sorrow and greefe for the taking of Rome and the Pope by the Imperialls The Cardinalls meete at Bolognia to treate of the Popes deliuerance The Venetians warlike preparations by Land and Sea to free the Pope from his imprisonment The Venetians seaze on Rauennato keepe it for the Holy Sea The Duke of Vrbin taketh Perugia to the same end The Duke of Vrbins resolution for the Popes deliuery The French King maketh great warlike prouisions to send into Italy Andre Doria in the seruice of the French King The army of the Confederats remaineth on the Confines of the Siennois The Popes agreement to come forth of prison The Venetians resolution vpon that agreement The Lord of Lautrec commeth into the state of Milan with great forces Bosco and Alexandria taken by him Pauia is taken and sackt by the French Genoa is reduced vnder the French Kings obedience The Turke being assailed by Marcello had soone after his reuenge The Lord Lautrec marcheth towards Rome The demands propounded by the French King in the motion of peace The Agreement whereby the Duke of Ferrara and the Marquis of Mantua enter into the league The entire enlargement of the Popes person The Venetians send an Ambassad to the Pope inuiting him to enter into the league The like Ambassade of the most Christian King to the same effect The Popes excuses not to enter into any new confederacy The Lord Lautrecs iourny into the Kingdome of Naples The Popes demand to the Venetians with their answer The Imperialls refuse to fight The Lord Lautrec encampeth before Naples The Duke of Brunswich commeth with great forces into Lombardy The Venetians preparations against the Duke of Brunswich He returneth into Germany The Imperialls are put to rout at Sea The arriuall of the Generall of the Venetian Army before Naples with the discommodities which it there endured Andre Doria reuolteth from the Kings seruice The Pope resolueth to remaine neuter The great wants of the Army before Naples And lastly the Lord Lautrecs Death The Seuenth Booke of the fifth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THE accident at Rome being knowne at Venice together with the Popes imprisonment did greatly afflict the Senate with griefe and compassion and with a disdaine for the wrong offered to the person of the holy Father wherevpon they not intending to suffer any longer the Emperors fortune to encrease to their owne perill determined to releeue the Pope with all their forces and therein to spare for no cost which caused them to write to the Duke of Vrbin their Generall and to Pisani and Vitturi the Prouidators to lay by all other deseignes and attempt onely if it were possible to free the Pope from his imprisonment and the better to effect it to come neere to the Castle wherein hee was shutte vp to seeke by all meanes to draw him thence and because no other matter might hinder this enterprize they forth-with made a new leuy of foote to encrease their forces to the number of ten thousand foot which lay on the confines of Crema and Lauda to resist Antonio de Leua who being come forth into the field and finding no opposition was likely euery day to grow more strong by the aid which he expected forth of Germany The Venetians were incited therevnto by the great preparations of the Kings of England and France who hauing notice of the great inhumanity vsed towards his Holinesse and the scandall giuen to the Church of Christendome by detayning the head thereof in prison determining to remedy it resolued betwixt themselues at their owne charges to send an army into Italy to free the Pope and to put him in possession of all the Churches lands and another mighty one into Flanders by assayling that country to enforce the Emperor to abandon Italy for the defence thereof These two Kings were very earnest in this businesse wherevpon the Cardinall of Yorke who could doe more then all men with the King of England came for the same purpose to Amiens to the French king to procure an enteruiew of those two kings to the end they might consult together more considerately concerning the Popes deliuery The most Christian King seemed to be no lesse willing therein who sent speedy word to his Captaines in Italy to procure by all meanes the Popes freedome from
the Venetians A treaty of peace held at Rome but to no purpose The great warlike preparations of the Archduke of Austria to send into Italy to the Emperors ayde The Venetians lend money to the French and to the Duke of Milan The French King resolueth to make warre vpon the Emperour on the frontiers of Spaine The Venetians solicit the King to come in person into Italy The Imperialls recouer Aquila and Matricia The Marquis of Guasto besiegeth Monopoli Brundusium is yeelded to the Venetians An allarme beeing giuen to the Duke of Vrbin hee runneth to the defence of his owne state An enterview of the French and Venetian Armies The defeate and taking of the Count Saint Paul by Antonio de Leua The Duke of Vrbins retreate to Cassan. The Duke of Vrbin defeateth a part of the enemies at the passage of a Riuer Antonio de Leua retireth to Milan The Venetian Senate are male-content with the King The Emperors arriuall at Genoa The Emperors great forces in Italy The Florentines send Ambassadors to the Emperor The great warlike preparations of the Venetians Peace concluded at Cambray betwixt the Emperor and the King The King is very earnest with the Emperor to make an accord with the Venetians And lastly a new confederacie betwixt the Venetians and Francis Sforza Duke of Milan The Eight Booke of the fifth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THE Lord Lautrec beeing dead Michaele Antonio Marquis of Salusses a couragious Lord and well beloued of the Soldiors tooke vpon him the charge of the Armie in a manner ruined who beeing councelled to discampe not so much for the present state of their affaires as for the danger and necessity that pressed him gathered together those forces that remained and retired with small losse to Auersa expecting succours from Rance de Cera Vpon his retreate the Imperialls comming foorth of Naples gaue in vpon his rereward but by reason of his good order the losse was not great Certaine French troopes were broken and Pedro of Nauarre beeing taken prisoner was ledde to Naples where hee dyed The Marquis beeing come to Auersa was neerely pursued by the Imperialls and beeing not able to make defence hee sent the Count Ouy de Rangone to parley with the Prince of Orange the Imperialls Generall with whom it was capitulated That the Marquis should quit Auersa with the Castle Artillery and Munition That as well himselfe as the other Captaines should remaine prisoners except the Count Guy who treated particularly for himselfe That the Marquis should doe his vtmost to cause the French and Venetians to render vp the kingdome with diuerse other conuentions which made this French Armie miserable who of vanquishers became vanquished to the Venetians great greefe and discontent whose fortune for the kingdome of Naples was to depend on that of the French their friends and consederates This losse was accompanied by a very greeuous and most preiudicious accident to the league and of great importance to the French which caused great strife betwixt them for the plague beeing very great in Genoa and by reason thereof in a manner forsaken by all men and likewise by the soldiers and namely by Theodore ââ¦riuulcio the Gouernor who retired into the Castle Anare ãâã making vse of this occasion came neere to the Citty with certaine Galleys and those few soldiors that hee had which did not exceed the number of fiue hundred footmen not hoping neuerthelesse to performe that which hee afterward did and entring it without any great resistance by the fauour of the people who were greatly delighted with the name of liberty which hee promised them became maister thereof where on a sodaine hee changed the manner of gouernment vnder the Emperors protection It lay not in Triuulcio his power to hinder it who beeing come to the Citty but a while before had much to doe to escape into the Castle hoping as hee said vpon the artiuall of succours to bee able at his pleasure to enter the Citty and to reduce it to the Kings deuotion as it had beene in time before For hee sent to the Lord Saint Paul to send him speedily three thousand footmen by whose ayde hee hoped to recouer the Citty Wherevpon the Captaines of the Confederates did determine That the Lord of Montilan should turne to Genoa with three thousand Lansquenets and Suisses which came from France and were already arriued at Alexandria The Senate in the meane time did not cease to giue order for necessary prouisions for the speedy renewing of the warre in Lombardy and for that they would not giue Antonio de Leua any time to make preparations they solicited one an other speedily to take armes they sent the Secretary André Rossi into France to hasten the forces which were to come into Italy they did besides command the Duke of Vrbin to receiue all those Almaines into their pay which had forsaken the Duke of Brunswich hauing more-ouer sent to Iuree money for the payment of fiue thousand Lansquenets so as the Republick had in a very short space more then tenne thousand footmen of sundry nations Almaines Suisses and Italians fifteene hundred light horse and eight hundred men at armes with which forces and those of the French beeing ioyned together they did hope to driue Antonio de Leua forth of Italy The Duke of Vrbins chiefe purpose was to place a strong Garrison in Lauda beeing a place of great importance for the Duke of Milan and for the Venetians likewise because the keeping there of did greatly auaile for the assurance of Bergamo and Crema and then to passe the Po so soone as the French succours should beginne to come vpon the Alpes to ioyne with the French and afterwards to goe and assaile Antonio de Leua For the supplyes of siue thousand footmen and fiue hundred Lances as many light horse which were expected beeing arriued the Duke of Vrbin talked with the Count Saint Paul at Monticella on the Po to consult in what manner they were to proceed in this warre for the profit and commodity of the common cause The Duke of Vrbin by the aduise of the Senate propounded to employ their whole forces in Lombardy to driue Antonio de Leua if it were possible foorth of the State of Milan to the end to cut off all meanes from the Imperialls of sending downe any ayde by that way into Italy forth of Germany and of hauing victuals from thence for the feeding of their Armie as they were wont The Lord Saint Paul and the other French Captaines were of a contrary opinion saying That it was not fitte to abandon the affaires of Naples vnlesse they should loose their honour and reputation both with the people and the enemies propounding besides how important a matter it was to keepe the Imperialls busied in the kingdome of Naples who by that meanes could not come and ioyne with Antonio ââ¦e Leua In this diuersitie of opinions
was as well for Christendome as because hereby the Turke their common enemy would grow more mighty But what hope was there of any happy successe King Ferdinand was not strong enough of himselfe to resist the Turkish army the Emperor resolued not to hazard his forces against the Turkes in his brothers defense Germany badly affected to the house of Austria would enterprize nothing which might augment the power and authority thereof and on the other side the widdow Queen Isabell and the King hir sonne young and without meanes to defend that Kingdome and enforced by necessity not onely to make vse of the Turkish ayd but wholy to depend vpon them The Venetians notwithstanding that they knew all this did neuerthelesse determine to be Spectators of all these miseries and to auoid all occasions that might cause the Turkes to suspect any sinister affection towards them beeing not desirous to prouoke them to take armes against the Signoty Whilest these affaires were thus carried the Pope entreated the Senate to grant That according to that which had been concluded at Luca betwixt him and the Emperor the Councell might be held at Vincenza the yeare following 1542. but the Senate supposing that it would greatly hurt them by reason of the Turkes made an excuse saying that at that time when they had warrs with the Turkes they could willingly haue granted it but that now Soliman would thinke that the Venetians went about to stirre vp the Christian Princes against him and by that meanes they should draw ruine vpon them-selues for a small and vncertaine hope of a great good As also because they knew very wel that the cheefe Prelates did intend to make the Christian Princes friends before that they would assemble the counââ¦ell This excuse was strengthened by an accident newly happened which gaue suspition that the Venetians stood badly affected to Soliman it was thus two Turkish Galeots going from Barbary toward Constantinople and suspected by reason that they fled from our fleet to be Pirates were taken by the Prouidator of the Sea the greatest nomber of the Turkes were slaine and all the Christian slaues within them were set at liberty the Turkes tooke this in bad part and especially Barbarossa vnto whom those vessels did belong who beeing greeuously incensed thereby threatened to bee reuenged The Senate speedily excusing the matter did at last obtaine that their might be a treaty concerning the making of amends for it and the businesse beeing delayed and Barbarossa being by time and sundry good offices appeased the strife was ended by meanes of a summe of money to the content of both parties the Venetians resoluing to continue their freindship with Soliman who sent Ianusby to Venice to cause the Prince and Senate to confirme the agreement made at Constantinople by the Ambassador Badoario who was likewise enioyned vpon enteaty of the French to dispose the Venetians to contract aliance with their King The Turkish Ambassador was honorably entertayned and his demands attentiuely heard as concerning the confirmation of the Treaty of peace he was therein speedily satisfied But to his proposition of fauoring the French they answered how that they were at peace and friendship with the French King intending to continue the same But they they could not as then doe any thing which might enfore them after-wards to take any armes against other Princes how they were assured that Soliman being a most wise and iust Prince would like wise allow of their lawful reasons and excuses This answer being reported to Soliman by Ianusbey was allowed by him and vnderstanding by the same man the Venetians firme desire faithfully to obserue the agreement he was very glad of it and seemed to be desirous to performe the like towards them This is all which passed at that time betwixt Soliman and the Signory of Venice But as concerning the Christian Princes they dealt with them with no lesse respects ayming still at this not to offend any one nor to fauour any one not yet to doe any thing contrary to their neutrality The Venetians for sundry reasons were greatly displeased with the contention betwixt the Emperor and the French King they were likewise displeased for that the Treaty of placing a new Duke in the State of Milan was broken a matter so often promised to them and treated of not long before with the French king at the enteruiew of Paris and to suffer the Emperor peaceably to enioy that state was nothing else as the wisest and discreetest Senators had a long time before foreseen but to support the Emperors immoderate greatnes to the great preiudice of the liberty of Italy and yet for al that to depart from his confederacy and to enter into a new war the conditious of the times and the Common-wealths necessity would not permit them They were greeued besides for that the Turkes being sollicited by the French against the Emperor had determined to march with their army to the hurt of Christendome yet neuer the-lesse they onely busied them selues in furnishing their sea townes with soldiors munitions victualls and all other necessaries in re-enforcing and augmenting their army not medling with the affaires of other men Each of those Princes did vse meanes to diuert the Senate from the resolution of their neutrallity by propunding sundry meanes vnto them of new agreements The Emperor was ready come into Italy resoluing to passe into Affricke not-with-standing the Pope disswaded him from it setting before him his brothers danger His Captaines like-wise propounded vnto him the doubtfull euent of the enterprize of Argier being to attempt it in the Autumnall seasons of the yeare which is commonly subiect to diuers alterations and in a place filled with all discommodities Yet neuer-the-lesse considering the great forces of the Turkes and how farre they were able to enter which was a pollicy to draw the Venetians to another Treaty by altering the former capitulations he did propound vnto them a new confederacy for the safety of Italy against the incursions of those Infidels assuring them that the Pope King Ferdinand his brother and diuers other Princes should enter into it But the Senate resoluing no more to enter into those dangers excused it selfe from harkening thervnto and being more earnestly sollicited they wholy refused that proposition especially when they heard that the Pope had no great inclination there-vnto by reason of the smale hope he had being wise and well aduised to bring that businesse to a fortunate end as also because he hauing dispoiled Ascanio Colona of all his Estates by reason that hee had beene rebellious and disobedient to the Sea Apostolike would auoide all occasions of restoring them againe vnto him as hee well perceaued that hee should bee enforced to doe by making a new league with the Emperor who for his owne honor could not forsake a man that had so well deserued of him and that had beene cheefe of his faction in Italy besides aiming at an
through their State and to entertaine him by the way The Pope in the meane time hauing promised other matters to himselfe seeing that the confederacy propounded to the Venetians had taken none effect resolued to talke with the Emperor determining first better to assure his owne affaires as well for temporall matters as for Religion and his Pontificall dignity in the councell which was to be held at Trent a city in Germany and next meaning once more to try if the Emperour would quit the Dutchy of Milan to Octauio Farneze for a certaine summe of money which he perceiued the Emperour stood in great need of by reason of the warres he had in hand but concealing for that time those his secret deseignes made shew that the cause which mooued him as the common father and head of Christendome to embrace the Emperor passing along so neere him was to exhort him to peace with Christians and to warre against the Infidels and to try if his presence in that businesse would be of more force then his exhortations made by his Legats sent to the Emperor into Germany and into France to the most Christian King Now the Pope hauing acquainted the Venetians with his departure from Rome and going to Bolognia alleadged no other reason of his iourney then the former wholly concealing the negociating concerning the Dutchy of Milan thereby to feele if he could discouer any thing from them concerning it for on the one side he knew that the same treaty was pleasing vnto them but on the other it behoued them to proceed therein very respectiuely in regard of the aboue mentioned matters The Senate continuing the old resolution not to meddle with these negociations did vnfeignedly commend the Popes good and holy meaning with his resolution in so honest and important a businesse for the common good of all Christendome not passing on any further to any other consideration The Pope seeming to bee greatly desirous of that enteruiew did not cease to pursue it notwithstanding that hee was alone in that negociation and that the Emperour alleadged diuers difficulties and lets who making no great account of him made shew that he did not much affect him either because hee was distasted of him the Pope hauing not openly shewed himselfe his friend as he ought to haue done by reason of the honour done by the Emperor to him and his house hauing by the marriage of his daughter preferred it to so many other noble alliances or else because he did suspect the truth of the matter how that the Pope would recommence his suite that the Dutchy of Milan might be made ouer to Octauio Farneze the which he resolued not to quit to any man whatsoeuer and therefore he was desirous to eschew all occasions of discontenting the Pope and of prouoking him to embrace the French Kings friendship by refusing his demand But the Pope supposing it would greatly blemish his greatnesse and dignity if he should let the Emperour passe thorough Italy without seeing him had to that end sent first Petro Lodouico his sonne to Genoa and then the Cardinall Farneze his Nephew to entreate him that the enteruiew might be at Bolognia and vpon his Maiesties excuse that he was not willing to come so farre backe and to delay his iourney he determined to come farther forward euen to Busset where it was concluded they should see one an other which was a towne very discommodious and smally frequented belonging to the Palauicins but this enteruiew had no better successe then all men expected nothing being there concluded either for the Churches seruice or the particular profit of the Farnezes For the Emperor continued his resolution to make warre vpon the French King and the Duke of Cleues and as for Milan because he would not flatly deny it hee told him that he could not dispose of that State vntill he had acquainted the Princes of the Empire therewith whereby he might easily percââ¦iue that he did meane to appropriate it to himselfe The enteruiew being dissolued which onely lasted three daies the Emperour pursuing his iourney entred vpon the Venetians State where the foure aboue mentioned Ambassadors met with him and did honourably entertaine him furnishing him with whatsoeuer he needed either for his owne person or his household so long as he continued vpon their territories wayting vpon him as farre as the confines of Trent making diuers offers vnto him in generall in the name of the Common wealth not mentioning any negociation till they were ready to take their leaues of him and then they besought him to be a meanes to his brother for a dispatch concerning the agreement of Trent which they had taken vpon them From Trent the Emperour went to Vuormes and from thence to Spire to be nerer to that which he had determined to doe hauing still resident with him Daniele Bouricci Secretary to the Common-wealth the Ambassador de Pont remayning sicke at Trent who being returned to Venice for the recouery of his health Bernardo Nouagera was chosen in his stead Warre was at the same time much kindled in Hungary whither Soliman being come in person with a mighty army hauing first scoured and wasted the country had beseeged the city of Strigonium from whence he sent an Ambassador to Venice to acquaint the Senat with his iourney and deseignes and also there to vnderstand newes of his fleet which at that time lay in the hauen of Villafranca at the enterprize of Nice where of the Senate aduertized him and withal did infinitely thanke him for the honor he did them by acquainting them with his actions and deseignes This demonstration of friendship from the Turkes did serue them for two purposes first to continue peace betwixt them and next to encrease their reputation with other men Therefore Soliman hauing againe sent an other Ambassador to Venice to aduertize them of his progression in Hungary the Senate resolued in reciprocall manner to render him the like demonstration of honour and friendship by sending an Ambassadour to him This charge was committed to Stefano Tepulo hee hauing giuen ouer the place of Generall who at the spring was to goe to Constantinople to Soliman who was come thither from Hungary to reioyce with him in the Common-wealths name for his fortunate successe and to make shew at his Porte of a correspondency of loue and frindship The affaires of Maran were not yet appeased but on the contrary much more enkindled as well in regard of the French who did meane to keepe and defend it as for the Almaines who determined to haue it by force so as besides foure hundred foot-men which the Lord of Senei brought thither the French King sent great troupes of horse and foot on the other side the King of Romaiues hauing caused certaine companies of Lansequenets to passe the mounts at Pontieba vnder the command of Iohn Baptista Sauella did besides assemble all the souldiers on the neerest places of his
none but forraine soldiers and especially the Italian Fantery leuied by the Pope whereuppon to stoppe their passage they did write louingly to the Venetians and by putting them in mind of the antient freindship betwixt the Germaine nation and them they entreated them not to giue passage to those through their territories who came only to offend them and to serue the Emperor who went about to bring Germany into seruitude The Senate answered that it did hold their freindship deere which they had euer embraced generaly that of all Germany but their Countrey being open and Champaine they could not stoppe the soldiers passage but with great forces which they were wont to employ but against open enemies Within a while after they receiued particular letters from the Duke of Saxony and the Landgraue of Hesse which acquainting them with their deseignes and how that for their owne defense they had beene enforced to take armes did ernestly entreate them to lend them a certaine summe of money The King of England did greatly fauour his demand by his Secretary residing at Venice who presented his letters that King being distasted of the Emperor but the Senate making still one answer said that it did hold those Princes for their good and trusty freinds and did wish them all prosperity and aduancement but that they could not satisfie their request without offending other Princes with whom they were in league and freindship which they did mean to maintaine and that these respects excepted they did greatly affect the Germaine nation Those of Ausbourg likewsie hauing by their letters and by an expresse messenger recommended their Marchants to the Senate many of whom were retired to Venice and greater numbers comming daily thither for feare of those trobles were kindly answered that their Cittizens with all others of any other Citties of Germany which came to Venice should be very welcome and vsed as their owne Cittizens as they had beene in former times Now Whilest either party was busied in making preparations for warre and that already great numbers of soldiers raised in Italy were ready to march a rumor was spred abroad how that both sides were at peace and become freinds the Capitulations whereof beeing vnknowne and no Postes beeing sent abroad into all places to publish it did sufficiently manifest that it was nothing so yet neuerthelesse these sodaine newes did amaze the Venetians considering that such great numbers of soldiers which at that time filled all Italy were sufficient to affright other mens states which were vnfurnished of force whenso euer they should bee desirous to turne their Armes vpon any other enterprize The Pope hauing intelligence of the Venetians doubt and fearing least the Senate would determine for their safety to league themselues with some other with a resolution cleane contrary to his deseignes did enter into a long discourse with the Ambassador for the Signory telling him how that for the Common good ââ¦hee had euermore beene carefull of the peace and quiet of Italy with a particular desire to aduance whatsoeuer did belong to the safety and greatnesse of the Venetian Common-wealth wherefore he willed him to assure the Senate of his good meaning that they might continew their sound intelligence with him seeing that thereby they should preserue one anothers states in safety yea and all Italy beside that he was desirous at that time to reuiue that discourse when he was armed and out of danger to be outraged to let them know that it was not feare but a true and zealous loue that mooued him so to discourse with him and to open vnto him the secret of his thoughtes The treaties of peace being broken and the Armies on both sides in the field the Protestants seeking to do that of themselues which they could not obtaine of others namely to stop the Italians passage which were comming against them went to seaze vpon the Castle of Chiusa a place in the County of Tiroll seated among the mountaines by which they supposed that the enemies would passe but the Pope and Emperors Armies keeping the way that leadeth neerer to Ispruch entred the Dutchy of Bauaria and from thence went to Ratisbon where the Emperor with his other forces expected them The two armies as well that of the Emperor as the enemies continued a long time idle each of them watching for some aduantage notwithstanding that they were oftentimes so neere together as sundry great skirmishes were many times made in one an others view without comming to battaile which the Emperor being wel aduised did as much as in him lay seeke to auoid the better to draw the businesse out in length and to defeat the enemies who were many heads of seuerall minds by temporizing the which he did For the soldiers and the townes beginning to loose their former great opinion of beeing soone able to vanquish and defeate the Emperor and to feele the discomodities of tedious contributions towards the wars King Ferdinand hauing on the other side entred Duke Iohn Fredericks State with a mighty army accompanied by Duke Maurice of Saxony his enemy there arose such a confusion and amazement in the enemies Campe as suffering diuers Castles to be taken before their faces and their Army dissoluing of it selfe the Emperor might in a short space contrary to his expectation giue an end to that dangerous warre For hauing by these fortunate euents purchased great fame and reputation diuers of those Protestant Princes and free townes returned to their obedience and begged pardon so as in a few monethes space he wonne a great part of the Contries of those great Lords and mighty Common-wealthes the which he had scarcely hoped to be able to haue done in a long time and with great labour and trauell This Warre thus ended winter being already come the Emperor dismissed the Popes troopes which being disbanded returned back into Italy The Cardinall Farnese the Popes nephew who had beene his Legat in that Army returning towards Rome was desirous as he passed along to see the Citty of Venice where hauing notice that they made preparations for his entertainment he determined to goe thither in priuate where he was so well receiued and entertained of all men both in publique and priuate as he departed from thence well satisfied and contented The Farneses not long before at the Popes request had beene receiued into the number of the Venetian Gentlemen in all places so highly reckoned of both for the ancient gouernment of the Common-wealth and for the name of liberty which they haue euer inuiolably maintained together with the dignity and command of great dominions And because occasion is now offered by the way to speak sumwhat of this nobility we wil breefly make some mention thereof The Venetians do call those Gentlemen that haue a share in the gouernment of the Common-wealth that is to say those that haue authority to elect the publick magistrates and may
title of Dutchy to his sonne Petro Lodouico The Emperour refusââ¦th to inuest Petro Lodouico in the Dutchy of Porma and Placentia The new Duke his offers to the Venetians The Emperors and the French Kings difficulties were cause of the peace of Italy The Venetians resoââ¦s ââ¦o diuert the Pope from medling with the Protestants The Senats answer to the Pope and the Emperor The Venetians grant passage to the Pope and Emperors troups The number of the Emperors Army VVho they were that took part with the Protestants The number of the Protestants Army The Pro testants suite to the Venetians The Senaoes answere to the Protestants The Duke of Saxon and the Landerââ¦ue of Hesse their suite to the Venetian Senate with their answer The Venetians gentle answer to those of Aus bourg The Venetians are in some doubt seing so many soldiers in Italy The Popes discourse to driue the Venetians from their suspition The Protestants take Chiusa The occasions of the enemies losse The Cardinall Farnââ¦se commeth to Uenice VVho be Venetian Gentlemen with their Preââ¦ogatiues The Popes complaints against the Emperor The Emperors complaints against the Pope The Emperor returneth so Milan The Sienois rise against the Spaniards The Emperors deseigns in Italy The death of Petro Lodouico the Popes Sonne The death of Francis the first French King Henry the eight King of England Henry the Second French King The Senate sendeth Ambassadors to the new Fench King And to Edward the Sixt King of England The Cardinall Saint George is sent Legat into France Petââ¦o Strossâ⦠sent sor into France to troble the peace of Italy Horratin Farn se marrieth King Henries daughter Gonzaga ââ¦xeu sethââ¦im concer ning the death of Petro Lodouico The Pope anâ⦠French King do solicitâ⦠the Venetians against the Em peror The Senates aââ¦swer to the Poââ¦e and French King Sundry practises in Italy An. 1548. The French Kings doubts and deseignes The Pope is greatly ââ¦erpiexed The Pope to ãâã the Atmains sendeth a Legat into Germany Solimans Army against the Persians Soliman maketh truce with Christian Princes Strise betwixt the Emperor French king Soliman sendeth Imperioââ¦s letters to the Emperor Contention concerning the place where the Councel should be held The death of Pope Paul the third Parma is kept by Camillâ⦠Vrsino The Cordinââ¦ll de Monte is chosen Pope and called by the name of Iulius the third The Senatâ⦠ãâã Ambassadorâ⦠ãâã the Pope Horatio Farnââ¦se putteth himselfe and family into the French Kââ¦ngs protection Presages of great warres The Turke sendeth an Ambassador to Venice Catherin Zene ãâã sent Amââ¦assador to the Turke An. 1550. A ãâã ãâã An. 1551. The Pope not thinking there on causeth great warres in Italy Proposition of an agreement about Parma VVho hindred the Emperor from allowing of that agreement The Pope seeketh meanes of agreement with the ãâã King The warre continueth in Italy Strossi his pollicy to victuall Parma The Duke of Florence taketh the Emperors party The Duke of Ferrara craueth à duice of the Venetians how to behaue himselfe in those troubles in Italy A discreââ¦t answer of the Venetians to the Duke of Ferrarâ⦠Instructions sent by the French King to the Cardinall Tournon to be propounded to the Venetian Senate The Senates answer to the Cardinall Tournoâ⦠The Germaine Princes treate with the French King against the Emperor The Pope by his Legate goeth about to attââ¦ne the Emperor and the French King The King inciââ¦ed agaiââ¦st the ãâã ãâã biddeth annates A great Turââ¦ish fleet at Sea The course held by the Turkish ââ¦leet at Sea The Turkeâ⦠make war in Hungary and Transiluania Fââ¦rdinand doth ãâã enioy ãâã All Germany is bandââ¦d agaââ¦nst the Emperor and his brother Ferââ¦inand Ferdinand to free himselfe from war wiââ¦h the Turke offereââ¦h to pay him tribute Friar George the Cââ¦rdinall is murthered The Venetians preparations when they heard how the Turkes armed Metz is taken by tââ¦e French The French King commeth as farre as the Rââ¦ine in fauor of the Prââ¦testant Princes ãâ¦ã the ãâã of ââ¦bourg The Prince of ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã The enterprise of ãâã propounded to the King The Prince of Salerno his proposition to the Venetian Senate The Senotes answers to the Prince of Saâ⦠The Pace of chââ¦usa is taken by the Protestants Peace betwââ¦xt the Emperor and Germaine Princes The Prince of Salerno ââ¦neth to Venite from the king The Oration of Selua the Frech Kings Ambassador to the Venetian Senate The Senats answere to the Prince of Salerne and the French Ambassador The enterprize of Naples being found very difficulâ⦠is reâ⦠by the King The Almanis band themselues against the French King concerning Metz Thou and Verdun The Emperor sââ¦ndeth the Viceroâ⦠of Naples against Sienna The Kings demand tâ⦠the Siennois The Viceroy of Naples spoileth the country of the Siennois An. 1552. The councell of ââ¦enne reuiueth the memory and execution of the lââ¦st will and testament of the Cardinal Zene The death of Edward the sixth King of England The Duke of Florence sendeth forces against the Siennois An. 1553. An. 1554. An. 1555. The death of Pope Iulius he third The election of Pope Paul the fourth The Emperor Charles resigneth all his States to his sonne Philip and to his brother Ferdinand Truce granted and soone broken An. 1556. The Pope an enemy to the Spaniards The Duke of Alua taketh diuers townes from the Pope The Venetians being entreated by the Pope vse meanes to pacifie the Duke of Alua. Octauio Farneze ãâã ãâã his Dutchy An. 1557. The Duke of Guise commeth into Italy The losse of the battaile of Saint Lawrence and the towne of Saint Quintins The Spaniards demands vpon the treaty of peace with the Pope Peace betwixt the Pope and Spaniards VVarres betwixt Solimans two soones An. 1558. The taking of Calais Francis Daulphin of Viennois marââ¦ieth the Queene of Scots The French take Thyonuille An. 1559. Peace concludâ⦠betwixt the ãâã and Spanish Kings The Pirates pursued by Bembo saue ââ¦hemselues in Durazzo The death of Pope Paul the fourth A Popular commotion in Rome Venetian Ambassadors to the French King The creation of Pope Pius the fourth The Cardinall Carassa and three of his kinsmen are put to death The death of Andre Doria The Venetians send Ambassadors to the Pope The ouerture of the councell of Trent An. 1560. Charles the ninth French King The Cardinalâ⦠seââ¦t by the Pope to the the councell The Venetian ãâã that were present at the councell of ââ¦rent The Pope endâ⦠the controtronersie betââ¦ixt the Ambassadors of France and Spaine A strange accident at Rome The Venetians chase away the Pirats Maximilââ¦an Emperor in ãâã fathers stead An. 1565. The great harme with the Inquisitiââ¦n doth after the manner of Spaine The Senate of Milans answer to the King of Spaine concerning the Inquisition The Venetianâ⦠answer to the Pope The Death of Pope Piuâ⦠quarââ¦us à nd the election of Peus quintus The death of Soliman before Zighet
deluge of waters on a sodaine as the Riuer Adice which runnes through the Citie of Verona being miraculously swelled did almost couer the highest toppe of S. Zenos Church which stands neere to the Riuer in the Citie Where it was obserued for a miracle that albeit the windowes thereof were open yet this violent floud did not enter into the Churche respecting as it were that sacred place Helie caused a Church to bee built in the honour of the glorious Virgin called at this day Barbana Then certaine yeares after Padua being taken and spoiled by the Lombards the Citie which daily encreased was verie much augmented They gaue the fugitiues that parte of the Citie to dwell in which is called Embragola betwixt the common Ouens and the Arcenall It is reported that they built two Churches which at this day are to be seene at that place the one neere to the other to S. Iohn Baptist the one and the other to S. Martin And because the Venetians should haue no time to rest Fortunatus of Aquileia strengthned with the Lombards forces came and stole away all the treasure and ornaments of the Church of Grada which at that time was the Metropolitane To the which being by this losse destitute of a Pastor Pope Honorius at the request of the Emperour Heraclius appointed first fruits and gaue it afterwards great store of golde and siluer to buy vessels and ornaments for diuine seruice with the Shrine of St. Marie brought from Alexandria This Pope being tolde in a dreame that the bodies of St. Hermagoras and Fortunatus wete buried in a little field belonging to Alexandra of Aquileia a verie deuout woman hee transported them to Grada and did shut them vp there verie religiously in a secret place Almost the same time the Citie of Vderzza was destroyed by Lotharius King of the Lombards Those who fled from thence came with their Bishop called Magnus a man of an holie life and rested in the territorie of the Iesulans where they built a Citie which they called Heraclea in honour of Prince Heraclius but the Moderns haue called it Villanoua It is at this day almost ruined to the ground There are to be seene certaine signes of a verie ancient Church which those first founders of Heraclea doe say was dedicated to Saint Peter At the same time also Paul Bishop of Altina fearing the Armies of the Lombards and amazed by the spoile of his neighbours came with his Reliques and Iewels being accompanied with a great multitude of people to Tourcelles The Episcopall See of Padua likewise was by the authoritie of Pope Seuerine translated to Malamoc Diuers Churches were built neere to Tourcelles by the inhabitants thereof who were very deuout people the which Burrough some write was called by the inhabitants Constantiaca by the name of Constantius sonne to Heraclius who going to Rome landed there But the Citie of Heraclea in the meane time being greatly encreased by the concourse of so many people as the place was not sufficient to contain them the Shepheards flying from the incursions of the Barbarians did driue away a great heard of oxen mares euen to those shoares who not being able to dwell in Heraclea they did neere thereunto fortifie a place for themselues which they named Equiline of the thinge it selfe as Bonitendius saith I know that some thinke Equiline to be the same which is now called Iesulune but the Authors whom wee follow make diuers mention of them both as of two sundrie Cities This is that we can learne concerning the ancient Venetians their originall and encrease of the Citie which we haue collected with great labour and trauaile I will now set downe how they created the first Duke For although this manner of gouernment haue beene at times interupted yet notwithstanding it is maintained euen till now as good and holesome for the Common-wealth The Tribunes of the Islands abusing their office had so troubled the State by ciuill dissension as there was some likelyhood that the bodie of this new Citie would be soone dissolued vnlesse a remedie were applied Luitprand who with title of Duke commaunded the Prouince of the Carnons called now those of Forli perceiuing this discorde and supposing as it came to passe that this Venetian State might through ciuill diuision be easily ouerthrowne the encrease whereof he thought would bee ouer-dangerous for him and his neighbours did resolue to assaile them I knowe not vpon what ground It is certaine that at the same time the Lombards did verie much trouble their Countrie where at the Ilanders grew angrie hauing found out the cause which was their owne dissension for which their neighbours contemned them wherby it would vndoubtedly soon come to passe without speedy remedy that the Common-wealth would receaue a notable losse by this enemie who did daily seeke occasion to disquiet the peace of this new Citie All men thus complaining the generall assemblie of all the Islands was published at Heraclea Christopher Bishop of Grada held the cheife place there being accompanied with great numbers of the Clergie and there after the celebration of diuine seruice at the first proposition which was made concerning the Common-wealth euery man beganne to murmure and some said That there was no more hope to be had of the Venetian Common-wealth nor yet of their libertie which had beene purchased and maintained by their Ancestors with such generositie vnlesse the furie of the Tribunes might haue an end That their selfe-same Ancestors had in times past for the sweetnesse of libertie abandoned their most pleasant Countrie their houses and all other matters which men commonly hold most deare and were come into barraine Islands where they found nothing that might inuite them to dwell there That if they could haue dispensed with their libertie they might haue remained in all safety in the Cities where they were first borne and brought vp and with this losse alone haue liued peaceably vnder the dominion of the Barbarians But being full of courage they supposed that they ought not to loose their libertie but with their liues Wherefore did diuers of those that were there present following the example of their Predecessors come into those places the precedent yeares but onely to liue at libertie To what purpose then was their designes what profit by their sodaine dislodging why had they so many buildings Churches and so many publicke and priuate houses why did they leaue the firme land to eschewe bondage and yet meete it in the middest of the waters by the insolencie of a fevve Whether it was likely that this barbarous enemie would take any rest till he had found some meanes to ruinate this new dvvelling place of Libertie Seeing that Tyrants hate nothing so much as that name That vndoubtedly it vvas his wishe that all his desire vvas to see the Venetian State ouerthrovvne by ciuill discorde ââ¦hich he could not by any other
meanes shake Whereupon those vvhich desired the good and profit of the Common-wealth did resolue sodainely to elect a nevve Duke who should represent the whole honour and maiestie of the State and haue power to assemble the generall Councell at such time as the important affaires of the Common-wealth should be in question to choose yearely Tribunes in euery Island from whence the appeales should come before him and moreouer if any man had obtained any dignitie Prelatship or benefice by the suffrages of the Clergie or of the people hee should not enioy the same without the pleasure of the Duke ¶ PAVLVTIO of Heraclea the first DVKE of VENICE THis thus concluded Paulutio of Heraclea a man of singular iustice was by the consent of all men declared Duke the yeare according to some of the Cities foundation 282. or as others write 297 and yet as some others affirme 276. They all agree that the Tribunarie power did gouerne more than two hundred and thirtie yeares But in this first Dukes election they did not keepe this manner of choosing as wee see to bee at this day obserued in the creation of Princes but they then proceeded therein more simply For ambition being not as yet crept into so religious a Citie no bribing for honors they had not in those elections respect to wealth nobilitie and other such like matters but onely to the vertue of the person by which meanes they obtained it and not by cunning But although vertue and wisedome was respected aboue any thing yet neuerthelesse because men beleeue that wee can be neuer sure enough of that which is deerest vnto vs it is reported that the new Duke was constrained to sweare well and faithfully to prouide for whatsoeuer should be fit for the honour of the Common-wealth and the Venetian name After he had taken his oath this new Magistrate was honoured with diuers noble ensignes whereby that soueraigne dignitie was made more illustrious and yet for all that I will not affirme that all the magnificence which at this day the Prince enioyeth was giuen him at the same time for it is certaine that part of them was giuen him a long time after and taken from else-where Now so soone as this new Duke was fully installed hee determined to free the Common-wealth from this warre And the better to effect it hee entred league with Luitprand some say he ouercame him in fight He extended the limits of Heraclea from the Riuer of Piauo vnto the little streame called Piauicolle By his authoritie rather then by force he brought the Equilines vnder his dominion some name the Iesulans for the Equilines which makes me to beleeue their opinion in some sort to bee true who thinke Equiline and Iesulan to be one selfe-same place though different in name who at the same time had forsaken the Venetians Those of Tourcelles in the meane space builded a sumptuous Temple to the glorious Virgin where they placed the bodie of Saint Heliodore of Altina with diuers other Reliques ¶ MARCELLO of Heraclea the second Duke of Uenice THese things effected Paulutio dyed after hee had reigned twenty yeares and six moneths Marcello of Heraclea was by the common voyce chosen in his sted Wee doe not finde in all the time of his gouernment which lasted nine yeares any memorable matter to haue hapned Which in my opinion caused diuers Historians to leaue him out in the Catalogue of the Dukes naming Horteo Hipates surnamed Vrsus next after Paulutio Howsoeuer they say that he was a vertuous man wise and reasonably well inclined to Armes though his hap was to dye after he had gotten more reputation by peace than by warre ¶ HORTEO called VRSVS the third Duke of Uenice HOrteo whom we say was surnamed Vrsus succeeded Marcello The Lombards at the same time tooke Rauenna a verie ancient Citie The Exarch who commanded therein fled for succour to the Venetians Pope Gregorie did likewise by letters entreate them to aide the Exarch against those insolent Barbarians The Venetians much affecting the Pope willingly graunted thereunto and comming before Rauenna with a mightie Armie did forthwith take it and being taken gaue it to the Exarch It is reported that the name of this newe Magistrate was instituted at the same time by one named Longinus whom the Emperour Iustinian sent into Italie in Narses sted to commaund with soueraine authoritie Prodeus of Vincenza a valiant man and of great reputation among the Garrison of the Citie died in that warre Paulus Diaconus in his Historie of the Lombards sets downe this exploit so doth Bonitendius the Secretarie who hath inserted in his Commentaries the Copie of the Popes letters written to the Venetians to the same purpose The Venetians in the meane time were in tumult round about Grada because Calixtus Bishop of Aquileia disdaining as it is thought that the new Church of Grada should preceed his which was verie ancient ouer-ranne the bounds of Grada But the Pope commanding to desist the matter was forthwith ended There arose after that great dissension which in a manner produced a ciuill warre greatly disquieting the State neere to Heraclea It is said that the Dukes insolency was the certaine cause of this commotion For the Iesulans not being able anie longer to endure his presumptuous pride armed themselues and ioyned battaile This proude Duke marched against them meaning to bring them to reasonable tearmes and they fought on either side with more fiercenesse and hatred than force At the last after diuers losses on either parte the Heracleans being wearie of the warres did on a sodaine turne all their hatred towards the enemies vpon the Duke as one whom they knew to be the author of all those miseries who was vilanously murthered by his owne Cittizens about the latter end of the eleuenth yeare of his Magistracie The Heracleans being amazed at the newes of the Dukes death remooued their dwelling soone after as it is thought to Malamoc no man knowes whether it were because they hated those places for the murther committed on the Duks person or else for that the same place was too neere the firme Land and by that meanes more subiect to the ordinarie incursions of the enemies Some affirme it hapned by reason of the warre which arose betwixt the Heracleans and the Equilins Those which are more curious alleadge cause wholly different from these and denie that these places were thus abandoned by and by after the murther And to speake truly this first cause seemes too friuolous to make so populous a Citie at an instant to change her dwelling The troth is that long after the Dukes murther during the principalitie of Mauritio and Giouanni his sonne Heraclea and Equiline were abandoned as shall be hereafter declared in his place I will now returne to that wherein the Authors agree among themselues For Vrsus being slaine in regard the Islanders could not agree about the creation of a
was cut in peeces by the people and his bowels being rent forth of his body were torne in peeces by some of the multitudes teeth his wife likewise who was reported to bee of the royall bloud of France was slaine with him But neither was Charles the leader of this Armie nor did this happen which they report And the common consent of the crediblest Historians makes me to beleeue that it was Pepin which made warre on the Venetians But whether it were the one or the other it is certaine that the Venetians did wholly preserue their libertie and became open friends to either Empire ¶ ANGELO PARTITIATIO the 10. Duke of Venice and the first at RIALTO SOme report that Obellerio being slaine his brother Beato held the Principalitie and others say that Obellerio and Beato being expelled Valentin their yonger brother commanded in the Citie But howsoeuer it was for it is hard to iudge the right in such diuersitie of opinions it is certaine that the Gouernement of these three lasted not aboue fiue yeares Angelo Partitiatio succeeded these three who was the first that held his seate at Rialto They gaue him two yearely Tribunes to assist him in all thinges Some say he had the surname of Badoairio from whom the Badoairians are descended The most curious Historians haue numbred the Partitiatij among the noblest families which came from Heraclea to Rialto And that which makes me easily to beleeue it is because among the most memorable matters acted in his Gouernment we find the reparation of Heraclea which by reason thereof was afterward called Villa-noua And because that in the time of the warre with the French a great number of people ranne to Rialto so as the place was filled with an incredible multitude of inhabitants it came to passe that threescore small Ilands next to them were ioyned together by Bridges But all men did thinke this place for the great multitude of people and for the commodiousnesse thereof worthie that the Soueraigne Magistrate and the whole State of the Commonwealth should reside there And with a good and happie presage for the Duke and the whole Venetian State it was decreed That Rialto should euer after bee the Princes seate According to this conclusion to the end that the Soueraigne Magistrate should not want a house the Duke himselfe did forth with appoint a place whereon to build the Dukes Pallace which stands as we see at this daie neere to the goodly Church of St. Marke But we may truly say that it is only the olde Pallace which Partitiatio did edifie For the other neighbour-buildings confronting the Senate-house doe represent a newer architecture For it is nor likelie that in those daies they could tell from whence to haue gotten so manie costlie pillars and excellent stones their meanes being then verie small But whether it were in Partitiatios time or since as it is most credible by the report almost of all Annalists that this worke was built the excellencie and greatnesse thereof doth deserue that such a thing should not be buried in silence But because it would be too tedious a matter to particularize all the singularities of that place wee will speake onely of the admirable structure thereof This place then as it is appointed to manie and sundrie purposes hath likewise manie and diuers fronts whereof that which lookes vpon the West and South is vnder-propt by two rankes of columns and that which supporteth the whole burthen of the worke hath pillars of a strange kinde of stone rather bigge then long The Arches are verie sumptuous made of the same matter and workemanship embracing vnder the bending of a costlie vault diuers columns set verie neere together That ranke which is aboue is made almost of the same stone and fashion and because it hath a greater number of Pillars they are the more slender and vnderneath enuironed with a verie thicke rew of other pillars but farre lesse so as they doe not onely serue for a staie but for a meruailous adornment But as well the vppermost ranke whereof we now spake as the lowest doth make a great gallerie the most spacious part whereof is almost wholly possessed by the market-place The remainder of the front euen to the toppe of the whole Masse which is of a verie rare stone red and white is so high that it troubleth as much as it delighteth the eies of the beholders being verie richly couered with lead Aboue the gallerie there is a part of a verie great Librarie stored with manie Greeke and Latine bookes the greatest part whereof was giuen by the last Will and Testament of Cardinall Bessarion The residue which lookes towards the South is the Comitia For I know not how otherwise to terme this place where euerie eight daies and sometimes oftner all the Nobilitie are assembled about the creation of Magistrates As also I will more freely call that part of the Palace which lookes towards the East The Court whereas the Senate vsually doe resort I vnderstand by the Senate that which they call the Councell of the Preguays by whom are handled the most important affaires of the Common-wealth For the ancient Fathers the Authors of this State haue among other things borrowed of the Romans to name those Preguays which debate in the Senate because they were intreated to deliuer their opinion concerning that which was spoken by him that held the cheifest place in the Senate But we will speake more amply in an other place We will now returne to the gouernment of Partitiatio who hauing two sonnes he sent the one named Iustiniano to Leo Emperour of Greece by whom he was liberally entertained and greatly honoured and praised and in the mean time he tooke the other named Giouanni for his Colleague whereat Iustiniano at his returne was in such sort moued as he obstinately refused to come and see his Father But the olde man being extreamely desirous to see his sonne after he had deposed Giouanni who refused to obaie his Father had not the people constrained him thereunto did associate Iustiniano and his nephew Angelo sonne to Iustiniano the people did confine Giouanni that was deposed to Constantinople Some saie that hee went of his owne accord to Pergamus to the Emperour Leon from whence returning he did by his Fathers commandement take his wife and children and went to Constantinople About the same time the Emperour Leon gaue Partitiatio the bodie of Saint Zacharie and part of the garments of our Sauiour Iesus Christ and of the glorious Virgin with a peece of the holie Crosse which he religiously lockt vp in Saint Zacharies Church which he had built He did moreouer translate the Monkes of the Couent of Saint Seruulo at the entreatie of the Abbot into Saint Hilaries Church which stood then in the farthest part of the Rialto And they which now knowe those places doe at this day shewe the ruines thereof in the firme Land Hee
built likewise at the same time two Churches in the Islands in those daies called the Twinnes one to Saint Seuerus and the other to Saint Laurence Not long after his sonne Vrsus made a Monasterie of Nunnes of Saint Laurence his Church I finde in some Authors that he did likewise builde to the honour of the Prince of the Apostles the Church of Oliuollo which stands in that part of the towne which at this day is called the Castle and that at the dedication thereof the relicks of Saint Sergius and Bacchus were brought thither About the same time likewise diuers of the chiefest of the Citie conspired against these Princes Giouanni Talonico and Bono Bragadino chiefe of the conspiracie were put death Monetario one of the complices of this bad designe saued himselfe by flight but all his goods were confiscate Some Authors doe likewise affirme that vnder this Princes gouernment Vlric Bishop of Aquileia accompained with certaine of the chiefe of Friuli were vanquished by the Venetians in a fight at Sea This Vlric was a little before condemned for an Hereticke by Pope Alexander This man for despight that the Church of Grada was preferred before his of Aquileia being assisted by troopes of the Forlani came on a sodaine and assailed the Bishop of the Island The Venetians Fleete came as sodainely to his reskew who hauing drawne the enemie to fight did easily breake and defeate him and tooke Vlric with diuers other Gentlemen prisoners Then the victorious Venetian pursuing this scattered troope euen to the firme Land did put all the Sea-coast of the Forlani called at this day the Friuli to fire and sword and destroyed likewise certaine towns by their sodaine incursions Diuers that escaped from the battaile not knowing the waies after they had strayed a long time through the marishes of Caorli fell at last into the hands of the victors The Venetians to purchase the name of meeke and gentle did set Vlric and all the rest of the prisoners at libertie on condition that they should send yearely to Venice on the same day that the victorie was obtained twelue wild Boares with as many loaues of one size which with a Bull should be killed before the generall assemblie And they should beside ouerthrow with their Pikes Castles of wood All this is yet at this day obserued with great preparation as yearly sports in the market place on the sameday as the battell was fought This is that which hapned as well at home as abroad during the gouernment of Angelo Partitiatio who after that he had transported the Ducall state to Rialto did there beginne his gouernment with better augurie than did in times past Paulutio at Heraclea or Theodato since that at Malamoc For since the limits of the State were mightily enlarged the whole honour and maiestie of the Common-wealth hath there remained as in a settled and sure place ¶ IVSTINIANO the 11. Duke of Uenice IVstiniano after his fathers death gouerned the Commonwealth alone Soone after he persuaded the State to send to Michael the Easterne Emperour for the perpetuall conseruation of their friendship with the Grecian Empire certaine armed shippes to aide him against the Saracens who at that time did ouer-runne most of the Islands of Europe and chiefly Sicilie but not meeting the enemie they soone returned to the Citie And because we haue spoken of the Saracens it shall not be impertinent to saie somewhat of the originall of the name For it was then verie new and brought in according to the opinion of some in the daies of Mahomet who in his detestable Sermons whereby he hath almost diuerted the whole East from the true light folding them vp in such darkenesse as they could neuer since free themselues off was wont to call all those Sarracens by the name of Sara Abrahams lawfull wife who had embraced his sect as if those which followed his Doctrine had beene by a Diuine oracle the onely lawfull successors and heires of the Diuine promise I will not likewise denie but that this name may be deriued from Sarraca a Citie in Arabia Foelix But all Historians doe in a manner hold the first opinion for true This Nation hath made manie and diuers Roades into Affricke and Europe and manie likewise into Asia but they haue beene ouerthrowne and defeated as well by the French Armies as by those of the Venetians Let vs now returne to the Venetians affaires which of themselues succeeding happily in those daies did afterwards receiue a great encrease by the bodie of St. Marke brought to them from Alexandria after this manner The king of that Countrie caused a magnificent Palace to be built and for the erecting thereof had commaunded to take all the faire and rarest stones from the ancient Churches and other buildings as wel publike as priuate and S. Markes Church in Alexandria being built of the same matter it was thought that it would not bee spared the which Stauracius the Monke and Theodore the Preist both Grecians fearing who did not only celebrate Diuine Seruice there but as Sextens did heedfully keepe that sacred place were in great care But it luckily came to passe that Bono of Malamoc and Rustico of Tourcelles arriued there being driuen by tempest into that place contrarie to the publike appointment with ten ships These men comming for deuotion sake into the said Church and perceiuing the sorrowfulnesse of those two enquired the occasion of their sadnesse and vnderstanding that it proceeded from feare least the Church should bee destroied they assaied to winne them by many goodly promises assuring them that if they wold deliuer vnto them the body of S. Marke that both of them should be greatly honoured of the Venetians At the first they reiected this demaund as holding it a sacrilegious matter to remoue the holy bodie out of his place But it came to passe by the diuine prouideÌce that whilst they were talking about the matter some of those who had coÌmission from the king to seeke such stones came into the Church caused diuers stones which were fit for the building of the new-begun Pallace to be taken thence greatly therby disfiguring the Church These two Sextens being incensed hereat and vehemently vrged by the Venetians to coÌdiscend to their request seeing some likelihood of the Churches ruine did consent to their demand But to the end that the Towns-men who were much addicted to the name of the Saint to the holy place in regard of the many miracles there wrought should not on a sodaine perceiue any thing they did vnrip the cloth behind wherein the holy body was wrapped not medling with the seales which were on the forepart therof did put the bodie of S. Claudina into the sheet in stead of that which they had taken awaie It is reported that at the same time there came such a pleasant sweete smell forth of the Church as euerie one ranne to taste it And the matter
the Caloprini obtained of the Venetians that Stephano and those who had followed him should be repealed from bannishment which the Prince and people granting at Adheleta's request and the Calloprini being returned into their Countrie it hapned that foure of the Morosini remembring fore-passed wrongs did assaile and kill three brethren of the Caloprini sonnes to Stephano as they returned to the Palace entring into a boate to goe home to their houses The Duke was suspected and the people beleeued it that this murther was committed by his consent but hee cleared himselfe in open Assembly The same Prince gaue to Giouanni Morosino at his returne from Aquitain whither he had accompanied Vrseolo Saint Georges Church which stands right ouer against the Market-place with the Marshes adioining which were dependancies of the Dukes Chappell vpon condition to build thereupon a Monasterie for the Religious of the order of Saint Bennet He sent his sonne Mauritio to Basilius Emperour of Greece to the end that being honoured by him with certaine titles hee might appeare more notable among his fellow-Citizens All these things thus executed he was surprized with a grieuous disease by meanes whereof he voluntarily deposed himselfe or as some say he was constrained so to doe by the people the foureteenth yeare of his gouernment for that in the ciuill dissensions he had carried him selfe not like a iust Prince but had euer fauoured one side more than another He liued not long after for so soone as he had made himselfe a Monke he died forthwith ¶ PIETRO VRSEOLO the second the 26. Duke of Uenice PIetro Vrseolo was by the people declared his successor This dignitie was foretold him a long time before as by a Diuine presage by his Father who was a man of an holie life During his gouernment the Venetians State did meruailously encrease both at home and abroade First of all hee obteined of Basilius and Alexis who at the same time did iointly command the Grecian Empire that through all their Dominions the Venetian Marchants should be free by Sea and land from al customes and tributes He did moreouer by his Ambassadours purchase the frendship of the Kings of Aegypt and Siria Then did he win by bountie and good offices the greatest Lords of Italie So soone as hee perceiued a conuenient time to reuenge all the wronges which the Venetians had receiued of the Narentines hee for bad to paie them any more the accustomed yearely tribute for the free commerce and Nauigation of the coast of Dalmatia The Narentines being thereby incensed against the Venetians did sodainely rob and spoile And not satisfied with their thefts at Sea they came on shoare spoiled the Countrie neere to Zara For that Citie alone of all the rest of Dalmatia was at the same time subiect to the Venetians But the Venetians were not onely molested by these incursions but all the neighbour-Nations Likewise who after they had endured it with much discontentment for a while perceiuing the furie of these robbers who abused their patience daily to encrease and foreseeing that those insolent people would neuer giue ouer vnlesse their attempts were assisted Diuers Dalamatians not finding themselues alone strong enough for such an enterprise had recourse to the Venetians The Ambassadours of Liburnia and Histria came thither likewise being all of them sent for this purpose to treate with the Prince in the name of their Common-wealths That if he would send a mightie fleet into Dalmatia against the Narentines to defend the Sea-coastes and the neere nieghbours thereof from the theftes of these Pirats that it would come to passe which they in the name of their fellow-citizens did promise that all Dalmatia along the Sea-coast Liburnia and Histria would submit themselues vnder the Venetians dominion The offers which the Ambassadours made did puffe vp the Princes minde and filled the whole Citie with great hope one day to be Lords of Dalmatia Whereupon fearing to loose such an occasion they resolued to send forth a mightie Fleet. But before wee speake of the setting out thereof wee must briefly make mention of the situation of that Prouince fetching it from farre The Grecians called those Illirians which inhabited the vpper parts of Macedonia and Thrace from the Cahonians and Thesprotti vnto the Riuer of Histria encreasing in bredth from the hilles of Macedon and Thrace euen to the Peonians and the ãâã Sea containing in all fiue daies iourney and in length thrice asmuch The which being measured by the Roman Authors was found to containe 6000. stadij in length and 1200. in bredth Whereby it is apparent that the Ancients haue called all that Illiria which is contained within these limits euen to the Adriatick-Sea comprehending therein Dalmatia and Liburnia They ãâã besides that the Prouince and the Nation were so named by Illirius sonne to Poliphemus and Galathea sometimes Lords of that Countrie that Dardanus Taulanââ¦s with others were his children from whom the Dardanians and Taulantians people of Dalmatia are descended This Prouince such as it is did in times past containe according to the ancient diuision of the Cosmographers Liburnia and Dalmatia At this present all that Countrie whith lieth from Histria verie neere to Liburnia which stretcheth it selfe towards the Adriatick-Sea and almost to the riuer Drillon is called Dalmatia Those who inhabited vpon this riuer were the Dalmatians in times past Since then the Epirots being driuen forth of their Countrie possessed this Prouince euen to Macedon and all the Region is by the Moderns called Albania In this sort Dalmatïa extends it selfe more from the North to the South than from the East to the West Now the armie being in a readinesse and the Soldiours ship't after that Vrseolo had receiued the publicke ensignes in the Church of Oliuollo from the hands of the Bishop he sailed into Dalmatia It was then the spring-time and sailing pleasantly he arriued first at Aquileia after at Grada Vitalis Bishop of the Citie accompanied with the whole Clergie and the people went out to meete him and after he had welcomed him Take saith he Vrseolo this banner of Saint Hermagoras which I wish may be fortunate to thy selfe and to the Commonwealth cause thy Soldiours to follow it among the ensignes of their Countrie and let them fight valiantly vnder it I hope that thou wilt one day confesse that this banner which wee giue thee hath no lesse aided thee in the obtaining of the victorie than the strength and courage of thy people Wee are not ignorant how that by valour all Common-weales are well gouerned but they are much better when they haue God for their guide I doe accept saith the Duke this thy Presage and I pray thee when we are departed hence to beseech that good God to graunt vs a prosperous voiage and victorie ouer our enemies Then bidding him farewell hee came with a faire winde sodainly into Histria Histria is
by the great frost and snow for it was winter they raised their Campe. The Bishop being out of hope to effect any thing did follow them into Hungarie The Venetians recouered Feltre Belluna and other places which had beene lost in that warre they entred the Patrians confines where they wholy ruined the Citie of Prata Philippo Arcia was Generall of the Armie one of the best experienced Captaines of his time He Prata being ruined marched towards Vdina where the gate on the side of Ciuitade being opened to him by Fredericke and others of his partie the Citie was then like to haue beene taken by that treacherie But a great noise raised on a sodaine and the alarme giuen on euerie side all men ranne to armes The Bandetti being amazed at this sodaine and vnlookt for feare hauing lost diuers of their Souldiours who were at hand with the armed Squadrons of the Citie retired without doing any thing Afterward the Venetian Ensignes ranne here and there vpon the Patrians territorie and the Vdinois for certaine yeares were in danger Diuers Cities and Lords of the Forlani did acknowledge the Venetians But the Vdinois perceiuing that it was in vaine to expect reliefe from any place and that the Bishop his arriuall was vncertaine they resolued likewise to yeeld Therefore they sent their Agents to Venice to offer vnto the Venetians their Lands and meanes as well publicke as particular and in Generall all matters both diuine and humane The Agents being friendly entertained the Senate decreed that Fredericke and his associates should be restored to their Citie and their goods By which decree not onely the Sauergnans but their adherents and all those who had beene banished returned into the Citie and their inheritances The whole Countrie of the Patrians in Friul followed the example of the Vdinois The Bishop being aduertized of the Vdinois yeelding thinking it no time to delay came through Germanie with great troupes of Hungarians and fell furiously on the Forlani and at his arriuall in the streights of the Alpes he tooke the Castle of Clasino a most strong and well defended place and neere thereunto that of Mutiano a place then as now well fortified And the Patrians were like to haue receiued a great losse if the Venetian forces sent thither for that purpose had not opportunely by their arriuall broken the enemies designes who were still in the streights of the Alpes The enemies did not onely refuse to fight but they durst not attend the Venetians who came towards them for they came into Italie with an intent rather to robbe and spoile than make warre And by this meanes within few daies after this great stirre all the Countrie of the Patrians was at quiet all those places which the enemie had seized being easily recouered Within a while after the Bishop returned into Italie with a greater Armie and entring the Patrians confines he assailed Mansane and soone after Rosacia But this iourney prooued as vnfortunate as the former whereof we now spake The Venetians at the first newes of the enemies comming were in the field whereat the Bishop being greatly astonished departed forthwith out of Italie And within a while after practizing nouelties he deceased By his death the Vdinois and Patrians were afterward at quiet vnder the gouernement of the Venetians These things hapned abroad But the Citie sustained great losse by fire as it had oftentimes done before The fire breaking forth on a sodaine from the Dukes Palace did in an instant take hold on Saint Markes Church which is verie neere to the same where the flame did so terribly encrease as the lead beeing melted wherewith it was then couered as it is at this day there was nothing left but the open vaults They tooke great paines neere to the Church to keepe the fire from the neighbour-houses The fire being quenched the Senate decreed that no man vnder paine of forfeiting a thousand Ducats should dare to propound to the Senate to pluck downe the old Palace and to reedifie it more sumptuously It is reported that then the Prince preferring the honour of the Common-wealth before his owne priuate profit brought the same summe to the Senate and requested the Senators that they would permit command that the fore-part of the Ducal Palace which was much defaced might be reedified in more sumptuous manner as was befitting for the maiestie of the Common-wealth The publicke Aduocates and Procurators did forthwith craue that the Prince might pay the forfeiture for that he had enfringed the Senates decree The Prince hauing liberally paid the summe did so constantly pursue his proposition as the Senate reuoked their former decree and ordained that the Palace should be new built whereupon the ancient structure was pluckt down and another more sumptuous was begunne But the Prince dyed before it was finished after he had gouerned ten yeares and almost three months His bodie was buried in the Church of the Twinnes Francisco Foscari succeeded him ¶ FRANCISCO FOSCARI the 65. Duke of Uenice HIs promotion was so pleasing to all the people and to the whole Venetian State as in signe of gladnesse there was no holy day for one whole yeare wherein fight at Barriers running at Ring or other sundrie shewes were not presented The yeare following the Porch of Rialto was builded at the charges of Scipioni Boa and afterward built new againe by him because the former building was thought to be of no long continuance The same yeare likewise warre was begunne against Philip Duke of Milan The cause of which painefull and tedious warre we must fetch from farre to the end that all men may know that it was not vndertaken rashly or without cause against so mightie a Prince and a great friend as then to the Venetians but that they were constrained so to doe This Philip was sonne to Galeas Visconte who being left verie young with Iohn Maria his eldest brother did loose a great part of his Principalitie For Galeas being dead diuers Tyrants and pettie Kings beginning to stirre here and there each of them seized on one or many Townes of his Dukedome and like a bodie being left in the middest of them they tare it in peeces But in succession of time as well by his owne valour as that of Francisco surnamed Carmagnolla one of the greatest Captaines of those daies hee did not onely recouer the greatest part of that which did belong to his deceased father but by a wonderfull course of victorie became master of diuers Townes which were neuer possessed by his Ancestors At the last comming to besiege Genoa and the Genoueses being brought to all extremitie it is certaine that they were relieued by the Florentines with a great summe of money on condition that they should giue them for assurance of the lent summe the Citie of Liuorne a verie strong place on the mouth of Arno. Philip perceiuing that the same warre would beget matter of new dissension did neuerthelesse
intent wholy to ouerthrow the Venetian forces vpon Po being stopt by SANSEVERINO returnes without effecting it GIACOMO MARCELLO Generall of the Venetian fleet dies at the siege of Gallipolis which being taken the Venetians make farther incursions into Calabria The enemies Armie comes to Baignols where peace in vaine before motioned at Cesenna is determined and concluded And lastly the triumphes turnaments and barriers made at Venice for ioy of this peace THE Venetians had alreadie mightily preuailed and the warre with Hercules would soone haue beene ended had not Pope Sixtus by his sodaine alteration not onely snatched the victorie forth of their hands but that which worse is thrown them headlong into a dangerous war For the Pope and Ieronimo Visconte by whose councell and aduise all matters were directed ââ¦alling by little and little from the Venetians after Malatestes death did at last openly declare themselues friends to the Feââ¦arois Francisco Diede who at that ââ¦ime was Ambassador with the Pope had of a long time foreseene it and a little before had by letters aduertized the Prince and Senate thereof who to containe them still in league omitted no kinde offices of good friends and confederates It is not certainly knowne vpon what cause they did it The Pope hauing made a league with the enemie did by letters goe about to cause the Venetians to lay downe Armes to induce them no more to warre vpon the Ferrarois and to restore vnto him whatsoeuer till then they had taken from him The Senate moued by these letters were vnwilling to let goe the victorie whereof they had so sure hold and yet desirous to answere the Pope and to let him and all the Princes of Italy and Europe vnderstand that they were not Authors of that warre for they would neuer haue taken armes against Hercules had not Pope Sixtus prouoked them thereunto They decreed that Bernardo Iustiniano a verie eloquent person should in the Common-wealths name answere the Pope The effect of those letters which he composed and after the Senates approbation were sent to Rome is this That the Senate were so farre from entertaining this warre without his Holinesse consent as they did it by his instigation That as at first so now they did not onely preferre peace before warre but before victorie so it were sought for in time and not on such conditions as might make their lenitie inââ¦erpreted in discretion That they were confident his Holinesse actions had no priuate end but such as imported the common good of Christendome onely in this it was notorious to the whole world that he dealt more subtilly than sincerely That for twentie yeares wherein both by land and sea they had beene singled out by dreadfull Ottoman none of the Princes of Italy afforded one drop of bloud towards the quenching of this neighbour flame but seemed deafe to all solicitations lame in assistance But in this priuate cause of Ferrara those which shranke backe from the publike quarrel could all bandie together not as if they would arbitrate but enforce peace That they humbly desired his Holinesse to deliberate this businesse temperately which others did passionately let his owne vnderstanding aduise him whether it more concerned him to fauour the Venetians or the Ferrarois As for them they were resolued to prosecute that warre which by his aduise they had vndertaken hoping the successe should be as happie as the cause iust and honorable This is in summe the import of the Venetian letters But the Pope not respecting his ancient league and perceiuing the Venetians to continue their resolution excommunicated them He had alreadie leagued himselfe with Ferdinand and others And whilest this businesse was pursued by letters to and fââ¦o Alphonso Duke of Calabria came to Ferrara with two thousand men among whom were foure hundred Turkes which he brought from Otranto but they within a while after ranne ouer to the Venetian Vpon his arriuall certaine skirmishes were made neere the Citie himselfe stayed not long there but leauing his troups with his brother in law went first to Mantua and then to Milan But at a councell held at the sametime at Casal-Maior vpon the Cremonese where the commissioners of all the confederate Princes and states met warre was concluded against the Venetians by general consent Fredericke Gonzaga Prince of Mantua had the title of Generall of the Armie but Alphonso Duke of Calabria the honour The Senate hauing intelligence of what had beene concluded in that assembly and considering the dangerous warre they were to oppose the next Spring For the Genoueses excepted whom Giouanni Pascalis sent to that end had exempted all other Princes and States of Italy had coniured their destruction and for the strengthening of their partie they sent into France for Renatus Duke of Lorraine vnto whom they gaue honourable entertainment Antonio Vinciguerra one of the Secretaries had long before solicited him from the Pope and Venetians to come into Italy against the Ferrarois who now the Pope relinquishing the cause remained firme to the Venetians and brought two hundred horse and one thousand foote to their aide Vinciguerra conducted him through the Alpes Bartilmeo Victurini and Nicolao Foscarini Venetian gentlemen went as farre as Trent on the confines of Italy to meete him The Duke of Austria and the other Potentates of Germanie in fauour of the Pope denied passage to the Sauoyards and other French whom Lorraine had enrolled The Spring was alreadie come when Pietro de Priuli and Marco Antonio Morosini came to the Armie as Prouidators The enemies comminations were great but the Senate hauing intelligence that their fauorites in Milan which yet stirred not would if Sanseuerin crossed the Adda raise some commotion vpon difference betwixt the widow of Galeas and Lodouico Sforza after mature deliberation commanded one part of the Armie to passe into Lombardie and the other to remaine before Ferrara Deifebo Aââ¦guillare went before with a braue troope of horse and expected Sanseuerino at Azzola vpon the Bressan Confines Roberto soone followed him leauing the Prince of Mirandola Bernar dino Montone Antoniace Dulcino Gasparo Perussini Alessandro surnamed the Turke and diuers other Captaines at the siege before Ferrara The French Generall went thither likewise with his forces But their arriuall was more terrible to their enemie than profitable to the Venetian the French euerie day mutining Sanseuerino with Marc-Antonio Morosini the Prouidator being come to the Bressan territorie remained for a time at the new Orges then making a bridge ouer the Adda aboue Trezzia and fortifying it at each end himselfe encamped on the further side where he contained his souldiers without executing any hostilitie vpon the Countrey rather like a guest then enemie which was so farre from diââ¦inishing the malice of the Confederates as on the contrarie it increased it hastening not deferring this intended warre Lodouico Sforza with a mightie Armie was in field against the Rossians of Parma who till then had brauely
satisfying his Kings demands Charles raised a new army determining to send it by Sea to the releefe of Caietta vnder the Conduct of the Duke of Orleans who crauing to be excused from that iourney the army was dissolued and the determination to releeue those in the Kingdome of Naples vanished into ayre Lodouico hauing intelligence of what-soeuer was done in France and now no more fearing the French was aduertised by letters from his frends of the Pisans request made to the Venetians whervppon hee intreated the Senate to receiue him as an associate in the defense and protection of Pisa because that the Florentines were leagued with King Charles and him-selfe had taken their Ambassador in his owne Dominions which was going into France This businesse sundry times debated in the Senate it was at last concluded by the generall consent of the Ambassadors that Pisa should bee defended at the common charge of the Pope Venetians and Duke of Milan and that two thousand foot should bee leuyed at Genoa by the Venetians to bee sent to Pisa. Herevpon the Florentines raised 6000. foot and with the ordnance sent them to Pisa before the enemies forces were assembled hoping to take the cittie But comming neere to the gates those within the towne made a salley and after a furious charge vpon the enemy defeated and put them to route and tooke their ordnance Not long after Paulo Vitelli the Romane a valiant and braue Captaine forsooke the Pisans and went to Florence where beeing honorably entertained and made Generall of their Army hee marched with 10000. foote against the Pisans and at his arriuall lodged in the Citties suburbes from whence the townesmen did beate and repulse him but the Florentines winning them againe were enforced to quit them and to giue ouer the siege to defend their owne confines against Pietro de Medicis who was said to be comming with great forces against the citty of Florence accompanied by this kinsmen the Vrsini The Venetians in the meane time leuied fiue hundred foote at Genoa whom they sent to Pisa the like did Lodouico The Florentines hauing vsed all their cunning to take the Cittadell of Pisa as well by meanes of the King as money the gouernour thereof prouoked by his owne inclination to the French that were in Pisa or by secret Commissions from the Lord of Ligni whose Lieutenant hee was or else beeing enamored on a young maiden of Pisa for it is not likely that money alone would haue preuailed with him seeing hee might haue receiued a greater summe of the Florentines was very loath to yeeld vp the Castle but in the end beeing enforced by the Kings frequent commandements and threatnings hee surrendred it to the Pisans hauing first receiued twenty thousand Ducats of them whereof twelue thousand fell to his owne share and eight thousand for the soldiors that were in it The Pisans running in heapes to the Cittadell razed it downe to the ground But because they found themselues too weake to resist the Florentines they sent to craue ayde at one time of the Pope Emperor Venetians Duke of Milan Geneuois Seinoiâ⦠and Lukeses but they were most earnest with the Venetians and Duke of Milan on whom they relyed more then on any other because hee had prouoked them to rebell and had speedily releeued them But the Duke though hee extreamly desired it did neuerthelesse doubt whither hee should accept it or no fearing least the other confederates should take it ill by whose councell the treaty of the State of Pisa had bin begun as a matter common to them all and standing in need of them hee durst not openly declare himselfe vntill the King were wholy forth of Italy But the Pisans then grew cold hoping to bee releeued by the Venetians who without sparing for any cost did bountifully supply them with all things wherevpon they betooke themselues to their protection and were receiued by the Senate after long contââ¦station among the Senators The Venetians at the same time had taken Astor Lord of Faenza into their pay and accepted the protection of his state which was very fit for to bridle the Florentines Bologneses and all the rest of Romagnia To these particular aides of the Venetians other supplies from the Confederates were ioyned for the Pope Venetians and Duke of Milan sent certaine companies of men at armes paid in common to the ayde of Ferdinand In the meane time Antonio Grimani beeing enforced by his indisposition of body to retire from Corfou to Venice Melchior Treuisan was in his steed sent as Generall to the fleet who going to Corfou with certaine Galleys did presently saile into Puglia and from thence into Calabria where hee vnited himselfe with the rest of the Venetian vessels and with them enforced diuerse townes to yeeld to Ferdinand Whilest the whole kingdome of Naples was filled with warre and troubles King Charles hauing vnderstood the losse of the two Castles in Naples through want of supplies began a new to bend his thoughts on the affaires of Italy and to determine to goe thither againe in person This desire dayly increasing in him wherevnto diuers great Lords both French and strangers prouoked him Therefore his councell concluded that Triuuââ¦cio who not long before was come forth of Italy to his Court should returne in post to Ast as Lieutenant to the King and with him eight hundred Launces two thousand Swisses and two thousand French foot that the Duke of Orleance should ere long follow him with greater forces and the King last of all with all prouisions moreouer that thirty ships in the hauens of Prouence where thirty Gallies Gallions were to be armed should saile through the Ocean with supplies of men victualls munition and money into the Realme of Naples and that in the meane time whilest the fleet was making ready certaine vessels well manned and victualled should bee sent thither The rumor of these preparations in France diuulged in Italy did much trouble the Confederates especially Lodouico Sforza who was the first to be exposed to the enemies fury but most of all when hee vnderstood that the King had dismissed his Agents with sharpe and bitter speeches He sent Ambassadors to the Emperor to draw him into Italy and others to Venice to request the Venetians to contribute towards this expence to preuent this common danger and to send certaine troupes to Alexandria to make head against the French The Venetians freely offered to send forces to Alexandria but they were not so willing to giue their consent for the Emperors passage who was no great friend to their State yet fearing least Lodouico whom they knew to bee fearefull and timorous should fully reconcile himselfe to the French King they agreed to send Ambassadors to the Emperor to the same end And standing in doubt of the Florentines they sent word to Giouan Bentiuole to make warre vpon them with such forces as the Confederates should furnish him on
hauing lost diuers of their men there with two peices of ordinance which the Almaines tooke from them in a salley thinking it lost time to tarry there any longer seeing they could not enforce the enemies to fight they went to Rouero and the Almains to Trent the most parte of whom within a while after disbanded Mazimilian who during these warlike exploits had runne vp and downe from place to place to be releiued with men and money perceiuing all men to forsake him after the defeat of his forces at Cadora sent a Gentleman of his to Venice to craue truce for three monethes but the Senate contemned it and would not grant any for lesse then a whole yeare not without the knowledge and consent of the French King Maximilian being the more danted for the losse of Tryeste and other places of the Sea-coast did solicite the Bishop of Trent to inuite as of himselfe the Venetians to truce thinking by that meanes the sooner to purchase Peace The Venetians made answer That it lay not in their power but that he ought to mooue the French King For this purpose Commissioners were appointed to meet and conferre together for Maximilians part the Bishop or Trent and Serentano the Emperors Secretary for the French King Triuulce and Iacomo Galfredo President of Millan and for the Venetians Zacharie Contarene a particular Ambassador deputed for that businesse Conferring together they easily condiscended to all conditions sauing that the Frenchmen would haue a generall truce and that all the confederates of either of them as well out of Italy as within should be therein comprized and especially the Duke of Guelders wherevnto Maximilians Agents would not consent because their maister had determined to ruine that Duke saying that in the treaty there was nothing mentioned but the warres of Italy and that nothing ought to be entermingled therewith but that which concerned Italy The Venetians did all they might to content the French King but perceiuing the Almaines to be obstinate in that businesse they resolued for their part to accept of truce in the same manner as they had concluded it beeing desirous to free themselues from such a warre which lighted wholly on their dominions and notwithstanding the protestation of the French Kings Commissioners that a mutuall enterprise ought not to be finished but in common the Venetians went on and concluded the truce on the twentith of Aprill the which was speedily ratified by the Emperour and the Venetians by meanes whereof the warrs ceased betwixt them and diuers did hope that Italy thereby should for a time enioye Peace and quiet Armes beeing layd a side Aluiana and Cornare returned to Venice where they were receiued with great pompe and in a manner triumphall The French King hauing intelligence that the truce was concluded and signed shewed signes of discontent and complained to Antonio Condelmerio Ambassador for the Venetians in his Court saying that he had not deserued of the Seigneiury of Venice that without staying for his answer and consent they had granted truce to Maximilian That he did not greatly care if the confederates of Italy were comprized therein prouided that the Duke of Guelders might be assured in his state whom he much affected and yet neuerthelesse the Signory had made his desire frustrate wherein he did hope to be assisted and furthered And yet he had an hundred thousand crownes ready to employ in his ayde and that he would not endure that any wrong should be done to him by the fault of his confederates The King hauing vttered these words in choller did repent him of it and feining to forget all matters he beganne to entertaine him with more pleasing discourse namely when the Ambassador had excused the common-wealth and told him that the Senate euer had a principall regard to maintaine him in the Dutchy of Millan to the end that whilest the truce lasted hee might not be molested in that State The King gaue him then some hope that he would ratifie the truce but in himselfe he beganne to thinke on all meanes how to be reuenged The Emperor on the other side not digesting the brauadoes which the Venetians had offered him and being desirous to resent the wrongs which he had receiued because he had no hope to draw any more aid from the Germaine Princes made shew that he had a will to vnite himselfe with the French King against the Venetians as the only remedy to recouer his honor and lost states The Pope likewise prouoked the King against them because besides the old hatred which he did beare to them he thought that the Bandetti of Furli who dwelt at Faenza had by their meanes made some attempt on that Citty The King calling to minde besides his new displeasure for the truce all the wronges which he thought they had done him in his warres of Naples and beeing desirous to snatch forth of their handes Cremona and other townes which had beene a long time possessed by the Dukes of Millan had the same inclination like to the Emperor wherefore the better to bring it to passe they began betwixt theÌselues to haââ¦ken to the contentioÌ betwixt the Arch-duke the D. of Geldres and for that purpose they chose the Citty of Cambray for their place of conference Whether from the Emperor came the Lady Marguerit his daughter Regent of the Low Countreys and Mathew Langy the Secretary and for the French King the Cardinall of Amboise who vnder coulour of treating a peace betwixt the Arch-duke and the Duke of Guelders as they gaue it forth to the end that the true cause might not be knowne to the Venetians they concluded a perpetuall peace and confederacy betwixt the Pope the Emperor the French King and the King of Arragon against the Venetians each of them to recouer those things which they held from them The new confederacie beeing thus concluded the Cardinall of Amboise departed from Cambray the Bishop of Paris and the Count of Carpy went to the Emperor from the French King for the ratification of the peace who did soone ratifie and confirme it by oath the like did the French King and when it was afterwards brought to the King of Arragon albeit he had some doubt in his mind yet neuerthelesse he did forth with ratifie it with the same solemnities But the Pope made more difficulty in the matter beeing on the one side swayed by a desire to recouer the citties of Romagnia and with his hatred to the Venetians and on the other side his feare of the French Kings forces did greatly mooue him As also for that he thought it a dangerous matter for himselfe if the Emperour by recouering from the Venetians the places which they held and which did belong to the Empire should grow too great in Italy To preuent this inconuenience hee thought it more commodious to seeke to recouer his townes by a more gentle way then by warre To this
thing which could cut off the hope which all men had conceiued of the victory and that was the comming downe of the Suisses For the common report was that the Suisses had with such affection entertained the protection and safegard of Duke Maximilians state as it was certainly thought that they would omit nothing which might further the conseruation thereof This Nation was at the same time very famous for their exact obseruation of martiall discipline and they could by no meanes swallow the contempt and disgrace wherein King Lewis held them at such time as hee sent to renew the league with them as hath beene said hauing more esteemed a little ouer-plus of money then their friendship as also because the desire of gaine did prouoke them therevnto hauing seene their fellowes to returne home from other warres victors and loden with wealth Now these Suisses hauing assembled their generall Councell did all with one consent resolue to make warre on the French and they proceeded therein with such earnestnesse as the most of them contrary to their custome enrolled themselues for very small pay diuerse also without any pay at all and in a short time after they leuyed a great Army both of horse and foote which beganne to come downe into the Dutchie of Milan one company after an other The newes of their comming downe did at the first amaze the French in regard of the recent remembrance of matters brauely executed by them But when they considered that they brought no cauallery with them nor victualls artillery nor ought else fit for such an enterprise they thought it best not to enforce such enemies who came rather to steale then to fight being so vnprouided of all warlike necessaries as they assured themselues that their Army would shortly dissolue it selfe as it had done at other times and would returne home againe by reason of the want of all things The French therefore contemning them in this manner hauing left a strong garrison in Alexandria came and encamped before Nouara Their intent was to trye if they could winne those Suisses by money rather then by force and to practise with them for money to deliuer Maxmillian Sforza into their hands as the same nation had done by his Father Lodouico Sforza in the same place And if this should not fall out they thought it no hard matter to take that Towne the winning whereof as they thought would bee the ending of the warre But the wise and well experienced Captaines did deride these designes and vaine imaginations and did blame the French who insteed of assailing the Spanish Armie and breaking it which they might easily haue done did busie themselues in besieging Nouara and employing all their forces there which was directly against Gritti his aduise who did many times put the French Captaines in minde of the fault which they committed in not first of all assailing the Spaniniards who seemed to bee the enemies chiefe prop. In regarde whereof the Senate thinking it fitte to bee done had commanded their Generall to make a bridge ouer Adda causing it to bee giuen forth that hee would presently with the whole Army passe ouer and ioyne with the French to the end that the Spaniards beeing mooued by this report might not alone abstaine from ayding the Suisses but thinking how to escape might bee enforced to returne to Naples But the French trifling the time vainely before Nouara brake all these sound determinations and found them-selues to bee entangled with many difficulties because the rumor dayly encreased that of a certaine great ayde was comming to the besieged the which did make their enterprise more difficult And as their discamping from thence would greatly blemish their reputation and encrease the enemies boldnesse euen so their long stay there was dangerous and vnprofitable And therefore diuerse Captaines were of opinion to retire from those boggy places and to goe into the Champaigne countrey where their cauallery wherein their chiefe hope consisted might bee employed and shew their valour councelling to goe and meete the enemies promising vnto them-selues to obtaine the victory with ease they comming so vnfurnished of all warlike preparations But the authority and opinion of Triuulcio did most preuaile who thought it not fit to hazard the whole on the vncertaine euent of a battaile but by altering their forme of warre to retire two miles off from the Citty neere to the Riuer Mora to the end that being safely encamped they might cut off the enemies victuals and enforce them thereby to yeeld The Campe being gone thus farre from the citty certaine troopes of Suisses entred it without any empediment where they were receiued with great ioy and not loosing one minute of time Captaine Motir one of the chiefe of the bands called them all into the market place of Nouara where after he had encouraged them with most vehement speeches hee resolued with them by a generall consent to depart about midnight and on a sodaine by the fauour of the night to goe and assaile the French Campe wherevpon hee commanded them to goe to rest and to refresh their bodies and to bee ready when the drumme should call them This nation did neuer make a more bold and braue attempt being a few against many without horse and Artillery against an Armie excellently well prouided of all necessaries About midnight then they sallied with great fury forth of Nouara on the sixt day of Iune in the yeare 1513. They were about tenâ⦠thousand men who were disposed and ordered in such manner as seauen thousand were appointed to assaile the ordnance about which the Lansquenets were lodged and the residue should march with their long pikes against the men at armes The French being come into that place hauing continued the remainder of the day and a part of the night in armes betooke themselues heere and there to sleep according to the report of the spies at Nouara not doubting that any such accident would so soone befall them hauing in no sort fortified their Campe. The tumult and confusion was very great vpon the Sentinels report of the enemies comming The Artillery began to play with great fury vpon those who came to assayle it and did greatly hurt them Triuulcio was lodged in the middest of the battaile because Trimouille sought in the right wing and Robert de la Marche on the left each of them exhorting the Souldiers to doe well The men at Armes did readily put them-selues in battaile and the Lansquenets who were followed by the other footmen did on a sodaine place themselues in order The Suisses notwithstanding that many of their fellowes fell downe dead round about them did neuerthelesse with marueilous boldnesse marche forward vpon the ordnance not ââ¦esteeming present death nor were danted at the death of those that fel downe at their feete vntill that comming vnto the Artillerie the Lansquenets and they did charge one another with incredible fury fighting with great
that the Pope complayning of the Emperours captaines entred into summe suspition of them as if they had drawne forth the seege of Parma at length vntill that necessity had enforced them to discampe perceiuing that his great desire to obtaine that City made him freely to contribute to all the charges and expences of the warres The Emperour on the other side hauing discouered the Popes suspition feared that if he should obtaine that which he pretended to haue by the treaty of agreement betwixt them he would then giue ouer the remainder of the enterprize as easily as he had forsaken the French Kings alliance excusing himselfe either vpon the cost or danger of the warres wherevpon for the better assurance of his deseignes he resolued if it were possible to draw the Venetians to his party and ioyne them to the league and to that end he determined to send Alpââ¦so Saus to Venice to remaine there as Ambassador for the Impâ⦠Maiesty and whom he caused with great cunning and vehemency to ãâã againe to the Senate that to ioyne with him and the Pope was the true meanes to obtaine peace no lesse by him desired then by themselues and for a testimony of his speech hee aleadged That although the Emperour might obtaine the Dutchy of Milan by iust title yet neuerthelesse he would inuest Francis Sforza Duke of Baâ⦠therein thereby to reduce the affaires of Italy to a quiet and peace able State At the last Prospero Colonna beganne to march first bending towards the Riuer Adda to passe iâ⦠and afterwards to march directly to Milan which was the whole ayme of the warre Lautrec beeing aduertized hereof did soone dislodge from the Cremona territory where hee had for a certaine time remained and marched towards Cassan to stoppe the enemies passage of the Riuer who neuerthelesse by their speedy comming thither before the French did crosse it betwixt Riua and Cassan and then went on their way towards Milan Lautrec being preuented of his hope did in great hast follow the ãâã being desirous if occasion serued to offer them battaile But Prospero Colonna not meaning to hazard any thing proceeded in such manner as hee looke away all meanes of comming to a battaile which Lautrec perceiuing did at last retire with his army which did dayly decrease especially the Swisses who went their ãâã without leaue vnder collour that they wanted their pay and came to Milan leauing the Venetian Prouidator with the artillery at Lodi because that their Generall Triuulcio hauing followed Lautrec had entred with him into Milan Now Lautrec beeing come to Milan perceiuing his owne army to be diminished and that of the enemies to be mightily encreased he caused the Bastions and rampiers to bee razed which the Duke of Bourbon had before then caused to bee made resoluing not to stirre from thence and there to expect aide from France Prospero hauing crossed the Adda and hauing intelligence that Lautrec was retired to Milan fortifying it in all hast determined to follow him and came and lodged in an Abbey with in foure miles off Milan called Cherauall where being vncertaine what he were best to doe in regard of the great numbers of men that were within the City a husbandman was brought before him that had beene taken comming from Milan who told him in the presence of all the captaines that hee was sent by some of the Imperiall faction that were within the City to Ieronimo Moron to let them know that if they would march directly to Milan they were certaine that hee might enter it but if they should delay the matter and giue the French men leisure to fortifie themselues it would not then bee in their power to expell them Vpon this aduertisement it was concluded by the chiefe captaines that the Marquis of Pescara with the Spanish bands whom he then commanded should march directly to the Roman gate to be there at sunne set Theodore Triuulcio Generall of the Venetian army had the gard of that gate and the suburb where the Marquis of Pescara being come taking twelue hundred men for that seruice hee gaue directly in vpon a bastion that was new begunne and not yet defensible wherevpon those of the gard were so amazed as without fight they were put to rout forsaking their gard and fortifications Theodore Triuuâ⦠Commander of those troupes being sicke in his bead did on a sodaine arise and marched against the enemies with such few souldiers as hee could gather together to susteine that attempt thinking that they would follow him but Night not blushing and beeing vnaccompanied he was beaten downe and taken prisoner with Iulio of Saint Seuerin the Marquis of Vigeua Mercurio Buono captaine of the Venetian light horse Lodouico Marin Secretary to the common-wealth with diuers others Lautrec hauing notice that the Venetian army being surprized had abandoned the suburbes without any fight came with the residue of the army before the place of the castle But perceiuing that there was no meanes to keepe the City the said suburbe being lost determined to retire and tooke the direct way towards Coma with all his men at armes to be nere the Swisses expecting the succor that was to come from France hauing before his departure left captaine Masearon a Gascon to command the castle with fifty men at armes and six hundred French foot The enemies being masters of the city made an inestimable spoile there without any exception of persons for the sacke lasted tenne whole daies no commandement being of force to cause the souldiers to giue ouer The Venetian horsmen departed from Laude and were comming towards Milan but hauing intelligence by the way of the Cities losse Lautrecs retreat they escaped to Bergamo Lautrec being come to Coma the foure thousand Swisses that remained in the French campe did the morrow after retire home towards their country their captaines not being able to hold them backe Lautrec departing afterwards from Coma with the residue of his troupes went to Lec where hauing crossed the Riuer hee placed all his men at armes in garrison in the Venetian country but so soone as he was gonne from Coma the enemies came thither who hauing battered it ten or twelue daies tooke it by composition Vpon report of these conquests of the enemies Lauda Pauia Parma and Placentia yeelded vnto them without any difficulty Cremona within a while after did the like but Lautrec comming thither on a sodaine with his forces did forthwith recouer it by meanes of the castle which held out yet for the French In this sort did the French lose without being defeated or fighting any one Battaile that goodly and ritch State which they had purchased at so high a price and with so much effusion of blood Prospero Colonna in the meane time to make vse of his good fortune pursued Lautrec seeking wholly to defeat him who as hath beene said departing from
Antonio Adorni Duke of Genoa and the Marquis of Montferrat were ioyned in this league as for the Pope and the King of England they were named Gardians and conseruers of this conuention This accord beeing thus established and confirmed the Senate elected two Ambassadors to send to the Emperor namely Lorenzo Prieuli and André Nouagiero and to the Archduke his brother Carlo Contaren to reioyce with them for the new league and for to giue them ample testimony of their affection towards the house of Austria And because that Triuulcio Generall for the Venetians did greatly affect the French the Senate in that regard did honorably dismisse him seeming to be very well pleased with his former seruice by offering him a yeerly pention of three thousand crownes if he would continew with them as a priuate Cittizen till such time as a better opportunity and occasion should present it selfe but refusing their offer he went into France And in his place they chose Francisco Maria Duke of Vrbin Generall of their forces with the same conditions taking vpon them the protection of his State against all men In Italy all men thought that seeing the Venetians were contrary to the French King who in time before had fauoured him that hee would forbeare to come into Italy to enuade the Dutchy of Milan but when they vnderstood how that hee did not onely continue his preparations but that his army began already to march those who feared his victory did forthwith make a new confederacie to resist him and perswaded the Pope to bee the chiefe thereof In very deed it was a thing to be wondered at that so soone as the French King had certaine newes that the league betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians was concluded and finished hee made greater preparations then before to marche into the field where as in times past beeing solicited by the Venetians hee proceeded therein more slowly and that which is more hee bent his thoughts on the Dutchy of Milan at such time as hee had most reason to looke to his owne kingdome in regarde of the Duke of Bourbons practises with the Emperor the which beeing discouered hee forsooke the Realme and retired himselfe to the sayd Emperor according to his former proiect by meanes whereof the King determined for that time not to pursue his iourney into Italy and yet neuerthelesse keeping at home with him part of those forces prepared for the new warre hee sent the Lord of Boniuet Admirall of France thither with eighteene hundred Lances sixe thousand Suisses two thousand Grisons two thousand Valesians sixe thousand Lansquenets two thousand French-men and three thousand Italians who hauing passed the Mounts with that Armie and beeing come to the borders of the Dutchy of Milan marched directly towards Nouara the which beeing not well fortified neither with Soldiers nor Rampiers did soone yeeld the Castle excepted the like did Vigeua and all the rest of the Countrey on the hether side of the riuer Thesin Prospero Colonna who could not bee perswaded that the French King would perseuer in his determination to assaile the Dutchy of Milan for that yeare as well because that the Venetians were confederated against him as for the Duke of Bourbons rebellion had not so soone as need required assembled his soldiers who were lodged in sundry places nor made necessary prouisions for so great a motion solicited all men to vnite themselues together to hinder the French from passing ouer the Thesin The Venetians on the other side beeing aduertised of the Frenchmens arriuall did sodainly command all their men at armes to meete vpon the bankes of the Riuer Olio determining at the same time to make a leuy of sixe thousand foote and foure hundred light horse to send them according to the treaty of the Confederacie for the defence of the Dutchie of Milan and three thousand other footemen to lye in garrison in their Citties and strong Townes they made Leonardo Eme their Prouid ator generall and sent a speedy messenger to the Duke of Vrbin to will him to march forth-with into Lombardy for the execution of his charge there And hauing notice of the Lord of Boniuets progression they commauded their Prouidator to leade their forces into the Country of Giradade to assure the Citties of Bergamo and Crema and like-wise to releeue speedily the Citty of Milan whither the French did bend all their deseignes The French being come to Vigeua finding the waters of the riuer to bee shallower then Prospero supposed part of them beganne to passe ouer at a ford and others in boates within foure miles of the Imperialls Campe and made a bridge for the artillery at a place where they found no gard nor resistance whereof Prospero being aduertized did speedily send a hundred men at armes and three thousand foot for the gard of Pauia and him-selfe with the residue of the army went into Milan where by the aduice of all the Captaines hee beganne to repaire the bastions and rampiers of the suburbes which had beene neglected since the last warre so as if the French had directly come to Milan the Imperialls would haue forsaken the Citty and would haue gone either to Pauia or Coma for it was so resolued in their Councell but hauing stayed longer then they should neere to the riuer Thefin to vnite them-selues together they came afterwards to Saint Christophers within a mile of Milan and then comming betwixt the gate of Thesin and the Roman they planted their ordnance in the vantgard making shew as if they would asalt the Citty but after they had encamped there certaine daies without assailing it at all in regard of the great forces that were within it they went to Monce which they tooke with ease from thence Captaine Bayard and Frederic of Bossola marched towards Lauda on which being altogether abandoned they likewise seazed Then determining to releeue the Castle of Cremona they marched on the Cremonois and being without any difficulty come neere to the Castle they did refresh it with victualls and other necessaries and resolued to assaile the Citty The Ambassadors of the Emperor and the Duke of Milan which lay at Venice being moued by these dangers did solicite the Senate to send their forces ouer the riuer Oglio to the end that they might goe and encampe in some stronge and safe place on the Cremonois to diuert the French from the seege of Cremona albeit their whole enterprizes were onely for the taking of Milan for which part of their forces were at Carauagia and at Monce to stop the Venetian army from passing on any farther The Imperialls perceiuing the enemies intent did solicite the Venetians to ioyne with them not considering the perills and difficulties that did present themselues by meanes whereof the Senate knowing that the same businesse did depend on the sytuation of places and on sundry accidents which happened did referre the whole matter to the iudgement and discretion
deseignes the Duke of Vrbin hauing passed Thesin beganne to scoure the Contrey and hauing on euery side beaten the plaines he went and encamped before Garlas a towne strongly fenced with dikes and Rampiers wherein were foure hundred Italian footmen to which after he had made a breach he gaue an assault the very same day and tooke it by force with great slaughter of those that were within it The taking of this towne caused diuers others to yeeld vnto him The Admirals hope beeing grounded vpon two points both of them failed him The one was that Rante de Cera comming downe with eight thousand Grisons into the Venetians territories would constraine them to call back their forces to defend their owne Contrey aud the other was that the ayd of Suisses which the King sent to him would speedily arriue and fill vp his army which was much diminished but both those hopes prooued vaine For the Grisons would not depart from their houses when they vnderstood that they should find resistance and no aide and the Suisses being come to the bankes of the riuer Stesia tarried there still beeing not able to passe it by reason of the great encrease of the waters wherevpon the Admirall being pressed by the Enemies and the nomber of his forces daily decreasing being desirous to ioyne with them commanded a bridge to be made ouer that riuer and the day following he caused all his soldiers to passe ouer to the Suisses the enemies being lodged within two miles of them Now the Imperialls perceiuing in what disorder the French were retired who left diuers peices of Ordnance with other munition behind them intreated the Duke of Vrbin to pursue them in their company wherevnto the Duke of Vrbin seemed to consent But the Prouidator refusing so to doe the Venetians would not passe ouer the riuer thinking that they had already passed farther then they were tyed to by the bonds of the Confederacy by which they were bound to nothing elce but for the defence of the Dutchy of Milan and they had entred into the lands of the Duke of Sauoy for which refusall the Duke of Vrbin was greatly commended and the Senate being desirous to acknowledge it albeit he had not serued them long did neuerthelesse honour him with the Title of Generall of all their forces as well horsse as foot with a present recompence Now whilst the Venetians were busied in this war sondry cares dangers troubled them from elsewhere for they had intelligence that Soliman practized some high attempt and was desirous to execute it by reason that he made great preparations of Soldiers and armor the which did much amaze them and caused them to keepe strong garrisons in all their sea townes and cheefly in the I le of Ciprus whereunto they knew the Turke aspired and to furnish that expence imposed a loane as well on their perticular citââ¦izens as on al their citties and subiects which speedily furnished them with ready money In this meane time the French King notwithstanding the bad successe of his army had neither lost his courage nor his desire to returne into Italy being the more prouoked thereunto by the disdaine which he had conceiued of the Emperor who not beeing satisfied with taking vpon him the defence of the state of Milan did moreouer trouble him in his owne Realme by stirring vp the King of England against him wherevpon he made great warlike preparations to returne himselfe in person into Italy the which he hoped to doe with more ease and speed because his Army was safely returned into France These newes did greatly trouble the Senators not only in regard of the huge expence they were to be at by reason of their alliance with the Emperor for the defence of the state of Milan but likewise for the feare they were in of their owne state the French King beeing mightely incensed against them not so much for that which they had done in their last encounters as for that they being since then sollicited to returne to his alliance and to quit the Emperors they had wholy refused it The Venetians being then aduertised that the French army passed the mounts did cause all their forces which lay in sondry places in Garrison to meet on the Verona territory whether they sent word to the Duke of Vrbin to come and willed Pessare their Prouidator to goe thither with all speed to waite what should be commanded him The Pope in the meane time being shaken with feare sondry suspitions told the Venetians that it was well done to be vnited with himselfe and the Emperor and to proceed matuââ¦ely in all matters for the liberty of Italy and for the defeÌce of the stare of Milan that they possibly could but if they should not find themselues strong enough to resist the mighty army of the French it were better to seeke in time to reconcile themselues to the most Christian King then to delay it till he should fiercely march against them thereby to auoyd those insolencies which doe vsually follow victories He willed them to consider that the power of the French was very great and of force to ouerturne the whole state of Italy and ãâã they should doe well to send ample power and authority to Marco Eoscare their Ambassador at Rome to treat of that which the French had already offered them Though the Pope propounded all this by way of Councell yet neuerthelesse it was perceiued thereby that his meaning tended to a new confederacy with the French the better to assure the state of the Church and that of Florence For which the Senate did not yet perceiue any reason so soone and without cause to quit the Emperors alliance to returne to that of the French King seeing it would ãâã argued ouermuch lightnesse and inconstancy and small discretion to make the Emperor their enââ¦my before they were certaine of the French Kings will and therefore they had determined that their army should enter into the state of Milan to be employed in the Emperors seruice but the Duke of Vrbin before he would execuââ¦e their determination sent them word how dangerous a matter it were for the Common-wealth to send their army abroad at that time because that if they with their forces should assure the state of Milan it was to be feared that the enemy would turne his deseignes somewhere elce and perhaps against their ãâã and therefore he said that it were best to tarry till the French army had passed the riuer Sila before that they did put their resolution in practise But the French making great hast were sooner in the Dutchy of Milan then they were lookt for and from ãâã ãâã directly to the Citty they came to the subâ⦠of the gate of Thesin before it could be sufficiently rampierd and prouided ãâã ãâã herevpon all the Captaines were of opinion to forsake it therfore the Duke ãâã ãâã the Viceroy and Sforza retired to Soncina
deliuery yet neuerthelesse shee entreated the Signory to assist her in so iust a cause and so profitable for them and all Italy by ioyning themselues with the Lords of France to enforme the Emperor Charles to set the King her sonne at liberty vpon honorable conditions The Senate vpon these entreaties did manifest their great griefe for the Kings disastrous fortune with that of the kingdome declaring the great affection which it did beare to the crowne of France and for that present made none other answer but this That because the businesse was of great importance it deserued to haue the Councell assembled to determine thereof But during these practises the Pope who had sent the Archbishop of Capua into Spaine to make an agreement with the Emperor did raââ¦ifie the accord concluded and determined before with the Viceroy by which the Venetians were excluded from it if within twenty dayes after the signifying thereof they did not ratifie it by meanes whereof the Senate was enforced to renew their treaties with the Emperours Ambassadors and to send in regarde of the difficulties of importance which were offered Petro Pesare to Milan to treate with the Viceroy The French in the meane time did not giue ouer their former pursutes beeing not yet out of hope to ioyne the Venetians to themselues albeit the Popes authoritie might then haue drawne them to a contrary resolution wherevpon the Bishop of Bayeux and Ambrose of Florence came to Venice to make in the name of the said Lady Regent and in that of the whole Kingdome more certaine and resolute propositions then at the former time concerning the league and the Kings freedome For this cause as also for that apparent signes were dayly discouered of the Emperours great ambition by reason of the deseignes of his Officers and Agents which tended onely to make him absolute Lord of the State of Milan and of all Italy these French Ambassadors were attentiuely heard in the Senate and their cause consulted on The Marquis of Pescara at the same time entring Milan with three thousand foote two hundred men at armes and with great numbers of light horse required the Duke to deliuer into his hands the Castle of Milan with that of Cremona speaking plainely That hee was come to take possession of the Cittie of Milan beeing sent thither by the Emperour for the same purpose in whose name all Proclamations and other Mandates were already published and although the Pope sought to procure the Emperour to accomplish the Articles of the confederacie by consigning the State of Milan into the hands of Duke Francis Sforza all his pursutes were in vaine for delaying the matter from day to day hee made now one excuse and then an other imputing to the Duke diuerse faults committed by him and among others That hee had treated with the Venetians to deliuer the Castle of Milan vnto them a matter which was neuer thought of by eyther of them These things with diuerse others did greatly with-draw the Venetians affection from the Emperour and caused them to giue no more credit to all his promises nor the Pope likewise who speedily to preuent those perills which threatned them dayly resolued to ioyne in league in regarde there was some difficulty and more trouble and ââ¦ediousnesse to call the French into it The Pope then renouncing the accord formerly made with the Emperour contracted a new one aswell in his owne name as in the Florentines for the which hee strengthened himselfe with the Duke and Senate of Venice in which agreement it was mentioned that they should ioyne together to preuent those dangers which the experience of things past had taught them might happen and so assure the peace and quiet of Italy and their owne states in perticular each of them taking vppon them the protection of one anothers states and persons running altogether one selfe-same fortune not beeâ⦠gââ¦wfull for eyther of them to treate with any other Prince to the preâ⦠of that accord and to succour one an other with foure thousand foote-men foure hundred men at armes three hundred light horse and with greââ¦er numbers if ãâã were And it was more-ouer added therevnto that the Venetians should bee bound to defend and maintaine the greatnesse and power of the house of Medicis to stoppe and preuent all tumult and commotions which any sââ¦ditious mutins should practise against it and to ãâã and assist him who soeâ⦠hee were that the Pope should place aâ⦠cheefe Gouernâ⦠in the Citty of Florence These things beeing thus concluded and sworne to the Pope the better to begin for his part to prepare that which was concluded on commanded the Marquis of Mantua to visit the Parmesan with his men at armes taking order besides to hasten the Grisons and Suisse footmen where they had begun to leuy but very slowly The Venetians on the other side determined to encrease their Armie to the number of ten thousand foote to make a leuy in Greece of other three hundred light horse and generally to prouide for all matters belonging to their safety And that which did greatly incite them therevnto was the curtezie which the King of England vsed towards the French who beeing iealous of the Emperors power and greatnesse fearing that if hee should grow too mighty hee might afterwards chance to tread him vnder foote conuerted his ill will towards the King into friendship so as he treated with the Lady Regent and the Councell of France promising them all ayde and succour possible as well of men as money to set the King at liberty and to free Italy from all oppression This treaty beeing passed betwixt the Pope and the Venetians gaue hope that they should bee vnited with the Realme of France but they proceeded therein after an vnusuall manner because that the Pope supposing that by the confederacie which hee had already made hee had time enough to preuent dangers and to bee able in the meane time to obtaine more reasonable conditions of the Emperor hee proceeded very slowly in his agreement with the French and cheefely since the Duke of Sessas comming to Rome who was sent from the Emperor to his Holynesse to signifie vnto him the great desire hee had to peace and to restore Francis Sforza vnto the Dutchy of Milan beeing found innocent of those crimes imposed vpon him or if hee were guilty to inuest his brother Maximillian in it But the Venetians not relying on his promises made earnest sute to agree with the French meaning not to trust to his offers which onely tended to breake the league and to delay the prouisions of warre they likewise fearing least the French should enter into league with the Emperour as they were desirous to doe for the recouery of their King and all their practises should by that meanes prooue vaine That hapned which they had foreseene in the beginning of the yeare 1526. when the newes yet vnhoped for arriued at Venice
a precipitate downefall For the Pope thinking that the Venetians spake for their owne particular interest because hee had forsaken them would not harcken vnto them wherevpon Bourbon within a while after writing to Rome that hee could no longer hold backe the souldiers for want of pay from comming to beseege it he then perceiuing that to bee very true which they had told him al-be-it that at the first hee thought that hee had said so onely but for to draw some greater summes of money from him or else in a brauado and that hee did not meane to breake the truce Also hee was wont to say afterward that though hee should haue feared any sinister accident yet neuerthelesse hee would not haue changed his opinion because hee would not haue the world to knowe that hee had beene deceiued by trusting to any one Now hee imagining that the same would not come to passe which did happen had already appointed Matheo Guilberto his Datary to goe as Legate into Spaine to treat particularly there on the conditions of peace The Venetians beeing aduertized of the Popes resolution did write to the Duke of Vrbin that hee should assemble his troupes and ioyne them with those of the Marquis of Salusses that were on the Bolognois They afterwards sent to Sebastian Iustiniaâ⦠their Ambassadour with the Christian King willing him to assure his Maiesty that al be-it the Pope had forsaken them that they would neuer depart from his friendship and that if hee thought good to accept of the truce they would likewise accept of it and not otherwise The Pope in the treaty of the accord which the Viceroy had reserued place for the Venetians to enter into it because they had not shewed themselues much contrary to the truce the better to please him who beeing vnited with the most Christian King were very well contented not for to breake off wholly with him hoping still to draw him to their party for they made more account of the friendship of France then of all the rest wherevpon perceiuing that the King did not willingly giue eare to this truce they would no more motion it But concerning his proposition to them to renue the warre in the Realme of Naples they did very much commend the reprizall of armes but not to goe into that Kingdome saying That they had there lost the good will of the people and their reputation by yeelding vp thorow the Popes separating himselfe from them all the townes which they had there taken but that the surest and proffitablest way for the present was to prepare for the defense and conseruation of that which they possessed in Lombardy if the accord should happen to bee made An if it should fall out otherwise it should bee for the profit of the league to haue the Cities of the Churches state and the Florentines at their deuotion Now the Imperiall army notwithstanding the agreement conceiued at Rome betwixt the Pope and the viceroy went still forward although that Caesar Fieramosca had signified vnto them the agreement to cause them to returne backe For the Duke of Bourbon at the same time either because hee would not obey or else it beeing not in his power to doe it caused his army to march towards Romagnia where he beseeged Cottignola the which hee tooke by composition then marching towards Furli hee came and lodged at Villafranca fiue miles off and taking the way of Meldola he shewed that his meaning was to passe Tuscany by the Val di bagna wherevnto he was much solicited by the Sienois who offred him great store of victuals and pioners The Venetians hauing notice of the enemies determination sent word to the Duke of Vrbin that leauing strong Garrisons in the territories belonging to their State hee should passe on with the residââ¦e of the army to assure the lands of the Church and the Florentines and to oppose himselfe against the Imperials deseignes The Duke of Vrbiâ⦠according to this direction being come with part of the army neere to Bolognia and the Marquis of Salusses likewise beeing lodged in sundry places hee passed on towardes Imola and encamped betwixt Rauenna and Faenza at the same time as the enemy departed from Cottignola It was there a long time debated amongst the captaines of the league what course to obserue in that warre and in the end it was concluded to haue two seuerall campes the better and with more ease to cut off all victuals from the enemies to what place soeuer they should march The Pope taxing this councell did neuerthelesse make vse of it vnder collour of his rash agreement saying That the slow proceeding of those of the league for the preseruation of that which beelonged vnto him had enforced him for to take an other course for his safety Now the Pope who contrary to all mens opinions had still thought himselfe safe enough beeing then strangely daunted by this new aduertizement called before him all the Ambassadours of the Confederate Princes which were in his Court and after hee had declared to them on the one side how that the zeale to the publike good but chiefly necessity had enforced him to accept the truce and on the other the malicious deceit of the Imperialls towardes him did earnestly entreat them to make intercession for him to their Princes that they would not forsake him nor the Florentines likewise in so manifest daunger to the great hurt and preiudice of the common cause and hee did particularly entreat Dominico Veniero Ambassadour at Rome for the Signory of Venice that hee would so deale with the Senate as that they should commaund the Duke of Vrbin to passe the Appenine hils with his army promising to renue the league and sincerely to obserue it The Senate vpon this proposition al-be-it they iudged it to bee a very dangerous matter to send their troupes so farre off from their owne State and to aduenture them in the craggy mountaines and that besides the Pope had not giuen them any cause to take care for his affaires in regard hee had forsaken them continuing neuerthelesse in their former resolution commanded the Duke of Vrbin and Lodouico Pisani who was come to the army as new Prouidator to passe the mountes if neede should require wherevpon so soone as the Imperiall army had passed the mounts that of the Confederates followed it so as almost at one time the two armies were in Tuscany the Duke of Bourbon beeing then lodged neere to Arezzo and the Confederates army at Barberina the City of Florence remayning in a manner in the middest betwixt these two armies This was the cause of great troubles in the Citty some crauing a popular gouernment and others would haue that of a few priuate persons wherevpon the greatnesse of those of Medicis came to controuersie and the popular faction would aâ⦠least haue preuailed those of Medicis beeing driuen from the publike gouernment and Hippolito and Alessandro of Medicis the
of Saint Angelo was by this accord foorth-with yeelded to Captaine Alarcon who entred it with three companies of Spanish footmen and three companies of Lancequenets appointed to guard the Castle and the Pope But the other townes and Castles that were promised were not so easily consigned by reason that the Castle of Ciuita Chastelane was guarded by the Confederates and Aadrew Doria refused to deliuer vp that of Ciuitauechia vnlesse he were first paied fourteene thousand Ducats which he said was due vnto him for his entertainment Parma and Placentia on the other-side abhorring the Spanish gouernment refused to receiue them and those of Modena were reduced vnder the obedience of the Duke of Ferrara who making vse of the Popes calamity threatning the Modenois to spoile their corne which was almost ripe did enforce them to deliuer vp the citty into his handes The Confederates army remained quiet without attempting any thing expecting the arriuall of the Lord of Lautrec who was said to be already in Piedmont with great forces both of horse and foot albeit the Captaines in the meane time were of sondry opinions some thinking that being vnited with the French it would be best for them to march directly to Rome where they should find the Imperiall army in such disorder as they might easily set the Pope at li berty by reason that it was much diminished as well by the contagious sicknesse which was in the Citty as by the ouer-much licence which the Soldiers had taken for certaine monethes space liuing without al order and without any martiall discipline some of them being lodged in the Citty and others heere and there abroad and that diuers of them beeing disbanded went their waies daily without any leaue whereby they might with ease driue those few from Rome that remayned behind Those of the contrary opinion thought that for the effecting of that deseigne it were better to scoure the state of Milan beeing neere thereunto to enforce the Imperials to leaue Rome and to come to the defense thereof which might prooue either to slow or insufficient to stoppe the current of the victory wherby they might at one time execute diuers fortunate exploits and perhaps giue an end to the warre This being alowed by all men and propounded to the Lord of Lautrec at his arriuall he entred into the state of Milan with eight thousand Suisses three thousand Gascons and tenne thousand footmen conducted by Pedro of Nauarre and went and encamped before the towne of Bosco on the marches of Alexandria where was a Garrison of a thousand footmen the most of whom were Lancequenets who after they had for the space of tenne dayes sustained the battery and sundry assaults did at the last yeeld themselues at the discretion of the Victor This conquest was followed by that of Alexandria whither the Lord Lautrec came afterwards and encamped wherin lay fifteene hundred footmen who being molested at one time both by the Artillery and the mynes were enforced to yeeld their liues and goods beeing saued But the taking of Alexandria was cause of the beginning of some contention betwixt the confederates For the Lord of Lautrec being desirous to leaue fifteene hundred footmen in Garrison there to the end that at al euents his owne companies might haue one place of retreat and those which should come from France finde some comodiousnesse of meeting there the Duke of Milans Ambassador fearing that it would be the beginning of an occasion to possesse that State for his King opposed him-selfe against it the like did the Ambassadors of England and Venice wherevpon Lautrec agreed not without indignation to leaue it freely to the Duke of Milan a matter which did afterwards greatly preiudice the leagne Now Lautrec after the conquest of Alexandria propounded that he would march to Rome to free the Pope from imprisonment who although he had agreed as hath beene said with the Almaines and Spaniards did neuerthelesse still remaine a prisoner vnder their guard vntill that he had accomplished the articles of the agreement as wel for payment of the money as for the consignation of the aboue mentioned townes where-in were found sundry difficulties wherevppon the Emperor did not there-in shew him-selfe well disposed nor resolute although by his speech he sought to haue all men to beleeue the contrary But the Venetians did wholy dislike of Lautrecs proposition not that they stood lesse affected to the Popes enlargement then did the King but because they thought the enterprise of Rome lesse profitable for the common cause then that of Milan as it had beene debated before his comming and afterwards confirmed by himselfe that there was at the same time great hope of beeing able to conquer Pauia and Milan where there were weake Garrisons and that Antonio de Leua who by his dilligence and skill more then by force did gouerne that State lay greeuously sicke and was vnable to prouide remedies that losing this opportunity the affaires of the league would euer afterwards decline in regard of the huge number of Lancequenets that were ready to come down from the County of Tiroll into Lombardy But by taking Milan from them which was their only retreat and hauing neither cauallery nor victualls they would be enforced to change their mindes and to tarry at home in their houses that in the meane space it would giue time and leisure to tenne thousand Almaines payd by the King of England to come to the campe of the league and afterwards they might with those forces march to Rome and driue the enemies before them assuring together with the Churches State the libertye of all Italy The Lord of Lautrec inclining to their request determined to march towards Pauia before which with great speed he went and encamped the releefe which Antonio de Leua sent not beeing able to enter it the which being battered for the space of foure daies and a great part of the wall beaten downe the soldiors making ther approches did enter it by the breach The Citty was sackt and the French for eight daies together vsed all sorts of cruelty vpon the inhabitants who had vanted that they had beene the vanquishers of the French King because that King Francis was taken prisoner lying at the seege of the same Citty The Genowais at the same time being afflicted with sundry losses and calamities and cheefely with famine sent Ambassadors to the Lord Lautrec for to capitulate The Citties Duke whose name was Antonio Adorni retired him-selfe into the Castellet and the tumult being appeased by Phillip Doria who was prisoner there the Citty returned vnder the Kings obedience who appointed Theodario Triuulcio gouernor thereof and the Venetians because they would not leaue their Captaines vnrecompenced who had valiantly behaued themselues in the reduction of Genoa they encreased to Caesar Fregosa the conductof other thirty men at armes and doubled his pay they did like-wise acknowledge the valour and prowesse of Guy
signory Francis Sforza being not able to doe it who of himselfe could not entertaine the ordinary Garisons not-with-standing that he was obliged by the treaty of agreement to send forces into the field to resist the attempts of Antonio de Leua besides this the Venetians feare to lose their owne did incite them therevnto who stood in doubt like-wise that the warre would light on their owne state hauing intelligence of the great forces which were leuied in Tiroll and in other places neere adioyning with the great preparations of victualls and other munitions which was made at Trent to send into Italy By meane whereof the Senate imagining that it behooued them to encrease their army to the number of twenty thousand foote and to make a very great prouision to maintayne in a manner an other very difficult and dangerous warre ââ¦ent to entreat the King of England that in so great a necessity hee would bee pleased to releeue the Common-wealth by contributing a part of the payment of the army where-with they were to conserue and maintaine the liberty of Italy whereof hee had so often said that hee would bee the Protector But the King of England continuing that which hee had at other times spoken that hee would beginne to make warre on the Emperor in Flanders and by that meanes enforcing him to diuert his forces else-where hee might free Italy from that danger made a shew that for the common good of them all hee himselfe was to make greate preparations and necessary prouisions for such a deseigne In regard whereof the Signory being constrained alone to vndergoe all the charges of the warre was faine to haue recourse to extraordinary meanes the publike treasure beeing in a manner exhausted by reason of the continuall warres Among all these stirres and great warlike preparations the treaty of peace was not altogether broken of the Emperor making shew to desire it both with the French King and the Venetians where-vpon sundry practizes were set on foote to that end The Demands of the most Christian King and the Venetians were in efect these that the Emperor should restore to the French King his children That hee should set the Pope at liberty giue ouer all that which hee held from the Church re-establish Francis Sforza in the state of Milan and withdraw his forces forth of Lombardy and from Rome The Emperor did not altogether reiect these demands neither yet would wholy accept of them but in seeking not without difficulty to make some certaine resolution hee demanded of the Venetians a great summe of mony holding by that meanes the treaty in suspence being desirous to make vse of time and to behaue him-selfe according to the euent of the affaires of Italy and the new stirres which his brothers preparations would procure hoping in the meane time still to bee able with better aduantage to conclude an agreement with the French King alone determining to exclude al the other Confederates and to appropriat vnto him-selfe the Dutchy of Milan This was easily discerned by his owne words persisting euer in all motions of agreement that he would haue Francis Sforzas cause debated and censured by Iudges there-vnto appoynted and that in the meane time the Citty of Milan and the whole state should bee kept and garded in his name and by his owne Garrisons his cheefe ayme tending wholy to become absolute maister thereof hauing first broken all the forces of the Confederates Where vpon all these motions of peace being laid aside warre was againe denounced to him by the Confederates who hoping therein to make good vse of the Duke of Ferrara and the Marquis of Mantua in regard of the neere neighbour-hood of their states both the one and the other were sounded and it was at last concluded with the Duke of Ferrara that hee should bee receiued into the league on condition to send to the Confederates army two hundred men at armes paid by him-selfe and monethly to contribute for the space of sixe moneths tenne thousand Ducats toward the payment of the infantery and on the other side the Confederates promised to take him and his State like-wise into their protection and safegard where-vpon within a while after a great and Magnificent Pallace was restored to him which was his owne in Venice As concerning the agreement with the Marquis there was greater difficulty in the conclusion thereof because he craued to bee made Generall of the League in the absence of the Lord of Lautrec wherevnto the Venetians would not consent for the respect they did beare to the Duke of Vrbin But in the end Ieronimo Zene Gouernor of Verona being sent by the Senates commandement vnto Mantua to end that businesse hee did conclude it without the aboue-mentioned condition the Confederates taking the person of the Marquis and his State into their protection Now the Emperor perceiuing that he was to deale with so many enemies determined first of all to publish the iustice of his cause and by that meanes to draw away the King of England from them and for this purpose hee resolued to set the Pope at liberty for which hee sent an ample commission to the Viceroy and to D. Hugo de Moncada who being newly deceassed the Viceroy did exexecute it the Pope making ouer to the Emperor according to the agreement Ostia Ciuitauecchia and Cââ¦uito Castellane and paying likewise but more commodiously the summe of mony promised and promising in speciall not to haue any dealing in the affaires of Naples nor Milan against the Emperor The Confederates resoluing to make warre both by sea and land in the begining of the yeare 1528. prepared great forces for to passe into the Kingdome of Naples as it had beene determined according to the desire and intention of the French King not-with-standing that they were well assured that the Imperiall army at their departure from Rome would take their iournie into Naples But the Confederates thinking it a matter of great importance to draw the Pope into the Confederacy were in great hope thereof because that his Holinesse hauing aduertized the French King and the Venetians of the passed agreement and his owne liberty entreated them to excuse him if necessity had enforced him so to doe confessing that he was greatly bound to the Princes of the League and to haue receiued a very rigorous and cruell entertainment of the Imperialls So soone as the Venetians vnderstood that the Pope was set at liberty and that he was newly gonne to Oruietta they speedily sent Lodouico Pisani the Prouidator to his Holinesse to lament with him in the Common-wealths name for his passed fortunes and to acquaint him with the great greefe that the Signory had conceiued thereat and with what care they had labored his enlargement whereof they were now wonderfull ioyfull to see that to bee effected which they had so much desired That the Republike had willingly imployed all her forces and meanes beene at
great charge and expence to entertaine an army in Tuscany at the same time as it behooued it to haue an other in Lombardy had not refused to expose it selfe to all dangers for the conseruation of the Sea Apostolike and for the particular profit of his Holynesse Person as it was yet still ready to doe and to reuenge the notorious iniuries done vnto him that the Kings of France and England the Florentines the Duke of Milan and the Venetians were of the same mind not to leaue such an Insolency vnpunished how that cursed nation had incurred the wrath of God and men that they did not doubt but that Iustice and Innocency would preuaile and that his Holinesse being restored to his former state all matters would redound to his honour and glory And that therefore all the Confederats did greatly desire and likewise hope that his Holinesse to releeue their sinceere and entire intention with his authority would confirme the Confederacy as Cheefe thereof by newly ratifieing that which before had beene agreed vpon by them seeing that the first agreement ought to be of more force then the latter as beeing concluded by himselfe in quallity of Pope and with his pure and freewill and this latter being extorted by force and violence as from a prisoner that was desirous of his liberty The French King caused the same congratulation to be made to him by the Lord of Longueuall his Ambassador whom he sent to Rome to testifie the great desire he euer had to constraine the Emperor by force to doe that which at last he had done and that the practizes of peace betwixt the Emperor and him had beene to none other end but to amuze him and make him cold in the preparations for warre and not with an intention to conclude any thing with him helping himselfe with the same cunning wherewith he had sundry times practized in his behalfe These Ambassadors were very pleasing to the Pope and by him attentiuely heard wherevpon he gaue thankes to the King and the Venetians with demonstration of great loue towards them saying that for his deliuerance he felt himselfe no lesse bound to the French King and the Venetians then if he had beene freed by their armes but yet neuerthelesse all this was without any resolution for vpon their entreaty that he would confederate him selfe with the rest he beganne to make them sundry answers at one time putting them in hope presently to doe it at another excusing himselfe that hauing nether men money nor authority it would not greatly profit them if he should declare himselfe and yet neuertheles it might hurt him because it would giue an occasion to the Imperialls to molest him in sundry places besides his Pontificall dignity the condition of the times and the greeuous and sharpe miseries that he had sustained did very much incite him to a neutrality and to become a fit Instrument to treat with the French King and the other Christian Princes concerning an vniuersall peace and quiet and that therefore he would no more commit him-selfe to the hazards of warre It may be that beeing carried away by the Emperors faire promises who with his owne hand wrote a gentle and courteous letter to him how that he would hence foreward follow his councell and commit vnto him the whole negotiation of the peace he might speake thus or else that which is most likely and which was afterwards discouered he was content to forget all the wrong which he had receiued by his imprisonment to haue better means to reuenge the iniuries done to himselfe and his house by the Florentines His intent then was with sundry excuses to couer this desire of his for being discouered it would haue bred such a distrust in the Lord of Lautrec as it would easily haue caused him to alter his purpose from passing on any farther in the enterprize of Naples which was a thing the Pope desired to the end that the Lancequenets might be enforced to depart from Rome who mutening often-times among themselues would not get them thence demanding new paiments of money The Lord of Lautrec beeing ignorant of the Popes deseigne and vpon the assurance of his ayd and fauor did in the meane time pursue the enterprise of Naples albeit it was against the opinion and consent of the Venetians who by reason of that new leauy of Lansequenets for the enemies could haue wished that hee might not goe so farre off to the end they might the better and with more conueniency be releeued Lautrec then being resolute in his opinion tooke his way thorow Romagnia and La Marca thinking it to be best and most conuenient for the commodity of victuals and for the carriage of the ordnance determining to enter into the Realme of Naples by the way of Otronte which diuideth the Churches State from the Kingdome of Naples thorow which at one time were gonne before the Venetian troupes diuided into two bands in the first were Valerio Vrsino and the Prouidator Pisani and in the other followed Camillo Vrsino and Petro Pesare These being gonne before seized on Ciuitella and afterwards on Sulmona and on diuers others in Abruzzo which yeelded voluntarily But the whole troupes did afterwards meet altogether neere to Saint Fermo to the number of thirty thousand foot and great numbers of Cauallery as well men at armes as light-horse a preparation without all doubt suffitient for any enterprize whatsoeuer the Lord Lautrec hauing taken the longest way into Puglia by the sea side in regard of the difficulty to carry the ordnance if in those mountainous places hee should haue met with any encombrance of the enemies The Prince of Orange and the Marquis of Guasto beeing greatly mooued for the daunger wherevnto they perceiued the affaires of Naples to be brought did not without great difficulty draw away their troupes from Rome which was greatly furthered by the summe of twenty thousand Ducats which the Pope gaue to the Imperiall captaines vnder collour of some old claimes whereof they gaue some pay to the Lansequenets who more then the rest seemed most loath to depart But the number of their whole army did not amount to aboue foureteene thousand and yet so sore weakened as well by the contagious sicknesse which was in Rome as for that many souldiers were disbanded and gonne home to their country loden with spoile But the Pope by this meanes being freed of that which did most presse him and for the which he had till then kept himselfe a loofe from the confederates so soone as these enemies troupes were departed from Rome hee sent the Archbishop Sipontyne to Venice to demand of the Senate that it should forthwith render vnto him the Cities of Ceruia and Rauenna and on the other side he dispatched the Bishop of Pistoya into France to excuse him to the King whom till then hee had entertained with sundry hopes that he would declare himselfe for the league for that
Leua who was already come forth into the field with eight thousand foot-men that they two beeing ioyned together might goe and assaile the Cities belonging to the State of Venice against whom Brunswich had denounced warre and had with a vaine and rediculous proposition challenged Andre Gritti Duke of Venice to a single fight who was a man of fourescore yeeres of age The Venetians resoluing to defend themselues concluded to raise twelue thousand foot-men amongst whom were foure thousand Swisses vnto whom they speedily sent money into Swisserland and intreated the French King by his authority to fauour that leauy they had besides great numbers of light-horse from Greece and Dalmatia then they recalled the Duke of Vrbin from the Marches of Ancona and commanded him to visit all their townes and fortes of most importance to prouide them of strong garrisons and to take order for whatsoeuer hee should thinke necessary for their seruice safety and defense they appointed afterwards diuers Gentlemen to command their principall cities Ieronimo Diede was sent to Treuiso with an hundred and fifty footmen Pedro Sagreda with like number to Padua to Verona went Zachary Doria Philippo Correrio Alessandro Donato Ambrosio Contaren Iosepho Badoario Lorenzo Sanuto Augustino Canall and Almore Barbaro each of them with fiue and twenty souldiers with them to looke to the gates and other important places of the city In the meane time vpon these newes great warlike preparations were made in France to send into Italy of whom the Count of Saint Pol was made Generall who was of the house of Bourbon to the end to follow the Duke of Brunswich if hee should passe on into the Realme of Naples if not to make warre on the Dutchy of Milan together with the companies of the Venetians those of Francis Sforza But all these preparations did little auaile by reason of their late comming For the Duke of Brunswich beeing followed with his owne forces determined to assaile certaine cities belonging to the Venetians being the rather mooued therevnto because that at his arriuall Pescara Reuotella and certaine other townes vpon the Lake of La Garda had yeelded to him The Duke of Vrbin who had put himselfe into Verona hauing still an eye vpon Brunswich did preuent his deseignes and went sodainely to Bressia where hee strengthened the Garrison then from thence hee went to Bergamo into which hee caused great numbers of the people of those Vallies to enter who were very faithfull and trusty to the Venetians and with a wonderfull celerity hee caused the city to bee encompassed with great trenches making it thereby defensible then giuing very many trauerses and molestations to the enemies by cutting off victuals and many other commodities from them the Duke of Brunswich despayring of beeing able to execute any notable enterprize after that hee had according to their barbarous custome spoiled the country and burned sundry faire buildings to leaue some memory of himselfe behinde hee departed without any other great exploit forth of the Venetian State and came vpon that of Milan where he met with Antonio de Leua who vpon report of his comming had passed ouer the Riuer Adda to ioyne with him that they might afterwards execute some great enterprize and hauing repassed the Adda they went and encamped before Lauda forth of which the Duke of Milan was newly departed beeing aduertized of the enemies comming and was come to Bressia by the consent of the Senate hauing left a suffitient number of souldiers in Lauda with Iohn Paul Sforza his naturall brother to command there who being assailed by the enemies did valliantly receiue and repulse them By means whereof Brunswick finding himself without means to entertain such an army any long time and beeing frustrate of his hope to returne home laden with glory and spoile not determyning to go on any farther towards Naples as at the beginning hee had purposed hee tooke his iourney towards the Lake of Coma to returne into Germany hee was pursued at the heeles by the Count Gaiazzo and Mercurio Bue who comming forth of Bergamo gaue in vpon his rereward The report of the Lansequenets departure did greatly afflict the beseeged Neapolitans loosing thereby all hope of succours on whom it seemed that their whole safety did depend because that not long before they had with bad successe assailed the Gallies of Phillipine Doria supposing to open to themselues the passage by sea seeing that by land was wholly shut from them Lautrec hauing taken Pozzuolo and the places neere adioyning by which great aboundance of victualls came to Naples which was the cause that before the Venetians Gallies arriued they were desirous to tempt fortune and to free themselues of the stumbling block by sea by breaking Phillippine Doria who with the Gallies lay in the Gulph of Salerno They manned sixe Gallies foure Fusts and two Brigantines with a thousand Spanish Harquebuziers of the choisest and most valliant of the army with whom went along Don Hugo the Viceroy and almost all the chiefe captaines and men of authority To these vessels were added diuers fisher-boates to amaze the enemies a farre off by the shew of a greater number of vessels All these Lords beeing ioyfully embarked as if they had beene going to a triumph came to the Isle of Capri from thence leauing the Cape of Minerua on their left hand they came into the maine ââ¦ea and sent two Gallies before who were commanded that so soone as they should come neere the enemies to make shew of flight to the end to draw them forth to fight at sea hoping to take them with ease But the matter fell out otherwise for Phillipine Doria beeing aduertized the day before by trusty spies of the enemies determination had with great speed and secrecy drawne three hundred Harquebuziers from Lautrec then so soone as hee discouered the enemies fleet a farre off making towards it he was at the first somewhat doubtfull in regard of the great number of vessels that hee discouered but beeing soone freed of that scruple when he perceiued that there were but sixe vessels onely hee caused three gallies of his owne to keepe aloose as though they had ment to flie to the end that by returning with a very faire winde they might giue in vpon the enemies broad sides and himselfe with fiue Gallicâ⦠went forward to meet them who were commanded to discharge their ordnance vpon him to take away by the smoake both his sight and aime but Phillippin beeing quicker then they gaue fire to a very great Basilisk in his owne Galley which strooke the Admirall Galley wherein the Viceroy was who with diuers others were therewith slaine then hee discharged all his other shot which did hurt and kill diuers The enemies shot on the other side slue some but not very many then comming neere to one an other they beganne with Harguebuzes and other weapons a very fierce fight which lasted along while till
a way was found to content both parties namely not altogether to abandon the affaires of Naples and yet to make the cheefe attempts in Lombardy For the Confederates possessing diuerse and sundry places in Puglia where the people did greatly affect the French and Venetians it was resolued to re-enforce those troops that they had there to trie if they could aduance the businesse any better and keepe the Imperiall Captaines amuzed and in feare and for that purpose the Senate wrote to the Prouidator of their nauall Armie that he should carry his vessels into Puglia and to place strong garrisons in those townes which held for the Signory and for the French and then to besiege the Castle of Brundusium and that on the other side the Prince of Melfi and Rance de Cera should passe ouer into those parts with fiue thousand footmen whom the Venetians should furnish with vessels for their passage But as concerning Lombardy and the state of Milan they resolued the forces there beeing compleate to goe and besiege the citty of Milan and to this end all the troopes beeing come as farre as Landriane the Captaines were of an other opinion hee that was sent to discouer the Citty hauing told them that such an enterprise could haue no fortunate successe Wherevpon they determined to goe and encampe before Pauia the which they hoped to take with ease because there were no more then two hundred Lansquenets and eight hundred Italians in it and both the armies beeing by sundry wayes come neere to Pauia they encamped round about it and hauing planted on the hither side of the Riuer Thesin in the plaine on the lower side of the Citty nine Cannons they plaid in such sort vpon a bastion neere to the Arsenall that in a short space it was halfe ruined and on the farther side of Thesin three Cannons to batter when they should goe to the assault a Flanqueer right opposite to the Arsenall and vpon a little hill on the hither side Thesin fiue Cannons which did batter two other bastions and at the foote of the hill three others which plaid vpon the wall all which ordnance belonged to the Venetians and that of the Lord Saint Paul serued for the beating downe of the fortifications After a sufficient battery in sundry places and so soone as they had drawne the water foorth of the Dikes they went to the assault where for two houres space those within the towne did valiantly defend it but their number beeing too small to susteine such an assault those of the league did at the last enter it with very small losse and with great honor to the Duke of Vrbin seauen hundred souldiors of the towne were slaine the residue escaped into the Castle with Galeas de Biraga the Citties Gouernor and diuerse of the inhabitants who yeelded soone after vpon composition the Citty was wholy sackt but of no great valew in regard of the two former The taking of Pauia did procure to the league great contentment and notable reputation not onely in regarde of that Citty but because that Nouara and diuerse other neighbour townes did within a while after yeeld to the great losse and discommodity of the enemies who from thence had aboundance of victuals for the reliefe of their Army in Milan The Venetian Senate beeing wonderfull ioyfull of such happy successe promised to it selfe that it might bee able to recouer all those disastrous mishaps susteined before Naples and in regard heereof it did infinitely thanke and extoll the Lord Saint Paul intreating and exhorting him to goe forward as hee had begunne hoping that vnder his conduct they should bee able to recouer not onely the State of Milan but the kingdome of Naples The newes of the losse of Genoa beeing in the meane time brought into France did greatly greeue the King who speedily sent commandement to the Lord Saint Paul that all other Commissions beeing layde apart hee should march to Genoa to attempt the reducinâ⦠thereof vnder his obedience For the three thousand footmen appointed for the releefe thereof not going thither because they wanted their pay Triââ¦lcio was in great distresse protesting that if he were not speedily releeued he must of force yeeld himselfe wherby the affaires of the league which beganne to prosper did afterwards fall into great dsfficulties because that as the commoditie of conquering Milan did present it selfe by the reputation of the taking of Pauia and by the discomodity which Antonio de Leua his army endured where for the effecting thereof it beehooued all the forces to be brought together with two Camps to assaile and shut in so great a Citty they were constrained to giue ouer all the Lord Saint Paul hauing bent all his thoughtes and deseignes to releeue Genoa wherevpon he did not only refuse to goe to the enterprise of Milan but did sollicite the Duke of Vrbin to goe along with him thither with the Venetian forces for the recouery of it wherevnto the Senate would not consent because that by sending their forces so farre off they should not only loose all the fruit of the Victory and put the Duke of Milan into dispaire but expose the Citty of Bergamo and other townes of their owne State to great dangers Persisting then both the one and the other in their opinion the French Army seperated it selfe and passed ouer the Po at Stella to march through Tuscany to Genoa and the Venetians Campe by the Senates aduise retired to Pauia to fauor with the reputation thereof the affaires of Genoa it beeing in the meane time in safety and to excute like-wise what so-euer occasion would present But the enterprize of the Lord Saint Paul had no fortunate successe who finding Genoa to be mand with a strong garrison and hauing in his owne army but two thousand footmen beeing out of hope to obtaine that which he desired by tarrying any longer there notwithstanding that he had made his approaches neere to the Citty determined to returne into Lombardy to spend the winter time where by the consent of Sforza he did put himselfe into the Citty of Alexandria Now Trinulcio in the meane time hauing notice of his departure and expecting ayd from no place else resolued to yeeld the Castle as he did the which was forthwith raced to the ground by the People to take away that hinderance of their liberty The Citty of Sauona like-wise where-into the Lord of Monteian sent thither with his forces to releeue it could not enter returned vnder the Genowaies Gouernment who on a sodaine filled the hauen thereof with stones and grauell to make it vnseruiceable The Venetians perceiuing that the French King did openly shew himselfe to be displeased with them because that the Duke of Vrbin with their forces did not goe to the releefe of Triuulcio were very desirous for his satisfaction to reuiue the enterprize of Genoa as also for their owne commodity because they accounted that Citty to
aduise and councell of the most Christian King and his proper inclination to peace and to the common good of all Christendome and to giue vnto him all power and liberty to promise in the common-wealths name whatsoeuer should be concluded and determined in the particular conuentions they did moreouer entreat the Pope to take vpon him the burthen of that businesse to bring it to such a good end as all men hoped for by his authority and wisdome promising that if hee should procure an vniuersal peace in respect of the strife betwixt the Sea Apostolick and the Signory concerning the Citties of Rauenna and Ceruia they would then shew their good meaning therin But on the other side there were diuers presumptions why they wereto doubt of his intention and whether he would sincerely acquit himselfe of that charge For it was very welknowne that the French King did suspect him and that he gaue no credit to his wordes nor did repose to much trust in him holding whatsoeuer he propounded for doubtfull and incertaine and therefore did secretly exhort the Venetians to renew their forces both by sea and land declaring how that he was in no sort troubled for the vnfortunate successe before Naples as proceeding from a certaine maleuolent fortune and not from the want of courage of his soldiers and therefore that he was more ready and desirous then euer to renew the warre in Italy The Emperor on the other side albeit that he did promise to come into Italy to take the Imperiall Crowne and to establish peace there yet neuerthelesse the great preparations of warre that hee made was the cause why men thought that hee had an other deseigne in his minde cleane contrary to his speeches together with his great desire to appropriate to himselfe the State of Milan The Pope likewise had a great desire to recouer not onely the territories of Romagnia but Modena and Regio and likewise to haue satisfaction for the wrongs and greeuances which hee had receiued of the Florentines with a will to restore his Nephewes of the house of Medicis into Florence to their antient greatnesse and dignity the which was very hard to bee accomplished without comming to strokes The Venetians in like manner albeit that for many yeares they had beene intangled in warre hauing spent therein more then fiue Millions of gold and that therefore it behooued them to desire peace to giue some rest and relaxation of their fore-passed troubles as well to themselues as to their subiects did neuerthelesse with great resolution constantly persist in the protection and defence of the Duke of Milan meaning not to suffer in any sort that his State should fall into the Emperors hands but as concerning the restitution of the Citties of Puglia and Romagnia they were ready to hearken vnto it prouided that an vniuersall peace for the generall good and quiet of all Italy might bee well established Such at the same time were the deseignes and propositions of the confederate Princes and such likewise were all mens discourses concerning eyther warre or peace The report in the meane time of the Emperors comming into Italy did dayly increase and for that end sundry great preparations were made at Barcelona and the Archduke Ferdinand beeing come to Ispruch gathered together certaine summes of money to pay the footmen which hee leuyed to send them into Italy to his brothers ayde giuing out that it was to assaile the Venetians State André Doria neuerthelesse at the same time and some other of the Imperialls propounded to the Senate sundry meanes of agreement saying That the Emperor did beare a great and singular affection towards their Republick offering themselues freely if so it pleased the Republike to mediate a peace betwixt them The Venetians behaued themselues modestly in these offers and treaties fearing that it was some cunning to separate them by these iealousies from the friendship and allyance of the French their ancient allyes and confederates So as for all that they did not discontinue their preparations for warre the Senate meaning to depend on none but it selfe and that whensoeuer a treaty of peace should bee it should bee made by them beeing armed with the honor of the Commonwealth By this time the terme of the Duke of Vrbins seruice was expired They confirmed hm againe for three yeares more in the same office of Generall of their Army and augmented his pay with tenne thousand Ducats euery yeare and his company of men at armes to the number of two hundred and besides they gaue to Guy Vbaldo his sonne a company of fifty men at armes in their Army and a yeerely pension of a thousand Ducats They afterwards made Ianâ⦠Fregosa Generall Superintendent of the affaires of warre with good entertainment for the acknowledgement of his valour and sidelitie and for that they would euer haue in their army some one of authority and command whom they might trust in the Duke of Vrbins absence as hee then was wherevpon they sent for him beeing then at Bressia commanding him to come with speed to the Armie to execute his charge Diuerse others were in like manner honoured with sundry grades of honour in their Armie The Count Gajazzo was made Generall of the light-horse and Antonio de Castello Captaine of the Artillery They did afterwards send to the Campe to the Prouidator Nani a great summe of money for the leuie of a number of new footmen to make the companies compleat And to shew that they had likewise a care of their Sea-affaires they made Ieronimo Pesare Generall of their Nauall army and Alessandro Pesare and Vincenzo Iustiniano Prouidators commanding them to be in readinesse to depart they did chose moreouer tenne captaines for the Gallies who should cause those tenne to bee armed which at the beginning of winter had beene disarmed to the end that the Signory might haue aboue fifty gallies ready to set saile and alââ¦hough that by the Confederacy they were bound to surnish but sixteene gallies they neuerthelesse promised to adde foure more to make vp the number of twenty for the leagues seruice of which Ieronimo Contaren was made Generall Now the Duke of Milan and the Lord Saint Paul beeing solicited by them to augment the number of their infantery as they were bound to doe and they excusing themselues for want of money the Senate resolued to lend the French twelue thousand Ducats and eight thousand to the Duke of Milan But aboue all things they entreated the French King not to abandon the Consederates at such a time in regard of the great affection which they had euer borne to him and for their constancy in pursuing the warre Without this supply the Lord Saint Paul would haue beene brought to an extreame want of men money and all other things necessarie for the maintenance of the warre in Italy for there was not any preparation at all seene to bee made beyond the mounts for the execution of
the King for that wherewith hee cause lesly did presse them and for this end they chose Gââ¦sparo Pineli Secretary to the Signory to goe speedily into France to giue the King to vnderstand that for their part all things were in readinesse to renue the warre and that there was nothing wanting but his presence promising to send forthwith their troupes to meet him to the end that with greater safety and speed they might execute some notable enterprize At the same time the Bandetti of the Realme of Naples came into the field in sundry places of the Kingdome and did extreamely presse the Imperials whereby Rance de Cera did promise to himselfe some good successe being supplied with money and with certaine foot companies he had by sundry messengers acquainted the King therewith who from him did represent vnto his Maiesty the State of the affaires that he might obtaine the supplies that he craued the which albe it they were promised to be sent with the army were neuerthelesse delayed from day to day to the great preiudice of their league by giuing time to the Imperials to renue and augment their forces for the report of the Emperours comming had caused diuers Barons and people of the Kingdome to change their purposes diuers of them being desirous to insinuate themselues into his fauour some to obtaine pardon and others to get offices and immunities in the Realme so that the Prince of Orange being gonne into Abruzzo recouered Aquila by composition by drawing forth of the city and the whole country neere adioying an hundred thousand Ducats for the payment of his army from thence he sent forces to Matriââ¦a where Camillo Parde lay in Garrison with foure hundred foot-men who beeing gon forth thereof a little before promising to returne so soone as the Imperials should approach it the foot-men that were within it went ouer the walls and left it whereby the towne was yeelded This notwithstanding the successe of the Imperials was not so good in Puglia where treason being secretly practized in Barletta and discouered Iulio of Naples captaine of certaine foot forces and some of the townesmen as authors and complices of the Rebellion were put to death Besides the Venetians hauing drawne horse-men forth of Greece into the same Prouince they ioyned with those o Simon Romano and all of them together scouring the Country did assure it and kept the waies open to victuals hauing driuen Pignatello Count of Borella forth of the whole Prouince Now the Marquis of Guasto beeing come into Puglia would not deale with Barletta a very strong and well fortified city but went and encamped before Monopoli with foure thousand Spaniards and two thousand Italians and lodged in a small bottome couered by the mountaine so as he could not be hurt with the towne ordnance wherein lay Camillo Vrsino Andre Gritti gouernor of the city and Iohn Vitturt the Prouidator vnto whom Rance de Cera forthwith sent three hundred foot-men by the Gallies The Marquis then caused a great Bastion to bee made right ouer against the walles within Harguebuze shot and two others vpon the sea shore on each side one Then hauing battered the towne and made a breach hee gaue an assault where he lost aboue fiue hundred men and great numbers of Pioners with three peeces of ordnance that were broken wherevpon he retired a mile and halfe further off because that the cities ordnance did him much hurt in the place where he was lodged which caused the Venetians to sally forth and to assaile the bastions that he had made where they slue aboue an hundred men and then they assured the Hauen by a bastion made vpon their shore opposite to that of the enemies The Marquis being newly returned before Monopoli and hauing made two Caualiers with two trenches two hundred foot men sallied forth of the towne and burned his workes After that the Marquis making an other approach on the right side of the battery and causing a bastion to be made behind he planted the ordnance vpon it and did beate downe three score fathome of the wall within foure fathome of the ground but hauing intelligence that new companies had entred the towne the same night sent by Rance de Cera he withdrew his ordnance and at last discamped wherevpon being come to Conuersa he afterwards retired to Naples The braue resistance of Monopoli and the retreate of the Marquis did greatly encourage the Confederates so that diuers Barons and others repenting that they had gonne to the Imperial party shewed themselues very ready for a new rebellion the which emboldened the souldiers and captaines of the league to vndertake some enterprize This being reported to the Senate perceiuing that their nauall army remained idle at Corfou expecting the arriuall of the French army they commaunded their Generall to saile into Puglia where beeing arriued he cast ankor neere to Brundusium hoping as it came to passe that those of the towne prouoked by a particular affection towards the Venetians would forthwith yeeld The city beeing yeelded on conditions was preserued from spoile and from all wrongs of the souldiers and Iohn Francisco Iustinian was made gouernour thereof as Magistrate for the Signory and presently afterwards they begannâ⦠to batter the castles the charge thereof was committed to Camillo Vrsino who hauing in short space brought them to a streight passe could not for all that enforce them to yeeld by reason of their hope ere long to see the Imperiall nauy vpon that sea The Venetian army in the meane time did from the Cape of Otranto molest the whole country to the great hurt of the Imperials Simon Romano died at that exploite who was a valiant and couragious person The affaires standing at this stay the Prince of Orange knowing that the Confederates forces were not so meane and weake as they could easily bee driuen forth of the Realme neither yet so mighty as they were able to make any progression of great importance Or perhaps because that the Emperour would haue the Popes content preferred before all other matters that hee might haue him for his friend and confederate at his comming into Italy after that he had put strong garrisons into the most important places he turned with the residue of his forces towards Perusa to driue Malateste Baillone thence and from thence to enter into Tuscany to restore those of Medicis to their country The behauiour and approaches of the Prince did cause the Duke of Vrbin to suspect that he went about to enuade his State wherevpon he departed sodainly from the army to goe and prouide for his owne territories The Venetians were not well pleased with their Generalls departure in so trouble some a season as well for their owne interests as for feare of the suspition of the French who by that accident taking some occasion of a feigned suspition might grow slow in the prouisions for warre Therefore the Senate determined with
safety for which the Senate did highly commend him he had with him about fiue thousand foot-men foure hundred men at armes and seuen hundred light horse with great store of carriage But come to Cassan which is a place nere to the Riuer Adda he did then fortifie himselfe with strong Rampiers leauing but one way open which was fenced and garded withall necessaries supposing that place to be most commodious to be able with ease to releeue if neede were Pauia and Lauda to offend the enemies and to defend the State of the Signory and besides to fauour if occasion were offered the enterprize of Genoa by sea Wherevpon thinking himselfe to be very safe in that place he would not follow the opinion of Iano Marââ¦a Fregosa who councelled him to retire with his army to Bressia for feare of any inconuenience being not equall in forces to Antonio de Leua He being emboldned by this victory and more desirous to breake the Confederate forces had followed the Duke of Vrbin as farre as Vaury two miles from Cassan which caused some doubt in the Venetians least hee would haue passed the Adda to haue made wast of the Bressan Bergamasque and Creman territories But the Duke reposed great trust in his light Cauallery the which surpassed that of the enemies both in number and valour who by scouring all the neighbour Countries round about did not onelie cut off all the victualls from the Imperialls campe but had so affrighted them as none of them durst any more come forth of the trenches therefore the Duke remayning firme in his resolution to continue in that place would not raise his Campe as well in regard of his reputation as for the victualls that were brought to him from the country neere adioyning which would other-wise haue releeued the enemies and if hee should haue retyred to the Citty hee would haue spent those which were appoynted for their friends Now the two armies being so neere one to an other they did continually goe forth to skirmish on both sides where the Imperialls were still beaten Antonio de Leua supposing to haue some satisfaction for his losses by some other meanes sent Caesar of Naples on the farther side of the riuer Adda to scoure the Territories of Bressia and Crema whereof the Duke of Vrbin being aduertised leauing the Count Gajazzo for the gard of the Campe he tooke with him a good troope of soldiers and went and ambusht him-selfe neere to the place where he knew the enemies would passe the riuer from whence part of them being gone ouer hee came forth vnlookt for with great fury vpon those who stayed behind vpon the riuer shoare ready to passe ouer hauing first of all sent his light Cauallery to intercept their way if so bee that they would haue fled towards their campe But Caesar of Naples beeing troubled with this vnlookt for accident did speedily cause the bridge to bee broken fearing least the Duke for his part would haue come ouer and fought with him wherevpon all those that stayed behind to the number of fifteene hundred were either cut in peeces or taken prisoners by the Duke and among others it fell out that a braue Spanish Captaine was taken by a woman of big stature who in mans attire receiued pay of the Count Gajazzo and the Count hauing for mirths sake called before him on a time the Captaine that was prisoner shewing him Margueriton for so the soldiors called her told him that the same was the soldier that had taken him prisoner the Spaniard looking vpon her answered that he did comfort him-selfe in his mishap for that he had beene taken by so braue a man as hee seemed to bee but when hee told him that it was a woman shame and disdaine did so seaze vpon him as within few daies after he dyed with greefe Afterwards the two armies kept them selues in their quarters for the space of many daies but the Duke of Vrbin calling the Captaines sundrie times to councell and propounding diuers things vnto them did suffitiently manifest his desire to assaile the enemies and to cause them to dislodge At the last he resolued to goe forth with all his forces and to vse meanes by cunning to come to stroakes with Antonio de Leua vpon some aduantage hee caused all the ordinance of the Campe to bee brought into one place and then hee began to march with all the troupes both foote and horse and with three peeces of ordnance meaning to leaue them behind him by retiring so soone as hee had begunne the skirmish fayning flight both for feare and vpon necessity whereby the enemies comming forward to get those three peeces should bee put to rout by the ordnance of the Campe and being so disordred he would againe returne vpon them with greater violence But this designe fell not out according to his expectation because that the Count Gajazzo comming forth sooner then he should with a part of his Infantery and beginning the skirmish too far of from the Campe being not able with those hee had brought with him long to sustaine the enemies fury was enforced not-with-standing that hee fought valliantly to retyre in some disorder Wherevpon the Duke perceuing him to bee in danger did on a sodaine make hast to his reskew and gaue in with such fury athwart the Imperiall Infantery which neerely pursued the Count Gajazzo as hee caused them to make a stand and to turne their backes still pursuing and beating them euen into their Campe. Antonio de Leua lost in this action more then fifteene hundred foote part of them being slaine and the rest taken prisoners where-vpon hee durst no more after that suffer his soldiers to sallie forth of the Campe nor attempt any enterprize continuing in great feare and doubt what hee were best to doe being afflicted with sundry cares and difficulties For on the one side hee could tarry no longer there for want of victualls and then hee perceiued that his aboad there could in no sort profit him on the other side to dislodge and to returne to Milan he thought it would greatly blemish his reputation and that of the whole army as if he should confesse that hee retired for feare being chaced by a number of e-enemies farre lesse then him-selfe That it was to no purpose to enter into the Venetians state but very dangerous all their townes beeing mand with strong Garrisons well fortified and on the other side the people of Milan were beyond measure discontented and in manner desperate by reason of the extortion and wrongs which they had sustayned by the soldiers were ready to make an insurrection and to alter the state calling without controulement for their Duke who lay then with his troopes in Cremona for he doubted not but that the Venetians being desirous to see him installed in his State would hazard all their forces when hope of obtayning that which they so much desired should bee offered
to make his preparations for his iourney into Italy came to Genoa with many shippes and Galleis within which were a thousand horse and nine thousand footmen the which he caused to be landed at Sauona for their more easie passage into Lombardy His deseignes for that present could not be truly descouered because he affirmed that his comming into Italy was to establish peace there and to compose all his variances with the Potentates of Italy yet neuerthelesse he did with all speed and from all parts assemble the greatest forces he could Antonio de Leua came and ioyned with him with twelue thousand footmen the Prince of Orange with seauen thousand the Lanceque nets which had beene leuied in the connty of Tiroll to the number of tenne thousand came through the Verona territory to meet him so as all his forces being ioyned together amounted to forty thousand footmen beside the cauallery which was great the Almains being folowed by tenne thousand Bourguinian horse-men The Emperors arriuall and with such prouision did greatly amaze the minds of all Italy together with the rumor that was spredde abroad how that the accord betwixt the Emperor and the most Christian King was already concluded the Confederates beeing not therein comprehended notwithstanding that the King had promised the contrary so that there was not any but the Pope alone which was free from this feare in all Italy according to the particular treaty which he had before concluded with the Emperour at Barcelona which till then had beene kept secret whereby he made account to make vse of the Imperiall forces for the execution of his deseignes and cheefely to restore his nephewes into Florence and to place them in their antient dignity and greatnesse as had beene concluded betwixt them Therefore the more to honor his comming so soone as he vnderstood that he was landed at Genoa he sent thither three of the cheefest Cardinalls of the Colledge for to congratulate his arriuall and to accompany him euery where The Florentines vpon these newes whom it first of all concerned to purchase his fauor and to be assured of his meaning did within a while after likewise send their Ambassadors vnto him who after the congratulation were to excuse them for entring into confederacy against him hauing therein beene enforced by the Popes authority and commandement and for that they had since then continued therein by necessity and they proceeded no farther because they had not any commission especially concerning the strife betwixt the Pope and them buâ⦠the Emperor seeming to be desirous to satisfie the Pope in that which he had promised him their Ambassador was to no purpose The other Potentates of Italy did likewise send their Ambassadors to his Imperiall Maiesty requesting his friendship and peace The Venetians alone remaining constant in their determination resolued to enter into no agreement with the Emperor but vpon extremity not but that they were desirous of peace but because he feared that the Emperor had a meaning contrary to the liberty of Italy and that he would so handle the matter as all the whole state thereof should depend only vpon him wherevpon they thought that to shew themselues humble and low-minded was nothing else but to encourage him and to confirme him in his desire and hope of beeing able to command all Italy So that they did then wisely by not sending their Ambassadors to him but they gaue their consent that the Duke of milan who as beeing tyed vnto them had therevppon craued the Senates aduise might send his Ambassadors as a vassall of the Empire and as for themselues being in a manner leââ¦t alone they did with speed make great prouisions for warre to assure as much as might bee their owne state they leauied new troupes of foot to augment their army and to strengthen the garrisons of other Citties they chose Francisco Pascalie Prouidator Generall for the firme land whose principall charge was to visit their forces and to furnish them with all necessaries they tooke diuers Captaines into their pay and among others Sigismond Malatestâ⦠with a thousand foote and two hundred light horse and because great numbers of Lancequenets departing from Bolognia were already passed by they caused Iohn Contareâ⦠the Prouidaââ¦or and Caesar Fregosa with a strong garrison to enter into Verona Now because it did greatly import them to keepe the other Italian Confederate princes in breath The Senate did not faile to encourage the Florentines and to commend their constancie exhorting them to defend their country and liberty promising to giue them all aide and succour that the time would permit and particularly to cause their forces to enter vpon the Parmesan and Placentine Conââ¦ines so soone as the Emperor should dislodge to draw into those quarters for the defence of his Citties the Emperiall forces which were in Tuscany They did the like to the Duke of Ferraââ¦a vnto whome they sent Marke Antonio Renier their Ambassador to declare vnto him the Republikes good meaning for the common defence of the liberty of Italy and the particular affection which they did beare to the Duke and to his whole state for which being conioyned by neere neighbour-hood and by sundry other respects they would neuer refuse to runne one selfe same fortune with him and therefore they desired to be acquainted with his intent and meaning The Duke shewed that hee was highly pleased with his Ambassade and promised to doe much and particularly to leuy great numbers of men of warre which hee assembled neere to Modena to serue not alone for the defence of his owne state but in all places where the Confederates should haue neede The Treaty of Cambray was at the same time published which already by a Common rumor was knowne to all men namely how that none of the Confederates were comprehended in it There was onely place reserued for the Venetias to enter into it so as within the space offoure moneths they would end their controuersies with the Emperor which was nothing else but a silent exclusion in regard the greatest difficulties remayned vndecided The King by the same treaty was among other things bound ââ¦o cause those townes which the Venetians held in Puglia to bee rendred to the Emperor and vpon their refusall to declare himselfe their enemy and to helpe him to recouer them by force For the execution of which article the King did on a suddaine send his Ambassadors to Venice to entreat them to render to the Emperour whatsoeuer they held in Puglia being bound to make that request by the Treaty of Cambray and that according to the forme of the Capitulations at Coignac adding therunto that he did so much rely on the affection which they had euer made shew to beare vnto himselfe and to the Crowne of France as albeit that there were not any Treaty that did oblige him to demand that of them hee did neuer-the-lesse perswade him-selfe that hee
precipitate councell From this vntill now we haue sufficiently kept our selues hauing for so many yeares maintayned warre and tried all possible meanes to reduce this Estate to a setled quiet and safety Let vs now take heede least we runne into the other extremity for feare least by seeking to much our owne aduantage and crauing too much assurance we come to hinder our selues and to expose our affaires to greater dangers Others were not of this opinion thinking it more honorable and more profitable to temporize not letting the Emperor know that they were desirous of an agreement These men did consider the small assurance that was in the Emperors Army which wanted mony and victualls whereby these two failing it was of necessity to breake That their Citties were fenced with strong garrisons That the Emperor could not in any sort assailâ⦠them vpon hope of sodaine taking of them That he was besides called away else where and enforced to depart ere long forth of Italy That the Turke had beseeged Vienna and reduced it to great danger That all his brothers country was spoyled and ruined by the Turkish Cauallery That the Heretickes had raised great troubles and of great importance in sundry places of Germany if they were not speedily supprest by his presence That hee being once gone forth of Italy and his army broken or at least much decayed there was no doubt but that they might with ease seaze on the whole Dutchy of Milan and mainteyne the Citties of Puglia vnder their obedience and in a word become victors in that warre and purchase in all places an immortal glory and reputation and where as at this present they treated of receauing an other mans lawes and conditions the Emperor should bee enforced to sue for and accept the Republikes friendship on conditions to their aduantage for feare least the French euer ready to armes should attempt to contract a new league with them and being afterwards ioyned together should come and trouble him whilst he were busied in some other war That no man was to perswade him-selfe that the Emperor distasting this Republick because it had beene for many yeares vnited with the French would come at this time for any loue therevnto to propound conditions of agreement but that they were rather certainely to beleeue that it was his own profit that mooued him thereunto knowing the State of his owne affaires to be badly assured and the impossibility of beeing able to hold together his army and to make any long aboad in Italy That it was a general rule that whatsoeuer pleaseth the enemy and is by him esteemed necessary and profitable ought to be reiected as a thing which on the other side may beget contrary effects His shew of humanity and his desire of peace and quiet was a cunning of the Imperialls to court their owne weaknesse and to make men beleeue that by truly procuring their owne aduantage their only aime was the common good But let vs yet presuppose said these men that it were good at this present to make an accord with the Emperor It is at the least more then reasonable to tarry till the assembly at Bolognia where the Emperors will and intention may be better discouered especially in the accord which shal be treated of concerning the Dutchy of Milan wheron in the end as well by reason of the ancient and new confederacy as for sundry great interests of the Commonwelth the most assured resolution of peace ought to depend These reasons did greatly mooue many of those that were there present who were of opinion not to lay downe armes but with honor and safety to the Common-wealth deferring for that time the nomination of Commissioners which were to goe to Mantoa to treat of peace They resolued to send the Secretary Andrew Rossi to the Marquis to thanke him for his offer and kind affection which he did beare to the Signory and to excuse them for that they could not as yet resolue vppon any treaty of agreement by reason that the Pope and the Emperor were shortly to meet together at Bolognia to compose the affaires of Italy that the Bishop of Faenza the Popes Nuncio had already a hand in that negotiation and particularly in that which concerned the Common-wealth The Pope in the meane time being gonne from Rome came to Spoleta and from thence to Bolognia there to expect the Emperor who after that the Pope had made his entry came thither within few dayes after so as sondry welcomes and reciprocall caresses being made they beganne to treat of the affaires of Italy and how to establish a firme peace there either of these Princes seeming to bevery desirous thereof But the first and most important was the accord with the Duke of Milan who after sundry goings to and fro of the Prothonotory Carracciola and of D. Garcia de Padiglia from Placentia to Cremona being aduised by the Venetians who the more to honour him caused Marc Antonio Veniero their Ambassador to accompany him determined to go in person to the Emperor to Bolognia hauing receiued a safe conduct from his maiesty vnder coullor of comming to him to iustifie himselfe because the difficultest point of his businesse seemed to bee for that the Emperor was distasted of him because that being farre of the Duke had refused to humble himselfe and to doe that duty which did belong to a vassall of the Empire or else for that he would haue debated his businesse with to great arrogancy or at the least with too much distrust of the Emperours Iustice and Clemency This matter beeing almost finished wââ¦s interrupted by the Imperiallists who demanded for the assurance of that which should bee agreed vpon that Francis Sforza should deliuer vnto them the Citties of Pauia and Alexandria the which by the Venetians aduice hee flatly refused to doe the State hauing mand them with strong Garrisons and lent the Duke tenne thousand Ducats for their entertainment This demand of the Imperiall officers did reuiue both in the Duke and the Venetians their former suspitions that the Emperialls were desirous to appropriate to them-selues the State of Milan The Pope vpon this refusall demanded to haue these Citties consigned into his hands whereof the Duke like-wise crauing to bee excused because hee could not doe it without the Venetians consent and that it would bee best to referre the matter to the deciding of his cause in the assembly at Bolognia it was referd thither without any resolution The Duke then bââ¦ing come to Bolognia and brought in to the Emperors presence hee did very humbly thanke him for his curtesie in that he had suffered him to come before him then hee told him that hee did so much rely vpon his iustice at hee desired none other assurance or support then his owne innocency and in so saying heââ¦laid downe at the Emperors feet the letters of safeconduct which he had in his hand where-with the Emperor was highly pleased A
friendly manner their strifes with the Emperour and thereby sreed them from the expence and trouble of warre They declared to the Emperour the necessity which had enforced them to take armes and to continue the warre their sorrow and griefe for matters past but aboue all their firme resolution to obserue and maintaine the accord made betwixt them and their desire of a perpetuall and an dissoluable friendship betwixt the house of Austria and the Republike The Ambassadors hauing in this mannerfully executed their commission so as nothing was left for them to negociate they were neuerthelesse commanded not to stirre from Bolognia that they might be present at the Emperours Coronation which was to be done in that City because that Charles meaning at the first to be crowned at Rome according to the ancient custome of other Emperours being called home by the Germains for matters of great importance resolued to haue the ceremony performed at Bolognia by reason whereof great numbers of people comming thither from all parts and Princes Ambassadours they thought that such an Ambassage as theirs would become the pompe and sollemnity of such a day which was vpon the foure and twenty of February which being ended the Ambassadours returned to Venice being honoured by the Emperour with a guift of fiue hundred Portiguze worth ten crownes a peece the which according to their custome were laied vp in the publike treasury The ancient fathers of the State hauing wisely decreed that if those citizens that were sent in Ambassage to Princes did receiue any thing of them in guift they were to deliuer it vp in publike they thinking it vnreasonable to refuse that which was giuen in honour to him that did represent the Common-wealth nor likewise to suffer that which was giuen to publike persons to be conuerted to priuate vses and if at times they were permitted to enioy them it passed by the common suffrages of the Senate wherevpon he vnto whom it was giuen held it afterwards of the Senates grace and liberallity and by this meanes they did cut off all occasion from bad Citizens of being partiall for any Prince whatsoeuer vpon hope of gaine to the detriment of the Common-wealth Within a while after three Ambassadours came to Venice from the Emperour to render a reciprocall office of friendship and in particular to resolue vpon the execution of certaine Articles of peace who were entertained with all honour and sumptuousnesse and at their departure they were presented with cuppes of gold of the value of a thousand crownes a peece and touching the Emperours demand for his sake diuers of the Republikes subiects were pardoned and others raised to great honours and dignities The Emperour after his coronation went to Mantua where he was receiued with all royall magnificence by Frederico Gonzaga Marquis of that place who by him was recompenced with the degree and title of Duke to himselfe and his posterity from thence being to passe thorow the Republikes State in his iourney by Trent into Germany the Senate commanded Paulo Nani and Giouani Delfino Generall Prouidators in the firme land and likewise Gââ¦ouani Mora gouernor of Padua and Pedro Grimani gouernor of Vincenza to meet him at Villafranca with great company of Gentlemen which lieth vpon the Mantuan and Verona confines and to waite vpon him so long as he should make his abode vpon their territories they commanded likewise the officers of Verona to make speedy prouision of victuals and other necessaries for those of his Court and for the souldiers and they did in particular in the Republikes name present him with wine venison fish sweet meats and all other exquisite delicates fit for entertainment The Emperour then passed along with all his forces beeing attended on by great numbers of Lords and Princes Ambassadours and amongst others by Nicââ¦lao Tepulo appointed as hath beene said ordinary Ambassador with his Maiesty and in passing by Verona without entring the city where and in the castles the gards were doubled he came to Chiusa being still accompanied by the Commissioners that represented the common-wealth and being thorow all their State entertained with great honor he seemed to be highly pleased and satisfied therewith and protested great loue to the Republike As these things seemed to encrease these Princes confidence and to confirme peace and friendship euen so was it to be feared that they would in Soliman great States being euer filled with iealosie beget summe suspition that the Signory would enter into league against him with the Christian Princes and that which made him to doubt it was the common report that was spread abroad that peace was established amongst those Princes that they might afterwards being vnited together make warre vpon the Turke and oppose themselues against Solimans great deseignes who hauing once alââ¦eady beseeged the city of Vienna did threaten to returne thither againe with a mightier army Certaine Cardinals appointed for that end did meet at Bolognia with the assistance of the Ambassadors of other Princes to treat of necessary preparations to beginne the warre with the Turke and though the Common-wealths Ambassadors were not present at that assembly where there was nothing concluded on the report neuerthelesse encreasing the matter as the manner is and being bruted at Constantinople for otherwise then the truth was the cause that diuers did blame that councell who thinking to remedy a mischiefe fell into a greater and a more dangerous Now the Senate being aduertized by Lodouico Gritti who as Ambassador to Iohn King of Hungary had followed Soliman to Constantinople of the Turkââ¦s suspition resolued to dispatch an Ambassadour to the great Lord to acquaint him with the peace made with the Emperour and with the reasons that mooued them therevnto and also to assure him of the Senates firme and constant desire euer to continue friends to the Ottomans and if he should perceiue Soliman to be well inclined towards them then to renue the Articles of peace The Senate did not without cause vse all these respects and demonstrations of friendship to Soliman because that not long before at his returne from Belgrade he had sent Ibraim Bei his Ambassador to Venice to acquaint them with that which had ãâã in Hungary and parââ¦icularly how that he had restored King Iohn their friend and Confederate to his Kingdome he did besides send an other Chiaus to the Senate to entreate them to send their Ambassador to Constantinople to be present at the sollemââ¦ity of the circumcision of two of his sonnes and at the same time he vsed great liberalit y towards them by giuing them for a present a thousand Canthars of Salt-peter brought from Alexandria hauing heard that the Venetians did need it Thomaso Moceniga was chosen for this commission who within few daies after did set forwards on his iourney with Francisco Barbaro who was chosen Baylif to succeed Pedro Zene who being sent as Ambassadour to the Porte of the great
Senate to whom of purpose he sent his Nuncio to exhort them therein to interpose their councell authority and forces by intreating the Emperour to harken therevnto and the easier to draw him to it to offer him a summe of money But the Senate being of a contrary minde sought to disswade him from it and in praysing his good meaning they shewed him how that to take armes at such a time and without vrgent necessity was nothing else but to shew that he was afraide of a most iust cause whereof all men were desirous to be assured by preuenting with force the power which the concourse and fauour of the people might bring to the aduerse party That it did not beseeme him who maintained reason and truth to flie from the triall thereof especially by the Scriptures and by the same reason and not to impose a necessity vpon the Protestant Princes to raise their forces and thereby to make their cause to be more fauoured by the people and accounted to haue some shew of honesty by opposing themselues against the violence which would be done to them by comming in armes That the Princes of Italy were whole drawne drie of money by reason of the late wars The Electors of the Empire were doubtfull in such a case what part to take and more desirous of peace then warre as their Ambassadours doe affirme who for the same purpose were sent to the Emperour at Bruxells The free cities of Germany are resolute in no sort to aide or fauour the Emperour if hee should seeke rather to preuaile by force then reason and the Emperour is to weake of himselfe to leauy sufficient forces to ouer-throw the Princes and people being risen The Pope being mooued by these reasons or by the anthority of the Senate to whom he much referred himselfe hauing changed his minde desisted from sending his Nuncio to the Emperour as hee had determined whereby this treatie was broken off And to speake truely it was then thought most fit to consider rather how to resist the Turkes deseignes and to keepe as much as might be the forces of Christendome vnited together and chieflly those of Germany who were to susteine the first attempts of the Barbarians by reason that it was held for certaine that Soliman being proud and haughty could not digest his shamefull discamping from before Vienna which he could not take that he was ãâã to returne thither with a mightier army the which according to the common report he was already preparing The Emperour in this regard did rather encline to peace then warre and ãâã making any solid resolution was content for that time to set downe cerâ⦠rules concerning religion vntil the next future councell He likewise desired the better to reduce all matters to peace and quiet to end the controuersies which remained vndecided betwixt the Archduke Fedinana and the Republike of Venice wherevpon he commanded to choose vmpiers according to that which they had concluded wherevnto al be it that the Senate did not onely consent but did likewise seeme greatly to desire it by soliciting the deciding of the controuersie yet neuerthelesse nothing succeeded thereof contrary to the desire of both parties by reason of the difficulty they had to name a third person if it were so that the vmpiers could not agree amongst themselues The Archduke chose the Duke of Mantua the Bishop of Ausbourg and the Popes Nuncio residing with himselfe And the Venetians made choice of the Bishop Theatinâ⦠the Archbishop of Salerne who was of the family of the Adorni and the Popes Nuncio refiding at Venice but those which pleased one of the parties displeased the other whereby matters remained still in controuersie to the great preiudice and hurt of the subiects on the frontiers and caused an alteration amongst the Princes Besides this the Emperour had not yet surrendred which was the very latter end of the yeere the castle of Milan nor the city of Coma to Francis Sforza as he was bound to doe wherevpon the Venetians being desirous to haue it performed as soone as might be for feare least time might produce some sinister accident and Francis Sforza hauing not altogether meanes of his owne to furnish so great a sum of money as was to be paied to the Emperour they did lend him fifty thousand Ducats to make vp the payment the which they re-embursed vpon a bargain of salt they made with him by which meanes the castle of Milan and the city of Coma were rendred to Sforza to the Venetians great content whose only end was to assure the Duââ¦chy of Milan to the Duke The Venetians great desire to conserue that State for Sforza was the cause that he seeming to haue some distrust of the French entreated the Senate to interpose their authority with that King that he might desist from his great warlike preparations which he was reported to make to renue his old claime to Milan and notwithstanding that they gaue small credit to that report yet neuerthelesse to shew their constant desire of the preseruation and defense of that State and to take from the French all suspition that they would euer separate themselues from the Emperour and the other Confederates they determined to make it knowne to all men as well in France as in the Courts of other Princes But the Emperour being displeased with this declaration did summon them besides to arme the number of souldiers which the Signory was bound to leauy by the treaty of Confederacy The Venetians therevpon supposing that he aimed at some particular deseigne of his owne and would draw them to more then they were tied vnto by the league answered that the affaires of Italy standing at such a stay as there was nothing to be more hoped for then an assured peace they were not to be vrged to so great expences Now at the same time the Venetians supposing that King Francis beeing newly married and hauing recouered his children should rather thinke on feasting and pleasure then on the trauails of warre to make it knowne that they desired to partake some part of his content sent into France Iohn Pisani Procurator of Saint Markeâ⦠their extraordinary Ambassadour to reioyce with him in the name of the Republike But he hauing discouered some true likelihoods said boldly that they would not suffer the peace and publike quiet to be troubled or interrupted and they would neuer faile in ought wherevnto they were tied by their confederacy In the Interim of these negociations the Republike enioying an assured peace the Senate tooke care to re-establish it in her ancient preheminences which it had enioyed before the last warres and amongst others to appoint all the Bishops belonging to their owne State for which hauing made many requests to the Pope without receiuing any certaine resolution they seized on the temporalties of diuers Bishoprikes which the Pope had giuen whereat his Holinesse being incensed made shew that he would resent it and
Councell of the Forts to consider thereof and himselfe in the meane time walking at liberty in the Citty not tarrying for his iudgement escaped thence then hauing againe armed three Fusts hee continued with great arrogancy and contempt of the Common-wealth his ââ¦ormer courses wherevpon the Prouidator hauing narrowly watched him did in the end surprise him and hauing disarmed his vessels caused Philippos head to bee stricken off as author of all those misehiefes setting all the Turkish slaues at liberty whom hee sent to Constantinople It was supposed that this execution would haue incensed the Emperor who had that Religion vnder his protection and the great maister of Malta but they being aduertised how the matter stood both of them were appeased In the middest of these affaires the Pope who was fallen fick at the beginning of summer hauing a long time endured sundry accidents departed forth of this present lise at such time as he was at the heighth of all his happinesse Hee beeing dead the Cardinalls who according to the vsuall ceremonies had shutte themselues vp into the conclaue did with a generall consent elect in his steed Alexander of the family of Farneses a Romaine by nation and the eldest Cardinall of the Court of Rome who tooke vpon him the name of Paul the third All men thought that hee would haue behaued himselfe as Neuter as hee had euer done for the space of fifty yeares or there-about that hee had beene Cardinall and would thereby maintaine Italy in peace and quiet a long time after the which was very pleasing to the Venetians as they who greatly desired to ââ¦ee all matters brought to a setled quiet and who did besides perswade themselues by reason of the loue which he had euer seemed to beare vnto them before hee was Pope that if he should leaue his neutrality hee would rather confirme the league which they were at with Clement his Predecessor then practize any noueltie therefore they sent eight Ambassadors to him namely Marco Minio Tomaso Moceniga Nicolao Tepulo Ieromino Pesare Giouan Badoariâ⦠Lorenzo Bragadino Gasparo Coââ¦taren and Federico Reniero not giuing them any other commission then to present to the new Pope their accustomed obedience thinking it not fit to sue vnto him for any thing vntil they had better discouered his deseignes in his new fortune But the Emperour beeing desirous to know his meaning from himselfe being therevnto mooued by his feare least the French would stirre hee did foorth with sound him concerning the renuing of his league with the late Pope And the more easily to induce him therevnto hee made the same request to the Venetians that they would againe confirme betwixâ⦠them the former Articles of their confederacy exhorting them therevnto for the quiet of Italy which hee knew they so much wisht for and they beeing vnited together would bee able to maintaine and defend themselues from all the attempts of the French although the new Pope would not ioyne himselfe with them and yet neuerthelesse the true meanes to draw him to them at the beginning of the Papacie was to see a firme vnion and correspondence betwixt the Republick and him on whom the wills of other potentates of Italy were to depend The Venetians did not altogether approoue nor yet reiect the Emperors motion for they beeing in no sort desirous of innouation said some-times That there was no need to haue it renued and at other times seemed to be ready so to doe when need should bee And in these practises ended the yeare one thousand fiue hundred thirty foure The Pope who did maturely confider all these matters not dooing anything rashly did at the beginning of the yeare following shew how desirous hee was to establish a firme peace betwixt the Emperour and the French King vnto whom hee speedily sent his Legates for that purpose and likewise in what singular recommendation hee had the affaires of Italy aboue all other matters with a particular affection to the Signory of Venice Yet neuerthelesse as Princes actions are different and subiect to change an occasion was offered which had like to haue altered this good disposition of the Popes to the great danger of all Italy Whilest the Sea Apostolick was vacant the nuptialls had beene solemnized betwixt Guido Vbaldo sonne to Francesco Maria Duke of Vrbin and Iulia the onely daughter to Iohn Vââ¦ran Duke of Camerine who succeeded in her Fathers State This marriage was at the first allowed by the Pope and all men thought that matters would haue gone forward peaceably but within a while after the Pope beeing otherwise perswaded by some or else aspiring of himselfe as it often happeneth to those that are at the height of their feilcity to greater and higher deseignes thought this a very fitte occasion for the aduancement of his owne house by conferring therevnto this enfeoffment of the Church for a beginning Wherevpon hee openly declared That hee would neuer suffer that the Duke of Vrbin should against all law and right possesse as hee sayd the Dutchie of Camerine belonging to himselfe alone to dispose thereof hauiââ¦g to this end raysed great forces to hinder the fortifications which the Duke intended to make at Camerine and the Garrison which hee purposed to place there This declaration of the Pope did greatly discontent the Venetians vnder whose protection the Duke of Vrbin was vnto whom and his whole house they did beare singular affection for the good seruices which hee had done to the common-wealth and therefore they vsed all possible meanes to appease the Pope as also because that the Duke of Vrbin did freely offer to haue the matter consulted and dââ¦bated on by reason but the Pope giuing no eare to their entreaties or messages said that hee could doe no otherwise therein then hee was councelled and aduised by affaires of State and that hee did determine without any more dissembling to recouer by force that which had beene detained from that State the which all men did account very strange in regard of those times Christendom beeing infinitely molested both by the armes of the Infidels and by heresies newly sprung vp in diuerse and sundry Prouinces The Venetians therefore not to omit ought which might quench this small sparke which was likely to burst forth into a great flame did aduertise the Emperor thereof earnestly entreating him therein to interpose his authoritie to preserue and maintaine ouer all Italy the same peace and quiet which to his honor and renowne hee had so well established The Emperor did willingly embrace this businesse and hauing hotly pursued it with the Pope did greatly moderate his former heate But it was supposed that the same which did most of all appease him was a proposition made vnto him by those who managed the affaires of the Duke and the Venetians which was to giue to his sonne Pietro Lodouico some honorable estate in Romagnia and to rââ¦nder Rauenna and Ceruia to the
began modestly to excuse the matter concerning Contarens shippe and other things done to the Venetian Marchants and their marchandize as matters happened without the great Turkes expresse commandement and which should be speedily remedied There was then a report at that time how that the Sophy of Persia had taken armes and that hee would shortly be in the field whereby the Turkes would bee enforced to turne their forces vpon Persia And that the rumor which was currant how that th â⦠Turkes had an enterprize vpon Christendome was rather to maintaine their reââ¦utation among Christian Princes then for any desire they had at that time to employ their forces against them The end of the tenth Booke of the fifth Decade The Contents of the first Booke of the sixth Decade THE Turke maketh great preparations both by Sea and land to enuade Christendome The Venetians are enforced to arme and to stand vpon their guard The French Kings deseigns vpon Italy The Imperialls are afraid of the Turkish Army Count Guy de Rangon commeth to Venice being sent thither by the French King and is answered quite contrary to his expectation Three sundry accidents are cause of warre betwixt the Venetians and Soliman The Venetians fleet is by force of wind cast vpon the Coast of Puglia where that of the turkes lay The Venetian fleet beeing retired from Puglia Soliman declareth himselfe their enemy Doria his pollicy to enforce the Venetians to ioyne with him The Baily Canalis aduiseth the Senate to reconcile them selues to Soliman The Venetian Marchants are stayed and their goods seased on ouer all Solimans Empire Barbarossa wasteth the Isle of Corfoù The description of the Isle of Corfoù The Venetians determine to fight with the Turke A league contracted betwixt the Emperor the Pope and the Venetiams Doria his delaies and in the end his refusall to ioyne with the Venetians against the Turkes The Venetians are constant to assaile the Turkes not-with-standing that Doria had forsaken them The Vifier Bascha councelleth Soliman to raise his campe from before Corfoù hauing viewed the place Soliman seeketh the Venetians friendship The seege raised from before Corfou Soliman determineth to assaile Naples of Romagnia and Maluefia Barbarossa his incursions vpon the Venetians Islands The Venetians take the Islé of Scardona The Emperor although hee ââ¦ffirmed that hee would make warre vpon the Turkes is suspected of the contrary The Popes dilligence to attone the Emperor and the French King Sundry oppinions in the Senate concerning either warre or peace with Soliman And lastly the Emperors Ambassador goeth about to breake the Venetians Newtrallity but in vaine The First Booke of the sixth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THE Venetians by the Bashas speech remayning irresolute and in doubt either of warre or peace were greatly troubled wherein the French Ambassador did by a maruelous cunning entertaine them hoping theââ¦eby to cause them to condescend to his Kings deseignes to ioyne them-selues with the French and to abandon the Imperialls friendship assuring them that if they would so doe to shield them from all danger on the Turkes behalfe In the meane time sundry rumors were bruted in Constantinople soââ¦e affirming that those great preparations for the fleet was to passe into Puglia and others said that it was to enter into the Venetian Gulph there to ââ¦aile what-so-euer it could finde to belong vnto the Emperor others thought that it was for Barbary according to the aduise of Cariadine Barbarossa and others like-wise did threaten the Venetians naming particularly the Isle of Corfoù These preparations were as great by land as by ââ¦ea and made with great speed so as it was certenly thought that hee would set forth more then three hundred saile with great store of ordnance war like engins and great quantity of all sortes of munition The Venetians being troubled with these preparations and for diuers occasions suspecting the Turkes faith non-with standing that the league made of a long time with Soliman did still continue resolued likewise to arme as fast as they could supposing that there was no safer meanes to assure their affaires then to stand vpon their gard for feare of beeing surprized Therefore they beganne to make great prouisions for warre and leauied on a sodaine eight thousand footemen to re-enforce their garrisons they did trimme their old Gallieâ⦠and gaue order to build fifty new ones they stayed some Venetians and strangers that were bound for sondry voyages to make vse of them for the carriage of the munitions and other necessaries for the fleet determining if dangers did increase to arme the number of an hundred Galleis and for that purpose they chose for Geneââ¦all according to their vsual manner by way of lotte in the Councell of the Preguais Ieronimo Pesare a man very skilfull in the affaires of the common-wealth and cheefely in sea businesse who was afterwards allowed by the great Councell But that which among other matters did most troble them was the care from whence to haue meanes to furnish the expences which they were to make their treasor beeing wholly exhausted by the late warres wherby they were to inuent sundry extraordiââ¦ry deuises to get money speedily They created three Procurators of Saint Maââ¦ke which is one of the chiefe dignities in the common-wealth next to the Duke namely Andrew Capello Ieroââ¦imo Bragadino Iacââ¦mo Cornare who did each of them aide the Republicke with twelue thousand crowns they did afterwards entreat the Pope to permit them to raise two hundred thousand Ducats vpon the Clergy of their state which the Pope making great difficultie to graunt alledging sometimes the Clergyes pouerty and then that he could not belââ¦eue that Soliman did intend to march against Christendome they were enforced to raise it some where else and amid these troubles and perplexities of mind they did not forget following the holy and religious institution of their Forefathers to haue recourse cheefely to diuine assistance whereuppon solleme prayers were commanded to be made in all Churches foure hundred measures of wheate were giuen to the poore Friers to pray to God that it would please him to fauour the good and deuout affection of the Councellors of the State The Imperialls were in no lesse care and trouble to be assured of the Turkish forces wherevppon they caused great numbers of Spanish footmen to passe into Italy to lye in Garrison in the Realmes of Sicill and Naples and in other places exposed to the enemies arriuall they sent word to Andrew Doria Prince of Melfi who at the same time was Admiral for the Emperor on the Mediterranian seas that he should speedily make ready his Gallies and come into the kingdome to ioyne with those of Naples Sicilly and the religion of Malta to command there But these prouisions being weake were not sufficient to resist the Turkish forces For the Emperor was at the same time enforced to looke to the defense of his other Estates which the French King
least they should after-wards grow could in their ãâã ãâã warâ⦠that to make ãâã greate hast to send an answer was to discouer their weakens to the Turke and to make him become more insolent in the conditions of ãâã ãâã ãâã they were not to make account of expences in regard that they were to arme howsoeuer and being armed to treate of peace and not rashly to rely vpon the faith and discretion of those perfidious enemies In this manner did the practize of the league continue by delaying the affaires of Constantinople But at the last by meanes of diuers who did not cease to solicit them to send an answer and not wholy to giue ouer that treaty and to take armes it was propounded in the Senate to write to the Bayly still to entertaine the Baschâ⦠Aiax and to tell him how that the common-wealth had great cause to complaine of Soliman who without being prouoked had broaken the peace and came like an enemy to enuade the Isle of Corfoù not tarring for Vrsinos returne who by his expresse command was sent to Venice with promise to attempt nothing till his returne that the Senate had beene euer very carefull to continew the peace and friendship with Soliman whose enterprizes it had neuer sought to hinder but had inuiolably kept there promise with him euer behauing themselues as newters If the Generall ââ¦esare had met with his forces vpon the coast of Puglia where the Turkish army lay it was by meere chance hauing beene driuen thither by force of the windes Their drift that propounded this was to haue the Baily by this discourse to vse meanes to discouer the Turkes meaning concerning peace and if he should see any good likelihood there-vnto then to beginne to motion it This being thus propounded in the Senate three daies were spent in the resolution thereof after-which the matter hauing beene long debated by the cheefe Senators two voyces wanting for the ending of it the whole matter remayned vnresolued the promises of Princes hauing made such an impresion in all men as they wholy relied thereon Don Lopes the Emperors Ambassador hauing notice of this irresolution hoping that the Common-wealth would make a more strict alliance with the Emgeror beganne to solicite the Senate as Doria had already done to Vnite and ioyne their nauall Armies and to bee no longer newters but openly to declare them selues enemies to the Turkes But the wisest and best aduised among them meaning not to bee carried away by words abused by vaine and idle promises did continue in their former proposition not to take armes but vpon constraint against so mighty an enemy who was able in so many sundry places to enuade the State of the Common-wealth which was not alone of it selfe suffitient to make defence against him and ought not to rely ouer-much on an others helpe Therefore they determined to answer the Ambassadors offers in generall termes and by the same meanes to thanke the Emperor as author thereof assuring him that for diuers respects they could not passe on any father and namely because that the French and the Turkes seeking their friendshippe they had answered them that they would not therein giue them satisfaction by reason that the Senats meaning was by shewing them-selues newters to keepe their promise with all men intending neuer-the-lesse to remaine armed what-so-euer should befall setting alwaies before their eyes with their owne proper interest the commodity of all Christendome At this answer the Ambassador held his peace not making any farther reply but within a while after comming into the Senate he made another request vnto them which was that for feare least the French should come downe into the State of Milan they would raise the six thousand foote-men to defend it which they were bound to furnish by their last accord for which the Duke of Vrbin hauing taken speedy order who was their Captaine Generall they replied that there was no need to cause those troupes to march any farther which were appointed onely for the defense of the State of Milan seeing that the French were still making warre in Piedmont and that so soone as they should passe the riuer Sefia it would be theâ⦠time to vrge their promise which they would in no sort breake The end of the first Booke of the sixth Decade The Contents of the second Booke of the sixth Decade THE Venetians doe hasten the fortification of the Islands and Sea townes of their iurisdiction Andre Doria is chosen Generall of the Army of the league Solimans great preparations against the Venetians The Venetian Senate resolue to make warre vpon Soliman The league concluded andresolued on betwixt the Pope the Emperor and the Venetians against Soliman The French King refuseth to enter into the league The treaty of peace betwixt the Emperor and the French King is broken The Pope commeth to Nice to attone them where truce was onely graunted Barbarossa wasteth the Islands of the Archipelago Hee commeth into Candy with his retreate thence The Senate sendeth supplies into Candy The Sangiach of Morea summoneth the cities of Naples and Maluesia in Morea to yeeld The Turkes wast and Spoyle Dalmatia whither the Senate sendeth supplies The Turkes take certaine Castles in Dalmatia A motion made in the Senate for the recouery of that which they had taken there The Turkes returne doth breake that motion The Emperor after that the Venetians had renued the league sendeth his Nauall Army to Corfoù The Army of the league resolueth to goe and assalt the Castle of Preueze Doria fauoreth the Army of Barbarossa Doria is vnwilling to giue Barbarossa battaill The Generall Capel complaineth for that they did not fight And lastly Dorias retreat to Corfoù to the great greefe and discontent of the whole Army The Second Booke of the sixth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THE Treaty of peace being wholy broken and no hope remaining but in armes dilligent and carefull prouision was made in Venice of all things necessary for the warre great numbers of vessells and soldiors munitions and victualls to furnish the Islands and other townes on the Sea coast Those of Naples and Maluesia made sute to haue their Garrisons augmented and especially to furnish them sufficiently with victualls and munition for want of which Naples had like to haue fallen into the enemies hands promising that if they might be thus releeued to sustaine all the perills and dangers of warre to keepe those Citties vnder the Venetians obedience The Isle of Candy made the like request where certaine troubles being raised and sundry scandalous speeches giuen forth that they would yeeld to the enemy if hee should come thither for feare of sacke and spoyle as it had happened in the Islands of thy Archipelago the cheefe townes of the Island sent Ambassadors to Venice to cleere them selues oâ⦠that imputation and to let them know that the error of some of base condition had occasioned those reports
rather by cowardize and indiscretion then for any euell will and therefore they did offer to spend both their meanes and liues for the seruice of the Common-wealth promising to giue sufficient and ample testimony of their loyalty earnestly and humbly entreating them not to forsake them seeing that they were ready and determined to make defense The Senate did willingly giue eare vnto them and with faire speeches and great promises they were sent backe againe where-vpon the Generall was commanded to send fiue and twenty Gallies to the Isle of Candy vnder the conduct of the Prouidator Pascalie who had like-wise commission to carry soldiers and victualls to Naples and to leaue foure Gallies there for the guard of the city They did in like manner furnish the Castle and Isle of Corfoù with all things necessary As for Dalmatia sundry companies of light horse drawne from Greece and Croatia were sent thither to gard the country against the enemies incursions But that which did trouble them was the vncertenty which way they would take there being sundry speeches thereof whereby they were at one time to prouide for all the places which they held vppon the sea and likewise to assure Patria in Frioul because the report was that Soliman in person would be in his land army which made them feare that he might come thither In the meane time the last conclusion of the league was most ernestly sollicited whose forces were supposed would be very great which was the cause that no more mention was made of the treaty of peace the which for a time lay dead The Venetians to please the Emperor had chosen Andrew Doria Generall of the whole army and the Pope in fauour to the Common-wealth had appointed Marco Grimani Patriarke of Aquileia to command his Gallies a Venetian by nation and of a noble and rich family But there rested to conclude the portion of their expence which each of the Confederates were to beare in that common enterprise knowing very wel that the third part was to great for the Sea Apostolick the Venetians being contented somwhat to ease it and that the Emperor should beare the rest but his Agents notwithstanding they said that it was reason to ease the Pope would neuerthelesse not giue their consent to haue him charged more then the Venetians The Emperour at the last fearing least that the delay of the conclusion of the league might breed some coldnesse in those who were most foreward to warre and might in the end cause the Senate to giue eare to the propositions of peace and that thereby he might be enforced alone to sustaine all the Turkes attempts did encrease the authority of his Agents at Rome promising to be pleased with whatsoeuer they should agree to and cheefely concerning the difficultie about the expence suffering the Pope to beare but the sixth part and of the residew the three partes should bee for him selfe and the two for the Venetians Whilest these treaties were made in the Court of Roome Genesino who at Constantinople serued as Dragoman for the Common-welth arriued at Venice bringing letters from the Bayley and was enjoyned by the Visier Bascha and the admirall to aduise councell and exhort the Venetians to harken vnto peace he did afterward acquaint them particularly with the great warlicke preparations which were made in sundry places of Solimans Empire he told them besides from Aiax the Visier Bascha that he did greatly maruaile why they had not answered his former letters that he did neuerthelesse beare the selfe same good will and affection to the Republike that a way lay open vnto them for peace if they would send their Ambassador to the Port of the great Lord to iustifie their actions past and by the satisfaction for losses to vse meanes to appease Soliman who otherwise was ready to make inuasion vpon them The arriuall of this Dragoman and his new offers did cause sundry effects in the Senate for it did more animate those that craued warre and strengthened the other in their opinion which required peace Therefore the Senate being therevppon assembled to answere the Baily the businesse being brauely disputed on in the assembly cheefely by Marc Antonio Cornare who had at other times maintained in that place That it behooued them to ioyne with the League and to make warre and by Marco Foscare who was one of the Councell and by his skill and long experience in the managing of publicke affaires had purchased great authority it was determined by the plurality of voices according to the former resolution not to write vnto Constantinople at all but onely for to make warre Therevppon within a while after they sent ample commissions to their Ambassadors at Rome for the conclusion of the league and for the signing to the articles thereof on which after a long contestation they had agreed and which were read and approoued in the Senate beeing these That there was a league and confederacy made betwixt Pope Paul the third the Emperor Charles the fift and the Republick and Senate of Venice as well offensiue as defensiue against Soliman King of Turkes whereby the Confederats did promise to make warre vpon the Turkes with two hundred Gallies a hundred armed ships and fifty thousand Italian footemen tenne thousand Spaniards and twenty thousand Almans with foure thousand fiue hundred horse armed after the Bourgonian manner to which forces were added a sufficient quantity of artilery munition and other necessaries which should yearely be ready about the midest of March. Of these Gallies the Pope armed thirty sixe the Emperor foure score and two and the Signory of Venice as many vnder the command of Vincenzo Capello their Generall the Emperor was bound to furnish all the shippes of warre and the Venetians to lend the Pope Gallies ready furnished with all necessaries Concerning the expence it was diuided as aboue is said Ferdinand King of the Romans was vnder-stood to be comprehended in that Confederacy whome the Emperor did promise should wholy ratisie it and would cause him to leuy an army a part to assaille the Turkes in Hungary The most Christian king was therin likewise comprehended so soone as he should declare that he would accept of the cheefe and most honorable place which they had reserued for him wherein the Pope was to appoint with what forces he should be present there That the Pope should likwise vse meanes to draw the King of Poland and the other Christian Princes to this Vnion and if that any contention should arise among the Confederate Princes concerning the League the Pope was to decide it and to make them friends Andre Doria was as hath beene said Generall by Sea and the Duke of Vrbin for the enterprizes of the firme land As for the conquests which should bee made by the common armes it was mentioned in a scedule apart that euery of the confedrates should enter vpon the same state which had belonged vnto him so
to no purpose by reason of the great difficulties to establish a perfect peace betwixt these two Princes in regard of what had happened on either side and that the cause which had mooued both of them to grant the pope this enterview was but for to iustifie themselues and to make a shew to all men that they were desirous of peace but that the meanes to obtaine it were hard both their iealozies beeing equally alike to purchase the Popes fauour by allowing all his Councells and deseignes for his Holinesse euer fearing to aduance the one of them more then the other would not suffer any of them to grow more mighty by the forces and authorityes of the Sea Apostolicke and especially in Italy Some likewise did thinke that the Pope was not mooued to procure this enteruiew only for the publick and vniuersall good but for some particular profit of his owne hoping by the meanes of his presence and the meeting of these two Princes to insinuate himselfe into their fauor and to obtaine some matter of importance for the establishment of the greatnesse of his owne house as the effect did afterwards manifest hauing at that assembly concluded the marriage of the Lady Marguerite the Emperors naturall daughter and widdow to Duke Alexander of Medicis with Octauio Farnesâ⦠the Popes Nephew whom the Emperor inuested with the State of Nauarre Notwithstanding that the Venetians were possessed with these doubts and suspitions the Senate neuerthelesse did not cease to doe the duty which the time re quired to testifie the honor and respect it did beare to those great Princes and cheefely to the Pope and to this end to manifest how much it desired according to their antient custome to ayde and fauour that accord they chose two Ambassadors Nicholao Tepulo and Marc Antonio Cornare to be present at that assembly to make knowne the Senates good will and withall how greatly it desired peace betwixt Christian Princes and also for to make warre vpon the Turkes Now the Pope departing from Rome in the moneth of Aprill according as it had beene determined came to Parma where he celebrated Palme-Sonday in the Cathedrall Church staying in that Citty and at Placentia certaine dayes expecting the Duke of Sauoyes resolution concerning the Citty of Nice where the assembly was to be made because some difficulties were made thereuppon not without suspition that it came from the Emperor who was desirous before his comming to the assembly to see what the Turkes progression would be But the Pope at last resoluing not to make so long stay in his iourney did set forewards directly towards Nice where at his arriuall the entry into the Citty was denied him the Gouernour thereof saying that he held that place for the Prince and that the Duke his father was not to dispose thereof where vppon the Pope was enforced to retire him-selfe into a Monastery of Moncks beeing not farre from thence whither within a while after the Citties keyes were brought vnto him The Emperor and the French King came sodainly into those quarters the one being lodged at Villafranca and the other at Villanoua beyond the Riuer Var. Yet the Pope could neuer procure them to meet in his presence because they both determined not to grant the Popes desire in that meeting which was to make them good friends and to establish a firme peace betwixt them yet neuer-the-lesse he procured the prolongation of the truce which was already confirmed for the space of tenne yeares hoping that in the meane space the hatred which was so deepely rooted in their hearts might bee worne out that beeing done euery one went his owne way the Pope towards Rome the Emperor towards Barcelona and the King iournied to Auignion from thence to returne into France But the King being come to Auignion was adnertized that the Emperor was desirous to confetre with him and that for the same purpose hee entreated him to come to Aigues-mortes where he would land which the King willingly graunting went thither where both their maiesties did carsse each other and the Emperor went and dined with the King in the towne with great demonstration of brotherly friendship Then the king wentinto the Emperors Gallie where they had long conference to gether where-vpon all men hoped shortly to see a firme peace established betwixt them but no effectas thereof could euer since bee discerned but on the contrary the Emperor perceiuing him-selfe to be assured by the confirmation of the league with the Venetians against the Turkes not alone to sustaine their attempts beganne to make greater demands to the King accorping to the treaty of Madrill the King on the other side promising to him-selfe to recouer the States which hee detained from him made great warlike preparations to assaile him in sundry places not tarrying for the expiration of the truce Now whilest Christian Princes stood vpon termes of making warre one vpon another the Turke had in the winter time prepared all that which was necessary for his comming forth into the field who like-wise remembring that which did belong to his owne religion for those Barbarous people haue some impression of diuinity in their harts did before his departure celebrate with great solemnity the feasts of Baieran those daies are celebrated and reuerenced by that nation euen as Easter is by the Christians hee caused prayers to bee made in all his Mesquites for the happy successe of him-selfe and his army Then in the moneth of March his armies by sea and land departed from Constantinople where Soliman was in person and Barbarossa neere to him who held the rancke and grade which Lufti had done not long before who was depriued of his place of Bascha and confined into Macedon But the whole army being not yet well accommodated Barbarossa in the meane time with sixe score sayle went to wards the Archipelago as to an assured booty to assaile the Islands the which beeing defended the yeare before had as then no Garrisons that were suffitient to make defence whereby it came to passe that Schiros Schiaroc Schiati with certaine others of lesse fame being first sackt and spoyled fell into the power of the Turkes There happened a memorable accident at the Taking of Schiati for the Islanders and those few soldiers that were within it hauing constantly sustained the first assaults of the Turkes building vpon the assurance of the situation of the Castle seated vpon an high place some of the cheefe amongest them were desirous either thorow feare or a premeditated malice to yeeld them-selues vnto the Turkes but fearing peraduenture to be punished for their basenesse and treachery if the matter should not fall out according to their desire did runne to the Pallace where Ieronimo Memio gouernor of the place lay hurt in his bed who by his valor giuing example to his soldiers had beaten the enemies from the wals whome they slew by whose death all matters remayning
Contaren the Prouidator in Candy that hee should speedily arme fiue and twenty Galleys in that Island The Senate at the same time decreed that foure thousand artificers of the Citty should bee enrolled with whom foure times a yeare the Galleys appointed for that purpose should bee manned that they might all of them row together and they did commonly call it Regater and sundry stipends were appointed for such as had continued that course thrice together This was done that they might bee assured by this exercise still to haue men fit and ready to man on a sodaine a certaine number of Galleys They did likewise confirme Guy Vbaldo Duke of Vrbin in the degree of Generall of their forces by land who in his fathers life time had serued the Republick they encreased his place with an hundred men at armes an hundred light horse and the pay of ten Captaines with foure thousand Ducats for his entertainement This Duke was thought a very fitte man for the seruice of the Common wealth as well for the excellent parts that were in him hauing from his youth beene trained vppe in martiall discipline vnder his deceased Father as by reason of his Countrey full of good Souldiers it beeing commodiously seated for the easie sending of them from thence to their Fortes along the Sea coast Therefore the Senate after the death of the Duke his father did in signe of loue and honor send Francesco ãâã their Ambassador to condole with him for his death and to assure him that the Senate would neuer forget the notable seruices which hee had done to the common-wealth But certaine moneths were spent before they confirmed him in his place in regard of the Pope fearing least hee would take it ill to see them honor and entertaine a Duke that was a feodatarie of the Church hee being at variance with him The occasion of their striââ¦e as hath beene already mentioned proceeded from the Dutchy of Camerin which the Duke of Vrbin did enioy by reason of his wife the sole daughter and heire to the last Duke of Camerin and the Pope pretended that the line masculine failing that infeofment was to returne to the sea Apostolick The Senate in remembrance of Duke Francesco Maria who had deserued well of the common wealth and for the loue that it did beare to the sonne did earnestly employ it selfe in that businesse fearing least it might stirre vp some new troubles in Italy because that the Duke of Mantua Vncle to Duke Guy his wife did determine to defend him not onely with his owne forces but with those of strangers whom he did meane to call into Italy The Pope at the last resoluing by force to haue that Dutchy if hee could get it by faire meanes it was agreed that Duke Guy should referre himselfe to the sea Apostolick and that his Holynesse should giue him a certaine summe of money in recompence in name of dowry of the Dutchesse Iulia his wife This controuersie beeing thus ended Duke Guy was confirmed as hath beene sayd in the pention of the Common-wealth But to the end likewise that the Nauall Army should not bee without an Head whilest Capell by the Senates permission lay at Venice for the recouery of his health who was not yet in state to execute his place they chose in his steed Iohn Moro Prouidator Generall at that time in Candy but the Senate hauing notice within a while after of his death the place of Generall was giuen to Thomaso Moceniga a man excellently seene in the important affaires of the Common-wealth at home and abroad Iohn Moro was slaine in Candy in a Popular Comotion betwixt the Greekes and the Italians of the Garrison among whom hee running with his Halbardiers to appease the tumult was stricken with a stone vppon the head whereof within a while after hee died These were the preparations of the Venetians whilest the Turkes did speedily make ready their fleete beeing not able to digest the losse of Castel-nouo as men that were alwayes wonte to the great losse of all Christendome to winne and not to loose therefore resoluing before all other things to attempt the recouery of that place thereby to repaire their honor which that accident had bereft them of they made great preparations of men and warlike engins sufficient for a farre greater enterprise Dragut in the meane time whom as hath beene said Barbarossa had left in the Gulphe of Lepanto departed thence with thirty vessels both Galleots and Fusts all well armed and beeing come into the Isle of Paxu did there barre the Christians free Nauigation for hiding himselfe in Saint Nicholas Hauen foure miles off from Corfu hee often sent his vessels to scoure the channell of Corfou and to take those ships which should arriue in that Island but the Prouidator Pascalic beeing not able to beare that indignity determined to goe forth with twelue of his best Galleys against certaine Turkish Galleys which were come neere to the land but the enemies not tarrying for him fled towards the Gulphe of Larta to deceiue the Prouidator and to make him thinke that there were no other Vessels of theirs at Paxu but as the Prouidators Galleys giuing chase to those Galeots were come farther to Sea-ward they discouered Dragut who comming forth of Paxu with the residue of his Galeots and Fusts had put himselfe forward to Sea to take the aduantage of the winde that hee might the better bee able to encompasse the Prouidator who then perceiuing the danger whereinto hee should runne by gooing any farther forward did sodainly did sodainly hoist sailes and turned back towards Corfou beeing still pursued by the enemies vessells which comming very neere to them caused three Venetian Gallies who feared that they should not be able to escape by flight to runne on ground vppon the Sands of Messanga twelue miles off from Corfou where they did beat themselues in peeces all the men within them with their goods escaped one only Galley belonging to Antonio Canalis whose saile yards were broken and thereby vnable to follow the rest was taken by the enemies This successe hauing made the Turkes more bold and insolent they went with those vessells into the I le of Candy where landing vpon the territory of Canea they burnt and spoiled the Countrey but great numbers of Stadiots and feudataries of the Island being gathered together did charge them so fiercely as hauing slayne diuers of them they did enforce the rest to returne to their Gallies Gritti the same time returned from Constantinople about the beginning of Aprill hauing made great hast in his iourney hee reported how that by the meanes of Ianusby hee had beene brought into the presence of the Visier Bascha who although hee entertained him very curteously did neuerthelesse first of all greatly complaine of the hostile actions which sundry officers of the Republike had executed vpon the Musulmans which the Signory had left vnpunished then proceeeding farther hee told him how
Councel and haue a watchfull eie on the defence of their State supposing that remedy alone to be sufficient for that time to free them from all feare and dangers and therefore they did not thinke it necessary to enter into a more strict and particular vnion whereby they might stirre vp and prouoke those that were desirous to trouble their peace Although this answer did not greatly please the Pope and King they did neuer-the-lesse dissemble it because they would not altogether estrange them from their friendship and loose their hope of seeing them one day hauing changed their minds to bee ioyned with them Wherupon commending the graue and mature Councell of that Senate they said that when they should haue a further insight into the Emperors intention which could not bee long concealed together with the suspition which all men had conceiued of his ambition they would then on a sodaine resolue with true and firme foundations to assure that which concerned themselues and the whole State of Italy Now notwithstanding this resolution of the Venetians that their hope of their good successe in their own enterprises was for the most part lost the desire neuer-the-lesse of taking armes against the Emperor was not diminished neither in the Pope nor French King and being not able in the meane time by reason of sundry difficulties to come to open force yet diuers secret practises were broched betwixt the French and the Farneses in sundry Citties of Italy cheefly at Genoa Siena Millan Citties infected with the humors of diuers factions The yeere following 1548. was in a manner spent in such like businesses secret practizes conspiracies of Princes against one anoââ¦hers States yet without any effect of importance For although the French King was desirous to trouble Italy that he might altogether keepe the Emperor busied there and yet neuer-the-les he thought it a weake and feeble thing to build his hopes vpon the Popes friendship who was very old and poore one already in the graue perhaps not very firme constant to maintaine war if the Emperor should propound vnto him as it was likely he would by reason of his alliance with Octauio Farnese some means of agreement he did likewise perceiue that the Venetians being not wel resolued to take arms were stil desirous to remaine neuters were so strongly vnited with the Emperor since certen yeares as he thought it an impossibility to bee able to disioyne them besides he was desirous to pursue the war with yâ English hoping by reason of the conteÌtion in EnglaÌd betwixt the Gouernors of the yong King not only to keepe Scotland which he hoped one day would fall to his eldest son by the mariage of the Infanta of that kingdom but likewise to win recouer the towne of Bouloigne by means whereof although he continued his sundry practizes not only with the Pope concerning Parma but likewise at Genoa Siena for the alteration of the gouernment of those townes depending on the Emperors authority yet neuer-the-les hee made no preparation to put his desiegnes in execution nor declared himselfe openly the Emperors enemy The Pope on the other side beeing extreamly desirous to reuenge the wrongs which the Emperor had done him and to restore the Citty of Placentia to his house did greatly doubt whither it were best for him to proceed therein by armes or by way of agreement some-times hee hoped that the Emperor as Lord of so many great States although hee did for a time shew himselfe sterne and seuere would not in the end depriue Octauio his sonne in lawe with his children descended from that mariage of that State and reduce them to a priuate fortune and condition for which hee had more then once sent expresse messengers vnto him to entreat him to deliuer the Citty of Placentia to Octauio and to for beare to molest him any more about the possession of the Citty of Parma but at the same time that hee sent these Ambassadors hee dealt with the Freââ¦ch King to take Duke Octauto with the Citty of Parma into his protection against the Imperiall forces The Pope in this sort beeing tossed vp and downe resolued for the satisfying of the Emperor and the Almaines with whom hee was at oddes in regard of the Councel which he would haue had to be kept at Bolognia and others at Trent to send the Bishop of Fane his Nuncio to the Emperor and the Bishop of Verona at the same time for his Legat into Germany with power and authority to grant the Almains sundry things which they craued for some alteration of the ordinary customes in the Romaine Church the which the Emperor had iustly lookt into the better to bridle that nation after that he had granted them the Interim and in the meane time for an answer to the Pope hee fed him and the Duke Octauio likewise with sundry hopes without any certaine resolution propounding sundry kinds of agreement vnto them some times that hee would recompence him with some other State in an other place then he said that he would first see who had most right to that State either the Church or the Empire at other times likewise seeming to bee discontented insteed of surrendring Placentia hee demanded to haue Parma deliuered to him in a word those which best knew his inward meaning did suppose that he went about by those incerteinties to entangle the Pope in perpetuall doubts hauing already determined with himselfe by no meanes to quit the Citty of Placentia as beeing very commodious for the State of Milan but sought to prolong and giue time and to keepe himself from beeing enforced to take armes waiting for the Popes sodaine death that he might in the meane time be able to execute his other great deseignes Now whilest the Christian Princes enemies to peace did in this manner vex themselues with sundry thoughts their Estates were by meere chance and vnknowne to themselues freed from the assaults of the Turkish armes because Soliman was desirous to lead his Army appointed for Hungary against Persia beeing therevnto prouoked by a desire of glory which hee hoped to purchase by the defeate of Tamas forces This caused him more willingly to grant the truce for which Ferdinand had sent an Ambassadge to him to Constantinople which was confirmed for fiue yeares on condition that Ferdinand should pay him a yearely tribute of thirty thousand Ducats for the lands which he possessed in Hungary The Venetians in this agreement were on both sides mentioned which procured them much safety and reputation especially by that wherein it was expresly said that none of those that were mentioned should during the time of the truce trouble the peace and quiet one of another There hapned certainly at the same a matter worthy of note which was that our Princes distrusting one another did of themselues by diminishing their owne reputation encrease the authority and pride
hee feared vnlesse hee were releeued to bee enforced for the conseruation of his owne State to ioyne himselfe with some one or other and to deale otherwise then hee desired This demand was thought to be very suspitious and ful of cunning they supposing that the French went about by this meanes to sound their meaning the better to draw them to some confederacie or at least to discouer some-what of their interior purposes wherupon the Senate was of opinion to answer him in generall termes Now it had aboue all thinges desired the peace of Italy and that to those ends it had vsed al possible means with the Pope and others besides according as it had seene occasion but ãâã nothing preuailed therein they were at least resolued to keep themselues in peace and in their ancient neutrality and the better and more honorably to doe it and with greater assurance other men being armed they thought it ââ¦it to arme and by prouiding for that which concerned them had together taken care for the preseruation of the Dukes state in regard of the particular affection they did beare him and for their owne interest likewise being in manner inseparable with his by reason of the neere neighborhood of their States This answere not satisfyieng the French they resolued to discouer themselues more plainely to the Senate seeing that all men knew that they did meane to en terprize some matter of consequence vpon Italy for which Lodouico Alemani beeing sent to Genoa had vnder sundry pretences attempted to raise his faction there and craued in the Kings name that it might please the Genouois to lend him their hauen for his fleet to lie in safety where hee might land those troops which he intended to send into Italy Now the Cardinall Tournon beeing at the same time at Venice whither he came from Rome vpon the Popes commandement that all the French Cardinals should leaue the Citty King Henry wrote vnto him that he should in his name expose to the Prince and Senate in open Councell the State of the affaires of Italy the occasion and intent for which and with which he had resolued to send his troopes to the aid of Duke Octauio and to defend his cause That hee thought he should performe a noble part and worthy a great Prince and which in particular ought to be pleasing to the Princes of Italy to defend an Italian Prince weake and vniustly oppressed by the violence of other men who had cast himselfe into his armes and protection that he could hardly be perswaded that the Pope would hinder the defense and preseruation of his owne vassall with an other mans armes and aid seeing he himselfe was able to giue him small releefe and that beeing so defended he could least of all beleeue that the other Italian Princes would crosse him in going about to moderate the Emperors greatnesse and curbe his vnmeasurable desires aiming as all men did plainly see to rob weake Princes of their States and to bring Italy into bondage that the matter it selfe was able to giue sufficient testimony that his deseignes tended to none other ends seing that he stood vpon those termes that without needing the Citty of Parma possessing so many townââ¦s in Piedmont the passages lay open to himt through which hee might march against the State of Milan but because hee then knew that his actions were sinisterly interpreted he was resolued to giue ouer that enterprize yet neuerthelesse he could not be perswaded but that the Venetian Senate beeing so great and wise a Prince in Italy on whose authority all others were at last to depend would be mooued with these troubles which drew after them sundry others of very great importance that he did excuse that which the Pope had done as falling out by constraint rather then of set purpose being incompassed with feare in the midest of the Emperors power and armed forces as also in regard of the Councel already published with very dangerous deseignes the Hereticks of Germany being come to it but when his Holinesse should be assured that other men would aid him it was not then to be doubted but that hee would embrace some other resolution seeing that to quit the Emperors friendship in such a case might rightly be termed a setting of himselfe at liberty The Senate gaue the King thankes and did highly commend his generous deseigne of defending such as are destitute of helpe yet they were in good hope that by an accord already treated of with the pope who did not resist it those businesses might in som sort be composed The King notwithstanding continued the war although contrary to his desire he found none in al Italy Octaââ¦io ââ¦arnese excepted whom hee might bee assured did fauour him but resoluing to declare him-selfe afterwards more openly against the Emperor hauing sent other forces into Piedmont hee did vnlooktâ⦠for cause diuerse places to bee assailed which were kept by the Imperialls some of which hee tooke hee did at the same time proclaime warre by sea commanding the Prior of Capua brother to Pietro ãâã Admirall of the French Galleys that scouring the seas hee should fight with the Emperors vessels whereby it happened within a while after that Doria wââ¦th his Galleys conducting Maximillian King of Boheme and his wife from Barcelona to Genoa he hardly escaped the French fleet yet neuerthelesse some of his vessels that lod'g behinde were taken and brought to Marseilles But the Kings treaty with Duke Maurice of Saxony Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg and other Princes and free Citties of Germany was of faââ¦re greater importance all these beeing merueilously distasted of the Emperor though vpon sundry occasions some beeing not able to digest the wrong done to the Landgraue whom the Emperor kept prisoner contrary to his promise and others beeing prouoked against the Emperor for matters of Religion King Henry resoluing vpon this league and hauing imparted it to Giouan Capello the Venetians Ambassador resident with his Maiesty hee did assure him that hee would in person goe into Germany earnestly entreating him to follow him thither to the end as it was supposed that hee might haue occasion to practise some confederacy with the Venetians or at least to keepe the Emperor in perpetuall iealouzie and suspition The Senate although it had determined not to enter into any farther allyance with the French did thinke it against reason to deny the King that as well to shew their good meaning towards him as in regard of the profit and commodity which the Republick might receiue thereby to the end that the Emperor who by reason of Parma and Placentia and other his actions which all Italians did greatly suspect might know that a more strict alliance might bee easily contracted betwixt the French and the Venetians to the great danger and preiudice of his Estates in Italy The Pope in the meane time beeing mooued with these troubles and considering that himselfe hauing beene the motiue thereof
Lords and Barons of Poland proclaimed a generall assembly at Varsouia in Aprill next ensuing there to proceed to election of a new King After this election posts were dispatched into France to giue Henry notice thereof whilest Ambassadors were making ready to receiue and conduct him into Poland Italy being now freed from the dreadfull Turkish warre was like to haue baââ¦ched an other in her owne bowels for the Duke of Vrbin going about to lay some new impositions vpon his subiects they denied to pay any thing but that which they had granted to Duke Francesco Maria when he entred into the State and therevpon tooke armes protesting neuerthelesse that they did it not against their Prince but onely to defend their ancient priuiledges The Duke on the other side raised an army to enforce them and the matter would haue proceeded to battaile had not the Pope quenched this flame making them friends but the Duke entring afterwards with a power into Vrbin beheaded some of the chiefe of the sedition and banished others consiscating their goods and then built a Cittadell at the Cities charge the better afterwards to conteine them in their obedience Don Iohn of Austria being at the same time in Sicily with a gallant Nauy and vnderstanding that the Venetians had made peace with the Turkes did by King Philips permission passe ouer with his forces into Affrick to ââ¦eate the sonne of Muleassem in the Kingdome of Tunis who for his intelligence with Christians had beene expulsed by the Turkes and had honorable entertainment giuen him by the King of Spaine in Goletta Being come into Affrick he landed his souldiers and in order of battaile marched to assault the City of Tunis where no resistance being made the Christians without any slaughter entred and sacked it then Don Iohn causing a fort to be built nere to the City placed Gabriele Serbellone the Milanois in it with three hundred Italians and himselfe with the fleet returned into Sicily About the beginning of the yeere 1574. the Venetians hauing intelligence that Selim armed at Constantinople fearing that he would not obserue peace suspected that hee ment to enterprise vpon Candy wherevpon they leauied 12000. foot-men to guard it and rigged their fleet making Iacomo Souranza their Generall but these preparations were needlesse for Selim turning his deseignes vpon Affrike to bee reuenged on Don Iohn ratified the peace and tooke from them all suspition of being inuaded by him sent Sinan Basha with a mighty army into Affrike to recouer Tunis and raze Goletta the which in one month he did Selim perceiuing all things to succeed according to his desire intended to breake his word and oth with the Venetians and to inuade the ãâã of Candy but whilest he made his preparations death ouerthrew his vniust and proud deseignes God so prouiding for the quiet and safety of Christendome Amurath his eldest sonne succeeded him in the Empire In the meane time Henry of Aniou entring Poland did vpon the confines in great power and magnificence meet with the chiefe of the Kingdome who conducted him to Cracouia where with royal solemnity he was crowned and whilest he busied himselfe with enquiring of their manner of gouernment beginning by little and little to order the affaires of State the Queene his mother sent a speedy messenger to him from France to aduertize him of the death of his brother King Charles and to aduise him to returne into France with all possible speed to receiue the crowne and to remoue those troubles wherewith by his brothers death she was entangled The King accquainted the Polanders with these newes telling them that hee was of necessity to returne into France to order the affaires of that Kingdome which were much embroiled But the Lords which were then with him at Cracouia answered that his departure could not be treated of but in the Generall Councell of the whole Realme who would send him so well accompanied as he should terrifie those that durst make any resistance The Generall Estates of the Kingdome were to the same end summoned to Cracouia but the King againe solicited by his mother to make hast and on the other side perceiuing that the Polanders did not proceed with such celerity as his affaires required and that they were vnwilling to let him goe resolued in secret manner to depart and in disguise by night leaping on horse-back him-selfe with three more went from Cracouia and with great speed hasted towards the confines of the Empire His departure was not long concealed for the Earle of Tericenia the Kings Chamberlaine with other Lords comming to his chamber and finding him not there did presently take horse pursuing the same way that hee had taken meaning to stay him and bring him backe but the King made such speed as they could not ouer-take him till he arriued in the Empires territories where they earnestly entreated him to returne with them which he not granting they went back againe to Cracouia The King in the meane time pursuing his iourney came to Vienna where the Emperors sonnes met him and within a while after the Emperor himselfe who very magnificently entertained him From thence he sent word to the Venetians that he determined to come and see their Citty Archduke Charles accompanied him through his Cuntrey vpon the Venetians confines he met with a gallant troope of Noblemen who came to waite vpon him with eight hundred souldiers the next day foure of the chiefest Senators of Venice came to him as Ambassadors and intreated him to come and view their city where all men with great desire expected him which he pro mising to doe the Duke of Neuers who was then in Italy came likewise to him and so altogether arriued at Maguera the farthest place of the firme land on the lakes where hee met with threescore Venetian gentlemen which came to waite vpon him and entring into a Gondola prepared for him together with the Dukes of Ferrara and Neuers attended by infinite numbers of Gondolas hee came to Murana where the next day hee was visited by the Prince and Senate with foureteene Gallies then beeing conducted to Lia hee went into the Bucentauro and with him the Prince and Senate from thence with great magnificence he was brought to Venice all that Channell betwixt Lia and the city beeing full of boates made in fashion of sea monsters wherein were all the youth of Venice ritchly attired with infinite numbers of Gondolas who rowed before and on euery side of the Bucentaure which was gently towed to Venice where the King remayning certaine daies the Signory shewed him all pleasures and delights that could be imagined and at his departure the Prince and Senate accompanied him three miles from the city where taking leaue of each other the King embraced the Prince giuing him great thankes for his royall entertainment which hee promised neuer to forget and in so saying gaue him a diamond of great valew entreating him to
or vpon some other occasion a decree was made to reduce all wares to the old price appointed by the lawes and to see it effected fiue Senators were appointed namely Marco Iustiniano Lorenzo Bernardo Sebastiano Barbarico Nicolo Quirini and Lodouico Contareni Three Senators were afterwards deputed to take order for the discharge and payment of the States debts occasioned by the last warres the Senat was desirous it hauing beene propounded by Giouan Francesco Priuli a wise and vertuous Senator to pay euery man his due and to that end they appointed the said Francesco Priuli Antonio Bragadini and Iacomo Gussone At the same time Haniball of Capua elected Archbishop of Ottranto came to Venice as the Popes Nuncio whose arriuall was pleasing to the Senate for the memory of his dead vncle who in former time had beene Legat there as also because that by his comming the passage towards Romagnia was opened which till then had beene shut vp by reason of the late sicknesse his presence likewise brought content with it for hee presented the Prince with a rose of gold from his Holinesse which is a guift which Popes are wont to bestow vpon Princes which are their greatest friends and fauorites Pope Alexander the third in the yeere 1177. honoured Prince Sebastian Ciani with the like guift and the ceremony of presenting it was magnificently performed in Saint Markes Church fifteene daies after vpon the one and twentith day of Iuly a publike proclamation was made wherein the City was declared to bee cleere and sound from all infection At which publication the Prince and Senate went to visit the new Church built in honor of our Sauiour at La Zuecca Not long after Ormanetta Bishop of Padua beeing dead the Pope bestowed that ritch Bishoprick on Frederico Cornare the Bishop of Bergamo and that of Bergamo vpon Ieronimo Ragazzone Bishop of Nouara it did highly content the Senate to see one of those Churches restored to the family of Cornares who for a long time had gouerned it and the other to a house so well deseruing of the Common-wealth for Ragazzone was brother to Iacomo and Placido Ragazzoni beloued of the Signory for their good seruice done to the State This ioy the fate of Brescia did greatly lessen where the plague dayly consumed multitudes wherevpon in Iuly the Prince and Senate for three daies made sollemne precessions praying vnto God for their health The same yeere sundry prodigies were seene a great Comet ouer all Europe and at Rome a globe of fire in the ayre like to a great tunne which arising ouer the gate del populo vanished ouer Castle Angelo besides a cleere light was seene in Romagnia at midnight which notwithstanding the darkenesse shined so bright as that men did as easily see to read as at noone day these were interpreted signes of future misery Not long after newes was brought to Venice of the death of D. Iohn of Austria who deceassed at Namur in the beginning of the yeere 1578. at which time likewise Prince Venieri opprest with old age and surprised with sicknesse then when he thought to celebrate the birth day of Princesse Cecilia Contareni his wife for which Francesco Morosini his sonne in law a noble Gentleman prepared great triumphs departed this mortall life on the third of March being generally bewailed of the whole City hauing gouerned the Commonwealth eight months and twenty daies The ceremonies which were wont to bee made in the Church of Saint Iohn and Paul were by reason of the great raine performed in Saint Markes his body was afterwards buried in the Church of Maran The Archduke of Austria craued his picture of the Senate together with his coate armour which hee wore vpon the day of the battaile of Lepanto which the Senate willingly granted The funerall ceremonies ended and the Senators after the vsuall manner proceeding to a new election Nicolo de Ponte a very graue and noble Senator foure score and eight yeeres old and Procurator of Saint Marke being a learned man which in his youth had read publikely at Venice was chosen In his time the Commonwealth was peaceable the Turke turning his force vpon the Persian NICOLO DE PONTE the 87. Duke THE same yeere the great Duke of Tuscany discouered a conspiracy against himselfe and his brethren made by certaine Florentine Gentlemen who were apprehended and publikely executed and not long after Iââ¦ne of Austria his wife died in child-bed a very vertuous Princesse The yeere following 1580. though there were fierce wars both in the East and Netherlands men fearing that it would likewise renue in France the Venetians were quiet ouer their whole dominions The second yeere of Prince Ponte his soueraignty an accident happened at Venice very pleasing to the Senate Francesco de Medicis great Duke of Tuscany a very potent Prince was desirous to marry for his second wife Bianca daughter to Bartilmeo Capello a Venetian Gentleman and to that end sent Mario Sforza to Venice to acquaint the Senate and her father therewith The Senate sent for Barthelmeo and his sonne Vittorio whom they knighted then adopted the great Dutchesse Bianca daughter to the Venetian Signory in the same manner as in former time they had done Catherina Cornare Queene of Cyprus the State then and afterwards shewing great signes of ioy but chiefly vpon the arriuall of Don Iohn de Medicis the great Dukes brother sent to Venice to conduct her to Florence and Giouan Micaele and Antonio Tepulo were sent Ambassadors to the great Duke in the Senates name to congratulate his marriage and to be present at Florence at the great Dutchesse coronation They likewise sent Marco Iustiniano Ambassador to Charles Philibert the new Duke of Sauoy to bewaile with him the death of Emanuell his father a great friend to the Venetian State And because Philip had obteined the crowne of Portugall by the death of the Cardinall King the Senate appointed Vincento Troni and Ieronimo Lippomano both Knights and noble Senators Ambassadours to his Maiesty to reioyce with him in the Senates name for his happy fortune Now because peace had in Venice begotten excesse in the expense of priuate Cittizens which commonly carrieth sundry mischiefes along with it for there where frugality and parcimony hath place religion vertue and modesty doe flourish a decree was made that superfluous expence in garments feasts and womens lying in should be moderated They abolished the vse of all sorts of pearle true or counterfeit onely women were permitted to weare a small carkanet of them about their neckes costly skinnes and furres were wholly forbidden to bee worne together with the vse of any gold or siluer lace vpon garments Moreouer it was not lawfull for any Curtezan to weare any precious iem iewels of gold or siluer or to vse any tapistry Great penalties were imposed not onely vpon the transgressors of this decree but on workmen which should make or sell any of these prohibited things and
excessiue expense was not onely forbidden in womens lying in but likewise the vsuall visitation of friends vnlesse they were neere kinsfolke and to preuent all deceit herein the mid wiues were enioyned within three daies after any woman was deliuered of child to aduertize the Magistrate thereof An other decree was made against superfluous diet restrayning it within the bounds of modesty peacocks partridge feasant and all dainty fish were bannished from the tables of delicious Epicures Iesters and Buffons from their houses It was likewise forbidden not to serue double messe of fish or flesh into any banquet and a commandement to all Cookes to giue in the names of such to the Magistrate as had hired them to dresse any together with the order therein obserued All Gouernors of townes and Iudges of Prouinces were likewise enioyned not to bestow any excessiue cost in garments houshold-stuffe or seruants because that modesty and proportion in gouernors is an assured bridle to hold back subiects from doing euill For where euery man is suffered to liue after his owne pleasure without order of law there of necessity must all mischiefe and riot abound for this cause the State enacted great and greeuous penalties vpon the transgressors of these so holy and wholesome decrees For it auailes not a Commonwealth to haue good lawes vnlesse subiects doe obey them and Magistrates see them seuerely executed Whilest the Senate were making these wholesome lawes the Persian perceiuing that he had to doe with so potent an enemy as the Turke sought to weaken him by busying him in more places then one and to that end did the same winter send an Ambassador to the Venetians requiring that of them which they had propounded vnto him for during the warre against Ottoman hee intreated them to enuade the Turke now that hee was busied in Persia promising so streightly to enclose them as they should neuer escape from thence thereby hoping wholly to roote out the tyrannous memory of the Ottomans who went about to make themselues absolute monarkes of the whole world The Venetians dismissed this Ambassador with an ambiguous answere as men that had no intent to entangle themselues in a new warre without likelihood of great aduantage and assured hope of victory In this manner ended the yeere 1580. The yeere following 1581. Pope Gregory the thirteenth perceiuing that because the course of the sunne had not beene rightly obserued the Equinoctiall of the spring had gotten tenne daies before the course of the sunne whereby the feast of Easter on which all other mouable feasts depend was not celebrated at the iust time appointed in the primitiue Church by the councell of Nice which in congruity if it were not reformed the holy daies of winter would bee kept in summer and those of summer in winter he sent for the skilfullest Astrologians of Europe to come to Rome and commanded them after exact calculating the course of the planets to referre the Equinoctiall of the spring to the 21. day of March as it had beene in old time decreed by the fathers of the said councell of Nice and to finde out some meanes and rule that the same inconuenient might for euer be remooued These learned men did what the Pope commanded by referring the Equinoctiall to it true place and by taking away for once tenne daies from October His Holinesse assured that this was the onely true remedy approued it and by his iniunction commanded it to be obserued ouer all Christendome only the Greekes and some other nations would not entertaine this reformation which was diuised by Lodouicus Lilius a very famous Mathematician and divulged ouer all Christendome by his Holinesse command The same yeere there arose some contention betwixt the Venetians and knights of Malta because that those knights scoured the seas to surprise the Turkes whom sometimes they tooke in the Venetians seas whereat Amurath being incensed sent them word that if they would not take order that his subiects might safely passe through their seas himselfe would send a mighty fleet to secure them The Venetians complained to the great Master of Malta intreating him not to permit his vessels any more to trouble the Turkes on their seas but the Malteses making no account hereof the Venetians tooke from them a ship of warre which they sent into Candy and not long after tooke two Gallies from them which being brought to Corfoù all the Turkish slaues in them were set at liberty and the empty Gallies restored to the knights The Venetians the same yeere to satisfie the Turke did publikely behead Gabriele Heme a Venetian Gentleman This Heme in a Galley of his owne had in the Archipelago fought with a Turkish Galeot which was going from Argier to Constantinople with the vice-queene of the same Kingdome and a sonne and daughter of hers which carried ritââ¦h presents to Amurath all the Turkes both men and women in it he put to the sword setting all the Christian slaues at liberty Beside the execution of this gentleman the Venetians to appease the Turke were enforced to send home foure hundred Turkish slaues in stead of so many Christians which the said Heme had set at liberty and to pay him in ready money the sum of 800000. Ducats But to giue this yeere a more pleasing farewell the Prince of Mantua did with great solemnity and magnificence marry one of the daughters of Francesco great Duke of Tuscany and Catherina Infanta of Spaine was by King Philip her father promised in marriage to the Duke of Sauoy Not long after Pope Gregory the thirteenth died in the foure score and third yeere of his age his funeralls ended in Saint Peters Church where he was buried in a chappel which himselfe had built the Cardinals entred into the Conclaue where after twelue daies they elected Cardinall Falix Perreti of Montalto a Castle in the marches of Ancona a Monke of Saint Francis order who tooke vpon him the name of Sixtus the fifth The same yeere on the fourth of Iune Nicolo de Ponte the Venetian Prince died beeing ninty foure yeeres of age hauing gouerned seuen yeeres and odde months he lies buried in Saint Maries Church his funeralls ended and the forty one proceeding to a new election Pascale Cigogna Procurator of Saint Marke was chosen Duke on the eighteenth of August of the same yeere PASCALE CICOGNA the 88. Duke IN his time there happened a tragicall act in Padua a towne vnder the Venetian Signory into whose territories presently vpon the election of Pope Sixtus the fifth Paulo Iordano Vrsino Duke of Brasciano retired himself iealous of the Pope who suspected that the Duke had put a kinsman of his to death before his Papacy hauing married his widdow Victoria Corembona a beautifull Lady and there dyed not without suspition of beeing poysoned for which losse the Dutchesse beeing extreamly greeued retired with two of her bretheren to Padua vnder the protection of the State of Venice till such time
consistory would impart it to some particular Cardinals and the same after-noone call them one after an other into his chamber to take their vowes in secret According to his resolution his Holinesse hauing in the consistory declared his intention to some particular Cardinals he did the same after noone call the rest into his chamber secretly to take their vowes and in that businesse spent the week The Spaniards being iealous and malcontent that they were not imployed in that negociation and desirous to frustrate the matter divulged certaine rumors contrary to the Popes will and meaning and among others a cunning letter written from Venice by D. Francesco de Castro by which he certified the Pope that if hee stood fast for the restoring of the Iesuits he should obtaine it and that the Venetians determined to make protestation by surrending the prisoners contrary to that which had beene concluded and which his Holinesse had promised to himselfe These false rumors did somewhat trouble the Pope who therevpon made some difficulty to proceed any faââ¦ther but Cardinall Perron soliciting and assuring him of the contrary hee deliuered according to his former resolution the commission to Cardinall Ioyeuse willing him to make hast to Venice The Spaniards being not able to crosse this resolution made sute to haue Cardinall Zapala to bee ioyned in commission with Cardinall Ioyeuse but their labor was lost and yet in other solemnities Zapala and the Spanish Ambassador had in apparence some eââ¦uality which the French Kings Ministers because in their Kings name they were sureties for the Venetian Signory as were Cardinal Ioyeuse and the French Ambassador for the Christian King yet the world accounted it but a vaiââ¦e and idle fable for they had no such authority from the Signory of Venice as had the French who executed their commission to their Kings great fame and glory Cardinall Ioyeuse together with the ãâã receiued from his Holinesse the conditions on which the censures were to be reuoked being in number sixe the effect whereof is thus That the two Church men prisoners namely the Abbot of Nerueze and the Channon of Vincenza shall bee freely giuen to the Pope That his Holinesse shall reuoke his censures making a declaration thereof to the Colledge That the Venetian Signory shall within a while after send an Ambassage to the Pope That the Duke by a declaration shall certifie the Clergy of his State that the first declaration is reuoked That the three Decrees mentioned in the Popes interdiction and other lawes of the Signory shall continue in their full force and power with this prouiso that the Senate shall promise the French and Catholike Kings not to execute them before the businesse be fully ended betwixt his Holinesse and the State of Venice hauing first better and more amply informed the Pope of the iustice and equity of those lawes And lastly that all Churchmen and Religious orders which are banished and expulsed from Venice or the iurisdiction thereof by reason of these troubles may returne home to their houses and couents But concerning the returne of the Iesuits his Holinesse is content to deferre it till an Ambassador from the Signory haue treated particularly with him concerning that point certifying him that their expulsion proceeds from certaine causes and reasons which haue no community with the interdiction and if it shall be found otherwise then as easily to admit the restauration of the Iesuits as that of other Clergy men Now Cardinall Ioyeuse departed from Rome with commission and Articles and arriued at Venice where hee was honorably receiued and entertained many Senators going to meet him in the Bucentaure Then the next day beeing the twentith of Aprill one of the States Secretaries accompanied with the captaine and other officers of the prison and for greater solemnity with a publike Notary brought the two prisoners to the house of the Sieur de Fresne Ambassador to the French King and deliuered them to him as granted to the Pope at the intreaty of the King his Master without preiudice to the States iurisdiction in such like cases and the French Ambassador did presently consigne them into the hands of the Cardinall Ioyeuse who was in the same house in the presence of the Secretary with these words These are the prisoners which the Signory hath granted to his Holinesse not adding at whose entreaty and so the Cardinall receiued them as the Popes prisoners wherevnto the Secretary at that time made no reply In this manner by this omission on the one part and silence on the other it seemeth that some doubt not well vnderstood remayned betwixt the Pope and Signory which neuerthelesse holds it honor preserued by the forme of the consignation inregestred by a publike Notary and the Cardinall supposeth that the Pope ought to rest satisfied with the words of the Sieur de Fresne or rather with his casuall or voluntary omission Then the next morning which was the day appointed by the Senate the Cardinall comming to the Colledge after some circumstances of the Popes fatherly goodnesse did assure them that the censures were reuoked hauing giuen them his blessing went to celebrate masse in the Patriarkes Church The Dukes first declaration was likewise reuoked in this manner Leonardo Donato by the grace of God Duke of Venice c. To the reuerend Patriarkes Archbishops and Bishops of our State and iurisdiction of Venice and to the Vickars Abbots Priors Rectors of parrish Churches and all other Ecclesiasticall Prelats greeting Seeing it hath pleased our good God to finde out a way whereby our holy Father Pope Paul the fifth hath beene daylie informed as well of our good meaning as integrity of our actions and continuall honour and reuerence which wee beare to the Sea of Rome and thereby to take away all cause of strife Wee as wee haue euer desired and procured vnity and good correspondence with the said Sea of which wee are louing and obedient children receiue likewise this contentation to haue at last obtained the accomplishment of our holy desire Therefore we thought good by our declaration to aduertise you hereof giuing you besides to vnderstand that whatsoeuer did belong herevnto hauing beene faithfully performed on both parts and the censures and interdiction remoued the protestation likewise which we made against them hath beene and is reuoked we being desirous that herein and in all other our actions the piety and religion of our State may still more and more appeare the which we will carefully obserue as our Predeoessors haue euer done Giuen in our Ducall pallace the one and twentith of Aprill 1607. signed Marco Ottoboâ⦠Secretary The Duke hauing published this declaration and by deliuery of the prisoners satisfied for his part the conditions mentioned in the accord the Senate was perplexâ⦠with a doubt of no meane consequence which was that the Pope for his part hauing made no mention at all concerning bookes and writings published in
52 Great ingratitude of the Venetians 33 Greeks ouer throwne by the Normans before Durazzo 67 Great effusion of blood in the TeÌple 83 Godfrey of Bolloigne King of Ierusalem ibid. Great priuiledges granted to the Venetians by the Emperour Henry the fourth 86 Generall Councell published to be held at Dijon 106 Great famine in the Campe before Ptolomais 114 Great ingratitude and crueltie of a brother 116 Greekes put to flight neere Constantinople 110 Genoueses defeated by the Venetians 125 Great friendship betwixt the EmperoÌur the Venetian Magistrate 128 Gouernour of Candie flies disguised like a woman 131 Great reasons in Sanuto's behalfe 132 Gradonico dieth 135 Greekes defeated 137 Genoueses resolution 147 Genoueses defeated by the Venetians 148 Great treacherie of a Greeke ibid. Genoueses defeated by the Venetians 148 Great treacherie of a Greeke ibid. Genoueses league with Palcologus 149 Genoueses put to flight 150 Genoueses defeated before Trapani 151 Genoueses come into Candie 152 Great scarcitie of victuals in Venice 153 Generall of the Venetian Armie punished 157 Great ouerflowing of the sea with an earthquake 158 Godly deeds done by Prince Marini 171 Great pietie of Francisco Dandulo 172 Girard Caminensis taketh Vderza 181 Great insolencies of the Lancequenets 184 Great dearth in Venice 191 Great desolation in Venice 197 Genoueses take Nigrepont 199 Greekes base flight 201 Grimaldi General of the Genoueses 203 Great crueltie falsly imputed to the Venetians ibid. Great lameÌtation made at Genoa 204 Genoueses commit themselues to Giouanni Viscont Archbishop of Milan ibid. Genoueses take Parenza 205 Great discomfort in Venice 207 Great brauerie of a Genoueses gallie ibid. Great sedition in Candie 216 Genoueses answer to the CaÌdiots 218 Great ioy at Venice for the recouerie of Candie 220 Great boldnesse of the rebels 222 Giacomo Caballa Generall of the Venetians Armie by land 230 Great ingratitude of a sonne to his father 232 Gouernour of the Island for the father refuseth to obaie the rebellious sonne ibid. Genoueses surprise Lemnos 233 Greekes and Genoueses defeated by Zeni at Tenedos ibid. Genoueses allie themselues against the Venetians with the King of Hungarie Bishop of Aquileia and the Carrarians ibid. Genoueses put to flight ibid. Girard Caminensis taketh the enemies partie 234 Genoueses reuenge ibid. Genoueses fly from the fight 239 Genoueses chaleÌge the Venetians 240 Genoueses before Chioggia 241 Genoueses take Loretta and the Tower of Bebia 245 Great sorrow in Venice for the losse of Chioggia ibid. Genoueses wholly ruinate Malamock and Poueggia 250 Genoueses fortifie Chioggia 251 Great losse sustained by the Genoueses at the taking of Brondolli 258 Genoueses put all vnprofitable eaters forth of Chioggia ibid. Genoueses pollicie to get forth in despite of the Venetians 261 Genoueses on their knees beg life ibid. Great dearth in Treuiso 267 Garison of Nouella for want of pay yeeld it to Carrario 270 Genoueses fleet flyeth 271 Genoa-prisoners in great danger at Venice 272 Genoueses take 14. Venetian vessels ib. Galeas Visconte taketh Padua 278 Galeas besiegeth Mantua with fourtie thousand men 279 Caleas is repulsed by water and land ibid. Genoueses great losse 281 Giles the black greatly honoured 282 Giacomo Carrario departing from Verona is taken in flight 285 Gonzaga besiegeth Padua 286 Giouanni of Padua punished for hauing secret conference with the enemie 287 Gonzaga his answere to Carrario ibid. Great contention among the Sibensans 291 Great crueltie of the King of Hungarie 292 Great disorder in the battell by reason of dust which blinded the souldiers 319 Guenesio going about to treat with the Florentines is discouered by Sforza 326 Genoueses reuolt from Philip. 340 Grecian Emperour and the chiefe of the Greekes Empire come to Venice to conferre with the Pope about religion 342 Gon zaga maketh alliance with Philip 347 Great spoile in the Camonic vally 350 Great disloialtie 355 Great distresse of the Bressians 368 Great extremitie of Bressia 370 Great ioy in Venice vpon the recouery of Verona 378 Giouanni Cornetano is committed to prison in S. Angelo's castle 379 Great crueltie 383 Great entertainment giuen to Sforza at Venice 388 Great triumphs at Venice at the wedding of the Princes sonne ibid. Gotholans vanquished at Ortona 411 Great entertainmeÌt giuen to the EmFrederick at Venice 416 Great reioycing at Venice in regard of the peace 426 Genoueses come into Morea about the yeelding vp of the Island 427 Gauardo Iustinopolitato is sent against the Thryestines 435 Giacomo Venieri returneth safe to the Fleet. 438 Great outrage coÌmitted in Oenos 441 Great valour of a young maid 481 Galeas Duke of Milan sââ¦aine at Messe 489 Gouernour of Coric his answere to Mocenigos Herald 486 Great mortalitie in the Venetian Campe. 501 Greatnesse of the Vrsini ibid. Gallipolis taken 514 Great prosperitie of the Venetian State 521 H. HOw the Islands were inhabited 3 How the Original of Venice happened 5 Heraclea after it was repaired was named Villa-noua 27 Huns come into Italy the secoÌd time 39 Hunnes assailed Venice 40 Husband and wife vow chastitie 51 Histrians tributary to the VenetiaÌs ib. How tho Prince spent his time till hee departed 52 Hadrians defeated by the Duke 60 Henry the Emp. comes to Venice 68 Hugo commeth to aid Beamond 72 How great Beamond's authoritie was 78 How glad the Armie was to fight to free themselââ¦es from famine ibid. Hnngarians giue ouer their pretended right to Dalmatia 84 How the Columnes were erected and by whom 105 How the Venetians entertained the Pope when they knew him 107 How farre Otho his entreatie preuailed with his father 109 How long the Venetian Princes haue vsed the Canopie ibid. Histria reduced to the Venetians obedience 117 Henry brother to Baldwin Empeperour of the East 112 Henry the fisher makes attempts on the Isle of Candie 125 How great mischiefe the Emperours absence out of Italy hath caused 167 How highly Pietro Rossis was lamented 188 How men may foretell an earthquake 196 How long the Earthquake lasted at Venice 197 Histrians reduced to the Venetians obedience ibid. How the Senate disdained the losse of the battell 202 How hardly Contareni accepted his dignitie 225 Hungarians come to aide the Paduduans 228 Humaga Grada and Caorli taken by the Genoueses 241 How the Mariners loued Pisani ibid Hauen of Venice fortified ibid. Hatred which Nouello bare to the Venetians 282 How much money was spent in the warre with the Carrarians 288 How secret those things are kept which are determined in the Senate 334 Hannibal Bentiuole trecherously murthered by his enemies 399 Honest answere of the Florentines 427 Happinesse and content of Venice during Foscari his Principalitie 430 Hadria taken by the Venetians 498 Hercules d'AEste comes to the reliefe of Stellata 510 Hercules plaintiue letters to Alphonso his brother 512 How much the Venetians spent in the warre of Lombardie 516 I. I Vliano Cepari the fourth Master or Colonell of the men at Armes 14 Iustiniano the Dukes sonne sent to Constantinople 27 Iustinians last
Arragonois ibid. Petrarch Ambassadour for the Milanois 205 Pisani retires to Dalmatia ibid. Prodigies appeare before the losse of the Armie 207 Phalerio his picture razed out of the great Hall 208 Phalerio is put to death by decree of the Senate 209 Peace betwixt the Venetians and the Genouses with their allies 210 Peace refufed on vniust conditions 213 Pretence of a murtherer to execute his enterprize 217 Popes Indulgences against the Candiots 222 Pisani with the Captaines of the fiue Gallies imprisoned at Venice 240 Pelestrina taken by the Genoueses 241 Pisani set at libertie by the Senates decree 246 Pisani his great modestie ibid. Prince Contareni his speech to Pisani in open Senate ibid. Pisani his answere to the Prince ibid. Pisani restored to his former Office 247 Prisoners sent home vpon their word 231 Prince Contareni with his Armie in the Hauen of Chioggia 253 Passage of Brondolli shut vp to the Genoueses 254 Pisani appeaseth his murmuring Souldiers 255 Pisani entreth into Brondolli 259 Paduans defeated ibid. Pola taken by the Genoueses 264 Paduans besiege Treuiso 265 Pisani dieth and is honourably buried 266 Peace betwixt the Venetians and Genoueses 273 Perfidious treacherie 282 Paulo Sabello a Romane Generall of the Venetians 284 Padua taken and the Tyrant with three of his children brought to Venice 288 Prisoners by the Senates commaund strangled ibid. Paduans Ambassadors come to Venice 289 Pius the Florentine makes incursions on the Venetians 292 Prince Mocenigo constrained to pay forfeiture for infringing the Senates decree 295 Philip his dissimulation 296 Philip his answere to Cornari 298 Prince Foscari his Oration 394 Peace betweene Philip and the Venetians 312 Philips complaints to the Popes Nuncio 313 Philips answer to the Milanois ibid. Philip changing his mind the Milanois waxe clold 314 Philip reneweth the warre with the Venetians ibid. Philips forces driuen forth of Brissels 315 Philippes speech to the Milanois 318 Philip comes to the Armie ibid. Philips Armie marcheth in battaile against the Venetians 320 Philip hath recourse to the Emperour Sigismond 322 Philip marrieth the Duke of Sauoys daughter ibid. Peace betwixt the Venetians and Philip. ibid. Philippe contrarie to his promise makes warre on the Bandetti 323 Paulo Guenesio Tyrant of Luca. 324 Prince Foscari outraged by a mad man 325 Picinino commeth to the aide of the Luquois 326 Philippe promiseth to giue his daughter in marriage to Sforza 327 Picinino defeateth Barnabo Adorini 333 Picinino and Stella make an accord together 338 Pope Eugenius leaueth Rome and commeth to Florence ibid. Picinino defeateth the Armie of the league 339 Philip solliciteth the Paduans against the Venetians 340 Picinino his complaints against the Florentines 341 Prince of Mantua Generall of the Venetian Armie 342 Picinino defeateth the Venetians at Pontoglio 343 Prince Foscari and the Senates answere to Sforzas Agent 344 Picinino encampeth before Casall-Maior 347 Picinino his designe to famish the Venetian Armie 349 Picinino besiegeth Rhoades 351 Philip exhorteth his Captaines to besiege Bressia 355 Philip enforced to raise his campe from Bressia 357 Penetra yeelded to the Venetians ibid. Pilosus death ibid. Philip delayeth and deludeth Sforza 361 Picinino flouteth Sforza ibid. Picinino besiegeth Legnaga 364 Picinino attempteth to burne the Venetians Armie 372 Picinino put to rout ibid. Picinino escapeth in disguised hahabit 373 Picinino maketh warre in Flaminia 379 Politiana is taken by Picinino 380 Picinino his good fortune beginneth to decline ibid. Prouidators aunswere to Sforza 383 Picininos proiect 385 Picinino despaireth after the losse of the battaile 386 Picinino his vnlooked-for arriuall into the countrey of Bressia 388 Picinino his complaints vpon report of peace 391 Philip is reduced to greate necessitie 390 Peace is concluded betwixt Sforza and Philips commissioners 391 Pope Eugenius and Philips discontents 398 Pope Eugenius king Alphonso and Philip make a league against Sforza ibid. Picinino departeth from La Marca ibid. Picinino entirely defeated by Sforza and the death of Picinino 400 Philippes Ambassadors come to Venice to treat of peace 402 Pope Eugenius death ibid. Pcinces sonne confined into Candie ibid. Plague in Venice 403 Philips death 404 People of Milan come forth disbanded against Sforza 409 Peace betwixt the Venetians king Alphonso 415 Pope Nicholas honoureth the Venetian Prince with the Golden sword the girdle and ornament for his head ibid. Paleologus the Emperour his exhortation towardes his souldiers 423 Pope Nicholas his recompence to as many as should arme against the Turke 424 Pope Nicholas his Nuncio commeth to Venice to treââ¦t of peace 42â⦠Pope Pius comes to Ancona to prepare an Armie against the Turkes and there dieth 438 Pietro Mocenigo is chosen Generall of the nauall Armie 446 Peace concluded betwixt Ottoman and the Venetians 486 Peace betwixt the Florentines the associates 490 PersiaÌsvanquished by the Turks 470 Pope Sixtus withdrawes himselfe from the Venetians 506 Pope Sixtus excommunicateth the Venetians 507 Part of the Dukes Pallace burnt 511 Peace concluded betwixt the States of Italy and the Venetians 516 Peace betwixt the Pope and Ferdinand 521 Prince Barbadico his instructions to his children on his death bed 522 Peace concluded betwixt Sigismond and the Venetians 528 Philip de Commines Ambassador for Charles the eighth at Venice 534 Q QVirini safe conducts the great vessels to the fleete 464 R RAuenna taken by the Venetians 14 Rialto chosen for the Princes ordinarie residence 27 Reuolt of Cape-darger 54 Raoul the Norman Captaine becoms a Christian. 65 Raimond a Germane chosen in the Hermites steede 72 Raimond flies to the enemie ibid. Rebellion of Zara. 87 Rogero sonne to Guiscard king of Sicilie 98 Robert the Emperour his vnfortunate marriage 128 Radamanth and Minos Lords of Candie 130 Rainiero Dandulo his death 131 Request made to the Venetians for the preseruation of the Greeke Empire 136 Reason why the Venetians sucââ¦oured Constantinople 138 Rogero Morosino Generall of the Venetian armie 164 Rossis departeth in disguised habite 180 Rossis first exploit ibid. Rossis receiueth the ensignes of Saint Marke 182 Rossis chalengeth Mastin 184 Rossis at the gates of Padua 185 Resolution of a desperate man 186 Reward propounded against the Rebels 191 Reddition of Zara. 195 Rethimna taken by the Rebels 222 Rebels enforced by famine yeelde to the Venetians 223 Rebels executed ibid. Rashnesse of a Rebell 224 Rainiero Vasco Generall of the Venetian Armie 227 Retreat and dismission of the Generall 228 Roberto de la Marca hanged at Venice 261 Resolution of the Counsellers of the widow of Galeas 283 Rampier builded against the Castle of Bressia 310 Remonstrances of Vrban of Dertonna to keepe Sforza and Picinino from battaile 339 Rhoades diuers other Towns yeela to Picinino 352 Riua is taken by the Venetians 383 Rauenna vnder the Venetians 387 Ragusa in Dalmatia described 479 Roberto Malateste Generall of the venetian Cauallerie 489 Rouero yeelded to the Almanes on composition 524 Reception of the Queene of Cyprus at Venice 530 S SVndry opinioÌs of
Pope 68 The incursions of Rance de Cera Gouernour of Crema 69 The tenour of the Senates letters to Aluiana 74 Troubles in Asia 75 The Emperour Maximilian prouoketh Selim against the Venetians 76 Traitor punished 77 To what intent the Spaniard spake to the Venetians of peace 88 Those of Bressia make a sally on the Venetians campe 101 The retreat of the Venetians Armie ibid. Triuulcio leaueth his charge 104 The Emperours comming into Italie 105 The whole countrey betwixt Oglio Po and Adda yeelds to the Emperour 107 Truce renewed betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians 117 The King of England chosen Vmpier betwixt mightie Princes 124 Traitours in Milan giue aduertisement to Prospero Colonna 128 Triuulcio taken prisoner by the Imperials 129 The protestation of the Emperor and King of Englands Ambassadors in Senate 139 The French King will by no meanes discampe from Padua 148 The French King is taken by the Imperials and the Armie defeated ibid. The Emperours speech and gestââ¦re vpon newes of the victorie 149 The King of Englands courtesie towards the French king 154 The King of Englandes aââ¦nswere to the Commissioners of the league 156 The two Armies of the Pope and the Venetians march together to Milan 157 The offer of the Pope and the Venetians to the King 159 The King of England offereth the Pope a great summe of money 163 The Emperours preparations by sea and land ibid. The two Armies of the league and Imperialles at once in Tuscanie 171 The king of Fraunââ¦e and England resolue to free the Pope 176 The Emperours dissimulation concerning the Popes taking 177 The French kings great preparations to send into Italy 179 The Turke being assailed by Marcello hath speedie reuenge 183 The Emperour commaundeth the Pope to be enlarged 115 The French kings answere to the Venetians Ambassador and his determination 206 Treason discouered in Barletââ¦a 207 The two Armies of the French and Venetians distrust one another 209 Triuulcio his request from the king to the Venetians 213 The Emperours arriuall at Genoa 212 The Kings request to the Venetians 215 The king entreateth the Emperour to make an accord with the Venetians 216 The Emperour is desirous of an accord with the Venetians 218 The Emperour is crowned at Bolognia 224 The Emperours gift to the Venetian Ambassadors brought into the publike treasurie ibid. The Turkes complaints against the Venetians 226 The Emperour granteth an Interim concerning the difference in Religion 228 The king of Hungarie seeketh peace of the Emperour and Ferdinand 230 The Emperour with a mightie Armie encampeth before Vienna 232 The Emperours and Solimans nauall Armie 233 The Emperour returneth into Italie 235 The Turkes recouer Coron 243 The Turkish fleet scoureth the Sea-coast of Calabria 244 The Emperour seeketh to the Venetians 245 The Emperour for the Venetians sake doth maintaine the Duke of Vrbins caufe 246 The Emperours preparations for Africke ibid. The Emperours great Armie for his voiage into Affricke 247 The taking of Thunis and Bonna 248 The Emperours captious answere to the Venetians concerning the State of Milan ibid. The Emperour challengeth the French King to single fight 250 The Emperour enforced to retire forth of Prouence 251 The three chiefe pointes which the Pope handled with the Christian Princes 252 The French king sendeth an Ambassador to Venice to draw them from the Emperour ibid. The king purposeth to vse the Turke against the Emperour 253 The king commeth to Lyons to go into Italy 257 Three sundrie accidents that caused warre betwixt Soliman and the Venetians 260 The Turks of Obrouazzo retire to the Castle 269 Treatie of peace betwixt the French king and the Emperour broken off 276 The Emperour declareth that hee could not take Armes for the league ibid. The Emperour and French King refuse to sââ¦e one another at Nice in the Popes presence 277 The Turkish feastes of Baieran 278 The Turks wast Dalmatia 281 The Turkes take the Castle of Laurana 282 The Turks leaue Dalmatia and goe into Hungarie 283 The Turkes arriuall makes the Venetians quit Obrauazza 284 The Turks wonder at the Christians boldnesse 286 The Turkish Gallies put to rout by the Armie of the league 287 The Turkes come forth of the Gulph and put themselues in battaile 288 The Turkes purpose broken by Doria 289 The Turkish Armie retireth into the Gulph of Larra 292 The Emperours excuses for not performing his promise 295 The Turkes great preparations for recouerie of Castel-nouo 298 Truce for three monethes betwixt the Turkes and Venetians 299 Truce prolonged with the Venetians 300 The Basha his demaunds to Contaten 302 The Emperour desireth passage through France to goe into Flanders 303 The Emperour and French king send to the Venetians to diuert them from peace with the Turks 304 The Emperour commeth to Paris 307 The traitors which bewrayed Badoatio his Commission to the Turks discouered 308 The traitors punished 309 The Emperours resolution contrarie to his promise 313 The Emperour allieth himselfe with Henrie King of England 319 The Turkes take Regio in Calabria 320 The Emperour returneth into Italy ibid. The Emperour refuseth to conferre with the Pope 321 The Turke makes warre in Hungarie 322 Two Legates sent to the Emperour and the French king to procure peace 324 The Emperour and Ferdinand send Ambassadors to treat of peace with the Turke 326 Truce for one yeare betwixt the Emperour his brother and Soliman 328 Tyrannicall law of the Turks ibid. The Emperor refuseth to inuest Pietro Lodouico in the Dutchie of Parma and Placentia 329 The Emperours the French kings difficulties cause of peace in Italy 330 The Emperours complaintes against the Pope with his returne so Milan 335 The Turke sendeth an Ambassador to Venice 342 The Turkes make war in Hungarie and Transiluania 347 The Emperour sendeth the Vice-Roy of Naples against the Siennois 355 The Emperour Charles resigneth his whole state to his sonne Philip and to his brother 358 Truce granted and soone broken 358 The taking of Calais by the Guise 361 The forme of the great Turkes oath 369 The opinion of the other Bââ¦shaes contrarie to that of Mahomet 371 Treason practised by a Cypriot discouered and punished 374 The King of Spaines aunswââ¦re to the Popes conteââ¦t 376 The Turkes preparations for the war of Cyprus 378 The Emperours answere to the Venetian Ambassadour 382 Turkes repulsed from Tina 385 The Turkish fleete landed in Cyprus ibid. Turks build 3. Forts neere to Nicosiâ⦠390 Turkes take the Bulwarke Constantia 391 The Emperour resuseth to enter into the leââ¦gue 396 The Emperour will not allow of the Popes new Title giuen to the Duke of Florence 399 Tepulo his opinion tends to warre 401 The league against the Turke concluded ibid. Turkes put to rout in Candie 404 Turkes waste the Islands of Xant and Zephalenia ibid. The League published at Venice 407 Turks before Dulcigna 408 Turkes before Mandrachia 410 The king of Spaines answere to the Cardinall Alexandrine ibid. The leagues offer to
The King of France and England resolue to free the Pope The Cardinals meet at Bolognia to treat of the Popes deliuery The Emperors dissimulation concerning the Popes taking The Venetians preparations by Sea land The Venetians place a Garrison in Rauenna for the behoof of the Sea of Rome The Duke of Vrbin taketh Perusa The Duke of Vrbins preposition Vittury is contrary to the Duke of Vrbin VVhat great forces they were to haue to free the Pope from prison Vitturi called to account for being contrary to the Popes deliuery The kings great preparations to send into Italy Andre Doria in the Kings seruice The number of the Venetians army The Pope inclineth to agreement Articles of agreement betwixt the Pope and Emperor How the Venetians behaued themselues vpon this agreement Sondry opinions in the Confederats army about the Popes deliueryl Lautrec ente reth the Dutchy of M ââ¦lanwith great for ces Bosco and Alexandria are taken by Lautrec Strise betwixt the confederats concerning the taking of Alexandria The Venetians oppose themselues against the Lord Lautrecs proposition to goe to Rome and to leaue the State of Milan Pauia is taken by Lautrec Genoa reduced vnder the Kings obedieence The French and Uenetian fleet are scatered by tempest The Turke be ing assailed by Marcello had his speedy reuenge Marcello dieth by the way for greefe Solimans liberality to the Venetians Lautrec leueth Milan and marcheth towards Rome VVhat mooued the Lord Lautrec to change his determination The Venetians do suspect the Duke of Vrbin VVhat moued the Venetians to eat the chardge of the wavve in Lombardy A cotorable excuse of the King of England to the Venetians request The French king and Venetians demands VVhat was the Emperors meaning concerning peace An accord in de with the Duke of Ferrara The marquis of Mantua ioyneâ⦠to the league The Emperor commaedeth that the Pope should be enlarged The Pope complaineth of the imperialls dealings The Venetians Ambassad to the Pope The French Kings Ambassador to the Pope The Popes excuse because he would not enter into any new consedera cy VVhat the Popes Intention was Lautrec marcheth towards Naples The number of the Imperial army The Popes demands to the Venetians The Popes excuses to the French King Sundry opinions of the Senate concerning the Popes demand The Senates answere to the Pope Sundry opinions of the Imperial captaines The Imperials embrace the opinion of Alarcon Lautrec resolueth to fight with the enemy Lautrec defiââ¦th and prouoketh the Imperial army to battaile The Imperials retire towards Naples The confederates take Melfi Ascoli Barletta Trani and diuers ââ¦ther towââ¦es yeeld to the confederates Lautrec marcheth with his army towards Naples Lautrec encampeth within two miles of Naples Six Cities appointed to the Venetians by the agreement of the league Monââ¦pli and Trani yeelded to the Uenetians The Duke of Brunswich commeth into Italy with great ââ¦orces A vaine and rediculous challenge The Venetiaâ⦠preparations against the Duke of Brunswich The Duke of Brunswich being ioyned with Antonio de Leua doth come and beseege Laudâ⦠Brunswich returneth into Germany Pozzuolo takenââ¦y Lautrec An enterprize of the Spaniards against the Gallies of Philippin Doria A policy of the enemies The Imperials ââ¦e ãâã at sea The number of the dead of the prisoners The great commodity which the arriuall of the Generall of the Venetian Galleys brought to the confederates The Lord of Barbezieuâ⦠commeth to Sauona A fierce incounter of those of ââ¦he league and thâ⦠Imperialls The ãâã of the Aââ¦my of the league before Naples The great sorââ¦w of the Lord Lautrec The Lord Lautrecs nature Greââ¦t sicknes in the French Campe. André Doria ãâã from the Kings seruice The cause of André Doria ãâã reuolt The Popes answer to the King concerning the entertainment of Andrew Doria Articles ââ¦fgreement betwixt the Emperor and Doria The great discomodity which the reuolt of Doria did procure The wants of the army besoââ¦e Naples Disorders ãâã the army The Lord Lautrec greeuously sick The Lord Lautrecs death The Marquis oâ⦠Saââ¦usses Generall ââ¦f the Army aftââ¦r Lantrecs death The Marquis with the Army retireth to ãâã The Capitulation about the yââ¦elding of Auersâ⦠Genoâ⦠by meanes of Andrè Doria ãâã from the King to the ââ¦peror The Venetians great preparations The number of the Venetians sorces The Duke of Vrbins determination The proposition of the coââ¦nt Saint Paul The enterprise of Milan broken The Consederates besiege Pauia The Conseââ¦erates take Pauia Nouara and diuerse other townes yeeld to the Consederates The Lord Saint Paul leaueth Milan to go to the releef of Genoa The lord Sâ⦠Paul his aeseignes to re leeâ⦠Genoa proouetâ⦠vaine Castle of Genoa raced by the People The Genowaies fill the Hauen of Sauona with grauell The Venetiâ⦠forces ãâã diminisââ¦d The Venetians keepe the cââ¦ties in Paglââ¦a The French Kings instance to the Veneââ¦ians in the Popes behalse The Venetians answer to the Kingâ⦠Ambassadââ¦r The Vââ¦counts offers to the Pope The Uenetiaâ⦠offers to the Pope so that peace might be procured Sââ¦cret practises betwixt the King and the Venetians The Emperorâ⦠great preparations to coââ¦e into Italy The Popes intention The Uenetians intention The Venetians great preparatioâ⦠by sea and ãâã The Venetians loââ¦e to the French and the Duke of Milan The ââ¦esolution of the assembly held aâ⦠Venice by the Confederatâ⦠The King determineth to make warre iâ⦠Spaine The resolution of the Venetian councel vpon the Kings comming into Italy The Kings answer and determination The Venetians care to pââ¦serue the placeâ⦠which they held in Puglia The Lord Chastillon commeth to Venice and makes a shew that hee would gâ⦠into Puglia The Senaââ¦s suspââ¦tion ââ¦cerning the Kings comming The Venetians soliciââ¦e the King to come into Italy The bandetti of Naples come into the field Aquila is recouerââ¦d of the Imperials Martrica taken by them Treason discouered in Barletta Monopoli beseeged bâ⦠the Marqit of Guasto The Maââ¦quis giueth an assault ââ¦o ãâã ââ¦ity to his lesse The Marquis reââ¦ireth from before Monopoli The city of Brundusium yeeldeth to the Venetians The Prince of Orange deââ¦ermineth to goe to Peââ¦sua The Duke of Vrbin runneth to the defense of his owne State The Prince of Orange changeth his determination The Duke of Vrbin being come backe to the army determineth to beseege Milan Enteruiew of the French Venetââ¦an armies The two armies distrust one an other The Lord S. Paul resolueâ⦠to execute the enââ¦erprise of Genoa Antonio de Leua assaileth the Lord Saint Paul The number of the Venetian army Antââ¦io de Leua followââ¦th the Dukâ⦠ãâã Vrbin in his ãâã ãâã Cassaâ⦠Part of the enemies are defeated by the Duke of Vrbin Gââ¦eat valor of a woman in mans attire The Duke of Vrbîns enterprize to defeate the enemie The enimes ãâã beaten by the Duke of Vrbiâ⦠The doubts and feare of Antonio de Leua Antonio de Leua retireââ¦h ãâã Milan The report of the Lancequenââ¦ts
the accomplishing of the rest till their enteruiew which by their mutuall consent was concluded to bee at Bolognia The Pope for that purpose departed from Rome and the King from the City of Milan the Venetians Ambassadors did accompany his Maiesty all Italy receiued great contentation by that assembly hoping that it would produce an assured peace to the whole Prouince A legat was sent to the Emperour to treat of agreement betwixt him and the Venetians and to haue him to remit Bressia and Verona to them for a pecuniary recompence The Pope likewise sent a briefe to the Venetians exhorting them vnto peace The Pope and the King being come to Bolognia they couenanted together That the King should take vpon him the protection of the Popes person and the Churches State of Iuliano and Lorenzo de Medicis and the State of Florence That the Pope should cause his forces to leaue Verona and countermand those companies sent to the Emperors aide against the Venetians Diuers other Articles were concluded concerning onely the proffit of either of them In the which treaty hauing continued sixe daies together both of them departed from Bolognia the King thinking that he had done a great matter to haue drawne the Pope to his side and to haue disioyned him from his enemies The King being come to Milan beganne to thinke on his returne to France hauing nothing to detaine him but the desire he had to see the Venetians re-established in their Cities Therefore he commanded to re-enforce the Venetians army which lay before Bressia and had reduced the beseeged to that extremity as all men thought that they would soone yeeld for the Almaines and Spaniards that lay within it had resolued together that if within twenty daies they were not releeued they would yeeld vp the City to the Venetians on these conditions neuerthelesse to depart with displayed Enseignes the drumme beating with the artillery and all their baggage which was the selfe same composition which they had concluded with the Venetians Generall But the Almain succors came and entred the towne before the time agreed vpon was expired The report of the comming of this aide had caused sundry opinions in the army some of the being of opinion to continue the seege others to lead the army elsewhere but the report of the number of the Almaines being greater then the effect and for that they had notice by their spies that Marke Antonio Colonna who was come forth of Verona entred the MantuaÌ territory made preparations to come and assaile them caused the Venetian captaines who feared that by staying there the enemies might come and enclose them to determine wholy to dislodge and to bring the artillery to Crema and Cremona and the rest of the army to Castlenedulla six miles off from Bressia These newes being brought to Venice did greatly amaze the whole City because they expected rather to haue heard of the taking of the City then of any thing else The Generall and the Prouidatory had written that there was such strong Garrison at all passages as it was impossible that any aide could enter into it which might keepe them backe from obseruing the agreement which they had made and that which caused them most to beleeue it was that the French supplies which were to come to the campe being three thousand Almains and 400 horse were departed from Milan and were on their way towards their campe This did much blemish Triuulcio his reputation whereof he hauing notice craued leaue of the Signory That he might depart saying that the affaires of his owne house called him thence and that he could tarry no longer in their army But the Senate knowing that this mans experience was much important for their affaires vsed meanes to appease him by letters and did entreate the King to cause him to take that charge vpon him but he would by no meanes consent therevnto but returned to Milan Theodore Triuulcio tooke charge of the Venetian army and of the whole mannaging of the warre holding the same authority in the army as Iohn Iames Triuulcio had done al-be-it he had not the name nor degree of captaine Generall The King in the meane time hauing giuen order for his returne into France left the Duke of Burbon for viceroy in the Dutchy of Milan and before his departure he commanded Odet of Foix Lord of Lautrec to carry speedily greater aide to the Venetians and generally to doe all matters for them as if it were for his owne seruice shewing thereby his great affection to the Republike as in all other his speeches and discourses not letting to say that if the Venetians were not wholy restored to their Cities he would returne into Italy with greater forces then before The King being gonne forth of Italy and the Duke of Bourbon tarrying there to command the Dutchy of Milan the Venetians still kept an Ambassador nere to him to sollicite whatsoeuer was needfull for their affaires Andrew Treuisan was sent thither who being come to Milan Andrè Gritti who had remained there after the Kings departure to hasten the supplies went to the army to be Prouidator there in stead of Dominico Contaren that fell sicke and was brought home to Venice At the very same time the Lord of Lautrec came to the army with great forces which did much encrease it so as it seemed that there was no doubt but that Bressia would be taken Now the Pope supposing that this successe did greatly crosse his deseignes sought all meanes to hinder it He propounded truce to draw the matter forth at length hoping to cause the Venetians to condescend to some agreement though it were to their disaduantage by reason of the difficulty to take that City And because he knew that himselfe could doe no good in that businesse for the small credit which the Venetians did giue to his words he determined to make vse of the King of Polands authority whose Ambassador hauing intelligences likewise at Venice he perswaded to reuiue the treaty of peace and to propound to the Venetians that if they would disioyne themselues from the French and allie themselues to the Emperor they might add two goodly Cities to their State Lodi and Cremona because that with the Popes armes the Emperours and their owne being vnited together they might easily expell the French and afterwards by the King of Polands authority obtaine them of the Emperour in guift so as being thus separated from the State of Milan they might for euer after be incorporated to the Venetians demaines Besides this proposition the Pope hoping that by the Generals absence the seege of Bressia might be prolonged wrote to King Francis that it might please him to command the Lord of Lautrec to goe to Rome being desirous to confer with such a man about diuers matters concerning the affaires of Naples to which he knew the King enclined wherevpon he exhorted him to make hast to
Venetians to the end thereby to oblige them to take the person of Pietro Lodouico and his State into ââ¦heir protection and safegard because it was not to bee doubted but that the Venetians in acknowledgment of such a benefit and sor their owne proper interest desiring rather to haue a particular Lord of that State to bee their neighbour then the Church would employ all their forces for the maintenance and preseruation of the greatnesse of the Farneââ¦ia family wherevnto the Pope hearkning very willingly and hoping for some greater matter the pursutes for the Dutchy of Camerine was for the Venetians sakes smoothered of whom hee then ââ¦eemed to make great account All the Princes of Italy at the same time and especially the Venetians were in feare and stood vpon their guard by reason of a mighty Army which the Emperor prepared vntill such time as they were aduertised that it was for Affrick to recouer Thunis and thereby to assure the kingdome of Naples a neere neighbour to it which Cariadine did dayly threaten to inuade The Emperor did particularly aduertise the Venetian Senate of all his deseignes seeming to bee very zealous for the common good of Christendom and in particular for that of their Republick desiring to continue the same friendship and good correspondence which was betwixt them This demonstration of friendship was the cause of the renuing the confederacie betwixt them according to the same conditions which had beene concluded at Bolognia onely to shew that by the Popes death it was neiââ¦her finished nor broken off Wherevpon they commanded Marc-Antonio Contaren their Ambassador that in signe of continuance of amitie heâ⦠should follow which he did the Emperor whether soeuer hee went After that generall processions and publick prayer were made in Venice by the Cleargie that it might please God to fauour that enterprise This great preparation of the Emperors Army had caused the Tââ¦rkes to suspect diuerse matters and this suspition was most of all increased in them as it was reported by Iohn Forrest the French Ambassador at Constantinople thorow his reports made to the Baschaes seeking to make them beleeue that the Venetians did perswade the Emperour to turne his great forces vppon Greece against Solimans state and yet neââ¦erthe lesse the French Ambassador resident at Venice did offer to the Senate in his Kings behalfe all fauour and curtesie that might be he did likewise enââ¦reat them to take speciall heed to the Emperors actions and that such great preparations ought verily to cause them to suspect and that the common rumors abroad were so many signes of the imminent dangers and preiudices which threatened the Common-wealth These offers and aduerticements did greatly trouble the Senate who did well perceiue that they tended only to cause the Republick to suspect and distrust all men and to thrust it into open warre either against the Emperor or Soliman to enforce them thereby to haue recourse to the French King to make vse of his fauour toward the Turke or of his forces against the Emperor Yet neuerthelesse partly dissembling these suspitions they thanked the King for his offers and good-will for which though at that present they had no need of them the Common-wealth should neuerthelesse remaine much obliged to that Crowneâ⦠they did after-wards complainâ⦠of the bad offers which his Ambassador at Constantinople had done vnto them cleane contrary to truth wherupon the King did disauow it and assured them that he had neuer giuen him any such commissions Howsoeuer it was it is certaine that notwithstanding all these reports and bad offices done to the Venetians towards Soliman he did still loue and highly respect them for at his returne from Persia he failed not particularly to acquaint them with the prosperous successe of his iourney how he had chased away his enemies entred Persia spoiled and sackt the Citty of Tauris the Royal seate of that Kingdome had beene at Babilon from whence hauing expulsed the Garrison he became Maister thereof and lastly that he was returned victorious to Constantinople The report was that soone after his returne home he was desirous to leuy a mighty army wherupon he called for the same purpose Cariadine and diuers other Captaines before him to consult with them about the affaires of warre thereby shewing that his meaning was not to suffer his Army long to continue idle The Emperor in the meane time the winter season beeing past and all things in readinesse for the Voyages of Affricke tooke shipping at Barcelona where all the fleet lay to the nomber of three hundred ââ¦aile of all sortes vnder the conduct of Prince Doria with forty thousand fighting men not accounting the Marriners and Rowers who were very many being attended on by all the Spanish Nobility together with the Infant of Portugall who met him at Barcelona with fourescore saile of shippes of warre The first landing of the army was in Sardinia in the Hauen of Caliers and hauing there taken order for all warlike necessaries it sailed to Carthage then being come neere to the land not farre from Goletta the armâ⦠was forthwith landed which encamped not farre from thence knowing very well that on the taking thereof depended that of Thunis because that Goletta is a Tower enuironed with diuers Bastions and seated almost vppon the mouth of a Channell through which the Sea entring in a good way it maketh a Lake right ouer against it vpon which the Citty of Thunis is seated some twelue miles from Sea At their first arriuall the Turkes Garrison in Goletta did valiantly defend themselues but the Emperors ordnance hauing almost ruined the Fort it fell into the Spaniards possession who entring afterwards into the Lake did without any disficulty or fight take fifty three vessells as Gallies Galliots and Fusts which Cariadine had left there as in a place of most safety This losse did so daunt Cariadine as notwithstanding that at the beginning comming forth of Thunis with his army hee made a shew as if he would giue the Emperour Battaile yet neuer-the-lesse giuing place on a sudaine he retired into the Citty of Bonna where finding himfelfe in no great safety and vnderstanding that Doria followed him he went to Argiers The Citties of Thunis and Bonna being forsaken by their Captaine notwithstanding that there were strong Garrisons in them did very quickly and with ease fall into the Spaniards hands Cariadine escaping all these dangers went within a while after to Constantinople whither he was sent for and being come into Solimans presence who was newly returned from Persia he did in the best manner he could excuse all that which happened and the losse of the Kingdome Solimaâ⦠being ioyfull for his victories obtained in Persia did pardon and receiue him to fauour and after-wards gaue him the super-in-tendence of his Army by Sea The Emperor on the other side hauing with royall bounty rendred the Kingdome of Tunis which he had conquered to Amulcasse on