hee houered two whole dayes before the Citty of Naples expecting some popular commotion in the Citty which had been promised but it was in vaine for the French tooke good order there for that time so that the third day after Ferdinand dispayring of any good successe made to Sea determining to returne to Ischia The Cittizens of Naples who had resolued to deliuer the towne to Ferdinand their plot being halfe discouered determined to make a vertue of necessity and to win or loose all according to this resolution secretly sent a small boate to call back Ferdinand intreating him to land all or part of his forces to giue incouragement to those that intended to rise in his behalfe Vpon this aduertizement Ferdinand returned againe before Naples and then landed a mile from the Citty which the Duke Montpensier perceiuing sallied forth of Naples with all his forces to hinder his landing The Neopolitans then taking hold on occasion presently tooke armes and at the first ringing of the Toxin or larum bell made good the gates and began euery where to cry Ferdinand Ferdinand The French amazed at this suddaine tumult thinking it dangerous to abide betwixt the rebellious Citty and the enemies determined to returne to Naples but they were enforced to fetch a great compasse to come to the Gate neere Castelnouo for that through which they came forth was seazed on by the Neopolitans Ferdinand in the meane time entred the Citty on horseback where to the peoples incredible ioy he rode vp and downe The French entring at the Gate next the Castle did their best to get into the heart of the Citty but their attempts were vayne for at euery streetes end they found resistance and night approaching they retired into the Castle to gether with the Duke of Montpensier Yues of Alegre a famous Captaine Antonio Prince of Salerne and many other French and Italian Captaines of note Those of Capua Auersa the Fort Montdragon and other townes neere adioyning and the greatest part of the Kingdome did the like Those of Gayetta going about to follow their example were with great slaughter preuented by the French Garrison who in heate of blood sackt the Citty The Venetian Senate hauing intelligence that Ferdinand had recouered the Citty of Naples wrote to Antonio Grimani that he should no more assault any towne of the Kingdome in the Venetians name but to remaine at Monopoli to know their farther pleasure The Pope vnderstanding that the Venetian fleet was idle intreated the Senate that it might saile to Naples to aid Ferdinand this was granted and Antonio Grimani leauing 100. light horse and two Gallies for the gard of Monopoli went to Tarentum which held out against Ferdinand But Grimani being there aflicted with a flix sent twenty Gallies to Ferdinand vnder the command of Contaren the Prouidator and himselfe with the rest of the fleet for he had in the meane time receiued new supplies directed his course to Corfou At the same time the Florentines being desirous by all meanes to recouer Pisa and the Pisans being to weake to resist sent secret messengers to the Venetian Senate to intreat them to receiue their Citty into their protection and to hold it for a member of their state At first the Senate found the matter to be of such importance as they made no great hast either to refuse or accept it yet at last some Senators beganne to tast this offer and to harken vnto it as they who with the deseignes and hopes embraced the entire Monarchie of Italy for obtaining whereof they supposed that the Signory of Pisa would greatly auaile them in regard that their antient vnion with other Potentates was broken and most of those who were wont to resist them weakened as also because that Citty would giue them sure footing in Tuscany and extend their bounds as farre as the lower sea and therefore concluded to accept it as an offer sent from God This opinion being approued by the greatest part of the Senate the businesse was consulted on by the councell of Tenne that the resolution of it might bee kept more secret whose opinions being various the matter was put off till some other time Lodouico likewise was greedy to impatronize this Citty and therevpon seemed very ready vnder-hand to aid the ãâã against the Florentines whom he entertained with sundry practises The Pope mooued by Ferdinands intreaties wrote at the same time to the Venetians to send part of their Army returned from the seege of Nouara to aid Ferdinand to driue the French forth of the Realme of Naples promising that Ferdinand should engage certaine sea townes to them till they were satisfied for their expence in that warre The Senate not fully resolued to send the Army to the King commanded Bernarao Contaren to go before to Rauenna with 600. light horse to the end that if they should determine to send it he might be so farre onwards on his way This beeing vnderstood at Rome the businesse was prolonged for Cardinall Ascanio brother to Lodouico made a proposition that the Venetians should assist the King in that warre and yet haue no townes engaged to them Ferdinands Ambassadors that came to Venice to make an accord following the Cardinalls aduice demanded the army but offered no pawne The Senate knowing that this was Lodouicoes practise who enuied their greatnesse did on a sudaine dismisse the Ambassadors not suffering them to remain a moment in the Citty The Ambassadors spent many dayes to pacifie the Senate and notwithstanding that they promised that Ferdinand should deliuer three of his best Citties with their territories vnto them namely Trani Brundusium and Oââ¦ranto they would hardly agree to it had not the Confederate Ambassadors there present interceded for them whereuppon a new league was made by which the Venetians hauing first receiued the three townes were obliged speedily to send 600. men at armes and 3000. foot to Ferdinand and the Treasorer to the State did deliuer to Ferdinands Ambassadors 150. pounds of gold by way of loane with diuers other conditions which the Pope approoued and ratified as one hauing interest in the Realme of Naples The League thus made Commissioners were sent to Ferdinand to receiue the three townes and messengers to the Marquis of Mantoua to will him without delay to lead his troopes into the Realme of Naples These things thus concluded and diuulged caused diuers townes in the Kingdome which the French held presently to yeeld to Ferdinand the like did the two Castles in Naples King Charles after his returne into France sent the Lord of Argenton to Venice to tell the Senate that hee accounted their State to be comprehended in the accord made with Lodouico because their Generals Prouidators were present at it in which regard he intreated the Senate to surrender Monopoli to him which their Army had taken from his subiects and that they would no more assist Ferdinand The Venetians sent him back without
that the Turke armed was by that meanes cleered so as one part of the nauall Army that they had prepared vpon that rumor sailed into Barbary against the Pirats of whom many being taken the passages were freed from danger In this manner did the Venetians temporise with the Turke vsing all means to keepe his friendship despayring of being able to hurt him so long as the Christian Princes carelesse of the common danger were at strife among themselues Now the most Christian King being som-what troubled with this election and fearing least Charles of Austria would turne his deseignes vpon Italy to expulse him from the state of Milan acquainted the Pope and the Venetians with the great danger that threatned them if they suffred the elected Emperor to passe with an army into Italy and therefore he councelled them to enter into a threefold league together against those that would attempt to inuade any of their states and specially to oppose themselues against the Emperors passage comming in armes to goe to Rome as he said to receiue the Imperiall Crowne because he could not enter in that manner but to the great danger of all those who possessed any states in Italy The Venetians soone consented to the French Kings proposition for the safety of their states But the Pope being resolued what to doe and ruminating sundry matters fed the King and the Venetians with faire hope but when it came to the conclusion he would not consent to haue any thing set downe in writing saying That in such a case the onely words of Princes did suffice with their true meaning to execute what had beene concluded In this manner the businesse being delayed the French Kings heaââ¦e in time beganne to coole The Venetians had some suspition that the King did seacretly treat with the Emperor and that the same might bee the canse why the Pope doutbed and prolonged the affaires that were concluded on And that which did increase their suspition was for that they had certaine notice that Artur Gouffiar Lord of Boyssy great maister of France and the Lord de Cheures met at Montpellier the one from the elect Emperor and the other from the King to consult of a finall peace betwixt both their Maiesties and to decide all controuersies betwixt them and their allies The Venetians neuer-the-lesse still continuing their former resolution and firme desire not to separate them-selues in any sort from the alliance of the French made no shew that they suspected the King albeit his Maiesty was sufficiently aduertised of their suspition but held it for certaine that if the King were desirous of agreement with the Emperor they especially should be named and comprised therin and all their contention with the Emperor should be wholy composed Charles so soone as hee was chosen Emperor hauing turned his deseignes vpon Italy knowing how much it did import him to haue the Venetians friendship did shew him-selfe desirous to compose all the differences which had beene betwixt the Emperor Maximilian his predecessor and them and to effect this good desire hee sent his commissioners to Verona according as it was concluded in Maximillians life time with ample power and authority to conclude and decide not onely the businesse of the truce for fiue yeares but like-wise to end all other matters which were yet vndecided two yeares before betwixt them Francisco Pââ¦sare a long time before chosen by the Senate for that purpose went to Verona whither for the Emperors part came foure of the cheefe of the councell of Inspruch who had ample power to negociate that businââ¦sse Iohn Pin the French Ambassador came thither in his Kings name who at the last truce was chosen Vmpier and Iudge of all their controuersies The Venetians craued possession of all the places taken from them in the last warre and that all thing should remaine as they were before the warre saying That it was the surest meanes to end all their controuersies and to establish a firme and assured peace But the Imperialls alleadging now one thing and then an other did still dââ¦lay the businesse and would conclude on nothing so as hauing spent certaine monthes there in vaine and being recalled by the councel of In spruch they returned home Yet neuerthelesse the Venetians hauing at the same time their Ambassadours in the Emperours Court they were put in hope of a prosperous end of that businesse and that the Emperour would speedily appoint Commissioners to intend it beeing very desirous by meanes of a sure peace to become their good neighbour and perpetuall friend his officers thereby shewing how much hee desired the Venetians friendship who for their partes did in like manner declare how they desired nothing more then peace but that they could not their faith kept inuiolate doe any thing contrary to their alliance with the French King After this manner did these two Princes at one time pursue the Venetians friendship and alliance but by different waies each of them seeking to make vse of them in their enterprize of Italy so as in these practizes and negotiations all that yeare passed on without any certaine resolution The yeare following which was 1520. Italy did still continue peaceable but Christendome was threatened by Soliman who perceauing his Empire to be at quiet and all things to fall out as hee wished would not bee idle but following rather the generousnesse of his Ancestors hee determined to take armes and to warre vpon the Christians This was a long time before foreseene of many but remedied by none Following then this determination hee resolued to enuade the realme of Hungary hoping to reape great glory thereby by reason that the Hungarians were reputed valliant and great soldiers Therefore so soone as all things were ready hee departed from Constantinople about the beginning of the yeare 1521. with a mighty army and marched into Hungary King Lewes being amazed at the comming of so mighty an army and distrusting his owne forces did againe send new Ambassadors to solicite and entreate Christian Princes to aid him it being the common cause of all Christendome Philippo Moro Bishop of Agria was sent to the Venetians who being brought into the Senate spake in this manner My King most excellent Prince and yee most noble Lords hath such confidence in yourselues in your fidelity curtezie and power in respect of the strict alliance which of a long time hath beene betwixt this Republike and the crowne of Hungary of the Common interest of both your states of the iustice of his cause and your owne antient custome with that of your ancestors who euer fauored iust and resonable actions and releeued those that stood in need as hee is desirous in this eminent perill of the Turkish warre cheefely to haue recourse vnto you my Lords and vnto you to communicate his deseins and necessity hoping to finde from you not onely a speedy ayde as much as in you lieth
complaine because that by the agreement made betwixt them it was expresly mentioned that the Pope should not receiue the bandeââ¦i of the Dutchy of Milan into his Territories nor the king those of the Dominion of the Church into his The Venetians being desirous as much as in them lay to appease this discontent for the Popes resolution and the treaty made and sworne by him with the Emperor was noâ⦠as yet manifestly knowne sought to blot out of the Popes mind the suspition which he seemed to haue by remembring him of the good offices which the King had euer performed to the Sea Apostolike earnestly entreating him not for a trifle to breake the holy alliance so long time sworne betwixt them seeing that by the breach thereof nothing but mischeefe could ensue But all these remonstrances and entreaties were bootelesse with the Pope who had already contracted with the Emperor on condition that the French being expelled forth of the Dutchy of Milan Parma and Placentia should bee ioyned to the Churches Patrimony and all the residew of the state should bee restored to Francis Sforza and that the Pope in the meane time should dispense with Charles for the oath which hee had taken in the inuestiture of the Kingdome of Naples to the end hee might with more iust title still retayne the Empire The Venetians being wholy hope-lesse of making any attonement betwixt the Pope and the French King resolued not to faile in their duty wherein they were tyed to the King for the conseruation of the Dutchy of Milan The report was that diuers soldiers were already leuied by the Pope and the Emperors command and if their secret practizes could not preuaile they would on a sodaine fall to open warre for which cause the Pope albeit it was vnder an other collour had leuied sixe thousand Swisses and Prospero Colonna being declared cheefe of the enterprise comming to Bolognia did from all parts leuy soldiers whilest the Viceroy of Naples with the Cauallery of that Kingdome and the Marquis of Pescara with the Spanish Infantery were on the bankes of the Riuer Trante speedily to passe ouer on the first occasion This caused the Venetians for their part speedily to enrole sixe thousand Italian foot and to assemble all their Cauallery on the Bressan Territory commiting their whole army to Theodore Triuulcio their Generall commanding him to encampe on the banks of the riuer Adda that hee might speedily passe ouer if the affaires of the French should require it They commanded moreouer Paulo Nany Gouernor at that time of Bergamo to follow the Army with the Generall in quallity of Prouidator In the meane time vpon the rumor that was spred abroad in France of these stirres in Lombardy the King forth-with sent the Lord Lautrec to Milan and being comme thither perceiuing that his forces were not sufficient to defend that state if it should be enuaded with a mighty army he thought it fit to keepe backe the new aide which the enemies expected from comming to ioyne with them who already had a thousand men at armes and about eight thousand foot The Pope had but three thousand Swisses for of sixe thousand that he had leauied there remayned with him but the one halfe And at the same time Fernand the Emperors brother being come to villac to assemble sixe thousand foot-men to passe afterwards with them into Italy to the releefe of the imperiall army for which forces the Emperor hauing craued passage of the Venetians they answered that they could noâ⦠doe it in regard of their alliance with the French King whome if they failed at his need they should be taxed with shame and infamy Vpon this answer because they would haue their passages to bee enforced they sent strong garrisons thither yet neuerthelesse after diuers propositions for the stopping of Almaines passage the matter being found to be difficult they left it by the consent of the Lord of Lautree to the inhabitants of the country and sent all their forces on the Cremonois there for to ioyne them with the French according to Lautrecs direction who beeing desirous to haue neere him some Venetian Gentlemen of authority and experience to conferre withall on the affaires of the war and about the defence of the State of Milan the Senate sent Andrè Gritti to him Paulo Nââ¦i notwithstanding remayning still in the campe as Prouidator They choose likewise Ieronimo Pesare for Prouidator Generall who was carefully to prouide for all their fortes on the firme land wherein were placed two thousand foot-men newly leauied and certaine companies of men at armes who on all occasions should defend them from trouble and dangers They determined moreouer at Lautrecs perswasition to haue other three thousand foot namely fifteene hundred Gascons and as many Valesians and likewise to contribute to the expence of certaine horse and foot companies with whom the Duke of Ferrara promised to come into the field in the behalfe of the French to the end that the King and all men else should know that they had in no ââ¦ort failed for the speedy reliefe of the State of Milan according to the couenants made betwixt them The French in the meane time were readier to solicite the Venetians to doe that wherevnto they were obliged by the treaty of confederacy then they were of themselues to make necessary prouisions proceeding therein very slowly which vndoubtedly is a very dangerous matter in warre and al-be-it the Lord of Lautrec did warrant that the Lord of Saint Vallier should speedily passe the mounts with six thousand French and that tenne thousand Swisses leauied for the King should forthwith march yet for all that none caââ¦e and on the other side the enemies being growne strong and mighty by being ioyned with the Almain foot hauing safely passed thorow the Mantuan and from thence thorow the State of Milan knowing how greatly speed might import them in that enterprize were come to beseege Parma supposing that the taking of that City would purchase them great safety and reputation Now the Lord Lautrec hauing intelligence of their march suspecting their deseigne sent his brother the Lord of Escut with a strong garrison for the gard of that city yet neuerthelesse that did not stay their enterprize hoping easily to achiue it as well for that the place was not very strong as because their army was great and wel stored with all necessaries as in deed it would haue come to passe if Lautrec who had receiued new supplies of Swisses had not approched the enemies by whose comming and likewise for that the Duke of Ferrara with great numbers of foot-men marched to assaile Modena and Regio Prospero Colonna was enforced as he afterwards said to discampe from before Parma to the great griefe and discontent of the Pope who by his confederacy with the Emperor did chiefly harken after the taking thereof The euent of this first enterprize hauing such bad successe was cause
deliuery yet neuerthelesse shee entreated the Signory to assist her in so iust a cause and so profitable for them and all Italy by ioyning themselues with the Lords of France to enforme the Emperor Charles to set the King her sonne at liberty vpon honorable conditions The Senate vpon these entreaties did manifest their great griefe for the Kings disastrous fortune with that of the kingdome declaring the great affection which it did beare to the crowne of France and for that present made none other answer but this That because the businesse was of great importance it deserued to haue the Councell assembled to determine thereof But during these practises the Pope who had sent the Archbishop of Capua into Spaine to make an agreement with the Emperor did raââ¦ifie the accord concluded and determined before with the Viceroy by which the Venetians were excluded from it if within twenty dayes after the signifying thereof they did not ratifie it by meanes whereof the Senate was enforced to renew their treaties with the Emperours Ambassadors and to send in regarde of the difficulties of importance which were offered Petro Pesare to Milan to treate with the Viceroy The French in the meane time did not giue ouer their former pursutes beeing not yet out of hope to ioyne the Venetians to themselues albeit the Popes authoritie might then haue drawne them to a contrary resolution wherevpon the Bishop of Bayeux and Ambrose of Florence came to Venice to make in the name of the said Lady Regent and in that of the whole Kingdome more certaine and resolute propositions then at the former time concerning the league and the Kings freedome For this cause as also for that apparent signes were dayly discouered of the Emperours great ambition by reason of the deseignes of his Officers and Agents which tended onely to make him absolute Lord of the State of Milan and of all Italy these French Ambassadors were attentiuely heard in the Senate and their cause consulted on The Marquis of Pescara at the same time entring Milan with three thousand foote two hundred men at armes and with great numbers of light horse required the Duke to deliuer into his hands the Castle of Milan with that of Cremona speaking plainely That hee was come to take possession of the Cittie of Milan beeing sent thither by the Emperour for the same purpose in whose name all Proclamations and other Mandates were already published and although the Pope sought to procure the Emperour to accomplish the Articles of the confederacie by consigning the State of Milan into the hands of Duke Francis Sforza all his pursutes were in vaine for delaying the matter from day to day hee made now one excuse and then an other imputing to the Duke diuerse faults committed by him and among others That hee had treated with the Venetians to deliuer the Castle of Milan vnto them a matter which was neuer thought of by eyther of them These things with diuerse others did greatly with-draw the Venetians affection from the Emperour and caused them to giue no more credit to all his promises nor the Pope likewise who speedily to preuent those perills which threatned them dayly resolued to ioyne in league in regarde there was some difficulty and more trouble and ââ¦ediousnesse to call the French into it The Pope then renouncing the accord formerly made with the Emperour contracted a new one aswell in his owne name as in the Florentines for the which hee strengthened himselfe with the Duke and Senate of Venice in which agreement it was mentioned that they should ioyne together to preuent those dangers which the experience of things past had taught them might happen and so assure the peace and quiet of Italy and their owne states in perticular each of them taking vppon them the protection of one anothers states and persons running altogether one selfe-same fortune not beeâ⦠gââ¦wfull for eyther of them to treate with any other Prince to the preâ⦠of that accord and to succour one an other with foure thousand foote-men foure hundred men at armes three hundred light horse and with greââ¦er numbers if ãâã were And it was more-ouer added therevnto that the Venetians should bee bound to defend and maintaine the greatnesse and power of the house of Medicis to stoppe and preuent all tumult and commotions which any sââ¦ditious mutins should practise against it and to ãâã and assist him who soeâ⦠hee were that the Pope should place aâ⦠cheefe Gouernâ⦠in the Citty of Florence These things beeing thus concluded and sworne to the Pope the better to begin for his part to prepare that which was concluded on commanded the Marquis of Mantua to visit the Parmesan with his men at armes taking order besides to hasten the Grisons and Suisse footmen where they had begun to leuy but very slowly The Venetians on the other side determined to encrease their Armie to the number of ten thousand foote to make a leuy in Greece of other three hundred light horse and generally to prouide for all matters belonging to their safety And that which did greatly incite them therevnto was the curtezie which the King of England vsed towards the French who beeing iealous of the Emperors power and greatnesse fearing that if hee should grow too mighty hee might afterwards chance to tread him vnder foote conuerted his ill will towards the King into friendship so as he treated with the Lady Regent and the Councell of France promising them all ayde and succour possible as well of men as money to set the King at liberty and to free Italy from all oppression This treaty beeing passed betwixt the Pope and the Venetians gaue hope that they should bee vnited with the Realme of France but they proceeded therein after an vnusuall manner because that the Pope supposing that by the confederacie which hee had already made hee had time enough to preuent dangers and to bee able in the meane time to obtaine more reasonable conditions of the Emperor hee proceeded very slowly in his agreement with the French and cheefely since the Duke of Sessas comming to Rome who was sent from the Emperor to his Holynesse to signifie vnto him the great desire hee had to peace and to restore Francis Sforza vnto the Dutchy of Milan beeing found innocent of those crimes imposed vpon him or if hee were guilty to inuest his brother Maximillian in it But the Venetians not relying on his promises made earnest sute to agree with the French meaning not to trust to his offers which onely tended to breake the league and to delay the prouisions of warre they likewise fearing least the French should enter into league with the Emperour as they were desirous to doe for the recouery of their King and all their practises should by that meanes prooue vaine That hapned which they had foreseene in the beginning of the yeare 1526. when the newes yet vnhoped for arriued at Venice
the euent thereof hearing that the enemies had entred did forth-with flie with diuers Cardinals and other Prelats to the castle Saint Angelo The Lords Rance de Cera and Langey hauing laboured in vaine to mooue the people to take armes for their owne defense and had sought valiantly with those few forces they could gather together and with them a long time kept the castle bridge were at last enforced to retire The City beeing thus abandoned and all the people in confusion and flight the enemies on all sides entredit and became Masters thereof without any difficulty Philippin Doria and Count Guy so soone as they perceiued the Duke of Bourbon to march towards Rome did on a sodaine without wayting for any other commandement set forwards to rescue the Pope with the forces of Ciuitauecchia and Oruietta but the Duke of Bourbon by his speed hauing preuented them and shut vp all the passages by which they were to follow him did enforce them to returne from whence they came Now the Duke of Vrbin hauing set forward to follow the enemies but very slowly by reason of the hindrances of his campe did at last with the whole army come as farre as Viterbo who finding all the country to be spoiled by the enemies hee was enforced by want of victuals to tarry there his army beeing by sundry accidents much diminished hauing in all but seuen thousand men in stead of thirty thousand appointed by the confederates The army lodging in that place the light horse and foot-men did oftentimes scoure the whole Country where meeting with the Imperiall souldiers that were laden with great spoile and disbanded comming from Rome they striped them of all they had Besides that at the taking of the City all manner of crueltie was vsed euery where infinite complaints were heard of those who were inhumanely tormented partly to enforce them to pay their ransom and partly to bewray the wealth that they had hidden The cries and pittifull lamentations were heard of Roman dames and Nunnes who the souldiers lead away in troupes to satisfie their Luxury All holy things the Sacraments and Relikes of Saints where-with the Churches were stored being despoiled of their ornaments were euery where trodden vnder foot wherevnto were added infinite vilanies of the barbarous Lansequenets The sacke and pillage lasted many monthes which according to the common report as well in ready money gold siluer and iewels amounted to more then a Million of Ducats and the ransomes that were paied did rise to a farre greater summe The end of the sixth Booke of the fifth Decade The Contents of the seuenth Booke of the fifth Decade THE Venetians sorrow and greefe for the taking of Rome and the Pope by the Imperialls The Cardinalls meete at Bolognia to treate of the Popes deliuerance The Venetians warlike preparations by Land and Sea to free the Pope from his imprisonment The Venetians seaze on Rauennato keepe it for the Holy Sea The Duke of Vrbin taketh Perugia to the same end The Duke of Vrbins resolution for the Popes deliuery The French King maketh great warlike prouisions to send into Italy Andre Doria in the seruice of the French King The army of the Confederats remaineth on the Confines of the Siennois The Popes agreement to come forth of prison The Venetians resolution vpon that agreement The Lord of Lautrec commeth into the state of Milan with great forces Bosco and Alexandria taken by him Pauia is taken and sackt by the French Genoa is reduced vnder the French Kings obedience The Turke being assailed by Marcello had soone after his reuenge The Lord Lautrec marcheth towards Rome The demands propounded by the French King in the motion of peace The Agreement whereby the Duke of Ferrara and the Marquis of Mantua enter into the league The entire enlargement of the Popes person The Venetians send an Ambassad to the Pope inuiting him to enter into the league The like Ambassade of the most Christian King to the same effect The Popes excuses not to enter into any new confederacy The Lord Lautrecs iourny into the Kingdome of Naples The Popes demand to the Venetians with their answer The Imperialls refuse to fight The Lord Lautrec encampeth before Naples The Duke of Brunswich commeth with great forces into Lombardy The Venetians preparations against the Duke of Brunswich He returneth into Germany The Imperialls are put to rout at Sea The arriuall of the Generall of the Venetian Army before Naples with the discommodities which it there endured Andre Doria reuolteth from the Kings seruice The Pope resolueth to remaine neuter The great wants of the Army before Naples And lastly the Lord Lautrecs Death The Seuenth Booke of the fifth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THE accident at Rome being knowne at Venice together with the Popes imprisonment did greatly afflict the Senate with griefe and compassion and with a disdaine for the wrong offered to the person of the holy Father wherevpon they not intending to suffer any longer the Emperors fortune to encrease to their owne perill determined to releeue the Pope with all their forces and therein to spare for no cost which caused them to write to the Duke of Vrbin their Generall and to Pisani and Vitturi the Prouidators to lay by all other deseignes and attempt onely if it were possible to free the Pope from his imprisonment and the better to effect it to come neere to the Castle wherein hee was shutte vp to seeke by all meanes to draw him thence and because no other matter might hinder this enterprize they forth-with made a new leuy of foote to encrease their forces to the number of ten thousand foot which lay on the confines of Crema and Lauda to resist Antonio de Leua who being come forth into the field and finding no opposition was likely euery day to grow more strong by the aid which he expected forth of Germany The Venetians were incited therevnto by the great preparations of the Kings of England and France who hauing notice of the great inhumanity vsed towards his Holinesse and the scandall giuen to the Church of Christendome by detayning the head thereof in prison determining to remedy it resolued betwixt themselues at their owne charges to send an army into Italy to free the Pope and to put him in possession of all the Churches lands and another mighty one into Flanders by assayling that country to enforce the Emperor to abandon Italy for the defence thereof These two Kings were very earnest in this businesse wherevpon the Cardinall of Yorke who could doe more then all men with the King of England came for the same purpose to Amiens to the French king to procure an enteruiew of those two kings to the end they might consult together more considerately concerning the Popes deliuery The most Christian King seemed to be no lesse willing therein who sent speedy word to his Captaines in Italy to procure by all meanes the Popes freedome from
of Andrè Doria who beeing male-content with the French had forsaken the Kings seruice and entred into the Emperours pay The cause thereof was attributed as well by himselfe as by others to diuerse subiects and chiefly to a disdaine which hee conceiued in his minde because that the King did not esteeme of him according to his merrits not granting vnto him the office of Admirall which was then vacant and giuen to the Lord of Barbezieuz That the King would not satisfie his iust request to yeeld vnto the Genowais the accustomed soueraignty of Sauona Sundry signes appearing of this discontent the Pope had some suspition thereof Wherevpon hee aduertised the King of it perswading him to make more deere account of such a man then hee had done who was able to doe much for the furtherance of the seruice of the league and not to suffer him to depart mal-content with such forces to the Emperors seruice But the French King suspecting at the same time all the Popes actions his councell could nothing preuaile with him Yet neuerthelesse finding it to bee true afterwards and perceiuing the matter to be of importance knowing no meanes how to preuent it or else beeing peraduenture willing to be freed from such expence he councelled the Pope to giue him entertainement in regard of his great desire to serue thâ⦠Church rather then to suffer him to go to the Emperors side The Pope seeming to be desirous of it and yet not willing to displease the Emperor excused himselfe by reason of his owne small meanes adding that so soone as by the Kings helpe hee should recouer Rauenna and Ceruia hee might then more freely be at greater expence Doria in the meane time without longer dissembling that which he had determined to do sent one of his Gentlemen to the Emperor in whose Court the Articles of agreement betwixt them were resolued on which were The Liberty of Genoa vnder the Emperors protection The Subiection of Sauona to the Genoââ¦ois and the entring of the said Doria into the Emperors pay with twelue Gallels and a yeerely pention of threescore thousand Ducats This reuolt of Doria did greatly hinder the Confederates and mightily preiudice the enterprise of Naples because that the Venetian Gallies remaining alone were enforced to retire their Rowers or Gally-slaues which wrought in the trenches to looke to the businesse at Sea and the Admirall Barbizieux on the other side beeing come from France with sixteene Gallies tarried at Sauona not daring to saile to Naples where he landed a great part of the footmen to send them for the gard of Genoa albeit they were appointed to goe to the succour of the Lord Lautrec so as from this accident proceeded all the mishap of the seege of Naples and the losse of the leagues reputation As also because that the Lord Lautrec could neuer make vse in time of those forces which Rancâ⦠dâ⦠Cera had at Ciuitauechia by reason of the Popes different and vncertaine resolutions who beeing solicited by the Lord Lautrec with huge and in a manner menacing speeches and afterwards with gentle and courteous language to declare himselfe promising to restore those of his family in Florence would neuer make any certaine resolution euer saying that as one zealous of the common good peace was his chiefe ayme and obiect the which with more safety and lesse suspition to treat of he would remaine neuter although the contrary appeared by sundry apparent signes that he did more encline to the Emperors side then to any other but because he would not vrge the Lord Lautrec to prooue an open enemy he answered that to declare himselfe would nothing auaile them in regard as he had oftentimes said that he had not sufficient forces for any great enterprize That the most Christian King might neuerthelesse make vse of the Churches State and of the commodities thereof without renewing vpon that occasion the Confederacy By this meanes the French forces were daily weakned and disorders and discommodities encreased in the Campe and the beseeged on the contrary were in hope of good successe The aid from France which had been so often craued of the King and which his maiesty had so often promised did not arriue and the troopes raised in the Kingdome of Naples were not sufficient to fill vp the army nor to supply the want of the military factions the Campe standing in need of all thinges because that the enemies Cauallery sallying forth many times to surprise the victualls which was brought to the Campe from the neighbor townes the Army in steed of beseeging was little better then beseeged In a word discomodities did so encrease as there was noe one company in the whole army but had great store of sicke persons in it The soldiers were become lazie and idle and throwing their armes from them obserued no order discipline nor any obedience especially the men at armes who beeing disbanded without their Captaines leaue did forsake the Campe the Captaines likewise were partly absent farre from thence to cause them-selues to be healed and to recouer their healths and part of them also liued vnprofitably in the Campe beeing weake and ill disposed of their persons But among others the Lord Lautrec was very sick beeing spent as well in minde as body for the great danger that hee perceiued the Armie to bee in Wherevpon his owne fault encreasing the sorrow and griefe of his heart made him for the space of many dayes vnable to giue order for the affaires of the warre But beeing come to himselfe and a little recouering his spirits hee began to visit the whole Campe to preserue order and the Guardes fearing to be assailed Matters did dayly decline so as by reason of the strength of the Imperials horsemen there was no more commerce betwixt the Campe and the Galleys and those of the Campe because they had no horse could not runne forth of the wayes But that which did aggrauate all the disorders was the death of the Lord Lautrec vpon whose valour and authoritie all matters relyed and it was certainly thought that his disease encreased by too much trauaile The end of the seuenth Booke of the fifth Decade The Contents of the eight Booke of the fifth Decade THE Marquis of Salusses beeing made Generall of the French Army by the death of the Lord Lautrec raiseth his Campe from before Naples and retireth to Auersa The taking of Auersa and the Marquis by the Imperialls The Citty of Genoa reuolteth from the French King by the meanes of Andre Doria The determination of the Confederates to goe and besiege Milan is broken Pauia is taken by the Confederates Nouara with diuerse other places are yeelded to the Confederates The Lord of Saint Paul his iourney to recouer Genoa is in vaine The Castle of Genoa is raced by the people The Genowais fill vp the Hauen of Sauona with grauell The Pope demandeth the Citties of Rauenna and Ceruia of
which might giue cause of suspition of any enterprize The Emperor on the other side and the French King had confirmed the truce formerly made at Nice and shewed to one another sundry good offices of loue and reconciliation For whilest the Emperor stayed in France in his iourney towards Flanders hee remained for a time with the King which gaue hope to all men that those Princes hauing trodden all hatred and rancour vnder their feet did determine to liue in peace and quiet But the new accidents which did happen as humane affaires are subiect to change did alter the State of things and altogether breake of all hope of peace For Iohn King of Hungary beeing deceased and leauing a young Child by his wife Isââ¦bell daughter to Sigismond King of Poland and Perdinand King of the Romanes saying that the Realme belonged vnto him and not to the child by vertue of a late agreement made with that King made hast to get it by armes and hauing to that end raised great numbers of Soldiers he entred vnlookt for into the Kingdome and seazed on Alba Regalis Visgrade Peste and other townes of Hungary and at the same time he sent Ieronimo Alasco to Constantinople to treat with Soliman that hee might obtaine the Kingdome after the same manner as King Iohn had held it but the Queene widdow to King Iohn had likewise sent thither procuring by meanes of a sollemne Ambassade of the cheifest Barons of the Kingdome the aid and succor of the Turkish army to keep the Kingdome for hir Sonne which by the selfe same armes had beene maintained for the Father Soliman seemed to bee greatly displeased therewith and by so much more as he supposed to haue receiued a double iniury from Ferdinand for enuading a state recommended vnto him and vnder his protection and for crauing thatby his Ambassador which he went about to take by force Wherwith being greatly incensed he did not only cast from him that good inclination which he seemed to beare to peace and concord but for the reuenging of this iniury determined to assaile Ferdinand with great forces both by Sea and Land and at the same time to keepe the Emperor so busied as he should not be able to helpe his brother Therefore hauing reuoked that which hee had treated with Rincon the French Ambassador concerning the truce hee sent him backe to his King to tell him that hee had changed his mind resoluing altogether vpon warre The troubles of Flanders were in the meane time appeazed the Emperor hauing rigoroââ¦sly punished the Gantois for their rebellion to giue feare and terror to others This being done sooner then was expected was cause that the foundations of peace betwixt him and the French King were not surely laid and finding himselfe freed of that let which hindred him hee resolued in no sort to quit the Dutchy of Milan On the other side Solimans hatred to the house of Austria did augment the French Kings courrage hoping to make vse of his mighty aide and thereby to reuenge the wrong which he had supposed he had done to him by contemning his friendship Rincon then being come to Venice did acquaint the Senate particularly with all what-so-euer had beene done and of the Turkes great warlike preparations the which he presumed to be able to dispose of at his Kings pleasure and crauing after-wards a conuoy for his safe passage into France Mercurio Bue was commanded to attend vpon him with his company of light horse as farre as the confines of their State And because there were but three moneths limited him for his returne to the Port of the great Lord the King hauing speedily dispatched him and returning onward on his way to Venice from thence to passe to Constantinople hee was neere to Pauia vpon the riuer of Po assailed taken and murthered together with Caesar Fregosa by certaine Spanish footmen and by the commandement as it was thought of the Marquis of Guasto This deed did more then can be imagined incense the French King for that during the truce they had so vilanously slaine his seruants that the Emperour not being satisfied as he said to haue deceiued him with words hauing at first put him in hope of peace and that hee would restore the Dutchy of Milan to him after-wards to bee so slacke therein hauing appeased the troubles of Flanders and besides to haue iniuried him contrary to the law of Nations by the trecherous murther of his seruants He complained hereof and caused to be published al a broad that hee would bee reuenged thereof hee wrot to all Forraine Princes giuing them to vnderstand that he had not broken the truce Then he did particularly aduertize Soliman thereof to whome he sent Captaine Polin enioyning him to goe first to Venice to feele how they stood affected to the Emperor and to acquaint them with his iust occasion to take armes for the reuenge of such aniniury and after-wards to offer vnto them for his owne part what-so euer hee could doe for them at Constantinople by imploying his credit and authority so long as he should continue there in quality of Ambassador Polin hauing executed his commission and crauing of the Senate that hee might passe on safely a Gallie was giuen him for his transportation to Raguza The Emperor at the same time was in Germany where at Ratisbon hee held a Diet concerning matters of Religion wherein nothing beeing concluded he graunted to the Protestants an interim so as euery man might vse the same ceremonies which before hee had done and vpon report of the Turkes great warlike preparations who were already come into hungary Soliman being there in person a here they had defeated Guillan of Rocandolf Lieutenant Generall to King Ferdinand perceiuing that in regard of his own honour being in Germany and so neere a neighbour to that defeate all men expected when he would march against the Trukish forces he the better to free him-selfe from it determined to vndertake the enter prize of Argier thinking it to bee easier then that against the great Turke to the great amazement of all men which did see him to attempt an enterprize nothing so honorable as the other but hee did it vpon hope that passing along by Italy he might take the King vnprouided and make some attempt vpon him desiring rather to leaue his owne patrimony in prey then to omit any occasion to be reuenged on the King whom he knew he had greatly wronged by the murther of his Ambassadors but he found that the Lord of Langey Leiutenant fot the King in Piedmont had dilligently prouided for all matters Such were the State of affaires and such were the deseignes of Princes concerning Peace and warre The Venetians thought it fit in those stirrs to beare them-selues with great consideration and vigilancy and to keepe themselues neuters and free from all danger of beeing offended They very well knew how important a matter the losse of Hungary
consistory would impart it to some particular Cardinals and the same after-noone call them one after an other into his chamber to take their vowes in secret According to his resolution his Holinesse hauing in the consistory declared his intention to some particular Cardinals he did the same after noone call the rest into his chamber secretly to take their vowes and in that businesse spent the week The Spaniards being iealous and malcontent that they were not imployed in that negociation and desirous to frustrate the matter divulged certaine rumors contrary to the Popes will and meaning and among others a cunning letter written from Venice by D. Francesco de Castro by which he certified the Pope that if hee stood fast for the restoring of the Iesuits he should obtaine it and that the Venetians determined to make protestation by surrending the prisoners contrary to that which had beene concluded and which his Holinesse had promised to himselfe These false rumors did somewhat trouble the Pope who therevpon made some difficulty to proceed any faââ¦ther but Cardinall Perron soliciting and assuring him of the contrary hee deliuered according to his former resolution the commission to Cardinall Ioyeuse willing him to make hast to Venice The Spaniards being not able to crosse this resolution made sute to haue Cardinall Zapala to bee ioyned in commission with Cardinall Ioyeuse but their labor was lost and yet in other solemnities Zapala and the Spanish Ambassador had in apparence some eââ¦uality which the French Kings Ministers because in their Kings name they were sureties for the Venetian Signory as were Cardinal Ioyeuse and the French Ambassador for the Christian King yet the world accounted it but a vaiââ¦e and idle fable for they had no such authority from the Signory of Venice as had the French who executed their commission to their Kings great fame and glory Cardinall Ioyeuse together with the ãâã receiued from his Holinesse the conditions on which the censures were to be reuoked being in number sixe the effect whereof is thus That the two Church men prisoners namely the Abbot of Nerueze and the Channon of Vincenza shall bee freely giuen to the Pope That his Holinesse shall reuoke his censures making a declaration thereof to the Colledge That the Venetian Signory shall within a while after send an Ambassage to the Pope That the Duke by a declaration shall certifie the Clergy of his State that the first declaration is reuoked That the three Decrees mentioned in the Popes interdiction and other lawes of the Signory shall continue in their full force and power with this prouiso that the Senate shall promise the French and Catholike Kings not to execute them before the businesse be fully ended betwixt his Holinesse and the State of Venice hauing first better and more amply informed the Pope of the iustice and equity of those lawes And lastly that all Churchmen and Religious orders which are banished and expulsed from Venice or the iurisdiction thereof by reason of these troubles may returne home to their houses and couents But concerning the returne of the Iesuits his Holinesse is content to deferre it till an Ambassador from the Signory haue treated particularly with him concerning that point certifying him that their expulsion proceeds from certaine causes and reasons which haue no community with the interdiction and if it shall be found otherwise then as easily to admit the restauration of the Iesuits as that of other Clergy men Now Cardinall Ioyeuse departed from Rome with commission and Articles and arriued at Venice where hee was honorably receiued and entertained many Senators going to meet him in the Bucentaure Then the next day beeing the twentith of Aprill one of the States Secretaries accompanied with the captaine and other officers of the prison and for greater solemnity with a publike Notary brought the two prisoners to the house of the Sieur de Fresne Ambassador to the French King and deliuered them to him as granted to the Pope at the intreaty of the King his Master without preiudice to the States iurisdiction in such like cases and the French Ambassador did presently consigne them into the hands of the Cardinall Ioyeuse who was in the same house in the presence of the Secretary with these words These are the prisoners which the Signory hath granted to his Holinesse not adding at whose entreaty and so the Cardinall receiued them as the Popes prisoners wherevnto the Secretary at that time made no reply In this manner by this omission on the one part and silence on the other it seemeth that some doubt not well vnderstood remayned betwixt the Pope and Signory which neuerthelesse holds it honor preserued by the forme of the consignation inregestred by a publike Notary and the Cardinall supposeth that the Pope ought to rest satisfied with the words of the Sieur de Fresne or rather with his casuall or voluntary omission Then the next morning which was the day appointed by the Senate the Cardinall comming to the Colledge after some circumstances of the Popes fatherly goodnesse did assure them that the censures were reuoked hauing giuen them his blessing went to celebrate masse in the Patriarkes Church The Dukes first declaration was likewise reuoked in this manner Leonardo Donato by the grace of God Duke of Venice c. To the reuerend Patriarkes Archbishops and Bishops of our State and iurisdiction of Venice and to the Vickars Abbots Priors Rectors of parrish Churches and all other Ecclesiasticall Prelats greeting Seeing it hath pleased our good God to finde out a way whereby our holy Father Pope Paul the fifth hath beene daylie informed as well of our good meaning as integrity of our actions and continuall honour and reuerence which wee beare to the Sea of Rome and thereby to take away all cause of strife Wee as wee haue euer desired and procured vnity and good correspondence with the said Sea of which wee are louing and obedient children receiue likewise this contentation to haue at last obtained the accomplishment of our holy desire Therefore we thought good by our declaration to aduertise you hereof giuing you besides to vnderstand that whatsoeuer did belong herevnto hauing beene faithfully performed on both parts and the censures and interdiction remoued the protestation likewise which we made against them hath beene and is reuoked we being desirous that herein and in all other our actions the piety and religion of our State may still more and more appeare the which we will carefully obserue as our Predeoessors haue euer done Giuen in our Ducall pallace the one and twentith of Aprill 1607. signed Marco Ottoboâ⦠Secretary The Duke hauing published this declaration and by deliuery of the prisoners satisfied for his part the conditions mentioned in the accord the Senate was perplexâ⦠with a doubt of no meane consequence which was that the Pope for his part hauing made no mention at all concerning bookes and writings published in
enemie Ordelapho knowing that in such dangerous businesses speed was to be vsed passed into Dalmatia with a greater Armie than before and ouertaking the enemie before the walles of Zara drew him forthwith to battaile At the beginning they fought furiously on either side fortune enclining to neither part vntill that Ordelapho encouraging his Soldiours and thrusting himselfe into the formost rankes fighting hand to hand with the enemie was stricken with a dart of which wound he sodainely dyed The Venetians being amazed at their Princes death did for a time sustaine the enemies forces but beeing disordered they fell to flight diuers were slaine in the fight and many taken prisoners The report of this losse brought great heauinesse to the Citie The common people thought that their Prince being dead and their Armie defeated there was no more hope for them to be able to keepe the Prouince Therefore they resolued to send Ambassadours to the king of Hungarie to obtaine a peace if it might be or else truce for a certaine time Vitalis Phaledrio Vrso Iustiniano and Marini Morosino the Secretarie were sent thither who obtained truce of the king for fiue yeares Ordelapho's bodie beeing brought to Venice was honorably buried in Saint Markes Church who fighting valiantly for his Countrie was slaine in the nineteenth yeare of his Principalitie Dominico Michaeli was chosen in his sted ¶ DOMINICO MICHAELI the 35. Duke of Venice BAldwin the second of that name sent to this Prince for aide For the affaires of the Christians in Syria were brought to such a passe that they spake no more of making themselues greater but only how to keepe that which they had gotten For albeit in the two first yeares of his raigne he had obtained certaine victories of the enemie yet there was some likelihood that they daily waxing stronger as indeede they did they should hardly be able to keepe those places which they held in Syria without fresh supplies He requested the Venetians by his Ambassadours to passe with a mightie fleete into Asia and the more easily to obtaine it his Ambassadours in his name promised a verie great recompence But Baldwin expecting supplies from Italie being taken prisoner by Dalochus king of the Parthians with whom hee had fought was carried away captiue to Cayro Then those that remained in Ierusalem did speedily certifie Pope Calixus of the state of the affaires of Syria assuring him that if they were not forth with succoured with supplies from Italie and Europe that their dominion in Asia would not only be soone brought to nothing but the name of Christians would be extinct and all reduced vnder the power of the Turkes The Pope being moued by this great danger began forthwith to examine which were the chiefest forces of Italie and found that there were none but the Venetians which were able in those miserable times to preserue the affaires and state of the Christians in Syria Therefore he sent his Nuncio to entreate Prince Dominico speedily to passe into Asia with a mightie fleete to aid the Christians The people then being called before the Assemblie after due Praiers made vnto God the Patriarch of the Citie by the Princes commaundement spake to them after this manner The Oration of the Patriarch of Grada to the people of Venice I Thinke ô people of Venice that you are not ignorant what our owne forces in part and partly those of the rest of Europe haue done these precedent yeares for the recouerie of Palestine which ye call the holie Land For this is the six and twentith yeare if I mistake not since that great voiage which so manie Christian Princes taking the badge of the crosse vpon them vndertooke for the same purpose into Asia where by the Diuine bountie and their valour all that which stretcheth from Bythinia euen to Syria was in a short space taken by force out of the hands of the cruell enemie And our people likewise after they had taken Smyrna in Ionia and executed manie martiall exploits all along the Sea-coasts of Syria did not only purchase great commendation but had their share in the Cities that were taken The which if we well obserue ye shall finde that they laid a sure foundation at that instant whereon to enlarge in time to come your Dominion in Syria But it hath hapned in a short time that by the decease of Godfrey Baldwin and Beamond with other excellent Captaines who died according to the necessitie of nature our affaires in Syria haue been so altred as in sted of their woonted prosperous successe they are on a sodaine fallen to the ground and doe daily wex weake so as being more and more exposed to the violent assaults of the enemies wee haue left vs small hope of abilitie to defend that Prouince The which Baldwin the second fearing did not long since send his Ambassadours vnto vs to entreate vs with great promises to prepare forthwith a mightie Armie and therewith to passe speedily into Asia The intreaties of so great a person did mooue vs. But beeing at the point to open the matter vnto you and deuising meanes how to prouide such an Armie we haue with great terrour receiued newes how Baldwin is taken by Dalochus king of the Parthians and carried prisoner to Cayro Whereupon Varimond Bishop of Ierusalem ô yee Christian people being amazed with all those which lie in garrison in the Citie haue speedily sent for aide and succour to Pope Calixtus saying that vnlesse they be speedily releiued themselues with whatsoeuer they possesse in that Prouince are in danger to be lost The Pope being troubled with these newes hath thought the Venetians alone to be worthie of such an enterprise He hath written to your Prince and to you yee people of Venice whom hee intreateth exhorteth and adiureth not to abandon Christian Religion in so great a daunger Wherewith your Princes pleasure is you should be acquainted to the end ye might will and command a great Armie to be prouided for that purpose whereunto pittie alone and the affection which we beare to the Apostolike Seâ⦠and to all Christians in generall should not onely prouoke vs which hauing receiued from our Ancestors as here ditarie we ought to preserue and increase with all our power but likewise the desire which wee haue to enlarge the bounds of our Dominions Who is it but seeth that it will cheefely be an holy and iust warre the which wee ought principally to consider in all things and secondarily highly worthie of the charitie and Religion for which ye are are euerywhere famous to defend by Armes and to preserue from the enemies wrong this land where Christ our king was borne did hide himselfe wept was betraied taken and crucified and his most holie bodie laid in the graue and who according as holie Writ doth witnesse to vs shall come the soueraigne Iudge one daie to enquire of the deedes of all mankind What Churches what monasteries what Altars doe yee
vnfold The Roman Empire saith shee shall bee translated to Constantinople which came to passe in the time of the Emperour Constantine and Grecia shal liue peaceablie in all delights vntill the Emperour Emanuel his time who liued three score yeares Andronicus whom Sybilla calleth a Beare after hee hath slaine his children shall vsurpe the Empire Isack sonne to Emanuel of whom none account was made shall put Andronicus to death Alexis shall take his brother Isack by treason who wore a long beard after the Greekish manner and hauing put out both his eyes shall thrust him into a darke Prison into which likewise some say that young Alexis sonne to Isack was put from whence escaping afterwards hee came for succour to the Venetians That the Venetians at that time ioyned with the French shall passe into Greece vnder the conduct of Prince Dandulo who by the enuie of Emanuel had almost lost his sight as hath beene said and that Constantinople being taken by them the honour of the Empire shall bee taken from the Greekes For in the space of sixtie three yeares and nine moneths there shall bee in Constantinople neither Emperour nor Patriarch of the Greeke Nation whereupon Sybilla if this Oracle be hers calleth the one a Cocke and the other a Goate This is that which shee hath said ¶ PIETRO CYANI the 42. Duke of Venice PIetro Cyani sonne to Duke Sebastiano succeeded Dandulo was Earle of Arba when he was created The Venetians in the mean time who were at Constantinople because they would not bee without a Magistrate did create a Pretor to gouerne them which creation neuerthelesse was not to bee in force till it were confirmed and allowed by the Prince and Senate at Venice The first who executed this new Magistracie in Constantinople was as it is reported Marini Zeno. Ambassadours were sent to Constantinople to the Emperour Henrie to renew the league Boniface of Montferrat on the other side hauing conquered Thessalie was called King thereof according to the Emperour Baldwin his decree But whilst these things were done in Greece the Venetians after the creation of Cyani to the end they might with more ease ioine all the places of the Greeke Empire to their State which were fallen vnto them by the agreement made with the French and the other confederates they published an Edict That all the Citizens of Venice or their allies who could at their owne charges seize on the Islandes of the Aegean and Ionian Seas and of other places neere thereunto depending in time past on the Greeke Empire reseruing certaine Islandes mentioned in the decree which they were expresly forbidden to attempt should claime them for their own as lawfully purchased by right of Armes Although at the first this may seeme not verie commodious for the Common-wealth Yet considering it more neerely it was necessarie to be so as well for that the Citie was at the same time busied about the affaires of Greece as in respect of the great numbers of Pirats who were so increased whilst the Venetians were imploied in the Thracian wars as there needed a mightie fleete to represse their incursions And therefore there was no possibilitie with any safetie to seuer the forces of the Common-wealth in so many places at once It was then thought most conuenient that the wealthiest of them should set forth one or more Gallies a peece or other ships of warre for the same purpose The which they presumed diuers would doe for the hope of the proposed gaine and that thereby it might come to passe that the Common-wealth hauing afterwards neede of those ships of war set forth at the charges of particular men might make vse of them by vertue of her owne authoritie in such cases Besides euerie one was bound to keepe at his owne Costes the places which should be possessed which the Common-wealth could not doe without great expence and to carrie thither their wiues and children with all their wealth And by this meanes as by Colonies sent from the Citie the whole should bee subiect to the Venetians obedience But howsoeuer they had respect either to the one or other of the fore-nam'd occasions it is certain that diuers particular persons did take Armes for this purpose And to the same purpose before any of the rest the publike fleete of one and thirtie Gallies sailed into the maine conducted as some say by Rayniero Dandulo and Rugiero Permarin and others changing both the names make mention of none but Raynierâ⦠Permarin All Annalists almost and other authors likewise doe set downe the atchieuements of particular persons before those of the publik State as though it were likelie that priuate persons durst haue attempted any thing on the Islandes before that the Seas were freed from Pirats with whom the commonwealths Gallies were enforced to fight at the verie entrie almost of the Adriaticke Gulph And because the continuall course of this businesse doth so require it wee will first of all set downe that which was performed by the generall Armie They were scarce out of the Gulph when they met with Leo Vetrano the Genouese one of the most famous Pirats of those daies with nine Gallies who being assailed by the Venetians was easily broken taken and brought to Corfu whither the fleet sailed where he was hanged After the recouerie of which Island the Venetians sailed towards Modona first then to Corona the two receptacles of theeues and Pirats which they ruined They are two Cities of Pelloponessus at this day called Morea The one lies betweene Coriphasium and the mount Acrita and the other on the Sea of Messina Neere those places the Ambassadors of Achaya and Athens came to the Generalls of the Armie promising to yeeld themselues to the Venetians but it is reported that their rash resolution was interrupted by a Captaine named Mega who the same time possessed those places I thinke that these places were held by him by others at such time as the Venetians were busied in the wars of Constantinople At which time all the Islands and Sea-townes of the Aegean and Ionian Seas were exposed for a prey to as manie as could winne them the Empire beeing then verie much declined Albeit I wil not denie but that he might be before then appointed Gouernour there by those who did command Greece The passage of the Sea being in this sort opened all men hasted to these Islands as to an assured bootie Marco Dandulo and Giacomo Viadre being ioined together seized on Callipolis Marco Sanuto accompanied with diuers Citizens who were at the Islands Cyclades made himselfe master of Naxos Paros Molos Herma and Andros Raban Carcerio with his nephewes tooke Euboea called at this day Nigrepont and Euripa neere adioining Andrea and Henrico de Glassââ¦s seized on Tenos Micon which the Modernes haue called Micolla Sââ¦hyros Philocolion called in times past Philocandea with Staliminium which is named Lemnos In this meane time Henrie
to defend that place with all his forces The Genoueses failed not but came with great shoutes and assailed the Citie which being manfully defended by the Venetian all their attempts poued vaine who beeing repulsed from Nigrepont went and tooke the Citie of Philotea by force But whilst these exploites were done about Nigrepont a Gallie of Genoa left the Fleet and went before to discouer who meeting with a Venetian Gallie which was commanded by Giouanni Moro or Memo as some say assailed one another but the Venetian was ouercome by whom the Genoueses vnderstood that the Venetian and Arragonois forces were not far from thence whereupon returning with speed toward Nigrepont they aduertized their Countrimen That two nauall Armies ioined together were at Morea the one of Venetians and the other of Arragonois that they were already vnder saile to come meet them or else that they would be with them very shortly Pagano the Generall of the Genoueses Armie beeing troubled with these news left Nigrepont and speedily sailed with all his forces to Pera. It is reported that before his departure thence hee reuewed his Armie found fifteene hundred men to be wanting who for the most part had beene slaine before Nigrepont Pisani being freed from the siege came as hath beene said to Modon where after he had conferred with Pancratio Iustiniano with Ponce Generall to the king of Arragon concerning the state of the war giuen order that all things necessarie for their iournie should be in readinesse they came to Nigrepont And from thence after they had fortified the Citie with men and victuals they sailed towards Constantinople But being yet on the Aegean sea by reason of the violeÌce of the wind for it was in the middest of winter they were constrained to remaine for a time in the same place where the winde had staied them But victuailes beginning to wax scarce they returned toward Candie from whence fortie dayes after about the beginning of the spring being furnished with victuailes and other necessarie munitions they sailed against the enemie The Venetian Historians say That the two Armies passed on to Constantinople without any tempest that being there ioyned with the Greekes forces they went furiously against the enemie that there was a bloudie fight neere to Pera and that they departed one from another with equall vantage But in this they haue verie negligently I say not licentiously spoken against the Venetians reputation For the most credible Authors affirme that the issue of this battaile was verie different saying That they fought neere to the Bosphorus of Thrace which is a streight three miles distant from Constantinople hauing Europe on the one side and Asia on the other looking one vpon another by reason of their neighbour shoares so as they may be perceiued to haue beene in times past but one Land being diuided by an earth-quake which made a verie streight passage to the Sea So Plato thought That Atlas hauing cut through Calpe opened the passage of the Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea Now at the mouth of this streight which in regard of the narrow space therof that Oxen doe easily passe ouer is called Bosphorus surnamed of Thrace by the name of the Prouince which lieth on the one side thereof the Genoueses so soone as they had intelligence of the enemies comming who were newly departed from Gallipolis did of purpose plant themselues fearing if they should fight on the maine Sea and at one time with three great Fleets they should be enforced to fight in around forme therefore they thought it safest for them to receiue the Venetians and Spaniards in front at the entrie of a streight where it was impossible for so many shippes to fight altogether in front and the Greekes Armie on their sides whose forces they hoped to sustaine with more ease and abilitie if on their first approach they could but put them to flight as it afterward hapned For the Greek Armie consisting of forty Gallies so soone as the fight beganne at the verie first shock of the enemie basely gaue place and in a maze returned home The Genoueses being quit from them turned all their forces vpon the Venetians and Arragonois who fought in the front They fought there according to all mens sayings verie fiercely for two hours space it was not discerned vnto which side fortune inclined But at Sunne-set the winde arose which greatly troubled the Genoueses who notwithstanding would not giue ouer but fought more couragiously and for all it was night they would not leaue the battaile choosing rather to dye than to giue place The Venetians on the other side being mindefull of their reputation were ashamed that they had not at the first ouercome them being the stronger in shippes For besides fortie Gallies of their owne the Arragonois had thirtie Other Authors neuerthelesse speake not of so many but say That diuers Gallies being carried away by force of the winde could not come to fight Now this bloudie conflict lasted all night euen till day The night made the dangers of the fight more terrible There was nothing to be heard but groanes and pittifull cries clashing together of Gallies and clattering of armour and both the shoares ecchoed with the horrible noyse All that darke night as hath beene said and that which is most to bee admired in winter the fight continued It is thought that in the darke the Genoueses ranne vpon their owne fellowes the Venetians on Venetians and the Arragonois on their owne countri-men But when it was daie the Sea being dyed red with bloud of the dead bodies made manifest how bloudie that night-encounter had beene on either side The channell of Nigre-pont was couered with bloudie carcases with the furniture of suncke Gallies and with a great quantitie of arrowes and dartes and with diuers abandoned Gallies which hulled vp and downe without Souldiours or conductors At the last Ponce Generall of the Arragonois being slaine and they by reason thereof being retired the Venetians likewise because they were able to doe no more quitted the place to the Genoueses The enemie likewise being satisfied that they had giuen him place reputing it for great honour and imputing the victorie to himselfe did in like manner with his people retire to his Campe. In this battaile were slaine Stephano Contareni Procurator of Saint Marke Giouanni Steno Benedicto Bembo and Pancratio Admirall of the Gulphe dyed within few daies after of his hurtes The Venetian Annalists affirme That the one halfe onely of the Venetian Fleet fought at this battaile which makes mee think that the streightnesse of the place was the cause thereof and that therefore the Genoueses would not stirre from thence It seemes likewise the victorie was as bloudie to him for the Venetian afterward challenging him to fight he durst not accept it Giouanni Delfino who was present at this battaile according to some Authors reported at Venice That the Venetians in this fight
were appointed for the guard of the Island wherein Antonio Veniero went for Gouernour of the Isle and with him two Prouidatori Giouanni Gradonico and Pietro Cornari Whilest the Island was mand with this Garrison the Genoueses came on a sodain with eleuen Gallies and seized not in their owne name but in that of Andronicus on the Isle of Lemnos which the Venetians had taken from the Greekes so soone as they vnderstood how the Emperour had wronged their countrie-men Afterwards hauing made readie three and twentie Gallies neere to Pera and with them two shippes of burthen they departed from Constantinople and landed in the Isle of Tenedos Andronicus was there in person by whose commandement the Genoueses would seeme to doe all Carolo Zeni was at the same time Gouernour there a diligent and couragious person for Veniero was not yet come thither and I thinke Donato Troni was alreadie departed from thence this man did not alone with great courage defend the walls but made a sally with certaine choise troupes and disordered the enemies whom hee did beate backe to their shippes with great slaughter in such sort as Andronicus hauing lost all his peeces of batterie was enforced to dislodge to his great shame It was thought that the Genoueses beeing desirous to ruinate the Venetians power not being able of themselues to do it did ally themselues with Lewis King of Hungarie Francisco Carrario and the Bishop of Aquileia The Senate perceiuing that both in apparence and deed the warre was prepared against them prouided an Armie of twentie Gallies the which was committed to Victor Pisani with all authoritie at Sea and gaue him Panthaleon Barba and Lodouico Loretano for Prouidatori Foureteene of these Gallies being armed at Venice and the rest in Candie departed from Venice the foure and twentith of Aprill But Victor was commanded not to atempt any hostile act against the Genoueses vntill such time as warre should be denounced It is said that Nicoleto a Citizen of Chioggia one of the Secretaries of the Senate was sent to Genoa for this purpose The nauall Armie leauing the Gulphe and hauing coasted Sicilie sailed directly towards Genoa in which voiage it tooke in few daies diuers of the enemies shipps and hauing soone after scoured the lower Sea Lodouico Fiesca of Genoa to reuenge this shame went to Sea with ten armed Gallies with an intent to fight with the Venetian Victor was at the same time at Ancia a Sea-towne of Italy who hauing notice of the enemies comming did sodainely embattaile his Armie commanding his Souldiours to bee in readinesse and at the first sound of the Trompet to arme themselues at the second all Souldiours and Marriners to keepe their ranckes and at the third furiously to set forewardes towards the enemie The Genoueses were alreadie insight when the Venetian because hee would fight on the maine aduanced towards them They had scarce begunne the fight when as on a sodaine a terrible tempest arose with great showers of raine which did in a moment so trouble them as nine Gallies of either Armie the residue being constrained to retire did fight not with arrows shot for they did not shoot any in this sodaine stirre but with the sword and push of pike The battaile notwithstanding the foule weather wherein the Seas and Heauen seemed to fight together lasted two long houres At the last the Genoueses giuing backe foure of their Gallies escaping forth of the throng the residue were taken with Lodouico their Generall one of which dashing vpon the neighbour shoares fell into the enemies power Eighteene Gentlemen of Genoa were taken and more than eight hundred Souldiours and Sailers with six-hundred slaine The victorie was likewise verie bloudie to the Venetians hauing lost diuers of the troupes which fought and more were hurt of the prisoners Zacharia Gisio Fiesca and the other Gentlemen with the moytie of the prisoners were sent to Venice and the residue Victor carried with him to Candie But beeing come vnto Morea neere to Modon hee met with the six Gallies which as wee said were sent to Candie to be armed and ioyning them with his owne he sailed to the Island From whence departing soone after to inââ¦rap ten Genoa Gallies which had remained all the precedent winter at Constantinople and being come as farre as Nigrepont hee had notice that the enemies Gallies were passed alreadie and almost at Genoa whereupon he returned and did for a while make after them who by their diligent speed were gotten into a place of safetie Whilest these things were done at Sea Prince Carrario as well in his owne name as in that of King Lewis had begunne the warre with the Venetians saying that he did nothing contrarie to his oath nor to the Law of Nations in taking armes against the Venetians because he was whether he would or no to obey King Lewis vnder whose protection he was The Bishop of Aquilea did likewise denounce war against them Thus at one time did diuers arise thinking to ouerthrow the power and State of the Venetians who had no succour nor allies but Bernabo Visconte and Petrino King of Cyprus to beare off so manie stormes and assaults of the enemies and yet the King of Cyprus aide did neuer stand them in any steed but that of Bernabo did auaile them which did spoile and scowre the Sea of Genoa The Venetians neuerthelesse so long as the warre continued did alone defend themselues with their own forces without the helpe of any other the which was scarce credible at the beginning Now at one time the Paduans on the one side and the Forlani on the other entring the Treuisan filled all the Countrie with feare and spoile Gerardo Caminensis who was thought to be a friend to the Venetians by reason that he had married the daughter of Pantaleon Barba at the first beginning of the warre left them and went to the enemies hauing first taken the Motte from his brother Richardo This was done on the Venetians territories whilest the Lords of Carretta assisted by the forces of Bernabo and the Venetians tooke certaine townes from the Genoueses The enemies in the meane time were not idle for they surprised Famagosta the goodliest Citie of the Kingdome of Cyprus Historians say that the occasion of the taking thereof was that young Petrino sonne to King Petro being slaine a litle before by the conspiracie of his owne subiects hauing inuited to the feasts and solemnities of his coronation all strangers with those of the Island the Venetians and the Genoueses trafficking in the Island which were verie many came thither likewise It hapned that these two Nations in the middest of the banquet did by their ancient hatred and iealouzie fall to words which diuers thinke that the Genoueses did first minister who did disdaine that the King should more esteeme the Venetians than them They drew their weapons in the middest of the Royall Palace and the
vp against themselues the Armies of that inuincible nation But wherefore doe we seeke ancient or forraine examples when we haue in abundance so many new and domestick There is none of vs as I thinke which hath not seene or heard of their Fathers and Mothers how vehement an enemie to this Citie Prince Carrario shewed himselfe during the Warre with the Genoueses first at Chioggia and then at Treuiso What did King Lewis what did many others who haue not ceased to disturbe the peace and quiet of your state And we likewise haue euer without intermission had an hereditarie Warre with the Viscontes euer since the Principalitie of Luchin And to speake truly it is commonly seene that those who haue vsurped other mens libertie doe hate those vnto whome they cannot doe as much I esteeme your Common-wealth most happie and your selues O yee Venetian Fathers in that yee haue extinguished the Carrarians race your capitall enemies before such time as this rauening Lyon with whom we haue to doe was growne great For if he had now found them liuing he would not haue beene satisfied with assailing you only on the Lakes of Bebia as they did but comming both by Land and Water he would not only haue endangered your state but your libertie it selfe whereupon I thinke that it fell out well for vs that day that you smothered that neighbour flame vnlesse the great assurance which you haue conceiued by that victorie doth hinder you from thinking on the danger which threatneth you from this cruell Tyrant He is your enemie beleeue me he is your enemie and lieth in wait on euery side and therefore so much the more dangerous as he is yet least knowne and there is nothing so difficult which he presumeth not to atchieue by his good fortune or dareth not to attempt For hauing with seuen thousand men assailed our forces who were then excellent in Armes meanes and good fortune and sometimes twise or thrise greater than his hee hath neuerthelesse broken and defeated them sooner than we thought that he had descried them He hath no ãâã according to the Poets fictions or cruell Centaures in his Armie They be men like ours but much more hardie and valiant vnto whom he hath giuen in marriage the Daughters and Wiues of wretched Citizens with their Houses Lands and Possessions Wherevnto doe you ãâã thinke that their haughtie courages will not aspire Is it likely that they thinke or desire any other matter than after that they shall haue ouerthrowne our forces how they may one day assaile the Venetians more mightie than wee in reputation and power so greatly hath their good successe encreased their boldnesse Let vs then finde meanes to ouerthrow their wicked Councells and detestable vowes to expell their Wiues and Children with their Gouernours of Cities Fields and Townes from the confines of Lombardie and to enforce them to busie themselues about their owne domestick affaires or else to take forraine pay I am afraide most excellent Prince to speake what I thinke yet I will tell it seeing that necessitie enforceth me thereunto That vnlesse yee speedily ioyne your forces with ours Florence being subdued will bring Philip to that passe that without the aide of any else he will come to disturbe and beate downe the Venetians State But say yee the Venetians are accustomed to maintaine their alliances as sacred and inuiolate I beseech God most excellent Prince and yee conscript Fathers that those vnto whom he hath giuen so good a minde to obserue their promise may likewise know the cunning and deceits of those with whome they are to deale and being knowne to auoide them by speedie wisedome I thinke yee remember with what subtiltie and craft he deceiued you when as he expelled Pandolfo Malateste from his State and from that of his Mother whome yee so much desired to maintaine in the Principalitie of Brescia Yee haue heard how by deceit and contrarie to the agreement hee hath suppressed the Soueraigne Magistrate of Genoa and brought that mightie Citie into bondage Yee are not ignorant likewise how contrarie to the assurance of peace infringing all lawes and customes he hath ouerthrowne vs by a sodaine and vnlookt-for assault who is it then which doth not plainly see how often he hath broken all Diuine and Humane lawes It is not lawfull to keepe promise with a periured person But your silence doth make me alreadie in a manner to beleeue that yee doe sufficiently know that I doe not so much craue by this mine aduertizement the safetie of our Common-wealth as your prosperitie good fortune and preseruation the which this perfidious craftie and well aduised great Souldier no lesse audacious than readie doth daily lay wait for trusting to the fidelitie of his Souldiers to the treasure which he hath gathered together and to the great yearely tribute which he receiueth deferring to make Warre on you till he hath wholly ruined vs. But doe not contemne our alliance although we seeme to be reduced to all extremitie For albeit we haue without measure spent great wealth we haue yet greater though not publike yet particular the which we are readie franckly to employ for the preseruation of our libertie Ioyne then your armes ioyne your forces with ours and by wholesome Counsell and Sacred alliance conserue both our Liberties Common-wealths and Countries And as concerning the meanes how to accomplish it we prescribe no conditions but are readie to embrace such as yee shall propound Lorenzo hauing ended his speech all the Senators were greatly moued not one against an other but in themselues being of sundrie opinions each of them debating with himselfe the power of Philip on the one side with the Common-wealths danger and on the other the Florentines example with the great expence of the warre Whereupon they concluded to heare the Ambassadours of Philip before they would giue an answere And to the end they might make an easie reply to that which Lorenzo had vttered certaine Senators were commanded to relate to the Milanois vnder colour of particular friendship that which he had spoken Wherevpon a day being appointed for their comming to the Senate Gioââ¦anni Aretin famous for humane learning and eloquent in the Countrie language with the consent of his fellow spake in this manner The Oration of Giouanni Aretin I Vnderstand most Illustrious Prince that the Florentines who are great enquirers after newes are desirous ouer the whole Citie to know wherefore and vpon what occasion Philip Duke of Milan hath sent vs hither to you and to this most Sacred Senate whome in some sort to satisfie I will in few words vtter the effect of our Ambassade and I assure my selfe that when they shall vnderstand it it will not greatly content them We are not then come hither conscript Fathers to stirre vp any troubles nor for to ouer-turne any Diuine or Humane Law Philip leaueth those cunnings to the Florentines vnto whom by nature they belong For he thinketh on nothing more
than carefully to obserue the precepts and documents which he hath receiued from his Ancestors and how to reuerence by all good meanes and offices your friendship confederacie and good will And seing that by the diuine bountie it is come to passe that it is not needful in such a bond of friendship to renew any treatie of peace or alliance betwixt you and him the Florentines must giue place and with their good leaue if they please to permit Philip according to his owne manner and that of his Ancestors to salute you most excellent Prince and all these well-beloued Senators by his Ambassadours together with the whole Citie Let it be lawfull for vs to say that Philip liueth not but for the good of the Common-wealth that the Duke of Milan an inward friend to the Venetians liues not but to preserue their dignitie and greatnesse who for the great loue he beares them and in regard of the sound alliance and contract betwixt you two and in respect of the correspondence of all fortunate and happie euents that he hath with you giues yee to vnderstand that his enemies the Florentines are ouerthrowne vndone who by euill counsell would with a shameles boldnesse haue ouer-whelmed him if hee had not diligently preuented it in a most dangerous warr This is most wise Fathers this is the chiefe end of our Ambassade This is the cause why Philip hath commanded vs to come hither Moreouer because we haue vnderstood that these men goe about with an affected speech wherewith they naturally helpe themselues and with teares and sighs say not onely in the Senate but likewise in the streets and publicke places of the Citie that they are not the cause of the warre for which they are at this day so badly delt with that Philip did beginne it he willingly referreth the whole matter to your iudgement being resolued to embrace such conditions as ye shall propound Let the Florentines if ye please come into this place and excuse themselues but let them not inuent vnheard of falsities whereby they endeuour to animate against all right and alliance your Authoritie constancie against Philip. Ye must say they beware of him if his power doe encrease For all Kings Princes and Tyrants doe enuie and are enemies to Common-wealths and doe abhorre that name They alleadge Philip of Macedon Mithridates and Antiochus I would he had remembred Porsenna who by a so daine warre did in a manner smother the Romans libertie at her first birth But he did of purpose forget it as I thinke because he would not haue it knowne that Tuscanie hath in times past brought forth any who hath attempted on other mens libertie But if they take such delight in Histories why doe they not rather alleadge Hieron Massinissa the Ptolomies and Attalus who were trustie friendâ⦠to the Romans King Lewis was a capitall enemie to the Venetians so were the Carrarians but the Viscontes for a hundred yeares space that they haue enioyed their excellent State were neuer enemies but alwaies friends and allies to the Venetians The Tuscan hath not knowne this nay rather knowing it he hath like a subtill and cunning Orator of purpose concealed it Let him produce but one onely example of this family which doth so much affect you he cannot doe it and therefore it is sufficient to ouerthrow his vntruethes fables and slanders And not to speake of his Ancestors so farre off were the Venetians from euer suspecting the forces of Galeas father to this Philip which vndoubtedly were verie great as on the contrarie he did not let to ioyne his Armes with their forces the better to helpe to increase theirs As it fellout at such time as being your allie he tooke Verona Vincenza Padua and last of all Treuiso Yee haue seene this my Lords to the end that no man may reprooue me of false-hood or you may haue heard it of your fathers who were there present But the Viscontes haue euer beene enemies to the Florentines and haue still from father to sonne euen ãâã now made warre vpon them Doe you not thinke that they had iust cause so to doe Were they not by wrongs prouoked to take Armes For to speake of the occasion of this present warre by which they say they are greatly molested They complaine of the taking of For li contrarie to the Contract as if wee had neuer heard of this fable till now Philip hath giuen you all authoritie together with Prince D'Aeste to enquire this matter Why doe they not rather tell vpon what cause against all right they did succour the Genoueses with a great summe of money whilest Philip besieged them why did they attempt to shut vp all passages to the Armie of Philip which went to succour Pope Martin what mooued them to passe their bounds on the confines of the Riuer Migra why did they seize on Liuorne and would not giue audience to the Commissioners of Philip till they had head-long throwne him vnto the hazard of an open warre These are the causes which haue now mooued Philip to vndertake this warre The ãâã cause likewise had the Viscontes in times past They can impute it to nothing but to their owne manner of life their pride and couetuousnesse Let them cease then before you to blame our Prince a friend to peace and quietnesse and one that is stuffed with all bountie and liberalitie But we are satisfied being prouoked thereunto that we haue answered this little for much more which might be said which is so true as they themselues albeit they are vaine lyers dare not affirme the contrarie As for the rest we haue alreadie said and will againe say that Philip is readie and resolued to referre the whole matter to your iudgement wisedome and equitie We are come hither to this purpose and not as the Tuscan presumeth to renew the alliance which hath not yet beene violated by you nor by vs euer shall So soone as Aretine had made an end of speaking the Ambassadours were put forth of the Senate And then the Senators opinions were diuers Some cried out that Philip was to be preuented and warre to be denounced against him who drawing forth the matter in length durst not assaile them till he had vanquished the Florentines Others said it behooued them to beware least they vndertooke such a matter inconsideratly and that it was verie easie for any man to beginne warre but verie hard to end it Vpon this diuersitie of opinions they decreed to call Carmagnolla into the Senate and to heare him This man after his arriuall at Treuiso was euer highly extolled both in publick priuate by Prince Foscari and all his adherents publishing his great renowne and experience in martiall matters with his long and faithfull seruice to Philip a most vnthankefull Prince They affirmed that without all doubt vnder the conduct of such a man who knew Philips forces and was well acquainted with all his designes yea with his most inward
beiââ¦g come to certaine Farmes within a mile of the cittie the souldiers being desirous of bootie did without any commaundement fall to pillaging those country houses Whilest these were busied in spoyling and expected nothing lesse than the enemies arriuall three hundred Turkish horse did with great cries inuiron and assaile them who were all slaine there hauing no meanes of defence or escape Barbadico riding vpon a Mule and comming by chance to that place where the enemies made great slaughter was beaten downe among a number of thicke bushes and there trodden to death vnder the horses feete His body beeing afterwards knowne by his Coate-armour and Signet was carried to the Castle of Patras and impaled vpon the highest tower thereof and of so great a number one thousand onely escaped Ragio being taken by the enemies was impaled aliue Capel for all this was not discouraged supposing it to haue happened rather by the carelesnesse of his owne souldiers than by the enemies valour and prowesse Therefore eight dayes after he sent the brauest men of his troupes together with the Ensignes to assaile the Cittie Vincimanica the Sicillian who commaunded the nauall Armie as Vice-admirall with Dominicke the Blacke and other valiant men that followed the Ensignes went and displayed them before the cittie The enemies did not refuse the fight but making a furious salley came couragiously vpon the Christians There was a cruell fight for some houres space at the last fortune inclining to neither side the Venetian resolued to send threescore horse of the remainder of those which were Ragios downe the hill which was on the one side to charge the enemie in flanke and thereby to make him retire and abandon his standing but they were not gone farre ere they discouered the Turkes comming forward for the same purpose at the sight of whom Ragios horse betooke themselues to flight and fell in among the troupes of the Islanders There a great slaughter of men and horses was presently made The Turkes in the meane time arriued who did cut the disordered squadrons in peeces And this losse would haue proued farre greater than the former had not a great dust risen vp into the aire like to a black clould which tooke away the sight both of Turkes and Christians A thousand Christians lay dead vpon the place and the rest with the ensignes escaped to the vesels Capello being daunted with these two ouerthrowes went to Xant from thence to Modon and within a while after to Nigrepont where he remained sixe whole moneths without any memorable exploit After the ouerthrow at Patras he was neuer seene to smile though Giouanni Diede the States Secretarie with diuers others of his familiar friends told him that it hapened not through his default At the last being wasted with griefe and melancholie eight monethes after the battaile of Patras he died at Nigrepont Giacomo Venieri after his death commanded the Armie vntill that Giacomo Lauretano sent by the Senate to succeed the late Capello arriued in the Prouince This man for the space of sixteene monethes that he was Generall of the Armie did brauely defend all the Islands and Sea-coasts from the enemies assaults and incursions About the same time likewise or soone after or rather a little before Lauretans departure to the Armie although the Venetians were in some sort quiet in Italie the cause neuerthelesse is not knowne why Bartholomeo of Bergamo a great Captaine in his time did by his sodaine incursions into Romagnia in a manner trouble and entangle them in a new warre This man departed from Lombardie with great troupes of horse and foot at the pursuit of Angelo Accaiuola and Nicolao Soderino that were banished from Florence vpon hope that they gaue him of good successe in Tuscanie by meanes of a popular commotion this was the common rumour But others supposed that he departed in Armes from Lombardie at the soliciting of Pope Paul to the end that bringing his troupes through Romagnia and La Marca he might on a sodaine in his name make warre on king Ferdinand who refused to pay vsuall tribute to the Church of Rome But whatsoeuer the cause was it is certaine that al his attempts which seemed at the first to be fearefull to all Italie did soone deceiue euerie mans expectation For so soone as he came into Romagnia Galeas Maria Duke of Milan a braue and couragious young Prince made head against him Then did the forces of king Ferdinand and the Florentines withstand him wherewith this great Captaine being troubled did in some sort begin to decline A battaile was presently giuen at Molinella a towne on the confines of Bolognia which was fought in the absence of Galeas vnder the conduct of Fredericke of Vrbin Those that were at the battaile affirme that in memory of man there was neuer a more furious or mortall in Italy The Senate fearing if his forces should be broken for till then he had euer beene in the Venetians pay and therefore it was thought that the Venetians did fauour him the aduerse Princes and Commonwealths being armed would cast the whole burthen of the warre vpon them sent him some supplies of horse and foote with expresse charge to make peace and safely to bring backe the Armie into Lombardy Ieronimo Barbadico a man of excellent wisedome and aduise and who not long before was made Procurator of S. Marke was in the Armie yet this new dignitie nor the entreaties of his friends were of power to keepe him at home nor to stay him from assisting the Republike in so great a danger But his authoritie and wisedome being grealy feared of the enemies it fell out that before peace was concluded he was by their meanes for so it was thought poisoned There is no other mention made of Lauretans exploits at Sea besides that which hath alreadie beene said Nicolao Canalis succeeded him He departing from Venice with two Gallies arriued at Nigrepont from whence setting sa le with twentie Gallies hee spoiled certaine farme houses and villages in Thessalie and then returned to Nigrepont and from thence went to Modon and afterwards to Coron He resolued to seize vpon the cittie of Lagostitia on the Sea of Patras which the Turkes had forsaken and speedily to fortifie it the which hee easily performed without any resistance Ieronimo Nouello for Malateste had left Morea had well fortified it and there the whole Armie remained consisting of six thousand men at such time as two thousand Turkes made an attempt to recouer it but they being beaten from the rampires with great losse did within a while after dislodge Canalis hauing left Giacomo Venieri with six Gallies for the guard of the citie returned with the rest of the fleete to Nigrepont and hauing there re-enforced the fleet with fresh supplies he sailed to Lemnos and thence to Imbres where he determined to assault Oenos and comming by day-breake to assaile the citie he commaunded his souldiers
in the Citie which was called Marcello by the Authors name The end of the ninth booke of the third Decad. THE TENTH BOOKE OF THE THIRD DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the tenth Booke of the third Decad. THE description of the Isle of Cyprus The Islanders sedition and CORNARI his death are mentioned in the beginning The conspirators leaue the Island vpon the arriuall of the Venetian fleet MOCENTOO by his presence assureth the state of the Island The description of Albania and ãâã SOLIMAN the Eunuch with great forces besiegeth Scutarie The Venetiansâ⦠se all meanes by land and water toraise the siege The Venetians Gallies fight fortunately with the Turkes at the mouth of the Boiano The Turkes are with great losse repuââ¦ed from the walles of Scutarie TRIADAN GRIââ¦TI being infected with the ââ¦adayre of the Boyano dieth at Catharra The king of Hungarie at the same time fââ¦ghteth often with good successe against the Turkes The siege of Scutarie is raised ANTONIO LAVRETANO who had defended Scutarie being made Generall of the Gallies doth by his ââ¦ppartune arriuall first keepe Lepanto and afterwards Lemnos The Venetians are vanquished and receiue a great utter throw in ãâã before Croya and within â⦠while after another in Italie neere ââ¦o the Riuer Lizonza where they loose their Cauallerie The Turkes put all the countrey of Friull to fire and sword Scutarie is againe besieged by the Turkes more fiercely than it had beene foure yeares before The Turkes make incursions into Italie Peace is made with OTTOMAN during the siege of Scutarie Yet scarce obserued in the Islands about controuer sie for the Garrison of Xant Peace being made with the Turke warre is continued for a time in Tuscanie in the behalfe of the Florentines THE Isle of Cyprus being afterward entangled in new broyles did in the middest of winter call the Venetian to heraide The familie of the Gothââ¦lans was verie powerfull in that Island for king ãâã hauing in a manner thrust all the nobility forth the country together with his sister Charlotta had mightily enriched these men and seated them in the chiefest places of his kingdome In former times they had giuen themselues to piracie and liued onely by theft But the king being dead and they by his bountie possessing goodly inheritances were neuerthelesse desirous to embroyle the state of the Prouince Of their faction there was a Cypriot Bishop a man esteemed by his countriââ¦en no lesse ingenious than fortunate At the kings death he was his Ambassador with King Ferdinand This Bishop determined to inuade the Realme by tyrannie and the better to effect his purpose he perswaded King Ferdinand to pursue by his meanes the marriage betwixt his bastard sonne and the bastard daughter of the late King Iames gotten on a concubine And for speedie conclusion of the businesse the Bishop with two Gallies returned to Cyprus with one of King Ferdinands trustiest Councellers Mocenigo who lay at Modon hauing intelligenââ¦e of the arriuall of the kings Gallies began to suspect that they were not sent thither but vpon some great occasion whereupon he presently dispatched Coriolan Cepio and Pietro Tolmiere the Dalmamatian with two Gallies into Cyprus and commanded them to enquire of the Queene whether those of the Island practized any innouation and if the feared any treacherie boldly to send him word what she would haue him to doe who would be readie to come to her with the whole fleete vpon any occasion After their departure Mocenigo had intelligence by letters from the Gouernour of Candie that the Cypriots had an intent to rebell and that it was to be feared that vnlesse their designes were broken by the sodaine arriuall of the Venetian fleet in Cyprus that the state of the Island would be greatly endangered The Generall being moued by these letters did speedily send Victor Souranza with eight Gallies into Cyprus who comming to Candie before that the two Gallies which were first sent were gone from thence Souranza commanded Coriolan to pursue his iourney and told him that he with the rest of the Gallies would follow after Whilest the Venetians were on their way the Cypriots hauing commplotted with their Bishop did in the night come forth of their houses armed and sââ¦ue Polizappa of Cyprus and the Queenes Phisitian who being ãâã with that sodaine rumour ranne to his chamber Andrea Cornari at the first noise fled to the Castle where the Captaine refusing to giue him entrance he hid himselfe betwixt the two walles but being discouered and comming forth vpon the conspirators words that he should haue no harme he was presently by them murdered together with Marco Bembo his Nephew sonne to his sister They left their bodies naked in the place These murthers being committed they ranne with the selfe same furie to the Venetian Magistrates house who remained in the Island to doe iustice to his conntreymen Nicolao Pascali was then Magistrate they told hââ¦m that the souldiers had slaine Cornari because he would not giue them their pay and that they would not haue that nights murther committed through the couetousnesse of one man to be by the Venetians imputed to them who protested still to continue loyall to the Queene and the Venetians intreating him to write to the Venetian Generall that Cornari had beene slaine by his owne fault for defrauding the souldiers of their pay they told him besides that they would send messengers to the Prince and Senate to assure them of the Islanders loyaltie towards the Queeene and her sonne and of their friendship towards the Venetians Although Pascali knew all this to be false he made shew neuerthelesse to beleeue them and promised them to write to Mocenigo They in the meane time entring into the Pallace betrothed the kings bastard daughter of sixe yeares old to king Ferdinands bastard They intituled him Prince of Galilee wherewith the successors in the Kingdome were wont to be honoured and assigned him diuers lands and signoriââ¦s for her dowrie These things being done they presently in a Galley sent away King Ferdinands counseller who came thââ¦ther with the Bishop to acquaint the King his master what had past They sent messengers likewise to Venice to satisfie the Senators with words and to sweeten the bitternesse of ãâã death or if they could not appease them yet at least in some sort to defeâ⦠the warre which the Venetians might make vpon them before their forces could be vnited They compelled the Queene to write to Mocenigo that Cornari her vncle had beene slainâ⦠by the souldiers for his couetousnesse that with her sonne she freely gouerned the kingdââ¦me that all the Cypriots were dutifull and loyall all which the poore Princesse being enuironed with traitors durst not refuse to write That done they beganne to strengthen their faction and manned the Castles and strong places with men at their owne deuotion and sharers in the conspiracie In the meane time Cariolan arriued who seeming to be ignorant
intent wholy to ouerthrow the Venetian forces vpon Po being stopt by SANSEVERINO returnes without effecting it GIACOMO MARCELLO Generall of the Venetian fleet dies at the siege of Gallipolis which being taken the Venetians make farther incursions into Calabria The enemies Armie comes to Baignols where peace in vaine before motioned at Cesenna is determined and concluded And lastly the triumphes turnaments and barriers made at Venice for ioy of this peace THE Venetians had alreadie mightily preuailed and the warre with Hercules would soone haue beene ended had not Pope Sixtus by his sodaine alteration not onely snatched the victorie forth of their hands but that which worse is thrown them headlong into a dangerous war For the Pope and Ieronimo Visconte by whose councell and aduise all matters were directed ââ¦alling by little and little from the Venetians after Malatestes death did at last openly declare themselues friends to the Feââ¦arois Francisco Diede who at that ââ¦ime was Ambassador with the Pope had of a long time foreseene it and a little before had by letters aduertized the Prince and Senate thereof who to containe them still in league omitted no kinde offices of good friends and confederates It is not certainly knowne vpon what cause they did it The Pope hauing made a league with the enemie did by letters goe about to cause the Venetians to lay downe Armes to induce them no more to warre vpon the Ferrarois and to restore vnto him whatsoeuer till then they had taken from him The Senate moued by these letters were vnwilling to let goe the victorie whereof they had so sure hold and yet desirous to answere the Pope and to let him and all the Princes of Italy and Europe vnderstand that they were not Authors of that warre for they would neuer haue taken armes against Hercules had not Pope Sixtus prouoked them thereunto They decreed that Bernardo Iustiniano a verie eloquent person should in the Common-wealths name answere the Pope The effect of those letters which he composed and after the Senates approbation were sent to Rome is this That the Senate were so farre from entertaining this warre without his Holinesse consent as they did it by his instigation That as at first so now they did not onely preferre peace before warre but before victorie so it were sought for in time and not on such conditions as might make their lenitie inââ¦erpreted in discretion That they were confident his Holinesse actions had no priuate end but such as imported the common good of Christendome onely in this it was notorious to the whole world that he dealt more subtilly than sincerely That for twentie yeares wherein both by land and sea they had beene singled out by dreadfull Ottoman none of the Princes of Italy afforded one drop of bloud towards the quenching of this neighbour flame but seemed deafe to all solicitations lame in assistance But in this priuate cause of Ferrara those which shranke backe from the publike quarrel could all bandie together not as if they would arbitrate but enforce peace That they humbly desired his Holinesse to deliberate this businesse temperately which others did passionately let his owne vnderstanding aduise him whether it more concerned him to fauour the Venetians or the Ferrarois As for them they were resolued to prosecute that warre which by his aduise they had vndertaken hoping the successe should be as happie as the cause iust and honorable This is in summe the import of the Venetian letters But the Pope not respecting his ancient league and perceiuing the Venetians to continue their resolution excommunicated them He had alreadie leagued himselfe with Ferdinand and others And whilest this businesse was pursued by letters to and fââ¦o Alphonso Duke of Calabria came to Ferrara with two thousand men among whom were foure hundred Turkes which he brought from Otranto but they within a while after ranne ouer to the Venetian Vpon his arriuall certaine skirmishes were made neere the Citie himselfe stayed not long there but leauing his troups with his brother in law went first to Mantua and then to Milan But at a councell held at the sametime at Casal-Maior vpon the Cremonese where the commissioners of all the confederate Princes and states met warre was concluded against the Venetians by general consent Fredericke Gonzaga Prince of Mantua had the title of Generall of the Armie but Alphonso Duke of Calabria the honour The Senate hauing intelligence of what had beene concluded in that assembly and considering the dangerous warre they were to oppose the next Spring For the Genoueses excepted whom Giouanni Pascalis sent to that end had exempted all other Princes and States of Italy had coniured their destruction and for the strengthening of their partie they sent into France for Renatus Duke of Lorraine vnto whom they gaue honourable entertainment Antonio Vinciguerra one of the Secretaries had long before solicited him from the Pope and Venetians to come into Italy against the Ferrarois who now the Pope relinquishing the cause remained firme to the Venetians and brought two hundred horse and one thousand foote to their aide Vinciguerra conducted him through the Alpes Bartilmeo Victurini and Nicolao Foscarini Venetian gentlemen went as farre as Trent on the confines of Italy to meete him The Duke of Austria and the other Potentates of Germanie in fauour of the Pope denied passage to the Sauoyards and other French whom Lorraine had enrolled The Spring was alreadie come when Pietro de Priuli and Marco Antonio Morosini came to the Armie as Prouidators The enemies comminations were great but the Senate hauing intelligence that their fauorites in Milan which yet stirred not would if Sanseuerin crossed the Adda raise some commotion vpon difference betwixt the widow of Galeas and Lodouico Sforza after mature deliberation commanded one part of the Armie to passe into Lombardie and the other to remaine before Ferrara Deifebo Aââ¦guillare went before with a braue troope of horse and expected Sanseuerino at Azzola vpon the Bressan Confines Roberto soone followed him leauing the Prince of Mirandola Bernar dino Montone Antoniace Dulcino Gasparo Perussini Alessandro surnamed the Turke and diuers other Captaines at the siege before Ferrara The French Generall went thither likewise with his forces But their arriuall was more terrible to their enemie than profitable to the Venetian the French euerie day mutining Sanseuerino with Marc-Antonio Morosini the Prouidator being come to the Bressan territorie remained for a time at the new Orges then making a bridge ouer the Adda aboue Trezzia and fortifying it at each end himselfe encamped on the further side where he contained his souldiers without executing any hostilitie vpon the Countrey rather like a guest then enemie which was so farre from diââ¦inishing the malice of the Confederates as on the contrarie it increased it hastening not deferring this intended warre Lodouico Sforza with a mightie Armie was in field against the Rossians of Parma who till then had brauely
defended their patrimonie but now seeing so vnequall a power bent against them fortified their townes and yet not thinking themselues secure retired with their children into the Genoueses territories Their Tenants following not their Lords but their fortune presently vpon their departure yeelded to Sforza Lodouico vpon this victorie marched vnto the territorie of Gremona where Alphonso expected him as some say called in by the Milaneses vpon Sanseuerins arriuall to guard the frontiers in the absence of Lodouico Others affirme that he came voluntarly offering his assistance against Sanseuerino Such was the state of the Venetian affaires when the Commonwealth was shaken with a new feare by a transcursion of two of Sââ¦ins sonnes to the enemie Hee had foure sonnes which serued in this Armie all valiant and braue young Gentlemen of whom Francisco and Galeas vnknowen to their father dishonorably fled to the enemie allured as it seemes by faire promises yet their error was so much the lesse as it extended no further then to themselues This at first did greatly ââ¦rpiex the father who in great passion called God and men to witnesse of his sonnes treacherie practizing not onely against their fathers honour but life yet herein comforting himselfe that his fidelitie was sufficiently knowen to the Venetians and should euery day be more and more manifested whereupon hee sent messengers to Venice to make his owne Apologie and excuse the temeritie of his children which he hoped ere long to redeeme with his owne seruice and loyalty and let the world know that he esteemed nothing so deere as the safetie and honour of the Venetian Estate But the Senate was so farre from imputing the érrour of his sonnes to himselfe as they did by letters comfort him Alphonso in the meane time hauing made a bridge ouer the riuer beyond Cassian passed ouer his Armie with great rumor into the Gyradade and thence marching into the Bergamasco tooke Colloigna and Vnguiana Sanseuerino hauing intelligence of his comming kept strong guard on the bridge on that side and strengthened his Rampiers and then retired with his forces towards Bergamo Thence crossing the Oglio at Palaznoles he encamped at the new Orges The enemie hauing taken Trecian and reenforced the Popes and Florentines troupes passed ouer the Oglio betwixt the new Orges and Quintiano The Senate considering how dangerous the enemies Armie would bee to their territories for it was reported that he had an hundred companies of men at Armes did speedily send the rest of the Cauallerie which lay vpon the Po to Sanseuerino that hee might be better able to resist him Alphonso in the meane time had taken all that part of the Bressan territory which lieth betwixt the Riuer Mella and the new Orges a very fruitfull soyle abounding in townes and villages which vpon terrour of his arriuall presently yeelded vnto him The Venetian being inferiour to the enemie in strength resolued not to confront but follow him and preuent his attempts And leauing Antonio Scââ¦riotto with 300 horse in garrison in the new Orges himselfe went through by-waies first to Maclou then to Saint Zene three miles from Bressia Augustiâ⦠Barbadico and Zacharia Barbaro men of great authoritie came from Venice to the Campe. But Morosmi and Barbadico remaining with Sanseuerino in the Armie Barbaro went to fortifie Bressia He was sonne to that Francisco who in former time had for three yeeres space defended that Citie against all the attempts of Duke Philip worthie indeede of such a father whose wisdome and vertue he inherited but more famous in being father to Hââ¦olao the learnedest of his time in Greeke and Latinâ⦠Alphonso crossed the Riuer Mella and seized on Baignols The Prince of Mantua who till then had caried himselfe as a friend not enemie to the Venetianâ⦠did openly shew himselfe their enemie ioyning with Alphonso whose Armie by this addition amounted to one hundred and thirtie companies of horse which being diuided ouer the Bressan territorie tooke all the townes on this side the Riuer Mella Azzola excepted from the Venetians Sanseuerino vpon the enemies comming to Baignols retired to Regiana fiue miles from Bressia but Alphonso taking all the other townes brought his Armie to Calcina This is all which that summer till the beginning of Autumne was done vpon the Bressan and Bergamasch territories Neer to the Po most of the French being dead by sicknesse their Generall hauing intelligence of King Lewis death who by his Testament had made him Gouernor and Protector of his Realme returned into France The Senate being aduertized about the Spring that King Ferdinand assisted by the Pope and Consederates had rigged a mightie Fleet the better to resist the enemie at Sea wrote to Iacomo Marcello who succeded Souranza in the Admiraââ¦tie ââ¦o haue a care that the State were not preiudiced about the Islands nor in the gulfe neere to Histria and Dalmatia and if he might safely doe it to inuade the froââ¦tien of Apulia and Calabria as Souranza had done Marcello had not long beene Admirall when fortie of the enemies Gallies vnder the commaund of Frederick of Arragon sonne to Ferdinand a braue young Prince came into the Hauen of Ancona Their arriuall did trouble the Senate for it was likelie that the enemie by tarrying in that place would cut off the Venetians passage on the Sea All Venice had their hope fixed on Marcello and his Fleet despairing of their Dominion at Sea vnlesse the enemie could be speedily repelled expecting when Marcello should either assaile or fire them But whilest he intended the supplying of the Gallies not yet compleat with soldiers and marriners which he could hardly effect without promise of pardon and impunitie to the Bandetti of Albania Dalmatia and Histria the enemie thinking himselfe not safe departed from Ancona three dayes before his arriuall This omission was hardly interpreted especially by the vulgar measuring things by the euent But better vnderstandings made more fauourable construction of it saying He did better to absent himselfe from fight than vnaduisedly hazard his naked Fleet and that victorie was more easie in discourse then action Thus was hee variously censured The enemie in the meane time being out at Sea vn willing to seeme idle made sodaine incursion vpon Lissa an Island in Dalmatia putting all to fire and swordâ⦠From thence he sailed to Corfou Georgio Viare a wise valiant Gentleman gouerned the Island He descrying the Arragonian Nauie encouraged the inhabitants prââ¦paring all things requisite for defence The enemies first assaults were very violent for being many they at one time scaled all parââ¦s but through the valour of the defendants they were not onely kept from entrance but preââ¦ipitated from the wals with great slaughter Notwithstanding this braue repulse the assault continuing till night without intermission and the Gouernour fearing that the Defendants wearied though not conquered would giue way to the enemie inuented this stratagem Hee diuââ¦ged that the Venetian fleete
Ambasdors at Rome to receiue any Ecclesiasticall benefice from the Pope during the time of their Ambassage the Senate tooke the audacious infringing of this law in bad part And though he were very rich well allied and had great friends his father being one of the noblest men in the Citie the onely loue and reuerence to law caused the Senate to write backe vnto him that presently without delay he should redeliuer the Patriarkeship to the Pope and for not so doing they threatned to take from his Father the Procuratorship of S. Marke and to confiscate all his goods His father not being able to moderate the sentence giuen by the Councell of Tenne fell sicke with griefe and within a while after died The sonne likewise hauing published certaine excellent bookes of his owne composing did before the yeeres end die of a Squinancie The same yeere Lorenzo de Medicis died at Florence a man of a rare and excellent iudgement gouerning his Countrie in Peace He left three children liuing who were afterwards expulsed the gouernment and banished The summer following Pope Innocent died in whose stead by guifts and briberie Alexander Borgia a Spaniard borne in Valentia was chosen This Pope made a league offensiue and defensiue for fiue and twentie yeeres with the Venetians and Galeas Sforza Lord of Milan who was at that time very young and ruled by Lodouico his vncle By this league they were tyed to defend and maintaine one anothers territories and to destroy their enemies And because Zemes brother to Baiazeth the Turkish Emperour liued at that time in Rome there was an addition made in the treatie of the league that if Baiazeth should make warre on the Venetians the Pope should deliuer him vnto them that they by him might inuade his brother This Zemes being by his brother driuen forth of his kingdome fled to Rhodes The Rhodians vnwilling to draw warre to their owne Gates sent him to the French King he deliuered him to Pope Innocent who had earnestly craued him Pope Alexander at his election found him at Rome where hee was carefully guarded lest he should renew warre against his brother in recompence whereof Baiazeth sent yeerely to Rome to the Pope 400. pounds of gold Hercules de A Este Duke of Ferrara did afterwards enter into this league The Venetian State thus peaceable Charles the eight French King sent a Gentleman to Venice who being brought before the Senate told them That his King being resolued to come into Italy with a mightie Armie to conquere the kingdome of Naples which by hereditarie right belonged to him did desire therein to know the Venetians loue towards him and to be satisfied whether they intended to keep and obserue the same league and friendship which of old had beene betwixt them The Senate vpon this newes which was likely to alter the State of Italy assembled the great Councell namely to debate this businesse being loth by their answere to prouoke the King against them After sundry opinions the Councell answered the Ambassador that the Signorie had euer preferred peace before warre and did now desire it more than euer therefore they could wish that his King liuing at peace would suffer other Princes of Italy to doe the like yet if hee came thither with an intent to make warre they would in no sort stirre nor quit his league and friendshippe This Gentleman with their answere left Venice and went to Rome After him two others in lesse than two moneths came to Venice one after another from the same King for the same businesse who receiued the selfe same answere as the first But Lodouico Sforza was the onely motiue that prouoked this King to the enterprize of Naples He after the death of his brother Galeas Sforza Duke of Millan tooke vpon him the gouernment of the State and expulsed his widow who would haue managed it in the behalfe of her sonne Iohn Galeas that was very young when his father died Then by little and little he dismissed the ancient Officers placing others in their roomes and in this maner had commaunded the Dutchie aboue thirteene yeeres And though in outward shew he seemed very carefull of his Nephew yet in his young yeeres he had so carelesly brought him vp as it seemed that his onely ayme was to make him incapable and vnfit for any honourable exercise drawing him from all vertuous studies Alphonso sonne to Ferdinand King of Naples gaue his daughter Isabell in mariage to this young Iohn Galeas yet though he were maried and had children by his wife his vncle neuerthelesse still gouerned the State meaning to leaue it to his owne children Ferdinand and Alphonso taking his vsurpatio for it was no better in bad part moued by the continuall lamentable letters of their daughter did louingly entreat Lodouick according to equitie and reason to surrender the gouernment of the State of Milan to his nephew sonne to his brother vnto whom it belonged who was of yeeres to gouerne maried and had two children They hauing often vsed these intreaties proceeded to sharpe and bitter termes telling him That they had made alliance with the Duke of Milan who was his Nephew whose State hee vsurped and therefore he should doe well to detaine it no longer Lodouico fearing their power and threatning and hauing intelligence that the French Kngs laid claime to the kingdome of Naples sent an honourable Ambassade into France vnder colour to salute king Charles not acquainting Pope Alexander or the Venetians with it with whom he was in league and commanded his Ambassador secretly to motion the matter and to assure the king that if he would attempt the recouerie of that Realme he would assist him with all his forces and meanes and that the conquest would be easie so that he would onely passe the Alpes and shew himselfe in Italy This aduertisement comming from such a person did greatly preuaile with the king to cause him to vndertake this iourney being besides incited thereunto from another place Antonio Prince of Salern maligned by Ferdinand and by that meanes enforced to forsake his countrey Italy had retired himselfe into France He in all his discourses with the king spake of no other matter telling him That he should doe ill to let slip so faire an occasion offered for the recouerie of his owne right assuring him besides that Ferdinand was generally hated for his auarice crueltie and treacherie and therefore it would be an easie matter to dispossesse him especially for a king of France whose authoritie and credit in those countries was verie great Besides all this Pope Alexander was no friend to Ferdinand in regard of Virginio Vrsino that serued him whose open enemie the Pope had declared himselfe in regard of the towne of Anguilare All these reasons were approued by the Lords of France that were in fauour with the king who desired nothing more than this iourney For some of them hoped by the Popes
meanes to obtaine Ecclesiasticall dignities others expected some honourable command in the Armie and to be gouernours of Cities and Townes which the king should conquer and some likewise were possest with a desire of noueltie King Charles lending a willing eare to this Ambassade and tasting the Prince of Salernes proposition a rumour was presently spred That the French were comming into Italy to inuade the Realme of Naples Vpon these newes king Ferdinand began to arme by sea and land and to inuent meanes to draw Pope Alexander to his side Lodouico foreseeing that if they leagued themselues together Ferdinand might ioyne his Armie with that of the Pope and send them both into Lombardie before the kings arriuall and by the same meanes expulse him from Milan intreated the Venetians to send their horse and foot troupes to the riuer Oglio in the Bressian territorie to diuert king Ferdinand from his designe or else to let them crosse the riuer to defend his State The Venetians answered that it was needlesse for his countrey was out of danger Lodouico perceiuing the French delaies and fearing that it might breed his ruine did againe send Ambassadors to Charles to hasten his iourney promising to assist him with men and money and victuals so soone as he should set foote in Italy King Charles who had spent certaine moneths in the onely consultation of this businesse and had not as yet made any certaine resolution when this second Ambassade arriued did by these continuate pursuites and offers of Lodouico presently resolue vpon it Now because he would not in any sort be hindred in his conquest he renewed the ancient league with the kings of Castill and surrendred to them the countie of Rossillon engaged to king Lewis his father for three thousand crownes by Iohn king of Arragon father to Ferdinand on condition that the said kings should in no sort aide the Arragonois against him in his conquest of the Realme of Naples This league sworne to the king made all things readie for his iourney Ferdinand had intelligence heereof one day as he came from hunting whereupon he fell sicke and within two daies after died of an Apoplexie Alphonso his eldest sonne was by his younger brother and all the Princes of the Realme saluted king He intreated the Venetians by their Ambassador resident in his Court to perswade Lodouico to desist from soliciting the French king to come into Italy and that hee would not be a meanes of his ruine promising no more to taxe his vsurpation of the State of Milan which he should enioy so long as he pleased The Senate by letters acquainted Lodouico with Alphonsos request and intreated him not to draw the French into Italy But perceiuing that he made no direct answere they gaue ouer and solicited him no more King Charles hauing resolued vpon the enterprize sent Philip de Comines Lord of Argenton his Ambassador to Venice who in his kings name made a proposition to the Senate That if they would ioyne with him in this warre of Naples they should haue a great share in the kingdome and if they would not accept that offer to intreat them at least to perseuer in their ancient league and friendship with the king his Master heereunto he added that his king had commanded him to remaine at Venice to acquaint them with all his designes and enterprises The Senate replied That the king was so potent and so well furnished with all warlike necessaries that he needed not their aide in that warre and therefore they determined according to the example of their Ancestors not to stirre who neuer made warre but vpon constraint and that they would craue no part in a kingdome whereunto they had no right For the rest they would neuer goe from that which they had promised to the kings Ambassador that they would euer make great account of his leage and friendship that they had willingly heard him for his kings sake and would still do so if he remained among them that he might at his pleasure familiarly discourse with them about any matter that concerned his king as well in regard of their loue towards his father king Lewis as to himselfe In the meane time Pope Alexander who repented that he had incited the French king to this warre and king Alphonso by the mediation of Virginio Vrsin comming to Viconare a Castle of his owne to see one another and to discourse together of their affaires made a league on this condition That the Pope should take Alphonso into the protection of the Romane Church and with all his power defend him against his enemies and in counterchange Alphonso promised to pay him downe in readie money a thousand pounds of gold for the arrerages of the tribute due to the Church of Rome for the Realme of Naples and to pay him yearely afterwards foure hundred pounds of gold And for greater assurance of this treatie Alphonso promised to giue one of his daughters in marriage to Guifredo sonne to Pope Alexander This thus concluded both of them made preparations for warre Alphonso had alreadie armed thirtie Gallies and eighteene great vessels to scoure along the Riuer of Genoa and to annoy the enemies fleet which was making readie in the Citie and he was to make a leauie of horse and foot in Calabria to send them into Lombardie when newes came that Baiazeth the Turkish Emperour made new preparations whereupon the State of Venice determined likewise to arme Antonio Grimani made Generall of the Gallies Commanded all Gallies that were readie to be lanched and with them sailed into Sclauonia where commissioners from Scardona and Clissa came to him who receiued their oath of alleageance for the Venetian Signorie from thence he went to Corfou Alphonsos fleete whereof his brother Fredericke was Generall entring the Riuer of Genoa came to Portouenere where Obââ¦eto de Fiesca a man highly esteemed among his countrey men landed with certaine souldiers but being repulsed by the enemie he returned to his Gallies and presently made towards Liuorne and from thence held his course to Naples Alphonso hauing lost all hope by Sea sent his Armie vnited with the Popes into Romagnia hauing intelligence that part of the enemies forces had alreadie crossed the Po. Ferdinand sonne to Alphonso a young Prince of great hope assisted by Nicolao Vrsin Count Petillan Virginio Vrsin and Iohn Iames Triuulce the Milanese commaunded the Arragonoise armie consisting of two thousand fiue hundred horse and eight thousand foote Whilest the Venetian fleete was at sea Ambassadours from Florence came to Venice to craue the Senates aduise how they should answere king Charles who had intreated them to giue his armie passage through their territories and also how they should behaue themselues in those occurrents for they referred themselues wholy to them and determined directly to follow their Councell The Senate knowing very well that whatsoeuer they should say to the Florentines
would be reported to king Charles and Alphonso answered That in so difficult a businesse subiect to sundry accidents they knew not what was best to be done and though they loued the one better than the other yet they durst not deliuer their opinion because that Fortune is commonly Mistresse in warre and that it vsually comes to passe that matters done by chance and aduenture did oftentimes prosper better than those which are premeditated and debated with long consultation and therefore they ought to craue councell of none but Almightie God who onely knew what was best for men to embrace or auoide and with this answere dismissed them Now the forces which king Charles and Lodouico had sent before being come neere the enemies neither the one or other durst come to stroakes but marched close together being still protected by some fort or riuer which was euer betwixt them yet they made sundrie light skirmishes to shew their valour King Charles had sent the Duke of Orleans Iulian the Cardinall nephew to Pope Sixtus and Antonio Prince of Salerne of whom we haue heretofore spoken to Genoa with braue troupes of foote to man the Gallies which were ready rigd with them to open a passage by Sea into the Realme of Naples whilest himselfe did the like by Land The end of the third Booke of the fourth Decad. THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE FOVRTH DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice The Contents of the fourth Booke of the fourth Decad. KING CHARLES departs from Vienna in Daulphine towards Italy The King by reason of his sicknesse taries at Ast. The death of IOHN GALEAS Duke of Milan whereupon LODOVICO his vncle vsurps the Title and Armes of Duke of Milan The French take Fiuizana and sackeit PIETRO DE MEDICIS grants all King CHARLES demaunds and for his labour is driuen from Florence and declared an enemie to the Common wealth The King restoreth the PISANS libertie The French take Bertinora King GHARLES his victorious entry into Florence The King makes an accord with Pope ALEXANDER and kisseth his feet and cheeke ALPHONSO in loue to his sonne FERDINAND deposeth himselfe from the Kingdome of Naples FERDINAND retires into the Isle of Ischia King CHARLES entreth Naples and takes the Cities two Castles Aleague made at Venice against the French betwixt the Pope Emperour King of Spaine Venetians and Duke of Milan King CHARLES is crowned in Naples and departs from thence to returne into France The preparation of the League to stoppe King CHARLES his passage The Duke of Orleance his incursions on the Leagues territories he takes Nouara The battell of Fornouo betwixt King CHARLES and the Confederates And lastly King CHALES his arriuall at Ast. SOONE after the departure of the Duke of Orleance and his troopes towards Genoa King Charles leauing Vienna in Daulphine on the 23. of August 1493. iourneyed toward Ast by the mount Geneua Galeas of S. Seuerine met him at Suza and accompanied him to Ast whither Lodouico Sforza came presently to him with his wife and many faire and gallant Ladies of the Dutchy of Milan Hercules Duke of Ferrara came thither likewise where after consultation of sundry affaires it was concluded that the Armie should presently march Lodouico in the mean time retired to Num a Castle on the Milanois a mile from Ast whither those of the Councell went often to see him whilest the King tarried at Ast sicke of the small pocks whereupon his Army was quartered in that towne and in other places neere adioyning the number of it beside the 200. Gentlemen of the Kings guard accounting the Suisses that were gone before with the Bayly of Dijon to Genoa and those troopes in Romagnia vnder the commaund of Aubigni amounted to 1600 men at Armes 6000. Suisse and 6000. French foot-men And for the vse of this Armie they had brought by sea to Genoa great store of Ordnance both for batterie and the field with munition in such abundance as the like before was neuer seene in Italy The King during his aboad at Ast had sent for the Duke of Orleans from Genoa willing him to attend him there This towne belonged vnto him by his grandmother vnto whom it was giuen in dowry by the Duke of Milan her father Now so soone as king Charles had recouered his health hee sent his Armie into the field and himselfe went to Pauia where being lodged in the Castle he went to visite Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan his cofin german the king and hee were sons to two sisters daughters to Lewis the second Duke of Sauoy who lay daungerously sicke in the same Castle His talke to him was generall by reason of Lodouico's presence he told him that he was extreamely grieued for his sicknesse comforted him and willed him to be of good cheere and to vse all meanes for the recouerie of his health But the hope thereof being small the King and as many as beheld him did lament his estate and perceiued that this young Prince through his vncles treacherie would not liue long This compassion was augmented by the presence of Princesse Isabell his wife who languishing aswell for her husbands sicknesse feare of her young sonne as for the daunger whereunto her father and kinsfolke were exposed fell downe at the kings feet recommending vnto him with floods of teares the perseruation of her father and familie of Arragon and though her youth and beautie moued the king to pitie her yet so great an enterprize could not be delayed vpon so weake a ground whereupon he told her that warre being now begunne he was enforced to pursue and continue it From Pauia the king went to Placentia where whilest hee remained he receiued newes of Iohn Galeas death whereupon Lodouico who had followed him returned in post to Milan where the chiefe of the Dukes Councell suborned by him prouided in open Councell that in regard of the States greatnesse and miserie of the times it would be a dangerous matter to haue Francisco sonne to the late Duke Galeas who was but fiue yeeres old to succeed his father but that it behooued them to haue a Duke that was a man of wisdome and authoritie and therefore they ought to dispence with Law and for the generall good enforce Lodouico to accept the Ducall dignitie Vnder this colour honour giuing way to ambition he did the next morning though he seemed to bee vnwilling take vpon him the Title and Armes of Duke of Milan hauing first solemnly protested that he receiued the Dutchie as belonging vnto him by the inuestiture of the king of Romans The King remaining certaine daies at Placentia was in a manner willing to returne home into France as well for want of money as also because no Italian Potentate shewed himselfe on his partie and besides because this new Duke returned no more though at his departure he promised to come backe againe Yet at last he determined to passe on The same day that the
King went from Placentia Lorenzo and Giouan de Medicis stole secretly from their Countrey houses whither the Florentine Magistrate had confined them at the pursute of Pietro de Medicis their kinââ¦man and mortall enemy They came to his Maiestie earnestly entreated him to come neere Florence and told him that he should be honourably entertained there as well in regard of the peoples loue to the house of France as for their hatred towards Pietro de Medicis who commaunded there and held the Arragonois partie being by marriage allied to the familie of Vrsini Vpon this proposition the King changed his purpose for though at his departure from France it was concluded in his Councell that hee should rather passe through Romagnia and La Marca than through Tuscanie and the territorie of Rome yet the Pope and Florentines being declared his enemies his Councell thought it a matter vnworthy the greatnesse of such a King if for feare of them he should refuse to passe through their territories As also because it was dangerous to inuade the Realme of Naples and to leaue Tuscany and the Churches State behinde him as enemies Therefore it was resolued rather to passe the Appenineâ⦠by the hills of Parma then by the direct way of Bolognia and to march without delay to Florence The vantgard conducted by Guilbert of Burbon Duke of Montpensier a Prince of the bloud went on to Pontrema a towne feated at the foot of the Appenine vpon the Riuer Magra the King following with the rest of the army From Pontrema the Duke went into the country of Lunigiana where hee ioyned with the Swisses who had defended Genoa together with the ordnance which by sea was come to Specia and drawing neere to Fiuizana belonging to the Florentines which they tooke it by force and sack't it killing all the souldiers and many of the inhabitants the which did merueilously amaze all Italy not accustomed to such cruell and bloudy warres Serezzana was not farre from thence where the Florentines determined for to make their chiefe resistance which they had strongly fortified but not sufficiently to hold out so mighty an enemy for it wanted a captaine to command it and men to defend it Yet because some thought it would not bee easily taken especially the Cittadell and least of all Serezanella a strong Castle on the hill aboue Serezzana they councelled the King to passe on and leaue them but the King disdayned so to doe and thought that vnlesse hee tooke the first towne that made resistance it would much blemish his reputation and that they would take example to do the like The Florentines hauing intelligence that the King resolued for to come to Florence and that his army had already passed the Appenine and then the cruelty which was vsed at the taking of Fiuizana did publikely detest the rashnesse of Pietro de Medicis who of himselfe without any necessity had so inconsiderately drawne vpon them the army of so potent a King assisted by the Duke of Milan and this rumour had like to haue raised a great tumult in the Citty Pietro terrified herewith and with the daunger which hee had before rashly contemned and perceiuing the aide promised by the Pope and Alphonso to be but à dreame precipirately resolued to goe seeke that safety amongst his enemies which hee could not hope for with his friends And there vpon leauing Florence and not farre on his way from the city hee heard say that the troupes of horse and fooâ⦠sent by the Florentines to enter Serezzana were defeated by the French and all of them either slaine or taken This caused him to tarry at Pietra Sancta for a passe-port from the King whether the Bishop of Saint Malos and other Lords of the Court went to him to safe conduct him to the campe comming thither the same day that the King with the rest of his forces ioyned with his vantgard which beeing encamped before Serezanella battered it with the ordnance Presenting himselfe before the King hee was entertained with more ceremony then loue and perceiuing that the King did not much affect him by reason of his enemies reports hee resolued by all meanes to appease and satisfie him The next day beeing brought before him he granted all the kings demands which were excessiue viz. that the ãâã and castles of Pietra-Sanctâ⦠Serezzana and Serezanella which were the keyes of the Florentine State and the forts of Pisa and of the hauen of Liuorne should be deliuered to the king who by a promise signed with his owne hand obliged himselfe to surrender them so soone as he should haue conquered the Realme of Naples That Pietro should cause the Florentines ââ¦o lend the king ãâã Ducats and that then hee should receiue them into his protection The consignation of the strong places was presently made for the money they wrote to Florence Pietro de Medicis did hereby much assure the State of Tuscany to the King and remooued all impediments from him on Romagnias side The Florentines aduertized of these Articles which Pietro de Medicis had agreed to the whole city was highly discontented with this reprochfull and dangerous wound giuen to their Commonwealth Pietro hauing notice of this rumor the better to prouide for his affaires before any greater troubles did arise tooke leaue of the King vnder collour of going to accomplish that which hee had promised But at his returne to Florence hee found most of the Magistrates banded against him and the mindes of his deerest friends greatly troubled and the next day as hee would haue entred into the councell chamber he was put back Hee returned home to his owne house destitute of courage and councell and presently left Florence beeing followed by the Cardinals Iohn and Iââ¦lian his bretheren who after their departure were declared enemies to the Common-wealth their houses ransacked which were very ritch in moouables and their goods confiscate Two of them the eldest and the younger went to Venice the second which was Cardinall Iohn staied for a time at Bolognia and then retired himselfe to some of his kinsfolke The King went from Serezzana to Luca and from thence to Pisa where the cittizens both men and women falling at his feete beganne to crie out liberty liberty infinitely complayning of the wrongs and iniuries done to them daily by the Florentines The King at the perswasion of some of his Lords not considering the importancy of the matter did freely grant their request wherevpon the people presently armed themselues and throwing downe the Florentines armes that were set vp in the publike places recouered their so much desired liberty repealing all those whom the Florentine Magistrates had bannished In this confusion of all things the King departed from Pisa hauing first deliuered the Cittadell to the Pisans keeping the new one of greater importance for himselfe and then went towards Florence Beeing come to Signa seuen miles from the city hee
and Venice and if any thing should happen otherwise then well their forces thus ioyned together they might easily preuent it This speech of Suares did highly content the Senate who being already iealous of King Charls his greatnesse and good fortune began to looke about them and to feare other matters not yet thought of Lodouicos distrust likewise of King Charles as well for that Iohn Iames Triuulce whom he had driuen forth of Milan receiued the Kings pay as because he had commanded the Duke of Orleance to attend him at Ast for Lodonico complained thereof to the Venetian Ambassador and told him that he would gladly leaue the French parts and make a league with the Venetians Beside all this Maximillians Ambassadors whose father the Emperor Frederick died that yeere did not cease to solicit the Senate to league it selfe with them against the French In the meane time Castelnouo and that Del-Ouo two Cittadels in Naples which yet held for Ferdinand yeelded to the French For Castelnouo the abode of Kings seated on the shoare was after some small defence yeelded to King Charles by the cowardize and basenesse of fiue hundred Lansequenets that lay there in Garrison And the castle Del Ouo built vpon a Rock in the sea beeing continually battered with Ordnance was content to yeeld if it were not releeued within eight daies The fort likewise of Gayetta notwithstanding that it was prouided of all necessaries did after some sleight assaults yeeld so as in a very short space the whole kingdome in a manner was with great facility reduced vnder the Kings obedience the Isle of Ischia excepted and certaine townes in Puglia and Calabria which still held out for the Arragonois King Charles did now no more entertaine the Venetian Ambassadors with such cheerefull countenance as hee was wont but oftentimes said That those who were not pleased with his comming into Italy for the conquest of the Realme of Naples should repent it This being reported at Venice caused them to hasten the conclusion of a new league to which end Lodouico had sent new Ambassadors Lorenzo Suares at his arriuall told them that his Kings pleasure was to haue him in his name to enter into the league on any conditions pleasing to the Senate Pope Alexander likewise did daily expect a fit time to ioyne himselfe with the Venetians and the rest hauing openly said that if the French returned to Rome hee would goe to Venice and no more behold them At last in the month of Aprill the Ambassadours of these Princes did in the City of Venice make confederacy betwixt the Emperour Kings of Spaine Venetians and Duke of Milan it was onely published for the defense of one an others States with reseruation of place for any else to enter into it that would But all of them thinking it more then necessary to draw the French King forth of the Realme of Naples concluded in their more secret capitulations that the Spanish companies that were in Sicily should aide Ferdinand of Arragon to recouer his Kingdome who much presuming of his peoples loue made meanes to enter into Calabria In this confederacy it was concluded that the Confederates should make account to entertaine an army of foure and thirty thousand horse and twenty thousand foot viz. That the Pope should furnish foure thousand horse Maximillian 6000. the King of Spaine 8000. the Venetians the like number and Lodouico as many And if any of them by reason of the long distance of place could not so soone as need were leuy the number of soldiers hee was rated at in sending to his associates six hundred pounds of gold they should for him furnish such forces These were the conditions of the Consederacie the which was so speedily and secretly concluded as Philip de Comines Lord of Argenton Ambassador for king Charles at Venice who went dayly to the Pallace and conferred with the other Ambassadors had neuer any inckling thereof and beeing the next day after it was concluded sent for into the Senate and vnderstanding by the Prince and Senators what had beene done he was in a manner like a man berest of his sences and when the Prince told him that they had not done it to make warre vpon any one but onely to defend them selues he recouered his spirits and said My King then shall not returne into France The Prince answered But hee shall if hee will returne as our friend and wee will willingly helpe him with whatsoeuer hee shall need After this answer hee went forth of the Senate so amazed as being at the staires foote he turned towards the Chancellor who accompanied him and said to him Good Sir tell mee what the Prince said for I haue for gotten it which he did Beside the insolency of the French by reason of the facility of their victory was so encreased as in respect of themselues they contemned all Italians for which the peoples loue towards them was already conuerted into mortall hatred and on the contrary their hatred towards the Arragonois into pitty and compassion to Ferdinand Wherevpon Naples and all the rest of the kingdome waited but for a fit occasion to repeale him King Charles had in a manner resolued before the conclusion of the league to returne presently into France prouoked therevnto by some occasion vnknowne to mee notwithstanding that diuerse important businesses were not ended in Naples his victory beeing not fully perfected by reason that the Realme was not yet altogether conquered But hauing intelligence that so many Princes were leagued against him and that the Venetians had called home their Ambassadors resident with him his minde was much troubled and hee consulted with his Lords what was best to bee done in a matter of so great importance His Councellers were of opinion to hasten his departure fearing that by his longer stay difficulties might increase and the Confederates haue time to make greater preparations Therevpon the King resolued to returne by land maugre all the Confederates seeing that hee wanted vessels to transport so great an Army by sea for the fleete which hee had prepared at Genoa was wrackt by tempest vppon the shore of Plombino the Admirall whereof and Antonio Prince of Salerno came to him by land In the meane time King Charles perceiuing that Lodouico as well as others had deceiued him was desirous to take the Citty of Genoa from him and to that eââ¦d sent Pietro Fregosa Cardinall thither who had beene Duke thereof and Obietta de Fiesca with eleuen Galleys the remainder of his whole fleete Then desirous to prosecute his owne returne he left Guilbert of Bourbon Duke of Montpensier Prince of the bloud his Lieutenant Generall in the kingdome with the moyety of the Suisse and part of the French footmen eight hundred French lances and fiue hundred Italian men at armes which were in his pay part of them vnder the command of the Prouost of Rome and the rest vnder Prospero
and Fabricio Colonni and Antonello Sauello all three great Captaines on whom hee had bestowed many benefits This done hee departed from Naples with the rest of his Armie on the twentith of May and marched directly towards Rome But before his departure hee would bee crowned King of Naples which was performed with great solemnity in the Cathedral Church of Naples where with great pompe hee receiued the honors and othes which are vsually made to new Kings The King carried away with him eight hundred French Lances the two hundred Gentlemen of his gard the Lord Triuulcio with a hundred lances three thousand Suisse and two thousand French footmen and appointed Camillo Vitelli and his bretheren to meete him in Tuscany with two hundred and fifty men at armes In this equipage did King Charles march towards Rome Pope Alexander although two dayes before he came thither had promised where to attend him did neuerthelesse after hee had left a strong garrison in Castle Angelo retire to Oruietta accompanied by the whole Colledge of Cardinals two hundred men at armes a thousand light horse and three thousand foote leauing the Cardinall Santo Anastasio his Legat in Rome to entertaine and honor the King The Venetians not long before had for his better safety sent him fiue hundred Albanese horse The King beeing come to Rome refused to lye in the Pallace of the Vatican which the Pope had appointed for him and lodged in the suburbes From thence he sent a Gentleman to the Venetian Senate to tell them from him that his King had yet neuer intreated or sued to any but now hee was onely desirous to know of them whether their State were his friend or enemy The Prince answered him That wise and discreet men were wont sometime to referre them selues to the will and opinion of others and in time of need to request their ayde That hee spake this onely to let him vnderstand that it lay in his Kings power to make the Venetians his friends or enemies With this answer the Gentleman departed from Venice together with Philip de Comines the Ambassador The Florentines likewise so soone as they had intelligence of this new confederacie and that King Charles was come from Naples to returne home into France began to leuy soldiers and to fortifie their townes to stoppe the Kings passage if hee intended to passe thorow their Citty The King departed from Rome and though at his approach neere Viterbo the Pope had againe promised to conferre with him in some fit place yet hee went from Oruietta to Perousa meaning if the King directed his course thither to goe to Ancona The King neuer the lesse though hee were highly incensed against the Pope did re-deliuer the Castles of Ciuata-uechia and Terracina reseruing that of Hostia to himselfe and passed thorow the Churches countrey as a friend Tuscanella excepted where the inhabitants refusing to lodge his vantgard in their towne it entred by force and sackt it with great slaughter The Venetian Senate beeing aduertised that one of their chiefe Confederates territories had beene so spoyled by the French thought that King Charles had begunne warre against them fearing that comming vppon theirs or on those of the Dutchie of Milan hee would doe the like Wherevpon they commanded their Generall Antonio Grimani to saile with their Fleete into Puglia The King afterwards arriued at Sienna where hee remained sixe dayes notwithstanding that euery man aduised him to depart speedily but there they treated concerning the restitution of the Florentines fortes promised by the King at his departure towards Naples wherevnto all his Councellors were induced for sundry reasons but others crossed it wherevpon the matter was referred to his comming to Ast. The King leauing Florence on his right hand tooke the high way of Pisa and from thence went to Luca. The Pope perceiuing the King was past sent backe the Venetians and Lodouicos forces which they had lent him and returned to Rome In the meane time they in Lombardy began to stirre For the Venetians and Lodouico Sforza made great preparations to hinder the Kings returne into France or at least to secure the Dutchie of Miian thorough which hee was to passe wherevpon each of them raysed forces and as well in common as in particular omitted nothing that might further their deseigne And Lodouico beeing very desirous to performe that wherevnto hee was tyed by the Confederacy concerning the Citty of Ast sent Galeas of Saint Seuerine to that enterprize with 700. men at armes and three thousand foot making no other accompt but to take it The Duke of Orleance who remained in it vppon the first intelligence of the new League had fortified Ast and with great earnestnesse solicited new supplies from France to releeue the King On a sodaine forces from all parts were assembled who with great speed passed the Mounts so that the Duke of Orleance in a short space beeing backt with a mighty power went forth into the field and in the Marquisate of Saluces tooke the towne and Castle of Valfenieres held by Antonio Maria of Saint Seuerin wherevpon Galeas with his army retired into Anon dispairing to execute any notable matter The Duke returning to Ast an occasion beeing offered to take Nouara would not omit it and hauing concluded with those that offered to giue him entrance he crossed the Po by night at the bridge of Stura and with his forces without any resistance was receiued into the Citty by them from thence he sent part of his Cauallery to make incursions as farre as Vigeua The Castle of Nouara still held out for Lodouico but the Duke of Orleance to assure his conquest resolued to take it whervpon on the fifth day after it promised to yeeld which it did if it were not reieeued within 24. houres The Venetians hauing intelligence that Lodouico was inuaded and that the French made incursions into his Contrey did freely giue their consent that he should call back some of those companies which he had sent into the Parmesan and besides that sent him foure hundred Stradiots By these new forces neere to Nouara the Duke of Orleance his farther passage was stopt who retired with all his forces thither Now after some controuersie with the Florentines concerning the restitution of their Forts the Kings vantgard led by the Marshall of Gie went to Pontrema In the meane time the Confederate Army was spedily assembled neere to Parma in number two thousand fiue hundred men at armes 8000. foot and 2000. light horse called stradiots most of whom were Albaneses and of the neighbor Prouinces to Grecia brought by the Venetians into Italy Francesco Gonzaga the young Marquis of Mantoa was Generall of the Venetian troopes whose valour surmounted his yeares and with him two principall Senators Luca Pisani and Melchior Treuisan as Prouidators The Count Gaiazza commanded Lodouicos troopes Francisco Bernardino Viscount beeing ioyned in Commission with him All the Confederate Captaines consulted
Venetians The fifth Booke of the fourth Decade of the History of Uenice THE Venetians aduertised that King Charles at his departure from Naples had sent diuerse vessels to make incursions into the riuer of Genoa as hath beene said sent one of their Cittizens to Genoa with money to rigge certaine great Argozies Lodouica Sforza had likewise giuen order to arme a certaine number of Galleys so as together they prepared a fleete the which departing from Genoa did by night land seauen hundred footmen which without any difficulty tooke the towne and castle of Rapalla seazed on by the French at their arriuall Then meeting at sea with the French fleet it assailed and defeated it the Admirall thereof being taken and foure French Ensignes which the Geneuois sent to Lodouico Sforza who presently gaue two of them to the Venetian Ambassador resident with him saying that he did present them to the honor and merit of the Venetian common-wealth The Marquis of Mantua in the meane time beeing at Clastegia following King Charles his Army requested by Lodouico and commanded by the Senates decree sent two thousand foote in Garrison to Tortona and Alexandria Then he intreated the Senate to send two Senators who as Prouidators should manage the warre with him wherevpon Luca Zeno and Andrea Venieri were appointed who comming to the Army went all together to the siege of Nouarra which Lodouico with a mighty Army did streightly besiege The Venetians sent so great aide as scarce any enterprize can be remembred wherein they spent more money so that in a short space there were three thousand men at armes three thousand Almaine horse fiue thousand Italian foot and ten thousand Lancequenets in the confederate campe The Venetian Senate was not onely carefull to send forces to this siege but the more to incourage their soldiers had from Lieutenant of the Army made the Marquis of Mantua Captaine Generall thereof the better to honor his courage and valour manifested at the battaile of Fornouo and with a very gracious example had not only augmented their pay who had valiantly behaued them-selues but giuen pensions and sundry recompences to the children of those that were slaine in the battaile and dowries to their daughters The seege still continuing before Nouara those of the towne were in great want of victualls by reason of the great number of soldiers and Contrey people that were in it nor could the King who lay at Ast releeue it for want of men and though the Duke of Orleance when hee was made acquainted with the dearth did put forth all vnprofitable eaters yet this remedy was to no purpose The French made many attempts by night to victuall it but beeing still discouered they were enforced to retire without effecting it and often times with great losse of their men The King then out of hope to raise the siege in any time and dayly importuned by the Duke of Orleans who was in great want determined to hearken vnto peace But the difficulty to obtaine it was very great in regard of the iealozie and distrust betwixt the King and Duke of Milan yet it was motioned by an vnexpected meanes For the Lady Marques of Mont-ferate beeing dead the King wishing well to that State sent the Lord of Argenton to Cassall to consult with her subiects concerning the profit and commodity of a young sonne shee had left behind hir The Marquis of Mantuas Steward came thither likewise in his Maisters name to bewaile her death They two entred so farre into discourse of peace as the Lord of Argenton by the perswasion of this Steward did write therof to the Venetian Prouidators who inclining therevnto acquainted the Duke of Milans Captaines with it who with one consent sent to intreate the King which lay at Verââ¦eill to appoint some of his officers to meete them in some fit place where they might conferre together The King allowing it the Commissioners on both sides met betwixt Bolgare and Camarian where after sundry difficulties alleadged on both parts peace at last was concluded and signed by the King which was no sooner sworne to by the Duke of Milan but the King made hast to returne into France And in this manner about the end of October 1495. hee repassed the mounts The Venetians were displeased with Lodouico for that without the aduise and consent of all the Confederates hee had made peace with King Charles seeing that they hauing beene often intreated by the King and him to hearken therevnto had euer answered that they would doe nothing but by the consent of all the Confederates so that now they perceiued it was a dangerous matter to trust him and therefore they would no longer bee in league with so perfidious a man Lodouico was much troubled with these newes and perceiuing that the Venetians were no more his friends gaue secret commandement to all his Garrisons by which the Venetian Campe was to passe to guard the passages and especially the Riuers and to shutte vp all the boates to stay their departure against his will This beeing knowne to the Prouidators they were much amazed in regard they were to passe many great riuers and conferring heerevpon with Bernardo Contaren not knowing what to resolue on hee offered to poinard Lodouico in open counsell saying That hee once dead no man would stirre The Councell of Ten at Venice beeing acquainted with this proposition wrote back that by no meanes hee should doe so for it would much blemish the Venetians reputation but onely temporize with him till they were forth of his territories which they did whervpon Nouarra surrendred they ledde their army which in a maner they cassed to Crema and from thence went to Mantua and so to Venice But to returne to that which was done at the same time in the Realme of Naples where warre was managed as well as in Lombardy So soone as Ferdinand had intelligence of King Charles his departure from Naples beeing then in Sicill attended by the Spaniards who were come thither by Sea he landed in Calabria to whom many Contrey people presently ranne and within a while after the Citty of Regium yeelded to him the Castle hauing still held out for him At the same time likewise the Venetian fleete was descried not farre from the shore of Puglia whereof Antonio Grimani a man of great authority in the State was Generall who comming neere to Monopoli a Citty in Puglia landed the Stradiots and certaine foot companies then by land and sea gaue an assault to the Citty which was taken by force wherevpon the Castle soone yeelded This fleete likewise tooke the Citty of Pulignana by composition Ferdinand in the meane time with many vessels but few soldiers leauing Sicily hauing besides the loue and fauour of the people of the Realme of Naples who longed for him came to the flattes of Salerno and on a sodaine Salerno Melphi and la Caua erected his banners Afterwards
the frontier towards the Bolognese promising him that they should bee at the same time inuaded by the ãâã and Pisans yet though Bentiuole promised so to doe his meaning was cleane contrary But the French affaires beeing prolonged by the Cardinall of Saint Malo who besides the superintendency of the treasure managed all matters did so delay the execution of things already resolued vpon as one accident more happened which had almost wholly diuerted them For when euery man thought that the King would haue gonne into Italy he determined a iourney to Paris according to the custome of ancient Kings before his departure forth of France to take his leaue of Saint Denis and likewise of Saint Martin passing by Tours promising within a month to returne to Lions to pursue his iourney into Italy The aduise of his Lords nor vrgent intreaties and teares of the Italians could not alter this determination The Duke of Orleance Cardinall of Saint Malo and the whole councell remained at Lyons to hasten the prouisions and the King went to Tours where the Queene lay The affaires of Naples were in the meane time brought to great extremity where the fortune of the French began openly to decline being at one time assailed with infinite difficulties want of money victuals the peoples hatred captains discord and souldiers disobedience many of whom forsooke the campe some willingly others on necessity On the contrary Ferdinands army re-enforced with men victuals and money did still attend the French and were continually at their backes But that which did most ruine them was the Lord D' Aubignis sicknesse which caused diuers to forsake him and to goe to the Duke Moââ¦tpensier his army Calabria by that meanes being vnfurnished of men so as Gonsaluo that was come thither tooke diuers townes in that Prouince and obtained a gallant victory there whereby his forces beeing augmented hee determined to ioyne with Ferdinands campe before Atella where Duke Montpensier lay with diuers other Barons and great Lords both French and Italians which followed the French Kings party By Gonsaluos comming to the campe the beseeged were more streightly inclosed the towne being wholly enuironed both by the Arragoneses Venetians and Spaniards so as no victuals could enter into it especially in regard of the Stradiots and Venetians who scoured the country neither could they goe forth to forrage as they were wont so that beeing depriued of all commodities they were brought to such extremity as they could not get water from the Riuer either for themselues or horse Beeing then oppressed with so many miseries they craued a safe-conduct which was granted them wherevpon the Lord of Persi Barthelmeo Aluiana and a Swisse captaine were sent to capitulate with Ferdinand with whom they thus agreed That there should be truce for thirty daies That in the meane time the said accord should bee shewed to King Charles That none of the beseeged should goe forth of Atella and that the Arragonois should daily giue them competent victuals If they were not releeued in that time hee should leaue Atella and whatsoeuer else was vnder his command in the Realme of Naples together with all the ordnance That the souldiers might depart with their liues and baggage with permission to returne home into France either by sea or land That the Vrsini and other Italian souldiers might with their companies depart forth of the Realme whither soeuer they pleased The truce expired Duke Montpensier came forth with all the French Swisse and the Vrsini and was conducted by the Marquis of Mantua and his light horse in safety to Baja where finding no vessels ready to imbarke themselues they quartered betwixt Baja and Pozzuolo where by reason of the bad aire and other discommodities they grew sicke and the Duke Montpensier and great numbers of his people died so that of fiue thousand fiue hundred hardly returned into France After the taking of Atella Ferdinand diuided his army into sundry parts for the recouery of the rest of the kingdome Hee sent Don Frederico of Arragon his vncle and Prospero Colonna before Caietta Fabricio Colonna into Abruzzo and himselfe went and encamped before Salerno where he made an accord with the Princes of Besignano and Salerno ãâã returned into Calabria which for the most part was held by the French where although the Lord Aubigni made some resistance yet at last being coopt vp in Gropoli hauing lost Manfredonia and certaine other townes and despayring of all aide he consented to leaue Calabria and was suffered to returne by land into France Thus no other townes holding out in the whole Kingdome but Tarentum and Caietta it seemed that Ferdinand had attained the height of his desires when comming to Somma a towne seated at the foote of Mount Vesuua to visit the Queene his wife he fell grieuously sicke and was carried to Naples where within a while after he died but before his death he commanded the Bishop of Theanas head whom he kept in prison to be cut off and fearing that they would not obey him by reason of his sicknesse he caused the head to bee brought into his Chamber and with beholding it was satisfied His vncle Frederick comming in hast from Caietta to Naples with Melchior Treââ¦isan was by the Princes of the Realme saluted King his Nephew dying without children This Prince beloued of all men for his meekenesse labored to reconcile to himselfe all those who in any sort had fauored the French and freely restored their castles to them In this manner winning the peoples hearts the warre against the French in the Realme of Naples was almost ended for the city of Tarentum oppressed with famine did with her castles yeeld to the Venetians which beseeged it by sea who presently deliuered it to Frederick Those of Caietta within a while after did the like and by this meanes the French lost the Realme of Naples But this notwithstanding warre was not ended in Italy by reason of Pisa in which the Venetians had placed foure hundred men at armes seuen hundred light horse and two thousand foot against the Florentines They went moreouer with the Emperour Maximillian to beseege Liuorne where their enterprise succeeding badly they were enforced to discampe and from thence the Emperor returned with speed into Germany with small honour to the Imperiall dignity wherevpon he was contemned ouer all Italy King Charles likewise being dispited with his losse and infamy determined to assaile Genoa presuming vpon Baptist a Fregosa his party The Pope on the other side desirous to possesse the Vrsins States the chiefe of that family beeing imprisoned at Naples did in open consistory declare Virginio and the rest traytors and confiscated their lands This did no whit please the Venetians who were very desirous to winne the loue of that family and draw them to their seruice yet not daring to contradict the Pope they were vnwilling at that time to allienate him from them for
when he vnderstood that the league betwixt the King and Venetians was resolued hee not knowing the particularities thereof Hee was then ready to send Francesco of Sanseuerine with great forces to aide the Florentines but hee detained them vpon intelligence that Triuulcio leauied souldiers neere Ast. Hee likewise thought that if the accord betwixt the Venetians and Florentines should take effect they would peraduenture moderate their indignation conceiued against him and forsake the French King Herein hee imployed Hercules D'Aeste Duke of Ferrara his father in law and by forcible reasons enforced the Florentines in some sort to condescend to the Venetians desire sending them word that if they did not agree he should be constrained for feare of the French King to call home those forces he had sent to aide them Hercules the better to effect it came in person to Venice whither Lodouico sent his Agents and from the Florentins Giouââ¦n Baptista Rââ¦dolfi and Paââ¦ic Antonio Soderini two of the wisest and chiefest Citizens came thither all which after long disputation concerning the meanes to be obserued in that accord made an absolute compromise for eighâ⦠daies in the person of Hercules Duke of Ferrara who hauing well considered the matter did on the sixth of Aprill prouounce his sentence But the Venetians not satisfied therewith in regard of the small consideration had of their expences in warre nor yet the Pisans who obtained nothing but a seruile kind of liberty contrary to the intention of most of the Venetian nobility nor the Florentines who thought themselues ouer burthened for that they were to repay part of their expenses who had vniustly molested them it tooke none effect notwithstanding that the Venetians and Florentines had signed and ratified it because that the Pisans determined to endure all extremity rather then to returne vnder the Florentines command being there vnto secretly incited by the Geneaois Lukeses and by Pandolfo Petrucci And so soone as they vnderstood the tenure of the sentence being wonderfully incensed against the Venetians they tooke the gard of the Cities fortes and gates from their souldiers and would not longer suffer them to lodge in the City The Florentines despayring by this accord to obtaine Pisa resolued to win it by force King Lewis in the meane time commanded his forces to march into Italy his army consisted of 1600. Launces 5000. Swisses 4000. Gascons and 4000. out of the other parts of France whereof Giouan Iacomo Triuulcio was made Generall This army comming before the fort of Arazza seated on the riuer Tanaââ¦e took it in a short space notwithstanding that there were fiue hundred footmen in it from thence it went to Anon a little towne betwixt Ast and Alexandria vpon the same Riuer which beeing battered in foure seuerall places was in two daies taken by force notwithstanding that the Duke of Milan some few monthes before had well fortified it and placed seuen hundred men in Garrison there The King came after as farre as Lyons intending to passe the mounts from whence he sent an Ambassador to Venice for to accompany the Venetian army whether soeuer it marched to which so soone as it was ready Melchââ¦or Treuââ¦san and Marc Antonio Morosini were sent as Prouidators And the Senate presented this French Ambassador with a gallant horse ritchly caparisond a pauillon for the field and two pounds of gold The Venetians hauing intelligence of Triuulcio his good successe caused their army to march consisting of seuen thousand horse and as many foot which vnder the command of Aluiana hauing crossed the Oglio and entred the enemy country did in a short space take diuers townes and castles and comming before Carauagia the chiefe City of the country tooke it by force with other townes neere the Riuer Adda The end of the fifth Booke of the fourth Decade The Contents of the sixth Booke of the fourth Decade LOdouico is troubled with the newes of the league betwixt the French King and Venetians against him Alexandria is taken by the French The Milaneses reuolt and Triuulcio entreth Milan for the King The Venetians take Cremona King Lewis comes to Milan The Venetians fleet against Bajazeth It sustaines great hurt by fire The Turke takes Lepanto Lodouico is receiued into Milan by the disloyalty of the Inhabitants Lodouico going forth of Nouara is taken by the French and sent prisoner into France The Venetians great warre with Bajazeth The Venetians through want of winde at sea lose the battaile The Turke takes Modon Coron and the fort of Iunca are yeelded to the Turke on composition Naples in Morea beseeged by the Turke is brauely defended The Isle of Samothrace yeeldeth to the Venetians They take the City of Cephalonia Confederacy betwixt Ladislaus King of Hungary and the Venetians against the Turke Peace betwixt the Venetians and Turke The Portugals traffick to Calicut for spices The castles of Moua and Faenza are re-deliuered to the Venetians The Pope complaines against the Venetians in regard of the Cities of Romagnia And lastly are set downe the Venetians Ambassadors inuectiue to the Emperour Maximillian and French King against the Pope The sixth Booke of the fourth Decade of the History of Uenice THese newes did greatly afflict Lodouico Sforza putting him in feare of his State who lost as it often happeneth in sodaine Aduersities both courage and councell flying to bootlesse and vnprofitable remedies He sent an Ambassador to Venice to vse some meanes to pacifie the Senate This Ambassador comming first to Ferrara Duke Hercules sent one of his Gentlemen before to the Senate with Lodouicos letters intreating them to suffer his Ambassador to come thither The contents of his letters were that himselfe and his brother Ascanio sent an Ambassador to them on great and important affaires requesting them to giue him audience The Senate hauing read both their letters commanded the Ferrarois presently to leaue the City and gaue Lodouicos letters to the French Ambassador At the same time Frederick King of Naples did by his Ambassador acquaint the Senate with his desire to send fiue hundred horse to Lodouicos aide The Senate told the Ambassador that hee should make his King this answer That the Cauallery he intended to send to the Duke of Milan would doe him small good he hauing need of farre greater forces and that if he should send him any they would take it as a wrong done to themselues adding that there was no man liuing who had receiued more fauors and benefits of them then hee which he had requited with ingratefull iniuries That the time was now come when God was his enemy whom hee had so often offended by his disloyalty and periury and that therefore his King should doe much better to leaue him to him selfe In the end Lodouico frustrate of all hope made meanes to the people of Milan who extreamely hated him for his great exactions and hauing assembled them he did acquit and release part of his imposts to them and
therevnto added very earnest speeches to winne their loues which were heard with more attention then profit that done hee enroled all those in the City that were able to beare armes The Venetian army in the meane time still preuailed and after the taking of the towne and ââ¦astle of Carauagia crossed the Riuer Adda on a bridge of boats and made incursions as farre as Lodi The French army on the other side beseeged Alexandria where Galleas Lodouicos sonne in law lay with twelue hundred men at armes twelue hundred light horse and three thousand foot who the third night after the seege acquainting none of his captains with his intent but only Maluezza did secretly flie from Alexandria to Milan with certaine light-horse His departure knowne in the city as many as tarried behind beganne in tumultuous manner some to flie others to hide themselues wherevpon the French army entring it by day breake did not only ransacke the souldiers but sack't the whole city The taking of Alexandria caused those of Placentia to send their Commissioners to Triuulcio with their Cities keyes the like did those of Pauia and all other townes round about There was the like confusion at Milan as in other places where the foot companies demanding pay Lodouico sent them to his cheefe Treasurer who giuing them no satisfaction was by them wounded and left for dead This accident did so terrifie Lodouico as he sent his children to Coma together his with mistris for his wife was dead Cardinall Ascanio his brother and Cardinal Sanseuerine brother to Galeas and from thence into Germany himselfe resoluing ere long to goe thither The Milaneses perceiuing Lodouico to destrust his owne forces made an assembly in their towne-house where they appointed foure of the chiefe among them to take order for their affaires These comming to Lodouico told him that they were resolued to yeeld to the French King seeing that in distrust he had sent his children and family forth of the City So soone as he heard this he caused pay to be giuen to fiue hundred light-horse and with teares in his eyes departed with them and Galeas of Sanseuerin his sonne in law towards Germany He was scarce gonne forth of the castle when Count Gayazza came to him and the better to collour his disloyalty told him that he now thought himselfe freed from the martiall oth which he had made him seeing that he abandoned his State and that he was now at liberty to goe whether it pleased him and at the very instant not tarrying for an answer went his way to serue the French King with the same company which he had leauied and entertained at Lodouicos cost Before his departure from Milan hee left Bernardin de Corte of Pauia whom he had brought vp of a child to gard the castle whereof he was then Gouernor with three thousand footmen vnder captaines whom he greatly trusted with prouision of victuals munition and money sufficient to defend it for a long time preferring this man before his brother Ascanio who had offered to take that charge vpon him Foure daies after his departure Triuulcio sent for by the Milaneses entred the City where he was receiued with great ioy reseruing the capitulations till the Kings comming all other townes of the Dutchy which yet held out yeelded on a sodaine The Venetians comming nere Cremona the townesmen sent to entreate them to grant them some respit to consider vpon their yeelding This granted they sent to Triuulcio to request him to receiue them for the King for they abhorted the Venetians gouernment but answered that by agreement made betwixt the King and them that city was theirs the chiefest Citizens with the Bishop and Clergy went to the Gates and there receiuing the Prouidators placed them vnder a Canopy and in this manner accompanied them through the City to their lodging where they intreated the Venetians to free them from the taxes and impositions where with Lodouico had opprest them the which was presently granted There is in that City a very strong castle which being well furnished with all necessaries it was a hard matter to take it Antonio Battaglione was Gouernor there vnto whom Lodouico had committed the guard of that place The next day the Prouidators sent to him willing him to yeeld vp the castle to the Venetian State at first he made refusall but after sundry messages too and fro the Prouidatorsââ¦ntred it by meanes of an hundred and fifty pounds of gold which they paied him some in hand and the rest by promise with letters of a Venetian Gentlemans place and an house in Venice and an other in the country neere to Padua with diuers other lands The same day that the Venetians entred the castle of Cremona Triuulcio did the like into that of Milan which was yeelded vnto him by Berdardino de Corte with al Lodouicos and Galleas ritch mouables in recompence of a certaine summe of money a company of an hundred Launces and a perpetuall pension Cremona obeying the Venetians the Senate sent two Presidents thither to gouerne it and to doe iustice Dominico Treuisan and Nicola Foscarinâ⦠were sent thither and beside these two Ambassadors were chosen and all foure of them appointed to goe to Milan to receiue the King and in the States name to congratulate his new conquest so soone as he should ariue there The King receiuing newes at Lyons of such fortunate successe his expectatioon rode presently in post to Milan where receiued with in credible ioy hee granted to the people vnreasonable in their demands exemption from diuers tââ¦xes but not from all as they vainely presumed and gaue great rewards to many Milanese Gentlemen and among others to Triuulcio vnto whom he gaue Vigeua and other townes in acknowledgement of his desert All the Potentates of Italy went thither to him King Frederick excepted some personally and some by Ambassadors some to congratulate his happy successe and others to cleere themselues from imputation of inclyning to Lodouico Sforza more then to him and others likewise to secure their owne euer after The King gently receiued them all and compounded with them all but after different manner according to the diuersity of the conditions and greatnesse of the profit he expected from them But whilest these things were done in Lombardy the Senate hauing intelligence that Bajazeth armed by sea and land made Antonio Grimany Generall of their Naual army commanding him speedily to depart He vnwilling to prolong his iourney for want of money their treasure beeing much wasted by continuall warre lent the State foure score pounds of gold to pay the marriners and other officers of the fleet and promised to carry as much with him to Corfou and other places to supply the fleets want when need should be Those of Corfou vpon intelligence that the Turkish fleet was vnder saile and that the State was not able in a short space to set forth a Nauy able to
Iunca returned into Sicely Pesare presented him with fiue hundred peeces of Malmsey and seuenty thousand weight of sweet meates of all sorts which the Senate had sent him from Venice Pesare aduertised that the enemy had made certaine Galleys at Preueze and that some of them were already lanched sayled thether with foureteene well armed Galleys and drew them thence notwithstanding all the enemies resistance and directed his course to Corfou there to trimme his vessels and to review his fleete The Senate in the meane time recompenced those who had well deserued in that warre as well those that were liuing as their heires that were dead The Precedent yeare the state had sent an Ambassador to Ladislaus King of Hungary to mooue him to warre vpon the Turke who after a long discourse did in the Senates name make a league and confederacie with him by which the King was bound to make warre on the Turke with his whole force and the Venetians to giue the King yearely at three distinct times three thousand pounds of gold The Pope would needs make one in this treatie of peace and sent a Cardinall thither for his Legate promising for three yeares space to giue foure hundred pounds of gold yearely to the same King Pesare hauing repaired his fleete determined to burne the Turkish Galleis at the mouth of the riuer Bojan but this enterprize tooke none effect because that the Turkes had inteligence of it who fearing the like danger as at Preââ¦ese with-drew their vessels fourteene miles vp the riuer from sea The Turke at the same time recouered the Castle of Iunca Pesari returning to Corfou had inteligence that the enemies Galleis vppon the riuer Bojan would shortly come forth hee sent certaine of his Galleis thither to keepe them in himselfe in the meane time with the rest of the fleet consisting of fiue and twenty Gallies returned into Morea where from the confines of Coron hee laded his Gallies with great numbers of men women and young children carrying them into Cephalonia desolute of inhabitants From thence hee returned to Corfou expecting the French King and King of Portugalls fleet Whilest these things were done abroade Prince Augustino Barbadico dyed at home hauiuing gouerned the Common-wealth fifteene yeare and in his place according to the vsuall manner Leonardo Loredano a man wise and noble was chosen LEONARDO LOREDANO the 75. Duke AT the first great Councell held after he was made Prince Benedetto Pesare Captaine General of the fleet was made Procurator of Saint Marke in steed of Philippo Troni who was newly dead In his time the French Fleet went to ayde the Venetians against the Turke the like did that of Portugall according to both those Kings promises but they came not both at one time nor to one place for that of Portugall went to Corfou and the French to Zant and yet neither the one or other did any great seruice to the State which hauing long time mainetained warre against the Turke alone of it selfe and in the company of the King of Hungary did at last make peace when it least thought thereof For those beeing redeemed who at the beginning of the warre were imprisoned at Constantinople Andre Gritti was one of the number who returning to Venice was by his Contrey-men kindly welcomed home He brought letters to the Senate from Achmet one of Baziazets cheefe Captaines which contained that if they were desirous to end the warre they should send one to Constantinople to treat of the conditions of peace and that hee would bee their freind The Senate vppon these letters sent word to Pesare to dissolue the fleet twenty Gallies excepted which he should keepe with him and wrote to Ladislaus King of Hungary sending him Achmets letters that they determined to send an Agent to Constantinople intreating him to doe the like to the end peace might be made with more honor Ladislaus vnderstanding the Senates determination did highly commend it and promised to grant what they demanded But the King prolonged the matter because if the Senate made peace with the Turke vnles there were som new agreement betwixt them he should be depriued of the yearly sum which the Signory gaue him wherevpon the Venetian Ambassadors that were in Hungary fearing to prolong the treaty with the Turke granted that the three thousand pounds of gold which they paid him yearely towards the war should if peace were made be reduced to three hundred pounds of gold so long as Baiazet liued In the mean time Baiazeth made peace with the Sophi therby finding himselfe more fit to continue warre against the Venetians grew haughty and told Achmet that he would not haue peace with the Venetians except they would redeliuer the Isle of Saint Maur which not long before they had taken from him The Senate aduertized thereof by Achmets letters written to Gritti and sent by an expresse messenger vnwilling any longer to consume them selues in expence by continuing the warre quitted that Island to Baiazeth and made peace with him reseruing the Isle of Cephalonia to them selues in old time called Leucadia The Venetians were much troubled for that the King of Portugall forestalling their traffick had appropriated vnto himselfe the trade for spices which their vessels and Marchants bringing from Alexandria did with meruailous profit vent into all places of Christendome For the Portugalls going by Sea into those remote partes and in the Indian Sea insinuating themselues into the friendship of the Kings of Calicut and other lands their neighbors haue gotten to themselues the Commerce for spices which the Alexandrian Marchants before were wont to haue and bringing them home into Portugall send them by sea into those places whether the Venetians vsed to trade But to returne to the Peace the Senate commanded thankes to bee giuen to God and three pounds of gold to be distributed to the Preists Baiazeth sent an ambassador vnto whom the Prince should sweare to obserue the peace as he had done to the Venetian Ambassador At the same time Lewis the French King sent Iohn Lascaris of Constantinople his Ambassador to the Venetians to request them to renew the league and Confederacy betwixt them for he being inforced to make warre vppon Gonsaluo Lieftenant Generall to the King of Spaine who had defeated his Army in Calabria was desirous to haue the Venetians take armes in his behalfe and to induce them therevnto propounded many faire conditions but they refused to renew the Confederacy and also his offers saying that they were satisfied with the old one Pope Alexander in the meane time supping in a Garden neere to the Vatican with the Duke Valentinois his sonne was on a sodaine carried thence for dead to his Pallace whither his sonne was likewise carried sick like the father and the day following the Pope dyed black and swelled and very vgly very euident signes of poyson but the Duke his sonne by reason of his youth and presently taking
arriued with letters from the Pope whereby hee tooke from them all hope of agreement with him vnlesse they did deliuer vnto him those Townes they had taken saying that to those ends hee would implore the aid of God and men threatening if they did it not to doe his worst against them The Senators were greatly troubled and incensed with these letters but more against the Bishop then Pope whom they thought had incensed his Holinesse against them This discontent was accompanied by an other for the Pope had sent an Ambassador to the French King by whom complaining of the Venetians he craued aid and assistance against them requesting him to enter into league and Confederacy with himselfe and Maximilian called to be a third man against them This being knowne at Venice the Senate presently sent Ambassadors to those two Princes to let them vnderstand that the Signory had taken nothing from the Pope but only Faenza and Rimini from a wicked man fearing least the Florentines their enemies by reason of Pisa should seaze on them as they had determined hauing already sent forces thither That they had recompenced those that kept them giuing them other Townes in exchange That those two Citties with their dependances were wont to bee giuen to new Tenants before Valentinois had them and the Senate demanding them in that nature the Church could lay no claime to them so as they payed the vsuall Rent but on the contrary ought to bee content there-with because they could not fall into the hands of any that were better able to defend and keepe them then the Venetians That the Pope had beene the Author and motiue of the Signories taking of Romagnia from Valentinois and now changing his opinion did causelesse seeke all meanes to expulse them thence And therefore the State of Venice did earnestly intreat King Lewis nor for that regard to infringe the league made with them and Maximilian in like manner that he would rather aide and assist the Signory as a good friend and neighbour in so iust and reasonable a matter then the Pope who craued a thing wholy vnreasonable These remonstrances being kindly entertained by both these Princes they promised to debate the matter with his Holinesse This answer did in some sort satisfie the Senat. Count Petellan at the same time being on great promises entreated by diuers Kings and Princes to serue them would neuer for-sake the Signory In acknowledgement whereof the state of Venice made him Generall of their Army for three yeares with a yearely annuity of fiue hundred pounds of gold The end of the sixth Booke of the fourth Decade of the History of Uenice FINIS THE SECOND VOLVME OF THE GENERALL HISTORY OF VENICE The Contents of the seuenth Booke of the fourth Decade THe Emperor entreateth the Venetians to deliuer the Cities of Faenza and Riminy to the Pope Lewis the French King maketh the same request to them The Emperor craues leaue of the Venetians to passe in armes thorow their state to Rome to his Cornonation which they deny Iohn Paul Baillon restoreth Perugia with her territory to the Pope Bolognia is yeelded in the same manner to the Pope by the Bentiuolies The King comes into Italy by reason of the reuolt of Genoa The Pope doth greatly suspect and distrust the French King Enteruiew of the Kings of France and Arragon at Sauona The Emperour performeth bad offices in Germany toward the French King How the report of the Emperours comming downe into Italy did trouble the Venetians The Emperour commeth into Italy and returneth sodainely into Germany The Almains are defeated in the vale of Cadora The Venetians take the town of Goritia The conclusion of the truce betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians did breed some discontent betwixt the King and them Confederacy sworne at Cambray against the Venetians by the Pope the Emperor Maximillian and the Kings of France and Arragon The Venetians make great warlike preparations against this confederacy The Pope casteth aterrible excommunication on the Venetians The Kings army and that of the Venetians very neere together The Venetians are defeated by the French in the Countrey of Giradade The great progression of the French army ouer Italy after the Battaile All Romagnia in a manner is yeelded to the Pope Lastly the Venetians resoluing to quit the firme land doe leaue Padua Verona and all the other Cities appointed to the Emperor The seuenth Booke of the fourth Decad of the History of Uenice MAXIMILLIAN forgetting the promise which he first made to the Venetians to debate their cause before the Pope sent two Ambassadors to Venice to entreate them to yeeld Faenza Ryminy to him That it belonged to him to make that request as Protector of Holy Church and of whatsoeuer apperteined therevnto If they thought it an vnreasonable matter they should referre it to arbitrement That he would labour to cause the Pope to condescend therevnto and that if they would choose him for their vmpier he would willingly accept thereof and would giue sentence according to equity The Senats answer with that of the Great CouÌcel to these Ambassadors was hauing reiterated all that which their Ambassadors had first of all declared to the Emperor from the Senate that their right to those lands being so plaine and euident they would not put it to compromise Vpon this answere one of the Ambassadors departed from Venice to Rome the other stayed there whose expences were defraied by the State In the meane time a league and confederacy was made betweene the Emperor Maximillian and the French King after long strife and disputation of their Ambassadors This league being concluded King Lewis sent againe Iohn Lascaris of Constantinople his Ambassador to Venice to entreate them to seeke all possible meanes of agreement with the Pope for that being done they were determined to ioyne altogether against the Turke He added that his King had sworn league and friendship with Maximillian not to hurt any man but only for the safety and preseruation of each others State The Senate who had already decreed that the Ambassadour should haue a pound weight of gold giuen him euery month towards his expences made answere that they had omitted nothing either by entreaty or promises to giue the Pope satisfaction hauing not long before made him this offer that al-be-it Pope Alexander had giuen Faenza and the other lands to the Valentinois free from all conditions they were content neuerthelesse to hold Faenza and Riminy of the Church on what conditions and rent it pleased promising to make true payment euery yeere but this would not be accepted of That they were exceeding glad that two such great Princes had conuerted their hatred and contention into a sound and firme league friendship But because it was specified in the contract betwixt King Lewis and them that neither of them two might make alliance with any other Prince whatsoeuer without the consent of his fellow they
did willingly desire to know why his King had not first aduertized them thereof At this demand the Ambassador made some little pawse then he answered that he knew nothing of it yet neuerthelesse it was mentioned in the treaty that each of them might within foure months space name a fellow whom he would wherevpon it was lawfull for his King to name the Signory of Venice The Ambassadors answere did not greatly content the Senate and could not hinder them from suspecting this league contracted without their knowledge Wherevpon they thought it most expedient to trie if they could appease the Pope vnto whom certaine months before they had offered to deliuer vnto him Riminy and withall that which they had possessed in Romagnia since Pope Alexander his death prouided that he would be content that they might still retaine Faenza with her Territory This was for feare of the French King and likewise because the Emperour at the Popes request had sent an Ambassadour vnto them to will them to make restitution of the lands belonging to the Church as hath beene said But the Pope hauing giuen them this resolute answere that he would not in any sort consent to the with-holding of one onely towre and threatning them to recouer yet before he died Rauenna and Ceruia which they possessed as wrongfully as they did Faenza they passed on no farther at that time But their feare being encreased by reason of this new confederacy betwixt the Emperour and the French King they offered by the meanes of the Duke of Vrbin a friend to both sides to deliuer vp all that which they possessed the appurtenances of Faenza and Riminy excepted if the Pope would giue admittance to their Ambassadors to come and make the oth of obedience wherevnto in time before he would not consent The Pope inclined to this proposition made by the Duke of Vrbin though vnwillingly in regard he had so highly threatned them for hee perceiued the affaires betwixt the Emperor and the French King to be drawne out at length and that in the meane time those of Furli Imola and Cesenna did indure many discommodities Vpon this consent that which they had offered being re-deliuered the Senate sent their Ambassadors who after they had protested obedience with the accustomed ceremonies they brought home with them to Venice no signe whereby it might be perceiued that he was become any whit the milder In the meane space the Pope perceiuing well enough that without the French Kings aide he could not hurt the Venetians and that he could not as yet induce him to make warre vpon them to the end his Popedome should not be spent vnproffitably or without honour he turned his thoughts else-where and entreated the French King to helpe him to reduce vnder the Churches obedience the Cities of Bolognia and Perugia the which in all ages did belong to the Sea of Rome and were possessed the one by Iohn Paul Baillon and the other by Iohn Bentiuogle whose predecessors hauing vsurped them were become absolute Lords thereof The Popes request was very pleasing to the King because thereby hee might finde meanes to keepe his friendship from which he was in some sort estranged in regard of the Kings alliance with the Venetians which did much trouble him Wherevpon because he would not disapoint him he offered him all aide and succour and the Pope on the other side gaue him the breefes of Cardinalship for the Bishops of Achy and Bayeux with authority to dispose of the benifices of the Dutchy of Milan The execution of this enterprise was delaied by reason of the iourney which Maximillian desired to make into Italy with his army to receiue his Imperiall crowne at Rome wherein he being desirous not to be hindred by the Venetians hee sent foure Ambassadors to acquaint them with his intent and to intreate them to grant a passage for him and his army likewise assuring them that he would passe thorough their territories without disturbing them in any sort being desirous likewise to vnite himselfe with them The Venetians hauing a long time consulted therevpon made him a pleasant answere for after they had giuen him to vnderstand how much they desired to conforme themselues to his will they councelled him to come into Italy without armes especially comming for so peaceable a matter which was pleasing to all men where on the contrary comming in armes Italy desparing for so many calamities which it had susteined would rise determining to take armes and not to lay open a way to new troubles and that the French King might doe the like for assurance of the state of Millan The determination of Maximillian caused the Pope to defetre his enterprize till an other time being perswaded therevnto by the King who was vrged of his promise about that businesse least they by reason of that accident of Italy should rise in armes as also because he feared to prouoke the Venetians who had sent him word that they would take armes for the defence of Bolognia if the Pope did not first giue ouer to them the rights to Faenza which did belong to the Church But the Pope being by nature sodaine and impatient would not temporize but sought all meanes to effect his purpose after a furious manner And without staying for any other resolution he departed from Rome with fiue hundred men at armes where fortune did so fauour him as Iohn Paul Baillon by the Duke of Vrbins perswasion went to him to Oruietta where he was receiued into fauour hauing wholly referred himselfe to the Popes discretion and deliuered into his hands the castles of Perugia and the territory therevnto belonging into which he afterwards entred Then marching towards Bolognia being attended on by six hundred French Launces and three thousand footmen of the Kings forces he went by the way of the mountaine because he would not come vpon the territory of Riminy which the Venerians held and being come to Cesenna he commanded Bentiuoli to depart from Bolognia on paine of most greeuous censures both spirituall and temporall The Bentiuoles had made great preparations for their owne defence but all their hope was turned to dispaire so soone as they heard of the French-mens arriuall in the Popes army and much more when the Lord of Chaumont who conducted them did tell them the same day that he arriued at Castel-nouo on the Bolognians territory that the King being willing to obserue whatsoeuer he was tied vnto by the capitulations of the protection did meane to continue him in the possession of his goods so that he would leaue the Gouernment of the City to the Church At these words Bentiuoli and his children who before with great threatnings had published euery where that they would defend themselues being wholy discouraged made answere that they would altogether referre themselues to his arbitrement beseeching him by all meanes to mediate tollerable conditions Vpon this answere the Lord of Chaumont being
come within three miles nere to Bolognia delt so with the Pope as he gaue him leaue safely to depart from Bolognia with his wife and children and to dwelin what place of the Dutchy of Milan he pleased permitting him to sell and carry away with him all his mouables and to enioy the immouables which he possessed with iust title The Bentiuoles being departed the people of Bolognia sent their Ambassadors to the Pope for to giue him the entire gouernment of their City At the same time the King of Arragon being imbarked at Barcelona came along by the coast of Prouence to Genoa and from thence keeping close by the land continuing his iourney he entred into the Hauen of Gayetta Then being conducted to Naples he was receiued with great magnificence Ambassadors from all places of Italy came thither with speed and among others from Venice whither George Pisani and Marc Dandulo were sent to congratulate and honour so great a Prince The Pope likewise notwithstanding that he was displeased for that he had not sent to offer his obedience as the manner was sent a Nuntio to him to incite him against the Venetians thinking that for the recouery of the Hauens of Apuglia which the Venetians held he had wished their ouerthrow And the Venetians on the contrary did still study to keepe his friendship Soone after King Lewis came into Italy by reason of the rebellion of Genoa the Venetians sent Dominico Trenisano and Paul Pisaââ¦i their Ambassadors to him to congratulate his arriuall who came to Milan whether the king came so soone as he had recouered Genoa The Pope being at Bolognia had solicited the King to come into Italy that they might conferre together wherevnto the King did incline albeit the Popes intents were against the Venetians whom he hated in regard of the Cities of Romagnia which they possessed But when he vnderstood that the King determined to take armes in fauour of the Gentlemen against the people of Genoa because the strife betwixt the Gentlemen and the Commons had beene cause of the rebellion he was much discontented thereat because he had euer fauored the people against the Nobility and he perswaded the King as much as in him lay to absteine from armes alleaging that it might kindle some fire in Italy which would hinder the warre which they had decreed against the Venetians To the which perceiuing the King would not agree being transported with choller he gaue out on a sodaine at the beginning of the yeere 1507. contrary to al mens expectation that he would returne to Rome saying that the aââ¦e of Bolognia did not agree with his healthâ⦠wherevpon the King was troubled not knowing what to thinke because he interrupted that which himselfe had ââ¦raued and did all he could to alter his determination But the Kings earnest instance to change his minde did encrease the Popes suspition which hee had conceiued that the King would keepe him still there where they might meet together at one selfe same place which did so much the more confirme him in his determination wherein being obstinate he departed from Bolognia about the latter end of February being not able to dissemble the disdaine which he had conceiued of the King By this wrath the hatred which he did beare to the Venetians being in some sort mittigated hee determined to passe by the City of Faenza new quarrels arising euery houre betwixt the King and him in regard of the Bentinoles whom he would haue the King to expell from the Dutchy of Milan albeit by his owne consent they were permitted to abide there in such sort as nothing could appease him complayning greeuously of the King and being thereby prouoked he did by his Nuââ¦tios and by a Breefe giue the Emperour and the Electors to the Empire to vnderstand that the French Kings preparations for his passage into Italy with a mighty army vnder pretence to appease the sedition of Genoa was in effect to oppresse the state of the Church and to vsurpe the Imperiall dignity The Venetians likewise fearing the Kings comming into Italy with so great an army did giue the like aduertizement Maximillian being desirous of nouelty hauing receiued these aduertizements held an Imperiall Diet in the City of Constance where all the Barons Princes and Common-wealths of Germany being assembled he did in such sort agrauate the matter against the French King by his oration as the mindes of all those that were there present were merueilously mooued where he exhibited the Popes and Venetians letters of aduertizement The French King hauing intelligence of the whole matter did on a sodaine cassier his army to take away the cause of such a suspition and would himselfe haue repassed the mounts had not the desire which he had to speake with the King of Arragon staied him who was preparing for his returne into Spaine and leauing Naples came directly to Sauona where he had appointed to conferre with the French King who for that cause was come from Millan to attend him there where Fernand with the Queene his wife being arriued all distrusts being laied aside on both parts with infinite numbers of reciprocall embrasings they had diuers long and secret conferences betwixt themselues and by that which fell out afterward it was apparent that they promised a perpetuall league of friendship one with the other and that Ferdinand should vse meanes to reconcile the Emperour and the French King to the end that all of them being vnited together they might afterward shew themselues open enemies to the Venetians The two Kings departed from Sauona the fourth day after their arriuall with the same shewes of loue and friendship The one went by sea to Barcelona and the other by land returned into France leauing the other affaires of Italy at the same stay King Lewis in the meane time perceiuing that the Diet of Constance continued where Maximillian had so highly animated all the German Princes against him he sent vnder-hand certaine men of purpose to Constance who should not be publikely knowne but dealing secretly should worke meanes by the hidden fauour of the Princes his friends to appease the mindes of the rest excusing those slanders which were imposed vpon him by the euidence of the effects seeing that after the reduction of Genoa to his obedience he had on a sodaine cassieââ¦ed his army and returned with all possible speed into France to take away all suspition that he would attempt nothing against the Church nor against the title of the sacred Empire and with these iustifications they wrought meanes to appease the Germans armes by the force of gold which they so highly loue These things did greatly trouble the French Kings minde who was altogether vncertaine of the Venetians meanings who would not openly discouer themselues but had euer held matters in suspense The Dyet of Constance beeing ended it was there concluded after sundry disputations that Maximillian should haue
hauing lost diuers of their men there with two peices of ordinance which the Almaines tooke from them in a salley thinking it lost time to tarry there any longer seeing they could not enforce the enemies to fight they went to Rouero and the Almains to Trent the most parte of whom within a while after disbanded Mazimilian who during these warlike exploits had runne vp and downe from place to place to be releiued with men and money perceiuing all men to forsake him after the defeat of his forces at Cadora sent a Gentleman of his to Venice to craue truce for three monethes but the Senate contemned it and would not grant any for lesse then a whole yeare not without the knowledge and consent of the French King Maximilian being the more danted for the losse of Tryeste and other places of the Sea-coast did solicite the Bishop of Trent to inuite as of himselfe the Venetians to truce thinking by that meanes the sooner to purchase Peace The Venetians made answer That it lay not in their power but that he ought to mooue the French King For this purpose Commissioners were appointed to meet and conferre together for Maximilians part the Bishop or Trent and Serentano the Emperors Secretary for the French King Triuulce and Iacomo Galfredo President of Millan and for the Venetians Zacharie Contarene a particular Ambassador deputed for that businesse Conferring together they easily condiscended to all conditions sauing that the Frenchmen would haue a generall truce and that all the confederates of either of them as well out of Italy as within should be therein comprized and especially the Duke of Guelders wherevnto Maximilians Agents would not consent because their maister had determined to ruine that Duke saying that in the treaty there was nothing mentioned but the warres of Italy and that nothing ought to be entermingled therewith but that which concerned Italy The Venetians did all they might to content the French King but perceiuing the Almaines to be obstinate in that businesse they resolued for their part to accept of truce in the same manner as they had concluded it beeing desirous to free themselues from such a warre which lighted wholly on their dominions and notwithstanding the protestation of the French Kings Commissioners that a mutuall enterprise ought not to be finished but in common the Venetians went on and concluded the truce on the twentith of Aprill the which was speedily ratified by the Emperour and the Venetians by meanes whereof the warrs ceased betwixt them and diuers did hope that Italy thereby should for a time enioye Peace and quiet Armes beeing layd a side Aluiana and Cornare returned to Venice where they were receiued with great pompe and in a manner triumphall The French King hauing intelligence that the truce was concluded and signed shewed signes of discontent and complained to Antonio Condelmerio Ambassador for the Venetians in his Court saying that he had not deserued of the Seigneiury of Venice that without staying for his answer and consent they had granted truce to Maximilian That he did not greatly care if the confederates of Italy were comprized therein prouided that the Duke of Guelders might be assured in his state whom he much affected and yet neuerthelesse the Signory had made his desire frustrate wherein he did hope to be assisted and furthered And yet he had an hundred thousand crownes ready to employ in his ayde and that he would not endure that any wrong should be done to him by the fault of his confederates The King hauing vttered these words in choller did repent him of it and feining to forget all matters he beganne to entertaine him with more pleasing discourse namely when the Ambassador had excused the common-wealth and told him that the Senate euer had a principall regard to maintaine him in the Dutchy of Millan to the end that whilest the truce lasted hee might not be molested in that State The King gaue him then some hope that he would ratifie the truce but in himselfe he beganne to thinke on all meanes how to be reuenged The Emperor on the other side not digesting the brauadoes which the Venetians had offered him and being desirous to resent the wrongs which he had receiued because he had no hope to draw any more aid from the Germaine Princes made shew that he had a will to vnite himselfe with the French King against the Venetians as the only remedy to recouer his honor and lost states The Pope likewise prouoked the King against them because besides the old hatred which he did beare to them he thought that the Bandetti of Furli who dwelt at Faenza had by their meanes made some attempt on that Citty The King calling to minde besides his new displeasure for the truce all the wronges which he thought they had done him in his warres of Naples and beeing desirous to snatch forth of their handes Cremona and other townes which had beene a long time possessed by the Dukes of Millan had the same inclination like to the Emperor wherefore the better to bring it to passe they began betwixt theÌselues to haââ¦ken to the contentioÌ betwixt the Arch-duke the D. of Geldres and for that purpose they chose the Citty of Cambray for their place of conference Whether from the Emperor came the Lady Marguerit his daughter Regent of the Low Countreys and Mathew Langy the Secretary and for the French King the Cardinall of Amboise who vnder coulour of treating a peace betwixt the Arch-duke and the Duke of Guelders as they gaue it forth to the end that the true cause might not be knowne to the Venetians they concluded a perpetuall peace and confederacy betwixt the Pope the Emperor the French King and the King of Arragon against the Venetians each of them to recouer those things which they held from them The new confederacie beeing thus concluded the Cardinall of Amboise departed from Cambray the Bishop of Paris and the Count of Carpy went to the Emperor from the French King for the ratification of the peace who did soone ratifie and confirme it by oath the like did the French King and when it was afterwards brought to the King of Arragon albeit he had some doubt in his mind yet neuerthelesse he did forth with ratifie it with the same solemnities But the Pope made more difficulty in the matter beeing on the one side swayed by a desire to recouer the citties of Romagnia and with his hatred to the Venetians and on the other side his feare of the French Kings forces did greatly mooue him As also for that he thought it a dangerous matter for himselfe if the Emperour by recouering from the Venetians the places which they held and which did belong to the Empire should grow too great in Italy To preuent this inconuenience hee thought it more commodious to seeke to recouer his townes by a more gentle way then by warre To this
his part because his enterprizes proceeded not from any particular interest but from a sole and sincere desire of the liberty of Italy but he could not hope much from them by reason their treasure was exhausted and them-selues oppressed with sondry difficulties The French King beeing by so many experiences assured of the Popes bad meaning towards him determined to strengthen him-selfe as much as he might with the Emperors friendship and to passe in person the spring following into Italy to make warre on the Venetians or on the Pope according as the state of his affaires should petmit The end of the eight Booke of the fourth Decade The Contents of the ninth Booke of the fourth Decade WIth what boldnesse and resolution Pope Iulius marched against the Duke of Ferrara and beeing not able to ouercome him by temporall armes he vsed spirituall A Generall Councell published at Lions A new Confederacy as well offensiue as defensiue betwixt the Emperor and the French-King How greatly the marche of the French Army toward Bolognia did afright the Pope and all his Cardinals The Lord of Chaumonts retreate into the Dutchy of Milan The Duke of Ferrara defeateth the Venetians nauall Army The Popes Army taketh the Citty of Concorda Mirandolo taken by the Confederates The King doth wholy resolue to make warre on the Pope The Death of the Lord of Chaumont where vpon Triuulcio is made Generall of the Army A great Earthquake at Venice and in the Countrey neere adioyning The Popes Army is defeated before the Bastida Geniuola The French Kings discontent for that the Emperor consenteth to a peace with the Venetians The King of Arragons secret practises against the French King The Cardinall of Pauia flyes from Bolognia at the arriuall of the French The flight of the Duke of Vrbin Generall of the Popes Army Death of the Cardinall of Pauia slaine by the Duke of Vrbin The French King greatly desireth to bee at peace with the Pope How the Venetians did still maintaine their forces and greatnesse A new confederacy betwixt the Pope the King of Arragon and the Venetians The Swisses come downe into the Dutchie of Milan The Army of the Confederates before Bolognia the which is releeued by Gaston of Foix. And lastly how the Confederates Army dislodgeth from before Bolognia The ninth Booke of the fourth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THe Pope continuing his displeasure against the Duke of Ferrara omitted all other designes onely to pursue this and to this end hee came to Bolognia at the later end of September by his presence to hasten matters and to giue the greater authority to his affaires resoluing to assaill Ferrara both by land and water with all his owne forces and those of the Venetians who at his request sent two armed fleetes against Ferrara which being entred into the Po by the Fornaces and by the hauen of Primara made great spoile on the Ferrara territory the like did the Popes forces at the same time and yet they came not neere to Ferrara where besides the Dukes forces were two hundred and fifty French lances and the Popes army was not suffitient to assayle the Citty by land For allbeit the Pope gaue pay for eight hundred men at Armes six hundred light horse and six thousand foote the complete number of so many was greately wanting as also for that by his command Marke Anthony Colonna and Iohn Vittelli were gone with two hundred men at armes and three hundred foote for the gard of Modena In regard whereof he requested seeing that the Venetians had in a manner recouered the country of Friull that part of their army might be brought on the Ferrarois He did more-ouer expect three hundred lances which the King of Arragon was bound to send him according to the articles of the inuestiture of the realme of Naples making account vpon the arriuall of all these forces to assaile Ferrara for his part and that the Venetians should doe the like for theirs hee perswaded him-selfe that the people of the Citty would forth-with take armes in his behalfe against the Duke and hee would not harken to those who told him That it would not so fall out in regard of the garrison within it which was sufficient to defend the Citty and to hinder the people if they were so bent from reuolting About the same time an intelligence which the Venetians had on the Citty of Bressia was discouered the Author whereof Earle Iohn Maria of Martinenga was beheaded there Now the Pope perseuering in his hope did promise to him-selfe though all his other forces should faile to be able to take Ferrara with his owne and the Venetian fleets notwithstanding al the reasons giuen by his Captaines to the contrary but he found himselfe to be deceiued For the Duke comming forth of Ferrara did assaill the Venetians fleete which was entred by Primaria and comming to Hadria with two Galleis two Fusts and with diuers small boates hee did easily defeate it then hee went to meet with the other the which consisting onely of fustes and other small vessells had entred by the fornaces and was come to Puliselsa which attempting to retire into the riuer Adicé by a chanell neere at hand it could not by reason of the shallownesse of the water where-vpon being assailed and beaten with the enemies ordnance those of the fleet not beeing able to defend it were enforced to forsake it and to vse meanes to saue them-selââ¦es and their ordnance The Pope perceauing that his temporal armes were not of force to execute his deseignes made vse of spirituall and did publickly excommunicate Alfonso of Este and all those who were or should come to his aid and namely the Lord of Chaumont and all the cheefe persons of the French army The French King who already vpon the Popes behauiour determined to call a generall councell against him and had caused all the prelates of his Kingdome to meete at Orleans and afterwards at Tours hauing notice of his Ecclesiasticall censure executed so rashly vpon his subiects was of opinion in this assembly where he was present diuers times that before hee would free him-selfe from his obedience to send Ambassadors to him to aduertise him of the articles concluded on by the French Clergy against which if hee thought to except he should be cited to the generall councell which all Christian Princes had determined should bee assembled by a certaine day According to this resolution the Councell was published at Lyons against the first day of March next ensuing Within a while after the Bishop of Gurcia sent from the Emperor arriued at Tours where his entertainment was sumptuous which shewed how greatly his comming was desired with whome the King continuing to treat of matters which had already beene handled at the first they seemed to bee very casie but they were afterwards drawne forth at length as well by reason that the Emperors answers were very slow
the assaillants and who are in the field for the conquest of Ferrara to seeke to assaill vs and our Captaines whose part is to defend ought not to attempt to assaill them contrary to all rules of Martiall discipline But let vs consider what aduantage wee haue or what necessity inforceth vs to it It seemeth vnto me and I doe not altogeter deceiue my selfe that it is a matter very apparent that wee cannot do what the Duke of Ferrara propoundeth but with our great disaduantage because we cannot goe to that place but by a causey and by a very narrow and bad way where all our forces cannot display them-selues and where the enemies may very well with small forces resist a greater number Wee must march vpon the causie one horse after another and wee must bring the artillery carriage wagons and bridges ouer this narrow causie And who is it that knowes not that in a straight and foule way euery peece of ordnance euery waggon that shall sticke fast in the mire will for a large houres space cause the whole army to make a stand And that being pestred with so many incombrances euery contrary accident will easily disorder vs The enemies are driely lodged furnished with victuals and forage we shal in a manner encampe in the open ayre forrage is to be brought after vs and we shall not be able but with great labour to bring the one halfe of that we shall need We must not referre our selues to that which ingeners saie and to husbandmen which know the Countrey Because warres are managed by soldiers armes and by Captaines Councels They are made by fighting in the field and not by proiects which those that are ignorant of warres do figure forth in paper or describe with their fingers or with a stick in the dust As for my selfe I doe not presuppose that the enemies areso weake noâ⦠their affaires in such disorder nor that in their lodging and fortification they haue had so smal skill as not to helpe themselues by the opportunity of the waters and sytuations as I can promise to my selfe that so soone as we shal be com to the place whether we make account to go their we could with ease ariue ther that it lyeth in our power to assaile them Sundry difficulties may enforce vs to tary ther two or thre daies and if there were none other let the snow and rayne falling in so bad a season will stay vs And besides how should we prouide victuals and forage if it should fall out that we were to carry there And though it were in our power to assaile them who is he that can so easily promise to himselfe the victory Who is it which considereth not how dangerous a matter it is to deale with enemies that are strongly encamped and to haue to doe at one time with them and with the discomodities of the contries situation Vnlesse we can be able on a sodaine to to enforce them thence we our selues shall be constrained to returne back And how hard a matter will it be in a country which is wholly our enemie and where euery small mishap will prooue very great Besides I see small reason to put the Kings whole state in such precipitate danger seeing we are chiefly in action for no other matter but for to releeue the Citty of Ferrara of which if we furnish it with a stronger garrison we may be assured yea although we should breake vp out army for it is thought to be so much consumed as if the enemies waight on ita little longer it is impossible but it wil shortly fall of it selfe Is it not yet in our power to turne back a most mighty remedy in warre whereby without hazarding any one horse we will enforce them to depart from before Ferrara I haue euer councelled and now councell more then euer to turne towards Modena or Bolognia keeping the broad way and to fortefie Ferrara for a few dayes for it will not be long with all thinges necessary Now in mine opinion it is best to go forthwith to Modena wherevnto the Cardinall of Este doth prouoke vs who is a personage of great state in which Towne he doth assure vs to haue intelligence and that we may easily take it For by winning a place of so great importance the enemies shal be enforced to retire on a sodaine towards Bolognia And although we should not take Modena yet the feare which would possesse the enemies as wel for that as for the state of Bolognia will constrayne them to doe the like as without al doubt they would long ere this haue done if at the first this oppinion had beene followed The great reasons of this wise Captaine was approoued by al men by meanes wherof the Lord of Chaumont hauing strongly man'd Ferrara with soldiers for her safety held on his way towards Carpy from thence to march to Modena But the Pope by the king of Arragons councell hauing restored it to the Emperour to auoid so many discontents and to quiet his mind which was displeased for that the Pope had seased on it it being euer accounted a Citty of the iurisdiction of the Empire was cause that the Lord of Chaumont being certefied of this restauration desisted from his enterprise who within a while after falling sick was brought to Corregia where fifteene dayes after he dyed hauing before his death very deuoutly adknowledged the faults which he had committed against the Church and besought the Pope to giue him absolution the which hee freely graunted By his death Iohn Iames Triuulce gouerned the Army because hee was one of the foure Marshalls of France vnto whome the Generall of the Army beeing dead the gouernment belongeth by the customes of France vntill the King hath other-wised disposed thereof There happened at the same time a great Earth-quake in Venice whereby part of the walls of the Ducall pallace fel downe with the Marble statues in Saint Markes Church which had beene set vp for the beautifing of the building the stââ¦ples of Churches were shaken and the Bells range of them-selues The waters of the canalâ⦠did swell diuers houses and chimneis fell downe wherewith infinite numbers of people were slaine sundry women with child dyed But Gods pleasure was that it lasted not long wherevpon the Patriarks commanded prayers to be made ouer all the Citty with fasting for three daies space with bread and water The like Earth-quake happened soone after at Padua Treuiso Vdina and in other places and territories belonging to the common wealth Now Triââ¦ulcio commanding the Army returned with all his forces to Sââ¦rmidi to goe to releeue the Bastid Geniuola which the Popes Army beseeged and whether the Venetian fleete was going But he went on no farther hauing notice in that place that the Duke of Ferrara with the Lord Chastillon and the French forces were gone forth with great numbers of soldiours and had defeated the enemies whome they found in disorder and
fearing least the people through scare might be wonne did speedily send to demand aide of Gaston of Foix who the selfe same day sent thither a thousand foot and the morrow after a hundred foure score Launces and then resolued to goe thither in person with the whole army not-with-standing that in councell all the captaines contradicted it Therefore hee came forth of Finall late in the euening and the next morning he marched towards Bolognia with the whole army in battaile notwithstanding the snowes and sharpe windes and entred it by Saint Felix gate hauing in his company thirteene hundred Lances six thousand Lansequenets eight thousand foot both French and Italians The enemies had no knowledge of his comming till a day after that a Stadiot of the number of those who were come forth among others to skirmish was taken who being questioned what was done in Bolognia answered That he could not say much because he came thither but the day before with the French army whereat the enemies wondering did more exactly examine him in what manner and what numbers had entred and finding him constant in his answeres they beleeued him and resolued to raise their campe in regard it was dangerous to tarry there as wel in respect of the cold season which did greatly afflict the souldiers as also for the neighbour-hood of the City so great an army being within it Wherfore the next night following which was the nineteenth day of the seege after they had with great dilligence and stilnesse retired their ordnance they dislodged early in the morning It was thought of a certaine that if the French army had salââ¦ied forth the next morning after their arriuall as Gaston of Foix had propounded it they had surprized the confederats campe who in no sort doubted that he was come thither as hath beene said but ââ¦ues of Alegre councelled to let the companies rest one day who were weary with their iourney and the bad way thinking that the enemy had knowne of their comming as it was to be presumed entring at broad day light and by the high-way of Rome The end of the ninth Booke of the fourth Decad. The Contents of the tenth Booke of the fourth Decade THe City of Bressia taken by the Venetians is rescued by Gaston of Foix by meanes of the Castle which held out still for the French Bergamo by the example of Bressia expelleth the French The defeate of Iohn Paul Baillon and Meleager of Furli by Gaston of Foix. The imprisonment of Andrew Gritti and Antonio Iustiniano Truce betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians by meanes of the Pope Rauenna beseeged by Gaston of Foix. The Battaile of Rauenna wherein the French were victors The death of Gaston of Foix slaine by the Spaniards after the battaile was wonne In what perplexity the Pope was after the French mens victory The Swisses come downe into the territory of Verona with their great hate to King Lewis and vpon what occasion The Champaine Country of Milan is forsaken for to keepe the Cities from the Swisses Milan with all the Cities almost of the Dutchy is redeliuered to the confederates The City of Genoa reuolteth from the King League and confederacie betwixt the Pope and the Emperour Maximillian Sforza is restored to the Dutchy of Milan The death of Pope Iulius the Second A league concluded betwixt King Lewis and the Venetians The Election of Pope Leo the Tenth of the family of Medicis King Lewis his great preparations for the warre of Italy The Venetians take Cremona The whole Dutchy of Milan in trouble and tumult in the behalfe of the French The French make re-entry into all the state of Milan two townes excepted The Swisses resolution to make warre on King Lewis They come downe to Nouara The Swisses comming forth of Nouara in the night obtaine the victory against the French The French are driuen forth of the whole Dutchy of Milan And lastly the taking and dismantling of Legnaga by the Venetians The tenth Booke of the fourth Decad of the History of Venice THe army being dislodged from before Bolognia Gaston of Foix hauing left there three hundred Launces and foure thousand foot for the garde thereof came with great speed to the reliefe of the Castle of Bressia for the Venetians tooke the City the same day that hee entred into Bolognia For Count Lodouico Auogare a Bressian Gentleman being wearied with the arrogancy and indiscretion of the French hauing written to the councell of the Tenne That if they would send their army to Bressia he would finde meanes to raise some tumult there during which hee would by night open a gate for them by which their forces might easily enter and seize vpon the city This matter was for certaine daies debated in the councell of Tenne and then by them referred to the great councell to the end it might be maturely determined whether Count Lodowickes offer ought to be entertained or refused After diuers and sundry opinions it was concluded to accept it the matter being commanded to be kept secret then they acquainted the Prouidator Gritti therewith enioyning him to march speedily with his troupes towards Bressia and to march at the very houre and to the gate which Count Lodowick should send him instructions for Gritti vpon this commandment crossed the Riuer Adice at Albera then that of Mincia at the mill of La Volta and comming to Monteclaro with three hundred men at armes thirteene hundred light-horse and three thousand foote he encamped that night at Castagnetta fiue miles from Bressia from whence he on a sodaine sent his light-horse to scoure euen to the gates But the enterprise being discouered by a wife of one of the complices who aduertized the Gouerthereof of whom she was enamored and by that meanes the towne being carefully guarded Gritti thought it not fit to passe on any farther wherevpon Count Lodowicke not being staied by the French came with his sonne forth of the City Andre Gritti being returned neere to Montagnane from whence he first came left a sufficient gard for the bridge which hee had made ouer the Riuer Adicé to the end to assure the passage if he should happen to returne againe as it afterwards fell out For within a while after being recalled he crossed the Riuer with two Cannons and foure falconets and returned to his quarter at Castagnetta Count Lodowick on the other side being accompanied with very great numbers of the people of the valeys of Eutropia Sabina whoÌ he had caused to rise was come within a mile of Bressia And al-be-it they within the City did not yet make shew of fauouring the enterprise yet neuerthelesse Gritti perceiuing that he had greater forces then at the former time he resolued to haue it by force And beeing come with all those peasants he assailed it in three seuerall places two of which had good successe namely at the Gate of Piles where Auogare fought at the
to the end that he might alow of the Councell of Lateran and disallow the Conuenticle of Pisa. The Spanish Ambassador would not enter into that League saying that he had no commission so to doe from his King The consederacy being contracted the Bishop of Gurcia at the next Session of the councell of Lareran did in the Emperours name adhere to the Councel where he affirmed in the presence of all men that the Emperour had neuer consented to the Conuenticle of Pisa reiecting all those who had vsed his name This being doone the Bishop of Gurcia tooke his leaue that he might be with Maximilian Sforza at such time as he should take possession of the Dutchy of Millan the which he did After his entry the Viceroy went and beseeged the fort of Tresa vpon the riuer Adda which was yeelded vnto him vpon condition that they within it might depart with their goods The confederacy made at Rome had not wholly broken off the hope of agreement betweene the Emperour and the Venetians and therfore the Pope sent Iacomo Stafilea Auditor of the Rote to Venice to entreat the Senate to agree with Maximilian and to enter into the league saying That to his great greeââ¦e he had forsaken them the which many taking in bad part Said that they were assured that it would cause them to enter into League with the French and by that meanes to recall them a new into Italy but that he for his part did so much presume on them as he knew they would neuer do it and in regard of these matters beeing troubled with sondry thoughtes he fell sick and his health dayly empairing not being able to eate or sleepe he deceassed the two and twentith day of February in the yeare 1513. Now the Venetians hauing determined before the Popes death to contract League and alliance with the French according to the motion made by King Lewis to Andrew Gritti prisoner at that time in France they resolued the matter hauing a long time been debated in councell to send one of purpose into France to treat of this businesse with the King and to this end they named Lodouico Pietro Secretary of the Councell of Tenne Hee beeing departed from Venice and onward on his way they had newes of the Popes death but for all that they did not call him back not knowing who should be his successor and least of all what his affection towards them might be The Secretary beeing come into France the King did enlarge Andre Gritti and did forthwith conclude the league with him on condition that Cremona and the contrey of Giradade should belong to the state of Milan and that the Venetians should haue Bressia Bergamo and Crema the King making ouer all his right to them which he could pretend to those Citties That they should be bound to aide one another and to hazard together one selfe same fortune vntill the King should recouer the whole state of Milan and that likewise the Republicke should be restored to the entier possession of whatsoeuer it did enioy on the firme land And lastly that al prisoners on either side should be set at liberty and the fugitiues restored to their goods and contrey In the meane time after the Popes death the Cardinalls entred quietly into the Conclaue and did the seauenth day following with a generall consent choose for Pope Iohn Cardinall of the title of Saint Mary in Dominica of the most illustrious family of Medicis of seauen thirty years of age which was a strange matter and contrary to the custome He tooke vpon him the name of Leo the tenth This election was pleasing to all men and cheefely to the Venetians who did euer greatly affect that family by reason whereof the Senate did hope easily to draw him with them into this league confederacy and alliance But Leo hauing obtained the Pontificall dignity found himselfe to bee assailed with sondry thoughts reuoluing in his minde diuers matters as well belonging to warre as to peace His antient habit and manner of life from his youth did excite him to embrace peace and quietnesse especially now when he saw him-selfe established in the supreame dignity so as the nââ¦e of warre in regard of dangers past was displeasing and odious to him And on the other side hee found no great safety in peace in the middest of armes and confusion of all things as also because the memory of his predecessor who by armes had much encreased the deââ¦aines of the Church did prouoke him to warre But by taking armes hee knew not to which side hee should rather incline For the returne of the French into Italy did not like him in regard of the wrongs and greeuances which he in particular had receiued by them and his predecessor like-wise and which did still threaten him in regard of the councell of Pisa which was transferred to Lyons On the other side the French confederate with the Venetians did in such sort daily encrease in strength and reputation as hee knew not by what meanes to oppose himselfe against such warlike attempts Leo then being thus troubled with sundry thoughts did oftentimes change his determination At the beginning of his papacy he sent a breefe to all Christian Princes exhorting them to peace and vnity and the more easily to induce them there vnto hee determined not to shew him-selfe more affected to one side then to another Yet neuerthelesse perceiuing at the same-time that there was no greate hope of peace he beganne to prouoke the Venetians against the French vsing meanes to perswade them to league them-selues with him selfe the Florentines the Swisses and the Duke of Milan for the liberty of Italy The Venetians would not consent to his proposition thinking it to bee against reason to abandon for vaine hopes an alliance already made with the French and also for that considering matters more iudiciously they perceaued that at the first hee promised some apparent liberty but that dangers did still encrease and that they went about to throw all Italy head-long into perpetuall bondage With these discourses did the Venetians maintayne their opinion soliciting the French King in the meane time to make the greatest hast hee could with his army into Italy to surprise the townes before they were man'd with garrisons putting him in mind that the victory of an enterprise dependeth cheefely on speed The French King beeing moued by these remonstrances did wholy bend his actions to this warre and to cut off all lets that might hinder him therein he made truce for one whole yeare with Fernand King of Arragon onely for that which concerned matters forth of Italy And as for the English whome hee vnderstood were making great preparations for their comming into France hee made no great reckoning thereof hoping in short space to driue Sforza from the state of Milan and to returne victorious with his Army into France time enough to resist their attempts
Venetians with the Popes arbitratiue sentence The Venetians defeate the Almaines in the Countrey of Friul And lastly the meanes which the Venetians vsed to recouer money for the entertainment of their Armie The First Booke of the fifth Decade of the Historie of Uenice WHilest the Venetians spoyled the Countrey about Verona to enforce the Veronois to some agreement the Spanish army came forward the Viceroy fearing least thorough the bad disposition of those of Legnaga Verona would open her gates to the Venetians and therefore hee determined without delay to giue ayde to the Emperors affaires which made him to crosse the Po at Stradella to encampe before the castle of Legnaga which was guarded by two hundred and fifty foot the which notwithstanding the common opinion that it might well haue held out for certaine dayes longer he tooke by force the Vènetian Prouidator being taken prisoner with all the footmen which were not slaine at the assault Aluiana hauing intelligence of the Spaniards approach retired to Albera on the farther side of the riuer Adicé where he vsed all the means hee could to repaire his armie the which hee afterward diuided for the gard of Treuiso and Padua sending Iohn Paul Baillon Malatesta Sogliana and the Knight de la Volpe to Treuiso with two hundred men at armes three hundred light horse and two thousand ââ¦oote and himselfe went with the residue of the Armie to Padua During all these warlike exploits and different practises because the treaties of the accord betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians were not wholy broken off Pope Leo would haue them to be reuiued thinking it an easie matter to obtaine of either of them that which hee pretended For he supposed that the Emperor beeing inuited by his occasions beyond the Mounts would bee content to hearken therevnto that hee might with more ease recouer Burgondie for his sonnes sonne and the Venetians much more as well because they were daunted with the defeat of the French as for that they knew that the French King many dangers threatning his kingdome could not for that yeare thinke on the affaires of Italy and besides he saw the Spanish Army at their doores with which the companies that were in Verona went to vnite themselues They were more ouer drawne dry of money vnprouided of Soldiers and namely of footmen and they were to make resistance alone no sparke of light appearing nor no ayde neere The Senate neuerthelesse made a most constant answer That it would not hearken to any agreement vnlesse Vincenza and Verona were yeelded to them And on the otherside they solicited the French King by their Ambassador Dandulo resident with him to renue his army and not to make shew of being danted for one onely losse hapned at Nouara not to suffer those mountainer Suisses to boast for that they had driuen so mighty a king from his state and rob'd him of the fruite of the purchased victory That hee should boldly make choyce of counsell worthy his greatnesse that the Venetians would not faile him in any thing That hee should make vse for his seruice of their Armes Soldiers and meanes that so long as life should remaine in their bodies they would bee ready to vnder-goe all paine and danger for the greatnesse of the Realme of France and for the defence of their common cause King Lewis thanked the Venetians for their offers and with faire words gaue them good hope manifesting his desire to bee reuenged on his enemies and to continue his friendship and confederacie with them that the Frenck Kings custome was not to be chargeable but to bring all aide profit and comfort to their friends and confederates But because it was certainly thought that the Realme of France beeing assailed in sundry places namely by the King of England at Calais and by the Emperor and the Suisses in another place it would bee hard for King Lewis to intend for that whole yeare the affaires of Italy The Venetians in the meane time did exhort him to free himselfe from all those difficulties which might in time to come hinder him from the conquest of that which did belong vnto him in Italy and to purchase friends in the Countrey especially the Pope The King who desired nothing more then the vniting of his Realme with the Church the which was earnestly craued by all his Court and subiects did willingly hearken to the Venetians intreaties and remonstrances and resolued for the same purpose to send the Bishop of Marseilles his Ambassador to Rome and perceiuing that hee could neuer hope for any alliance with the Pope in temporall matters vnlesse he first of all did compose spirituall dissentions hee gaue his Ambassador in charge to assure the Pope that hee had broken and reuoked the Councell which hee had caused first to bee assembled at Lyons and afterwards at Pisa and that hee would not allow of any other Councell then that of Lateran which was then to be held in Rome that he would euer like to his Predecessors greatly honor and reuerence the Popes name and the sea Apostolick and would be ready with his whole power to defend the Church of Rome The Venetians at the same time sent ten Ambassadors to the Pope for age and dignity the chiefest of the Citty for to giue him sufficient testimony of the good will and affection which they did beare to him and had besides the better to please him enioyned Francisco Foscare their Ambassador resident with him to be present at euery Sââ¦ssion of the Councell in the name of the Republick so soone as it should be begun at Saint Iohns of Lateran But they found afterward that the Pope did not so greatly affect them as they imagined because that beeing wholy since the rout at Nouara freed from the feare of the French insteed of dissembling which before hee had done he began to discouer himselfe openly He did aloud rebuke the Venetians and greatly taxe them for recalling the French into Italy and that they who ought to haue had most care of the liberty and quiet of the Prouince were those who had stirred vp more troubles in it and had reduced it vnder the seruitude of Barbarians And to make them more odious hee did accuse them to haue had a desire if matters had fallen out prosperously to recouer the Citties and Townes of Romagnia which they had enioyed The Pope did often vse these reproachfull speeches The Emperour in the meane time did solicite him to send him the aide promised in the treaty passed with Iulius his Predecessor and ratified by himselfe against the Venetians in which demand the Emperour still persisting with great obstinacy albeit it was iââ¦ksome vnto him fearing least the French King would be displeased therewith hee sent vnto him being not able to delay it any longer vnder the conduct of Troilo Sauello Achilles Tourella Mutio Colonna the nomber of soldiers which he craued because
to the peace of Italy and for that purpose he sent to Venice Petro Bembo his Secretary a Venetian Gentleman who beeing come thither spake to the Senate in this manner That Pope Leo his affection towards the Republike had euer beene sound That he was still greeued by their losses and afflictions as the care which he hath had of them might largely witnesse Besides there was nothing more sure then that his whole deseignes and ayme did euer tend to peace and if hee had at any time taken armes it was of necessity and by constraint That hee had euer embraced their common-wealth with a fatherly loue and had neuer ceassed to exhort admonish and entreat them to fit themselues to the time by which offices he thought that he had sufficiently discharged his duty and perceiuing that all which he had done was to no purpose he had determined to giue ouer the businesse and no more to talke of peace wherein hee had so often laboured in vaine Yet neuerthelesse hauing of late changed his minde and compared the time present with the antient affection which he had borne to the Republike he had now sent him to them to exhort them in his name to respect their owne liberty and the safety of all Italy and to embrace the best and wholesommest councell They should doe well to consider the manner of the French proceedings their great desire to command and their immeasurable cruelty towards the vanquished That King Lewis his great desire to recouer the Dutchy of Milan was only afterward to make himselfe Master of all Italy For hauing once ouercome Maximillian Sforza and wholy expulsed him from his fathers state hee beleeued that the way would bee easily opened to him for the attayning therevnto and for abusing by meanes of other Italians the Venetians liberty whereas they had in time past made alliance with the French enforced therevnto by great necessity they had done well in respect of those times But now to bee allied with them was most dangerous in regard that thinking to assure themselues it was to be feared that they would precipitate their common-wealth into ruine by the friendship of the French which is not wont to last long and therefore it were better to haue them farre off then nere at hand That diuers recent examples might teach them the fidelity and constancy of that Nation who had forsaken the King of Nauarre being driuen forth of his Realme for their seruice and because hee would not abandon their friendship with many others likewise who had well deserued of the Realme of France towards whom they haue vsed the like ingratitude and therefore they were not to hope since they had beene forgetfull of their neighbours that they would prooue more louing to the Venetians who are strangers and namely that the French had sworne the totall ruine of their Republike at such time chiefly as they had receiued infinite benefits of the Venetians and had beene in no sort offended by them and that they might with honour haue compounded with the Emperor They should doe well then to resolue to keepe the French armies farre from Italy That it was against reason to beleeue that the French hauing conquered the state of Milan would conteine themselues within their bounds not fly out vpon other mens confines That the Venetians being wearied with so many wars ought henceforth to embrace peace quiet to which their was nothing more contrary theÌ the comming of the French into Italy by which it was sure to susteine a cruell war where on the contrary if the commonwealth would agree with the Almains and Spaniards with al the Potentats of Italy to expel the French the only report of that alliance would be sufficient to make them to lay down their armes to change their present purpose to repasse the mounts and to come into Italy which by that meanes might become quiet and peaceable But if yee shall contemne this councell the Pope will take God and men to witnesse that he hath in no sort beene wanting to the common good of Christendome and to the particular proffit of the Venetian common-wealth That they were besides to beleeue that he could ere then haue embraced those parties which doe now presently offer themselues to his aduantage and perhaps he would accept them by allying himselfe with the Emperour and Spaniards to their hinderance of whom so often he hath had great care and yet to no purpose They had no need to craue any greater assurance of him for the interest of the Sea Apostolike and that of their Republike was all one so as both of them ranne one selfe same fortune being in a manner both the one and other subiect to like accidents That they were likewise to remember that men oftentimes are ruled by their owne particular passions rather then by reason as then when to be reuenged on Lewis Sforza they threw themselues headlong into manifest danger by associating for their fellow in armes a forraine King most mighty who was to be a neighbour to their state in stead of a weake Prince and their countryman Therefore they should doe well to aduise themselues how to reape some fruit by the Popes fauor and good will the which til then they had with great care sought to entertaine With these or such like speeches Bembo executed the tenor of his commission but the Senate the matter hauing beene determined thought it neither easie nor safe to allie themselues with the Emperor and Spaniards wherevpon with a generall consent it was concluded to continue in the friendship and alliance of the French and to make this answere to the Popes Ambassador That his Ambassador was greatly pleasing to the Senate as well in respect of himselfe whose vertue and particular affection towards their country was suffitienly knowne to all men as likewise in regard of the Prince that sent him seeing they had euer borne great honour and reuerence to the soueraigne Bishops of Rome and were particularly inclined to Pope Leo. That the Senate had euer highly esteemed his good and wholesome councell but the mischiefe was that by how much they aboue all others had desired his friendship and alliance in that vncertainty of all things by so much more were they continually kept from it And al-be-it their loue was neuer disioyned from him yet their forces were euer diuided As then they did humbly thanke the Pope and confessed themselues much bound vnto him in that hee had beene euer ready by diuers good offices to embrace and fauour their cause euen so likewise they were extreamely grieued that they could not follow his councell their antient custome not permitting to leaue an old alliance for a new especially not being prouoked therevnto by some wrong their antient fathers thinking that alone to bee profitable which was most honest and that therefore they could not without great blemish to their reputation breake and abandon the alliance which they had already
last extremity being out of hope of hauing any longer truce with the enemies it being almost expired expecting euery day when Prospero Colonna with new forces would come againe to beseege it They should likewise assure him that the Senate would neuer faile of their duty hauing already made new prouision of souldiers for the land army of armour and munition and giuen order to arme certaine Gallies to amuze the enemy as well by sea as land and that the King should for his part doe the like The Venetian Ambassadors hauing executed their commission with the King in the City of Paris went into England to finish the remainder of their Ambassage where being curteously enterteined they declared at their first audience the great sorrow and griefe that the Venetians had for the death of King Lewis his brother in law a very mighty Prince and a great friend to the Republike then they gaue him many thankes for the great correspondence betwixt them for that in the conclusions of peace as well with King Lewis as since then with King Francis he was euer desirous that their common-wealth as his good friend should be especially named and comprized And afterward the Ambassadours being in priuate with the King did earnestly entreate him that it might please him by his authority to perswade the French King according to the desire he had to harken to the affaires of Italy to giue aide and succour to the Venetians and incite him to put in practize his said desire That in the meane time the peace and alliance betwixt them might continue firme and inuiolable from which would proceed nothing but good to both partes and bee very commodious for all Christendome After both the Ambassadors had in this sort accomplished their charge Iustinian remained in England with King Henry and Paschalic returned into France to doe the like there who beeing come to Paris receiued letters from the Senate whereby he was commanded to goe with speed into the Low countries to the Arch-duke to congratulate him for his marriage and for the peace whereof the common-wealth was very glad which they would haue to be signified to him by their Ambassador After this manner did the Venetians striue to entertaine the friendship and alliance of fortaine Princes fitting themselues to the time But their greatest care was how to find meanes to draw the Pope to their side and to ioyne him with the French whereof they had some hope by reason that Iuliano de Medicis the Popes brother who could doe much with his Holinesse had married Philiberta sister to the Duke of Sauoy and a very neere kinsewoman to the French King by which they supposed that hee would fauour the French and that the Pope in time to come would more encline to them then he had hither vnto done perceiuing that the Realme of France beeing strengthened both by kindred and confederacy with England and the Arch-duke nothing was able to hinder King Francis from growing great in Italy and from being feared there Yet for all that the Pope being tossed to and fro with his accustomed doubts and difficulties had no firme or certaine resolution for now he tooke part with one and anon with an other sometimes being vanquished with feare he inclined to the friendship of the French but he did oftner and more willingly discourse with the Ambassadors of the Emperour and King Fernand and made answere to the Venetians who spake to him about it that they might draw some thing from him that hee would bee a looker on and see what the issue of the warre would bee intending to ioyne with the Conquerour But hee did not imagin in his heart that the French King would euer passe into Italy so as if King Francis had already passed the mounts with his army yet he would not beleeue it The Venetians beeing acquainted with his humour sent Marin Georgio their Ambassador to Rome with expresse commission to tell him That he was of necessity to shew himselfe otherwise then hithervnto hee had done and to doe his best to alter his former opinion and to that end he should make the French Kings forces to bee very great and giue him to vnderstand how that seeing his Realme was out of daunger of forraine warres he might without contradiction and on a sodaine turne towards Italy wherevnto he was much enclined in regard of his desire to conquer the State of Milan that there was nothing so hard or difficult that was able to diuert him from this deseigne That the Venetians had the same will to renue the warre and to ioyne themselues with the French That they euer desired as well in peace as warre to be vnited to the Sea Apostolike to runne the selfe same fortune with it and had greatly laboured to haue it so But not being able to obtaine it of his Holinesse and perceiuing the hope of the victory to be very great on the French side the Venetians were resolued not to abandon their friendship and aliance thinking that by so doing they had discreeââ¦ly prouided for their affaires The which he likewise ought to doe hauing first maturely considered whatsoeuer might hinder or delay the Kings intent and finding none at all to preserue by so doing the papall authority and Maiesty together with the possessions of the Church That there was but onely one remedy left in all this which was that the Pope would vnite himselfe with the French and Venetians because that the Swisses being forsaken by his Holinesse and by his succors would of a certaine giue ouer the defence of Maximilian Sforza and lay downe their armes which they had taken against the French so as the confederates being depriued of that aide should be enforced to change their mindes the Emperour would no more thinke on the affaires of Italy and Fernand would satisfie himselfe with his kingdome of Naples wherevpon others might recouer what belonged vnto them namely the French the State of Milan and the Venetians those Cities which had beene wrongfully taken from them and thereby a firme and sure peace might be established All these goodly discourses could smally preuaile with the Pope to make him alter his opinion but on the contrary continuing firme in his first determination he thought in himselfe that he might easily induce the Venetians to doe what he pleased But perceiuing that to deale with them by faire and gentle meanes hee should neuer obtaine his desire hee resolued to vse seuerity and rigor Hee caused to be published ouer all the Churches territories that no subiects or Vassals belonging to the holy sea should vpon paine of most greeuous censures beare arms vnder the Venetians pay commanding al Captaines as wel of foot as horse to come with al speed to the Spanish campe with their soldiors and horses going about by that meanes in such sort to diminish the Venetians forces and reputations as being encompassed with so many mischeefes they should
with ease reduce vnder their power all the townes of the Dutchy of Milan The Viceroy of Naples who all this while had not stird forth of the Placentyne Territory being out of hope to bee able any longer to gard and defend the state of Milan and fearing besides that the Pope had abandoned the league hee retired into Romagnia and from thence soone after brought backe his army into the realme of Naples The Cardinall of Syon perceiuing him-selfe to bee disgraced among his country-men for the bad successe of the battaill went to the Emperour to solicite aide the like did Francis Duke of Barri brother to Maximillian Sforza The Citty of Milan being thus abandoned gaue itselfe to the French King with entreaties that hee would forget what was past promising to bee euer after more loyall and obedient graunting to pay vnto him a very great summe of mony The King refused to enter into it so long as the enemies held the Castle but the Duke of Burbon came thither to receiue the Citty in the Kings name and gaue speedy charge to Pedro of Nauarre to attempt the taking of the Castle who promised contrary to the opinion of all-men to winne it within a moneth where-vpon hee beganne to batter it with the Canon certaine daies together then according to the vsuall manner hee made mines whereby hee blew vp the walls and towers which were of a wonderfull height Sforza being daunted when hee saw a Case-mate and a part of the wall flying in the aire and being besides ill disposed of his person making vse of the councell of some of his trustiest seruants hee determined to receiue into the Castle Antonio Bratan Doctor of the lawes to make a draught of the agreement and redition of that place which he was resolued to yeeld vp to the French King which imported that Maximilian Sforza should presently consigne to the French King the Castles of Milan and Cremona That he should giue ouer vnto him all his claime to that state and should receiue of the King a certaine somme of money for the paiment of his debts and that he should goe into France where the King should giue him a yeerely pension of thirty thousand Ducats or else should cause him to be made a Cardinall with the like reuenew There were besides diuers Suisses that were in the Castle who were all of them well satisfied and pleased These Articles being accomplished the King entred in great magnificence into the Citty of Milan enuironed with the greatest part of his cauallery Foure Ambassadors of the chiefest Senators of Venice came thither to him namely Vntonio Grââ¦mani Dominico Treuisan George Cornare and Andrew Gritti as well to congratulate him for his victory as to entreat him as hee was tyed by the capitulations of the confederacy to helpe them to recouer their Citties The King after that he had gratiously receiued and entertained them commanded speedily the bastard of Sauoy and Theodore Triuulcio to aid them with six dundred lances and seauen thousand Lancequenets But because they delayed their departure vntill they had seene what would become of the Castle of Milan or else because the King would send the same companies before that of Cremona Aluiana whom the Venetians would not suffer to follow the viceroy marched with his army towards Bressia to trie if he could take it by force according to the Senates direction who desired that all matters being laid aside he should seeke to recouer Bressia and Verona in regard whereof Aluiana hauing passed ouer the riuer Adda marched directly to Bressia the Citty of Bergamo beeing yeelded vnto him presently after the rout of the Suisses Now in the Venetians Campe there was diuersity of opinions among the Captaines some of them thinking it much better to goe first and beseege Verona for diuerse important reasons and cheefely because that beeing taken all the Townes and Castles of the Veronois would soone yeeld the which would not so fall out by the taking of Bressia The Senate at first was of this opinion but because they would not spend the time vainely in that determination they referred that businesse to Aluiana his discretion who because Bressia was neerer to the French Campe hee marched thither hoping to take it with ease for hee thought that Bressia had not so strong a garrison as Verona But Icaro the Spanish Captaine beeing wise and subtill who commanded Bressia hauing intelligence of Aluiana his deseigne had speedily caused a thousand footmen to come thither from Verona with store of victualls and other necessaries to sustaine a seege and had handled it so cunningly as Aluiana had no knowledge thereof who made account so soone as hee should approach the walles to giue an assault in diuers and sundry places But by the sodaine and vnexpected arriuall of the new ayde hee found more resistance there then hee look't for and hauing greatly laboured in his approaches a greeuous feeuer seazed on him which enforced him to leaue the Campe and to retire to Gueda in the Bressan Countrey where hee departed out of this world about the beginning of October in the yeare of our Lord one thousand fiue hundred and fifteene not beeing fully three score yeares of age wherewith the Venetians were greatly greeued but the souldiours much more who kept his body fiue and twenty dayes togeather in the Army carrying it with them when they marched in very great solemnity then it was brought to Venice where by a publique decree it was very honorably buried in Saint Steeuens Church where at this day his toombe is to be seene And because he had euer made more esteeme of honor and reputation then of wealth hauing left his wife and children poore the Senate in acknowledgement of his good seruice decreed that euery moneth three score Ducats should be paid to his widdow and as much to a sonne of his foorth of the publicke treasury so long as they should liue hauing giuen them a goodly house in the Citty with exemption from all taxes and impositions and that to euery of his three daughters should be giuen the somme of three thousand Ducats for their Dowry when time should serue After Aluiana his death George Eme the prouidator did for a while command the army The Venetians in the meane time entreated the King to giue them Iohn Iames Triuulce to be Generall of their forces as well in regard of his experience as for his renowne in martiall discipline as also because for the common inclination towards the Guelphe faction there had euer beene good wil and frendship betwixt them and the same Republick Whilest he prepared for his going to the army the Venetian companies tooke Pescara hauing not long before defeated certaine troopes of horse and three hundred Spanish footmen that went to releeue it then they recouered Asola and Lona which the Marquis of Mantua had abandoned Triuulce being arriued at the Venetian Army
the accomplishing of the rest till their enteruiew which by their mutuall consent was concluded to bee at Bolognia The Pope for that purpose departed from Rome and the King from the City of Milan the Venetians Ambassadors did accompany his Maiesty all Italy receiued great contentation by that assembly hoping that it would produce an assured peace to the whole Prouince A legat was sent to the Emperour to treat of agreement betwixt him and the Venetians and to haue him to remit Bressia and Verona to them for a pecuniary recompence The Pope likewise sent a briefe to the Venetians exhorting them vnto peace The Pope and the King being come to Bolognia they couenanted together That the King should take vpon him the protection of the Popes person and the Churches State of Iuliano and Lorenzo de Medicis and the State of Florence That the Pope should cause his forces to leaue Verona and countermand those companies sent to the Emperors aide against the Venetians Diuers other Articles were concluded concerning onely the proffit of either of them In the which treaty hauing continued sixe daies together both of them departed from Bolognia the King thinking that he had done a great matter to haue drawne the Pope to his side and to haue disioyned him from his enemies The King being come to Milan beganne to thinke on his returne to France hauing nothing to detaine him but the desire he had to see the Venetians re-established in their Cities Therefore he commanded to re-enforce the Venetians army which lay before Bressia and had reduced the beseeged to that extremity as all men thought that they would soone yeeld for the Almaines and Spaniards that lay within it had resolued together that if within twenty daies they were not releeued they would yeeld vp the City to the Venetians on these conditions neuerthelesse to depart with displayed Enseignes the drumme beating with the artillery and all their baggage which was the selfe same composition which they had concluded with the Venetians Generall But the Almain succors came and entred the towne before the time agreed vpon was expired The report of the comming of this aide had caused sundry opinions in the army some of the being of opinion to continue the seege others to lead the army elsewhere but the report of the number of the Almaines being greater then the effect and for that they had notice by their spies that Marke Antonio Colonna who was come forth of Verona entred the MantuaÌ territory made preparations to come and assaile them caused the Venetian captaines who feared that by staying there the enemies might come and enclose them to determine wholy to dislodge and to bring the artillery to Crema and Cremona and the rest of the army to Castlenedulla six miles off from Bressia These newes being brought to Venice did greatly amaze the whole City because they expected rather to haue heard of the taking of the City then of any thing else The Generall and the Prouidatory had written that there was such strong Garrison at all passages as it was impossible that any aide could enter into it which might keepe them backe from obseruing the agreement which they had made and that which caused them most to beleeue it was that the French supplies which were to come to the campe being three thousand Almains and 400 horse were departed from Milan and were on their way towards their campe This did much blemish Triuulcio his reputation whereof he hauing notice craued leaue of the Signory That he might depart saying that the affaires of his owne house called him thence and that he could tarry no longer in their army But the Senate knowing that this mans experience was much important for their affaires vsed meanes to appease him by letters and did entreate the King to cause him to take that charge vpon him but he would by no meanes consent therevnto but returned to Milan Theodore Triuulcio tooke charge of the Venetian army and of the whole mannaging of the warre holding the same authority in the army as Iohn Iames Triuulcio had done al-be-it he had not the name nor degree of captaine Generall The King in the meane time hauing giuen order for his returne into France left the Duke of Burbon for viceroy in the Dutchy of Milan and before his departure he commanded Odet of Foix Lord of Lautrec to carry speedily greater aide to the Venetians and generally to doe all matters for them as if it were for his owne seruice shewing thereby his great affection to the Republike as in all other his speeches and discourses not letting to say that if the Venetians were not wholy restored to their Cities he would returne into Italy with greater forces then before The King being gonne forth of Italy and the Duke of Bourbon tarrying there to command the Dutchy of Milan the Venetians still kept an Ambassador nere to him to sollicite whatsoeuer was needfull for their affaires Andrew Treuisan was sent thither who being come to Milan Andrè Gritti who had remained there after the Kings departure to hasten the supplies went to the army to be Prouidator there in stead of Dominico Contaren that fell sicke and was brought home to Venice At the very same time the Lord of Lautrec came to the army with great forces which did much encrease it so as it seemed that there was no doubt but that Bressia would be taken Now the Pope supposing that this successe did greatly crosse his deseignes sought all meanes to hinder it He propounded truce to draw the matter forth at length hoping to cause the Venetians to condescend to some agreement though it were to their disaduantage by reason of the difficulty to take that City And because he knew that himselfe could doe no good in that businesse for the small credit which the Venetians did giue to his words he determined to make vse of the King of Polands authority whose Ambassador hauing intelligences likewise at Venice he perswaded to reuiue the treaty of peace and to propound to the Venetians that if they would disioyne themselues from the French and allie themselues to the Emperor they might add two goodly Cities to their State Lodi and Cremona because that with the Popes armes the Emperours and their owne being vnited together they might easily expell the French and afterwards by the King of Polands authority obtaine them of the Emperour in guift so as being thus separated from the State of Milan they might for euer after be incorporated to the Venetians demaines Besides this proposition the Pope hoping that by the Generals absence the seege of Bressia might be prolonged wrote to King Francis that it might please him to command the Lord of Lautrec to goe to Rome being desirous to confer with such a man about diuers matters concerning the affaires of Naples to which he knew the King enclined wherevpon he exhorted him to make hast to
beginne the warre on that side seeing that the King of Arragon was dead and that Charles Duke of Burgondy hauing taken vpon him the name of Prince of Castile made himselfe terrible to all those who held any States in Italy and chiefly to himselfe But the Popes cunning being already knowne of a long time caused no great regard to be giuen to his speech The Venetians thus continuing the seege of Bressia without harkening to any truce resolued not to stirre from thence till it was either yeelded vp or taken by force The Emperour who had made warre but slowly the yeere before by his Lieutenants determined to goe thither in person sought all meanes to make new stirres in Italy assembled diuers Diets craued aide made great leauies of soulders and aboue all prouoked the Swisses to take armes to reuenge the death of so many braue men their companions offering to be their captaine and not to abandon them in any trauaile or danger whatsoeuer The King of England made the same request being iealous of the glory and reputation of the French and for that the French King also had taken vpon him the protection of the King of Scots The Pope did no lesse but in more secret manner And all three of them promised good pay to those Swisses that would come shewing them moreouer that the profit which would redound to them by that warre of Italy and by their alliance would bee much greater then their hire The Venetian captaines in the meane time after the arriuall of the Lord of Lautrec did often sit in councel where their opinions were very different saying That there was no great garrison within the towne and that it was besides destitute of all prouision making but small doubt of the seege But this opinion was not receiued by reason of the vnfitnesse of the time which was in the middest of winter when it is not good to discampe and to lead the souldiers to a new faction As also because they thought it meere follie to quit a certenty such as was the taking of Bressia for the vncertaine successe of that which would happen before Verona For they certainely knew that there was in Bressia such want of money corne and al other kind of victuals as it was of necessity soone to be theirs either by agreement or by force and this being verified by diuers it was concluded by a generall consent not to stirre from thence and that the City should be more streightlly looked to In the campe there was plenty of all things for the Senate was carefull to furnish it with all necessaries notwithstanding all the impediments which the enemies vsed against the purueyors which prooued vaine to none effect Marke Antonio Colonna was the man who being lodged at Verona vsed all meanes to cut off victuals from the army and to that end kept great numbers of Spaniards and horse-men at Legnaga which they then possessed so as by little and little the enemies waxed so bold as they came and scoured as farre as the Venetians campe whilest they were busied at their seege The Generall and the Prouidatori thinking if they should endure that indignity it would greatly blemish their reputation sent Iohn Paul Manfron and Marke Antonio Bue with foure hundred men at armes and foure hundred light horse to surprize them but the designe succeeded badly for Colonna being by his spies aduertized of their comming came forth of Verona with six hundred horse and fiue hundred foot and went speedily towards Valegia and met them in the field and comming to handy-stroakes he defeated them At this incounter Iulio son to Iohn Paul Manfron his horse being slaine vnder him in the fight was taken his father fled to Gueda A more prosperous issue had the enterprise of Iano Fregosa Iohn Corardo Visin marching with certaine companies as well of the one as other army to the castle of Anse to stoppe the passage of 3000. Lansequenets for they slue 800. of them and the residew escaped with the mony which they carried into Lodron All these exploits were great but not of any great consequence in comrison of the totall of the warre and of that which happened on report of the Emperors comming into Italy which dayly encreased whereby both the assallants and the beseeged were shaken with diuers hopes and feare The Emperor hauing assembled diuers foot and horse companies prouoked great numbers of Swisses to take armes was on his way to come into Italy intending to enter by the mountaines of Trent and to goe directly towards Verona then to Bressia and leauing strong garrison in both those Cities to passe on into the Dutchy of Milan to expell the French The Pope hauing notice of the Emperours entry into Italy the better to honour him and to acquaint him particularly with his loue towards him created Bernardo de Bibiena Cardinall of Saint Mary in Porticu Legat and sent him to him for that he was euer wont to shew himselfe on the Popes behalfe against the French and to hinder their proceedings But the Venetians beleeuing verily that the Emperour would come into Italy exhorted the French King to prouide for their common affaires and not to suffer the Emperour and the Swisses who enuyed his glory and greatnesse to enioy the fruit of his labour and trauaile and that therefore he should either in person returne againe into Italy with a mighty army or else augment that which he had here already according to the worthinesse of the cause promising for their parts to spare nothing that might auaile him The King knowing that what they said was most true tooke great care not only for the danger wherein he saw the Dutchy of Milan but because he should be enforced to put off his enterprize of Naples till some other time wherevnto he greatly inclined Resoluing neuerthelesse first of all to defend his owne Estates and those of his allies he propounded to the Venetians to wage at their common charge eight thousand Swisses because that he hauing at the same time very opportunely renued his alliance with them it was expresly agreed vpon that it should bee lawfull for the King to draw what number of souldiers he pleased forth of their country The Venetians soone agreed to giue pay to two thousand foot of that Nation and readily to furnish money necessary for other expences of warre And notwithstanding that the publike treasury was much exhausted and the whole City greatly afflicted with so long a warre Yet neuerthelesse there was no want seene in any prouision for the army nor in ought else that concerned the continuance of the warre They made a leauy of foure thousand Italian foot they did encrease their garrisons in the Cities and created two Prouidatori Paul Gradonico and Lodouico Barbaro In the Venetians campe were foure thousand Gascons and fiue hundred men at armes commanded by French captaines but amongst those souldiers
who were particularly vnder the command of Triuulce were seuen thousand foot and about fiue and twenty hundred horse as well men at armes as light horse-men and there staied with the Duke of Bourbon after the Kings departure foure thousand Gascon and Italian foot-men and seuen hundred men at armes Now all these forces being vnited together with the Swisses who were already said to be arriued at Iuree to the number of sixe thousand seemed to be sufficient to defend the State of Milan and to make all the Emperours attempts vaine and vnprofitable al-be-it the report was that his army consisted of fiue and twenty thousand which were no great good souldiers especially the Almaine foot who had beene leauied forth of his countries in hast and his Cauallery was well worse so as his best forces were Swisses whom the Emperour did well not to trust ouer much as well in regard of the Nature of that Nation which is variable and inconstant as for the small loue they beare to the house of Austria so as the Emperours forces being such the common opinion was to march against them as they approched neuerthelesse they resolued on the contrary and the whole army departing from the Bressan Territory came vpon that of Cremona whither the Duke of Bourbon a while before was come with all his Cauallery and foot intending there to stay for the Swisses who were not yet arriued and likewise to stop the enemies from passing on any farther The Emperour being come by Trent to Verona went and encamped before Asola which was garded by an hundred men at armes and foure hundred Venetian foot-men where hauing spent diuers daies to no purpose he was enforced to depart thence and crossed the Riuer Oglio at Orcinouo wherevpon the French and Venetians determined to raise their campe and hauing left three hundred Launces and three thousand foot-men in Cremona they retired on the farther side of the Riuer Adicé resoluing to stop his passage But the French and Venetians were scarce gonne from thence but the whole country which lieth betwixt the Riuers Oglio Po and Adda were at the Emperours deuotion Cremona and Crema excepted the one garded by French and the other by Venetians After that the Emperour had crossed Oglio he drew nere to the riuer Adda to passe it at Pisquetona and finding the passage there to be very difficult he came to Riuolta the French lying at Cassiana on the other side of the Riuer who by reason that the Swisses were not yet arriued and that the Adda might be foorded in many places they marched away the next day to Milan whereby the Lord of Lautrec purchaced small honour who had published and written to the King that he would with ease stop the Emperors passage ouer that Riuer Maximillian being mooued at this retreat crossed the Adda then he pursued his iourney and being come within sixe miles nere to Milan he sent an Herald to summon those of the City threatning the Milanois that if within three daies they did not chace thence the French army he would handle them in worse manner then Frederike Barbarossa his predecessor had done saying that he was come into Italy to receiue according to the custome of his Ancestors one of the markes of the Empire in the City of Milan and to driue thence and forth of all the confines of that State the French as vniust and vnlawfull possessors thereof They answered the Herald according to the pleasure of the French That the State of Milan being in times past a member of the Empire was by the consent of Emperors cut off from it for a summe of money giuen vnto them in regard whereof Emperors could no more lay any claime to it the which was lawfully possessed by Francis the French King as well for that it was his owne inheritance as being likewise wonne by right of armes and therefore that the Milanois would keepe that City for their lawfull Lord vnto whom they had sworne homage and fealty Notwithstanding this braue answere the whole City was filled with great amazement and their determinations were different Some were of opinion to abandon the City despayring of being able to resist the enemies others on the contrary reiecting that councell as too base would not depart but perswaded to tarry still and defend the City and the better to doe it they resolued to retaine all the foot-men in Milan with eight hundred Launces and to distribute the residue for the gard of the neighbour townes Neuerthelesse the first councell had beene followed had not André Gritti and Andrè Treuisan the Prouidators disswaded it who by meanes of their authority procured them not to make so much haste so that as they were ready to depart certaine newes arriued that the day following Albert Peter would be at Milan with ten thousand Swisses and Grisons These newes did encourage the Citizens and souldiers The Emperour in the meane time came and encamped at Lambre two miles from Milan whether he was no sooner come but the Swisses arriued at the City This comming gaue spirit to the French but greater terror to the Emperor For seeing the City to be strengthened with such a garrison he doubted not but that the seege would be long and painefull whereunto he himselfe had no meanes to tarry there long for want of money victuals and all other necessaries for a seege as also for that he did greatly suspect the fidelity of that Nation by reason of matters past and for that the French might easily winne them for some great summe of money the which himselfe could not doe in regard of his pouerty calling to minde beside what had befalne Lodouico Sforza at Nouara there hauing beene Swisses in his army and in that of the French his enemies he feared least they should play him the selfe same tricke as they had don to Sforza because he could not pay them The Emperour beeing troubled with these and other such like cogitations feare hauing mightily possessed him determined to leaue his army and to returne into Germany hauing caused it to be giuen forth that his departure was only to prouide money to pay his souldiers and that he would soone returne againe And in this resolution he went on his way with two hundred horse onely Now the souldiers of the campe perceiuing themselues to be forsaken of their captaine beganne to take a new party as their particular profit vrged them The Swisses went to Lodi which had yeelded to the Emperour when hee crossed the Adda where hauing wasted the country round about they spoiled the towne and had continued their rauaging had not the other Swisses that lay in Milan protested against them that if they did not abstaine from so doing that they with the French and Venetians would come and assaile them Vpon these threatnings they ceassed from spoyling and hauing remained peaceably there for certaine daies they returned home into their country some
excepted who with Marke Setio their captaine went to gard Verona the like did Marke Antonio Colonna with his cauallery and Spanish and Almaine foot Soone after the Emperours departure the Marquis of Brandenbourg came to the campe with certaine summes of money who although he vsed all meanes to stay the souldiers who were already disbanded all things being in confusion and the money likewise not being sufficient for the payment of the whole army hee lost but his labour Amidest these troubles the small loue and affection betwixt the Pope and the French King began to shew it selfe the which till then lay hidden The King complained for that the Pope being mooued with a bad intent had made so long delay to send that aide to the campe which he was tied to by their agreement That he had secretly stirred vp the Swisses against him and had in diuers other matters manifested his small affection towards him The Pope on the other side alleadged diuers causes which had mooued him to suspect the Kings friendship The Venetians did all they might at sundry times to accord these Princes and to take away al suspition from them knowing very well how important a matter it was for the Pope the French King and their Republike to be vnited together Whilest this agreement was handled by Ambassadors all the enemies deseignes turned into smoake For besides the Swisses who were gonne home into their country as hath beene said three thousand Spanish and Almain foot came to the French and Venetian campes who hauing crossed the Riuer Adda had for certaine daies mightily molested the enemies by diuers and sundry accidents the French now hauing the worse and anon the enemies The Duke of Burbon being at the same time departed forth of Italy the Lord Lautrec remained Gouernor for the King in the Dutchy of Milan who marched speedily with all the French and Venetian forces on the Bressan territory where with the ordnance he began to batter Bressia in foure seuerall places to the end the beseeged might not be able to make resistance in so many places at once who held out so long as they had any hope of aide which they expected out of the country of Tirol it being promised them but it came to nothing by reason that the Venetians did shut vp the castle of Anse and other passages so as the townesmen being not willing to endure an assault because of the great breach that was made couenanted to leaue the city and castle their gods and liues being saued if they were not releeued within three daies on condition that the souldiers might goe any whether sauing to Verona Icaro the Cities captaine came forth of the towne and the Lord Lautrec with the Venetian Prouidators entred it at the same time where they were ioyfully receiued by all the inhabitants who by their cries and salutations did manifest their great content for that the City was reduced vnder the power of the common-wealth Lautrec at his entry tooke possession of the towne and afterwards redeliuered it to the Venetian Prouidators who soone erected the Republikes standard In this manner did this famous City after many thwarts and accidents of fortune returne to the obedience of her lawfull Lords The newes of the reddition of Bressia being brought to Venice did greatly reioyce the whole City all men hoping that this happy successe would be followed with more fortunate euents which would giue end to the warres The Senate did particularly thanke the French King for that by meanes of his aide they had preuailed They likewise wrote to the Lord of Lautrec infinitely commending his speed and loyalty exhorting him not to let slip the occasion which offered it selfe of other most fortunate exploits as was that of Verona if without delay the army might be brought before it by the taking of which City the warre with wonderfull speed would be ended Lautrec being mooued by these words resolued sodainely to discampe and with Triuulcio to march towards Verona But being come to Pescara he had intelligence that those fiue Cantons of Swisses with whom the King was not in league made preparations to come and assaile the Dutchy of Milan Hee then told the Prouidators that in regard of his Kings seruice he could not be absent so farre from the State of Milan This businesse beeing debated in councell all men were of opinion to remaine in the same place where they were and there to expect more certaine newes of those stirres the report whereof was yet vncertaine But the rumor of the Swisses comming still encreasing Lautrec was desirous to bring backe his army into the Dutchy of Milan notwithstanding that all the other captaines were of a contrary opinion shewing how the sytuation of the place was very strong and most commodious where they might resolue on whatsoeuer should bee needfull and prouide for all things necessary to stoppe the enemies passage of whose comming they were yet vncertaine Hee on the contrary remayning firme in his resolution to discampe propounded that he would goe and encampe on the Bressan territory neere to Asola alleadging for his reasons that Verona being well manned with souldiers as well Swisses as Almaines who had retired thither after the rout of the Emperours army that it would bee labour lost to beseege it so as to attempt a difficult enterprize without great hope to effect it would hinder their other affaires and confound all order of warre Besides hee made vse of other excuses namely how that the Venetians had conferred with the King of Polands Ambassador who spake to them of peace and that the money promised to pay the Almaines was not yet sent to the campe Gritti the Prouidator opposing himselfe to what Lautrec had spoken said That he knew of a certaine that there was great scarcity of all things in Verona and chiefly of corne whereby the souldiers that were come thither did more hurt then good to the city that they ought not to giue them time to make prouision least that afterwards the enterprize would prooue more difficult That hee had intelligence by the souldiers that were come to their campe that the townesmen and souldiers were at dissension among themselues that all things were in confusion by meanes whereof the affaires of warre was managed more slowly and with great suspition so as if the army were but before it the people beeing partly prouoked by their owne interest and partly likewise by their loue which they did beare to the Venetians might raise some tumult and giue them meanes for to enter the City As for the Ambassassador of Poland that the Senate had not treated with him of peace without the knowledge of the French King whom they did so honour and reuerence as they had refused sundry and honest conditions of agreement because that they would not disunite themselues from him As for the payment of the Almaines the money was ready long before and should
whereof haââ¦ing acquainted Lautrec entreated him to send him more aide that he might the safelier goe to the assault Now al-be-it Lautrec had meanes to doe it for the commodiousnesse of going from one army to an other vpon a very strong bridge ouer the Adicé and that he did often promise to do it did neuerthelesse delay the matter And the campe had already laine fifteene daies before the towne the enemies were reduced to extremity the cannon had beaten downe a great space of the wall the souldiers within the City were wearied with continuall factions they wanted powder the captains and the townesmen did not agree together and yet for all that none of these matters could mooue him to make hast to force the City Newes in the meane time came to the campe how that great numbers of Almaine foot-men were comming to releeue the beseeged These newes did amaze Lautrec more then there was cause and distasted him of continuing the seege so as hee thought on nothing more then how to retire his army into some place of safety The Venetian Prouidators being aduertized of this sodaine resolution came vnto him where after diuers remonstrances of the great blemish he should doe to his honour and reputation to raise his campe they infinitely entreated him with great earnestnesse to temporize for a while longer and not to depart till the enemies were arriued that they might see what they were But all their entreaties could not diuert him from his first resolution Whereupon he commanded on a sodaine to discampe so as all his troupes went to Albareda Paul Gradonic the Prouidator and Iohn Paul Manfron remained for the gard of the bridge with eight hundred horse as well men at armes as light horse-men and two thousand foot fearing if the same were broken their army might want victuals but they tarried not long there for they forth-with went on to Villa Franca where they fortified their campe In the meane time Rocandolf Colonel of the Almaine foot the French and Venetian army being retired entred Verona without any empediment and hauing releeued it with victuals and new souldiers in their stead that were hurt returned into Germany wherevpon the Prouidators did againe solicite the Lord of Lautrecto returne to the seege of Verona and not to spend time so vnprofitably But Lautrec comforting them vsed diuers excuses for his slownesse assuring them that the City of Verona should shortly be reduced vnder the Venetians power The Prouidator hauing seriously ruminated these words in his minde beganne to doubt of some treaty which did not appeare and namely because that at the same time as the campe dislodged from before Verona the report was that a messenger came from France to Lautrec who had secret conference with him and entreated him to keepe close his comming Therefore the Prouidators did earnestly entreat Lautrec to discouer vnto them what hee knew thereof to the end they might be no longer enforced to entertaine so great an army which charged the Republike with a merueilous expence the Senate likewise being aduertized by the Prouidators of what had past had the same thoughts at such time as they had newes from their Ambassador in the French Kings Court of that which had passed at Noyon Because that King Francis beeing desirous that the Venetians should haue time to consult of their affaires would forthwith haue them to be acquainted with the treaty of Noyon betwixt him and the Arch-duke Charles to the end that the Commissioners of both Princes comming to Brussels should find all difficulties to be taken away and resolued on The summe of the treaty concluded at Noyon was thus That there should be a perpetuall peace betwixt the French King and the King of Spaine and a confederacy for the defence of their States against all men in the which were comprehended all other Princes friends or allies of either of them That King Francis should giue the Lady Renè daughter to the late King Lewis in marriage to the King of Spaine That the said King should within a certaine time re-deliuer the Kingdome of Nauarre to her antient King That the Emperour might within two monthes enter into that peace and though he should enter into the league the French King might helpe the Venetians to recouer Verona the which if the Emperour would within sixe weekes commit to the King of Spaine with power to giue it freely to the French King to dispose thereof as hee should thinke fit the King should pay vnto him a hundred thousand crownes and the Venetians an other hundred thousand part whereof should bee paied at the consignation thereof and the rest within sixe monthes after and that he should likewise be acquitted of three hundred thousand crownes which he had receiued of King Lewis whilest they were confederates The Venetians doubting whether the Emperour would accept of peace on these conditions did not cease to solicite the Lord of Lautrec to beseege Verona and also in regard of the summe of money they were to pay which they desired rather to recouer by armes But peace was more agreeable to the French King then force being desirous of accord with the Emperour yet neuerthelesse Lautrec not knowing how to excuse himselfe to the Venetians who had made what prouisions soeuer hee craued as also because the Lansequenets did no more refuse to goe to the seege he condescended to their request and went againe and encamped before Verona Now whilest the French on the one side and the Venetians on the other were busied in the battery nine thousand Lansquenets arriued who were sent by the Emperour to releeue it For the Emperor being solicited by the Cardinall of Syon and by the King of England would not harken to a peace so as his commissioners were ready to depart from Bruxels without any conclusion when the Emperour vnderstood that the French King had made a league with all the Swisses by meanes of a great summe of money for then he seemed to be very desirous of peace with the French and Venetians al-be-it that at the arriuall of these nine thousand Lansquenets the campe did rise from before Verona and was retired to Villa-franca The matter then was concluded at Bruxels as well with the King of Spaine as with the Emperor in the manner aboue said the which going slowly on was hastned by King Francis on condition that there should be truce with the Venetians The whole businesse being thus ended the Bishop of Trent was sent to the Lord of Lautrec to consigne the City of Verona in the King of Spaines name to the French King within the space of sixe weekes according to the contents of the Capitulation the which was done on the fifteenth day of Ianuary 1517. after the Venetians had paied the first fifty thousand crownes and fifteene thousand to the foot-men that were in the City wherevpon at the very instant the Lord of Lautrec in the name of
the said King gaue it to the Senate of Venice and for the said Senate to Andre Gritti and Iohn Paul Gradonic the Prouidators to the great contentment of the Nobility and the whole people of Venice who did highly reioyce for that after infinite expences and labors they had made a fortunate end of so long and dangerous a warre But if they reioyced in Venice they did no lesse in Verona and in all the towns round about hoping that by meanes of that peace they should be freed from all those troubles and miseries which they had so long a time endured After all these demonstrations of ioy the Senate acknowledging the Lord of Lautrec for a wise and valliant captaine after they had presented him with great guifts they commanded the Prouidator Gritti to accompany him to Milan But being come as farre as Lodi he found Iohn Iames Triuulce there who came to meet and to bring him from the King the order of Saint Michel Gritti hauing orderly performed his commission tooke his leaue of him and returned according as the Senate had commanded him to the country newly reconquered The end of the third Booke of the fifth Decade The Contents of the fourth Booke of the fifth Decade THe Impositions and taxes laied vpon the people during the warre are in time of peace reuoked The vniuersity of Padua re-established The Senate send two Ambassadors to Selim Emperor of Turkes The great victories obtained by Selim. He granteth the Venetians demands The Venetians send an Ambassade to Charles King of Spaine concerning trafficke Truce prolonged betwixt the Emperour Maximillian and the Venetians The Emperonr Maximillians death The French and Spanish Kings aspire to the Empire Charles King of Spaine is chosen Emperour Soliman by the death of Selim his father obteineth the Empire of the Turkes Lewis King of Hungary hath recourse to the Princes of Christendome The Venetians in league with Soliman The French King distrusteth the new chosen Emperor The Emperor elect seeketh the friendship of the Venetians The comming of Soliman into the Realme of Hungary enforceth King Lewis to implore the Venetians aide who lend him thirty thousand Ducats The Turke taketh Belgrade the chiefe City of Hungary The King of England is chosen vmpire and mediator for the strife betwixt the Emperour and the French King The French King the King of England talke together Why the league that was determined betwixt the Pope the French King and the Venetians was not concluded and signed A secret agreement made betwixt the Pope and the Emperour The Imperialls practizes on the Dutchy of Milan The Pope inuenteth matter of discontent that hee might leaue the French King The secret intelligences that the Pope and Emperour had with the Bandetti of Milan The Venetians refuse to giue passage to the Emperours army thorow their territory In what manner the Venetians did releeue the State of Milan Parma beseeged by the Imperialls and sodainely recouered by the Lord of Lautrec The army of the league passeth the Adda and commeth to Milan The Swisses forsake the French for want of pay Prospero by the aduerticement of a Traytor marcheth directly to Milan The suburbs of Milan and the Roman gate taken by the league The Lord of Lautrec with his Cauallery retireth to Coma. Milan is taken and sackt The Imperialls take Coma with diuers other townes The sodaine death of Pope Leo. Lastly the resolution and preparations of the Lord of Lautrec and the Venetians to beseege Milan The Fourth Booke of the fifth Decade of the Historie of Uenice ARmes being laid a side by the meanes aboue said betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians the Republike was three yeares at peace which began at the entring of the yeare 1517. Wherevpon all the citties of the firme land which were by the last agreement reduced vnder the Venetians gouernment sent their deputies to Venice to reioyce with the Senate for that to their honor armes being laid downe they had recouered al their state and to offer likewise all their meanes and forces to the common-wealth The Senates cheefe care was to discharge the citty of Venice and all other townes and Villages of the firme land from diuers taxes and impositions laid vpon them during the warre by reason of the small meanes of the publike treasury to the end that particular men encreasing their meanes by peace if afterward any need should be they might bee more ready to releeue the publike with their wealth It was decreed like-wise that all those who serued the common wealth in any place whatsoeuer should euer after bee wholy paid their wages which had not bin done during the warre In a word they omitted nothing which they knew to bee commodious or honorable for the Signory They did like-wise re-establish the Vniuersity of Padua which had beene vnfrequented for the space of eight yeares Then because they would no more fall into those inconueniences as they had done for want of prouiding fortifications necessary for their Citties they began to fortifie them and cheefely the two famous citties Padua and Verona the two cheefest of their state on the firme land and for that purpose Andre Gritte and George Cornare were appointed who going to those places should resolue by the aduice and councell of Triuulcio and the other experienced Captaines of the Venetian army on that which was to be done By which meanes diuers places being ruined in time of warre were by them re-established and many others newly built But because the friendship of the Ottomans was very necessary for them as well for the conseruation of peace as for the citties trafficke they decreed to send two Ambassadors to Selim Emperor of Turkes Lodouico Monceââ¦igo and Bartholomeo Contaren were chosen for that purpose to goe and congratulate him in the name of the Republike for all the goodly victories that hee had obtayned For Selim in an incounter hauing vanquished his brother Achomat and put him publikely to death did like-wise ouer-come the Adulians who are a very valiant people of the mountaines then going into Persia against the Sophi hee defeated him in set battaille and tooke the citty of Tauris the cheefe seate of that Empire with the greatest part of Persia the which he was enforced to abandon for want of victuallls because that yeare had beene very scarce Returning aftetwards to Constantinople hauing refreshed and re-enforced his army hee turned his forces vpon the Soldan of Suria and Aegypt who was a Prince alwaies highly esteemed by those of that Religion and like-wise very potent as well for the extent of his dominions as for the eperience and military discipline of the Mamalukes for by their armes they had possessed the same Empire with great reputatioÌ for the space of 300. yeares Selim then being come with his army against this kinde of people defeated them soundry times in field so as the Soldan was slaine and an other Soldan his successor was taken in
deseignes the Duke of Vrbin hauing passed Thesin beganne to scoure the Contrey and hauing on euery side beaten the plaines he went and encamped before Garlas a towne strongly fenced with dikes and Rampiers wherein were foure hundred Italian footmen to which after he had made a breach he gaue an assault the very same day and tooke it by force with great slaughter of those that were within it The taking of this towne caused diuers others to yeeld vnto him The Admirals hope beeing grounded vpon two points both of them failed him The one was that Rante de Cera comming downe with eight thousand Grisons into the Venetians territories would constraine them to call back their forces to defend their owne Contrey aud the other was that the ayd of Suisses which the King sent to him would speedily arriue and fill vp his army which was much diminished but both those hopes prooued vaine For the Grisons would not depart from their houses when they vnderstood that they should find resistance and no aide and the Suisses being come to the bankes of the riuer Stesia tarried there still beeing not able to passe it by reason of the great encrease of the waters wherevpon the Admirall being pressed by the Enemies and the nomber of his forces daily decreasing being desirous to ioyne with them commanded a bridge to be made ouer that riuer and the day following he caused all his soldiers to passe ouer to the Suisses the enemies being lodged within two miles of them Now the Imperialls perceiuing in what disorder the French were retired who left diuers peices of Ordnance with other munition behind them intreated the Duke of Vrbin to pursue them in their company wherevnto the Duke of Vrbin seemed to consent But the Prouidator refusing so to doe the Venetians would not passe ouer the riuer thinking that they had already passed farther then they were tyed to by the bonds of the Confederacy by which they were bound to nothing elce but for the defence of the Dutchy of Milan and they had entred into the lands of the Duke of Sauoy for which refusall the Duke of Vrbin was greatly commended and the Senate being desirous to acknowledge it albeit he had not serued them long did neuerthelesse honour him with the Title of Generall of all their forces as well horsse as foot with a present recompence Now whilst the Venetians were busied in this war sondry cares dangers troubled them from elsewhere for they had intelligence that Soliman practized some high attempt and was desirous to execute it by reason that he made great preparations of Soldiers and armor the which did much amaze them and caused them to keepe strong garrisons in all their sea townes and cheefly in the I le of Ciprus whereunto they knew the Turke aspired and to furnish that expence imposed a loane as well on their perticular citââ¦izens as on al their citties and subiects which speedily furnished them with ready money In this meane time the French King notwithstanding the bad successe of his army had neither lost his courage nor his desire to returne into Italy being the more prouoked thereunto by the disdaine which he had conceiued of the Emperor who not beeing satisfied with taking vpon him the defence of the state of Milan did moreouer trouble him in his owne Realme by stirring vp the King of England against him wherevpon he made great warlike preparations to returne himselfe in person into Italy the which he hoped to doe with more ease and speed because his Army was safely returned into France These newes did greatly trouble the Senators not only in regard of the huge expence they were to be at by reason of their alliance with the Emperor for the defence of the state of Milan but likewise for the feare they were in of their owne state the French King beeing mightely incensed against them not so much for that which they had done in their last encounters as for that they being since then sollicited to returne to his alliance and to quit the Emperors they had wholy refused it The Venetians being then aduertised that the French army passed the mounts did cause all their forces which lay in sondry places in Garrison to meet on the Verona territory whether they sent word to the Duke of Vrbin to come and willed Pessare their Prouidator to goe thither with all speed to waite what should be commanded him The Pope in the meane time being shaken with feare sondry suspitions told the Venetians that it was well done to be vnited with himselfe and the Emperor and to proceed matuââ¦ely in all matters for the liberty of Italy and for the defeÌce of the stare of Milan that they possibly could but if they should not find themselues strong enough to resist the mighty army of the French it were better to seeke in time to reconcile themselues to the most Christian King then to delay it till he should fiercely march against them thereby to auoyd those insolencies which doe vsually follow victories He willed them to consider that the power of the French was very great and of force to ouerturne the whole state of Italy and ãâã they should doe well to send ample power and authority to Marco Eoscare their Ambassador at Rome to treat of that which the French had already offered them Though the Pope propounded all this by way of Councell yet neuerthelesse it was perceiued thereby that his meaning tended to a new confederacy with the French the better to assure the state of the Church and that of Florence For which the Senate did not yet perceiue any reason so soone and without cause to quit the Emperors alliance to returne to that of the French King seeing it would ãâã argued ouermuch lightnesse and inconstancy and small discretion to make the Emperor their enââ¦my before they were certaine of the French Kings will and therefore they had determined that their army should enter into the state of Milan to be employed in the Emperors seruice but the Duke of Vrbin before he would execuââ¦e their determination sent them word how dangerous a matter it were for the Common-wealth to send their army abroad at that time because that if they with their forces should assure the state of Milan it was to be feared that the enemy would turne his deseignes somewhere elce and perhaps against their ãâã and therefore he said that it were best to tarry till the French army had passed the riuer Sila before that they did put their resolution in practise But the French making great hast were sooner in the Dutchy of Milan then they were lookt for and from ãâã ãâã directly to the Citty they came to the subâ⦠of the gate of Thesin before it could be sufficiently rampierd and prouided ãâã ãâã herevpon all the Captaines were of opinion to forsake it therfore the Duke ãâã ãâã the Viceroy and Sforza retired to Soncina
and to lay in deposito in the hand of a third person not suspected whatsoeuer did yet hold out in the Dutchy of Milan for the Emperor and Duke Hee gaue notice thereof to the Viceroy by Paul Vettori Captaine of his Galleys as also how he could not stop the Duke of Albanies passage but that it behooued him to bee assured of him by new conuentions hee likewise sent him diuerse other articles which hee hoped to insert in the peace These propositions caused the Imperialls to suspect that the Pope had agreed with the French King as in effect hee had done for perceiuing themselues enforced at one time with great want of money to maintaine the warre in Lombardie and to haue an eye to the kingdome of Naples they could neuer bee ayded eyther by the Pope or the Florentines and were besides very well assured that the Venetians would forsake them who entertaining the Imperiall Captaines with hope that they would obserue the league did deferre the execution thereof with sundry excuses so as the Viceroy was euen at the point to returne with his Army into the Realme of Naples for the safety thereof But in the Councell held for that purpose the opinion of the Marquis of Pescara did wholy prââ¦uaile who shewing himselfe no lesse couragious then discreet sayd That it was most necessary to continue the warre of Lumbardy and that on the victory thereof all other matters did depend The Emperor at the same time according to his alliance made with the King of England did so handle the matter that the said king should the yeare following come to Calais with a mighty army to make war on France who to that end sent a Knight to the Emperors Campe which caused the Imperials to hold out more boldly as being assured that the Christian King assailed in his own Realme would be enforced to raise his camp to hast thither for the defence thereof the agreement made betwixt the Pope himself the Venetians being not as yet diuulged The newes then of the King of Englands great warlike preparations for his comming downe into France beeing blazed abroad caused the Venetians not to hasten the publication of the agreement fearing least the King vpon that report might bee enforced to lead his forces else where But the successe of the enterprise of Lombardy and of all other deseignes depended at the last on the siege of Pauia which held out longer then all men expected the which the Pope and the Venetians did very much distaste not altogether so much for the length thereof as fearing least the French Captaines impatient of so long stay should perswade the King to goe and charge the enemies and by that meanes commit to the hazard of fortune not oney his Armie but likewise their states and the liberty of Italy which hauing none other meanes to withstand the Imperialls if they should become victorious would prooue their prey In the meane time the siege of Pauia still continued notwithstanding that for want of munition the battery did in some sort cease which was forth-with remedied by the Duke of Ferrara who caused great store to bee brought to the Campe thorow the Paââ¦mesan and Placentine tenitorics by the carriages and beasts of husbandmen But the Imperiall forces beeing augmented by the succours which were newly arriued and the Viceroy hauing notice of the decay of the Kings Armie by reason of the long winter that they had continued in field as also that the King had diuiden his Army namely those whom the Duke of Albany led and fiue thousand men that the Marquis of Saluces had with him at Sauona and the places neerc ãâã besides great numbers of others who remained as well at Milan as in other places for the safety of Victuals determined till the Duke of Bourbon with the Lansquenets should arriue to marche into the field for the reliefe of ãâã But the Duke of Bourbon arriued in the meane time with fiue hundred Bourgonian men at armes and six thousand Lansquenets whom the Archduke paide wherevpon pursuing their iourney not determining to giue the King battaile vnlesse it were vpon great aduantage but onely to trye if they could put fresh succours and victuals into the Citty they came and lodged without the Parke on the side of the Chartreuse with in Cannon shot of the Kings Campe who beeing perswaded by all his followers to discampe and to retire either to Binasca or to Milan and that therby without bloud or danger hee might forthwith obtaine the victory because that the enemies Army beeing without money could not long hold out but would bee enforced to dissolue it self or to be scartered vp and down heere and there about the countrey Hee would not for all that giue ouer the fiege of Pauia thinking that it would highly shame and disgrace him if that Army wherein hee was in person should see me to be afraide and giue place at the enemies comming The Imperialls then hauing made two squadrons of horse and foure of foot they came thorow she Parke wall of which they had beaten downe three score ââ¦athom some of them directly to Mirabel the residue to the kings camp where after â⦠so ãâã fight oââ¦ââ¦ither side the king being with great numbers of meÌ at armes in the midst of the battaile fighting valiantââ¦y his horse was slaine vnder him and falling to the ground being ãâã in the face and in the hand was taken by fiue soldiore ãâã knew him not but the Viceroy ãâã hee made himselfe knowne to him who with great reuerence kissed his hands and receiued him prisoner for the Emperor All the French Army was forthwith put to rout the greatest part of the ãâã were disarmed the rereward of ãâã excepted conducted by the duke of Alançon This so great famous a victory obteined by the Imperials ouer the French did greatly afflict the Venetians with care fore-seeing the great burthen they were to vndergoe the counterpoize of the French forces failing them and all the other Princes of Italy beeing too weake to make resistance and were greatly affrighted with that successe they alone beeing to defend the liberty of Italy against such a mighty enemy growne great in strength and reputation beeing yet doubtfull whether hee would conteine himselfe within the limits of the Dutchy of Milan or else beeing puffed vp with that fortunate successe passe on farther and follow the course of his victory Their whole forces were but a thousand men at armes sixe hundred light horse and tenne thousand foot and resoluing to leuy more they exhorted all the other potentats of Italy to do the like according to their strength and means but they cheefely laboured to vnite themselues with the Pope supposing that all other Italian Princes would depend on his authority vnto whom after they had declared all the eminent dangers that threatened them and that he had attentiuely heard them they would not for
the businesse of the league to the which at last the King after that hee had intelligence that the Emperor would alter none of the Articles of the Capitulations made at Madrid began more to incline and vpon the tenth day or May 1526. it was concluded at Coignac betwixt those of the Councell and the Kings Procurators on the one siââ¦e and the Agents of the Pope and the Venetians on the other The chiefe points of which were That betwixt the Pope the French King the Venetians and the Duke of Milan for whom the Pope and the Venetians promised the ratification there should bee a perpetuall league and confederacy to the end that Francis Sforza might freely enioy the Dââ¦tehy of Miââ¦an and the children of France be set at liberty by receiuing an honorable ransome which the King of England should appoint with other particular obligations concerning the preparations of the warre concluded with the Councell of the Realme before the Kings deliuery In this manner then was the league concluded but it was not presently published because they tarried for the King of Englands resolution whom they desired should bee named one of the cheefe Contractants Therefore the Confederate Princes resolued to send an expresââ¦e message into England to solicite him forth with to declare himselfe against the Emperour in the behalfe of the league Iohn Baptista Sangua a man of singular wisedome went thither from the Pope Iohn lââ¦q iâ⦠from the French King and Marc Antonio Veniero for the Venetians But the King of England albeit hee seemed to bee deââ¦ous to listen to that agreement as beeing distasted of the Emperor resolued neâ⦠helesse not to make any publick demonstration thereof vntill hee had first of all requested the Emperour Charles to gratifie the Confederates so much as to set the children of the most Christian King at liberty and reââ¦der the state of Milan to Francis Sforza and for want of so dooing to protest against him and to denounce warre in the name of all the confederates Now because it would haue beene too long to haue proceeded after this manner by reason of the difficulties which might haue beene made such as it was it was published with great ââ¦olemnity they thinking themselues strong enough to abate the Imperiall pride There was at the same time in the Venetians army tenne thousand foot nine hundred men at armes and eight hundred light horse and they daily expected great nombers of Suisses paid partly by the Pope and the Venetians and partly by the French King at whose arriuall they resolued to march to the releefe of the Castle of Milan and to trie if they could take the Citty The Marquis of Salusses on the other side with the French men at armes and tenne thousand foot waged at the common charge of the league was ââ¦o enter the Dutchy of Milan and to assaile Nââ¦ara and Alexandria whilst in an other place order should be taken for anauall Army The Venetians commanded their Generall and Petro Pesare their Prouidator to goe and encampe speedily at Chiari vpon the Bressan terrritory which was the rendezuous of all their troopes and those of the Pope commanded by Francisco Guicciardin came vpon the Parmesan to the end they might ioyne together and then maââ¦h whether it should be thought fittest for the seruice of the league In the meane time Malateste Baillone with a band of the Venetian troopes marched to Lauda where he had intelligence with Lodouico Visturlin a gentleman of the same Citty and albeit there lay within it fifteene hundred footmen in Garrison he did neuerthelesse with ease seaze on it and became master therof and kept it in the name of Francis Sforza After the taking heereof the whole Venetian army passed the Po and within two dayes after ioyned it selfe with the Popes and all of them together marched directly towards Milan the Duke of Vââ¦bin beeing in great hope to take the Citty because it had beene told him that vpon their arriuall the People would life and take armes in their behalfe and that the Imperialls Captaines ââ¦ring it had already sent their riches and bagage forth of the Citty meaning forth-with to abandon it And vpon this hope of the people rising and of the enemies disorder Lodouico Earle of Belgie requested the Duke of Vrbin to giue him two thousand footmen with whom he offered to releeue the Castle of Milan Now the Confederates Army beeing come very neere to the Citty was lodged at the Monastery of Paradis towards the Roman gate intending to assaile that surburbe supposing to take it and to lodge there And albeit the enemies made many sallies and hotte skirmishes they were still notwithstanding beaten back by those of the league But the night before the day that the Army should set forward the Duke of Bourbon who not long before was come to Genoa with six Gallies and bills of Exchange for an hundred thousand Ducats entred Milan with eight hundred Spanish foote that he had brought with him He was very much sollicited thereunto by the Marquis of Guasto and Antonio de Leua The Duke of Vrbin at these newes dispayring to take the Citty by assault and fearing some greater disorder if he should tarry any longer there raised his campe and retired in good order vnto Marignan without any losse or empeachment at all The Senate who had conceiued great hope by reason of the armies approach neere Milan that the Castle would be releeued which was reduced to extreame want did greatly wonder and was sorry when it vnderstood by the Prouidators letters that they had raised their campe so that the Duke of Vrbin sent Lodouico Gonsaga to Venice to instiâ⦠his actions who being brought into the Senate yeelded a particular account of what had passed and of the occasions which mooued him to proceed in that manner wherewith the Senate was well satisfied but the Pope was nor so easily appeased complaining very much not only of this retreat but likewise of the whole course of the Duke of Vrbins actions who did not vouchsafe in any ââ¦ort to communicate the affaires of greatest importance to his Lieââ¦enants the which had greatly mooued him so as for to please him the Senate commanded the Duke of Vrbin euer after to communicate with Guiccardin all matters of importance which should be handled in the army On the other side they prepared the nauall army to assaile the sea-townes belonging to the Emperor and to those ends the Venetians hauing appointed Lodouico Armiero for their Prouidator sent him to Corfou wher Iohn Mora the other Prouidator was with the army of which Armiero had commandent to take 12. Gallies and with them to saile towards Rome to ioyne with those of the Pope and the most Christian King that all of them together might direct there course according as they should iudge it to bee necessary and proffitable for the confederates Diuers propositions were made concerning those
the meane time their hapned a great disorder at Rome to the cofederates great preiudice who after the conquest of Cremona hoped to preuaile in the enterprise of Genoa and to bee able according to the proiects formerlie made to encampe in two seuerall places before Milan For the Colonnesi hauing assembled sixe hundred horse and fiue thousand foot marched with greate speed towards the Citty of Rome where no man thinking of their comming they entred by night and seazed vpon three gates then running vp and downe the Citty they sackt diuers Prelats houses the Pallace and Church of Saint Peter without any respect to the Maiesty of Relligion esteeming sacred matters lesse then Turkes would haue done so as the Pope could hardly retire with some Cardinalls and others whome hee most trusted into the Castle Saint Angelo the Colonnesi hauing determined to take him prisoner who without any long stay did sodainely leaue the Citty the Cardinall Colonna hauing first of all attempted in vaine to cause the people to rise in his behalfe They carried away with them in gould and siluer and other commodities more then three hundred thousand crownes The tumult being appeased which lasted not much aboue three howers D. Hugo after that he had taken assurance of the Pope went to the Castle to talk with him where vsing termes beseeming a Conqueror hee enforced him to grant a truce betwixt them as well in his name as in that of the confederates and the Emperors for foure monethes by meanes whereof the Pope promised speedily to cause his Army to repasse the Po to call home his Galleis into the Churches territories and to pardon the Colonessi and all others that had any hand in that assault and tumult That the Imperials and Colonesi with their Companies should depart from Rome and foorth of the Churches state and should retire themselues into the Kingdome of Naples This truce was for the time present willingly embraced by both sides by the Pope because the Castle was not well victualled by D. Hugo the Colonesi neuerthelesse making instance to the contrary because it seemed vnto him that he had done much for the Emperor and because that all those in a manner with whom he had entred Rome being laden with spoile were slipt away into diuers places The truce did interrupt all the deseignes of Lombardy and the whole fruite of the victory of Cremona But the Pope thinking afterwards more considerately and with a setled iudgement vpon the agreement which he had made and foreseeing into how many dangers he had throwne himselfe in time to come the better to free himselfe from those perrils wherevnto he was subiect if he should obserue the Articles of the truce wrote to his Nuncios to enquire of the most Christian King and the Venetian Senate whether he were bound to performe that which he had beene enforced to promise to D. Hugo or wholly to reiect it and within a while after he sent the Lord of Liege into France for the same purpose who at the same time was come to Rome The Pope knew very well that to obserue the truce was nothing else but to giue the Emperor meanes and time to beginne afterwards a greater and fiercer warre and to ouercome by that delay those difficulties wherewith he was pressed assuring to himselfe in the end his states in Italy to the great danger and hazard of the liberties of all the rest But his immeasurable feare diuerted him from al good councell and hindred him from well discerning that truth wherevppon the Generall of the Friers being come to Rome by the Emperors commandement to treat of peace he heard him attentiuely and exhorted the Venetians to incline to an accord saying That since they were of necessity one day to lay downe armes and beeing then inuited to doe so they ought not to contemne the occasion that was presented The Senate vpon this proposition assuted him that it had neuer desired warre but had on the contrary by warre procured an assured peace so that it might be treated and concluded by the most Christian King because that doing otherwise they should for euer alienate him from the affaires of Italy and should lose a most assured refuge in their necessities and occurrences therefore they vsed meanes to induce the Pope to temporize and to expect an answer from France that nothing did presse him to precipitate his affaires and to grant the Emperors demand on such vniust conditions as to giue him a great somme of money and besides to consigne into his hands for the assurance of the treaty Parma Placentia and Ciuita-uechia places most important of the Churches State That he was to consider that the Emperors forces were not so great as they were reported and that the greatest ayde that he had forth of Germany came from George Frââ¦ndsperg who at his owne charges had brought him an army the which beeing not able to hold out long would of necessity be shortly broken That the Garrison of Milan beeing not paid refused to obey hir commanders and would be gone On the contrary how that they expected Rance de Cera from France with a great somme of money and that there was great hope that the King himselfe who was come as farre as Lyons would in person come into Italy That the enterprize of Genoa was set forward with good successe in a word that all things promised an happy issue The Pope being vrged by these remonstrances and most of all perhaps by the wrongs which he had newly receiued resolued to hold in suspence the practizes of that new truce and to treat onely of an vniuersall peace by the aduise and consent of the most Christian King The arriuall of the Lord Russell did much auaile the resolution who beeing sent by the King of England to offer thirty thousand crownes to the Pope for the expence of the war came at the same time to Rome who did greatly solicite and exhort him to continue stead-fast in the league or else to labour to conclude an vniuersall peace betwixt the Princes of Christendome the which being approued by the Venetian Senate they wrote to Nouagiero their Ambassadour with the Emperour that he should enterpose that treaty of peace it being decreed that the agreement should bee treated and concluded in France and should afterwards for the Emperors honour and dignity be ratified and confirmed by him in Spaine The chiefe pointes of the treaty were That the children of the most Christian King should be set at liberty that Lombardy should be left peaceable and Francis Sforza restored to his State and that the Emperour should pay the King of England that which he pretended to bee due vnto him but difficulties dayly arising vpon these articles each of them prepared on a sodaine for warre The Pope sent his troupes which he had recalled from the campe of the league before the townes which the Colonesi had vsurped vpon the Churches State The
imprisonment and to assure the State Ecclesiasticall and the better to prouide for it with more speed he aduised those Cardinals that were at liberty to meet at Anignon where as in a safe and commodious place they might with ease treat thereof and from thence send their resolutions into Spaine The Cardinalls approouing this Councell of vniting themselues together did for sondry respects make choyce of the Citty of Bolognia for their meeting place The Emperor in the meane time being aduertized of the Popes taking by his cheefe Chancellor that was going into Italy did by his speech manifest that he was highly displeased therewith alleadging diuers goodly matters for his iustification But the effects were not answerable thereunto resoluing on nothing for his deliuery but in his discourse did oftentimes excuse the Duke of Bourbon and his Army he did amplifie the iniuries which the Pope had done him he accused his inconstancy and little assurance in his treaties calling to mind the dangers whereinto the Consederates had gone about to east him whereby and by euery of his discourses it was easily perceiued that in secret he was well pleased therewith and that he would neuer consent to his deliuery nor to that of the French Kings children but by compulsion The French King hauing before sent to make a leuy of tenne thousand Suisses for the enterprise of Lombardy and his agents going therein slowly to worke so soone as he had notice of the taking of Rome fearing the alteration of Fortune and the Imperialls deseignes did sodainly send the money to Lyons and sollicited their speedy departure The Venetians on the other side did not ceasse by all good offices to maintain and encrease that good desire in the King propounding vnto him how necessary it was hotly to pursue that warre with great forces Religion and State agreeing in one not to suffer the dignity of the Sea Apostolick and the liberty of Italy to be troden vnder foot and for to incite him no lesse by deeds then words they determined to renew their nauall army which was much weakened by the bad ayre and other discommodities at Ciuitauechia where it had for a time remayned to arme besides it foure Basterd Galleis of which they appointed Antonio Marcello Captaine thereby to strengben the army that it might assaile the Sea-coasts of Puglia They did moreouer propound to the King to leuy besides the Suisses at their common charge other tenne thousand foot drawing in the meane time to their pay all the best experienced Captaines in martiall affaires that they could find among whom were the Count of Gaiazzo and the Marquis Palauicin And to encourage Francis Sforza of whose freindship and readinesse they made great account they lent him tenne thousand Ducats with which he promised to encrease his forces which were already more then two thousand foot and to come in person with them to Lauda there for to ioyne with the Venetian army Now because that the territories of Romagnia were without Garrisons and exposed to sundry dangers in so wretched a time no man giuing them ayde nor succour the Senate beeing greatly prouoked therunto fent a good surome of money to the Gouernor of Rauenna to leuy foot forces for the garrison of the Citty encouraging him to defend it with promise of greater ayd if need should be as within a while after they did by sending him three hundred foot and an hundred light horse vnder the command of Iohn de Nalde inioyning him to keepe that City for the Sea Apostolick and the league But strife arising in that Citty betwixt the Inhabitants and the soldiers the Venetians were entreated by them of the Citty to send thither one from Venice to be Prouidator there whereupon Bartholomeo Contrren by the Senates consent went thither to supply that place Those of Ceruia within a while after did the like where the Guelphes hauing chââ¦sed away those of the Gibelline faction did receiue garrison and a Magistrate of the Venetians the Legat ernestly requiring it for the quiet and conseruation of the same Citty Whilest these things were done the Duke of Vrbin hauing receiued the Senates commandement and disposing him-selfe for the execution thereof did first of all make him-selfe sure of the Citty of Perusa wherein Gentil Baillone commanded who was suspected to hold with the enemies part whome with threatenings hee enforced to depart thence and hauing left a strong garrison there hee marched with the army to Todi and from thence to Oruietto where he ioyned himselfe with the French and Ecclesiasticall troupes as he had formerly concluded to doe And hauing there assembled all the cheefe Captaines to resolue on what they should afterwards doe hee caused the Senates letter to bee openly read and then assured them for the obeying of their command that hee intended to march directly to Rome to free by all meanes possible the Pope from imprisonment resoluing if the enemies should shew them-selues to fight with them and with others to runne one selfe-same fortune This proposition beeing allowed by the Prouidator Pisani was entertained with the Generall consent of all the rest the Prouidator Vitturi excepted who being of a contrary opinion opposed him-selfe against it both in word and deed protesting by writing and detesting such an enterprize as most pernicious and of doubtfull issue saying that their soldiers were farre inferiour both in number and valour to the Imperialls who were very many and for the most part good soldiers and well experienced either in fight or in knowledge how to vanquish and therefore more valliant and ready to sustaine all attempts how great soeuer By meanes whereof hee cooled the Dukes former heate who not-with standing continued in his first resolution to draw neerer to Rome meaning neuer-the-lesse to lodge in a very strong and commodious place what-so-euer should befall then hee propounded a new inuention to the end to trie first without danger if hee could get the Pope from thence which was speedily and on the sodaine to cause Fredericke of Bozzola to march towards Rome with one company of men at armes a certaine number of light-horse and some companies of harquebuziers on horse-backe hoping that his sodaine and vnlookt for arriuall might offer some meanes to the Pope to escape by that conuoy and to come to the army of the league but this designe succeeded not for diuers occasions and cheefely because that Frederics horse falling vpon him hee was there-with sore hurt so that hee could goe on no farther but was enforced to returne But the army in the meane time continuing their approches they were aduertized by certaine spies that the trenches which the Imperialls had made neere to the Castle were very great and hard to be forced whereby the difficulties of the enterprize were encreased and moreouer that they at Rome expected the Spanish Infantery which was at Naples and that Captaine Alarcon was already arriued wherevpon the Duke was of
of Saint Angelo was by this accord foorth-with yeelded to Captaine Alarcon who entred it with three companies of Spanish footmen and three companies of Lancequenets appointed to guard the Castle and the Pope But the other townes and Castles that were promised were not so easily consigned by reason that the Castle of Ciuita Chastelane was guarded by the Confederates and Aadrew Doria refused to deliuer vp that of Ciuitauechia vnlesse he were first paied fourteene thousand Ducats which he said was due vnto him for his entertainment Parma and Placentia on the other-side abhorring the Spanish gouernment refused to receiue them and those of Modena were reduced vnder the obedience of the Duke of Ferrara who making vse of the Popes calamity threatning the Modenois to spoile their corne which was almost ripe did enforce them to deliuer vp the citty into his handes The Confederates army remained quiet without attempting any thing expecting the arriuall of the Lord of Lautrec who was said to be already in Piedmont with great forces both of horse and foot albeit the Captaines in the meane time were of sondry opinions some thinking that being vnited with the French it would be best for them to march directly to Rome where they should find the Imperiall army in such disorder as they might easily set the Pope at li berty by reason that it was much diminished as well by the contagious sicknesse which was in the Citty as by the ouer-much licence which the Soldiers had taken for certaine monethes space liuing without al order and without any martiall discipline some of them being lodged in the Citty and others heere and there abroad and that diuers of them beeing disbanded went their waies daily without any leaue whereby they might with ease driue those few from Rome that remayned behind Those of the contrary opinion thought that for the effecting of that deseigne it were better to scoure the state of Milan beeing neere thereunto to enforce the Imperials to leaue Rome and to come to the defense thereof which might prooue either to slow or insufficient to stoppe the current of the victory wherby they might at one time execute diuers fortunate exploits and perhaps giue an end to the warre This being alowed by all men and propounded to the Lord of Lautrec at his arriuall he entred into the state of Milan with eight thousand Suisses three thousand Gascons and tenne thousand footmen conducted by Pedro of Nauarre and went and encamped before the towne of Bosco on the marches of Alexandria where was a Garrison of a thousand footmen the most of whom were Lancequenets who after they had for the space of tenne dayes sustained the battery and sundry assaults did at the last yeeld themselues at the discretion of the Victor This conquest was followed by that of Alexandria whither the Lord Lautrec came afterwards and encamped wherin lay fifteene hundred footmen who being molested at one time both by the Artillery and the mynes were enforced to yeeld their liues and goods beeing saued But the taking of Alexandria was cause of the beginning of some contention betwixt the confederates For the Lord of Lautrec being desirous to leaue fifteene hundred footmen in Garrison there to the end that at al euents his owne companies might haue one place of retreat and those which should come from France finde some comodiousnesse of meeting there the Duke of Milans Ambassador fearing that it would be the beginning of an occasion to possesse that State for his King opposed him-selfe against it the like did the Ambassadors of England and Venice wherevpon Lautrec agreed not without indignation to leaue it freely to the Duke of Milan a matter which did afterwards greatly preiudice the leagne Now Lautrec after the conquest of Alexandria propounded that he would march to Rome to free the Pope from imprisonment who although he had agreed as hath beene said with the Almaines and Spaniards did neuerthelesse still remaine a prisoner vnder their guard vntill that he had accomplished the articles of the agreement as wel for payment of the money as for the consignation of the aboue mentioned townes where-in were found sundry difficulties wherevppon the Emperor did not there-in shew him-selfe well disposed nor resolute although by his speech he sought to haue all men to beleeue the contrary But the Venetians did wholy dislike of Lautrecs proposition not that they stood lesse affected to the Popes enlargement then did the King but because they thought the enterprise of Rome lesse profitable for the common cause then that of Milan as it had beene debated before his comming and afterwards confirmed by himselfe that there was at the same time great hope of beeing able to conquer Pauia and Milan where there were weake Garrisons and that Antonio de Leua who by his dilligence and skill more then by force did gouerne that State lay greeuously sicke and was vnable to prouide remedies that losing this opportunity the affaires of the league would euer afterwards decline in regard of the huge number of Lancequenets that were ready to come down from the County of Tiroll into Lombardy But by taking Milan from them which was their only retreat and hauing neither cauallery nor victualls they would be enforced to change their mindes and to tarry at home in their houses that in the meane space it would giue time and leisure to tenne thousand Almaines payd by the King of England to come to the campe of the league and afterwards they might with those forces march to Rome and driue the enemies before them assuring together with the Churches State the libertye of all Italy The Lord of Lautrec inclining to their request determined to march towards Pauia before which with great speed he went and encamped the releefe which Antonio de Leua sent not beeing able to enter it the which being battered for the space of foure daies and a great part of the wall beaten downe the soldiors making ther approches did enter it by the breach The Citty was sackt and the French for eight daies together vsed all sorts of cruelty vpon the inhabitants who had vanted that they had beene the vanquishers of the French King because that King Francis was taken prisoner lying at the seege of the same Citty The Genowais at the same time being afflicted with sundry losses and calamities and cheefely with famine sent Ambassadors to the Lord Lautrec for to capitulate The Citties Duke whose name was Antonio Adorni retired him-selfe into the Castellet and the tumult being appeased by Phillip Doria who was prisoner there the Citty returned vnder the Kings obedience who appointed Theodario Triuulcio gouernor thereof and the Venetians because they would not leaue their Captaines vnrecompenced who had valiantly behaued themselues in the reduction of Genoa they encreased to Caesar Fregosa the conductof other thirty men at armes and doubled his pay they did like-wise acknowledge the valour and prowesse of Guy
signory Francis Sforza being not able to doe it who of himselfe could not entertaine the ordinary Garisons not-with-standing that he was obliged by the treaty of agreement to send forces into the field to resist the attempts of Antonio de Leua besides this the Venetians feare to lose their owne did incite them therevnto who stood in doubt like-wise that the warre would light on their owne state hauing intelligence of the great forces which were leuied in Tiroll and in other places neere adioyning with the great preparations of victualls and other munitions which was made at Trent to send into Italy By meane whereof the Senate imagining that it behooued them to encrease their army to the number of twenty thousand foote and to make a very great prouision to maintayne in a manner an other very difficult and dangerous warre ââ¦ent to entreat the King of England that in so great a necessity hee would bee pleased to releeue the Common-wealth by contributing a part of the payment of the army where-with they were to conserue and maintaine the liberty of Italy whereof hee had so often said that hee would bee the Protector But the King of England continuing that which hee had at other times spoken that hee would beginne to make warre on the Emperor in Flanders and by that meanes enforcing him to diuert his forces else-where hee might free Italy from that danger made a shew that for the common good of them all hee himselfe was to make greate preparations and necessary prouisions for such a deseigne In regard whereof the Signory being constrained alone to vndergoe all the charges of the warre was faine to haue recourse to extraordinary meanes the publike treasure beeing in a manner exhausted by reason of the continuall warres Among all these stirres and great warlike preparations the treaty of peace was not altogether broken of the Emperor making shew to desire it both with the French King and the Venetians where-vpon sundry practizes were set on foote to that end The Demands of the most Christian King and the Venetians were in efect these that the Emperor should restore to the French King his children That hee should set the Pope at liberty giue ouer all that which hee held from the Church re-establish Francis Sforza in the state of Milan and withdraw his forces forth of Lombardy and from Rome The Emperor did not altogether reiect these demands neither yet would wholy accept of them but in seeking not without difficulty to make some certaine resolution hee demanded of the Venetians a great summe of mony holding by that meanes the treaty in suspence being desirous to make vse of time and to behaue him-selfe according to the euent of the affaires of Italy and the new stirres which his brothers preparations would procure hoping in the meane time still to bee able with better aduantage to conclude an agreement with the French King alone determining to exclude al the other Confederates and to appropriat vnto him-selfe the Dutchy of Milan This was easily discerned by his owne words persisting euer in all motions of agreement that he would haue Francis Sforzas cause debated and censured by Iudges there-vnto appoynted and that in the meane time the Citty of Milan and the whole state should bee kept and garded in his name and by his owne Garrisons his cheefe ayme tending wholy to become absolute maister thereof hauing first broken all the forces of the Confederates Where vpon all these motions of peace being laid aside warre was againe denounced to him by the Confederates who hoping therein to make good vse of the Duke of Ferrara and the Marquis of Mantua in regard of the neere neighbour-hood of their states both the one and the other were sounded and it was at last concluded with the Duke of Ferrara that hee should bee receiued into the league on condition to send to the Confederates army two hundred men at armes paid by him-selfe and monethly to contribute for the space of sixe moneths tenne thousand Ducats toward the payment of the infantery and on the other side the Confederates promised to take him and his State like-wise into their protection and safegard where-vpon within a while after a great and Magnificent Pallace was restored to him which was his owne in Venice As concerning the agreement with the Marquis there was greater difficulty in the conclusion thereof because he craued to bee made Generall of the League in the absence of the Lord of Lautrec wherevnto the Venetians would not consent for the respect they did beare to the Duke of Vrbin But in the end Ieronimo Zene Gouernor of Verona being sent by the Senates commandement vnto Mantua to end that businesse hee did conclude it without the aboue-mentioned condition the Confederates taking the person of the Marquis and his State into their protection Now the Emperor perceiuing that he was to deale with so many enemies determined first of all to publish the iustice of his cause and by that meanes to draw away the King of England from them and for this purpose hee resolued to set the Pope at liberty for which hee sent an ample commission to the Viceroy and to D. Hugo de Moncada who being newly deceassed the Viceroy did exexecute it the Pope making ouer to the Emperor according to the agreement Ostia Ciuitauecchia and Cââ¦uito Castellane and paying likewise but more commodiously the summe of mony promised and promising in speciall not to haue any dealing in the affaires of Naples nor Milan against the Emperor The Confederates resoluing to make warre both by sea and land in the begining of the yeare 1528. prepared great forces for to passe into the Kingdome of Naples as it had beene determined according to the desire and intention of the French King not-with-standing that they were well assured that the Imperiall army at their departure from Rome would take their iournie into Naples But the Confederates thinking it a matter of great importance to draw the Pope into the Confederacy were in great hope thereof because that his Holinesse hauing aduertized the French King and the Venetians of the passed agreement and his owne liberty entreated them to excuse him if necessity had enforced him so to doe confessing that he was greatly bound to the Princes of the League and to haue receiued a very rigorous and cruell entertainment of the Imperialls So soone as the Venetians vnderstood that the Pope was set at liberty and that he was newly gonne to Oruietta they speedily sent Lodouico Pisani the Prouidator to his Holinesse to lament with him in the Common-wealths name for his passed fortunes and to acquaint him with the great greefe that the Signory had conceiued thereat and with what care they had labored his enlargement whereof they were now wonderfull ioyfull to see that to bee effected which they had so much desired That the Republike had willingly imployed all her forces and meanes beene at
the Venetians A treaty of peace held at Rome but to no purpose The great warlike preparations of the Archduke of Austria to send into Italy to the Emperors ayde The Venetians lend money to the French and to the Duke of Milan The French King resolueth to make warre vpon the Emperour on the frontiers of Spaine The Venetians solicit the King to come in person into Italy The Imperialls recouer Aquila and Matricia The Marquis of Guasto besiegeth Monopoli Brundusium is yeelded to the Venetians An allarme beeing giuen to the Duke of Vrbin hee runneth to the defence of his owne state An enterview of the French and Venetian Armies The defeate and taking of the Count Saint Paul by Antonio de Leua The Duke of Vrbins retreate to Cassan. The Duke of Vrbin defeateth a part of the enemies at the passage of a Riuer Antonio de Leua retireth to Milan The Venetian Senate are male-content with the King The Emperors arriuall at Genoa The Emperors great forces in Italy The Florentines send Ambassadors to the Emperor The great warlike preparations of the Venetians Peace concluded at Cambray betwixt the Emperor and the King The King is very earnest with the Emperor to make an accord with the Venetians And lastly a new confederacie betwixt the Venetians and Francis Sforza Duke of Milan The Eight Booke of the fifth Decade of the Historie of Uenice THE Lord Lautrec beeing dead Michaele Antonio Marquis of Salusses a couragious Lord and well beloued of the Soldiors tooke vpon him the charge of the Armie in a manner ruined who beeing councelled to discampe not so much for the present state of their affaires as for the danger and necessity that pressed him gathered together those forces that remained and retired with small losse to Auersa expecting succours from Rance de Cera Vpon his retreate the Imperialls comming foorth of Naples gaue in vpon his rereward but by reason of his good order the losse was not great Certaine French troopes were broken and Pedro of Nauarre beeing taken prisoner was ledde to Naples where hee dyed The Marquis beeing come to Auersa was neerely pursued by the Imperialls and beeing not able to make defence hee sent the Count Ouy de Rangone to parley with the Prince of Orange the Imperialls Generall with whom it was capitulated That the Marquis should quit Auersa with the Castle Artillery and Munition That as well himselfe as the other Captaines should remaine prisoners except the Count Guy who treated particularly for himselfe That the Marquis should doe his vtmost to cause the French and Venetians to render vp the kingdome with diuerse other conuentions which made this French Armie miserable who of vanquishers became vanquished to the Venetians great greefe and discontent whose fortune for the kingdome of Naples was to depend on that of the French their friends and consederates This losse was accompanied by a very greeuous and most preiudicious accident to the league and of great importance to the French which caused great strife betwixt them for the plague beeing very great in Genoa and by reason thereof in a manner forsaken by all men and likewise by the soldiers and namely by Theodore ââ¦riuulcio the Gouernor who retired into the Castle Anare ãâã making vse of this occasion came neere to the Citty with certaine Galleys and those few soldiors that hee had which did not exceed the number of fiue hundred footmen not hoping neuerthelesse to performe that which hee afterward did and entring it without any great resistance by the fauour of the people who were greatly delighted with the name of liberty which hee promised them became maister thereof where on a sodaine hee changed the manner of gouernment vnder the Emperors protection It lay not in Triuulcio his power to hinder it who beeing come to the Citty but a while before had much to doe to escape into the Castle hoping as hee said vpon the artiuall of succours to bee able at his pleasure to enter the Citty and to reduce it to the Kings deuotion as it had beene in time before For hee sent to the Lord Saint Paul to send him speedily three thousand footmen by whose ayde hee hoped to recouer the Citty Wherevpon the Captaines of the Confederates did determine That the Lord of Montilan should turne to Genoa with three thousand Lansquenets and Suisses which came from France and were already arriued at Alexandria The Senate in the meane time did not cease to giue order for necessary prouisions for the speedy renewing of the warre in Lombardy and for that they would not giue Antonio de Leua any time to make preparations they solicited one an other speedily to take armes they sent the Secretary André Rossi into France to hasten the forces which were to come into Italy they did besides command the Duke of Vrbin to receiue all those Almaines into their pay which had forsaken the Duke of Brunswich hauing more-ouer sent to Iuree money for the payment of fiue thousand Lansquenets so as the Republick had in a very short space more then tenne thousand footmen of sundry nations Almaines Suisses and Italians fifteene hundred light horse and eight hundred men at armes with which forces and those of the French beeing ioyned together they did hope to driue Antonio de Leua forth of Italy The Duke of Vrbins chiefe purpose was to place a strong Garrison in Lauda beeing a place of great importance for the Duke of Milan and for the Venetians likewise because the keeping there of did greatly auaile for the assurance of Bergamo and Crema and then to passe the Po so soone as the French succours should beginne to come vpon the Alpes to ioyne with the French and afterwards to goe and assaile Antonio de Leua For the supplyes of siue thousand footmen and fiue hundred Lances as many light horse which were expected beeing arriued the Duke of Vrbin talked with the Count Saint Paul at Monticella on the Po to consult in what manner they were to proceed in this warre for the profit and commodity of the common cause The Duke of Vrbin by the aduise of the Senate propounded to employ their whole forces in Lombardy to driue Antonio de Leua if it were possible foorth of the State of Milan to the end to cut off all meanes from the Imperialls of sending downe any ayde by that way into Italy forth of Germany and of hauing victuals from thence for the feeding of their Armie as they were wont The Lord Saint Paul and the other French Captaines were of a contrary opinion saying That it was not fitte to abandon the affaires of Naples vnlesse they should loose their honour and reputation both with the people and the enemies propounding besides how important a matter it was to keepe the Imperialls busied in the kingdome of Naples who by that meanes could not come and ioyne with Antonio ââ¦e Leua In this diuersitie of opinions
be very conuenient for the affaires of the league beeing as it were the only Gate of Italy through which the Spaniards might enter by Sea to molest them and therfore they wished that it were at the deuotion of the French King their friend and especially at that time when the report was that the Emperor was in person coÌming into Italy wherevpon they secretly exhorted the Genowaies to returne againe vnder the protection of the most Christian King as of a most mighty and meeke Prince For they could not at that time execute their desire by open force as well for the place where they wintered the which was very sharpe and difficult in Winter as for the small number of their army which was much diminished by sundry accidents and albeit they were aduertized of the great scarcity of victuals in Milan how that Antonio de leua lay sick and his Army much weakened all which were goodly occasions where on ââ¦o enterprize some great and notable exploit they durst not for all that in regard of the smalnesse of their forces goe forth into the field to execute any thing beeing in feare likewise of the discommodities that commonly grow in winter The Venetians were else where in great care for the townes which they possessed in Puglia which at all times both in peace and waââ¦re were very commodious for them they held Trani and Monopoli and the French Barletta the others beeing abandoned these were kept and yet not without great difficulty since the route of the French Army by the dilligence of the Prouidator Vitturi who beeing aduertised at the siege of Mansridonia where hee lay of the disaster before Naples hee sent speedily by Sea a certaine number of footmen into garrison into those townes to keepe them in thââ¦ir duty Camillo Vrsino lay in Trani and Giouaââ¦ni Conrado Vrsino in Monopoli and Rance de Cera who was the Kings Lieutenant in the Prouince was retired to Barletta The Venetians then beeing very carefull to keepe those places and hoping to bee able not onely to resist the enemy and to keepe the warre farre from their owne State but likewise to make some progression in regard of the enemies letts determined to send reliefe thither as well of victuals and all sorts of munitions as of Soldiors by encreasing the Garrison with sixe hundred footmen leuyed in Dalmatia in the middest of Winter by the Prouidator Mula who hauing brought them into Puglia went back on a sodaine with his Galleis to Corââ¦ou there to repaire and encrease the nauall Army to the end afterwards to ioyne it with that of the French King which was making ready at Marseilles that both of them together might oppose themselues against the Imperialls sea-forces which were reported to bee very great at Barcelona and were comming to ioyne with those of Doria The Pope in the meane time continuing his former pursutes concerning the rendring of the Citties of Rauenna and Ceruia caused the French King to send the Vicount Turenne to Venice to intreate them in some sort to saââ¦isfie the Pope by yeelding vp those Citties which hee demanded The Senate making shew of nothing more then to please the King did represent to the Ambassador their iust tiââ¦les to them hauing receiued Rauenna of Obizzo Polente Lord thereof more then foure hundred yeares since and that Ceruia was fallen to the Republick by the testament of Dominico Malateste by the payment of certââ¦ine godly Legacies which they yeerely continued by accomplishing the Testators will How that if they had beene desirous to possesse Townes beelonging to other men they would not haue refused the offers of those of Fuââ¦ly and of other Citties of Romagnia who were desirous to bee vnder their obedience they would not besides haue defended nor maintained with great cost and danger the Citty of Bolognia and others belonging to the Pope nor haue kept them for him that those Citties had beene taken at such time as the Pope had quitted the League and that they might now for the same occasion iustly detaine them Moreouer that they had spent a great masse of treasure in that warre which those Citties were not able to recompence That the King was to consider how much it might import him if those so commodious Citties should bee quitted by his friends and consederates to bee gââ¦uen to the Pope who stood badly affected towards the Crowne of France nay euen into the very hands of the Imperialls seeing that it was apparent that the Pope eyther by his owne proper motion or through feare did wholy depend vppon the Emperour that hee was beside to consider of their interest and the wrong which would bee offered to the other Consederates to the Florentines and to the Duke of Ferrara who vndoubtedly would bee greatly distasted thereby and would coole that heate which pusheth them foreward to the affaires of the league and moreouer how that those townes did presently serue for a bridle to containe the Pope in his dutye seeing that without them he would already haue openly shewed him-selfe a friend to the Emperor The Vicount giuing place to all these reasons went to Rome to the Pope were for to compose the businesse he propounded sundry offers to his Holinesse namely that those townes might be enfeoffed to the Signory of Venice with a certaine annuall acknowledgment as diuers others belonging to the Church had beene or that they might be sequestred by the French King to dispose thereof as he should thinke fitte These propositions beeing made to the Senate were neither accepted nor wholly reiected but calling to mynde the Republicks benifits to the Church and what it had done for the seruice of Popes they seemed to repose great trust in his Holinesse wisdome how that himselfe might find some honest remedy for that difficulty and in this vncertainty of businesse ended the yeare one thousand fiue hundred twenty and eight The begining of the yeare following did shew great signes of beeing disposed to peace and of feare likewise of new trobles but the discontent and wearisomnesse of Princes caused the Confederates to proceeâ⦠slowly in their prouisions of warre wherevpon as well by reason of the speech of peace as for the sharpnesse of the winter all military factions ceafed The Emperor spake openly that he desired nothing more then an vniuersall peace and especially to fit himselfe to the Princes of Italy and to these ends had sent the Cardinall of Santa Cruz for this was the Generall of the Friars title to Rome to treat of peace and to cause Hostia and Ciuitauechia to be surrendred to the Pope The French King who wished nothing more sent a commission to his Ambassadors and the King of England sent Ambassadors to Rome for the same purpose as vnto whom it alone appertained to conclude this treaty The Venetians did the like by giuing ample power to Gasparo Contaren their Ambassador in the court of Rome whereby he was inioyned to follow the
any enterprize which the King had often promised should bee done and especially at that time when there was more need then euer to stoppe the Emperours passage into Italy by offering him great resistance at his entry or by enforcing him to looke to the defense of Spaine assailed by the way of the Pirenean mountaines as was resolued which the Venetians did most of all pursue thinking thereby to breake the Emperors deseigne of comming into Italy But they peceiuing that the King did rather encline to the warre of Italy they were in great hope that at one time the warre might be renued in Lombardy and in the Realme of Naples and before that the Emperours aide should arriue to make some notable progression Vpon these hopes the Senate sent for the Duke of Vrbin to come to Venice where in the presence of the Ambassadours of France and the Duke of Milan and of one of the Lord Saint Pauls Gentlemen they might consult and aduise on meanes to make warre where in the end was concluded before all other matters to pursue the enterprize of Milan by seege rather then by assault by surprizing all the neighbour townes and places to reduce the army of Antonio de Leua to want of victuals And for this purpose it was likewise decreed for to haue twenty thousand foot-men in their army namely about some eight thousand in the French troupes and asâ⦠many in those of the Venetians two thousand from the Duke of Milan and two thousand Lansequenets which they daylie expected from Lyons leauied already at the common charge and as for the enterprize of Genoa they determined for to pursue it according vnto the aptnesse of time and the successe of Lombardie Now because that the whole safety of the affaires of Italy did depend vpon the stopping of the Emperours comming thither they resolued to augment they most that might bee the French and Venetian nauall armies and especially of great vessels which might easily resist that of the Emperours which was composed of the like to the end that the Emperour vnderstanding the difficulty of his iourney might absteine from comming In the meane time they had notice that the King had changed his purpose meaning for to make warre on the Emperour on the hither side of the mounts vpon the Confines of Spaine as had beene before determined at which newes the Senate beeing assembled to dispatch Anââ¦ré Nouagera newly chosen Ambassadour to the French King the Senators were diuided in opinion whether to perswade the King to come in person into Italy or to send his army towards the Pirenean mountaines to enuade Spaine The matter being debated in open councell where Moceniga on the one side a man of authority and well acquainted with affaires of State and Mark-Antonio Cornare a man of great vnderstanding on the other being heard diuersly to maintaine the one and other opinion that of Cornare preuailed whereby they decreed to enioyne the Ambassador Nouagera to perswade the King or if he were already enclined therevnto to incite him more to depart forthwith and to come into Italy Nouagera being come into France did not faile to doe that which had beene resolued in the councell whereof there had beene sundry opinions hoping to obtaine that which he had propounded because the King had heard him with good attention and greatly commended his councell as determining to put it in practize and for that purpose the King did meane within a while after to come into Languedoc to reduce all the forces that were there into the next and neerest place to Italy whether he promised to goe being followed besides twenty thousand foot-men with tenne thousand Lansquenets and tenne thousand Pioners The Kings departure being in this manner held for assured the Senate resolued that Nouagera should remaine in France nere to the Lady Regent the Kings mother and that Sebastian Iustiniano whom Nouagera was sent to succeed should follow the King into Italy The Senate in the meane time did with speed make all necessary preparations for the renuing of the warre making account that at the latter end of Aprill the Republikes army should goe before and beeing ioyned with that of the Lord Saint Paul should march to the enterprize of Milan which being executed the Emperours comming would seeme to be wholly broken and by meanes of this victory and by the helpe of the army and the Kings presence they supposed to be afterwards able to take the city of Genoa with ease and any other deseigne that they pleased to execute The Venetians at the same time were very carefull to prouide for the guarde of the places which they held in Puglia by sending for that purpose into the same country great numbers of foot-men to preserue whatsoeuer they there possessed and to attempt to make some farther progression if occasion should be offered and also for to keepe the Imperiall forces busied and diuided farre from Lombardy This great heate of the Kings beganne by little and little without any apparent cause to coole and the prouisions for warre to goe slowly forward wherevpon money was sent very sparingly from France to the Lord Saint Paul who despayring in a manner of beeing able to entertaine the army protested that hee would gette him gonne and leaue all seeing that of tenne thousand men whom hee ought to haue hee had scarce the one halfe by reason that being badly paied they left the campe in troupes At the last the Lord Chastillon who had beene long expected came to the campe with lesse store of money then was needfull and within a few daies after he left the campe and went to Venice saying that hee would goe into Puglia to assure the troupes that were there and to carry them a certaine summe of money for which iourney the Senate hauing speedily commanded some vessels to bee made ready according vnto his request hee did daily with many eââ¦euses delay his departure which gaue a suspition that hee had neither money nor any good will for to goe into Puglia but that hee gaue out that hee would goe thither because hee would not breake off the prouisions which the ãâã had already made The King doubting the matter and knowing how great cause hee gaue them to suspect did within a while after send Iohn Iaquin his Ambassadour to Venice to soliciââ¦e the departure of the army with the other prouisions for war without making any mention at all of the Kings so much desired comming which did so highly import them This did greatly encrease the Venetians suspition and did infinitely trouble them in regard of the daungers which threatned them from the Emperour and also for that this delay did cause them to loose the fruite of so many hopes their army remayning vnprofitable on the shore of the Riuer Adda because that it was not able alone to execute the enterprize of Milan The Senate neuerthelesse did not cease still to arme soliciting
the King for that wherewith hee cause lesly did presse them and for this end they chose Gââ¦sparo Pineli Secretary to the Signory to goe speedily into France to giue the King to vnderstand that for their part all things were in readinesse to renue the warre and that there was nothing wanting but his presence promising to send forthwith their troupes to meet him to the end that with greater safety and speed they might execute some notable enterprize At the same time the Bandetti of the Realme of Naples came into the field in sundry places of the Kingdome and did extreamely presse the Imperials whereby Rance de Cera did promise to himselfe some good successe being supplied with money and with certaine foot companies he had by sundry messengers acquainted the King therewith who from him did represent vnto his Maiesty the State of the affaires that he might obtaine the supplies that he craued the which albe it they were promised to be sent with the army were neuerthelesse delayed from day to day to the great preiudice of their league by giuing time to the Imperials to renue and augment their forces for the report of the Emperours comming had caused diuers Barons and people of the Kingdome to change their purposes diuers of them being desirous to insinuate themselues into his fauour some to obtaine pardon and others to get offices and immunities in the Realme so that the Prince of Orange being gonne into Abruzzo recouered Aquila by composition by drawing forth of the city and the whole country neere adioying an hundred thousand Ducats for the payment of his army from thence he sent forces to Matriââ¦a where Camillo Parde lay in Garrison with foure hundred foot-men who beeing gon forth thereof a little before promising to returne so soone as the Imperials should approach it the foot-men that were within it went ouer the walls and left it whereby the towne was yeelded This notwithstanding the successe of the Imperials was not so good in Puglia where treason being secretly practized in Barletta and discouered Iulio of Naples captaine of certaine foot forces and some of the townesmen as authors and complices of the Rebellion were put to death Besides the Venetians hauing drawne horse-men forth of Greece into the same Prouince they ioyned with those o Simon Romano and all of them together scouring the Country did assure it and kept the waies open to victuals hauing driuen Pignatello Count of Borella forth of the whole Prouince Now the Marquis of Guasto beeing come into Puglia would not deale with Barletta a very strong and well fortified city but went and encamped before Monopoli with foure thousand Spaniards and two thousand Italians and lodged in a small bottome couered by the mountaine so as he could not be hurt with the towne ordnance wherein lay Camillo Vrsino Andre Gritti gouernor of the city and Iohn Vitturt the Prouidator vnto whom Rance de Cera forthwith sent three hundred foot-men by the Gallies The Marquis then caused a great Bastion to bee made right ouer against the walles within Harguebuze shot and two others vpon the sea shore on each side one Then hauing battered the towne and made a breach hee gaue an assault where he lost aboue fiue hundred men and great numbers of Pioners with three peeces of ordnance that were broken wherevpon he retired a mile and halfe further off because that the cities ordnance did him much hurt in the place where he was lodged which caused the Venetians to sally forth and to assaile the bastions that he had made where they slue aboue an hundred men and then they assured the Hauen by a bastion made vpon their shore opposite to that of the enemies The Marquis being newly returned before Monopoli and hauing made two Caualiers with two trenches two hundred foot men sallied forth of the towne and burned his workes After that the Marquis making an other approach on the right side of the battery and causing a bastion to be made behind he planted the ordnance vpon it and did beate downe three score fathome of the wall within foure fathome of the ground but hauing intelligence that new companies had entred the towne the same night sent by Rance de Cera he withdrew his ordnance and at last discamped wherevpon being come to Conuersa he afterwards retired to Naples The braue resistance of Monopoli and the retreate of the Marquis did greatly encourage the Confederates so that diuers Barons and others repenting that they had gonne to the Imperial party shewed themselues very ready for a new rebellion the which emboldened the souldiers and captaines of the league to vndertake some enterprize This being reported to the Senate perceiuing that their nauall army remained idle at Corfou expecting the arriuall of the French army they commaunded their Generall to saile into Puglia where beeing arriued he cast ankor neere to Brundusium hoping as it came to passe that those of the towne prouoked by a particular affection towards the Venetians would forthwith yeeld The city beeing yeelded on conditions was preserued from spoile and from all wrongs of the souldiers and Iohn Francisco Iustinian was made gouernour thereof as Magistrate for the Signory and presently afterwards they begannâ⦠to batter the castles the charge thereof was committed to Camillo Vrsino who hauing in short space brought them to a streight passe could not for all that enforce them to yeeld by reason of their hope ere long to see the Imperiall nauy vpon that sea The Venetian army in the meane time did from the Cape of Otranto molest the whole country to the great hurt of the Imperials Simon Romano died at that exploite who was a valiant and couragious person The affaires standing at this stay the Prince of Orange knowing that the Confederates forces were not so meane and weake as they could easily bee driuen forth of the Realme neither yet so mighty as they were able to make any progression of great importance Or perhaps because that the Emperour would haue the Popes content preferred before all other matters that hee might haue him for his friend and confederate at his comming into Italy after that he had put strong garrisons into the most important places he turned with the residue of his forces towards Perusa to driue Malateste Baillone thence and from thence to enter into Tuscany to restore those of Medicis to their country The behauiour and approaches of the Prince did cause the Duke of Vrbin to suspect that he went about to enuade his State wherevpon he departed sodainly from the army to goe and prouide for his owne territories The Venetians were not well pleased with their Generalls departure in so trouble some a season as well for their owne interests as for feare of the suspition of the French who by that accident taking some occasion of a feigned suspition might grow slow in the prouisions for warre Therefore the Senate determined with
Senate to whom of purpose he sent his Nuncio to exhort them therein to interpose their councell authority and forces by intreating the Emperour to harken therevnto and the easier to draw him to it to offer him a summe of money But the Senate being of a contrary minde sought to disswade him from it and in praysing his good meaning they shewed him how that to take armes at such a time and without vrgent necessity was nothing else but to shew that he was afraide of a most iust cause whereof all men were desirous to be assured by preuenting with force the power which the concourse and fauour of the people might bring to the aduerse party That it did not beseeme him who maintained reason and truth to flie from the triall thereof especially by the Scriptures and by the same reason and not to impose a necessity vpon the Protestant Princes to raise their forces and thereby to make their cause to be more fauoured by the people and accounted to haue some shew of honesty by opposing themselues against the violence which would be done to them by comming in armes That the Princes of Italy were whole drawne drie of money by reason of the late wars The Electors of the Empire were doubtfull in such a case what part to take and more desirous of peace then warre as their Ambassadours doe affirme who for the same purpose were sent to the Emperour at Bruxells The free cities of Germany are resolute in no sort to aide or fauour the Emperour if hee should seeke rather to preuaile by force then reason and the Emperour is to weake of himselfe to leauy sufficient forces to ouer-throw the Princes and people being risen The Pope being mooued by these reasons or by the anthority of the Senate to whom he much referred himselfe hauing changed his minde desisted from sending his Nuncio to the Emperour as hee had determined whereby this treatie was broken off And to speake truely it was then thought most fit to consider rather how to resist the Turkes deseignes and to keepe as much as might be the forces of Christendome vnited together and chieflly those of Germany who were to susteine the first attempts of the Barbarians by reason that it was held for certaine that Soliman being proud and haughty could not digest his shamefull discamping from before Vienna which he could not take that he was ãâã to returne thither with a mightier army the which according to the common report he was already preparing The Emperour in this regard did rather encline to peace then warre and ãâã making any solid resolution was content for that time to set downe cerâ⦠rules concerning religion vntil the next future councell He likewise desired the better to reduce all matters to peace and quiet to end the controuersies which remained vndecided betwixt the Archduke Fedinana and the Republike of Venice wherevpon he commanded to choose vmpiers according to that which they had concluded wherevnto al be it that the Senate did not onely consent but did likewise seeme greatly to desire it by soliciting the deciding of the controuersie yet neuerthelesse nothing succeeded thereof contrary to the desire of both parties by reason of the difficulty they had to name a third person if it were so that the vmpiers could not agree amongst themselues The Archduke chose the Duke of Mantua the Bishop of Ausbourg and the Popes Nuncio residing with himselfe And the Venetians made choice of the Bishop Theatinâ⦠the Archbishop of Salerne who was of the family of the Adorni and the Popes Nuncio refiding at Venice but those which pleased one of the parties displeased the other whereby matters remained still in controuersie to the great preiudice and hurt of the subiects on the frontiers and caused an alteration amongst the Princes Besides this the Emperour had not yet surrendred which was the very latter end of the yeere the castle of Milan nor the city of Coma to Francis Sforza as he was bound to doe wherevpon the Venetians being desirous to haue it performed as soone as might be for feare least time might produce some sinister accident and Francis Sforza hauing not altogether meanes of his owne to furnish so great a sum of money as was to be paied to the Emperour they did lend him fifty thousand Ducats to make vp the payment the which they re-embursed vpon a bargain of salt they made with him by which meanes the castle of Milan and the city of Coma were rendred to Sforza to the Venetians great content whose only end was to assure the Duââ¦chy of Milan to the Duke The Venetians great desire to conserue that State for Sforza was the cause that he seeming to haue some distrust of the French entreated the Senate to interpose their authority with that King that he might desist from his great warlike preparations which he was reported to make to renue his old claime to Milan and notwithstanding that they gaue small credit to that report yet neuerthelesse to shew their constant desire of the preseruation and defense of that State and to take from the French all suspition that they would euer separate themselues from the Emperour and the other Confederates they determined to make it knowne to all men as well in France as in the Courts of other Princes But the Emperour being displeased with this declaration did summon them besides to arme the number of souldiers which the Signory was bound to leauy by the treaty of Confederacy The Venetians therevpon supposing that he aimed at some particular deseigne of his owne and would draw them to more then they were tied vnto by the league answered that the affaires of Italy standing at such a stay as there was nothing to be more hoped for then an assured peace they were not to be vrged to so great expences Now at the same time the Venetians supposing that King Francis beeing newly married and hauing recouered his children should rather thinke on feasting and pleasure then on the trauails of warre to make it knowne that they desired to partake some part of his content sent into France Iohn Pisani Procurator of Saint Markeâ⦠their extraordinary Ambassadour to reioyce with him in the name of the Republike But he hauing discouered some true likelihoods said boldly that they would not suffer the peace and publike quiet to be troubled or interrupted and they would neuer faile in ought wherevnto they were tied by their confederacy In the Interim of these negociations the Republike enioying an assured peace the Senate tooke care to re-establish it in her ancient preheminences which it had enioyed before the last warres and amongst others to appoint all the Bishops belonging to their owne State for which hauing made many requests to the Pope without receiuing any certaine resolution they seized on the temporalties of diuers Bishoprikes which the Pope had giuen whereat his Holinesse being incensed made shew that he would resent it and
The French King on the other side beeing prouoked by discontent caused thirty Galleys to bee armed at Marseilles his intent therein beeing not knowne It was likewise reported that great numbers of vessells of all sorts were armed and prepared in Barbary not to scoure and robbe at sea but to ioyne with the Turkââ¦h Armie conducted by Caââ¦aaine and among other Captaines there was a very famous Pirate called Sinam Cââ¦fut surnamed the Iewe a man very valiant and well experienced in marine businesse The Pope in like manner to assure his Sea townes from all incursions and inuasions or ââ¦or some other deseigne as it was sââ¦pposed had armed ten Galleys All these fleetes begaâ⦠iealousie in the Venetians and enforced them to expences by augmenting the number of their Galleys and the soldiers of the garrisons in their sea townes whereby beeing in extreame need of helpe in these extraordinary expences it was propounded in the Councell to acquaint the Pope againe therewith to the end to obtaine leaue of him for that purpose to raise the summe of an hundred thousand Ducats vpon the Clergie of their owne State Some others of those of the Councell who had already in this businesse tried the Popes rigor were of opinion that the Senate without tarrying for that leaue should begin to leuie that summe of money or else to proceed therein more earnestly with the Pope declaring how that the wealth dedicated to the Churches of their State was very great and ample which beeing freed from all publick contribution their other subiects were oppressed with subsidies and intollerable charges for the paiment of their fleets and soldiors leuyed for the conseruation of their liberty and publick faculties That it was not credible that the holy intent of those who had enriched the Churches was that the Republick being ruined and destroied should be depriued of making vse of that which they had giuen to those Churches in case of necessity That the Pope stood badly affected to their State and to whatsoeuer concerned them ââ¦o as hee made difficulties vpon all their requests or else vsed long delayes therein Bââ¦t notwithstanding these prepositions the zeale of Religion and the respect to the Sea Apostolick were of such force with the Senators as preferring it before all other profit and commodity this proposition was reiected constantly affirming that it did not beseeme the Republick which was founded encreased in Christianity vnder a continuall obedience and vnion to the Church and Pope of Rome whereby it had purchased an immortall glory and commendation to lay her hands on Church goods or therein to force the Popes will That they in times past had great and vrgent affaires for which they had prouided without that aid and without enterprizing scandalous matters that they were not to doubt but that he which knoweth the inward thoughtes of men and can doe all things would raise them vp aid and succor by meanes to them vnknowne much greater and farre moââ¦e ãâã then that where-unto they werâ⦠councââ¦lled by an euill example and if the Pope did still continew his vsuall rigor by so much the more would appeaââ¦e before God and the world the deuout and holy intent and accustomed wisdome of the Venetian Senate This opinion being allowed they pursued with all honor and reuerence the expedition of their request in the Court of Rome the which at last they obteined By this means the Senate hauing raised money they began to augment the number of their galleis whereof Capello was still Generall and to leuy footmen to send to the Islands and other sea places vnder their obedience to the end to assure them expecting what would become of the preparations of so many fleetes Now the Turkes whiââ¦est their nauall army was preparing were come by land to besiege Coron did so strictly shut it in as the Spaniards that were within it beeing impatient and in a manner desperate by reason of the miseries they there endured made a sally vpon the Turkes which succeeding vnfortunatly they were enforced to retire into the castle with great losse of their soldiers whervpon finding themselues by that losse likewise by pestilence to be reduced to a very small number so soone as the Sicillian ships arriued which brought supplies the Spanish Captaines being out of hope to keepe that towne embarked themselues in the same ships and left it to the Turkes discretion Yet neuerthelesse it was supposed as a matter more likely that the same happened by the Emperors expresse commandement who perceiuing that hee would not but with great expences defend that place enuironed on all sides with enemies and beeing out of hope of any farther progression determined to quit it Cariadine in the meane time hauing put to sea with an hundred saile and beeing come neere to the Venetian Gulphe the Generall who narrowly obserued his actions prepared according as the Senate had willed him at the beginning to retire farther in and not to abandon the defence and safety of the Gulphe but the Turkish fleete directing their course towards the Tirrhene sea sailed to the sea coasts of Calabria where on a suddaine hauing landed great numbers of soldiers they did not onely spoile the countrey but tooke two townes vpon the sea-shore though of small consequence The feare of the inhabitants of Naples and Rome at the report of the arriuall of these Barbarians was very great so as if Cariadine had marched thither he might easily haue taken them there beeing no forces to hinder him but the Turke hauin scoured and spoiled the whole Prouince went vnto the Isle of Ponze to take in fresh water and then sailed towards the coast of Affrick chiefely to exectute his deseigne for which hee was come from Constantinople albeit that hee had cunningly made shew to ââ¦aile towards the coast of Spaine that hee might on a sodaine and vnlookt for assaile his enemy Amulcasse King of Tunis Cariadine was sufficiently enformed of the whole State of that Countrey of the situation and strong townes and of the Kings forces and what affection his sââ¦biects did beare vnto him Wherevpon adding to all these things which hee well knew force and cunning ââ¦ee hoped that his enrererprise would fall out prosperously as it did For hee gaue forth that hee brought Roscetta with him the Kings brother knowing how pleasing that name was to the people where after sundry exploits hee did at last take the Citty of Thunis The other fleetes at the same time did nothing worthy of memory except that of the Venetians which was enforced to come to strokes with certaine vessels of Malta to chastice their Captaine It was Philippo Mazzo a Knight of Malta who hauing very audaciously with certaine vessels scoured not onely the Leuant seas but came into the Venetian Gulph spoiling robbing both Christians and Turkes indifferently was taken by the Generall and sent to Venice where his processe beeing by the Senate referred to the criminall
condition to pay vnto him as his feodatory an Annuall tribute of six Barbery horses twelue falcons and twelue thousand crownes for the paiment of a thousand Spanish footmen whom he left in Garrison at Goletta departed victorious from Affrick and sailed with his whole army into Sicily where hauing made some abode in the Citties of Palermo and Messina he dismissed the greatest part of his fleet and cassed his army retaining no more then two thousand Almaiââ¦e footmen for his guard and afterwards went to spend the winter at Naples Sundry Princes and Princes Ambassadors went thither to him the Slgnory likewise according to their ancient custome sent soure Ambassadors thither to him namely Marco Foscare Gionan Delphino Vincenzo Grimani and Tomazo Contaren to reioyce with him in the Republicks name for his victories obtained in Affricke Whilest the Emperor was on his iourney Francisco Sforza Duke of Milan deceassed without any Children of his owne to succeed him The Senate after his death requested Antonio de Leua to haue an eye vpon that State and to gouerne it in the name of his widdow vntill that the Emperors pleasure were therein knowne The Dutchesse went to Naples to the Emperor where being honorablie entertained by him he seemed to be very sorry for the Death of the Duke hir huââ¦band either for some particular friendship which he had borne vnto him or elce for feare least hiâ⦠death would breed some new troubles in Italy or rather by dissembling it to seeke thereby meanes to make all men beleeue that for his owne part he would lay no claime to that State But the Venetians were extreamely sory for his death who hauing so long a time with great expence and discomodity maintained warre to the end that the same state might be possessed by a particular Italian Lord perceiued them-selues by the Dukes death to be throwne into new doubts and difficulties and being depriued of their hopes to be peraduenture enforced to renew the warre Therefore so soone as the Emperor was come to Naples the Venetian Ambassadors that followed him did represent vnto him the Senates desire together with the State of the affaires of Italy Earnestly entreating him to find a meanes if it were possible to maintaine that peace which himselfe had there established and the which he seemed so much to desire The Emperor made answer that in regard it belonged to him as chiefe Lord to prouide for that State he did likewise therein desire to giue content to the Princes of Italy and cheefely to the Venetians therfore he would very willingly learne of them what were best to be done for the safe establishing of the quiet of Italy and also what their meaning there in was The Venetians notwithstanding they desired to haue the State of Milan fall into the hands of some particular Lord yet neuerthelesse being therein ignorant of the Emperors pleasure beeing not willing and it may be not in vaine to offend him or any other they continued constant in this proposition to haue som one inuested therein who should be esteemed ââ¦it and sufficient to maintaine peace and quiet in Italy with-out proceeding any farther where-vppon the foure departed Ambassadors had no commission at al for this businesse when they departed towards Naples whereat the Emperor wondering and beeing defirous to draw the Venetians to his party occasion now beeing offered hee beganne againe to discourse of that matter concluding in the end as hee had at other times done that being not yet well resolued on whom to bestow the State of Milan hee would willingly know their opinions the which hee would greatly esteeme and respect in that businesse Within a while after there beeing some suspition that the French did meane to stirre vp new troubles the Emperor sought to the Venetians that as by the Popes death they had renewed the league betwixt themselues euen so to renew it now againe by reason of the Duke of Milans deââ¦th that he did desire it the better to assure the affaires of Italy and to take away all occasion from those that were desirous to trouble it The Venetians beeing of the same mind did therein giue consent to fatisfie the Emperor by confirming the league on the self same former conditions reseruing therein place for the Pope and for him also that should bee chosen Duke of Milan It was well aduised sodainly and freely to grant the Emperors first entreaties to shew by that readinesse how much they did affect him and to auoid besides the occasion of handling that businesse at Rome whither he determined speedily to goe whereof the Turkes would haue conceiued some sinister opinion in regard of the leagues which Popes were wont to propound against Infidells although of a long time they haue beene to no purpose The Pope not well considering all these occasions or else beeing ignorant of them made shew to be displeased with the Venetians for that they had so readily graunted the Emperors demand saying that they ought to haue tarried for his presence and vntill the Emperour had beene come to Rome The Duke of Milans death had reuiued in the French King his former claimes and his earnet desire to conquer that State wherein being resolute knowing how greatly the Venetians might aid him in that enter prize he determined first of all to sound their meaning and to this end sent the Lord os Beauais one of the Gentlemen of his Chamber to Venice to vnderstand how they stood affected to the occasion which did now offer it self to assure as he said and augment their State declaring vnto them how that his King had great store of money friends and all other necessaries for such an enterprise whereby they could not but hope for a good and prosperous successe and if that they shew themselues to be his friends and Confederates he would very nobly recompence them The Senate supposing it to bee no fitte time to giue an eare to these propositions made answer in generall termes that the Republick had beene euer desirous of peace and neuer more then now as well by reason of the great discommodities of the late warres as for that Christendome was in sundry places afflicted with many heresies the which ought to bee rooted out before any new warre were to begin yet neuerthelesse they did highly thanke the King for his offers and for his confident communicating them vnto them wherof they would stil be mindfull and perhaps in time make vse The French King for all this not giuing ouer his deseigne of sending his Army into Italy to conquer that State did leuie as great forces as hee could to enuade it on the sodaine and to that end sent to the Duke of Sauoy to craue passage thorow his country which the Duke denying by the perswation as it was reported of the Dutchesse his wife the King tooke it very strangely in regarde of the ancient alliance and neere kindred that was betwixt them by
meanes whereof he determined first to enuade it The King had sundry occasions to bee displeased with the Duke of Sauoy which did the more heate and hasten him on for the loane of money made by the same Duke to the Duke of Bourbon a traitor to the King his gratulatory letters written to the Emperor when he was taken prisoner his practises to allienate the Suisses from the alliance with France the purchase of the County of Ast his refusall to lend Nice for the enteruiew of Pope Clement and himselfe the Kings claimes to the dowrie of the Lady Loisa of Sauoy his mother sister to Duke Philibert who died without children the King affirming thââ¦t a great part of the succession of Sauoy did belong vnto himselfe by reason that his mother was borne of the first wife and sole sister and heire to Duke Philibert together with his ââ¦resh refusall to giue him passage thorow his countrey to march to the conquest of the Dutchy of Milan all these things were euident signes of the Dukes small affection towards the King wherevpon the Duke knowing very well that he had greaââ¦ly offended him and being out of hope to be reconciled to him so soone as the Emperor was come to Palermo in Sicily beeing returned from his iourney of Thunis hee did secretly send vnto him to craue his ayde against so mightie an enemy This businesse could not bee so secretly carried but that the King had speedie intelââ¦igence thereof which caused him on a sodaine to send his forces beyond the mounts vnder the conduct of Philip Chabot Admiral of France his Lieutenant Generall whom he sent to enuade Piedmont about the beginning of the yeare 1536. where finding the country badly prouided of defence hee easily tooke the citties of Thurin Fossan Pigneroll and was besides like to haue taken the citty of Verceill had not Antonio de Leua who was in the Dutchy of Milan come thither to the speedy rescue thereof staying by his arriuall the designes and progression of the French The Emperor seemed to bee extreamly displeased and incensed against the French King for making warre in Piedmont and causing speedily a mighty Army to bee leuied hee did soone hope to ouer-runne him affirming boldly that hee would goe in person to assaile him in his owne kingdome and within a while after comming to Rome hee cââ¦me into the Consistory where in the presence of the Pope and Cardinalls and great numbers of Ambassadors and Prelates Dukes Earles Barons and other noble personages hee began to complaine of the French King so as beeing traââ¦sported with choller hee proceeded so farre as for the auoyding of greater effusion of bloud heâ⦠would end all controuersies by fighting with him hand to hand and that heâ⦠would challenge him for that purpose The Pope did all hee might to appease him and had already employed himselfe to make them friends but all in vaine The greatest difficulty was to findâ⦠a meanes which mââ¦ght content both the one and other concerning the Dutchy of Milan in which treaty although the Venetians had an hand the Emperors pleasure beeing to haue them acquainted therewith yet neuerthelesse they did very slowly proceed in it in regard of the aboue ââ¦entioned reasons which were much encreased by these new accidents of Piedmont For the Duke of Sauoy beeing driuen from his State went to Naples to the Emperor to beseech him to haue pitty vpon him and to helpe to restore him to his Dutchie The Emperor beeing mooued with piââ¦ty was ready to make an agreement with the French King to free himselfe from that war and to restore the Duke of Sauoy to his state but not agreeing together vpon the persons of the Duke of Orleance or the Duke of Angoulesme for the Dutchy of Milan the Emperor beeing desirous to giue it to the Duke os Aââ¦goulesme and the French King to the Duke of Orleance the matter remained vndecided and the Emperor departing from Rome after some small stay in Tuscany went without tarrying any where to Ast. Hauing there assembled all his cheefe Captaines among whom were D. Fernand of Toledo Dââ¦ke of Alua the Marquis of Guasto and D. Fernand de Goââ¦zaga he conferred with them concerning the meanes to make warres where of hââ¦s owne proper motion he propounded against al reason the opinions of the best experienced into Prouence wherevpon to that end the rendezuous for all his troopes was at Nice whither Doria likewise came with fifty Galliââ¦s to second the land army The Emperor came thither in person from thence entring into the French Kings countrey he encamped not farre from the Citty of Aix beeing not well resolued what to attempt first cheefely desiring to assaile either Marseilles or Aââ¦les and hauing spent much time in this irresolution he gaue the King leisuââ¦e to assemble a mighty army who beeing come to Lyons for that purpose did practise with sondry Italian Captaines who in his behalfe hauing raised forces neere to Mirandola made an attempt to surpriââ¦e Genoa and to reduce it to the French Kings deuotion The Emperor beeing by this meanes called away to defend his owne perceiuing likewise that his army sustained diuers discommodities by reason of the bad disposition of the ayre where it was encamped was enforced to retire without doing any thing but only making a shew of his great desire to hurt the King But before hee came into Prouence hee sent Roderico D'Analos to Venice to acquaint the Senate with his great preparations of warre and with his deseigne to inuade France and to entreat them by the same meanes to make ready those forces which they were tyed to furnish by their Confederacy for the defence of the state of Milan if need should be The Senate therevpon determined to leuy six thousand footmen vnder the command of Antonio de Castello Generall of the artillery and did in the meane time answer the Emperor that as it had beene ready to renew the league it was likewise as diligent to maintaine that whereunto it was bound and that for their parts they would in no sort faile to defend the State of Milan they did afterwards adde to these foot-forces fiue hundred light horsse armed after the Burgonian manner commanding all those forces of foot and horsse to meet by a certaine day at Azola vpon the Bressan territory to passe from thence when need should bee vppon that of Cremona The Duke of Vrbin was likewise sent for to come in person to the Armâ⦠but truce beeing granted by the arriuall of the Cardinall of Lorraine this former heate of the French seemed to be quenched wherby the Venetians had no cause to march forth of their owne confines yet neuerthelesse the French king made shew openly to be distasted of them although he very well knew that he had no iust cause by reason they did not exceed the bounds of their Confederacy but hoping by his complaints to cause them to
proceed more slowly in that wherein they were bound to the Emperor and to abstaine from entring into any new league or confederacy with him he complained of all these matters Cââ¦sar Fregoza Captaine of a company of light horsse in Verona departing without leaue and going to Genoa to fauour the Kings partie was depriued of his pay and rancke which he held and was wholly banished from their State The King complained thereof and of diuers other matters and sometimes with very bitter speeches because that the Venetians went about as he said to mar his deseignes and enterprizes The Emperors agents on the other side seeming to be displeased if they should casse certaine vnprofitable soldiers said that they did it to augment the enemies army whither they retired themselues which was assembled at Mirandola so iealous were these two Princes one of an other which of them should haue the Republick for his friend and Confederate The Emperour departing as hath beene said from Prouence went to Genoa meaning to passe as hee did into Spaine leauing the Marquis of Guasto for his Lieftenant Generall in Italy in Antonio de ãâã steed who dyed in Prouence with twenty thousand foote-men both of Almaines Spaniards and Italians Other Ambassadors from the Republicke came vnto him to Genoa namely Nicolao Tepulo Marc-Antonio Veniero Marc-Antonio Cornare and Antonio Capello and at their arriuall he dispatched Doâ⦠Pedro Gonzales de Mendozâ⦠to Venice to acquaint them with his successe in warre and with the cause of his returne together with his great loue to peace particularly rehearsing vnto them whatsoeuer had beene treated of with the King the first practises beeing againe renued where the King had taken time for three moneths to resolue him selfe whether hee should accept the Dutchy of Milan for his sonne the Duke of Angoulesme and thereby haue him to marry with Duke Sforzas widdow And if within the time prefixed the King did not resolue thereon hee did intend to giue that State to Don Luigi Infant of Portugall or to Emanuell sonne to the Duke of Sauoy wherein he desired to know their mindes but he added that for the better establishing of all these matters it was necessary to contract a new league betwixt the Princes of Italy for otherwise it was impossible that himselfe alone could beare such a burthen wherevnto if they would not giue their consent they should haue no cause to complaine of him if hee were enforced to do that which would not greatly please them The Senate beeing constant in their former resolution not to declare their meaning concerning the Dutchy of Milan vntill they had more particular notice of the Emperors intent therein nor yet to make any new confederacie other then that of Bolognia so oftentimes renued answered that concerning the new Duke of Milan when the Emperor should directly name any one the Senate would afterwards better consider of their particular common interests and make a more certaine resolution as for the new league they alleadged the selfe same reasons as at other times that there was no need thereof with the same regard to the Turke who euery day grew great and according to common report prepared a mighty Army for the yeare following The Venetians did aduertise the Pope of what had passed still assuring him of their great affection to the peace and safety of Italy for which they intreated his Holynesse readily to employ himselfe because that hauing reuiued the matter concerning the Dutchy of Camerine he seemed to neglect this other important businesse satisfying himselfe onely for that hee had declared himselfe as neuer but being at last earnestly solicited by the Venetians and by the imminent dangers which threatned them from the Turke which did dayly encrease as also for that he had vndertaken to conuoke a generall Councell which was published to be held at Vincenza insteed of Mantua where it had beene first appointed hee did expresly resolue to send his Legates to both these Princes to treate particularly of this businesse namely of an vniuersall peace betwixt the Christian Princes of the league against the Turke and of the celebration of the Councell The Cardinall Triuulcio went to the French King and the Cardinal Carracciola to the Emperor but these Legations were fruitlesse because none of these three points did take effect by reason of sondry difficulties whih happened War by this meanes did in such sort kindle betwixt the Emperor and the French King as enemies and most barberous nations were there-in vsed to the hurt and ruyne of Christendome where-in the Venetians like-wise had an hand notwithstanding that they had determined to remaine neuters and to be at peace and friendship with both parties Now by that which hath beene said the deseignes of Francis the French King may be sufficiently discerned who determining to trie all meanes to abase the Emperors greatnesse and to reuenge all those wrongs which he said he had receiued from him he did at sondry times sound the Venetians meaning and did by diuers meanes seeke to seperate them from the Emperor at the last the Lord of Rhodâ⦠comming from him to Venice propounded sundry faire hopes and promises to the Senate and vsed all meanes to change their former determination to continew the league with thâ⦠Emperour but it was in vaine For the Venetians were as firme and constant in keeping their promise with the Emperor as they were hard to be drawne to doe any thing which might disturbe the quiet of Italy The kings hope herein being frustrate and himselfe being mightily animated against the Emperor for comming to assaile him in his owne Kingdome knowing likewise that he was to weake of him-selfe alone to finish the enterprize of the Dutchy of Milan which was defended by the entire ââ¦orces of the Emperour and the Venetians supposed that there was nothing which would sooner cause him to obtaine his desire then to purchase the friendship of Soliman which he had already practized whereby he did hope to enforce the Venetians either to take his part or at least to abstaine from following that of the Emperor the causes being very great and many which did moue the Venetians to make high account of Solimans authority and on the other side by causing the Turkish army to passe ouer into Puglia or to other places of the Emperors obedience hee did thinke to diuert his forces and greatly to weaken his defence for the State of Milan The King then turned all his designes towards the Port of the great Turke where not-with-standing that Iohn ââ¦orrest was his Ambassador hee did besides send thither Dom Zerafin de Gozi of Ragusa with new and more important instructions and great promises These two being often in company of the Baschas of most authority propounded diuers matters which being reported to Soliman might easily induce him to grant the Kings demands as the Emperors greatnes the which if it were not moderated would become
the Emperours alliance and to embrace that of the French King offering them from him and by his commandement the city of Cremona and all the country of Gyradade so as by their common armies the State of Milan might be conquered promising them besides all aide and assistance to reduce the Cities of Rauenna and Ceruia vnder their obedience with the territories of Puglia Ottranto Brundusium Monopoli Polignan and Trani by which meanes they should be restored to all that which they had enioyed before the last warres But hee did especially insist very much vpon the miserable condition of the time which was to bee considered promising to defend and shield them by his Kings meanes and authority from all those perills and dangers which threatned them from the Turkes to their owne honour and reputation This proposition being vttered with great vehemency did greatly trouble the mindes of the Auditors for on the one side great and faire hopeâ⦠were propounded with equall recompences and yet not with out warre and great trauaile on the other side an incertenty of peace with as many difficulties did present it selfe before them the selfe same dangers remay ning stil in force made far greater by the French Kings indignation if he should perceiue his friendship with such goodly offers to be so often contemned and set at nought The Senate being assembled therevpon the Collodge of the wise men hauing determined to tell the Count Rangon that the Senate did first of all thanke him for his great and notable offers made vnto them then concerning the vinon which he propounded that the King might haue perceiued by their actions past what account they had euer made and now more then euer of the Councell of France to the which they had neuer beene wanting nor would euer faile when occasion should be offered earnestly requesting the King so to hold and beleeue it one onely person Marke Antonio Cornare a man at that time highly esteemed for his eloquence and great reputation though he were not very old being of a contrary opinion would haue them freely to answere the Count Rangon That the common-wealth had euer vsed to keepe her promise inuiolably which was a matter worthy and beseeming a Prince and that therefore the same being vnited with the Emperour by a new confederacy could not harken to any other contrary therevnto but they did hope that the King as a wise and most Christian Prince and their friend would not for all that discontinue the good offices which he ââ¦ad already begunne in their behalfe towards the Turke and he did constantly maintaine this opinion by a vehement and perswasiue oââ¦ation wherevpon he was attentiuely heard and commended of all men So soone as he had ended Leonardo Eme one of the wise men of the councel a man of authority and well experienced in matters of importance both at home and abroad rose vp and began to answer to euery point of Cornares speech But neither his authority nor al the reasons which he all eadged to the contrary could keepe them from answering Rangon in the same manner as Cornare had propounded In the meane time newes were brought to Venice how that the Turkish fleet was arriued at Valona and that passing along thorow the Channel of Corfoù it had saluted the castle with ordnance shot in signe oâ⦠friendship according to the vse and manner of warre that the castle had in friendly sort giuen them the like salutation and how that Solimon had neither in that Island nor else-where committed any hostile action but that certaine things being forcibly taken from some of the Republikes subiects had beene restored to them and the Robbers for terrot to the rest had beene hanged vpon the saile yardes of his galley Some Senators were of opinion that the Generall Pesare in acknowledgement thereof and vnder pretence of peace and friendship should send some captaine of his Gallies to Soliman to vse meanes to discouer some of his deseignes but it was reiected for feare least the Turkes would interpret it sinisterly to their aduantage and least the reputation of the Venetian forces should therby be diminished with them or else giue them some occasion to make some great and vnreasonable demand but they were within a while after freed of that care by newes that they receiued how that Iacomo Canalis going to Constantinople to execute the office of Baily in steed of Nicola Iustinian and being come to Nouobazar was by Solimans commandment brought backe to the campe who could satisfie them in all things At this stay stood the Venetians affaires at that time neither at open warre nor assured peace all matters being full of feare and suspition when as vnluckily and vnlooked for three sundry accidents happened which did cast the Republike head-long into warre with Soliman The first was that of Simon Nassi the Zaratin who commanding a Dalmatian Galley did vnfortunately meet with a small Turkish vesselladen with victuals which was going to Valona against which because it would not obey a certaine signall according to the manner of nauigation nor strike her sailes he discharged a cannon and sunke it Although this fact did greatly trouble Solimans haughty courage and all his Bashas yet neuerthelesse making shew to beare it patiently because he would not perhaps at that time interrupt his other deseignes he determined to send Ianusbei the Dragoman to Corfou to complain to the Generall Pesare how that thorow the insolency of a meane captaine of a Galley the peace betwixt them had beene violated and infringed and to demand to haue the author therof punished and the dammages amounting to more then thirty thousand Ducats to be repaired Vpon the neck thereof the second accident happened There were foure captains of gallies at the same time at the gard of the channel of Corfou to wit Iusto Gradonico Micaele Grimani Iacomo de Mezze and Ieromino Micaele these men so soone as they perceiued those armed vessels to come towards them which were two Gallies and one Fust conducting the Turkish Ambassador without taking any farther notice of them they fiercely charged them so as the Turkes being amazed betooke themselues to flight and supposing that they could not soone enough escape from them sailed as fast as they could to Cimera a barbarous nation and enemy to the Turkes wherevpon they were badly entreated there and al of them committed to prison and among the rest this Ianusbei This exploit did greatly discontent the Generall Pesare who in some sort to moderate the fact did sodainely send Francisco Zene captaine of a Galley to Cimera to vse meanes with a good sum of money to redeeme Ianusbei the which for the Republiks sake he soone obtained without mony This being likewise brought to Solimans knowledge he was prouoked by some of his seruants to take speedy reuenge thereof yet neuerthelesse hee would not for that time harken thereunto but sent for the Baily Canalis to
as if they should conquer the Empire of Constantinople it should belong to the Emperor without preiudice to the claimes of the Republike and so in like manner of the rest but for the Apostolike sea was reserued the preeminecne of some State worthy the merit therof according to the quallity of the conquest that shold be made Concerning other things where-vnto no man laid any claime that euery of the Confederats might haue a share therein according to the expences which he contributed towards the warres and if they should chance to recouer the Isle of Rhodes it should returne vnder the Dominion of the Knights of Saint Iohn of Ierusalem In this treaty there was no mention made of the King of England The Venetians neuer-the-lesse supposing that they might draw greate aide from that King who was a Prince of exceeding great wealth and authority and had in time before shewed great affection to their Common-wealth went about by meanes of Ieronimo Zuccate their Secretary resident in his Court to dispose him to fauour the league But the King disdayning the matter for that he had not beene particularly inuited to the treaty thereof would by no meanes endure to heare of it but did greatly complaine for that neither him-seife nor his Realme had beene mentioned in the number of the Confederates As for the French King they did dayly pereeaue that he had no great desire to enter into it because that they treated therein of encreasing the Emperors forces and reputation his coriuall and perpetuall enemy The Venetians then the league being concluded and established as hath bin said commanded the Generall Capello that if the Turkish fleete did come into the Gulphe hee should keepe aloofe towards the Leuant that hee might with more ease passe into Sicily where he was to ioyne with the Confederates fleetes as well to assure those quarters as to hurt the enemies if occasion were offered And because they would not weaken their garrisons they did on a sodaine leuy two thousand foote-men whome they sent to the Army Some were of opinion to referre to the Generalls discretion in all causes to doe that which he should iudge to be most proffitable and conuenient for the Common-wealth according to the occurrences of the affaires and not to limit him what hee had to doe which might peraduenture bee cleane contrary to reason seeing that warre is managed by the sight of the eye alledging for example that which happened the yeare before by limiting the Generall Pesare what he should doe which hath occasioned sundry disorders and at last the warre against the Turkes yet neuerthelesse the other opinion was followed because they would not hinder nor delay the vnion of their Army with the Confederates Now the Senates greatest care was to find ready money for the great expences they were speedily to be at By means wherof it was decreed that all those who would put in any money into the publicke Treasury should haue an annuall rent for it of foureteene in the hundred and they did afterwards proceed sharpely against the debtors to the Common-wealth as well by the imprisonment of their bodies as sale of their goods They did moreouer create three Pocurators of Saint Marke Ieronimo Marcello Bernardo Moro and Iulio Contaren in regard of some loane of money As for the goods of the Clergie they could neuer make any vse of them for although the Pope had permitted the Senate to alienate of Church goods by reason of tenne in the hundred to the worth of a million of gold and afterwards calling back that fauour had giuen them leaue to raise the said somme vppon the reuenue of the Clergy for the terme of fiue yeares yet neuerthelesse they could neuer draw a breefe from him either for the one or other his Holynesse still finding new shifts and excuses In this great want of money the Senate went very slowly foreward in the propositions that were made vnto them of raising the said somme peraduenture for feare of displeasing many people and cheefely those of the Champaine countrey of the firme land wherupon it reiected a proposition which was made although it would haue amounted to a great somme to sell the medows of the communalties of which there are store ouer the whole state in a manner of the Republicke on the firme land The Senate neuerthelesse in this great necessity did spare nothing that was necessary for the warres Peace at the same time was treated of betwixt the Emperor and the French King which each of them made shew greatly to desire and they concluded to send their Agents for that purpose to Canus which lieth betwixt Perpign an and Narbona but hauing spent all the time there in contestations the assembly brake vp without any resolution by reason of the distrust that the one had of the other which did greatly greeue the Venetians because that by those Princes discord the warre against the Turkes would prooue more difficult the likelihoods thereof being already discerned For the Marquis of Guasto whom the Emperor had in the beginning appointed to serue in the enterprize of the Leuant was countermanded not to stirre forth of Italy and speedily to augment the Garrisons in the State of Milan so as all hope of agreement being taken away the Emperor being constrained to diuert his forces elswhere for feare of the French King he did boldly affirme that hee could at that time doe no other seruice to Christendome then to stand vpon his owne defence against the Turkes for to assure his owne States from receiuing any hurt from their Army The Pope beeing infinitely sorry that the enterprizes against the Turkes were not foreward and it concerning him as the head of Christendome to procure peace and vnion among Christian Princes resolued seeing that his letters and Ambassades had beene to no purpose to attempt to preuaile by his presence supposing that his authority and entreaties ioyned with reason might cause them to condiscend to some honorable agreement whereupon hauing exhorted and inuited the Emperor and the French King thervnto he requested them that they would meet at Nice whither he likewise offered speedily to come as to a place fitt for that purpose The Venetians were very glad of this proposition because that the desired effect of peace falling out successfully it would much augment the forces and hope of the League the which with out that helpe would be very poore and weake but on the other side they were very sorry for the losse of so much time which was to be spent in the prouisions for warre and in the vnion of the Armies because they well perceiued that the Emperor comming from Barcelona by sea to Nice Doria must needes bee imployed in that iourney at such time as he should be busied in ordering the fleet and sailing against the enemies who were already with great forces vpon the Seas on the other side they feared that the same meeting would bee
to no purpose by reason of the great difficulties to establish a perfect peace betwixt these two Princes in regard of what had happened on either side and that the cause which had mooued both of them to grant the pope this enterview was but for to iustifie themselues and to make a shew to all men that they were desirous of peace but that the meanes to obtaine it were hard both their iealozies beeing equally alike to purchase the Popes fauour by allowing all his Councells and deseignes for his Holinesse euer fearing to aduance the one of them more then the other would not suffer any of them to grow more mighty by the forces and authorityes of the Sea Apostolicke and especially in Italy Some likewise did thinke that the Pope was not mooued to procure this enteruiew only for the publick and vniuersall good but for some particular profit of his owne hoping by the meanes of his presence and the meeting of these two Princes to insinuate himselfe into their fauor and to obtaine some matter of importance for the establishment of the greatnesse of his owne house as the effect did afterwards manifest hauing at that assembly concluded the marriage of the Lady Marguerite the Emperors naturall daughter and widdow to Duke Alexander of Medicis with Octauio Farnesâ⦠the Popes Nephew whom the Emperor inuested with the State of Nauarre Notwithstanding that the Venetians were possessed with these doubts and suspitions the Senate neuerthelesse did not cease to doe the duty which the time re quired to testifie the honor and respect it did beare to those great Princes and cheefely to the Pope and to this end to manifest how much it desired according to their antient custome to ayde and fauour that accord they chose two Ambassadors Nicholao Tepulo and Marc Antonio Cornare to be present at that assembly to make knowne the Senates good will and withall how greatly it desired peace betwixt Christian Princes and also for to make warre vpon the Turkes Now the Pope departing from Rome in the moneth of Aprill according as it had beene determined came to Parma where he celebrated Palme-Sonday in the Cathedrall Church staying in that Citty and at Placentia certaine dayes expecting the Duke of Sauoyes resolution concerning the Citty of Nice where the assembly was to be made because some difficulties were made thereuppon not without suspition that it came from the Emperor who was desirous before his comming to the assembly to see what the Turkes progression would be But the Pope at last resoluing not to make so long stay in his iourney did set forewards directly towards Nice where at his arriuall the entry into the Citty was denied him the Gouernour thereof saying that he held that place for the Prince and that the Duke his father was not to dispose thereof where vppon the Pope was enforced to retire him-selfe into a Monastery of Moncks beeing not farre from thence whither within a while after the Citties keyes were brought vnto him The Emperor and the French King came sodainly into those quarters the one being lodged at Villafranca and the other at Villanoua beyond the Riuer Var. Yet the Pope could neuer procure them to meet in his presence because they both determined not to grant the Popes desire in that meeting which was to make them good friends and to establish a firme peace betwixt them yet neuer-the-lesse he procured the prolongation of the truce which was already confirmed for the space of tenne yeares hoping that in the meane space the hatred which was so deepely rooted in their hearts might bee worne out that beeing done euery one went his owne way the Pope towards Rome the Emperor towards Barcelona and the King iournied to Auignion from thence to returne into France But the King being come to Auignion was adnertized that the Emperor was desirous to confetre with him and that for the same purpose hee entreated him to come to Aigues-mortes where he would land which the King willingly graunting went thither where both their maiesties did carsse each other and the Emperor went and dined with the King in the towne with great demonstration of brotherly friendship Then the king wentinto the Emperors Gallie where they had long conference to gether where-vpon all men hoped shortly to see a firme peace established betwixt them but no effectas thereof could euer since bee discerned but on the contrary the Emperor perceiuing him-selfe to be assured by the confirmation of the league with the Venetians against the Turkes not alone to sustaine their attempts beganne to make greater demands to the King accorping to the treaty of Madrill the King on the other side promising to him-selfe to recouer the States which hee detained from him made great warlike preparations to assaile him in sundry places not tarrying for the expiration of the truce Now whilest Christian Princes stood vpon termes of making warre one vpon another the Turke had in the winter time prepared all that which was necessary for his comming forth into the field who like-wise remembring that which did belong to his owne religion for those Barbarous people haue some impression of diuinity in their harts did before his departure celebrate with great solemnity the feasts of Baieran those daies are celebrated and reuerenced by that nation euen as Easter is by the Christians hee caused prayers to bee made in all his Mesquites for the happy successe of him-selfe and his army Then in the moneth of March his armies by sea and land departed from Constantinople where Soliman was in person and Barbarossa neere to him who held the rancke and grade which Lufti had done not long before who was depriued of his place of Bascha and confined into Macedon But the whole army being not yet well accommodated Barbarossa in the meane time with sixe score sayle went to wards the Archipelago as to an assured booty to assaile the Islands the which beeing defended the yeare before had as then no Garrisons that were suffitient to make defence whereby it came to passe that Schiros Schiaroc Schiati with certaine others of lesse fame being first sackt and spoyled fell into the power of the Turkes There happened a memorable accident at the Taking of Schiati for the Islanders and those few soldiers that were within it hauing constantly sustained the first assaults of the Turkes building vpon the assurance of the situation of the Castle seated vpon an high place some of the cheefe amongest them were desirous either thorow feare or a premeditated malice to yeeld them-selues vnto the Turkes but fearing peraduenture to be punished for their basenesse and treachery if the matter should not fall out according to their desire did runne to the Pallace where Ieronimo Memio gouernor of the place lay hurt in his bed who by his valor giuing example to his soldiers had beaten the enemies from the wals whome they slew by whose death all matters remayning
to accept peace on such vniust conditions would to much blemish the Republikes reputation and by quitting so easily their townes and giuing away their money was nothing else but to cause the enemies who by nature are insolent to demand greater matters During these irresolutions Casar Cantelmo came to Venice who hauing beene already sent as hee said to Soliman from the most Christian King about the negociation for the truce at his returne into France had informed the King of the whole matter wherevpon hee returned againe by his commandement to Constantinople for the same businesse The French Ambassador comming into the Senate told them that the King his Maister did expresly send that gentleman to Constantinople about the affairs of the Venetian Common-wealth and from him to deale in the negociation of peace and therefore he was come to Venice to receiue their commandements therevpon being by the King enioyned to execute them as though they were his owne The Lord Iohn Francesco Valerio a Venetian Gentleman did affirme the very same who hauing remained a long time in France had beene very familliar with the chiefe Lords of the Court who did often acquaint him with matters of importance this Gentleman did testifie the Kings loue and hearty affection towards them and his readinesse to send other Agents to Soliman if the Senate should dislike of Cantelmo exhorting them to trust to the King and to his loue towards the Republike the totall summe of this negociation that there was no better nor safer way then that to reconcile them to the Turke with more honour and lesse losse They were aduertized at the same time that an enteruiew was practised betwixt the Emperour and the French King the cause thereof was the iourney which the Emperour determined to make into Flanders to chastice those of Gant who had rebelled resoluing to goe thither through France and to talke with the King and to treat with him for so it was reported about some good agreement that being good friends they might afterwards ioyne their forces together against the Turkes The enteruiew of these Princes furnished all men with matters of sundry discourse and chiefely the Venetian Senate where it was a long time debated whether they should continue the treaty of peace with the Turke in regard of matters offered and the hard conditions propounded by Soliman On the other side some were of opinion to embrace the occasion of Cantelmo his voyage and the Kings offer if they should refuse it it was to bee feared that his Maiesty would take it in ill part thinking that they made small account of him or his friendship that they were at least to entreat that Gentleman on the Kings behalfe to insist vpon the Generall truce which beeing graunted would greatly serue for the fitnesse of the time and the quiet which thereby would arise to enioyne him besides to assure the Turke that the Senates intention was none other then to procure a firme peace vpon honest conditions Others propounded that it was best to send a speedy messenger to Contaren to command him for to tarry in that place where hee should meet with him and there to expect a new commission which the Senate would send him according to the progression of the affaires others thought it fit to proceed to the election of a new Ambassadour or else to referre the whole businesse to the Bayly Canalis who was at liberty and able to negociate but these men were not of opinion to make vse of Cantelmo in this negociation nor to impart any thing vnto him that he was a Neapolitan bannished from his Country who besides the Kings deseignes and interests quite contrary perhaps to those of the Republike had his owne likewise a part which might hinder and not further the good successe of that businesse That their safety and publike dignity did not permit them to discouer vnto such men any iot of the Senates intention the which they were to suspect and not without cause that hee was very desirous to know rather to crosse then to further it that the Emperour sought all occasions to breake this pursute of peace which did so much trouble and anoy him and the French King vpon hope to recouer the State of Milan was ready to con tent him in all things To all these considerations they added an other which was of no meane consequence which was that because the haruest of the same yeere had beene euery where and especially ouer all Italie verie badde wherewith the City of which was to feed an infinite number of persons was greatly troubled so as the people who were wont to fare delicately and to eate none other bread then that which was made of wheate were enforced to feed on all sorts of graine and in hazard likewise to want them vnlesse they might bee brought from forraine countries Venice hauing no corne territory of her owne a thing which did greatly trouble the Senate wherevpon the better to prouide for a matter of so great importance some said that the friendship of the Turkes was very necessary and others thought it fit to haue recourse to the Spaniards to get proportions of wine and graine from their countries whereby it fell out that the same subiect serued for a foundation whereon to build the two sundry opinions In this manner was the time spent without any certaine resolution so as the Ambassador Contaren hauing continued his iourney and receiued no new commandement from the Senate arriued at Venice and Cantelmo departed thence without any commission These irresolutions gaue the Emperor some hope who espied al occasions to breake the negociation of peace with Soliman and once more to draw the Venetians to confirme the league therefore supposing that there was nothing which could better further his intention then to make them beleeue that he was friends with the French King and that being thereby freed from all other lets he would employ all his forces vpon the enterprize of the Leuant and that the French King would aide and fauour the league determined to send some noble personage to Venice perswading the King to doe the like to acquaint the Venetians with the enteruiew and to discouer somewhat of their intentions The Marquis of Guasto who was gouernor of Milan for the Emperor and the Lord of Annebault Marshall of France and Generall for the most Christian King in Piedmont came to Venice vpon the tenth day of December Their entertainment was magnificent as well in regard of the Princes greatnesse that sent them as for the quality and nobility of the persons great numbers of Senators went to meet them with the Bucentaur and seuen Gallies then they were lodged in a goodly pallace and their expence defraied by the Signory Their first audience was giuen them in the great Hall where the great Councell is held in the presence of many people where there were no other speeches vsed but complementall and of
entertainment Returning at an other time into the Senate in secret audience the Marquis of Guasto began to tell them that he was sent by the Emperor Charles to acquaint them as his trusty and inward friends with the enterview which he determined in France with the French King and in Flanders with King Ferdinand his brother and the Queene his sister who did then gouerne those countries for him assuring them that in the same assembly of Princes affaires would be handled concerning the common good of Christendome and the particular profit of that Common-wealth which the Emperor did as much desire as that of his owne Estates And that now seeing they were ready to assaile the Turkes with very great forces the Emperour was desirous to know the Senates will and intention therein what prouisions they would iudge to be necessary and what they would haue him to doe for his part for the better mannaging of his deseignes that the peace with the French King although it were not established might neuerthelesse be held for done in regard of the mutuall disposition and good correspondence betwixt those Princes whereby all men were certainely to beleeue that they would both together turne their armes beeing freed from all other lettes vpon the Infidels but because the greatnesse of the businesse did likewise carry with it length of time and for that the time of yeere was already to farre spent to make such great prouisions the Emperor thought it fittest for the time present to stand vpon the defensiue rather then on the offensiue with the enemies wherein he would not faile to haue as great a care of the safety of his friends States as of his owne The Lord of Annebault spake in a manner to the same effect protesting his Kings good will and desire to the peace and profit of all Christendome It was no hard matter to discerne wherevnto all these practises tended and what the Emperours true deseignes were namely to feed the French with a vaine hope of restoring vnto them the Dutchy of Milan and the Venetians by propounding vnto them to make great preparations for warre against the Turkes not caring very much to performe these things but onely thereby to winne time by being assured of the armes of the French diuerting the Kings thoughts from warre and of those of the Turkes by opposing against them as a Bulwarke the States and army of the Venetian Common-wealth Answere was made to the Marquis and to the Lord Annebault how that their arriuall was very pleasing and acceptable as well for respect to the Princes which sent them as for their owne persons for which and for the honour and friendship which they did beare to the Common-wealth they did infinitely thanke their Princes the newes of the good correspondence and certaine hope of peace betwixt such mighty Princes had much reioyced them and so much the more by how much greater the profit was which al Christendome might receiue thereby But as concerning the declaration of their meaning and intent towards the present occasions it might be sufficiently knowne by their actions seeing that they had so soone at the first taken armes many times refused all propositions of agreement and liberally furnished all expences requisite without niggardize neither had they refused to execute all enterprizes how dangerous soeuer how that for their parts they had already for the space of three yeeres borne the whole burthen of the warre and being at that time inuited by those hopes they were ready againe to expose themselues yet neuerthelesse all men might well perceiue that they were not able alone to hold out long against the power of so great an enemy therefore what could they say more Their necessity beeing knowne vnto all men how euery one knew that Barbarossa lay in the Gulphe of Lepanto with fourescore saile intending as it was reported to winter there whereby the whole world might perceiue to what daunger the whole State of the Common-wealth was exposed and by consequent that of all Christendome vnlesse the nauall armies might bee euerywhere ready by the month of February to diuert his deseignes all which things were very exactly to bee thought vppon and considered and speedily rââ¦medied This answere without any resolution at all was thought fit for their proposition and the condition of the times and without proceeding to any more particular negociation the Ambassadours of the Emperour and the King returned home into their countries The Pope on the other side hauing had notice of these Ambassadours comming to Venice was displeased therewith because that the enteruiew was resolued on without his knowledge and consent not that hee did any way distrust the Republike beeing very well assured that it would euer runne the selfe same fortune as did the Sea Apostolike but because hee greatly feared least all that outward shew of honour and friendship should couer as at other times some important practize against the liberty of Italy wherevpon hee did by all good offices solicit the Venetians that their might bee betwixt the Sea Apostolike and their Common-wealth a sound and perfect intelligence and correspondency and he for his owne part would not any way faile for to prouide all possible meanes to beate backe all the daungers which might happen The Emperor hauing intelligence of these suspitions of the Pope fearing least his discontent might be some hinderance to his deseignes did on a sodaine lend Luigi Dauila to Rome and caused the French King to send the Lord of Saint Iust thither to acquaint the Pope with that enterview in France and for to iustifie their actions The Pope by the arriuall of those Ambassadors was greatly satisfied and the better to demonstrate it he determined to send his Nephew the Cardinall Farneze into France to the end that as Legat to the See of Rome he might be present at the assembly of those Princes fauor the conclusion of peace and offer the Popes authority with all the Churches treasure for the enterprise against the Infidels The Senate in demonstration of the friendship and respect which it did beare to those Princes did appoint two Ambassadors to be present likewise at that enteruiew namely Antonio Capello and Vincenzo Grimanâ⦠both of them Procurators of Saint Marke who were enioyned by the Senate to thanke the Emperor and the French King for the friendship and honour which they had shewed to the Common-wealth by acquainting it with what they determined to doe next to praise and commend their intentions and to incite them to prouide for the dangers of Christendome and lastly to excuse them for that they had sent an Ambassador to Constantinople being enforced therevnto because they had not sufficient forces to resist the enemy At the same time an Ambassador came to Venice from the King of Hungary to request the Senate to make a firme alliance with him for the common defense of both their States and to exhort them besides to continue the
treaty of peace with the Turkes in regard the Emperor would neuer be at peace with the French so long as he could haue the Estates of the Venetian Republike and the Realme of Hungary for his Bulwarke for the which aduertisement they thanked his King and for that present delt no farther with him But although the Pope did offer his forces to maintaine the warre and exhorted the Senate to prouide dilligently for the conseruation of their States and defense of Christendome yet neuerthelesse he did not dissemble the suspition which he had conceiued of the Imperials and the smal hope he had in their aide wherevpon he did often times affirme that being assured that the Venetian Senate as most prudent and well aduised would neuer make peace with the Turke vnlesse they were enforced therevnto by very vrgent necessity euen so the occasions being once knowne to be such he did commend their councell which knew how to fit it selfe to times and necessity Now about the same time the Senate receiued letters from the Bayly Canalis who aduertised them that great and magnificent triumphs were preparing at Constantinople for the nuptials of the great Lords daughter married to Rusten Basha and for the circumcision of two of his children and to that end they expected some from Venice and that the Basha did greatly desire that according to the vsuall custome some Ambassador of theirs might come to the Porte to haue an occasion to reuiue the treaty of peace The Senate being assembled therevpon and a proposition being made to elect an Ambassador to send to Soliman all of them with one voice and consent embracing the businesse did choose ãâã Badoario a Senator of great authority and one of those who had most of all perswaded the Senate to an accord with Soliman offering himselfe if neede were to goe thither for that purpose They did then enioyne him first of all to procure the negociation of the Generall truce according to the former instructions of the Ambassador Contaren continued by the French Kings Agent then to motion the restitution of all those places possessed on either side during that warre and if hee could not obtaine that then to treate of a finall peace by renuing of the ancient capitulations giuing authority for to offer some fiue or sixe thousand Dicatâ⦠a peece for the Cities of Naples and Maluesia and to promise three hundred thousand Ducats for the expences that Soliman had beene at in that warre This was the Senates commission But the councell of Tenne who at that time did Soueraignly treate of the most serious affaires of state without communicating them to the Senate to the end they might be more secretly managed among fewer persons added another more ample commission namely to haue power if hee should perceiue the treaty to bee wholy desperate to surrender vnto them the townes of Naples and Maluesia These Senators who were of the ancient and best experienced in the gouernment did very well know how greeuous and insupportable that warre had bin vnto them how that Naples and Maluesia were farre off from them and therefore hardly to be releeued and easie to be beseeged by the enemy whereby they had beene in danger oftentimes to haue beene taken in regard of their want of many things So as they would ere then haue fallen into the enemies hands had not the truce protected them That the Common-wealth was at the same time in great danger where-vpon it was discreetly aduised to cast away some what although it were deere and pretious to conduct it safely to the Hauen of peace forth of the rockes of that dangerous warre That it was a Maxim confirmed by many experiences that time in the Negociations with the Turkes doth breed danger and the conclusion of matters by delaies haue euer had a bad and difficult successe This happened about the latter end of the yeare and at the beginning of the next which was 1540. the Emperor came to Paris where the king entertained him with all possible signes of honor and friendship Christophero Capello Ambassador at the same time for the Signory in France did acquaint both of them with the Senates answer to the Marquis of Guasto and the Marshall D. Anibault wherevnto the Emperor answered that although for his owne part hee did resolue to make warre vpon the Turkes yet neuer-the-lesse hee could not see in regard of the shortnesse of the time how they might satisfie the Republcks desire and therefore that it would be to more purpose at that present to obtaine a generall truce during which they might haue time to prepare forces conuenient for such an enterprize and that he in the meane time would not omit to doe whatsoeuer lay in him for the common safety of their Sea Estates The most Christian King did at the same time make great protestation for his good will saying that hee would let men know that his intention neuer was to diuert the common good of Christendome but that he was ready speedily to embrace peace and concord with the Emperor that he might afterwards vndertake a warre more proffitable and necessary but that the present time would not permit him to treat of those bussinesses because he would not mingle graue and serious matters among feasts and ioy for the Emperors arriuall the negociating whereof might breed difficulties and discontents where-vpon they had referred the whole businesse to the assembly of Flanders Capello hauing acquainted the Senate with the Emperors and French Kings answers they were found to be very generall so as no certaine hold could be taken thereon neither of peace betwixt themselues not of warre against the Turkes where-vpon they resolued more earnestly to persue the treaty of peace already begun and did write to Badoario who ariuing at Constantinople about the middest of Aprill began to treat according to his commission with the Baschas therein vsing the fauour and aduice of the French Ambassador But at the beginning of their negotiation great difficulties did arrise not that the Turkes were vnwilling of an agreement but because they hauing notice of the secret commission giuen to Badoario and thereby being growne more insolent as well in regard of the feare and desire of peace which they discouered to be in the Venetians as for that they were assured to obtaine what-so-euer they demanded began forthwith to protest that they would not harken to any other proposition vnlesse that besides the Ilands of the Archipelago and the Castles of Nada Laurana which they already enioyed the Citties of Naples and Maluesia might bee freely surrendred to them and restitution made for the expences of the warre The Ambassador beeing amazed at these demands so sodainly and obstinately made and suspecting the truth of the matter did for certaine daies giue ouer that negociation incertaine of himselfe what he were best to doe on the other side he was drawne from it when he considered how that by continuing
was as well for Christendome as because hereby the Turke their common enemy would grow more mighty But what hope was there of any happy successe King Ferdinand was not strong enough of himselfe to resist the Turkish army the Emperor resolued not to hazard his forces against the Turkes in his brothers defense Germany badly affected to the house of Austria would enterprize nothing which might augment the power and authority thereof and on the other side the widdow Queen Isabell and the King hir sonne young and without meanes to defend that Kingdome and enforced by necessity not onely to make vse of the Turkish ayd but wholy to depend vpon them The Venetians notwithstanding that they knew all this did neuerthelesse determine to be Spectators of all these miseries and to auoid all occasions that might cause the Turkes to suspect any sinister affection towards them beeing not desirous to prouoke them to take armes against the Signoty Whilest these affaires were thus carried the Pope entreated the Senate to grant That according to that which had been concluded at Luca betwixt him and the Emperor the Councell might be held at Vincenza the yeare following 1542. but the Senate supposing that it would greatly hurt them by reason of the Turkes made an excuse saying that at that time when they had warrs with the Turkes they could willingly haue granted it but that now Soliman would thinke that the Venetians went about to stirre vp the Christian Princes against him and by that meanes they should draw ruine vpon them-selues for a small and vncertaine hope of a great good As also because they knew very wel that the cheefe Prelates did intend to make the Christian Princes friends before that they would assemble the counââ¦ell This excuse was strengthened by an accident newly happened which gaue suspition that the Venetians stood badly affected to Soliman it was thus two Turkish Galeots going from Barbary toward Constantinople and suspected by reason that they fled from our fleet to be Pirates were taken by the Prouidator of the Sea the greatest nomber of the Turkes were slaine and all the Christian slaues within them were set at liberty the Turkes tooke this in bad part and especially Barbarossa vnto whom those vessels did belong who beeing greeuously incensed thereby threatened to bee reuenged The Senate speedily excusing the matter did at last obtaine that their might be a treaty concerning the making of amends for it and the businesse beeing delayed and Barbarossa being by time and sundry good offices appeased the strife was ended by meanes of a summe of money to the content of both parties the Venetians resoluing to continue their freindship with Soliman who sent Ianusby to Venice to cause the Prince and Senate to confirme the agreement made at Constantinople by the Ambassador Badoario who was likewise enioyned vpon enteaty of the French to dispose the Venetians to contract aliance with their King The Turkish Ambassador was honorably entertayned and his demands attentiuely heard as concerning the confirmation of the Treaty of peace he was therein speedily satisfied But to his proposition of fauoring the French they answered how that they were at peace and friendship with the French King intending to continue the same But they they could not as then doe any thing which might enfore them after-wards to take any armes against other Princes how they were assured that Soliman being a most wise and iust Prince would like wise allow of their lawful reasons and excuses This answer being reported to Soliman by Ianusbey was allowed by him and vnderstanding by the same man the Venetians firme desire faithfully to obserue the agreement he was very glad of it and seemed to be desirous to performe the like towards them This is all which passed at that time betwixt Soliman and the Signory of Venice But as concerning the Christian Princes they dealt with them with no lesse respects ayming still at this not to offend any one nor to fauour any one not yet to doe any thing contrary to their neutrality The Venetians for sundry reasons were greatly displeased with the contention betwixt the Emperor and the French King they were likewise displeased for that the Treaty of placing a new Duke in the State of Milan was broken a matter so often promised to them and treated of not long before with the French king at the enteruiew of Paris and to suffer the Emperor peaceably to enioy that state was nothing else as the wisest and discreetest Senators had a long time before foreseen but to support the Emperors immoderate greatnes to the great preiudice of the liberty of Italy and yet for al that to depart from his confederacy and to enter into a new war the conditious of the times and the Common-wealths necessity would not permit them They were greeued besides for that the Turkes being sollicited by the French against the Emperor had determined to march with their army to the hurt of Christendome yet neuer the-lesse they onely busied them selues in furnishing their sea townes with soldiors munitions victualls and all other necessaries in re-enforcing and augmenting their army not medling with the affaires of other men Each of those Princes did vse meanes to diuert the Senate from the resolution of their neutrallity by propunding sundry meanes vnto them of new agreements The Emperor was ready come into Italy resoluing to passe into Affricke not-with-standing the Pope disswaded him from it setting before him his brothers danger His Captaines like-wise propounded vnto him the doubtfull euent of the enterprize of Argier being to attempt it in the Autumnall seasons of the yeare which is commonly subiect to diuers alterations and in a place filled with all discommodities Yet neuer-the-lesse considering the great forces of the Turkes and how farre they were able to enter which was a pollicy to draw the Venetians to another Treaty by altering the former capitulations he did propound vnto them a new confederacy for the safety of Italy against the incursions of those Infidels assuring them that the Pope King Ferdinand his brother and diuers other Princes should enter into it But the Senate resoluing no more to enter into those dangers excused it selfe from harkening thervnto and being more earnestly sollicited they wholy refused that proposition especially when they heard that the Pope had no great inclination there-vnto by reason of the smale hope he had being wise and well aduised to bring that businesse to a fortunate end as also because he hauing dispoiled Ascanio Colona of all his Estates by reason that hee had beene rebellious and disobedient to the Sea Apostolike would auoide all occasions of restoring them againe vnto him as hee well perceaued that hee should bee enforced to doe by making a new league with the Emperor who for his owne honor could not forsake a man that had so well deserued of him and that had beene cheefe of his faction in Italy besides aiming at an
through their State and to entertaine him by the way The Pope in the meane time hauing promised other matters to himselfe seeing that the confederacy propounded to the Venetians had taken none effect resolued to talke with the Emperor determining first better to assure his owne affaires as well for temporall matters as for Religion and his Pontificall dignity in the councell which was to be held at Trent a city in Germany and next meaning once more to try if the Emperour would quit the Dutchy of Milan to Octauio Farneze for a certaine summe of money which he perceiued the Emperour stood in great need of by reason of the warres he had in hand but concealing for that time those his secret deseignes made shew that the cause which mooued him as the common father and head of Christendome to embrace the Emperor passing along so neere him was to exhort him to peace with Christians and to warre against the Infidels and to try if his presence in that businesse would be of more force then his exhortations made by his Legats sent to the Emperor into Germany and into France to the most Christian King Now the Pope hauing acquainted the Venetians with his departure from Rome and going to Bolognia alleadged no other reason of his iourney then the former wholly concealing the negociating concerning the Dutchy of Milan thereby to feele if he could discouer any thing from them concerning it for on the one side he knew that the same treaty was pleasing vnto them but on the other it behoued them to proceed therein very respectiuely in regard of the aboue mentioned matters The Senate continuing the old resolution not to meddle with these negociations did vnfeignedly commend the Popes good and holy meaning with his resolution in so honest and important a businesse for the common good of all Christendome not passing on any further to any other consideration The Pope seeming to bee greatly desirous of that enteruiew did not cease to pursue it notwithstanding that hee was alone in that negociation and that the Emperour alleadged diuers difficulties and lets who making no great account of him made shew that he did not much affect him either because hee was distasted of him the Pope hauing not openly shewed himselfe his friend as he ought to haue done by reason of the honour done by the Emperor to him and his house hauing by the marriage of his daughter preferred it to so many other noble alliances or else because he did suspect the truth of the matter how that the Pope would recommence his suite that the Dutchy of Milan might be made ouer to Octauio Farneze the which he resolued not to quit to any man whatsoeuer and therefore he was desirous to eschew all occasions of discontenting the Pope and of prouoking him to embrace the French Kings friendship by refusing his demand But the Pope supposing it would greatly blemish his greatnesse and dignity if he should let the Emperour passe thorough Italy without seeing him had to that end sent first Petro Lodouico his sonne to Genoa and then the Cardinall Farneze his Nephew to entreate him that the enteruiew might be at Bolognia and vpon his Maiesties excuse that he was not willing to come so farre backe and to delay his iourney he determined to come farther forward euen to Busset where it was concluded they should see one an other which was a towne very discommodious and smally frequented belonging to the Palauicins but this enteruiew had no better successe then all men expected nothing being there concluded either for the Churches seruice or the particular profit of the Farnezes For the Emperor continued his resolution to make warre vpon the French King and the Duke of Cleues and as for Milan because he would not flatly deny it hee told him that he could not dispose of that State vntill he had acquainted the Princes of the Empire therewith whereby he might easily percââ¦iue that he did meane to appropriate it to himselfe The enteruiew being dissolued which onely lasted three daies the Emperour pursuing his iourney entred vpon the Venetians State where the foure aboue mentioned Ambassadors met with him and did honourably entertaine him furnishing him with whatsoeuer he needed either for his owne person or his household so long as he continued vpon their territories wayting vpon him as farre as the confines of Trent making diuers offers vnto him in generall in the name of the Common wealth not mentioning any negociation till they were ready to take their leaues of him and then they besought him to be a meanes to his brother for a dispatch concerning the agreement of Trent which they had taken vpon them From Trent the Emperour went to Vuormes and from thence to Spire to be nerer to that which he had determined to doe hauing still resident with him Daniele Bouricci Secretary to the Common-wealth the Ambassador de Pont remayning sicke at Trent who being returned to Venice for the recouery of his health Bernardo Nouagera was chosen in his stead Warre was at the same time much kindled in Hungary whither Soliman being come in person with a mighty army hauing first scoured and wasted the country had beseeged the city of Strigonium from whence he sent an Ambassador to Venice to acquaint the Senat with his iourney and deseignes and also there to vnderstand newes of his fleet which at that time lay in the hauen of Villafranca at the enterprize of Nice where of the Senate aduertized him and withal did infinitely thanke him for the honor he did them by acquainting them with his actions and deseignes This demonstration of friendship from the Turkes did serue them for two purposes first to continue peace betwixt them and next to encrease their reputation with other men Therefore Soliman hauing againe sent an other Ambassador to Venice to aduertize them of his progression in Hungary the Senate resolued in reciprocall manner to render him the like demonstration of honour and friendship by sending an Ambassadour to him This charge was committed to Stefano Tepulo hee hauing giuen ouer the place of Generall who at the spring was to goe to Constantinople to Soliman who was come thither from Hungary to reioyce with him in the Common-wealths name for his fortunate successe and to make shew at his Porte of a correspondency of loue and frindship The affaires of Maran were not yet appeased but on the contrary much more enkindled as well in regard of the French who did meane to keepe and defend it as for the Almaines who determined to haue it by force so as besides foure hundred foot-men which the Lord of Senei brought thither the French King sent great troupes of horse and foot on the other side the King of Romaiues hauing caused certaine companies of Lansequenets to passe the mounts at Pontieba vnder the command of Iohn Baptista Sauella did besides assemble all the souldiers on the neerest places of his
and expence by a new warre The King supposing this answere to be no flat deniall so desirous hee was to draw the Venetians to his party against the Empetour within a while after the Cardinals returne to Rome imagining that the speech which the Pope had vsed in his behalfe would be of force to alter the Venetians mindes caused Bartholââ¦meo Caualcanti who was banished from Florence to goe from Rome to Venice to acquaint the Venetians with the Popes great affection towards the affaires of France and to reuiue the negociation of the league not long before propounded although the King by dissembling it to make the offence and sorrow seeme lesse for that so many of his attempts had not taken effect did protest that Caualcanti his going to Venice proceeded from the Cardinals sole and onely motion Caualcanti was a man of great iudgement and an excellent Orator as his workes that are published doe manifest who made a long and excellent discourse to the Senate contayning the selfe same substance that the Cardinall had before vttered but the Senate being firme in their resolution did stop their eares to his speech till they heard him speake of peace betwixt the Emperour and the French King with all men so much desired The Pope to hasten the matter sent two of the chiefest Cardinals to wit Moron to the Emperour and Grimani to the French King exhorting the Venetians to send their extraordinary Ambassadours as they had done at the assembly at Nice to the end that the exhortations both of the one and other might be of greater force to perswade them to so good a matter and worthy the piety of any Christian Prince The Senate although it desired to see peace and concord betwixt those Princes did neuerthelesse know that it behoued them to gouerne themselues moderatly therein for diuers reasons hauing oftentimes had experience of the bad offices done vnto them by sinisterly interpreting in the Courts of Christian Princes their sound and sincere actions and that the selfe same interpretations had beene divulged at Constantinople vnder false collours to their preiudice yea euen in Solimans hearing and satisfying themselues with doing their duties by their ordinary Ambassadors they were desirous to eschew that vaine and dangerous apparance These Ambassadors acquainting the Senat with what was done in the Court of those Princes reported that they were very much enclined to peace not so much for any desire they had to be good friends as because they were weary of the warres for the French being on the one side assailed by the King of England who comming to Calais with a mighty army did in person beseege Bullin and on the other by the Imperiall army which after along seege had taken the city of Saint Desier vpon Marne was very desirous by peace to free himselfe from so many discontents the Emperour on the other side wholy wanting money for the continuing of the warre and fearing the losse of that which he held in Italy by reason of forces raised in the Kings behalfe neere to Mirandola Doubting likewise the successe of that warre in regard of the great numbers of Swisses which went to the Kings aide and being very desirous to see the Duke of Sauoy restored to his State who vpon his occasion had beene despoiled there of the which could not be done but by agreement was very willing and desirous of it but each of them did looke when some other would motion the businesse The French Queene offered to employ her selfe therein who was the Emperors sister hauing caused Don Gabriel de Guzman a Spanish Frier and her Confessor to goe to her brothers campe to motion the matter to the chiefe of the army supposing therein to doe a pleasure to her husband and brother both at once This treaty then begunne by Guzman after sundry goings and commings from one campe to another did speedily take effect Therefore there being assembled the Admirall of France and the Secretary Bayard which Granuelle and D. Ferrant de Gonzaga to conclude in their Princes names on the conditions of peace it was deereed that on either part those townes which had beene taken since the treaty of Nice should bee redeliuered that all particular controuersies which might arise therevpon should be decided in the city of Cambray by Commissioners therevnto appointed that the French King should aide the Emperor with a certaine number of horse and foote whensoeuer hee should make warre vpon the Turke that the Duke of Sauoy should be restored to his State certaine places thereof excepted to the which the French King laied some particular claime and for the better assurance of this accord the Duke of Orleance the Kings second sonne should marry the Emperors daughter or one of his Neeces daughter to Ferdinand according as he should thinke fit who within foure monthes was to resolue himselfe therevpon and yet with a different dowry for marrying with the Emperors daughter the whole Low-Countries were promised him for her dowry and for the Neece the Dutchy of Milan The Venetians as friends to them both were comprehended in that peace who had so discreetly behaued themselues during those warres as both the one and other of them were satisfied and pleased with their proceedings the like did not happen to the Pope of whom the French did greatly complaine because that hee hauing made a shew to fauour their party had not aided them at their greatest need the Imperials on the other side did accuse his deseignes saying that if hee had not openly declared himselfe for the French King it was not for want of loue but for feare of the Emperors forces so as his Legat had much to doe to get him to be comprehended in the peace but because it was said to be made for the common good of Christendome it was requisite and necessary to haue him therein named as the chiefe of Christians This peace happening at a time and after such a manner when all men least expected it gaue occasion to men to discourse diuersly thereof some thinking that it would continue because the King did thereby purchase vnto himselfe either the Dutchy of Milan or Flanders with the whole Low Countiers others beeing of a contrary opinion did imagine that the same accord would bee of none effect at all by reason whereof the Emperour who would not see the Realme of France to bee any way ruined by the English which was the cause of the agreement would not likewise endure to see it grow great and florish by peace and by the purchase of so many goodly dominions The Venetians for all that did not let to reioyce therefore both by bonefiers and other demonstrations of ioy yeelding sollemne thankes to God for that he had inspired the hearts of those Princes to imbrace peace Barbarossa in the meane time departing from Villafranca to returne towards Constantinople and sayling alongst the coast of the Realme of Naples he spoyled
knowing that therein he had done no great good seruice to Religion that he had broken with the Pope and nothing preuailed with the Almains wherevpon he sought to moderate the conditions with which it had beene published The Venetians on the other side perceiuing that the assembly of the councell though they would not openly hinder it was not pleasing to the Pope as being made in an vnfit time and place and by meanes not beseeming the dignity and authority of the sea Apostolike would not send their Ambassadors thither Concerning the accord treated of at Constantinople of which al men hoped for a prosperous end by meanes of a long truce of many yeeres certaine difficulties arising about the restitution of some few castles in Hungary it ended by a short suspension of armes for one yeere with an intent neuerthelesse as Solimans selfe did say and write to the French King that after the matter should bee well debated in Ferdinands Court the Ambassadours might returne to the Port the next yeere following with new Commissions to strenthen the peace with a longer terme In the meane time a new Contention arose betwixt the Turkes and the Venetians about the confines of Dalmatia where the Sangiacks of Bossina and Clissa being desirous to disturbe the peace for their owne particular profit or else to spoile the country or to receiue so me presents of the Venetians would haue vsurped a great part of the territory of Zara saying that a country contayning nine and forty villages did belong vnto them as dependances of the castles of Nadin and Laurana which by the last accord remayning to the great Lord they said did likewise belong vnto him with all their territories wherevpon they forbad the inhabitants of those places vpon grieuous penalties to acknowledge any other Lord but Soliman This new trouble did greatly vex the Venetians the country in question being of great importance both for it selfe and for the preseruation of the city of Zara and although their reasons were vnreasonable in regard that Nadin and Laurana small castles had no territory belonging vnto them but did with the other villages nere adioyning depend on Zara the chiefe city of the Prouince yet neuerthelesse fearing least the strange and insolent proceedings which the Turkes are wont to vse in such businesses who hold it for a law that the whole country whereon the horse of the great Lord hath once trod doth belong vnto them might occasion longer strife had recourse to Soliman who referring the decission of that controuersie to the Sangiac of Chersega and to two Cadis these men are ordinary iudges in law was desirous to haue whatsoeuer they should set downe to be executed who were to meet in the same place with the Commissioners of the Signory The Senate did for that purpose choose Lodouico Rayniero who handled the businesse so wisely and discreetly with the Turkish officers as the whole territory in question was quietly adiudged to the Republike of Venice The same yeere deceassed Prince Landi leauing behind him a great and singular reputation to haue well and wisely gouerned the Common-wealth for the space of sixe yeeres and eight monthes and lieth buried in Saint Antonies Church Francesco Donato was chosen in his place FRANCESCO DONATO the seuenty ninth Duke ABout the beginning of the yeere 1546. all those that desired the peace of Italy were afraide least it would be shortly shaken with new troubles because that the peace betwixt the Emperor and the French King the principall Articles thereof taking none effect was so badly assured as there wanted nothing but a fit time to take armes The French King by the sodaine death of his sonne the Duke of Orleance hauing not obtained the Duchie of Milan promised vnto him by meanes of the marriage had not for all that lost his desire to recouer it the Duke of Sauoy likewise could not be restored of his State the King still detayning it vpon sundry pretences hoping to enforce the Emperor to some other conditions by the restitution thereof seeking thereby to obtaine his desire An other new matter happened in Italy which gaue cause of feare of some new troubles for the Pope perceiuing al his deseignes to fal out contrary to his desire for the aduancement of his house hauing cut off from the Churches demaines the cities of Parma and Placentia which Pope Iulius the second had annexed therevnto gaue them in see to Petro Lodouico his son on condition to pay a yeerely rent of eight thousand crownes to the Church and in recompence thereof to make ouer to the sea Apostolike the Dutchy of Camerin and the Signory of Nepi wherwith his son Octanio had beene inuested This Cession did so much displease the Emperor as he could by no meanes be induced to giue the Pope the inuestiture of those two cities which he demanded hauing beene in formet time incorporated into the Dutchy of Milan This resusal of the Emperor had equally incensed both the father and the son so that Petro Lodouico would willingly haue embraced the first occasion offered against the Emperour and the Pope distrusting both the Emperour and the French King resolued by all meanes to maintaine and defend what he had done concerning the erection of the new Dutchy in the person of his sonne who discoursing with the Venetian Ambassadour told him into what danger Italy was like to fail so soone as the French King should be at peace with the King of England which at that time was treated of and that the Emperor if he could not at the Dyet of Ratisbon draw the Protestant Princes to his desire would bee enforced to make warre vpon them therefore he did exhort the Senate to ioyne with him a firme and sound intelligence as it behooued them for their common interests and for a greater assurance he caused the new Duke to send Augustino de Landes his Ambassador to Venice who acquainting them with the new grade and dignity which he had lately obtained did in his name offer both his State and person to the seruice of the Signory The Senate did very louingly thanke him for his offers offering him the selfe same but in generall termes which could not tie them to any thing because they would not thereby giue his Holinesse any hope by their meanes to raise any troubles in Italy then prouiding for the defense of their owne States and foreseeing what might happen they tooke into the seruice of the Common wealth Guido Vbaldo Duke of Vrbin in quallity of Generall of their forces by land with a yeerely pension of fiue thousand crownes and fifteene thousand crownes for an hundred men at armes and a hundred light horse which he was bound to haue continually ready for the seruice of the Signory But the troubles wherein the Emperor and the French King were engaged was cause of the safety of Italy because that the one notwithstanding all his attempts could not get Bolloigne
none but forraine soldiers and especially the Italian Fantery leuied by the Pope whereuppon to stoppe their passage they did write louingly to the Venetians and by putting them in mind of the antient freindship betwixt the Germaine nation and them they entreated them not to giue passage to those through their territories who came only to offend them and to serue the Emperor who went about to bring Germany into seruitude The Senate answered that it did hold their freindship deere which they had euer embraced generaly that of all Germany but their Countrey being open and Champaine they could not stoppe the soldiers passage but with great forces which they were wont to employ but against open enemies Within a while after they receiued particular letters from the Duke of Saxony and the Landgraue of Hesse which acquainting them with their deseignes and how that for their owne defense they had beene enforced to take armes did ernestly entreate them to lend them a certaine summe of money The King of England did greatly fauour his demand by his Secretary residing at Venice who presented his letters that King being distasted of the Emperor but the Senate making still one answer said that it did hold those Princes for their good and trusty freinds and did wish them all prosperity and aduancement but that they could not satisfie their request without offending other Princes with whom they were in league and freindship which they did mean to maintaine and that these respects excepted they did greatly affect the Germaine nation Those of Ausbourg likewsie hauing by their letters and by an expresse messenger recommended their Marchants to the Senate many of whom were retired to Venice and greater numbers comming daily thither for feare of those trobles were kindly answered that their Cittizens with all others of any other Citties of Germany which came to Venice should be very welcome and vsed as their owne Cittizens as they had beene in former times Now Whilest either party was busied in making preparations for warre and that already great numbers of soldiers raised in Italy were ready to march a rumor was spred abroad how that both sides were at peace and become freinds the Capitulations whereof beeing vnknowne and no Postes beeing sent abroad into all places to publish it did sufficiently manifest that it was nothing so yet neuerthelesse these sodaine newes did amaze the Venetians considering that such great numbers of soldiers which at that time filled all Italy were sufficient to affright other mens states which were vnfurnished of force whenso euer they should bee desirous to turne their Armes vpon any other enterprize The Pope hauing intelligence of the Venetians doubt and fearing least the Senate would determine for their safety to league themselues with some other with a resolution cleane contrary to his deseignes did enter into a long discourse with the Ambassador for the Signory telling him how that for the Common good ââ¦hee had euermore beene carefull of the peace and quiet of Italy with a particular desire to aduance whatsoeuer did belong to the safety and greatnesse of the Venetian Common-wealth wherefore he willed him to assure the Senate of his good meaning that they might continew their sound intelligence with him seeing that thereby they should preserue one anothers states in safety yea and all Italy beside that he was desirous at that time to reuiue that discourse when he was armed and out of danger to be outraged to let them know that it was not feare but a true and zealous loue that mooued him so to discourse with him and to open vnto him the secret of his thoughtes The treaties of peace being broken and the Armies on both sides in the field the Protestants seeking to do that of themselues which they could not obtaine of others namely to stop the Italians passage which were comming against them went to seaze vpon the Castle of Chiusa a place in the County of Tiroll seated among the mountaines by which they supposed that the enemies would passe but the Pope and Emperors Armies keeping the way that leadeth neerer to Ispruch entred the Dutchy of Bauaria and from thence went to Ratisbon where the Emperor with his other forces expected them The two armies as well that of the Emperor as the enemies continued a long time idle each of them watching for some aduantage notwithstanding that they were oftentimes so neere together as sundry great skirmishes were many times made in one an others view without comming to battaile which the Emperor being wel aduised did as much as in him lay seeke to auoid the better to draw the businesse out in length and to defeat the enemies who were many heads of seuerall minds by temporizing the which he did For the soldiers and the townes beginning to loose their former great opinion of beeing soone able to vanquish and defeate the Emperor and to feele the discomodities of tedious contributions towards the wars King Ferdinand hauing on the other side entred Duke Iohn Fredericks State with a mighty army accompanied by Duke Maurice of Saxony his enemy there arose such a confusion and amazement in the enemies Campe as suffering diuers Castles to be taken before their faces and their Army dissoluing of it selfe the Emperor might in a short space contrary to his expectation giue an end to that dangerous warre For hauing by these fortunate euents purchased great fame and reputation diuers of those Protestant Princes and free townes returned to their obedience and begged pardon so as in a few monethes space he wonne a great part of the Contries of those great Lords and mighty Common-wealthes the which he had scarcely hoped to be able to haue done in a long time and with great labour and trauell This Warre thus ended winter being already come the Emperor dismissed the Popes troopes which being disbanded returned back into Italy The Cardinall Farnese the Popes nephew who had beene his Legat in that Army returning towards Rome was desirous as he passed along to see the Citty of Venice where hauing notice that they made preparations for his entertainment he determined to goe thither in priuate where he was so well receiued and entertained of all men both in publique and priuate as he departed from thence well satisfied and contented The Farneses not long before at the Popes request had beene receiued into the number of the Venetian Gentlemen in all places so highly reckoned of both for the ancient gouernment of the Common-wealth and for the name of liberty which they haue euer inuiolably maintained together with the dignity and command of great dominions And because occasion is now offered by the way to speak sumwhat of this nobility we wil breefly make some mention thereof The Venetians do call those Gentlemen that haue a share in the gouernment of the Common-wealth that is to say those that haue authority to elect the publick magistrates and may
hee feared vnlesse hee were releeued to bee enforced for the conseruation of his owne State to ioyne himselfe with some one or other and to deale otherwise then hee desired This demand was thought to be very suspitious and ful of cunning they supposing that the French went about by this meanes to sound their meaning the better to draw them to some confederacie or at least to discouer some-what of their interior purposes wherupon the Senate was of opinion to answer him in generall termes Now it had aboue all thinges desired the peace of Italy and that to those ends it had vsed al possible means with the Pope and others besides according as it had seene occasion but ãâã nothing preuailed therein they were at least resolued to keep themselues in peace and in their ancient neutrality and the better and more honorably to doe it and with greater assurance other men being armed they thought it ââ¦it to arme and by prouiding for that which concerned them had together taken care for the preseruation of the Dukes state in regard of the particular affection they did beare him and for their owne interest likewise being in manner inseparable with his by reason of the neere neighborhood of their States This answere not satisfyieng the French they resolued to discouer themselues more plainely to the Senate seeing that all men knew that they did meane to en terprize some matter of consequence vpon Italy for which Lodouico Alemani beeing sent to Genoa had vnder sundry pretences attempted to raise his faction there and craued in the Kings name that it might please the Genouois to lend him their hauen for his fleet to lie in safety where hee might land those troops which he intended to send into Italy Now the Cardinall Tournon beeing at the same time at Venice whither he came from Rome vpon the Popes commandement that all the French Cardinals should leaue the Citty King Henry wrote vnto him that he should in his name expose to the Prince and Senate in open Councell the State of the affaires of Italy the occasion and intent for which and with which he had resolued to send his troopes to the aid of Duke Octauio and to defend his cause That hee thought he should performe a noble part and worthy a great Prince and which in particular ought to be pleasing to the Princes of Italy to defend an Italian Prince weake and vniustly oppressed by the violence of other men who had cast himselfe into his armes and protection that he could hardly be perswaded that the Pope would hinder the defense and preseruation of his owne vassall with an other mans armes and aid seeing he himselfe was able to giue him small releefe and that beeing so defended he could least of all beleeue that the other Italian Princes would crosse him in going about to moderate the Emperors greatnesse and curbe his vnmeasurable desires aiming as all men did plainly see to rob weake Princes of their States and to bring Italy into bondage that the matter it selfe was able to giue sufficient testimony that his deseignes tended to none other ends seing that he stood vpon those termes that without needing the Citty of Parma possessing so many townââ¦s in Piedmont the passages lay open to himt through which hee might march against the State of Milan but because hee then knew that his actions were sinisterly interpreted he was resolued to giue ouer that enterprize yet neuerthelesse he could not be perswaded but that the Venetian Senate beeing so great and wise a Prince in Italy on whose authority all others were at last to depend would be mooued with these troubles which drew after them sundry others of very great importance that he did excuse that which the Pope had done as falling out by constraint rather then of set purpose being incompassed with feare in the midest of the Emperors power and armed forces as also in regard of the Councel already published with very dangerous deseignes the Hereticks of Germany being come to it but when his Holinesse should be assured that other men would aid him it was not then to be doubted but that hee would embrace some other resolution seeing that to quit the Emperors friendship in such a case might rightly be termed a setting of himselfe at liberty The Senate gaue the King thankes and did highly commend his generous deseigne of defending such as are destitute of helpe yet they were in good hope that by an accord already treated of with the pope who did not resist it those businesses might in som sort be composed The King notwithstanding continued the war although contrary to his desire he found none in al Italy Octaââ¦io ââ¦arnese excepted whom hee might bee assured did fauour him but resoluing to declare him-selfe afterwards more openly against the Emperor hauing sent other forces into Piedmont hee did vnlooktâ⦠for cause diuerse places to bee assailed which were kept by the Imperialls some of which hee tooke hee did at the same time proclaime warre by sea commanding the Prior of Capua brother to Pietro ãâã Admirall of the French Galleys that scouring the seas hee should fight with the Emperors vessels whereby it happened within a while after that Doria wââ¦th his Galleys conducting Maximillian King of Boheme and his wife from Barcelona to Genoa he hardly escaped the French fleet yet neuerthelesse some of his vessels that lod'g behinde were taken and brought to Marseilles But the Kings treaty with Duke Maurice of Saxony Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg and other Princes and free Citties of Germany was of faââ¦re greater importance all these beeing merueilously distasted of the Emperor though vpon sundry occasions some beeing not able to digest the wrong done to the Landgraue whom the Emperor kept prisoner contrary to his promise and others beeing prouoked against the Emperor for matters of Religion King Henry resoluing vpon this league and hauing imparted it to Giouan Capello the Venetians Ambassador resident with his Maiesty hee did assure him that hee would in person goe into Germany earnestly entreating him to follow him thither to the end as it was supposed that hee might haue occasion to practise some confederacy with the Venetians or at least to keepe the Emperor in perpetuall iealouzie and suspition The Senate although it had determined not to enter into any farther allyance with the French did thinke it against reason to deny the King that as well to shew their good meaning towards him as in regard of the profit and commodity which the Republick might receiue thereby to the end that the Emperor who by reason of Parma and Placentia and other his actions which all Italians did greatly suspect might know that a more strict alliance might bee easily contracted betwixt the French and the Venetians to the great danger and preiudice of his Estates in Italy The Pope in the meane time beeing mooued with these troubles and considering that himselfe hauing beene the motiue thereof
the vncertainty of other Princes ayde who were all addicted to their owne particular interests they were transported with other thoughts and some-times changed to accept some honorable conditions of agreement from which they knew by intelligence from their Bayly that the Turkes would not much starte and in regarde they still held the Citty of Famagosta the report which was spred abroad euery where of the league and of the Confederates great forces together with the vncertaine successe of that warre did put them in good hope and comfort the more easily to obtaine peace and quietnesse and to reduce their affaires to their former State Besides the great difficulties which hindered the conclusion of the league the bad presage and ill successe of so vnfortunate and vnluckie a beginning of warre and the confluence of so many aduersities did take away from the mindes of the most generous all hope of any future successe The Senators beeing thus irresolute a very fit occasion was offered them with their honors to negotiate a Peace For the Bascha Mahomet still desiring to compose this warre in friendly manner was willing to renew the motion of peace the successe of that warre in no sort liking him for if it should prooue vnfortunate it would encrease the danger of their Empire if prosperous the authority reputation of his enemy Mustapha Mahomet then beeing moooued by these reasons did oftentimes discourse with the Venetian Baily concerning the treaty of peace which was broken off going about to draw from him whether he had any commission to deale therein at the last taking occasion through the ordinary complaints made at the great Lords Port by the freinds and kinsfolkes of those Turkes that were imprisoned at Venice or whose goods had beene seazed there at the beginning of the warre he began to deale with the Baily to vse means to the Senate that the Ottomans subiects so imprisoned might bee set at liberty and their goods restored to them saying That it was against all equity the Venetian Marchants liuing at liberty and enioying their goods ouer the whole Ottoman Empire the subiects of the Turke should bee dispoiled of their goods and kept in miserable bondage and captiuity The Bascha in speaking heer of told him that his Lord was vexed thereat and that hee did not only wish him to write to Venice but to send an expresse messenger thither to treat of that businesse more effectually Ibraim vsed the like speech to the Baily wishing him to incite the Senate to send a messenger of purpose to Constantinople to the end that vnder coulour of this treaty concerning Marchandize some meanes of a Generall Agreement might bee propounded The Baily vppon this assurance and by the Baschas permission dispatcht his owne steward with one of the Dragomans to carry letters to Venice which the Bascheas selfe had dictated to him concerning the affaires of Marchants acquainting them afterwards more particularly what hee had done and with the Baschas intention Grassinan a French-man departed at the same time from Constantinople hauing beene Agent for the most Christian King there who arriuing at Venice told the Senate that the Bascha had vsed diuers speeches to him concerning the treaty of peace and that he brought letters from the great Lord and the Bascha to his King to that end knowing very well that they would not take it in bad part that the most Christian King as friend to both sides should mediate such an agreement Although the Senators did sum what suspect these propositions fearing that they were rather made to delay the preparations for warre then to lay downe Armes and enter into some honorable accord Neuer-the lesse the sundry accidents of those times did much perswade to harken to those Treaties cheefly for that at the conclusion of the league a new difficulty arose about the time when it should beginne For the Spaniards would haue let slippe all that cheefe part of the Summer and not haue had it to bee mentioned in the capitulations therein contained and that it should not bee in force till the yeare following The Venetians on the contrary fearing that they should not bee able to repulse the first attempts of that mighty Army which the Turkes were said to haue prepared and which was ready to march had very earnestly written to the Pope that hee by his authority would remooue that difficulty giuing him to vnderstand how that by his Councell they had embraced warre dismissed the Chiaus from Venice and contemned all other means of agreement propounded oftentimes by their Bayly that they had likewise by his aduise and councell so long wayted for the Spanish Galleys as in the end their ayde was more in name then in effect and yet they had euer shewed them-selues ready to conclude a league sutable to his intention and to the present need of all Christendome But all these increaties and pursutes did not produce such effects as the time required For the Pope beeing of him-selfe well disposed and wholy inclining to the generall good knowing that the Venetians were agreeable to his will confessed that their request was iust and honest exhorted them to continue stedfast and not to giue place to these first accidents of warre And yet hiâ⦠Holynesse beeing ouer-credulous and suffering himselfe to bee carryed away by those who for their owne particular interest fauoured the cause of the Spaniards was cyther remisse or did not constantly with his authority withstand such impediments as were perceiued eyther to weaken the league or delay the conclusion thereof The Venetians were likewise much greeued to see the Pope at that time entangled in other affaires for the Emperors Ambassadors protested that vnlesse hee did reuoke and disanull the new title which hee had bestowed on the Duke of Florence their Maister should bee enforced to maintaine his owne dignity with that of the Empire by all meanes possible The Pope though by Nature timerous would not for all that retract that which hee knew hee might doe and was well done but made preparation by temporall armes to defend his owne authoritie and that of the Sea Apostolick Therefore hee speedily leuyed forces prouided armes money and all other necessaries for warre causing Proclamation to bee made in all places vnder the Churches iurisdiction to the particular hurt of the Venetians that it should not bee lawfull for any without exception to leuy Souldiers forth of that State and therevpon hee imprisoned Pompeo de Castello and Giouan Aldobrandino who beeing Pentioners to the Venetians had in their name enrolled footmen in the Churches territories whereby all men thought that Italy would fall into a dangerous warre This made the Senate resolue to send the Secretary Formenti to Rome to appease this new stirre but his departure was delayed and Commission sent to their Ambassadors there to make the same request to the Pope and to put him in minde of the miseries of the time the greatnesse of the
the Venetian Common-wealth in their Princes name swore on the Euangelists Then the Pope commanded that the next day after diuine seruice was sollemnly celebrated and the Procession ended in Saint Peters Church it should bee published not withstanding that the Venetian Ambassadors were of opinion to deferre the publication thereof till the Emperor were acquainted therewith that his intention mightbeeknowne The particuler Articles of the league were these Betwixt Pope Pius Quintus prom sing for the Sea Apostolick and his successors with the consent of the whole Colledge of Cardinalls Philip the Catholick King and the Duke and Senate of Venice aleague and perpetuall confederacie hath beene made to abate and ouer-throw the Turkes power who of late haue with a mighty Armie enuaded the Realme of Cyprus a countrey very commodious for the conquest of the Holy land That the Confederates forces shall consist of two hundred light Galleys one hundred ships of warre fifty thousand footmen Italians Spaniards and Almaines foure thousand fiue hundred horse with Artillery and Munition proportionable to such forces all which shall bee imployed as well for defence of the Confederates states as to assaile the enemies and particularly for the enterprises of Argier Tunis and Tripoli That all these forces shall bee vnited in the moneth of May next ensuing or at the beginning of Aprill at Ottranto to passe into the Leuant against the enemies as time and the councell of Captaines shall thinke fit That these forces neuerthelesse may bee changed by increasing or diminishing the prouisions for warre as necessity and the quality of the enterprise shall require wherevpon a yeerely meeting shall bee at Rome in Autumne there to consult what is best to bee done And if it shall there bee concluded not to attempt any thing that yeare in common yet it might bee lawfull for euery of the confederates to execute their particular enterprises and especially for the King of Spaine to enterprise those of Argier Tunis and Tripoli in which so that there bee no mighty Turkish Army abroad the Venetians shall bee bound to ayde the King with fifty Galleys for that purpose That the King likewise shall bee bound to ayde the Venetians whensoeuer they will enterprize any thing in their Gulph against the common enemy on this condition neuerthelesse if he which shall craue this aide haue far greater forces ready That all the Confederates shall bee reciprocally obliged to defend the States of any one of them whom the Turkes shall enuade and in particular the Citties and other places belonging to the Church That for the expence of warre the Catholick King shall pay the one halfe and the other moyery beeing deuided into three parts the Venetians shall pay two and the Pope the third they shall bee bound to giue the Pope twelue Galleys ready rig'd and munitioned which his Holynesse shall man for the seruice of the league That generally each of the Confederates shall bee bound to contribute for the common necessity whatsoeuer hee shall aboundantly haue and others want and afterwards shall haue it allowed in their accounts That the store-houses for Corne shall bee euery where open for the common good and that graine may bee taken forth of commodious places so that hee from whom it is taken haue first made his owne prouision That at Councels and consultations the Commanders of the three Confederate Princes shall bee present and what the most of them resolue on shall bee concluded Neuerthelesse the execution of matters determined shall remaine to the Generall of the Army who was presently named to wit Don Iohn de Austria and in his absence Marc-Antonio Colonna with the same authority though at the same time hee retaine the title and ranke of the Churches Generall A place was reserued for Maximilian of Austria the elect Emperor the most Christian King and the King of Portugall to enter into this confederacie when they should thinke it fitte and to all other Christian Princes likewise that had a desire to enter into it There was no particular mention made of places which should bee conquered for that was referred to bee disposed off in the same manner as in the league of the yeare 1537. wherein was expresly mentioned If any strife should arise betwixt the Confederates the Pope as Vmpier and Iudge should decide it without any breaking off or preiudice to the confederacie or stoppe to the execution of matters by it established These Articles as hath beene said beeing sworne to and signed by the Ambassadors were within foure moneths after as the same Princes had decreed read and ratified a new But because the Confederates were not tyed to obserue all that is aboue mentioned till the yeare following it was agreed vpon in another writing a part wherein the aboue mentioned matters were not particularly specified that the same yeare in the moneth of May foure score Galleys and twenty ships of warre should meete at Ottranto to ioyne with the Venetian fleete not comprehending in that number those of the Pope Duke of Sauoy and Knights of Malra During these treaties of peace and league the Venetians with a generall consent made speedy prouisions for warre they had not forgotten the affaires of Cyprus and especially the conseruation of Famagosta on which depended the hope of all fortunate successe Marc. Antonio Quirini beeing chosen for this purpose departed from Candy with foure ships to carry supplies thither for whose conuoy twelue galleys were appointed Hee beeing come neere to Famagosta caused his ships to saile some-what before in the enemies view which were in Constantia himselfe keeping toward the land So soone as the enemies descryed these shippes they sent foorth seauen Galleys to inuest them which beeing perceiued by Quirini hee suddainly aduanced with his Galleys to get betwixt them and home But the Turkes hauing discouered the Venetians galleis and altering their purpose from offending others to saue themselues did speedily make to the shoare from whence they came so that they had time by help of those of the campe who in great troops came to their aid to escape to land forsaking their galleis some of them were sunke by Quirinis ordnance who perceiuing some signes of a future tempest gaue speedy commandement that the ships should bee ââ¦owed into the Hauen that he might safely land his supplies consisting of sixteene hundred foot with great store of munition victuals which did much incourage those of the city who infinitely commended his care and dilligence and whilest hee remayned there hee tooke a ship of the enemies and some other smaller vessels laden with munitions and victuals which were going to the Turkish army and hauing intelligence that the Turkes had builded certaine fortes at the Rocke of Gambella he sailed thither with his Gallies and on a sodaine razed them These things beeing fortunately performed Quirini supposing his longer stay there to bee to small purpose did on the sixteenth day of February 1571. arriue
Leuant and obserue the Articles of the league The King gaue a willing eare to this discourse saying that the Senate was in no sort deceiued of his exceeding loue towards their Commonweale and least of all in beleening that he was desirous of the wealth and aduancement of Christendome that the troubles of Flanders had neuer pleased him that he had vsed all possible meanes to keepe his subiects from being adherents or supporters of those Rebels but that the condition of those times and the present wretched estate of his Kingdome would not permit him to tame the insolency of some that loued innouation who were not to be wondered at if after they had raised troubles in his owne Realme went about to doe the like in his neighbours Dominions that it had neuer beene by his consent for that would haue hurt the Catholike King and done no good to France but on the contrary would haue procured new troubles which might easily incite the Catholike King to an agreement with the Flemings and afterwards to make warre vpon him in Daulphiné or in the Kingdome of Nauar by which meanes in seeking to carry the war into a forraine country he might be enforced to bring it into his owne at such a time when the forces of his Realme were wasted and diuided by long ciuil wars The Queene mother being present at this discourse who at that time had great authority in managing the affaires of the Kingdome desirous to preserue peace would needs with her owne hand write to his Holinesse to assure him of her willingnesse in all things to follow his aduise and councell and that if her sonne the King had raised forces it was not don with an intent to hurt any but only to serue and defend himself from the Spaniards who were reported vpon no iust cause to haue taken armes The Catholike King on the other side before Tepulo his arriuall at his Court resolued to write to Don Iohn That all other respects laied aside hee should make hast with his Gallies to ioyne with the Venetians and with them to saile into the Leuant being herevnto moued by intelligence of the French Kings affection towards him or else for that he did not much feare his power hauing recouered Valenciennes or because he would not so much honor the French as to haue it said that for feare of them he had giuen ouer so important an enterprise as that against the Turkes or that which is most like to be true because as became a wise and vertuous Prince he would in no sort omit that wherevnto he was obliged by the league but whatsoeuer it were that caused this resolution it is certaine that it proceeded from his owne proper motion and that he did write so to Don Iohn before he acquainted his councell therewith fearing least they should propound some difficulties which might haue diuerted him from it as in former times Antonio Tepulo in the meane time being come into Spaine and aduertized of the Kings determination did not speake any thing of the French iealozies or vniting of the Nauies but only intreated the King to permit D. Iohn in regard the time of yeere was almost past for sea-affaires to winter in the Leuant mooued therevnto by sundry reasons which much imported the Venetian Common-wealth The King neuerthelesse alleadging many reasons to the contrary would not grant his request either of his owne proper motion as being vnwilling to hazard too much on fortune or else being so aduised by such as were not greatly affected to the league Now whilest the confederate fleet went slowly forward the great and mighty Turkish nauy scoured the sea For Vluzzali being made Generall thereof besides the gallies which he had receiued of Carazzati had with great speed rig'd and man'd an hundred others with al which departing in great pompe and magnificence from Constantinople he had already past the Streight of Gallipolis and came forward intending to wast and spoile the Isle of Candy and other places belonging to the Venetians according as he should haue intelligence of the progression of the Christian fleet certaine newes being at that time brought to Venice of the stay and delaies of the Spanish fleet which did much discontent them and made them wonder that the Spaniards who at first had been so desirous of the league should after such a fortunate and vnhoped for successe fearing some vncertaine and remote dangers wholy depriue themselues of the present and assured beauty thereof The Senate not being able to discouer wherevnto those delaies tended thinking it vaine to expect their assistance any longer determined to write to Generall Foscaren that without any longer expectation of the conuention of the fleets so soone as the Prouidator Souranza should returne to Corfoù he should put to sea to encourage their subiects and assure their owne territories proceeding warily to embrace such occasions as God shold offer him for the honor and profit of the Commonwealth Foscarin receiuing this commandement tired with his idle aboad there so soon as the Prouidator Souranza Colonna came to Corfou propounded the departure of the nauy into the Leuant wherevnto all men consenting they began to consult about their iourney But Antonio Colonna did freely and with great affection vtter his good meaning towards the affaires of the league and in particular to the profit aduancement of the Venetian Commonwealth much bewayling the time lost and the diminution of their forces neuerthelesse he willed them to hope well assuring them that the Spanish Kings intention was honorable and the Pope very earnest in soliciting him and that Don Iohn with the residue of the fleet would shortly meet them yet though the Popes subiect and seruant to the King of Spaine he was resolued to spend his life in that enterprise it importing the Venetians particular seruice whom hee knew were more interessed in that warre then any other Generall Foscarani replied that the State was well acquainted with the Pope and Catholike Kings loue and they of the States affection and inclination to the league as the proceeding herein testified but Colonnas vertue zeale to the common good of Christendome and particular affection to the Venetian Commonwealth was not only manifested to themselues but to the whole world by so many noble seruices in aduancement of the league yet himselfe could not choose but lament that so many fayre occasions presented they had not imbraced them as they deserued But since it was fruitlesse to call backe time past and they not able to remoue the impediments detayning D. Iohn in Sicely the onely remedy hereof is to redeeme delayes past with present expedition and to set forward against the enemy inferior to themselues both in number and vallor And seeing it hath pleased the diuine prouidence conducting humaine actions in by-wayes to vs vnknowne that the confederate fleeet should bee thus disioyned let vs see if wee can set vpon them
sundry difficulties arising about the renewing of the fleet did much farther this resolution in respect of the great numbers that were dead the like did newes from Flanders where by reason of new rebellions and aid which the Germaines were ready to send them all places were in vprore in regard whereof the Spaniards had turned all their deseignes thither moreouer the Senate at the same time had intelligence that a Chiaus from Constantinople arriued at the Emperors Court whom though it was afterward knowne that his comming was Concerning Moldauia they suspected came to craue passage for the Turkish army which was said to be comming into Frioul These aduertizements did coole their heate who were yet willing to continue the league so as with generall consent euery one inclined to the treaty of peace The Bishop of Aix Ambassador for the French King was presently accquainted with this determination he was lately returned from Constantinople to Venice where he receiued a new Commission from his King to returne to the great Lords Porte and in his name to further this treaty wherevnto his Maister had often aduised the Venetians to hearken The Bayly hauing intelligence of the Senates determination was commanded so soone as the French Ambassador should arriue at Constantinople to conferre with him concerning the treaty of peace and as occasion should bee offered to make vse of his Kings mediation and authority The Turke in the meane time hauing notice that the Bishop was to returne to Constantinople presently suspected that hee brought new conditions of peace more aduantagious for them wherevpon their former treaties with the Baily were by little and little neglected cunningly going about to temporize concealing their owne intentions This delay did greatly preiudice the businesse for they who for their owne particular interest were desirous to hinder it alleadged sundry difficulties especially to Selim telling him that all things were ready that it was neither profitable nor honorable at that time to speake of any accord whereby the state of the treaty grew euery day from bad to worse the Turkes propounding very vnreasonable conditions thereby manifesting how carelesse they were of peace Therefore they committed the Bayly to straighter keeping muring vp the windows of his house placing strong guards about it handling him very roughly thinking thereby to enforce him to reueale his latest and most secret Commission or else the treaty of peace being broken to hinder him from aduertising the Senate of their warlike prouisions or rather which is most likely to bee true to barre his conference with the Bishop thinking by this meanes more easily to draw from the French Ambassador ignorant of what was past the new conditions which they supposed hee brought with him So soone as the Bishop arriued they confer'd with him and found that he had no other then a generall Commission but the Visier Basha suspecting that the French for their owne particular interest would haue an hand in this treaty by this good office bind the Turkes to fauour and assist the Duke of Aniou the French Kings brother in the election to the crowne of Poland would in no sort vse him as an instrument but effect it by the former meanes and mediation of those whom hee had first imployed namely Orimber and Salomon therefore he renued his treaty with the Bayly and after sundry propositions and answeres from both sides peace at last was concluded about mid March whereby confirming all articles contained in the old Commission sauing that the castle of Siponto which the Venetians yet held should be surrendred to the Turkes As for other townes of Albania and Sclauonia with their confines and territories possest before the warre should remaine vnto those who then held them that all marchants goods should bee restored on both sides and that the Venetians beside should be bound for three yeares space to send an 100000. Ducats yearely to Constantinople which the Turkes for their owne greatnesse and reputation made most account of Peace in this sort beeing concluded and signed by Selim the Bayly dispatched his sonne Francesco to Venice who arriued there on the fifteenth of Aprill where it was presently published The end of the second Booke of the seuenth Decade The Contents of the third Booke of the seuenth Decade POpe Gregory is displeased for that the Venetians made peace with the Turke The King of Spaine is highly pleased therewith The Pope beeing satisfied by an Ambassador sent of purpose from Venice in open consistory doth approue what they had done The Venetians and Turkes are iealous of each other Peace is ratified with the Turke Henry Duke of Aniou is chosen King of Poland and goes thither Don Iohns voyage into Affrike where he takes Tunis The death of Selim the Turkish Emperor The death of Charles the ninth French King The King of Polands secret departure towards France Great triumphs made at Venice at the reception of Henry King of France and Poland Amurath the Turkish Emperor enuades the Empires territories Amurath confirmes peace with the Venetians A great plague at Venice with the Prince and Senates vow to appease Gods wrath Great charity of Cardinall Borromeo The lawes of Venice are reformed and a new order taken for the gouernment of matters The Pope sends a golden Rose to the Venetian Duke The Venetians decree concerning the Citizens particular expences The Venetians solicited by the Persians against the Turke will not agree to it Contention betwixt the Venetians and knights of Malta The death of Pope Gregory the thirteenth and creation of Sixtus the fifth A Dutchesse is cruelly murthered in Padua The third Booke of the seuenth Decad of the Historie of Uenice PEACE beeing published men did differently censure thereof measuring it by their owne particular affection Many had regard to their owne interest and others perseuering in their former hope that warre would haue procured much good to Christendome did taxe the Venetians for making peace but grauer and more iudicious spirits measured future things by experience of matters past saying that therein they were to be approoued at least not condemned requiring it for the conseruation of the State which without this only remedy Peace was exposed to very dangerous hazards But the Pope more then any seemed to be displeased therewith and at such time as the Venetian Ambassador came to acquaint him with it commanded him forth of his presence and would for that time admit no excuse The Cardinals and others of his Court following his President discoursed thereof after their owne various passions The Catholike King knowing by experience how much it importeth Princes to desire the preseruation of their owne States did with great iudgement and modesty seeme for his part to bee well pleased therewith saying that hee doubted not but that the occasions which mooued the Venetians to doe so were of great importance hoping that as himselfe had freely imploied his forces for the seruice of
as shee pleased to returne home to her father at Eugubia Lodouico Vrsino kinsman to the deceased Duke lay at that time in Padua for whose sake the Senate gaue him imployment in a iourney into the Leuant this man either of himselfe or prouoked by others did on a night with diuerse armed men go to the Dutchesse house whom hee cruelly murthered together with one of her bretheren The report of this murther beeing carried to Venice the Senate sent Commissioners to punish the Author and complices of this homicide Vrsino hauing notice heereof and certaine of his letters intercepted which discouered the fact so as hee could not deny it resolued to defend himselfe in his house with fifty of his owne followers determining to hold out till the last man but the Magistrates enuironing the house with their gardes and perceiuing that hee would not yeeld caused a Cannon to bee brought wherewith they battered and beat downe part of the house killing some of the defendants Lodouico at last perceiuing longer resistance to be vaine yeelded himselfe who beeing imprisoned together with some of his complices and found guilty of the Dutchesse murther himselfe was strangled in prison and his adherents publickly executed The end of the third Booke of the seuenth Decade The Contents of the fourth Booke of the seuenth Decade HEnry the third French King is slaine by a Monke Henry of Bourbon King of Nauar is proclaimed King of France Foure Popes dye in lesse then a yeare The Venetians are iealous of the Turkes and Milaneses The building of the Bridge of Rialto The conuersion of Henry of Bourbon French King hee sends a sollemne Ambassage to Rome where Pope Clement the eight refuseth to giue him his blessing All the Citties of France yeeld to Henry the fourth The Venetians send Ambassadors to him Pope Clement blesseth the French King Peace betwixt the French and Catholick Kings The French King marrieth the Lady Mary of Medicis Princesse of Florence Peace betwixt the French King and Duke of Sauoy The Venetians cleere the Adriattick Seas from Pirates A decree of the Venetian Senate against the Clergies purchasing of lands An other Decree concerning building of Churches The creation of Pope Paul the fifth Hee complaines to the Venetian Ambassador against the Senates law forbidding the Clergie to purchace lands or to build Churches without licence The Popes resolution vpon the Venetians refusall Hee sends two Iniunctions to them concerning that businesse with the Senates answer Excommunication against the Venetians is published at Rome They make two Declarations vpon the Popes excommunication The Pope and Venetians warlike preparations against each other The French King is a Mediator for Peace betwixt the Pope and Venetians and to that end sends the Cardinall Ioyeuse to Rome The Pope after sundry difficulties condiscends to reuoke his censures and to giue the Cardinall Ioyeuse ample Commission to doe it The substance of the Articles whereby the Censures were reuoked And lastly the reuocation of them by the said Cardinall in Venice The fourth Booke of the seuenth Decad of the Historie of Uenice WHILEST the Venetians and generally all Italy enioyed peace France and the Netherlands were afflicted with warre And Henry the third French King beeing treacherously slainâ⦠by a Monke the cheefe of the Army as well Catholicks as Protestants proclaimed Henry of Bourbon King of France and Nauarre as first Prince of the bloud and next heire to the Crowne But to returne to the Venetians vnto whom our History doth cheefly belong The yeare following 1590. there was a great dearth of Corne ouer all Italy but the Venetian Senate made such speedy prouision of graine from England and Poland as during that time of scarcity Bakers stalls and markets were better stored with bread and the price thereof cheaper then in any other Citty of Italy where men could not buy as much as they pleased though in Venice no man was limited The same yeare on the 27. of August Pope Sixtus the fifth dyed hauing held the Papacie fiue yeares foure moneths and three dayes Twenty dayes after Cardinall Giouan Baptista Castagna a Romaine was created Pope intitling himselfe Vrban the seuenth putting all men in hope of an happy gouernment but he enioyed the Papacie onely twelue dayes After his death the Sea was vacant aboue two moneths in which interim more then seuen hundred Bandetti spoiled the countrey round about Rome against them the colledge of Cardinals and great Duke of Tuscany sent forces At last the Conclaue chose Cardinall Nicolo Sfondrato of Milan Pope intitling himselfe Gregory the foureteenth Toward the latter end of this yeare there was in Venice a Greeke called Marto Bragadino Mamagna one that had beene a Monke famous for opinion men had of him that he could transmute quick-siluer into gold the people were not alone bewitched with this golden dreame but the Nobility and some Princes of Italy sought his friendship hoping by his meanes to turne mountaines into gold but this Impostor beeing no longer able to conceale his deceit fled from Venice into Bauaria where the Duke discouering his cousenage imprisoned and condemned him to be hanged but the prisoner making sute to bee beheaded the Duke granted his request The Venetians hauing carefully prouided for the famine as hath beene said were the yeare following 1591 much perplexed hauing intelligence that the Turke made great preparation for warre They sent forces into Candy and to other places confronting the enemie but they were soone freed from that feare being aduertised that the Turke did it at the request of the French King to infest the Spaniard they did afterwards fortifie Bressia and Bergamo suspecting the great forces which were in the state of Milan they did likewise build that goodly bridge ouer the great Canall of the Citty called the bridge of Rialto In the meane time Pope Gregory the fourteenth dyed the tenth moneth and tenth day of his Papacie hee was a great fauourer of the French league to whose ayde he sent forces vnder the command of his Nephew Hercole Sfondrato Duke of Mont marcian at the charge of the Sea Apostolick but after the Popes death their pay beeing no more currant those troopes by little and little disbanded The Sea was vacant thirteen dayes at the end of which Cardinall Giouan Antonio Faschinetta the Bolognesse was created Pope assuming the name of Innocent the 9. at first he seemed to fauour the league of France but his deseigns were vain for he liued but two monethes and one day after he was made Pope The Cardinalls went into the Conclaue at the beginning of the yeare 1592. and elected Hipolito Cardinall Aldobrandino nominated Clement the 7. who seemed willing to aid the French league with men and money At the same time Candy was miserably aflicted with the Pestilence where in a short space dyed twenty thousand persons one thing is worthy to be noted that toward the latter end of August when the
Turkes burn the country of ãâã The venetian ãâã comes too late into ãâã Croia yeelded to the Turkes They besiege Scutari Antonio Legiero Gouernour of Scutari The Turks great labour and danger to passe the sââ¦eepy mountainâ⦠Peace concluded betwixt Ottoman and the Venetians The conditions of peace The Uenetians recompence ââ¦hose of Scutarie Variance betwixt the Uenetian Generall and the Turkâ⦠The death of Iulian de Medicis The confederate Armie against the Florentineâ⦠Galeaâ⦠Duke oâ⦠Milan slaine in a Church Roberto Malateste Generall of the Venetian Cauallerie The Arragonois defeat the Florentines Peace betwixt the Florentineâ⦠and the associates Comparison betwixt the Romans and Uenetians The description of the Isle of Rhodes Ottoman besiegeth Rhodes Ottoman takes Otranto The death of Ottoman The Coritan Prince flies into Germanie The cause of the warre of Ferrara The Duke of Ferara declares himselfe an enemie to the Venetians The opinion of those disswading warre Their answere that craued war Warre is resolued against the Duke of Ferrara Two Venetian fleets The description of Lombardie The originall and spring of the Riuer Po with ââ¦er course From whence the Po tooke her name Fascinada The Ferrarois abandon Trccenta Castelnouo yeeldeth to the Venetians The Venetians besiege Ficarolles Hadria is taken Comachia veeldeth to the Venetians Cast peeces called Bases Some of the enemies are defeated in an Island The Venetians are put to rout and their enterprise made frustraââ¦e A fearefull assault by night The Venetians take Ficarolles Great mortality in the Venetians campe The noblest houses of Rome The greatnesse of the Ursini Alphonso aided by the Colonessi and Sauelli besiegeth the Pope A cruell fight betwixt Alphonso Duke of Calabââ¦ia and Roberto of Arimini Genenerall to the Venetians The death of Roberto of Arimini The defeate of the Ferrarois The venetian armie crosseth the Po. A parke neare to Ferrara The venetians build a bridge vpon the Po ââ¦eere to Ferrara Sanseuerino in battell before Ferrata The Ferraroiâ⦠complaints Pope Sixtus withdrawes himselfe from the venetians friendship The Venetians answere to the Pope He excommunicateth the Venetians The state of the Rossians of Parma yeeldeth to Lodowick Two of Sanseuerins sonnes flie to the enemie Sanscuerino's Apologie to the Senate with their gracious acceptation Alphonsos great progression The Mantuan goes to the Consederates Aââ¦mie The ãâã of Lor rain returns into France The enemie ãâã from ãâã The enemies take the Isle of Lissa A subtill ãâã of Viââ¦re The enemie retires from Corsâ⦠The Maâ⦠discontented leaâ⦠the armie The Venetians come to Stellata ãâã d Esââ¦e ãâã to the reliefe of Sâ⦠The death of Giâ⦠Hâ⦠Alphonso taketh Carpinetta The situation of Valegia Alphonso vpon the Ueronois Sanseuerino coâ⦠meth to Valegia Alphonso takes Azzola Parâ⦠of the dukes pallace burnt Diuers expostulations vpon the yeelding of Azzola Hercules plaintiue Letters to Alphonso his brother Sanseuerins speed Alphonsoââ¦s ââ¦xclamations Sanseuerino's magnifiââ¦nt ãâã at Venice The Senatâ⦠compenââ¦th ãâã Russians of Parma Sanseuerino comes to the new Orges The tower Tristania taken The Venetians cââ¦aue a generall Councell The Uenetians receiue new supplies The arrogant brag of Porco The Venetians besiege Gallipolis The death of Generall Marcello Gallipolis taken Alphonsos Armie at Quintiana The Venetians take Calice Alphonso takes Metela A motion of peace The Venetians are put to rout Peace concluded with the Venetians Condition of peace How much the Venetians spent in this warre The Dukes pallace is reedified A great plague at Venice The Venetian gallies are assailed by Pirates Lisbone a Cittie of Portugall League betwixt the venetians and kings of Portugall The cause of this league Sanseuerino aideth Pope Innocent Sanseuerino recouereth Pontenomentana Peace betwixt the Pope and Ferdinand Sanseuerino dispoââ¦sed of his forces The venetians loyaltie Maximilian is chosen king of the Romanes ãâ¦ã Ambassade into Portugall Great prosperity of the venetiaâ⦠State The Princes instruction to his children on his death-bed The ceremonie at the Princes funerals A league betwixt the Pope and venetians The originall of the Rheticke warre The law of Nations violated The Almaines besiege Rouero Pietro Diede and Ieronimo Marcello Prouidators Ronero yeelded to the Almaines on composition The Venetians intreat old Sanseuerino to be their Generall Sauorgnane defeats the Almaines The Venetians are defeated Sanseuerino's resolution Luca Pisani his opinion on Sanseuerino his designe The siege of Trent is resolued The Venetians in amaze The death of old Sanseuerine the noble Venetian General The Venetians are wholly put to rout A generous act of Guido Maria de Rossis A bloudy victory to the Almanes The Castle of Arques taken and burnt The Venetians refuse thâ⦠Articles of peace Peace concluded betwixt Sigismond and the venetians The venetians send a fleet to guard Cyprus What moued the Senate to desire the Realme of Cyprus The Senate send George Cornari into Cyprus The Queene resuseth her brothers request Cornari his replie The Queenes answere The reception of the Queene of Cyprus at Venice A new magistrate sent by the Senate into Affricke Contention betwââ¦xt the Emperour Fredericke and Mathias king of Hungarie The inuention of Harquebuses A decree for the exercise of youth An extreame frost at Uenice A law carefully obserued by the Uenetians Great iustice of the Venetians The death of Lorenzo de Medicis Charles the eight French king sends an Ambassadour to Venice The Venetians answere Lodouico Sforza sends Ambassadors into France to king Charles Antonio Prince of Salern incites king Charles to this iourney What moued the French Lords to perswade the king to this iourney Lodouicos feare He sends another Ambassade into France The death of Ferdinand king of Naples Alphonsos request to the Uenetians The Senate write to Lodouico in Alphonsos behalfe Philip de Comines Ambassador for king Charles at Venice The Venetians answere to Philip de Comines League betwixt Pope Alexander and Alphonso king of Naples The Venetians fleet in Sclauonia The Florentines craue councell of the Venetiââ¦s The Senates answere King Charles departs toward Italy The King by reason of his sicknesse stayed at Ast. The number of the Kings Army The King visits Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan The Dutchesse in teares fals down at the Kings feete His answere to the Dutchesse The death of Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan Lodouico vsurps the title and Armes of Duke of Milan Lorenzo and Giouan de Medicis persuade the French King to go to Florence The first resoluâ⦠changed The Kings vantgard at Pontrema Finizana taken and sackt by the French Serezzana and Serezanella two strong places The Florentines in allarme The resolution of Pietro de Medicis The Articles of agreement Pietro de Medicis flies from Florence The Medici are declared enemies to their country The King giues liberty to the Pisans Aubigni with his troupes makes head against Ferdinand Bertinora taken The Venetians send Ambassadors to the King Acord sworne betwixt the â⦠King and Florentines Ferdinand goes fourth of Rome
title of Dutchy to his sonne Petro Lodouico The Emperour refusââ¦th to inuest Petro Lodouico in the Dutchy of Porma and Placentia The new Duke his offers to the Venetians The Emperors and the French Kings difficulties were cause of the peace of Italy The Venetians resoââ¦s ââ¦o diuert the Pope from medling with the Protestants The Senats answer to the Pope and the Emperor The Venetians grant passage to the Pope and Emperors troups The number of the Emperors Army VVho they were that took part with the Protestants The number of the Protestants Army The Pro testants suite to the Venetians The Senaoes answere to the Protestants The Duke of Saxon and the Landerââ¦ue of Hesse their suite to the Venetian Senate with their answer The Venetians gentle answer to those of Aus bourg The Venetians are in some doubt seing so many soldiers in Italy The Popes discourse to driue the Venetians from their suspition The Protestants take Chiusa The occasions of the enemies losse The Cardinall Farnââ¦se commeth to Uenice VVho be Venetian Gentlemen with their Preââ¦ogatiues The Popes complaints against the Emperor The Emperors complaints against the Pope The Emperor returneth so Milan The Sienois rise against the Spaniards The Emperors deseigns in Italy The death of Petro Lodouico the Popes Sonne The death of Francis the first French King Henry the eight King of England Henry the Second French King The Senate sendeth Ambassadors to the new Fench King And to Edward the Sixt King of England The Cardinall Saint George is sent Legat into France Petââ¦o Strossâ⦠sent sor into France to troble the peace of Italy Horratin Farn se marrieth King Henries daughter Gonzaga ââ¦xeu sethââ¦im concer ning the death of Petro Lodouico The Pope anâ⦠French King do solicitâ⦠the Venetians against the Em peror The Senates aââ¦swer to the Poââ¦e and French King Sundry practises in Italy An. 1548. The French Kings doubts and deseignes The Pope is greatly ââ¦erpiexed The Pope to ãâã the Atmains sendeth a Legat into Germany Solimans Army against the Persians Soliman maketh truce with Christian Princes Strise betwixt the Emperor French king Soliman sendeth Imperioââ¦s letters to the Emperor Contention concerning the place where the Councel should be held The death of Pope Paul the third Parma is kept by Camillâ⦠Vrsino The Cordinââ¦ll de Monte is chosen Pope and called by the name of Iulius the third The Senatâ⦠ãâã Ambassadorâ⦠ãâã the Pope Horatio Farnââ¦se putteth himselfe and family into the French Kââ¦ngs protection Presages of great warres The Turke sendeth an Ambassador to Venice Catherin Zene ãâã sent Amââ¦assador to the Turke An. 1550. A ãâã ãâã An. 1551. The Pope not thinking there on causeth great warres in Italy Proposition of an agreement about Parma VVho hindred the Emperor from allowing of that agreement The Pope seeketh meanes of agreement with the ãâã King The warre continueth in Italy Strossi his pollicy to victuall Parma The Duke of Florence taketh the Emperors party The Duke of Ferrara craueth à duice of the Venetians how to behaue himselfe in those troubles in Italy A discreââ¦t answer of the Venetians to the Duke of Ferrarâ⦠Instructions sent by the French King to the Cardinall Tournon to be propounded to the Venetian Senate The Senates answer to the Cardinall Tournoâ⦠The Germaine Princes treate with the French King against the Emperor The Pope by his Legate goeth about to attââ¦ne the Emperor and the French King The King inciââ¦ed agaiââ¦st the ãâã ãâã biddeth annates A great Turââ¦ish fleet at Sea The course held by the Turkish ââ¦leet at Sea The Turkeâ⦠make war in Hungary and Transiluania Fââ¦rdinand doth ãâã enioy ãâã All Germany is bandââ¦d agaââ¦nst the Emperor and his brother Ferââ¦inand Ferdinand to free himselfe from war wiââ¦h the Turke offereââ¦h to pay him tribute Friar George the Cââ¦rdinall is murthered The Venetians preparations when they heard how the Turkes armed Metz is taken by tââ¦e French The French King commeth as farre as the Rââ¦ine in fauor of the Prââ¦testant Princes ãâ¦ã the ãâã of ââ¦bourg The Prince of ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã The enterprise of ãâã propounded to the King The Prince of Salerno his proposition to the Venetian Senate The Senotes answers to the Prince of Saâ⦠The Pace of chââ¦usa is taken by the Protestants Peace betwââ¦xt the Emperor and Germaine Princes The Prince of Salerno ââ¦neth to Venite from the king The Oration of Selua the Frech Kings Ambassador to the Venetian Senate The Senats answere to the Prince of Salerne and the French Ambassador The enterprize of Naples being found very difficulâ⦠is reâ⦠by the King The Almanis band themselues against the French King concerning Metz Thou and Verdun The Emperor sââ¦ndeth the Viceroâ⦠of Naples against Sienna The Kings demand tâ⦠the Siennois The Viceroy of Naples spoileth the country of the Siennois An. 1552. The councell of ââ¦enne reuiueth the memory and execution of the lââ¦st will and testament of the Cardinal Zene The death of Edward the sixth King of England The Duke of Florence sendeth forces against the Siennois An. 1553. An. 1554. An. 1555. The death of Pope Iulius he third The election of Pope Paul the fourth The Emperor Charles resigneth all his States to his sonne Philip and to his brother Ferdinand Truce granted and soone broken An. 1556. The Pope an enemy to the Spaniards The Duke of Alua taketh diuers townes from the Pope The Venetians being entreated by the Pope vse meanes to pacifie the Duke of Alua. Octauio Farneze ãâã ãâã his Dutchy An. 1557. The Duke of Guise commeth into Italy The losse of the battaile of Saint Lawrence and the towne of Saint Quintins The Spaniards demands vpon the treaty of peace with the Pope Peace betwixt the Pope and Spaniards VVarres betwixt Solimans two soones An. 1558. The taking of Calais Francis Daulphin of Viennois marââ¦ieth the Queene of Scots The French take Thyonuille An. 1559. Peace concludâ⦠betwixt the ãâã and Spanish Kings The Pirates pursued by Bembo saue ââ¦hemselues in Durazzo The death of Pope Paul the fourth A Popular commotion in Rome Venetian Ambassadors to the French King The creation of Pope Pius the fourth The Cardinall Carassa and three of his kinsmen are put to death The death of Andre Doria The Venetians send Ambassadors to the Pope The ouerture of the councell of Trent An. 1560. Charles the ninth French King The Cardinalâ⦠seââ¦t by the Pope to the the councell The Venetian ãâã that were present at the councell of ââ¦rent The Pope endâ⦠the controtronersie betââ¦ixt the Ambassadors of France and Spaine A strange accident at Rome The Venetians chase away the Pirats Maximilââ¦an Emperor in ãâã fathers stead An. 1565. The great harme with the Inquisitiââ¦n doth after the manner of Spaine The Senate of Milans answer to the King of Spaine concerning the Inquisition The Venetianâ⦠answer to the Pope The Death of Pope Piuâ⦠quarââ¦us à nd the election of Peus quintus The death of Soliman before Zighet
fearefull or at least to bee suspected of all other Potentates with diminuation if not of their States yet certenly of their reputation and greatnesse the facility of the enterprize there being but a sââ¦nal space of Sea for the transportation of the Turkish army from Albiana to Ottranto and at one time to scoure the Sea coast of that country The great discontent of the inhabitants of that country with the Spanish gouernment and especially of the cheefest of them who as desperate persons would embrace all occasions to open the way to higher enterprizes which might abase the Emperors authority Aiax Listibei was at the ââ¦ame time in great authority in the Port of the great Turke holding the place and gard of first Bascha a mighty enemy to Christians and who since the death of Ibraim had often perswaded Soliman to turne his forces vpon Christendome This man because hee would not lose the occasion and praysing the ouertures and propositions of the French Ambassadors propounded them with much amplification to Soliman vsing all meanes to incite him to the enterprize of Italy laying before him the example of Mahomet a discreet and valliant Prince who with fortunate successe did easily take the citty of Ottranto and by his arriuall did bring that whole country to extreame consusion opening him selfe a way for the conquest of Italy one of the excellentest countries of Europe had he not beene preuented by death These things being represented to Soliman did greatly preuaill with him who did couet glory and was full of pride supposing him-selfe to be highly honored in that so great a King did send to craue his aide and asistance against another most mighty Prince his enemy and hee was like-wise glad that so faire an occasion was offered to diuert him from the enterprizes of India and Persia where hee vnprofitably consumed his army where vpon he did on a sudaine consent to promise the French Ambassador that the next sommer hee would raise great forces both by Sea and Land to enuade the Emperors dominions But aboue all other things supposing it to be most necessary to separate the Venetians from the Emperor he resolued to send Ianusbei one of the Dragomans or interpreters of his Port to exhort the Senate that hee being to march with a mighty army it would shew it selfe a friend to his friends and enemy to his enemies promising them that he would take order that nothing should be hurt which did belong vnto them The Senate did forthwith answere this proposition That the republicke had euer made great account and deere reckoning of peace with al Princes and especially with the Lords of the Ottomans family with whom hauing of a long time contracted peace and frendship with a free commerce betwixt each others subiects they did at this present retaine the same desire to continue it more then euer whereof there was no need to make any more amplâ⦠declaration It seemed that Soliman was wel content and satisfied with this answere who was a Prince if these quallities may be found in a Barbarian of a goodly vnderstanding and a friend to iustice and honour but diuers of his seruants being desirous for their owne interest and particular affection to disturbe this quiet and to break this peace setting foreward by a false complaint the actions of sundry officers of the Common-wealth who as they affirmed had borne small respect to the maiesty and profit of his Empire did perswade him to permit his officers likewise to vse some practises against the Common wealth of Venice that at last the matter might be brought to an open warre this being permitted diuers Venetian Marchants that were at Constantinople and other places of his Empire by reason of their particular affaires were vnder sundry false pretences committed to prison and their goods confiscate after that two Venetian shippes vpon diuers occasions were stayed the one belonging to Andrew Contaren taken vpon the Sea of Ciprus by the Gallies of the Garrison of Rhodes as a man of warre and the other in the hauen of Alexandria Soliman saying that he would vse them in his most important affaires The marchandize besides which the Venetians were wont to bring forth of Syria had an imposition layd on them oftenne in the hundred the Bailies letters to the Senate were oftentimes intercepted and without further dissembling their meaning Mââ¦stapha one of the cheefe Baschas complaining of them told them that because they were so streightly allied to the Emperor their enemy they had incurred the hatred and indignation of Soliman This gaue him some iust occasion to resent it and some collour of a lawfull warre if he had beene disposed thereunto notwithstanding that diuers other reasons and coniectures did testiffe vnto them the contrary for it was not likely that the Turke being able to make warre vpon the Emperor alone who was not very strong at Sea and easily to breake his forces would enforce the Venetians to ioyne with the Imperialls and to vnite their forces with theirs which being mighty at Sea would not only hinder his enterprizes against the states of other men but likewise greatly endanger his owne knowing very well that for the space of eight and thrity yeares the friendship and peace betwixt theâ⦠had beene on both sides so carefully obserued and namely that Soliman had euer made shew both in his wordes and actions to desire nothing so much as the Venetians friendships That since then nothing had happened on the Venetians part that might alter that quiet or enforce them to take armes seeing that the Senate discreetly mesuring the forces of the Ottoman Empire and fitting their deseignes and actions to the condition of the times did with great honor and respect proceed in the Turkes behalfe prouided that the dignity of the Common-wealth might not therein receiue any preiudice temporising the best they could with so mighty an enemy whom being not able to assaile they thought it wisely done to keepe him for their friend and to expect the commodity of time or some better fortune of the Common-wealth At the same time Tomazo Moceniga Ambassador for the Common-wealth arriued at Constantinople being sent according to the manner to reioyce with Soliman in the name of the Senate for the happy successe of his warres in Persia and for his safe returne home to the Citty He hauing kissed Solimans hands and presented his vsuall guifts of rich garments he was well receiued and entââ¦rtained of all those of the Port and particularly of Aiax the Visier Bascha whoe did often-times assure him that their Lord did beare great good-will the Republicke and was verâ⦠desirous to maintaine that antient peace and friendship with it so long as the Venetians should beare them-selues in his behalfe with the like offices of friendshippe That Soliman had euer vsed to keepe his word and promise and thought they ought not feare that hââ¦e would euer doe other-wise Therefore hee