Christendom which he knew wel the King their Master did desire with that vehemency so he brought Ashton to joyn with him in pursuance of the busines which was at so fair a pass that they both made of them a great number of rich Liveries against the wedding day the Infanta went by the name of Princess of Wales and the English Ambassadors wold not be coverd before her she had got som extraordinary Masses to be sung for the Prince's safe return to England She had divers new Sutes made for the Prince of rich perfumd Cordovan som embroyderd with Perl som with Gold some with Silk She studied the English language and wore Chapins or high shoos which no young Ladies usd to do in Spain till they are either betrâ—thd or married Moreover the King of Spain had a purpose to make a Daughter of his a Christian and his Sister a Wife the same day and to that end had commanded that the Baptism and the Marriage shold be solemnizd together to which end a long Tarass was raysd from his Royall Palace to the next Church all coverd with rich Tapistry All the Grandees were summond to be then at Court and the great Ordinance were ordered to be discharged in all the Maritime Towns upon such a day So the long wishd for Ratification came at last compleat and full but as the Stars wold have it as the busines was upon its last period there come four Posts from England within the space of 24 hours with a new Commission from King Iames to the Earl of Bristol intimating that wheras he treated before singly of a match he shold now joyn the Palatinat with it and have a categoricall conclusive answer from the King of Spain for the restitution of it for he wold not marry his son with joy and leave his daughter in tears This struck a strange kind of consternation in the hearts of all men at Madrid who wishd that the Postillions which brought the new Commission to Bristoll had all broke their necks on the way the Infanta retird her self and wore a kind of mourning for som daies and an universall sadness appeard in all faces Hereupon the Earl of Bristol going to the King of Spain to demand a surrender of the Palatinat He answer'd that it was not in his power to do it for hee could not command an Emperour in whose hands it was with whom if England would entertain a Treaty if the Emperour and the Duke of Bavaria wold not com to terms of reason the same arm which got the sayd Palatinat for his Oncle the Emperour shold joyn with the King of England to reconquer it for his son in law But this not satisfying Bristol receiv'd Letters of Revocation and so going to take his leave of the King he pulld off a ring of 1500 l. price off his finger and gave it him sending him afterwards a Cup-board or old Plate valued at 20000. duckets The Prince at his departure left a great rope of Pearl and many boxes of Jewels more for the Infanta valued at 400000. crowns but she would not receive any till the Nuptiall day so they were kept in the custody of one of the Secretaries of State But notwithstanding that intelligence was sent how the two Treaties of Match and Palatinat were dissolv'd by act of Parlement in England and that they were preparing for a War yet the Spaniard comanded the sayd Jewels to be deliverd up to the English Ambassador which after were sent safely to England Out of the premisses it may be inferrd that the Spanyard did really intend a match with England which he saith he hath not broken to this day In Spain the King was young and his Favorit old it was clean contrary in England which made the world abroad to wonder that King Iames shold be transported by the Councell of a young Favorit as to suffer him to strain the conscience of his son so far as to break the Match now most remarkable it is that as the Parlement serv'd him for an Instrument to do it so the Parlement was the chief instrument afterwards of his ruin Thus the Spanish Match which amus'd the world so long and assorded such matter of discours was suddenly dashd that Fabrique which was a rearing so many yeers and brought to such a point of perfection that it only wanted a cover fell down in a moment A little before these times the Duke of Ossuna a little man but of a mighty spirit was Vice-roy of Naples where he had comitted more extravagances then any Vice-roy ever did He raisd a War against the Venetian for a property of Dominion in som part of the Adriatic gulph wherin he causd the Signory to spend much treasure but afterwards it was found that this War was grounded rather upon the Capricio of his brain then any just reason Therupon the King of Spain sent the Cardinall Borja to seize upon the government of Naples and send home the Duke prisoner if he found cause The Cardinall carried the busines very privatly and being com to a little Iland neer Naples the sagacious Duke smelling somthing sent a Bishop to entertain and wait upon him but it was indeed to serve as a Spy to observe his motions The Cardinal made a shew to go a hunting one day in a Sedia wher he had appointed one to be habited just like him in another Sedâ—a the Bishop being in the Field all the while and seeing a man like him in the Sedia he thought the Cardinal was still there but the Cardinal had privatly got away to the Marine where he had a Soldiers habit for a disguise and a Felucca ready for transporting him to Naples leaving the Bishop waiting stil upon the counterfeit Cardinal in the Field having divers confidents in the Castle where the Duke was he got thither at the close of the day over a small draw-bridg and surprized the Duke so signal being given to the Town the Bells rung and the great guns went all suddenly off so the Collaterall Councell came to salute the new Vice-roy and Ossuna was sent prisoner to Spain with these severall accusations Accusations wherewith the most faithfull Citie of Naples doth charge the Duke of Ossuna I. THat against his Majesties will he entertained a great number of Soldiers who by their miscarriages have committed many outrages rapes and robberies and if any complaind against them the Plaintiffs were sent away with threatnings and checks insteed of satisfaction from the Duke II. He did put his Majesties patrimony in distribution as it appeares by the accounts of the Kings Chamber besides he wasted much of the common treasury of the Town depriving her of many priviledges III. When he sent Soldiers to be billeted in divers parts of this Kingdom the poor people to rid themselves of the trouble charge us'd to resort to the Marchiones of Campolataro whom they were forced to bribe with presents to do them good offices IV. He causd
a place called Garigliano committed infinite evils through the Country of Lavoro Among other mischiefs which were done in the year 884. they burnt the Monastery of Monte Casino Not long after departed Basilio Emperor of Constantinople the year 886. to whom succeeded Leone his first begotten son in which time the Prince Aione taking occasion by the death of the Emperor the greatest part of his State revolted whereupon Leone having endured this injury certain years at length in the year 891 he sent against him a strong Army under the command of Simbatizio Patrizio who being three months encamped about Benevento happily subdued it 318 years after it had been possessed by the Lombards beginning from Zotone the first Duke of Benevento untill to this time Simbatizio Patrizio having possest the Dukedom of Benevento used the Authority of a Prince after whom came Giorgio Patrizio by whom the said State was Governed 3 years and 9 months Coming afterwards in the year 895 Guido Marquiss of Toscana drove away the Greeks and held the Seigniory about 2 years to whom presently followed Radelebi the which held it two others untill it was possest by Atâ—nolfo Castaldo of Capoa in whose house the Principality of Capoa was joyned with that of Benevento who maintained it a long time in great prosperity Atenolfo being now made Castaldo of Capoa was afterward in the year 899. entituled Prince of Capoa and Benevento in the which house for the space of 163 years that Seigniory remained Atenolfo died the year 914. and Atenolfo and Landolfo his sons succeeded him in the Principality Atenolfo died about the year 946. and the Principality only remained to Landolfo which by that most valiant Prince Luitprando received many overthrows and died the year 951. and left that Principality to his son Pandolfo which was sirnamed Iron-head The Prince Pandolfo departed this life the year 966. and left eight sons whereof Landolfo his first begotten had the Principality and died the year 982. and Landenolfo took the Government of the State which was slain the year 991. The Prince Landenolfo dead his brother Laidolfo succeeded in the Seigniory which continued not long in the Principality in whose place was in the year 996. created Prince Pandolfo of St. Agata his son in which year the Emperor Otho the third was Crowned in Rome under whose Principality Historians recite that the Emperor going about to take away from Benevento the body of St. Bartholmew the Apostle there was given him instead thereof the body of St. Paolino Bishop of Nola of which deceit being informed made War with the Beneventani but growing grievously sick raised his siege and as he much desired returned into Germany little regarding the heat of Summer being come into his natural Country departed this life the year of our Lord 1001. and so the Beneventany were delivered of so grievous a War Henry the second succeeded in the Empire by the election of the Princes of Germany who in the year 1022. levying a mighty Army came into Italy to the prejudice of the Greeks and understanding the ill demeanor and most wicked proceeding of the Prince Pandolfo took the Prince prisoner and carryed him along with him into Germany and the Principality of Capoa he bestowed upon Pandolfo Count of Tiano Henry the Emperor having builded in Bamberg a City of Germany a noble Church in the honour of St. George and desiring that the same might be consecrated as a Cathedral Church Benedict the 7 consenting thereto obtained with condition that the said Church should give by way of tribute yearly to the Bishop of Rome a mark of silver with a white horse well furnished but within a while the Bishop receiving in gift from the Emperor Benevento the tribute from the Church of Bamberg was discharged by this means then Benevento came under the dominion of the Church which we have declared in our History of the lives of the Kings of Naples and after we have declared how Ruberto Guiscard having possest Benevento being desirous to expell the Saracins out of Italy came to the Parlament in the City of Aquila in the year 1060 with Pope Nicolas the second which was much laboured by the Roman Barons and Guiscard having with great humility adored the Pope made peace with him and he restored the City of Benevento and all other places which he held belonging to the Church whereupon the Pope did not only receive him into grace and favour but created him Duke of Puglia and Caulauria and so Ruberto was now made a vassal of the Church Benevento being afterward possest by Ruggiero the Norman King of Naples William his son who succeeded in the Kingdom restored it to Pope Adrian the fourth as a thing properly belonging to the Church whereupon he was by him confirmed in the Kingdom the Emperor Frederick the second and King of Naples having been excommunicated by Gregory the ninth disdaining the same ruinated and made spoil of the said City and threw the Walls even to the ground being afterward repaired by the Citizens thereof was by Charls of Angio the first of this name sacked because they were known to be favourable to King Manfred and although this City sustained so many spoils yet the Citizens thereof alwaies repaired it St. Gianuario Martyr was Bishop of Benevento whose body lieth with great reverence in the principal Church of Naples where as they say are seen many miracles of his holy blood There was born in Benevento Felix the fourth called the third Victor the third and Gregory the eight Bishops of the holy Church of Rome which were of exemplary life and indued with learning Orbillio Grammatico was very famous in the time of Cicero which for his austerity and severe speech was by Horace called the wonder Rofredo and Odofredo Lawyers of great fame were thereof from whence afterward descended the house of the Odofredi in Bologna Alberto Morra Cardinal and Dionisio which was also a Cardinal Angelo Catone a learned Philosopher was Count and Arch-Bishop of Vienna Marino Bilotta was President of the Chamber under King Ferrant the first Mercurio of Vipera was dearly beloved of the Roman Bishops and imployed in divers affairs and afterward made Auditor of Rota Pietro of the worthy Family Candida was Councellor of State and Captain of the principal Fortress of the Kingdom under King Ferrant the first Bartholmew Camerario a famous Lawyer having been from the beginning in most honourable imployments in the service of the Emperor Charls the fifth was made Lieutenant of the Kings Chamber with Title of Keeper of the Patrimony He was in great account with Pope Paul the fourth by whom he was created in Rome Purveyor of the Store and General of the Army he was afterward entertained by King Francis in France and made his Councellor Leonardo Grifo most expert in the affairs of the Church of Rome whereupon he was created Arch-Bishop of this Country Thomaso
haunted an evil spirit a long time for the death of Hippolitus the companion of Vlysses which was there slain against all humanity whereupon rose the Proverb among the Ancients Aderit genius Temeseus Noting hereby that Gods vengeance never faileth to reward such wickedness if by humane means it be not punished The said City was built by the Ausoni which Strabo affirmeth in his sixth book saying Alao prima urbs Brettiae Tempsa quam Auxonii condiderunt nostrae autem aetatis homines Tempsam etiam vocitant Temesa was a Bishops Sea as appeareth in the Councels when Hillary the Bishop thereof came to the fourth Roman Sinod under the Popedom of Agathon And the Territory thereof is very fat and fertile and yieldeth excellent Wine Oyle Hony fine Silk Grain and other Corn and all kinds of Fruits and from heaven descendeth Manna and there is made great store of Bird-lime and Glue Hard by is Foscaldo where is great abundance of Sugar Hony Wine Corn and other Fruits The said Country is honoured with the dignity of a Marquiss A little higher is the Country of Lattarico which by Livy is called Hetriculum hard by standeth Torano and Regina called in old time Herinium built by the Enotri in whose Territory is made great abundance of Oyle there is also Mines of Brimstone Saltpeter and Alabaster and a little farther is situate the City Montalto by Barrio called Vffugium it had sometimes a Bishops Sea which dignity was joyned to Cosenza It hath a good Territory which yieldeth Grain Oyle and other Fruits and there is made great abundance of Silk there is also Alabaster and Brimstone and every year there is a very great Fair. It hath the dignity of a Dukedom the Lady whereof is the Lady Mary of Arragon in whom endeth the line of old Alfonsus of Arragon King of Naples the which State by marriage fell into the Family of Moncada Going now towards the Sea we may behold Paula a name corrupted derived from ancient Patycos very famoms for being the natural Country of St. Francis the Author of the Order of the Minimi hard by is St. Nocito very famous for the excellent sweet Wine then cometh Castellofranco with the River Campagnano called in old time Acheronte where was slain even as he was foretold by the Oracle Alexander King of Molossi mean while he not understanding the cautions of the devil rested secure having avoided another River of the same name in Epiro The words of the Oracle were these Aeacida cave accedas ad aquam Acherusiam Et Pandasiam quod ibi tibi laetum decretum est Near hand is seen Cerisano called in old time Citerium and upon the side of the River Crati and of Basenta is the famous City Consenza full of people rich and very ancient it was a Colony of the Lucani in old time it was the chief City of the Brutii but now the head of this Province The said City is situate between hils and dales it hath before it a great Plain which stretcheth very near forty miles and is called the Villey of Crati it is compassed with 85 Hamlets or Villages which for the most part are very great It aboundeth in all things which may be desired either for profit or humane pleasure it hath brought forth many excellent men and among others the Abbot Giacchino indued as Dant saith with a prophetical spirit who was of one of the Villages of Cosenza called Celico St. Thelesphoro Iano Parassio Antonio Telesio Iohn Baptista d'Amico Coriolano Marticano and Berardino Martirano which was also Secretary of the Kingdom Piâ—tropaolo Parisio a famous Doctor of Law which was made Cardinal by Pope Paul the third Borardino Telesio which writ against the Philosophy of Aristotle Iohn Maria Barnauda Sertario Quattromani Giovanpaolo d' Aquino Prospero Parisio and Iacobo of Gaeta In this City are these noble families Abenante Aquino Andriotto Aloe Amico Arnoni Alimena Arduino Barono Bernando Beccuto Bombino Bonconto Britto Bovi Bonaccursi Cavalcante Ciacci Caputo Casella Cozzi Cicala Caroleo Curatore Celso Clavelli Dattilâ— Donato Domanico Fâ—rrao Farrao d' Epaminonda Farrao d' Antonello Fera Favoro Figlino Franza Gaeta Gaeta d' Marc. Antonio Garofalo Giannochiri Gaeli Gioanni Giaccino Gadi Longo Longobuccho Migliarâ—se Marano Monaco Martorano Maurello Minardo Moyi Materi Massaro Mirabello Mangoni Nero Poglisi Peloso Pellegrino Pascale Passalacqua Poerio Parisi di Ruggiero Parisi di Mario Pantuso Quottromani Roccho Ruggiero Rangi Russo Scaglione Spatasora Serâ—alo della Motta Sersale di Guido Sambiase Spirito Sirisanto Spina Sanfâ—lice Stocca Tilesio Testo Toscano Tarsii Tirello Velle and others The Arms of this City is seven Hils vert in a field or From hence on the right hand lieth the Wood Brutiana which the people of the Country call for the excellency thereof Sila not so hideous and terrible in Winter through continual snow and ice as it is pleasant and delightfull in Summer where the fresh and cheerfull air with many Rivers full of excellent fish and the divers sports of fowling and hunting of wild beasts and the infinite heards of Cattel which there seed upon the plentifull fruits thereof represent in effect that which the Poets feign of their Arcadia Not far distant lieth Carolei called by the Latines Ixias built by the Enotri And walking a little farther appeareth Bisignano a good and plentifull City much inhabited which hath the Title of a Principality subject to the Family Sanseverina Stifano calleth this City Besidia which according to Barrio was built by the Ansoni and very near lieth Tarsia called Capresis Returning towards the Sea we come into these Countries Fiumefreddo Bello-monte and the City Amontea which was an Episcopal Seat but now united with the Church of Tropâ—ia A little farther is Aiello called by Bario Tylesium which hath a strong Castle and a fruitfull Territory with a Wood where is great sport in the hunting of divers living creatures This Country holdeth the Title of a Marquiss and the Lord thereof is Alberico Cybo Prince of Massa no less worthy of honour for his Learning then his Chivaldri Near to Aiello is the Hill Cocuzzo where it seemeth that the Apennine exceeds it self in height Then followeth Martirano corrupted from the ancient name of Mamerto whose Citizens shewed themselves no less faithfull to the people of Rome then valiant in Arms they only fighting with Pyrrhus one of the best Souldiers of the world the which they performed so couragiously that Pyrrhus being mindfull of the valour of the Brutii and of the death of his Alexandro durst not any farther hazard his fortune From thence afterward lieth on the side of the Sea Nocera the reliques of the ancient Terinia which was destroyed by Hannibal they being not able to defend it and here runneth according as the Ancients affirm Ligia one of the Sirenes upon the mouth of the River Saccuto Then
so many Christian Barons French Germans and Englishmen Boemond being of a generous mind and full of magnanimity animated by emulation of the glory of so many honourable men which went in this noble enterprise leaving all things to his brother went with these to the Conquest of the Holy Land where having streightly besieged Antiochia took it and was therefore by the general consent of the Army for that enterprise made Prince and Earl of Tripoli he afterward married Constance the eldest daughter of Philip King of France which brought him a son named Boemund which succeeded in the said Principality But returning to Ruggieri who having held the Dukedom of Calauria and Apulia 25 years died in the year 1110. and left William his eldest son his heir born of Adelandra his wife daughter of Robert Frisone Earl of Flanders This Duke William peaceably possest his State and made Pope Galasio his special friend by whom he was invested in the said Dukedome of Apulia and Calauria in the year 1118. The year following the Duke thinking to marry the daughter of Iohn Comneno Emperor of Constantinople being promised unto him imbarked himself to go thither and committing the tuition of his State to Pope Calisto the second In the mean time the year 1123. Ruggieri Earl of Sicilia his Nephew the sonne of the aforesaid Ruggieri Bosso following so fit an oportunity nothing esteeming the Pope invaded Calauria and before the Pope could well bethink himself how to relieve it he had got the possession of all Calauria and Apulia The Duke William being deceived and returned without his wife retired himself to the Prince of Salerno his kinsman where not long after without leaving any issue he died in the year 1127. The Kings of NAPLES Ruggieri 1. King of Naples RVGGIERI by force of arms and by the right of inheritance being Lord of so great a State with whose power the Pope Honorius the second being not able to contend made peace with him and received of him an Oath of Loyalty and homage and so created him Duke of Apulia and Calauria The said Act was solemnly done and registred in Troia a City of Puglia in the year 1128. Afterward Ruggieri began War with the Prince of Capoa and so afflicted him that in the end he usurped his Principality but growing proud with this great prosperity would be no longer called Duke of Apulia and Calauria and Earl of Sicilia but entituled himself King of Italy the which thing Honorius seemed to dissemble but Innocentio the second which succeeded him could not by any means indure being moved with rage without measuring otherwise his strength raised a sudden tumultuous Army and with all expedition and violence came against Ruggieri which knew nothing of that preparation that he chaced him from St. Germano and through all the Country of Abadia and besieged him being within the Castle Galluccio above Sessa where flying was forced to retire back again The other William son of the besieged Ruggieri understanding thereof with great celerity came to relieve his father and did a very admirable exploit in breaking their forces and taking the Pope prisoner with many Cardinals and at the same instant delivering his father from the siege Ruggieri through his great courtesie and reverence used to the Pope obtained without the Title of King particularly the City of Naples which till this time had been under the Greek Empire Ruggieri perceiving the good will of the Neopolitans created 150 Knights Innocentio being set at liberty returned to Rome and found that in his absence had been created one Pietro an Ante-Pope the son of Pier Leone a very powerfull and factious Citizen of Rome which was called Anacleto the second Innocentio having no doubt thereof with the help of the Pisani past into France Ruggieri went to Benevento and visited Anacleto and obtained the Title and Crown of King of both the Sicilies which was done the 25 of Iuly 1130. and was the first that in this part of Italy had the Title of King and was made a Liegeman and Vassal of the Church the which Instalment as Sigonius noteth was the same that the aforesaid Pope Innocentio afterward confirmed in the year 1139. declaring him lawfull King of Sicilia Duke of Apulia and Calauria and Prince of Capoa Ruggieri having performed many noble enterprises died in the year 1153. being 59 years of age his body was laid in a Costly and stately Tomb of Porphery in the Church of Monreale of Palermo where these Verses are ingraven Si fastus homines si regna slemmata ludunt Non legum recti sit norma Rogerius ist is Est lusus rebus comite à quo nomine natus Virtutem his splendor situs diademà que Regum Vixit ann LIX Regnavit an XXIII Menses V. obiit an MCLII Ruggieri had four wives the first was Airolda the daughter of the Earl of Caserta the second was called Albira daughter of the King of Spain the third named Sibilla sister of the Duke of Burgony the fourth was called Bettrice which was the daughter of the Earl of Resta of his two first wives he had not any children Sibilla brought him Ruggieri which was Duke of Apulia and Amalso and Guglielmo which was Prince of Capoa and Salerno which died both in their fathers time Of Bettrice his last wife he had William Prince of Taranto which was afterward King of Naples and a daughter named Constance who by the advice and Councel of the Abbot Giachimo Calaures the King put her into a religious house of Nuns He had a base son called Tancredi who was Earl of Leccie and King of Naples William the wicked the 2. King of Naples WILLIAM called by his sirname the wicked William the first begotten son of Ruggiero his father succeeded in the Kingdom and in the beginning of his State usurped by force of arms Ceperano with the Suburbs of Benevento and Banco with other places belonging to the Church for which cause he was excommunicated by Pope Adrian the fourth and deprived also of the title of King and discharged his subjects of their obedience towards him William conceiving a most violent hatred against the Pope raised a mighty Army with a purpose to go for Rome but being for his perverse nature hated of his Barons many of them rebeld against him and called the Pope into the Kingdom The which was the occasion that William changed his purpose and converted his fury against the Prince of Capoa which had been the Author of that conspiracy The Pope which saw all the Kingdom in Arms with admirable celerity made a mighty Army pass to Benevento and without any resistance took a great part of the Kingdom by the which victory the Barons which called him did swear unto him loyalty and homage William understanding that Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople and Frederick Barbarossa the first Emperor of Germany made expedition to aid the Pope
the 7 offices of the kingdom cause him to swear to do the duty of a good Prince and to observe the priviledges immunities of the Citie and Kingdom Afterward they lead him to sit on the left hand not far from the Legate in a chair of state covered with cloth of gold and the Legate with a loud voyce proclaimeth him King of Naples and Ierusalem And the seven officers of the kingdom with the Recorder in token of obedience kisse his hand and the like is done by the Princes and Nobility of the kingdom These ceremonies finished the King receiveth the Communion where begins to sound the Organs Trumpets Cornets and other Instruments discharging the Artillery and making great triumph and joy and so Mass being ended the King useth to invest many Lords into their States The King being mounted upon his horse entreth under the Canopy embrodered with gold in the top whereof gently wave up and down the Kings Arms both of the Kingdom of the Citie and of the Provinces carried by men of dignity and honor which at one and the same time succeed in their honors and in their labours Then beginneth the order of the pomp and state to march forward the which I will omit to declare lest I should seem too tedious leaving it to every one to consider thereof And this great King is exempted from the Empire neither acknowledgeth he any superior being a feudist of the Church the which Andrea d' Sormia confirmeth in his Preambles concerning tribute in the ninth column and likewise Mattheo d' Afflitto many other worthy Lawyers discourse thereof the which the most say that the King of Naples is one of the aforesaid four Kings that are anointed and crowned by the order of the Pope Besides he goeth before the elected Emperour being not crowned because that before his coronation he is called King of the Romans but being anointed and crowned he is then called the Roman Emperour Moreover the said four kings do not follow behind the Emperor as other kings that are subject to him but go by his side whereby it appeareth that the King of Naples is one of the great Kings of the world as well in dignity as honor of the Empire therefore I think it not much expedient to take any great pains in expressing it since the reputation thereof is well known to all that have any experience in learning Sufficient is said hereof for the Emperour Charls the 5. in the year 1554. marrying his first begotten son Philip Prince of Spain to Queen Mary of England would not invest him with any other Title then the kingdom of Naples and Ierusalem to the end he should not be inferior to so great a Queen And so much concerning the coronation of the Kings of Naples A brief Discourse of the Kings of IERVSALEM Beginning from Godfrey where is shewed the true cause why the Kings of NAPLES are intituled to that Kingdom THe subject of this Discourse we have here to handle requireth that I also shew and declare the reason and cause by what right all the Kings of Naples have been intituled to the kingdom of Ierusalem a discourse both for the greatness and excellency of the matter worthy to be known from the true understanding whereof every one may evidently see and perceive the great dignity and honor of the Kings of Naples and by what right and title the said kingdom more justly belongeth to them then any other For the better knowledge whereof it is necessary I briefly begin from the first Christian King of that kingdom After the death of Godfrey was Baldwin beforesaid Count of Edissa his brother made King of Ierusalem in his place which was a man of great valor for he wan the Citie of Tiberiade in Galile Sidon Accaron and many more upon the Sea-coast and with the help of the Genoways and Venetians afterward overcame the strong Citie of Tolomaida he had also the Castle of Soball which stands upon the river of Iordan and did much increase his dominion At length having reigned 18 years ended his life without children and was buried in the same Sepulcher with his brother By the death of Baldwin was Baldwin the second of Burges in France made King by the generall consent of the Christians who was cousin germain to the two aforesaid Kings of Ierusalem and in the second year of his reign the Prince of the Turks in Asia minor coming upon Gaza with a mighty Army he valiantly encountred overcame and took him prisoner And in the year following the King of Damasco suddenly besieged the gates of Ierusalem with fifteen thousand fighting men Baldwin couragiously issuing out and valiantly charging them at length put them to flight and slew two thousand of them and took their King with a thousand prisoners and lost but onely thirty men Not long after Balach King of the Parthians arriving with a mighty Army encountred with Baldwin hand to hand overcame him and carried him prisoner to Cairo with many Christian Noble men But at length Baldwin with the said Christian Nobility were released with the payment of a great sum of money and the King returned to Ierusalem where reigning thirteen years died without issue Male and Fulk Count of Anjou his son-in-law succeeded him in the kingdom who had married his daughter Melesina against whom the Barbarians durst never move any war because of his two sons Baldwin and Almerich expert and valiant souldiers who being imployed as Deputies in his affairs executed many great slaughters on the Turks After this valiant King had reigned 11 years running in hunting after a Hare his horse falling with his head downward died presently Whereupon his son Baldwin the Great and third of this name was made King who took Ascalon and Gaza ancient Cities and gave them to the Knights of the Temple Baldwin performing other famous and worthy deeds of Arms after he had reigned 24 years died and was buried in the holy Temple with the other Kings and Almerich his brother succeded in the kingdom a valiant man who had many conflicts with the Turks and took the Citie of Alexandria in Aegypt Afterward he went against the great and mighty Citie Cairo called in ancient time Carra and besieged it and being very likely to win it notwithstanding through the instigations of the Citizens received a great sum of money left the siege and returned again to Ierusalem and not long after died having reigne 12 years leaving behind him three children Baldwin Sybilla and Isabella to whom succeeded in his kingdom Baldwin the fourth of this name his first begotten who though he had the leprosie notwithstanding he did very valiantly and politickly govern the kingdom and having no wife yet because the Realm should not want a sufficient heir to succeed him he married his sister Sybel to William Longspath Marquess of Montferrato and Isabell his youngest sister he promised with
as we have declared and according as Leone Cardinall and Bishop of Ostia saith in his History Casinense about the year of our Lord 755 Arechi the second 14. Duke of Benevento who having inlarged his Dukedom would have his said State no longer called a Dukedom but a Principality and caused himself to be anointed and crowned by his Bishops and in the end of his Letters and Charters of Priviledge caused them to to be thus dated Scriptum in nostro sacratissimo Palatio Afterward his successors continuing used to do the like Whereupon by their example the Princes of Capoa of Taranto and of Salerno being allured thereunto caused themselves also to be annointed and crowned by their Bishops These titles at the 〈…〉 of the Kings were given unto their children nor any except the blood Royall 〈…〉 partakers of these titles Whereupon of the children of Ruggiero the first King of the kingdom of Naples and Sicilia Ainulfo was Prince of Capoa and Gulielmo which afterward succeeded in the kingdom was Prince of Taranto Charls of Aujou the first of this name King of Naples ordained that his eldest son should be named Prince of Salerno whereupon Charls the second in the time of his father was intituled Prince of Salerno and Charls the son of Charls the second before he came to the kingdom of Hungary was also called Prince of Salerno But because his brother Ruberto and not he succeeded in the kingdom of Naples which was then called Duke of Calauria from thence it so came to pass that from that time forward they were no more Princes of Salerno but the Kings first begotten son was called Duke of Calauria So was Charls called his father living the worthy son of Ruberto so was Ferdinando the son of Alfonsus King of Arragon who first conquered Naples and so was Alfonsus the squint-eyed the son of Ferdinando but it so falling out that old Ferdinando alo living to Alfonsus his son was born a son whom he also named Ferdinando to him because his father Duke of Calauria lived was given the title of the Principality of Capoa The first which was called Prince of Taranto not descending of the blood Royall was Iacobo del Balzo the son of Francisco which was also the first that of no Princely family was called Duke of Andri And so much concerning the title of a Prince which signifying the Dignity Signiory and Jurisdiction which 〈◊〉 holdeth so it is lawfull for them to place over their Scutchion or Coat Armour oâ—â—heir Family a crown made after this fashion In this kingdom after the dignity of a Prince the next is the state of a Duke which taketh place before a Marquess and an Earl These Dukes have above their Arms a round hoop without any points or work above But in place of the points there are certain pearls and round about are certain pretious stones after the manner which here underneath appears The which fashion although it be now decayed I have thought good to declare to the end the truth thereof may be known The first title of a Duke in this kingdom was that of Benevento instituted in the year 573. But after they came under the jurisdiction of the King the first being not descended of Princely blood was Francisco del Balzo as hath been said made Duke of Andri by Queen Ione the first Not long after was Iacobo Marzano made Duke of Sessa by King Ladislaus and so others from time to time whereof the number at this present is very great This dignity of a Duke increased to a very high and eminent degree the which chanced not to any of the other aforesaid dignities because Charls the 8. King of France being possest of this kingdom created Giliberto of Borbona Earl of Montpensier his Lieutenant Generall of the kingdom Archduke of Sessa and so the said Borbana afterward caused to be set upon his Arms a great purple cap garnished with a golden hoop set full of pretious stones with certain points without pearls in the top but onely put in the sides thereof to the end the dignity of a Prince might have its place and that he also might be known for an Archduke The which crowns as well of the Archdukes as the Dukes are to be used in the manner abovesaid that whosoever ascendeth to that dignity ought not to augment it with flourishing or otherwise with the ornament of Jewels or pretious stones for in so doing they seem to usurp a greater dignity then belongs unto them for which as the Lawyers say they ought to be punished And here it is to be noted that they are not pointed in that manner as some of them have formerly used that is to say after that fashion as their ancestors have had them because they as they were free Lords and acknowledged not any superior as before hath been declared in the discourse of the principality on this side might lawfully do it the which is now otherwise the kingdom being under the dominion and jurisdiction of Kings After these the next in degree are the Marquesses the which are adorned with a hoop set with pretious stones without any thing above and with a very small appearance thereof above the Arms after this manner Biâ—ndo and Pietro Razzano say that the word Marquess signifieth in the Lombard tongue a perpetuall Magistrate or a perpetuall Lordship but according as Mario Equicola saith in his Commentaries of the Marquesses of Mantua signifieth in the Iâ—alian tongue a President Alciato that excellent Lawyer saith that the word Marquess is a Dutch name and that it signifieth a Master of the Horse forasmuch as the Germans call a horse Marca and in the French tongue Marcare is as much as to say to ride In this kingdom as the name of a Duke and an Earl came the soonest and that of a Prince first before in any other place so that of a Marquess appeared long after for the first was Cecco dal Bargo that was made Marquess of Pescara by King Ladislaus Then follow the Earls called in Latine Comiti because they were sent from the train and followers of the Emperours to rule and govern some province or some part thereof Also an Earle according to Luca de Penna may put upon his Arms in place of a crown a plain hoop differing nothing from that of a Marquess save onely the want of Jewels and pretious stones as the Earls of Altavilla of Aquino of Conza of Marsico of Nola of Isernia of Milito of Potenza of Troja and others anciently have used The Earls had their precedence in the Parliaments of all the other Lords and Barons which had no title being created by the ancient Kings with great state and solemnity as appears in Vgone Falcando where he speaketh of the promotion of Riccardo di Mandra Constable of the County of Molise Comes creatus tubis tympanis cimbalisque de more solenniter prae untibus FINIS CHARLES The
all the Romans both men and women might lawfully commit any lascivious dishonesty which then was accounted the most holy that which that day was most dishonest St. Felix Bishop hath given great honour to this City whose body lieth in it and as they say there riseth continually Manna out of his holy bones whose life was written by St. Paulino Bishop of this City St. Paulino was the inventor of the use of Bels an Instrument utterly unknown to the Ancients which is now so necessary in the Church of God He gave it the name of Campane because he invented it in Campania where is the aforesaid City of Nola of the which he was Bishop and that the Citizens ever since glorying therein as rightly they may have alwaies used to give a Bell for the Arms of the City And to say something of the famous Counts of Nola Monsignieur Guido da Monforte was the first thereof a most noble and valiant Gentleman of France which came with Charls the first of Angio to the Conquest of the Kingdom with whom he was in great estimation and having one only daughter called Anastasia married to Romano Orsino chief Justice of the Kingdom who by the death of his Father in Law succeeded in the County which was the first of the Family of Orsina which had Seigniory in the Kingdom The posterity of this man have proved all worthy men and very valiant but the matchless Paragon of all was Ramondo which florished in the time of Charls the second for being chased away and forsaken by his Father went into Soria after he had in a journey into the Holy Land done many valiant exploits against the Moors and overcome in a private combate a most fierce and mighty Saracin who carried a Rose upon the top of his wreathed Turbant returned home into the Kingdom with great honour and for a token of that Victory joyned it with much glory to his Arms whereupon through his great magnanimity and valour was made Prince of Taranto That Principality hath been continued even to this present one of the most important Members of the Kingdom for it contained very much land and Cities of greatest importance which for brevity I omit to name so that Ramondo being a very mighty and great Lord the House of Orsina was very famous through all Italy Râ—mondo married the Lady Mary of Eugenio of an honourable proginy in France who after the death of her husband having the tuition of her children became Queen of Naples at such time as King Ladislao besieged her in Taranto who being not able to subdue her resolved to take her for his wife and so by that means to possess the Inheritance of the children of Ramondo of whom the first was Iohn Antonio who redeemed the Principality of Taranto with money from Iames husband of Queen Ione This Iohn Antonio increased much his Patrimony with Lands of great importance and was highly favoured by Alfonsus of Arragon King of Naples who made him great Constable which is the chiefest of the seven Offices in the Kingdom with a hundred thousand Duckets yearly for a Pension And to return to the Counts of Nola they were great Lâ—rds for they possest Sarno Tripalda Palma Avella Lauro Forino Ascoli and other Lands But afterward Felice Orsino Prince of Salerno succeeded in the County who having little experience in worldly affairs through the dâ—â—â—ension and division of the Kingdom lost his State in 〈◊〉 time after the death of his Father And King Ferrant the first gave Salerno to Robert 〈◊〉 and Nola Tripalda Ascoli Lauro and Forino to Orso Orsino 〈…〉 great Chancellor of the Kingdom and partner with him in the Wars against Iohn Antonio Orsino whereupon the line of Romano Orsino which had ruled Nola almost two hundred years was extinguished and the Principality of Salerno rose of the House of Orsino 24 years after he had it But this line afterward of the Count Orso continued but a small time for the Lady Santola a Citizen of Nola by whom he had two sons the one Duke of Ascoli and the other a Knight lost all their Inheritance through the wicked means of their mother who lewdly justified of her own accord that they were not begotten by the Count Orso were deprived of all their right by King Ferdinando who gave the County of Nola with Cimitino Avella Monforte Lauro Palma and Ottoiano to the Count Nicola Orsino of Pitigliano whose successors possest it untill the year 1528. the which Don Arrigo in serving the French lost his life and his state also and so ended the line of the Counts of Nola which were so famous in this Kingdom Now returning to our former order I say that from the City of Nola are also sprung many other famous men as well adorned with Learning as with Military Discipliâ—e which would be too teadious to repeat and therefore I reâ—er the reader to Ambrogio Lione who very exactly nameth and describeth them all But for us it shall be only sufficient to name the Noble Families which the said Leone writeth of which are in the said City and are these following Albertino Alfano Barone Caposâ—rosa Candido Cesarini Coriale Carmignano Campobascio de Ferrariis de Elia Freccia Fellecchia Fontana Rosa Del Iodice Ioseph Infante de Gennaro Maffei Marifeulo Morra Mastrilâ—o Mazzeo Notariis De Palma Perarii Perrigioanni Rehi Risi Santori Sassolani c. and at this present the Bishop of this City Fabritio Gallo Neopolitan a Prelate besides his learning a man of sincere and pure life who with much diligence composed a Sinodal Book of his Diocess There are many other places the which I think not fit to recite all but the greatest and most important I have not omitted any but the small and little as those which are thought to be of little or no account I have neglected assuring you that to the integrity and soundness of the Work it shall not fail in any momentary matter The Arms of this Noble Country is in a Field Asurâ—â— Cornucope in salter thorow the middle of a Crown the first of â—eres the other Bacchus or the which Arms signifie the great fertility and abundance of the Country which as it were Queen of every other Province exceeds them in all the benefits of Nature Whereupon in confirmation of what I have said I will concluded with L. Floro who speaking thereof thus writeth Omnium non modo Italia sed toto orbe terrarum pulcherrima Campaniae plaga est Nihil mollius coelo nihil uberrius solo nihil hospitalius mari Denique bis floribus vernat ideo Liberi Cererisque certamen dicitur Hic illi nobiles portus Caieta Misenus tepentes fontibus Baiae Lucrinus Avernus quâ—dam maris otia Hic amicti vitibus montes â—aurus Falernus Massicus Pulcherimâ—s omnium Vessuvius Aetaeni ignis imitator Vrbes ad mare Formiae Cumae Neapolis Herculanium Pompei ipsa
and possest by the Longobards more then two hundred years at which time they became Lords of Italy and established their siege or â—eaâ— in the said City and named it the Dukedom of Benevento the which Dukedom contained all happy Campania which we now call the Country of Lavoro except Pozzuolo and Naples the greater part of the Sannity of Benevento Isernia and Guasto even to the River Pescara which of the Ancients was called Aterno and all that which was contained under the name of Feligni of Marsi and of Marrucini now commonly called Abruzzi The first Duke of Benevento which began to reign in the year 573 was Zotone which reigned twenty years to whom succeeded in the Dukedom Arechi sent thither by Agisulfo King of the Longobards who ruling 50 years died left his successor Aione his son which died in the year 645. Aione dead Rodoaldo five years quietly possest the Dukedom who died in the year 649. and left Grimoaldo his brother to succeed him a worthy Warrier who became King of the Longobards the year 666. whereupon Romoaldo his natural son remained Duke of Benevento which reigned 16 years and died in the year 681. whom Grimoaldo the second his son succeeded which reigning three years and died the year 694. and left the Seigniory to Gisulfo his brother who having reigned as Erechemperto saith 24 years died the year 707. and left Romoaldo the second his son successor and heir of the Dukedom which held that Seigniory 26 years and died in the year 733. By the death of Romoaldo Gisulfo the second his son succeeded in the State and died in the year 750. After Gisulfo Luitprando took that Dukedome which reigned 5 years died the year 755. and Arechi the second succeeded him which was a valiant and a worthy Prince and as we have elsewhere said was the first of all the Dukes of Benevento which caused himself to be entituled Prince and perhaps Lord of all others which untill that age had but the particular title of Lordship He would also wear a Crown upon his head and caused himself to be anointed by Bishops and in the end of his priviledges and Letters Papents and other writings caused this to be added Scriptum in nostro sacratissimo Palatio the which dignity in what manner he obtained it is not known except it were granted by King Desiderio whose son in-law he was Great were the Wars of this King which he made with the Romans and the Bishops that lived in those daies in Rome so that Adrian which at that time ruled the Apostolick Sea was inforced for his refuge to slie to King Charls for aid of the French in such manner that Stephen the second his predecessor through the toâ—l and travel which King Astolfo urged him unto was constrained to submit himself unto the power of King Pepin the second father of the said Charls who for his great enterprises was afterward sirnamed the great Then came King Charls in the aid of Adrian and overcame King Desiderio and took him prisoner in the year 774. in the month of May and absolutely took the Kingdom of Italy from the hands of the Longobards the which for the space of 2â—6 years possest the same but he thought himself no absolute Conqueror unless he subdued the Prince Arechi especialy for that by the right of his wife he pretended a title to the Kingdom of Italy he made War against him But the Prince knowing his power unable to resist the puissance of so mighty a King which was now come to beleaguer the City of Benevento was constrained to accept such Conditions as were offered unto him acknowledging himself from thence forward to be under the Crown of France Many notable things are written by the Longobards of this Arechi for because that when Charls sent unto him Ambassadors from Salerno to perform the Covenants agreed between them disguised himself through the fame of his great renown into the habit of a Royal Ambassador to see himself the Prince Arechi and having seen the Magnificence and splendor of his Court the number of Knights that attended him his great abundance of Plate his Stables full of excellent Horse and the majesty with the which he gave audience and the wisdom wherewith he answered returned to his people with great admiration often times saying that the Prince Arechi and his Court was far more excellent then the fame thereof He bestowed much labour and great cost to repair and newly to fortifie Salerno that he might have one secure Fortress upon the Tirrene Sea There repaired unto his Court Paolo Diacono when he fled to St. Mary of Trimiti whether he was confined by Charls the great and was by him and his wife well entertained Finally Arechi being of the age of 53 years died the 26 of August in the year of our Lord 787. having reigned Prince 29 years and 5 months Arechi dead Grimoaldo the third his son succeeded in the State which with King Charls and Pepin made great Wars and died the year 807. having reigned 19 years and 6 months By the death of Grimoaldo was created Grimoaldo the fourth son of Delrico which was Treasuror of Prince Grimoaldo but making himself odious to some was slain in the year of our Lord 820. having reigned 12 years lacking 5 months Great contention suddenly arose among the Beneventani about the Principality but in the end Sicone a noble Lord was created which died in the year 832. and reigned 12 years and 6 months Sicone dead his son Sicardo succeeded in the State which made great wars with the Saracins that molested the Kingdom But perceiving afterward they had set foot in Sicilia and therefore doubting left in time they would overrun all the Islands of that Sea sent through all those places to search out the bodies of Saints which were there found and caused them to be brought to Benevento with great reverence Among which the most excellent and worthiest work he did was that he caused the body of St. Bartholmew the Apostle to be brought from Lipare Sicardo was slain the year 839. having reigned 7 years wanting 2 months After the death of Sicardo Radelchi his Treasuror got the Principality of Benevento which reigned 12 years and died the year 850. in whose Principality succeeded Radelgano his son which died the year 853. and left his successor Radelchi his brother though by some Writers he is called Adelgisio which fled into Corsica the year as Regione saith 873. Afterward Gauderi the son of Radelgario got the Principality of Benevento who held it but two years and half and to him succeeded the year 876. Radelchi his Cousin son of the Prince Radelchi and held the Principality 3 years lacking 9 months The Principality of Benevento came into the possession of Aione the year 879. under whose Regiment and the ensuing Lords the Saracins being almost the space of 40 years setled in
quotannis Ecclesiae Romanae persolvam omnes Ecclesias quae in mea consistunt ditione cum earum possessionibus in tua potestate dimittam defensor ero earum ad fidelitatem Romanae Ecclesiae Et si tu vel tui successores antè me ex hac vita decesserint pro ut monitus fuero à primis Cardinalibus clericis laicis Romanis opem feram ut Pontifex erigatur ordinetur ad honorem S. Petri. Haec omnia suprascripta servabo S. R. Ecclesiae tibi successoribus tuis ad honorem S. Petri ordinatis qui mihi firmaverint investituram à te mihi concessam Sic me Deus adjuvet c. Afterward by commandment of the Pope Ruberto went with his Army against the Roman Barons and never ceased untill he had subdued them all and made them obedient to the Pope Having then a purpose to expell the Saracins out of Sicilia made many progresses into that Isle took Messina surprised Rimeto built in the Valley of Demona the Castle of St. Mark and from hence returning into the Country of Otranto took Taranto by assault four years after it was besieged through the faction of Argirizo of Bari returned again into Sicilia and with a puissant Army besieged Palermo the which City when he had taken committed the Government of that Isle to his brother Ruggieri Bosso determined for a difference risen between him and the Prince Gisulfo his brother in law to subdue Salerno whereupon with a mighty siege he begirt the said City into the which he entred by a breach in the Wall and easily obtained it as he had done many other places and so became Lord of Salerno in the year 1076. and without any delay followed the conquest of the rest of Campania and forsomuch as he had an ingenious and deep conceit took advantage by the dissention and ill government of the Grecian Princes purposing to make war upon them because many years before they attended no other thing but the chasing and dispossessing the one the other Then he past the Sea with an Army of 15 thousand â—ighting men and meeting with the Army of Alessio gave him a mighty overthrow Not long after Pope Gregory the 7 being afflicted with cruel war by the Emperor Henry the 4. requested aid of Ruberto Guiscardo and for to induce him the rather to his desire they met together at Aquino and after at Ceperano and there the Pope confirmed to Roberto the same things which Nicholas the second and Pope Alexander had first granted unto him And so Roberto was again made a Liegeman of the Church and took his Oath in this manner Ego Robertus Apuliae Calabriae Siciliae Dux postâ—ac ero fidelis tibi Domino meo Gregorio Pontifici neque auctor ero aut operam dabo ut vitam aut membrum amittas aut dolo malo capiaris consilium quod mihi communicaveris in tui damnum sedens non enunciabo S. Romanam Ecclesiam te adjuvabo ut teneas acquiras desendas regalia Sancti Petri ejusque possessiones pro meis viribus contra omnes homines praeter partem Firmanae Marchiae Salernum Amalsim de quibus adhuc non est decretum adjuvabo te ut tutò honorificè teneas Pontificatum Terram S. Petri quam nunc tenes vel habiturus es post quam sciero tuae esse potestatis nec invadere nec acquirere conabor nec praedari audebo sine tuo tuorumque successorum permisit pensionem de terra S. Petri quam ego teneo aut tenebo quot annis bona side persolvam S. Romanae Ecclesiae omnes ecclesias quae in ejus sunt ditione tuae potestati dimittam easque desendam Si tu aut sucdessores tui ante me ex vita ingraverint pro ut monitus fuero auxilio ero ut Pontifex eligatur ordinetur Guiscardo having finished his saying Gregory thus replyed Ego vero Gregorius Pontifex investa â—e Roberte de terra S. Petri quam tibi concesserunt antecessores mei Nicolaus Alexander De illa autem terra quam injuste tenes Salernum dico Amalsim partem Marchiae Firmanae nunc te putienter sustinâ—o in considentia Dei omnipotentis tuae bonitatis ut tu postea ad honorem S. Petri ita te geras sicut te gerere me suscipere decet sine periculo animae tuae meae Presently Ruberto answered in this manner Ego Robertus Dux ad confirmationem traditionis recognitionem fidelitatis de omni terra quam ego teneo propriè sub Domino meo promitto me quotannis pro unoquoque jugo boum pensionem duodecim denariorum Papiensium soluturum B. Petro tibi Domino meo Gregorio Pontifici omnibus successoribus tuis aut tuis aut successorum tuorum nunciis ubi dies Sanctae Domini Resurrectionis advenerit Within a while after the Emperor Henry begirt Pope Gregory with a very dangerous siege the which Guisâ—ardo understood being in Grecia with one part of his Army leaving the other to his son Boemund came with all celerity to relieve the Pope and entring in by the port del popolo drove the Emperor away by force deliver'd the Pope from the siege and conveyed him to Montecasino and afterward to Salerno where he liv'd the remnant of his life Guiscard afterward returned to his enterprises beyond the sea where having done many worthy exploits beseeming a most valiant Prince died in Corfu of Grecia the year of our Lord 1085. in the month of Iuly being 62 years of age his body was afterward conveyed into Italy and buried in the City of Venosa in Apulia Ruberto was of a high spirit provident and very ingenious whereupon he was called by the Normans for his sirname Guiscardo which signifieth subtile and witty He had successively three wives the first was Albereda sister to the Prince of Capoa which brought him Ruberto who died young and Boemundo Sigelaica his second wife sister to the Prince of Salerno by whom he had Ruggieri Sivardo and Eria Of his third wife named Isabella the daughter of Vgone the first of this name King of Cypris he had not any child After the death of Ruberto Boemundo his eldest son was altogether imployed in the war which he had in Grecia in the mean time Ruggiero his younger brother with great cunning took upon him the Government of the Dukedom of Apulia and Calauria and obtained of Pope Vrban the second the confirmation of the State in the Councel which was held in the City of Troia the which Boemund understanding came with his Army to drive him away but forune offered him the opportunity of a more glorious enterprise forsomuch as in he Councel held in France in Chiaromonte of Alvernia the voyage beyond the Sea to recover the Sepulchre of Christ from the hands of the infidels was made manifest whether went
came with a great Army into the Kingdom and was received with great joy and honour by Manfred in Barletta of Apuglia and being informed that Naples Capoa Aquino and the whole Abby of St. Germano were become Rebels through the instigation of the Earl of Caserta and dinoted to the Church conceived thereat so great indignation and ire that with his Army he wasted and overrun the Country and made Tomaso Earl of Cerra to come and submit himself to his mercy and had by agreâ—ment St. Germano and all the State of the Earl of Caserta He afterward besieged Capoa and having spoiled and destroyed all the Country took the City and threw the Walls thereof to the ground he did the like to Aquino the which he sacked and burned Afterward he besieged Naples both by Sea and Land and after eight months had it by agreement but they not observing their Covenants he caused afterward the Walls to be ruinated and the Fortresses of the City and many Noble houses of Gentlemen and Citizens he banished Conrado having Naples at the same instant had the rest of the Kingdom He now remaining in peaceable state and given to his pleasures being inhumane and of a cruel nature caused Henry his Nephew to be slain upon the high-way the son of Henry King of the Romans which was come from Sicilia to visit him But that revenge was not long delayed for Manfred his natural brother which endeavoured by all means to become King with a poysoned potion upon a light occasion kil'd him which was in the year 1254. and the 3 of Iune having held the Empire 3 years and 5 months and the Kingdom of Naples and Sicilia 2 years and 19 daies His body was buried in the principal Church of Naples under a little narrow Marble stone Conrado before his death made his Will and ordained his youngest son his heir general born of Elizabeth the daughter of Otho Duke of Bavaria Manfred the 8 King of Naples MANFRED Prince of Taranto the natural son of the Emperor Frederick the second having usurped the Kingdom was by Pope Alexander the fourth excommunicated The said Pope died within a while after and Pope Vrban the fourth a Frenchman was created in his place who fearing the threatnings of Manfred called unto the conquest of the Kingdom Charls of Angio Earl of Province brother of St. Lewis the 9 King of France to whom he gave the oath of both the Sicilies with the right and title of the Kingdom of Ierusalem and at his own charge should maintain the War and conquer it Charls being animated by his brother and others of the Nobility with a valorus courage undertook this famous enterprise In the mean time Vrban died leaving the Papacy to Clement the 4. in whose Popedom Charls with a most glorious Army came to Rome in the year 1265. and was then with Beatrice Berenguer of Aragon his wife in the Church of S. Iohn Lateran by Pope Clement again invested with solemn ceremony and Crowned with an Imperial Crown King of both the Sicilies and of the Kingdom of Ierusalem and made exempt from the Empire with Covenant that neither he nor his successors that should be chosen Emperors should by any means accept thereof the which was done with solemn oath and so Charls was made a Liegeman and Feudary of the Church and promised to pay for tribute a yearly Rent of 40 thousand markâ— to the Bishops of Rome Charls towards the end of February in the year 1265. came into the Kingdom and incountred with Manfred and after divers fortunes both on the one and the other side Charls remained conqueror and Manfred was overcome Manfred reigned 10 years 4 months and 16 daies ANGIOINI Charls of Angio the 9 King of Naples CHARLS remaining Conqueror was received by the Neopolitans with royal pomp and proclaimed King and having ordered the affairs of both the Kingdoms was made by Clement the 4. Deputy of the Empire of Italy Understanding afterward that Corradine the Suevian the son of the Emperor Conrado sometime King of Naples was come with a mighty Army to recover the right of inheritance of his Kingdoms made great preparation of War Corradine entreth the Kingdom and after divers and sundry skirmishes at length Corradine was overcome and flying disguised was taken in Asturi by Iohn Francipane Lord of that place which sent him to Charls who after he had kept him more then a year in prison caused him to be beheaded in the midst of the Market-place of Naples which was in the month of October 1269. and so Charls with little labour recovered all the Kingdom He made afterward great Wars with the Saracins and especially with Arageno King of Tunis because that barbarous King refused to pay the Tribute which was accustomed to be paid to the Kings of Naples Charls did in such wise afflict him that he inforced him not only to pay the charges of that War but also doubled the Tribute In the year following 1276. Vgone Lusignano the 11 of this name King of Cypress and Mary the daughter of Melisenda and of Raimond Rupini Prince of Antiochia contending about the inheritance of the Kingdom of Ierusalem Mary being at variance with Vgone came to Rome and caused the said King Vgone to be convented before the Pope the Pope by his decree commanded that the examination and decision of the cause should be determined by the Barons of the Holy Land and the Master of the Hospital and the Temple who were accustomed to have a voice in Councel in the election of the Kings of Ierusalem The which the Princess Mary considering being a woman very aged faint and wearied with travel and the dangers of so long a journey being advised by her friends and by Pietro Manso knight of the Temple his Ambassador compounded with King Charls and receiving of him a great sum of money resigned all her right and Title which she had unto the said Kingdom Whereupon Charls afterward by means of the Pope obtained a favourable sentence and was declared lawfull and absolute King of that Kingdom as well by the ancient right of Fâ—ederick as also by that of Mary Charls afterward for the more security of things sent the Earl Ruggiero Sanseverino Governor into Soria who in the name of Charls received the faith and oathes of homage of the Knights and Barons which were in the kingdom By these aforesaid reasons all the posterity of the said Charls and also all the other Kings of Naples as heirs are always intitled Kings of Ierusalem Charls reigned 19 years 2 moneths and 26 days Charls the second 10 King of Naples CHarls the second son of Charls of Angio reigned 25 years and 17 days Charls was also King of Hungary by the right of Mary his wife the daughter of Stephen the 5. of the name the King of that kingdom who being slain by the Cumani Ladislao the fourth son of the aforesaid
memoriae Serenissimam illustrissimam Dominam nostram Dominam Ioannam secundam Dei gratia Hungariae Hierusalem Siciliae reginam c. Within a little time after rose in the Citie divers contentions because Pope Eugenio the fourth understanding the death of Ione sent a Legate to Naples the Bishop of Recanati and Patriarch of Alexandria giving the Governors to understand and the Councell of the Citie that the kingdom of Naples was fallen to the Church as his Feud or Fee willing them not to bestow the dominion upon any but him whom he shall nominate and invest King The Governors answered that they would have no other King but Renato Duke of Lorain whom their Queen had left as her successor By this means the kingdom understood the admonition of the Pope and the answer of the Governors wherewith many of the Princes and Barons of the kingdom much misliked the succession of Renato and being published that that Will and Testament was falsly forged by the Neapolitans one part of the Barons and people which were of the faction of the Aragonesi called King Alfonsus of Aragon Whereupon through contrary consents and inclinations rose the sactions of the Angioini and Aragonesi The Governors being likewise at discord among themselves the whole kingdom was divided and put into great trouble and molestation In the mean time the greatest part of them sent Ambassadors to Marseliâ— for Renato That part of the Duke of Sâ—ssa the Earl Venafro and many other Barons called Alfonsus who being full of military courage and inflamed with an incredible desire of glory having his Army ready in the year 1436. came to Gaeta and was received by the Duke of Sessa and besieging the said Citie came with his Navy to battell with Baiâ—gio Captain Generall of the Fleet of the Genowayes and Alfonsus valiantly fighting was at length overcome and taken prisoner and carried to the custody of Philip Duke of Miltane who afterward knowing the singular vertue of Alfonsus being desirous to hold him his companion and friend made a league with him and suffered him to go at his own pleasure together with the other Lords which were also prisoners ANGIOINI Renato of Angio the 16 King of Naples REnato of Angio being at that time prisoner to Iohn Duke of Burgonie the Neapolitane Ambassadors deprived of all hope to have Renato caused Isabellae his wife to come in his stead a very wise and worthy Lady who made great wars with Alfonsus Afterward Renato being set at liberty by the Duke of Burgonie in the moneth of May 1438. came to Naples whose coming gave great hope and expectation to the Angioini and was royally received and presently prepared all necessary things for the wars and retained many principall and excellent Captains through whose valour he obtained all Calauria and the Dukedome of Melâ—i in Abruzzo he had at his command many places In the moneth of Iune 1438. he had from Pope Eugenius the instalment of the kingdom of Naples and Ierusalem Many actions and battels fell out between Renato and Alfonsus but at length the party of the Aragonesi prevailed Alfonsus in moneth of Iune 1442. by the way of an Aquaduct which brought water into the City took Naples and the third day with the will of Renato he had the Castle of Capoa and other forts Renato growing into despair not to be able to recover the kingdom with Isabella his wife and his children returned into Provence where he past all the rest of his life in peace having held Naples and part of the kingdom in an uncertain and troublesome possession four years and ten days Being come to the age of 64 years married Ioan della Valle a noble French Lady with whom too excessively satisfying his pleasure became weak and feeble and so died the 19 of Fbruary in the year 1481. and was buried in Nansi a plentifull place and a principapll City of the Dukedom of Lorane and upon his Tomb these four verses engraven Magnanimum tegit hoc saxum fortemque Rhenatum Mortales heu qua conditione sumus Invidia factis hujus fortuna subinde Ne tanti tanto celsus honore foret ARAGONES I. Alfonsus 1. of Aragon called by his surname The Magnanimous 17 King of Naples ALfonsus King of Aragon and Sicilia after many dangers and infinite travell entred Naples in triumph upon a golden Chariot and by the means of Francesco Orsino President of Rome made peace with the Pope Eugenio and obtained a very large instalment of the Kingdom for he was also invested in the Kingdom of Hungary by the right of Ioan his mother And besides that obtained from the said Pope that faculty and power that Ferdinando his naturall son was ordained his heir and to succeed after his death in the instalment and possession of the Kingdom the which investing was likewise afterward confirmed by Pope Nicolas the fifth Alfonsus was very magnificent in buildings he reduced the new Castle in Naples into the form it now appears truly a very Royall and stately piece of work He enlarged Mola and caused the Fens about the City to be made dry He took the Isle of Zerbi overcame in battell the King of Tunis and made him tributary and subdued certain Cities in Barbary he oftentimes sent Armies against the Turks and at the instance of the Pope chased away Francesco Sforsa della Marca He was very studious in learning and made great account of learned men whereof he kept very many in his Court. And to conclude he was a Prince of great magnanimity He reigned sixteen years one moneth and one and twenty days He died the 28 of June in the year 1458. being 64 years of age He had for his wife Mary the daughter of Henry the third King of Castile surnamed the Weak by whom he had no Childern The Neapolitans buried the body of Alfonsus with a stately Funerall and laid him in a Coffin covered all with cloth of gold the which at this present is to be seen in the Vestry of St. Dominick in Naples and at the foot thereof are these Verses Inclytus Alfonsus qui Regibus ortus Iberis Hic regnum Ausoniae primus adeptus adest Ferdinando 1. of Aragon 18 King of Naples FErdinando the first of this name after the death of his Father succeeded in the Kingdom and was by the Institution of Pope Pius the second anointed and crowned King by Latino Orsino the Cardinall But very often was like to lose it through many wars and espeâ—ially by Iohn of Angio the son of Renato which had a great Train and Troop of the Barons of the Realm which drew unto them a great number of Rebels In the year 1481 died as is declared Renato of Angio who having no male children made heir of all his state and inheritance Charls of Angio Earl of Main his brothers son who dying within a while after without children bequeathed his inheritance to Lewis the 11. King of France
of the Articles of peace concluded between the Catholique Ferdinando and the said King returned with her children to Ferrara where she was very courteously received by Duke Alfonsus of Este her kinsman where she died in the year 1533 her children remaining desolate and much persecuted by Fortune went to Valentia in Spain where was the Duke Ferdinando their brother and no long time following the one after the other died And in the year 1559. the fifth of August the aforesaid Duke ended his life without leaving any issue And so in him was extinguished the Progeny of the old King Alfonsus of Aragon FRANCES I. Lewis the 12 King of France and 23 King of Naples LEwis the twelfth of this name King of France divided with the King of Spain according to their covenants the kingdom of Naples and obtained of Pope Alexander the sixth the instalment according to the tenor of those conditions which he had made But in the year 1502. their Lieutenants growing into difference about the Confines fell to Arms and at last the Frenchmen were driven out of that kingdom through the valour of that worthy Captain Consalvo Fernando and Ferdinando the Catholique King remaining absolute possessor thereof King Lewis held the Realm of Naples one year and ten moneths but in France he reigned sixteen years and died in the beginning of the year 1514. ARAGONES I. Ferdinando the Catholick 24 King of Naples FErdinando the Catholique remaining absolute Lord of the kingdom maintained it in great peace all the time of his life and obtained of Pope Iulio the second the investing of all the kingdom Finally after many victories atchieved in divers parts he died in Madrigaleio a City of Castile the 22 day of Ianuary in the year 1516. having been King of Naples twelve years and three moneths His body was buried in the Royal Chappell of the City of Granata and upon his Tomb this Inscription was engraven Mahometicae-sectae prostratores haereticae pravitatis extinctores Ferdinandus Aragonum Helizabetha Castellae vir uxor unanimes Catholici appellati marmoreo clauduntur hoc tumulo Ione the third 25 Queen of Naples IOne the third of this name daughter of Ferdinando the Catholique King being now the widow of Philip Archduke of Austria succeeded in the kingdom and having fourteen moneths governed all her kingdoms substituted her heir Charls her eldest son who had scant accomplished 16 years of age Charls remaining at Brussels in Flanders being much exhorted by the Emperour Maximilian his Grandsire reformed in the year 1516. the order of the Knights of the Golden Fleece and so reduced them to the number of 31. And because many through death were void he elected to the said Order amongst others these Lords Francis 1. King of France Don Ferdinando Infant of Spain Emanuel King of Portugal Lewis King of Hungary Frederick Count Palatine Iohn Marquis of Brandenburgh Charls de Lannoi Lord of Sanzelle Moreover Don Lodovico of Vaimonte great Constable of the kingdom of Navarre took in Naples the possession of the kingdom for the said Queen Charls so soon as he was invested by the Queen his mother sailed into Spain and was received of all the people with infinite joy but yet many of the greatest Nobility and principall of the kingdom would not accept him as King but onely as Prince for offering wrong to the Queen Ione since by Testament of the Catholique King her father it was decreed that after the death of Ione Charls of Austria should succeed Upon the which succession grew great tumults and contentions but in the end things were well qualified admitting him for King together with the Queen his mother to be done with this condition That the affairs of the kingdom should be governed in both their names the money stampt and so all other business whatsoever And so once again on the 25. of March in the year 1517. the said Queen confirmed to Charls the former endowment The year ensuing the 13 of April Charles was proclaimed King together with his Mother And the 18 of the moneth of May Prospero Colonâ—a took in Naples the possession of the kingdom in the name of Charls which was done with all solemnity Charls then being received to the Administration of Spain sent also to the administration of all the other kingdoms In the year 1519. Charls elected into the number of the Knights of the Golden Fleece in place of Gismondo K. of Polonia lately dead Christerno K. of Denmark and Frederick of Toledo Duke of Alva In the mean time died the Emperour Maximilian and the Electors of the Empire assembled according to their ancient custome at Francford a Citie of low Germany for the election of a new Cesar and by a general consent the 18 of June in the year 1520. they chose Emperour Charls of Austria King of Spain Ione having reigned as we have said absolutely 14 moneths and together with Charles the 5 Emperour her son 38 years and four moneths retired herself to Tordezilla a Citie of Spain where within a little while after she ended her life the thirteenth of Aprill in the year 1555. AVSTRIACI Charles 5 Emperour and 26 King of Naples CHarls the fifth Emperour after the death of Ione his mother remained absolute Lord of all his kingdoms and being as is said elected Emperour the same year past the Sea from Spain into Flanders and from thence into Germany where he was received in the moneth of October in Aquisgraue a noble City both for the ancient residence the famous Tomb of Charls the Great with a mighty concourse of people was first crowned In the moneth of January 1526. Charls celebrated his marriage in Hispali with Isabella of Portugal his wife the sister of King Iohn of Portugal Afterward he went into Spain where being arrived proceeded very severely against many who had been authors of sedition all the other he pardoned and discharged And to joyn with justice and clemency examples of gratitude and remuneration in the acknowledging of that wherein he was ingaged to Don Ferdinando of Aragon Duke of Calauraia who having refused the Crown and the kingdom of Spain offered unto him by the States thereof though he were a prisoner set him at liberty and with great honor called him to the Court and married him to the richest Princess then living even the Widow of the Catholique King Ferdinando by which means he much gladded the people and the Duke received honor liberty and infinite wealth and was created for his life time viceroy of Valentia The Emperour without any charge or the expence of a peny got the friendship of the Duke the love of the people and great security to his State The year ensuing 1527. on the 21 of May the Emperess Isabella was delivered of her son Philip in the Citie of Castilia through whose happy birth was made every where generall seasting and triumphs In the moneth of October 1528. the
Legiones Aragoniae utriusque Siciliae Hierusalem Vngariae Dalmatiae Croatiae Navarrae Granatae Toleti Valentiae Galitiae Majoricarum Hispalis Sardiniae Cordubae Corcicae Murtiae Giennis Algarbii Alzezirae Gibraltaris Insularum Canariae Iudiarum et Terrae Firmae Maris Oceani c. Rex Archidux Austriae Dux Burgundiae Lotharingiae Brabantiae Stiriae Corinthiae Carniolae Limburgiae Lucemburgiae Geldriae Calabriae Athenarum Neopatriae Virtembergae c. Comes Flandriae Habspurgi Tirolis Barchmonae Archois et Burgundiae Comes Palatinus Hannoniae Hollandiae Selandiaâ— Ferretti Kiburgi Namurci Rossilionis Ceritaniae et Zutphaniae c. Lantgravius Alsatiae Marchio Burgoniae Oristani Gotzani et sacri Romani Imperii Princeps Sueviae Cathalaniae Asturiae Dominus Phrisiae Marchiae Sclavonieae Portus Naonis Biscayae Molinae Salinarum Tripolis et Mechliniae c. 27. Philippus D. G. Catholicus defensor fidei Hispaniarum utriusque Siciliae Hierusalem Portugalliae Vngariae Dalmatiae Croatiae Sardiniae Corsicae Majoricarum Insularum Canariae Orani Insularum Indiarum Terrae Firmae et Maris Oceani Archidux Austriae Dux Burgundiae Mediolani Lotharingiae Brabantiae Limburgi Lucemburgi Geldâ—iae Calabriae Athenarum et Neopatriae Marchio sacri Romani Imperii Oristaniâ— et Gotiani Comes Barcinonis Ruscinonis Ceretaniae Flandriae Artesiae Hannoniae Hollandiae Selandioe Namurci Zutpheni Burgundiae Haspurgi et Tirolis Dominus Cantabriae Molinae Phrisiae Mechliniae Vltrajecti Transisalanae Gruningae c. Of the Coronation of the Kings of NAPLES I Have thought it a thing very fit and convenient having declared what the Kings were of this noble and renowned kingdom to receive also the manner and the ceremony which is used in the time of their coronation But before I proceed any further it is to be understood that there are but only four Kings that are crowned and anointed by the order of the Pope as is noted in the Records of the Roman Church the which Alberico de Rosato also confirmeth which are these following the King of Ierusalem the King of France the King of Naples commonly called Sicilia and the King of England All the rest are crowned by their Archbishops or Bishops by a certain custome The Emperour is anointed and crowned in the same manner as are the said four Kings and therefore all the other Kings are called by the name of Highness and not Majesty except those that are annointed by the order of the Pope as is said In the coronation then of the King of Naples the Pope sendeth a Cardinall his Legate or a Patriarch but he must have holy Orders because the said Legate not having the said holy Orders another ought to come which hath the said dignity There also assembles according to the accustomed manner all the Archbishops of the kingdome which crown this Prince with the greatest pompâ— and state that may be done to any Christian King The principall thing before the King taketh this dignity the seven Officers of the kingdom which are seven principall secular Lords that meet together at this coronation are cloathed in Purple lined with Ermins with very rich attires upon their heads and repair together with the Recorder of the Citie into the Cathedrall Church of Naples where is the ancient Tomb of Charls of Angio which was the first that was crowned with an Imperiall crown and invested King of both the Sicilles and Ierusalem and there the Apostolike Legate with the other Archbishops pontifically clothed with Miters and Rochets and the other Prelats in Purple Vestments attend the Kings coming at the Church Dore. Afterward when the King cometh that is to be crowned he entreth into the said Church accompanied with all the Princes Dukes Marqueses Earls Barons and Lords of the kingdom and the Legat suddenly kissing his forehead receiveth him and saith unto him with an high and intelligible voyce these words I am come by the appointment of the supream Bishop Pope N. to crown thee King of Naples and Ierusalem After the Archbishop with the other that have charge to say Service in the said Church receive the King at the Altar and there causing him to kneel down and after is made by the Archbishop of Naples of Capoa and of Salerno devout prayers for his Majesty one of the Bishops demandeth of him in Latin if he will promise to maintain always the Faith and Christian Religion Defend the Widows the Fatherless and the Poor Establish the kingdom and minister justice to every one And last of all if he will always yeild due honor to the supream Bishop To all which things the King answering He will two Archbishops take him by the arm and lead him to the Altar where he solemnly sweareth to observe all that which the Archbishop hath demanded of him This done the Archbishop of Naples demandeth with a loud voyce of all the Princes if they will promise loyalty and service to his Majesty Where being answered by all That they will very willingly Then two Archbishops lead him into the Vestry and being there apparelled with Sandalles richly set with Jewels and Pearls with a Surplice like a Minister and a Cope lead him again to the Altar and saying certain prayers the Cardinall Legate accompanied with the Archbishops rising from their seats with Miters on their heads go unto him and finding the King kneeling with a loud and solemn prayer recommend him unto God in whose hands are all Empires that it would please him to make his kingdom stable and perpetuall replenished with victory piety and honor The King remaining on his knees one of the Archbishops goeth to the Altar and beginneth the Letany and devoutly prayeth for his Majesty the Archbishop of Naples with the rest of the Bishops undoing his Surplis with certain zealous prayers anoint his shoulders and his right arm to signifie that he sustaineth the burthen of the affairs of the kingdom and draweth his sword for the conservation thereof And moreover the Royall purple Robe reaching down even to his foot lined with fables and richly embrodered with gold and pearl signifieth Charity That done he still remaining in devout meditation the Apostolick Legat standing the King kneeling before him delivereth into his hand the golden Scepter all wrought in the top with Pearls and Jewels wherewith religiously he commands the people Then he puts a naked Sword into his right hand wherewith he pursueth his enemies in the name of Christ. After that he puts a Ring on his finger and a Bracelet upon his arm to the end he may be faithfull and pure in good works Then he presenteth unto him the golden Apple to figure the kingdome which he ought to govern with singular piety vertue and perseverance And finally he putteth upon his head the Imperial Crown divided into two parts garnished with many Jewels to signifie honor and glory The King religiously remaining on his knees the three Archbishops lifting him up lead him to the Altar where again the Lords that have
of Nobles at the Act of Renuntiation in Bruxells but now he sayd further he wold court Fortune no longer who being a Female loves young men best and therefore he would recommend his Son unto her He wold no longer hold those Scepters which he could not sway nor a Sword that he could not draw out yet he said that by this Surrendry he did not retire himself from either Imperial or Regal power out of any apprehensions of any fear of future dangers or revolts or the power of any Potentates upon earth nor out of a resentment of any ill success pass'd or the least distrust of the Divine providence and any disaffections of his Subjects but soly to wean himself from the World and have better opportunity to make his account with Heaven After such generous Expressions and a little pausing he concludes thus in Spanish Que porsus indispositâ—ones a que le avian reducido los trabaâ—os del espiritu estava resuelto de pouer todo el peso de los negocios sobre los ombros de su Hijo y Hermano y assi desde â—atonces renunciava en el uno el Imperio y en el otro las Coronas d' Espana y de las diez y siete provincias de Flandes y desobligava a todos sus sudditos del juramento de fidelidad que le avian hecho In regard of those distempers which the agitations of his spirit had reduc'd him unto he was resolv'd to pass over the weight of all businesses upon the sholders of his Son and his Brother therefore from that time forward he renounc'd and transferr'd the Empire to the one and the Crowns of Spain with all the seventeen Provinces to the other disobliging and absolving all his Subjects from that oath of alleagiance which they had sworn unto him whereupon his Son Philip kneeling before him bare-headed his Father melting all into tears with divers of the Spectators he put the Crown upon his head giving him his benediction therewith the Soveraignty of all his Dominions that being disburden'd hereof he might the more easily go on in his journey to the Port of happiness and dispose himself to the meditation of the supream Good which is the best Philosophy the highest wisdom and most consummated felicity As he was doing this he presented to the young King his Son Don Francisco Eraso who had bin Secretary and a most loyall Confident of his many years Insomuch that at parting he sayd Quanto os he dado este dia no es â—anto â—emo daros mi Eraso That which I have given you my Son at this day is not so much as the giving of my Eraso unto you A little after he sent the Imperiall Crown to his brother Ferdinand by William Prince of Orenge who was slain afterwards contracting with his Sons Ferdinand shew'd himself shy at first in accepting of it because t was too heavy for his sholders at last he took it saying No acâ—tara si no conviniâ—ra a la conservation de â—â—s salud pero procuraria imitar sus virtudes en parte ya que en todo era impossible a la mayor capacidad He wold not accept of such a Crown did it not conduce to the preservation of his Majesty his brothers health but he would endeavour to imitate his Vertues in part for to imitate them all was impossible for the greatest capacity The Criticks of those times did pass various censures upon this rare transaction upon this high affair of State the sound whereof quickly passâ—d to both the Poles som taxt Charles of a kind of laschete of pusillanimity and desection of spirit in doing this others of too much indulgence of himself and for his corporall ease others gave out he did it because he fore-saw those fearfull tumults which happend afterwards in the Low Countreys by the Lutheran party But the soberst sort of impartiall men did impute it soly to his indisposition of health and that this retirednesse might tend to the advantage of his body and soul which those multiplicities of cares that attended so many Crowns as he wore debarrd him of It was a saying of one of our English Kings That if one did but know the weightines of a Crown he wold not take it up though he shold stumble at it in the high way If this may be a caveat to those who are in health much more shold it be to those that are indisposd and of crazy wasted constitutions As the gifts of Nature are more excellent then those of Fortune so are they by a well regulated soul to be preferrd before them The Ensignes of Majesty as the Scepter the Diadem the Throne are glorious objects to behold but when the rackings of the Gout the Colick or other infirmities wholy distemper him that hath them a healthfull Peasan is farr more happy then such a Prince if placed in opposition such a King may be sayed to be Tantalizd all the while for though he have an aâ—â—luence of all things about him yet he cannot tast of any with a true relish so that what shold procure his happines encreaseth his punishment for though he can comand all yet he cannot convert any thing to his own comfort when the agonies he suffers make those which are gustfull to others to becom gall to him The pangs of the Gout alone are able to convince Zeno and his senselesse sect of Stoiks who deny all pain and passion For all those pleasing Ideas which the conceit of Majesty and greatnesse use to instill into the brain cannot countervail those torments which som diseases use to inflict upon the body Therfore doubtles Charls the fift had more reason to preferr his health before his Crowns it being a jewell so precious that all the Diadems on Earth have not the like inchacd in them It was the speech of Valentinian That an Emperour ought to dye standing on his feet now if he ought to be found dying in that posture much more ought he to appear so living T is true we read of som Generalls who have commanded in their Litters as Sir Francis Vere was carryed in a Chaire at the battail of Newport to direct the Army but these examples are very few But we will return to take leave of Charles the fift A little after this once mighty Monarch and now mortified man removd to Flushing to embark himself with his two royall Sisters for Spain the foresayd Mary Queen of Hungary and Leonora Queen Dowager of France and thence to the haven of eternall rest being there he was so thin attended that one night he had not a Servant to light som who came to visit him down the staires but did it himself Thence he hoisd sayl for Castile where he cloysterd himself in the Monastery of Saint Iusto and that small remnant of time he livd there which was not above two yeers he imployd in divine seraphicall speculations in divers sorts of penances concurring with sundry acts
a Treaty commenâ—d a little after for a cross mariage twixt Spain and France which took â—ffect though there was much opposition in France about it made by them of the Religion and their party The Ceremonies of these reciprocall Nuptials were performd the one at Burgos in Spain the other at Bourdeaux in France In the first the Duke of Lerma married the Infanta by commission from King Lewis In the second the Duke of Guyse married Isabel Daughter of France by proxy from King Philip the exchange of the two Princesses was made upon a River calld Bidasso hard by Saint Iohn de Luz which separates the two Nations There were two stately Barges provided to transport them with divers sorts of inventions of wit the Spaniards on their side had a huge vast Globe representing the world raisd upon a Pavilion very high which made an ostentous shew the Duke of Guyse took exception at it protesting that he wold never bring ore the Princess till the sayd Globe was taken down which was done accordingly the next day the young Queen came to Bayon where Luynes then Favorit to the French King attended her with a Letter all written with the Kings own hand in these words Madam SInce I cannot according to my desire find my self neer you at your entrance into my Kingdom to put you in possession of the power I have as also of my entire affection to love and serve you I send towards you Luynes one of my confidentst Servants to salute you in my name and tell you that you are expected by me with much impatience to offer unto you my self I pray therfore receive him favourably and believe what he shall tell you Madam from your most deer Friend and Servant LEWIS Luynes delivered her also from the King two rich Standerds of Diamonds which she receivd and kissd and from her own Table she sent him a dish of meat In the morning she returnd the King this answer Sir I much rejoyced at the good news Luynes brought me of your Majesties health I com therwith being most desirous to arrive where I may serve my Mother and so I am making hast to that purpose and to kiss your Majesties hands whom God preserve ANNE THe Kingdom of Naples to congratulat the Kings Espousals presented him that yeer with a Donative of two millions Not long after there was a Treaty set on foot for a mariage twixt the Prince of Wales and the Infanta Donna Maria the Kings second Sister but there had bin an ouverture made before by the Duke of Lerma for a match twixt our Prince Henry of England and the eldest Infanta Anne now Queen of France as hath bin spoken This Treaty with England was above ten yeers in agitation it was a Web that lay long upon the Loom of Policy and afterwards was torn off being just wrought to the point of perfection By the endeavours of Count Gondomar in England and the Earl of Bristol in Spain matters were brought to such a hopefull pass that it inducd the Prince of Wales to undertake that hazardous youthfull journey to Spain traversing the whole Diameter of France under a disguise being accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham who was not only his Companion but had bin his chiefest Counsellor herein they came both in an advantagious time to Paris for they were admitted to see a Mask being Carnival time wher the Prince had a full view of the Lady Henriâ—tta Maria who was designd by Heaven to be his wife afterwards though he little dreamt of such a thing then Thence by the name of Iac and Tom Smith they posted to Spain but two daies after t was discoverd in the French Court what they were therefore being sent after withall possible speed if they had stayed but three hours longer at Bayon Monsieur Gramond had had order to stay them Being arrivd at the Earl of Bristols House in the Court of Spain at the close of the day in the evening he was struck with amazement to see such objects there having no fore-knowledg at all of the Plot saying I am afraid we are all undone The next day there was a buz abroad that som great man was com from England but none imagind he could be the Prince In the evening of the next day the Duke of Buckingham went in a close Coach to the King of Spain where he had privat audience and he was returnd no sooner but Olivares was sent to visit the Prince which was done with extraordinary expressions of joy and complement Oliuares saying that Spain and England wold divide the World betwixt them The next day somwhat late at night the King himself came in a close Coach to visit him but the Prince having notice of it met him half way so they greeted one another with mutuall embraces there were divers great Lords appointed to be the Prince his Officers and a part of the royall Pallace was preparing for his Quarter whither the next Sunday he removd and rod in triumph under a large Canopy of State the King accompanying him all the way and giving him still the upper-hand all the Grandees Noblemen and Officers attended them in the same manner as they usd to do at a Coronatiâ—n Now it seems that Gondamar was the chief man who tracd this journey for the next day after the Prince his arrivall he was made Privy Counsellor and suddenly after coming to visit the Prince he told him that he was com to tell him strange news which was that an English man was sworn that morning Privy Counsellor in Spain meaning himself in point of affection The third day after the Prince had bin there the King of Spain with the Queen and the Infanta who wore a blew Ribon about her left arme that she might be distinguisht came abroad in an open stately way of purpose that the Prince might see his Mistress which he did out of a close Coach wherein Count Gondamar attended him with the English Ambassadors So much for matter of Ceremony now touching the substance of the business it self when the Prince came thither matters had bin brought to that perfection by the activity of Ambassadors that there wanted nothing for the consummating of all things but the Popes dispensation which upon news that the Prince was com to Spain was retarded and som advantages taken to clog it with further clauses The Pope demanded caution for performance of such Articles that were granted in favor of the Roman Catholicks in England upon this match hereupon Sir Francis Cotington rid Post about it from Madrid Touching that point King Iames answerd that he wold take his oath upon the Evangelists to accomplish the said Articles and his Son the Prince shold do the like His privy Counsellors also shold firm and subscribe the sayed Articles and this was all the security King Iames cold give Now wheras the Pope demanded that som Roman Catholic Prince should undertake for him and his Son in point of
sufficient and parts answerable for the government of the Kingdom The information was of that quality that it was sufficient to put impression in him of an everlasting jealousie in regard that through the sides of Buckingham they wounded the Prince his Son together with the Nobility for it is not probable that they could bring to effect such a design without departing totally from the Obligation of that faith and loyalty which they owd to his person and Crown because the Lords made themselves culpable as Concealors Nor is it likely that the Duke wold put himself upon such an enterprize without communicating it first to the Prince and knowing of his pleasure But because this information might be made more cleer his Majesty did make many instances unto the sayed Ambassadors that they wold give him the Authors of the sayed conjuration this being the sole means wherby their own honor might be preservd and whereby the great zeal and care they pretended to have of his person might appear But the sayed Ambassadors in stead of confirming the great zeal they made profession to bear him all the answer they made him consisted of arguments against the discovery of the Conspirators so that for confirmation of the sayed report there râ—maind no other means then the examination of som of his Councell of State and principall Subjects which was put in execution accordingly whom he causd to be put to their Oathes in his own presence commanding that such Interrogatories and Questions shold be propounded unto them that were most pertinent to the accusation so that not the least part particle or circumstance remaind which was not exactly exaâ—ind and winnowed And he found in the Duke with the rest who were examind a â—â—eer and sincere innocency touching the accusations and imputations wherwith your Majesties Ambassadors had chargd them This being done he râ—turned to make new instances unto the sayed Ambassadors that they wold not prefer the discovery of the names of the conspirators to the security if his Royall person to the truth and honor of themselves and to run the hazard of an opinion to â—e hâ—ld and judgd the Authors and Betrayers of a plot of such malice sedition and danger but the sayed Ambassadors continued still in a knâ—tty kind of obstinacy resolving to conceal the names of the Conspirators notwithstanding that he gave them audience afterwardâ— wherin the Marquess of Inoiosa took his leave But a few dayes after they desird new Audience pretending that they had somthing to say that concernd the public good and conduâ—d to the entire restitution oâ— the Palatinat and thereby to the confirmation nnd conservation of the friendship 〈◊〉 your Majesty but having suspended som few daies to give them audience thinking that being therby better advisd they wold think on better courses and discovâ—r the Authors of sâ—pâ—rnitious a plot and having since made many instances to that effect and attended the success of so long a patience he sent his Secretary Sir Edward Conway with Sir Francis Cotington Secretary to the Prince commanding them that they shold signifie unto the sayd Ambassadors that he desired nothing more then continuance of the friendship betwixt the two Crowns therfore if they had any thing to say they shold communicat it unto the sayed Secretaries as persons of so great trust which he sent therfore expresly to that end and if they made any difficulty of this also then they might choose amongst his Councell of State those whom they likd best and he would command that they shold presently repair unto them And if this also shold then be inconvenient they might send him what they had to say in a Letter by whom they thought fittest and he wold receive it with his own hands But the Ambassadors misbehaving themselfs not conforming to any thing that was thus propounded the sayd Secretaries according to the instructions which they had receav'd told them that they being the Authors of an Information so dangerous and seditious had made themselfs incapable to treat further with the King their Master and were it not for the respect he bore to the Catholic King his dear and beloved brother their Master and that they were in quality of Ambassadors to such a Majestie he wold and could by the law of Nations and the right of his own Royall Iustice proceed against them with severity aâ— their offence deserv'd but for the reasons aforesayd he wold leave the reparation thereof to the Iustice of their King of whom he wold demand and require it In conformity to what hath been said the said Ambassador of the King of Great Britain saith that the King his Master hath commanded him to demand refaction and satisfaction of your Majestie against the said Marquis of Inojosâ— and Don Carlos Coloma making your Majestie the Iudg of the great scandall and enormous offence which they have committed against him and against public Right expecting Iustice from your Majestie in the demonstrations chastisement that your Majestie shall infliâ—t upon them which for the manner of his proceeding with your Majestie and out of your Majesties own integrity and goodnes ought to be expected Furthermore the said Ambassador saith that the King his Master hath commanded him to assure your Majestie that hitherto â—e hath not intermingled the correspondence and friendship he holds with your Majestie with the faults and offences of your Ministers but leaves and restrains them to their own persons and that he still persever's with your Majestie in the tru and ancient frendship and brotherhood as formerly to which purpose he is ready to give a hearing to any thing that shall be reasonable and give answer thereunto therefore when it shall please your Majestie to employ any Ambassador thither he will make them all good entreaty and receive them with that love which is fitting For conclusion the said Ambassador humbly beseecheth your Majestie that you wold be pleas'd to observe well weigh the car and tendernes wherewith the King his Master hath proceeded towards your Majesties Ambassadors not obliging them to any precipitat resolutions but allowing them time enough to prove and give light of that which they had spoken And besides by opening them many ways wherby they might have complied with their Orders if they had any such which cours if they had taken they might will have given satisfaction to the King his Master and moderated the so grounded opinion of their 〈◊〉 proceedings against the peace together with the good intelligence and correspondence twixt the two Crowns Walter Ashton THis memorial kept som noise in the Court of Spain for the present and the world expected that the sayd Ambassadors at their return shold receive som kind of punishment or at least some marks of the Kings displeasure but clean contrary the one was promoted to be Governour of Milan and Don Carlos Coloma going to Flanders continued still in employment and encrease of favour So ther was a Warr menacd but
any of the rest which he much resented in regard he had so earnest a desire to see the Prince and to speak with him he having bin the first who put the Treaty of alliance on foot therfore it was suspected that he wold have discoverd somthing unto him prejudiciall to Spain But to give Don Gaspar de Olivares his due he had solid and sufficient parts for a great Minister of state his passions were very high for the greatning of his Master to the transactions of whose affairs he indefatigably addicted himself He was a professd Enemy to all Presents he never usd to give audience to Ladies or any women but wold receive their busines by Letters Lastly the greatest fault which I find he could be guilty of was that he was not so succesfull as he was sedulous Thus fell that huge Swayer of the Spanish Monarchy above thirty yeers and it seems with the Kings favor his spirits quickly fayld him for removing from Loches to Toro he there met with his last about sixteen months after His body being opend there was found in his Skull above two pounds of Brains and at the day of his buriall there was a huge Tempest fell with extraordinary fulgurations and cracks of Thunder as we read that when Katherin de Medici was buried in France there fell such a hidious storm that fifty Sayl of Merchant-men were cast away upon the Coasts of Britany The sorest Enemy Olivares had was the Queen which made him say that Muger hizo echar el primer hombre fuera de'l parayso y muger hizo echar a mi fuera del palacio A Woman was the cause that the first man was thrust out of Paradice and a Woman was the cause that I also was thrust out of the Kings Palace The Conde de Castrillo brother to the Marquess of Carpio who was brother-in-law to Olivares was one of the chiefest Engins which helpd to pull down this great Tree being a sober and wise well weighd man He is now Vice-roy of Naples having succeeded the little Conde d Ognate who had done such signall supererogatory Services in suppressing those horrid tumults in Naples where the power of Spain was upon point of sinking and his wisdom was no less discernd in settling peace and stopping the wide breaches wherwith that Kingdom had bin so miserably rent as also in finding out and punishing the chiefest Incendiaries wherof there were divers who felt the sharp Sword of Nemesis And lastly for devising waies to raise sums countervaylable to those Gabels and Taxes which the King was enforcd to abolish by the fury of the people And now will I take leave of the gentle Parthenope that three Castled and high crested Citty but a few words further of her Pedigree before we part she was built presently after the Wars of Troy by a young Grecian Lady calld Parthenope whose statue is to be seen there She was Daughter of Eumelus Son to Admetus King of Thessaly after her Fathers death she consulted with the Oracle at Delphos what her Fortunes shold be the Oracle told her that she was designd for another Country to be the Foundress of a noble Citty which shold be famous all the Earth over therfore she embarkd her self with divers more and sayling along the Tyrrhen Sea she landed at last in the next Promontory to Naples whence as the Legend tells a white Dove conducted her to that palce where Naples now stands where she began to build and trace a Citty which she calld by her own name Parthenope or the Virgin Citty which appellation continued till Octavianus the Emperor who first calld her Neapolis or the City of Navigation she being in rising postures like an Amphitheater on the Sea-side and wonderfull comodious for trafic she abounds with Silks Oyles Flowers Fruits and a most generous Race of Horses as any place upon the earthly Globe As her Horses are generous so they are observd to be more docile and neer to rationall Creatures then any where else for which this instance shall be producd Cardinall Bentivoglio sent Henry the Fourth of France a choice Napolitan Courser with his Keeper when the Horse was brought before the King he commanded one of his Riders to mount him who neither with Switch or Spur wold scarce stir or shew any feats of activity the King herupon and the Beholders began to disparage the Horse taking him for som dull Jade hereupon the King desird an Italian Rider to mount him the Horse when he saw his own Rider ready to back him fell a trembling all over but the Rider being got up he began to prance and flounce so nimbly as if he wold have flown into the Air to the amazement of all the Spectators so King Henry with the Present beggd the Rider of the Cardinall whom he entertaind all his life-time The Napolitan being born in a luxurious Country is observd to be the greatest Embracer of pleasure the greatest Courtier of Ladies and the most indulgent of himself of any other Nation insomuch that no command of the King can make a Napolitan Gentleman to go upon any Service for three months in Sommer till the heats are over They are full of Noble Friendship one to another and somtime they make their love to men controul their lust to women As there was a notable example these late yeers in the person of the young Marquess Oliverio who being desperatly in love with the Countess of Castlenovo layd siege to her a good while and the Count going to a Country-house of his and taking his Countess and Family with him the Marquess being more and more enflamd goes to the Country hard by one day a Hawking and let flies his Hawk into the Count of Castlenovos Gardens where it chancd he and his Countes were walking the Marquess made bold to retreeve his Hawk the Count with very high Civilities did welcom him and causd a Banquet to be presently provided where he and his Lady entertaind him being gone the Count began to commend the Marquess telling his wife that he was one of the hopefullst young Noble men and the fullest of parts of any in the whole Kingdom These praises made such impressions in the Countess that a little after he gaind her so the time and place of pleasure being appointed he was let in a privat way to her Chamber where she being a bed as he was undressing himself to go to her she told him that he was beholden to the Count her Husband for this Favor for she never heard him speak so much in commendation of any Is it so sayd the Marquess then I shold be the arrantst Villan in the world to abuse so noble a Friend so he put on his Dubblet agen and departed but with much civillity in the very height and heat of lust though he had so commodious conjuncture of time as his heart could desire But as the Napolitan have a high noble method of Friendship amongst them so are they as