that should be made by Sea and that sufficient provision was had for any attempt that might be made by Land by the former confederacy Even for the affairs of Genua against which no Forces could be brought which were not to pass through the State of Milan which was comprehended within the Articles of the League and that experience her self did demonstrate that sufficient provisions were had for all things in the first agreement since Italy had already enjoyed three years peace which was respected even by those that had a mind to disturbe her The King of France seeking how to strengthen these allegations made by the Venetians strove to remove all suspitions of his making War The French Cardinals urg'd this much with the Pope the French Embassadour as much with the Senate so as Cesar having no hopes to prevail with the Venetians and the Pope himself growing cool therein seeing his intercessions could do no good and two Moneths being already over since the convention met so as Cesar's desires and occasions called him back into Spain The League between the Pope and the Emperour and the other Princes of Italy to wit the Dukes of Milan and Ferrara and the Cities of Genua Sienna Lucca and Florence was concluded and published about the end of February In which it was agreed upon That the aforenamed should deposit 110000 Ducates that the same provision should be monthly paid according to the certain proportions by them all in time of War and in time of Peace 25000 Ducates for the entertainment of the Commanders And Antonio da Leva was declared Captain General of the League The Duke of Savoy was likwise comprehended herein for what concern'd his Territories in Italy and also the Duke of Mantua but without any particular Obligation to pay their part of this contribution And it was observable that though the Commonwealth had neither assented unto nor intervened by her Agents in any Treaties yet either to give more reputation to the business or to make other Princes jealous of the Commonwealth it was said in the contents of the draught of this agreement that the League made the year 1529. between the Pope and the other Confederates with the Common-wealth of Venice was confirmed and established adding thereunto the names of the aforesaid Italian Princes and this was not only proclaimed but printed so as copies hereof coming to Constantinople and to England it gave occasion to those Princes both of which were Cesar's declared enemies to complain somwhat of the Senate and to seem jealous of them And to aggravate the business with Soliman it was added that many of the in habitants of the Islands belonging to the Commonwealth were in the Fleet when it went to Corone and to work the like effect in Henry that the Doctors of Padua publiquely appointed thereunto had determined the point of marriage on Cesar's side and against the King of England whereby he lay at this time under Ecclesiastical censure by the Pope Yet the Senate was very much pleased that in this convention wherein the Duke of Milan was present the match was concluded between him and the Lady Christerna daughter to the King of Denmark by Isabella Cesars Sister which was very much desired by the Venetians that they might see the succession of the State of Milan setled in the Family of the Sforzas and in a Prince of that State and an Italian for which the Commonwealth had undergone so long and so sore Wars Cesar went then from Bullognia towards Milan intending to take Sea as he did at Genua whither twenty five Gallies were brought by Doria to convey him to Barcelona and when he came to Cremona he writ lovingly to the Venetian Senate in which Letters he seemed to admit of their excuses in not assenting to the new League and desired to be serviceable to the Commonwealth Thus fair intelligence and friendship continuing between the Commonwealth and the House of Austria and all parties appearing desirous that the disputes between the King of the Romans and the Commonwealth touching the restitution of certain places possess'd by Ferdinand but belonging to the Commonwealth might be decided wherin Cesar himself did also intercede at last by consent of all sides Lodovico Porro a Senator of Milan was chosen Umpire and Girolamo Bulfark a Dutch Doctor Arbytrator for Ferdinand and Matheo Avogaro Bresâ—iano Doctor and Chevalier for the Venetians These met in the City of Trent whither also Secretary Andrea Rosso was sent by the Senate that he might be assistant at this negotiation and might inform the Senate of all that should pass who hoping to have the Forts of Marano and Gradisca restored unto them by friendly composition upon the disbursing of a certain sum of money sent Iouanni Delfino Podesta of Verona to Trent likewise to assist in this business but so many difficulties were met withal in this and in other affairs as the convention was dissolved without having concluded any thing The Austrian Commissary would have nothing treated of but such things and in such manner as might prove advantagious to his Prince But when it was proposed on the Venetians behalf that such things should also be decided wherein they and their subjects suffered as the restitution of some Towns and chiefly those which were wrongfully possest by the Austrian subjects after the capitulation of Bullognia Bulfarch either saying he had not sufficient commission to treat thereof or making some other excuse sought to delay deviate such Treaties but chiefly he would have nothing to do with the restitution of Aqueleia which Ferdinand was ty'd to return to the Patriarch as to the lawful owner thereof a thing which was desired and endeavour'd by the Venetians for many respects and without which they would not assent to other things though they should be agreed upon Whilst these things past amongst the Christian Princes the Turks being very intent upon the recovery of Corone had prepared a gallant Fleet and sent it early to Sea to that purpose To give a counterpoise to which Doria had likewise put together many Men of War in several places These preparations forc'd the Venetians to re-arm their Gallies which they had in the preceding Winter disarmed but howsoever continuing their former resolution of not intermedling in any thing between these Princes they renewed their orders of the former year to their General Capello who continued still his charge in the Fleet wherefore he sent Francisco Dandalo Captain of the Gulf with a good squadron of Gallies into this our Sea to guard it from the Pyrats who being very many did much harm and sent four other Gallies for the same end to Zant and the great Gallion to Capâ— Malio a very commodious place for the Navigation of our Ships which go unto the Levant a very great Vessel of stupendious building and excellently well provided of men and artillery and he with the rest of the Fleet kept about Corfu being contented according to the
Venetians 296 marries Giulia daughter to the Duke of Camerino Succeeds his Father in the Dutchy of Vrbine and confirm'd by the Venetians in their service falls into the Popes displeasure for the Dutchy of Camerino 361. Yeilds up that Dutchy to the Church 557. Is made General of the Venetian Militia 611. Marries Virginia Neece to Pope Paul the third 621 H HEnry the 8. King of England undertakes to reconcile the Venetians with the Emperour 76. enters into a League with Charls the 5th 193. Offers to engage for the safety of Italy 223. Treats about relieving Pope Clement besieged by the Imperialists 255. Angry with the Venetians and why 349. Is displeased that he was not included by the Christian Princes in their League against the Turk 414. Makes a League with the Emperour against the King of France 591 Henry the 2. Son to King Francis marries Catarina Neece to Pope Clement the 7. Succeeds his Father in the Kingdom of France 354 355. Intends to make war in Italy 620. Negotiates a League with the German Princes against the Emperour 638. Favourâ— the Senesi in their insurrection 649 Henry the 3. King of France in his passage through Venice made a Noble Venetian 616 I IAnusbei sent from Soliman to the Venetians 363. Being sent to the Venetian General is taken by those of Cimera and restored gratis 379 Islands of the Archiepelagus taken from the Venetians by Barbarossa 392 Julius the 2. Pope his Death and Character 12 Julius the 3. Pope elected with great hopes from all men of future goodness 630. He answers not those expectations 632. Discovers himself to be an enemy to the French 639 L THe Landgrave of Hessen and other Protestant Princes raise up a vast Army in Germany 355 A League negotiated between the Venetians the French 8 9 10 11 Concluded 12. A League between the Pope the Emperour the King of Spain Sforza Duke of Milan and the Switzers 101. Between Pope Leo and Charls the 5. and the conditions thereof 174. Between Charls the 5. and Henry King of England 193. Between Charls the 5. and the Venetians 199. Between the Pope the King of France and the Venetians 227 A League between the Pope the Venetians and the Florentines 223 Between the Venetians and Francesco Sforza Duke of Milan 318. Between the Pope the Emperour and many Princes of Italy 348. Of the Christian Princes against Soliman 387. A League between the Pope the Emperour the Venetians and other Princes against the Tuâ—k 413 414. Of the Princes â—f Germany against the Emperour 641 Leo the tenth chosen Pope 13. His Designs in the beginning â—f his Popedom ibid. His ill Will to the Venetians 31. Negotiates a Peace between the Emperour and the Venetians 72 73. His Designs in that Negotiation 75. Enters into a League with the Emperour 174. Restores Parma and Piacenza to the King of France 125. Gives the King of France a meeting in Bologna 126. Negotiates an accord between the Emperour and the Venetians 125. Sends his Legate to the Emperour 133. Suspects the French 138. Puts for an universal Truce among Christian Princes 160. Sideth with the King of France in the Election of the Emperour 162. Unresolved to confirm the League with France 165. Ioyns in League with Charls the 5. against Milan 174 Dies 179. Lodi taken by the Switzers and retaken by Alviano 107. Sacked by the Switzers 137. Yeilded to the French Taken by the Imperialists 178. Taken by the French 202. Taken by the Venetians 228 Lodowick the 12. King of France gets the Dutchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Naples 4. Hath new practises on foot for the recovery of Milan 7. Makes a League with the Venetians 12. Makes a Truce with Ferdinand King of Spain 15. Raises an Army for Italy 16. Annulleth the Council of Lions and adhereth to that of Lateran 31. Dies whiles he prepares for invading Milan 92 Lodowick King of Hungary prepares for his own defence against Soliman 163. Sends an Embassadour to Venice 168. 170. Is relieved with monies by the Venetians ibid. Lewis Lord of Tramogly General for the King of France in the Enterprize of Milan 16. Passeth into Italy and takes Milan and other Cities 19. Assaults Novara 22. Draws off from before it 23. His Camp is routed by the Switzers 26. Returns into France ibid. Luigi Badoara Embassadour for the Venetians in France 395. And in Spain 398. Commissary General in Dalmatia 425. Embassadour to Constantinople and his Commission 571. Concludes a peace with the Turks and yeilds up to them Napoli and Malvasia 573 M MAffeo Leone and others punished for revealing the secrets of the Commonwealth of Venice to forraign Princes 574 Malta bestowed upon the Knights of Rhodes by Charls the 5. Marano seiz'd upon by Frangipane â—8 Assaulted by the Venetians 58 59. Taken by Baltrame Sacchia and yeilded up to the French 589. Given by the King of France to Pietro Strozzi who selleth it to the Venetians 598. The Marquess of Saluzzo with the French Army in Lombardy 228. Succeeds Lautrech before Naples whence he suddenly rises 287. His Army is defeated by the Imperialists and himself taken prisoner ibid. Maximilian the Emperour intends to drive the French out of Italy 5. His qualities 10. He stirs up the Great Turk against the Venetians 55. Makes great preparations for the War of Italy 102. Agrees with the Switzers and some Princes against the king of France 127. Affirms that the State of the Church belongs to the Empire 130. Passeth with an Army into Italy 133. Takes in many places of the Dutchy of Milan and besiegeth Milan 135 136. Returns into Germany 137. Makes peace with France 151 152. Makes a Truce with the Venetians ibid. Dies 161 Maurice Duke of Saxony helps the Emperor in his Wars against the Protestants 615 Milan yeilded up to Francis King of France 115. Besieged by the Emperour Maximilian 136 Taken by the Army of Charles the 5.178 In what condition it was by Pope Leo's death 180. Assaulted by the Popes and Venetians Forces 229. Besieged by the French and the Venetians 309. Returns into the hands of Duke Francesco Sforza 324. Falls into the Emperours 363 Monsieur de S Paul sent by King Francis with an Army into Italy 288. Ioyning with the Venetians he takes Pavia 190. Makes new progresses in Lombardy 308. Goes against Genoa 309. His Army is routed and he taken prisoner by Leva 310 N NAples assaulted by the Leagues Army 240. Besieged by Lautrech 279. Much streightned both by Land and Sea 282. The Siege is raised 287 The Nature and Customs of Charls the Fifth 167. Of Francis King of France 168. Of the French 296. Noble Venetians go to the defence of Padua and Trevigi 51. Employed in great Gallies into the Levant upon diverse sorts of merchandise 159. Sent by the Senate to the defence of their Cities in Terra Ferma 280. What they are that are so called 615. The Number of the vessels that were into the
the same chances That they should remember that they also being govern'd once more by their own peculiar affections then by reason and to revenge the injuries done by Lodowick Sforza had not such consideration as they ought to have had to the danger whereinto they put the Common-wealth by calling in for their Companion of War a powerful forreign King who was to neighbour upon their Dominions in stead of a weak Italian Prince That therefore they should be well advised and learn how to reap some advantage by the Popes favour which they had ever till now endeavoured to preserve Thus did Bembo deliver his Embassie in such manner as he was commanded but the Senate were much otherwise minded esteeming it neither a safe nor easie thing to have recourse to Cesar's favour and the Spaniards So as these the Popes request being reported to the Senate by the Savij of the council according to custome they were not accepted of but by frequent Votes they resolved to continue in the favour of the French and to give this Answer to the Popes Legate That his Embassie was very wâ—ll received by the Senate as well in respect of his own person whose worth and singular love to his Country was very well known to them all as also in regard of that Prince who had sent him for great had the observancy always been which the Common-wealth had born to the Popes of Rome but that their inclination bore them more particularly to reverence and observe Leo wherefore the Senate had always highly esteemed his wise Counsâ—ls and friendly Admonishments But that it had fallen out by a certain Fatality that the more they had desired his Friendship and Association above that of all others in so great variety of Affairs the less could they get to joyn in confederacy with him so as though their good wills were never sever'd from him yet it behooved that their Forces should be always divided That therefore as they returned many thanks unto his Holiness and did confess the great obligations which the Common-wealth had to him for his having by many endeavours readily imbraced and favoured their cause so were they very much troubled that they could not follow his advice since the ancient custom of the Common-wealth would not permit that leaving ancient Confederacies they should make new ones or unprovoked by any injury forbear to do that which was convenient fâ—r them and which by Articles and Conventions they were bound to do That they had always been taught by their Fore-fathers that what was honest was useful that therefore they could not without great Infamy to the Common-wealth break that League which they had a little before made with the French Moreover that if the Pope would call to mind the ancient merits of the Kings of France as well towards the Church as towards the State of Venice as also the Wealth and Power of so great a King he would commend this their advice and think that he himself ought to follow their example for the safety of the Ecclesiastical State and the greatness of his Family would be better founded by his adhering to the Forces of the French and to the Venetians Friendship Moreover they acquainted Bembo with their Jealousies which made them believe that such a Treaty of Peace would not be very safe Since the Pope was perswaded thereunto by the Emperour and by Ferdinand who as it did plainly appear did under a pretence of agreement plot as they formerly had done a pernicious War against the Common-wealth for at the same time when the Embassabour of Spain treated with the King of France touching the Affairs of Italy Ferdinando had begun to renew these Treaties of Peace out of no other end certainly but to make the King of France jealous of the Venetians whereby he might make more advantagious conditions with him Which when he should have done and that the Venetians were dis-associated from the French what could keep him from making himself Master of whole Italy which he had long endeavoured Bembo returned to the Pope with this answer to his Embassie The Venetians calling to mind what Leo had often affirmed that he would never give way no not though the Senate had assented thereunto that any part of the Common-wealth should remain in the power of any other knowing that by her the Liberty of Italy was chiefly maintain'd and that it behooved the Greatness of the House of Medici to have her for their leaning stock they certainly thought they ought not to believe much in his exhortations for at the same time that he divulged these things under pretence of Friendship he treated with them of peace after such a manner as that if it had been granted the Common-wealth would be berest of the richest and noblest part of her Dominions by consenting that Cesar should keep Verona a gallant City and the Gate of Italy whereby he might always enter at his pleasure to ruine her But the Venetians did build their chiefest hopes upon the coming of the French into Italy which made them care so little for Peace for Lewis not being able to fall upon the Enterprize of Millan the year before by reason of the War with England and yet longing very much to put an end to the War in Itataly the differences being now accorded between him and Henry King of England he had promised to send over a great and powerful Army very speedily to Italy to which when the Venetian Forces should be added they thought they might be able to drive their Enemies from the confines of the Common-wealth Who as they were more insolent by reason of the late troubles of the French so the force of the League being strengthened by their return into Italy and they themselves wanting many things especially Monies they would lay aside their audaciousness and for their own safeties sake put on new resolutions To increase these their hopes and to confirm such Princes as were their Friends still in Friendship with them they chose two Embassadours to send to the two Kings the one of France the other of England to wit Francisco Donato and Pietro Pasquillio but Donato falling soon after desperately sick they chose Sebastiano Giustiniano in his place They were first to congratulate with both these Kings for the Peace and Marriage which had ensued between them for Lewis had married Mary Sister to Henry and that they should render them many thanks for that the one and the other of these Princes had in the Articles of Peace made between them named the Venetians as their Friends and Confederates That they should also assure the King of France that the Senate had the same intentions as he had and the like desire of renewing the War and to increase the strength of the League that therefore he should not doubt of the Venetians good will towards him since they were not only most ready to continue the Friendship of the French and to prefer it at all
times and upon whatsoever events before any other Friendship which might be propounded to them but also if occasion should require be as ready for their service to undertake new enmities that the condition of times had often caused an interruption of their offices of good will which was not notwithstanding irradicated out of their minds And that though the Embassadours should find a ready willingness in the King concerning the Affairs of Italy and of the Common-wealths Interests they would not notwithstanding forbear to make use of publick authority to exhort him to come as soon as might be into Italy promising him that the Venetian assistance should be such and so ready as it was not to be doubted but that being joynd with his Forces they might break the Forces of the common Enemies and taking from them that which they had injuriously possessed reduce such things under the Dominion of the King of France and of the Venetian Common-wealth as did belong to each of them The Embassadours were enjoyn'd to perform the like offices with the King of England that there had always many good offices been mutually observed between the Kings of England and the Common-wealth that they were confident that Henry would carry himself so as they shewed not need to desire any farther demonstration of Love from him but that he would of himself do whatsoever he knew might make for the good of the Common-wealth But that they should chiefly entreat him to endeavour the increase of the King of France his affection towards the Common-wealth and by his exhortations incite him to send his Forces away immediately into Italy to their succour whereby great glory would redound unto his name This was that which was given in charge to the Embassadours But whilst they were upon their way King Lewis fell sick and dyed It was thought that his death would have caused great alteration of Affairs The Embassadours were not recalled but commanded to go on and for what concern'd their Embassie they were to expect new commissions from the Senate King Lewis afforded the Common-wealth of Venice occasion of proving various successes of Fortune His Friendship was useful to them at the beginning for they made good advantage of his asistance to revenge the Injuries done them by Lodowick Sforza so as she got Cremona a great and rich City and for a while the favour and friendship of so great a King seemed to win the Common-wealth no small credit with other Princes but afterwards when not to part from the Friendship of the French the Venetians took up Arms against the Emperour Maximillian they fell into great troubles and dangers Moreover Lewis was the first Authour and Driver on of the League of Cambray which was cause of great ruine to the Common-wealth as may be partly known by what you have already heard Lastly he who had plotted so great mischiefs against the Common-wealth re-assuming his first affection towards her began to desire and to endeavour her exaltation and did at this time use all the means he could to make her return to her former Power and Honour And certainly the Common-wealths recovery of her State in Terra firma afterwards by the asistance of the French must be chiefly attributed to Lewis who did use the same various and uncertain Proceedings all his life time so as he made others by reason of his inconstancy make trial of Fortune several times so did not he neither continue stedfast either in prosperous or adverse fortune nor did he long make trial of the same luck All humane Affairs are for the most govern'd by such mutual alterations The End of the Second Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK III. THE CONTENTS FRancis Duke of Angolema is declared King of France He is well minded towards the Common-wealth which send Embassadours to him their Proposals to the King They go from thence to England Pasqualio sent to the Duke of Burgony Martin Georgio Embassadour at Rome The Pope cannot be reduced from his obstina y by the new Venetian Embassadours The King of France prepares for War he goes to Lyons The Switzers differences are adjusted by the Emperour and Ferdinand the Pope enters into League with Cesar. Embassadours sent by the King of Poland to the Senate The French enter Italy Alviano recovers Lodi The Armies are described Sedunense his Oration to incourage his men to Battle Colonna taken Prisoner A bickering between the French and Switzers before Millan The business succeeds well at last on the French behalf by Alviano's succour The number of the dead and the Victory uncertain Millan is in the French mens hands Sforza surrenders the Castle and himself The Kings Entry into Millan Alviano attempts the taking of Brescia and dyes there Giovan Giacomo Trivulcio succeeds Alviano The Spaniards defend Brescia stoutly The Venetians recover Peschiera and other Towns The Bastard of Savoy joyns with the Venetian Army departs from the Camp Pietro Navarro serves the Venetians he endeavours to take Brescia but in vain The Pope and King of France speak together at Bologno Brescia is relieved by Roncandolfo Wherefore the Venetians retreat from thence Trivulcio being distasted leaves the Army Theadoro Trivulcio succeeds him The King returns to France Andrea Trevisano near Barbone The Pope endeavours to alienate the Venetians from the French but fails therein New Wars made by Cesar by the King of England and by the Pope Cesar prepares to enter Italy The Venetians recall the French and take 8000 Switzers into pay Cesar attempts to take Asola but fails therein the French being afraid to retreat to Millan and are incouraged by Gritti Cesars Army is dissolved Brescia returns under the Venetian Government Lotreco betakes himself slowly to the Enterprize of Verona He retreats at last and is distasted by the Senate who are jealous of his Actions The King of France and Duke of Burgony meet at Brussels Divers difficulties which arise there an agreement is made at last by which Verona returns to be under the Venetians THeir time of rejoycing for the death of King Lewis who were troubled at the power of the French in Italy lasted but a little but the Venetians hopes began quickly to revive who desired the return of that Nation into Italy to reduce their Affairs to a better condition who were likely to have suffer'd longer by the late Kings death for Prince Francis Duke of Angulesne to whom by their ancient rights of that Kingdom he being descended of the House of the Capets and the nearest a Kin to the late King the succession did belong was declared King of France He being young and of an eager Spirit of a lively and ready wit greatly desirous of War and all things fitting for War being ready and prepared by King Lewis every one thought that the new King who suddenly had his eye upon Millan and wanted not Forces to assault it would forthwith send a powerful army to that purpose beyond the Mountains and
he was the more fervent herein for that he thought he had just cause to undertake this War since new reasons were added to the ancient pretences which the Kingdom of France had to that State for he had married Claudia eldest daughter to King Lewis to whom the state of Millan might seem to belong her Father being â—on to a daughter of Iovan Galleazo Visconte But the desire of redeeming the ancient reputation of the French Militia which he knew was much lessened by the unfortunate success of the battle before Novara by the dishonourable conventions made with the Switzers at Dijune and by the loss of two noble cities Terroana and Tornai which were taken by the English prevailed most with this young King who was desirous of Military Glory Which mischiefs King Lewis could not remedy for just when Fortune began to smile upon him and that the honour of France began to revive he dyed Francis therefore thought he had a fair occasion offer'd him of doing what he so much desired if by his Forces he should win a noble Dukedom which did of right belong unto him by which Enterprize the Glory of his name would be much increased and the Power of France and whereby way would be made for greater atchievements He therefore together with the Government of the Kingdom took upon him the same thoughts of renewing the War in Italy wherein his Father in Law Lewis had been much vers'd And knowing that Friendship with the State of Venice might make much towards his getting the Victory as soon as he had taken the Crown upon him he writ kind and affectionate Letters to the Senate wherein he acquainted them with his being King and shewing a ready and good affection towards the Common-wealth he seemed to desire to know their opinion touching their renewing of their League with the Kingdom of France and that if he should find them disposed like himself the League and ancient Friendship might easily be renewed to the common good He made the Bishop of Aste signifie as much unto them who was then in Venice having been sent Embassadour thither by King Lewis Wherefore the Venetians who at the same time coveted friendship with the French and desired that they would come into Italy and who as soon as they had heard of Lewis his death had charged their Embassadour Marco Dandalo that he should endeavour to pry into the secret counsels and intentions of the new King and should begin to treat of renewing the confederacy when they had received these Letters and Embassies from the King seeming to put an high esteem upon his Friendship they humbly thanked him for his affection to the Commonwealth and for his desire to assist them They promised to correspond with him in love and affection saying they knew very well how much it imported both of them to keep the Forces of France and theirs joyn'd together by reciprocal obligations of League That they were therefore ready to renew the present League and would always be ready to assist him in getting some Footing in Italy and in aggrandizing his Power so as he might be a terrour to his Enemies and a friend and sure help to the Common-wealth Moreover the Embassadours who were sent as you have heard to the Kings of France and England and who being upon their journey had tarried at Lyons after Lewis his death were ordered to go on and had commissions sent them to renew the League with the King of France These when they were come to Court did easily renew the League upon the former Articles To which the King was already so much inclined and treated with such fervency of the Affairs of Italy as he labour'd in all his discourses with the Venetian Embassadours to shew them what reasons had moved him to undertake this War affirming that he would never lay down Arms till he had gotten the state of Millan and till the Common-wealth had recovered all the Cities which she had lost and were returned to her former Dignity The Venetians were very glad of this the Kings resolutions and fearing lest this so great fervency might as it often falls out be by some new accident abated they shewed him how that the chiefest hopes of Victory lay in expedition to the end that the Enemy whose Forces were now much diminished and their resolutions doubtful and uncertain might not have time to recrute and re-assume courage and that the City of Crema this mean while which was known by experience might be a great help towards the recovery of Millan might not run any farther hazard which having for so many years undergone the inconveniences of War was now brought to great extreamity and that the Truce made with their Enemies being now near an end stood them in no stead for they had heard it credibly reported that Prospero Colonna had assembled his Forces together from all parts and prepared to besiege that City That the Senate would not be wanting in any thing that was in them to do who had already begun to raise new Souldiers and to provide Arms Money and Ammunition Moreover that though the War were chiefly to be made by Land-men yet thinking it not fit to lay aside the thought of ordering their Fleet that they might upon occasion therewith molest the Enemy they had resolved to rig out many Gallies entreating his Majesty that he would do the like The Embassadours having thus done all they had in command with the King at Paris they went into England to fulfill the other part of their Embassie where being graciously received they shewed in their first Audience The Venetians great sorrow for the death of King Lewis husband to King Henry's Sister a great Friend to the Common-wealth They then told the King how highly the Common-wealth was bound unto him for that in the Agreement made formerly with King Lewis and lately with King Francis he desired that she as a Friend and sharer with him in all his Fortunes might be particularly named and included in the League But afterwards at a more private Audience they earnestly desires him that he would by his Authority and by his exhortations confirm the King of France in the mind he seemed to be in of intending the Affairs of Italy and of sending assistance speedily to the Venetians and that in the mean time peace and friendship should be held inviolably between them from which great safety was to arise to both their States and much advantage to all Christendom that the Senate of Venice for their parts would never be wanting in any thing which might make for the gâ—od of the Crown of France or that of England and did very much desire that these present Kings as their Predecessors had done might know that the Common-wealth was much bound and tyed unto them This Embassie being done Giustiniano stay'd behind with Henry to treat of the Common-wealths affairs but Pasquillio return'd to France and being come to Paris he met with Letters and
Commissions from the Senate commanding him to go immediately to Charls Duke of Burgony and to congratulate the Marriage and Peace with him From which as the Common-wealth knew that great honour and safety was to redound to her so was she very much pleased with her love and observance towards them both And that to make known this her good will they had sent this Embassie to make faith thereof unto him By these complemental ceremonies the Venetians strove to preserve themselves in the favour and good will of other Princes as the condition of times did require but they were desirous above all things to draw over the Pope unto them and to make him joyn with the French in Friendship whereof they had the greater hopes for that Iuliano the Popes Brother who was of great power with the Pope having married Filiberta Daughter to the Duke of Savoy who was ally'd to King Francis it was believed that he would favour the Affairs of France Moreover that the Pope would hereafter be better inclined to friendship with the French for that they having by the last confederacy and alliance secured the King of France from the King of England and Duke of Burgony's Forces it was known their power in Italy would be much increased and might become so formidable as that the proudest of Potentates might be injur'd by them Yet the Pope continuing still doubtful and never fixing upon any one resolution was sometimes one ways minded sometimes another Sometimes his hatred being overcome by fear he thought upon friendship with the French but he held discourse oftner and more willingly with Cesars and Ferdinando's Embassadours touching agreeing with them And he answered the Venetians who desired to learn somewhat of his Intentions that for the present he would be a Spectator of the Wars and that when either side should have the Victory he would then declare himself and side with them that should have the better of the business Yet men thought otherwise and that the Pope had many thoughts in his head but that he would keep them secret to spin out the business in length hoping that in the interim the King of France wanting his assistance and by his authority the like of the Venetians would fore go all thoughts of Italy But it was hardly credited that the Pope would have no hand in the War but that he would adhere with his Forces to some one side when King Francis should have past over the Mountains with a powerful Army for he might clearly see then that things were brought to such a pass as there was little security to be hoped for from standing idle and but little praise and that he must either fear others or make others fear So as when he should see the War resolutely made by the French and knowing the uncertainty of relying upon the Switzers how weak the Emperour was and how cunning Ferdinand so as he could not hope for good by making League with them he would be inforced to provide better for his Affairs by Friendship with the Venetians Wherefore the Venetians thinking it better to send Marino Georgio Embassadour to Rome then Pietro Lando they wished him to treat otherwise with the Pope then had hitherto been done to try whether he could make him alter his resolution by acquainting him with what danger he was in That therefore he should heighten the Forces of the King of France which since France was now free from War might soon be sent into Italy that then he should let him know the king of France was so bent upon the getting of Millan as there was nothing how hard or difficult soever which could divert him from this his constant resolution That the Venetians had the same desire of renewing the War and of adhering to the French That they had always greatly desired to joyn with the Common-wealth of Rome both in time of Peace and War running the same Fortune which they had always very much endeavoured to do But that not being able to perswade Leo thereunto and finding that the hopes of Victory did not only not go less but was not in any part diminished the Venetians saw no reason why they should forego the friendship of the French knowing that they had thereby very well provided for themselves that therefore his Holiness might put on such results as best became his Wisdom and the weight of the Affair that he might do well to think what hopes or what helps he could have recourse unto to hinder or to retard the King of France his resolutions and that if he could find none that he should keep from resolving upon any thing which did no ways stand with his Dignity and which he himself knew and thought to be such And that if the French should succeed well in their Attempts who would be able to defend the State of the Church or the Pope from their victorious Forces That he might learn by what had already past what the strength of his Confederates would be what their intentions and what reason they would have to wage War That there was but one way to prevent all these eminent dangers by which the discords of so many years might receive a period and Italy be freed from fear to wit the Popes joyning in League with the French and Venetians for it was certainly believed that the Switzers being abandoned by his authority and deprived by his assistance would no longer defend Maximillian Sforza but would lay down their arms which they had taken up against the French So as the Confederates being bereft of their aid would be inforc'd to change their counsels and Cesar quitting any farther thoughts of Italy and Ferdinando resting satisfied with his Kingdom of Naples others might recover what was theirs the French the Dutchy of Millan and the Venetians such Cities as were injuriously detain'd from them and all things might be reduced to perfect Peace and Tranquillity but that if this business should be otherwise handled the War would without all doubt be prolonged and the Miseries of Italy would be renewed Which things as they made much for the universal good and for the quiet of Christendom so would they bring glory to Leo and to the House of Medici for what could there be more glorious to him then by his Wisdom to have put an end to so long a War which had been so unfortunate fâ—r Italy Or what could occasion greater safety to his Brother and to his Nephew then this universal quiet wherein their greatness might be confirm'd and their riches and dignity increased that no account was to be had of Maximillian Sforza a new and weak Prince where the Interests of so great Princes were in question who had always deserved so well of the Apostolick See That the Kings of France and Common-wealth of Venice had so often undertaken sore Wars not without great danger to defend the Pontifical Dignity as if Leo would have respect either to ancient or more modern Affairs he
Streets and being come to the cathedral Church had much ado to get in at the Gates Here Lautrech having received the Keys of the City from the Bishop of Trent did at the same instant give them into the hands of the Venetian Commissaries Andrea Gritti and Giovan Paolo Gradinigo Then some of the chiefest of the Citizens did together with the Commissaries and in the name of all the rest congratulate the return of that City to under the command of the Common-wealth attesting the Citizens constant good will towards her and promising Loyalty and Obedience thereunto at all times These things being ended and the French assistance being to be dismis'd the Senate that they might not omit to shew their respects and love to so gallant a man and one who had deserved so well of the Common-wealth as Lautrech resolved to present him honourably in the name of the publick and charged Commissary Gritti to wait upon him to Millan When he came to Lodi he found Giovan Giacopo Trivulcio there who was come to meet him and to bring him the Order of St Mihel from the King Then after the passing of many complements on both sides Gritti left him who according to orders received from the Senate went to visit the other Cities belonging to the Common-wealth to provide for all things necessary for them and to confirm the people in their love to the Common-wealth And at last after having for so many years perform'd his faithful service with much applause to the Common-wealth having won much love amongst the Citizens and glory amongst Forreigners he returned to Venice Great joy and general Feastings was had throughout the whole City Every thing seemed to smile and to eccho forth joyful acclamations But chiefly all due praises were rendred to God and solemn processions devoutly made by publick Decree for many days thanks being given to God for his great goodness in having granted them a desired peace after so long and troublesome a War Great alms were given to Monastries and to Alms houses and such Citizens and Forreigners as had served the Common-wealth faithfully were well rewarded The Common-wealth being thus restored to her pristine greatness after having suffered so many Calamities and the Affairs of Italy being put as it was thought into a firm and settled condition the Venetians hoped they had been freed from all Fears for many years The End of the third Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK IV. THE CONTENTS THe Peace of the Common-wealth such Cities as were return'd to their obedience send Commissioners to the Senate Padua and Verona are strangely fortified The Venetian Merchants obstructed in Spain The situation of Venice A voyage of the Common-wealths Galltouns An end of the Truce with Maximillian A treaty of peace between him and the Venetians Universal Truce treated by the Pope Truce concluded between Cesar and the Venetians the conditions Maximillians death Francis King of France and Charles King of Spain contend who shall be Emperour Francis sends Embassadours to Venice to stand for him Charls is declared King of the Romans Soliman succeeds Selino in the Turkish Empire His nature Lodowick King of Hungary prepares for War He sends Embassadours to Venice The Venetians send Embassadours to Constantinople to confirm the peace The King of France scandalized at Charles his being chosen Emperour treats of confederacy with the Venetians The Pope hisitates The Dyet is held at Worms Cesar endeavours to make the Venetians his friends Cesars genius the like of the King of France The Peace of Italy is disturb'd The King of Hungary sends an Embassadour to Venice The Senate resolves to help that Kingdom Soliman takes Belgrado and frights all Hungary The death of Duke Loredano Antonio Grimani succeeds him The King of France speaks with the King of England at Ards in Picardy Commotions in Spain Risings in Germany New designs in the King of France The Pope agrees with Cesar. The Venetians endeavour Peace Preparations made by the Pope and Cesar. Lautrech goes for Italy The Venetians arm their Confines Ioyn with the French The Imperialists before Parma They retire to before Millan They take it Lautrech gets safe with his Horse to Como He winters in the Territories of Brescia The Duke of Ferrara in Field The death of Pope Leo the tenth The consequences thereof Lautrech marches into the field again He attempts Parma and Pâ—acenza but in vain He returns towards Millan Takes Novara and Vigueano The King of France prepares to go for Italy Lautrech gives over the Siege of Millan Sits down before Pavia Withdraws from thence The French and Imperialists meet at the Charter house of Pavia The Imperialists retreat to Biccoca where they are assaulted by the French The Switzers make a gallant retreat are backt by the Venetians The Switzers Impatiency marrs all Alberto Pietra's speech to make them keep the field They disband The Venetians and French retreat to the confines of the Common-wealth Lautrech repasses over the Mountains to acquaint the Court how Affairs go in Italy THe ensuing years contain more prosperous successes and will afford me more delightful matter to write on Wherefore I hasten thereunto as abhorring the memory of the past calamities and as weary as if I had had a part in those troubles and dangers The Common-wealth after the past Wars enjoy'd three years quiet in which time being healed of her so great labour and grievous adversity she began to hold up her head again and to resume her ancient power and reputation The Wars therefore which we now shall write of made by the Common-wealth on Terra firma though they be no less remarkable for the Grandetsa of Princes for famous Commanders Forces length of time and other circumstances yet were they more prosperous and of less danger the Common-wealth having taken up Wars for the space of almost ten years no less to defend the Affairs of her friends and confederates then her own and more for glory then safety In the beginning of the year 1517. all Truces being solemnly published as you have heard in the former Book and all men hoping that secure peace would assuredly ensue all the Cities on Terra firma which before the late War were under the Dominion of the Common-wealth were returned to her obedience and sent their Deputies to Venice to congratulate with the Senate that Arms were laid down with Honour and the State recovered And they did also willingly offer all their means forces and fortunes to be at the Common-wealths service The Senates first and chiefest care was to ease the City of Venice and all the other Citâ—es and Castles on Terra firma of many grievances which were imposed upon them in the more troublesome times of War by reason of the scarcity of publick monies to the end that private mens means being restored unto them in the time of peace they might be the readier to assist the Common-wealth at another time of need It was likewise
and damnified by the Switzers departure Lautrech affirming that he must be enâ—oâ—ced to return with all his men to France together with the Switzers and thorow their country if they should resolve to go so as the parts about the Ada being left unguarded the Imperialists might freely at their pleasure enter in hostile manner into the Territories of the Commonwealth But if the French should stay in Lombardy they desired the Senate that they might be permitted to quarter in the Territories of Brescia against which there were many objections to be made the country was wholly ruin'd by so long Wars and by so many Garrisons and it was to be feared that it might afford the Imperialists occasion of passing into the confines of their State who did alreaâ—y complain that they had exceeded the bonds of their confederacy in favouring the French so as in many considerations several inconveniencies and differences and difficulties arose by the departure of the Switzers who not being by any means to be detained the Senate resolved to satisfie the French in their desire and to receive them into their State that they might not lessen their past deserts with the King and because the preservation of those men made for the common safety and facilitated the business of Milan against the King should come into Italy But Lautrech and the other Commanders being perswaded either by the reasons formerly alledged by the Venetians or out of no small fear of what might ensue if they should so suddenly abandon the whole State of Milan resolved that part of their men should go to Cremona whither also Lautrech himself went and the rest to Lodi with Frederico da Bozzuole and Giovan de Medici though Medici not being able to make his men move without money came not time enough thither and the French Garrison which was in Trecco not being sufficient to defend it the Venetian Commissary sent Giovan dal Saracino thither who was under the pay of the Commonwealth with two companies of Italian Foot But Lautrech seeing that nothing came from France but fair words and news of great warlike preparations things which did little avail the present business resolved to pass over the mountains and to go himself to Court to give an account of the affairs of Italy leaving his brother Monsieur di Leiscue in Cremona whither Colonna coming with all his Army and no succour appearing Lescue was forced to yeâ—ld up the City unto him he having taken Lodi but a little before by an unexpected assault The End of the fourth Book THE HISTORY OF VENICE Written by PAULO PARUTA BOOK V. THE CONTENTS JUdgment given upon the Venetians resolution by reason of the misfortune of the French The Emperour endeavours to part them from the French and the King of England interposeth himself A League between these two The Venetians advisedness who being enclined to the French acquaint that King with their sense of things The League of London invalid by the death of Leo the tenth Girolomo at Venice in Cesar's behalf endeavours to separate the Senate from the French The Spaniards encrease in Giaradada The Venetians Arm by Land and the reason why Soliman prepares for the Siege of Rhodes They Arm by Sea Adrian the sixt is chosen Pope He goes from Spain to Rome His good disposition Rhodes is taken by Soliman The Pope propounds a League between the Italian Princes An Embassie from Venice to Rome An Agreement treated of with Cesar. Respect born to Soliman's Friendship The Archdukes Embassadors break the League made with the Emperour The Bishop of Feltre sent to Venice by the Pope Adorno the Emperor's Embassadour dies Marino Caraccioli succeeds him Several French Embassadors at Venice The King of France his Declaration The Peace is concluded with Cesar the conditions thereof Embassadors sent from Venice to Cesar and to the Archduke Trivultio is discharged the Service of the Commonwealth The Duke of Urbane in his place The Commonwealth excuse themselves to the King of France for making this Peace He resolves to go into Italy but is stayed by the Duke of Burbon's rebellion He sends the Admiral thither The Venetians succour the Imperialists The French before Milan The Viceroy of Naples passeth into Lombardy Bourbone is declared Cesars Lievtenant General The Venetians are jealous by reason of a Treaty of Peace between the French and Cesarians The Venetian Embassadour is dismiss'd from France The death of Adrian the sixth Clement the seventh is chosen Pope Antonio Grimani Duke of Venice dyes and Andrea Gritti is chosen in his place His conditions The French fall upon the Millanoise The Duke of Urbane General to the Venetians does many things Renzo da Ceri upon the Confines of the Venetians with 8000 Grisâ—uns The Admiral joyns with the Switzers The Embassadour of the three Leagues at Venice The Pope exhorts the Senate to hold with him The Popes designs He sends his Datario Giberti to France The French again before Milan They take it The King of France besiegeth Pavia in his own person Which causeth jealousie and irresolutions in the Pope and Venetians Gregorio Cornaro and Dominico Trevisano make Orations in the Senate hereupon The Siege of Pavia is prolonged The Pope Venetians and Florentines joyn in a defensive War The Venetians adhere to Trevisano and secretly conclude a League with France The Cesarians come to the relief of Pavia they assault the Kings Army get the victory and take the King Prisoner The Italian Princes fears hereupon The Popes League with France troubles the Imperialists The Duke of Ferara offers himself to the Pope The Duke of Urbines Valour The Pope being afraid treats of agreement with the Imperialists and draws the Venetians along with him Cesars joy for the Victory at Pavia His offers unto the Pope The Queen of France her endeavours with the Venetians their perplexity The Pope makes an agreement with Cesar who alienates the Venetians from himself by detaining the Dukedom of Milan Who break off all treaties of agreement and joyn with the Pope They are favour'd by the King of England the Venetians treat of a League with France But grow jealous at France her agreement with Cesar. The King of France his complaints against Cesar. His entreaties thereupon to the Pope and the Venetians his actions contrary to his Proposals The League between the Pope France and the Venetians is at last published The Armies of the Colleagues joyn upon the Territories of Milan Burbons Valour renders their designs vain Pietro Navaro General of the Confederates Fleet attempts to take Genua But Andria Doria deals treacherously The Duke of Urbin returns to before Milan Sforza yields himsâ—â—f up to the Imperialists The Spaniards fail him and therefore he ratifies the League with the Confederates Who winning Cremona assign it over unto him The Colonesâ— enter Rome and sâ—ck it The Pope treats therefoâ—e of Truce with the Spaniards His immoderate fear The King of England presents him with 30000 Crowns New treaty of
States It was also added that the Venetians should be particularly obliged to defend the Kingdom of Naples in time of War with five and twenty armed Gallies which defence was intended to be made against Christian Princes and when the Commonwealth should not be busied in any Turkish war The Kings of Poland Hungary and Portugal the Duke of Savoy Commonwealth of Florence Antonio Adorno Duke of Genua the House of Medici and the Marquis of Monferato were included as friends to all parties concerned in this confederacy and the Pope and King of England were named as Keepers and Conservators of these Articles The Peace being thus concluded Lorenzo Priâ—li and Andreâ— Navagiero were chosen Embassadors to be sent from Venice to the Emperour and Carlo Contarini to the Archduke Cesar's brother to congratulate this renewed confederacy and to witness the Senates desire to continue in friendship with the House of Austria And because Trivultio Governour of the Venetian Militia depended much upon the French party that charge was taken from him yet they were very civil to him in their words and seemed very well satisfied with his service offering him a pension of three thousand crowns a year if he would live in the Commonwealth as a private man till a better time and occasion should happen But he refusing all offers would return to France This place under the same Title of Commissary General and upon the same conditions as Trivulcio had served was given to Francisco Maria della Rouere Duke of Urbine he and his State being protected by the Commonwealth against whosoever should molest it They discharged themselves to the King of France answerable to the time and occasion excusing this their resolution partly by reason of the slowness of his provisions by which their hopes which were grounded upon his forces and assistance were too much weakned and partly by reason of the Pope's commands that they might no longer hinder nor delay the Treaty of universal peace which he did so affectionately propound and desire But the resolution the King of France put on when he was assured of the League made between Cesar and the Senate was certainly very strange differing from the common opinion of men and very void of reason Whence it may be conceived how hard it is to know the secret thoughts of Princes by any force of argument or by the rules of ordinary reason or to foresee their actions before they be done King Francis who being entreated and solicited by the Venetians to come into Italy when he might hope to be received and assisted by the Commonwealth which he in his own judgment knew to be of great concernment was either averse thereunto or at least but cool therein now when he wanted such friendship and aid when he was sure to meet with great opposition in Italy where all were become his enemies when the dangers and difficulties appeared to be greatest resolved to undertake the business of Milan But the Duke of Burbon's rebellion being at this time discovered so as he had reason to apprehend danger at home he was forced to forbear that his fervency at that time so as tarrying himself with part of his forces in France he sent Monsieur di Boniuette Admiral of France into Italy with two thousand Lanciers and twelve thousand Foot of several Nations Though Prospero Colonna was not ignorant of these preparations yet did he not so much consider them as the importancy of the affair required But when the French Army began to move and that those suspicions proved true which he would not credit before he assembled speedily all the men he could and came first to the banks of the Tesino hoping to hinder the enemies passage which quickly finding he could not do he entred with part of his souldiers into Milan and with the rest encreased the Garrisons of Pavia and Cremona abandoning Lodi to the end that he might not weaken the more important places by dividing his small forces into so many Garrisons The Venetians being advertised hereof that they might readily make good their new confederacy ordered their Curassiers to go towards the banks of Oglio and resolved at the same time to raise six thousand Foot and four hundred Light Horse for the defence of the State of Milan and other three thousand to dispose of in the Garrisons of their Cities They made Lunardo Emo Commissary General of the Army and acquainted the Duke of Urbine that he would come speedily into Lombardy to execute the place which he had taken upon him But the Admiral being quickly past over the mountains and it being said that he advanced with his Army to pass over the Tesino the Venetians resolved to bring their men into Giaradada to secure the Cities of Bergamo and Crema and that they might be the readier to succour Milan And because the Duke was long a coming they sent a Secretary of the Pregadi to hasten him But the French having taken up their quarters between Binasco and Bigrassa twelve miles distant from Milan and the Duke not being as yet come unto the Army they were doubtful whether they should pass over the Oglio or no. Thinking it then the safer way to bring their Army which they understood the French intended to assault into some strong place upon the Banks of Ada where it might be free from that danger So the Venetian Camp was at last brought to Pontivico whither the Duke of Urbin came within a few days Not far from hence was the Marquis of Mantua encamped with other forces Wherefore Colonna did earnestly desire both of them that they would joyn together and enter into Lodi which was not yet possess'd by the Enemy But they both of them refused to do it the Marquis saying that he would go with his men to succour Parma holding himself bound to do so as being a Souldier of the Church and the Venetians General because he thought he could not do it without much danger So as Lodi being abandoned by all fell easily into the French-mens hands Who having resolved to succour the Castle of Cremona sent to Marignano Frederico Bozzole with 6000 Foot and 400 Launciers wherewith they began to straiten the City which having within it 4000 Foot and 100 Curassiers did manfully defend it self and beat back the French several times Yet Cesar's Embassadour and the Duke of Millans did earnestly intreat the Senate of Venice that their men might pass as soon as might be over the River Oglio and incamp in some strong situation in the Territories of Cremona that so by raising jealousies in the French they might keep them from persisting in the Enterprize of Cremona But the French intended nothing but Milan before which they were sate down and that they might keep it from being relieved endeavour'd to hold those forces which might assist the Besieged busied else where For which their intention it made much that they should keep their men at Caravaggio and Montia in the
Italy for all his Armies unfortunate success nor any whit abated his former fervency but being the rather more incens'd for that the Imperialists not content to have defended the State of Milan had endeavoured to trouble him in his own Kingdome and to provoke the King of England against him had been very sollicitous and carefull in providing all things necessary for his own comming very speedily and very strong into Italy which he might the easier do by reason that all his men were returned safe into France The Venetians were much troubled at these mighty and important preparations of the French Not only in relation to the great expences and disturbances to which they were obliged by the League which they had made with Cesar for the defence of the State of Milan but for fear of their own affairs The King appearing to be very much offended with them not only for what they had at first done against him but for that being afterward desired to re-assume their friendship with him they would not forego Cesar and for that Martino Bouolino being lately come to Venice in the names of the Lords of the three Leagues to intreat and exhort the Senate to renew their ancient confederacy with the French the Senate persisting in their opinion and justifying their last actions by the necessity of the times and by the Popes command said they could not at the present satisfie their desires by reason of their new League which they could not be faulty to without some marks of infamy and peradventure not without some danger Therefore things continuing in their former condition and the French Army passing notwithstanding over the Mountains the Venetians made all their Souldiers which were in the several Garrisons of the State be brought to the Territories of Verona and having thereof framed the body of an Army they commanded the Duke of Urbiâ— and the Commissary Pesaro to come speedily thither and there to expect Orders from them But the Pope being more afraid and full of jealousies did continually sollicite the Venetians to keep inviolably in good intelligence with him and in reciprocal good will and to proceed always with one and the same advice and counsel since the respects were the same in them both for the defence of their own particular States and for the common Liberty of Italy He commended their keeping fast to the Imperialists and their minding the defence of the State of Milan if they really thought they could do it but that if they should see they were not able to resist the powerful Forces of France they should begin betimes to reconcile themselves with the most Christian King not tarrying to make peace upon unreasonable conditions when the King should use such insolencies towards them as do usually accompany the victories and good fortune of Princes That they must consider the power of the French was very great and apt to turn the whole State of Italy upside down Since to boot with the numerous Army which the King brought with him his Forces that had defended Marcelles now that that City was freed from danger were imbarked for Italy and bent against the Kingdom of Naples And on the contrary that all the Emperours designs upon the Kingdom of France were proved vain and no less then the rest their hopes grounded upon the Duke of Burbones rebellions That the King of England growing apprehensive of the Emperours too much greatness gave certain signs that he would not keep the capitulations made with him Wherefore if it should be thought fit for the Church and the Commonwealth to think of an accommodation with the Christian King they must not lose time which was to their manifest danger and prejudice But that they should rather send sufficient commission to their Embassadour Marco Foscari who was at Rome to intervene and listen to those Treaties which were already promised by the French Which things though they were propounded by the Pope by the way of advice yet it was evident that he was inclined to a new confederacy with the French to secure the State of the Church and State of Florence which he had the greater care of because the Duke of Albany being to pass through Tuscany to the prejudice of Cesar's affairs the Florentines were exposed to more certain and nearer danger But the Pope cloaking this particular Interest as much as he could labour'd to prove that his only aim was at universal peace and to free Italy from War for the common good of Christendom and that he labour'd to break the business to the King of France to dispose him the easilier to an agreement with Charles and Ferdinand of Austria To which purpose he said he would send as he did afterwards his Almner Mattheo Giberto to entreat the King to make peace with Cesar. But which commission even then as was afterwards known to negotiate particular conventions for himself and for the Florentines the Commonwealths interest being neither wholly left out nor wholly considered But the Senate were of opinion that no greater necessity appearing they were not to forego their friendship and confederacy with Cesar as unwilling to shew so much inconstancy as also not to make the Emperour their Enemy before they had more certainty of the King of France his good will And therefore they had resolved that their men should enter in to the Dukedom of Milan for Cesars service But the Duke of Urbin not obeying this order suddenly gave them to understand that it was very dangerous for the affairs of the Commonwealth to pass at that time so forward with the Army for by securing the State of Milan so early by their forces they gave the Enemy occasion to turn elsewhere and peradventure upon their Commonwealth that therefore they might expect till the French Army was passed over the River Sisa and then put their resolution in effect But the French without any delay came into the State of Milan before it was thought they would have done so as the whole Army drew near the City and got into the Suburbs by the Gate Ticinese before the City which was but ill provided of Rampiers and victuals could be sufficiently succour'd So as all the Imperial Commanders together with their men that were within the Town were glad to retreat suddenly the Duke of Bourbon the Viceroy and Sforza went to Soncino and the Marquis of Piscara to Lodi But their chief care was how to Garrisonnize the City of Pavia very strongly which they thought might be better defended then any of the other Cities They therefore put Antonio da Leva thereinto with three hundred Curassiers and five thousand Foot part Spanish part Dutch all of them being old Souldiers Thus did the French easily get Milan which was abandoned by the Imperialists But the King would not suffer the Souldiers to enter the Town to preserve it from sacking At the same time Iohn Stuart Duke of Albany sent by the King of France to assault the Kingdom
said King not to offend one another nor to assist or favour either others enemies whereby some hopes of Peace was commenc'd and moreover the Venetians agreed to renew their former interrupted confederacy with the King but with a particular condition of not being bound to assist him in this present business These things being privately concluded the Senate excusing themselves for not making their men advance answered the Emperour's Agents who still prest for a resolution That they could not disobey the Pope the rather for that it was hoped Peace would ensue thereupon whereof the Pope with Cesar's consent had begun to Treat they therefore would not interrupt it by fomenting the War or occasioning the prolongation thereof The agreement being thus established the King sent Monsieur di Ron Cafore to congratulate the concluded League and to testifie his continual good will towards the Commonwealth though through the malignity of times and through various accidents their friendships had been interrupted He exhorted the Senate not to trust the Imperialists and promised that he would never forego the Common-wealths friendship He afterwards desired that this League which was privately concluded should be presently published wherein he found the Venetians of the same opinion thinking it would be a means that when the Imperialists should know those Forces were now against them which they hoped would have helped them to make them quit the possession of that Dukedom which they knew they could not keep and so come to some agreement whereas on the contrary nourishing themselves with hope of being assisted by the Venetians they would continue making provision for war and growing in time stronger it would be harder to come to any agreement afterwards But the Pope advised the contrary alledging That it was fit this confederacy should be kept secret to the end of reducing the Imperialists to greater necessity and danger which they would be when the French should be past over the Po as they said they would do promising that they would pass back again whensoever the Pope should please but he was forc'd almost to discover it being to grant passage to the Duke of Albenyes men who was sent as hath been said by the King of France into the Kingdom of Naples Wherefore the Pope seeming as if the Duke had violently usurped licence to pass with his men thorow the State of the Church and Tuscany and that he was wholly minded to stand a Neuter and to endeavour a general Peace He began to proceed with protestations admonishing both the Princes to lay down Arms and to put whatsoever either of them was possessed of in the State of Milan into his hands that so they might come to make a firm Peace wherefore the Imperialists growing jealous that the Pope had agreed secretly with the King of France as indeed he had and might seek to bring over the Venetians also to the French party they offered the Senate to refer the investing of Francisco Sfâ—rza to them and the pitching upon what sum of money the Duke should pay unto the Imperialists for it which the Venetians refused to do saying That such a decision did not belong unto them but to the Pope There were many things which past at the same time between the Imperialists and the King of England to move him to make War the next year against the King of France to the which purpose the Cavalier Cassal was come to the Imperial Camp which made the Imperialists more fervent in their own defence for that they hoped the King of France being molested in his own Kingdoms might be forced to pass speedily back again over the mountains to defend his own affairs the convention made between him and the Pope and the Venetians being not yet published For the news being confirmed of great preparations made by the King of England which was thought would make the French turn their forces elsewhere the Venetians did not much minde the divulging of it But the event of the business of Lombardy and of all those councels was finally to depend upon the success of Pavia the Siege whereof continued longer then was expected whereat the Pope and the Venetians were exceedingly troubled not so much for that the length thereof did much defacilitate the good end of the business as that they feared the French Commanders impatient of so long delay might perswade the King to come to a day of Battel with the Enemy whereby together with that Army the safety of their States and of the Liberty of all Italy would be put to the arbitriment of Fortune and Italy having no other means of making opposition would be left in prey to the Imperialists if they should prove victorious Whereat the Venetian Senate being troubled they did very much solicite Ronchfancora laying before him that the interest of the Confederates and the Kings own safety and glory and victory did wholly consist not in hazarding any thing but in making good use of time and of his enemies disorders and wants The like desires the Pope made likewise known to Alberto da Carpi Embassadour at Rome and did also send an express messenger with the same desires to the Camp But all these endeavours did but little good the King shewing himself every day more and more resolved not to rise from before Pavia but rather if the Enemy should draw nearer come unto a Battel whereby he was unnecessitated to hazard his own fortune and the like of his confederates which were all exposed to danger Wherefore the Pope the Venetians and Florentines resolveâ— to joyn in a defensive League for the preservation of their own States being to this purpose to take ten thousand Switzers into pay upon the common expence and each of them to encrease their own forces as much as they could which things whilst they were slowly and with various resolutions discuss'd the rout of the French Army ensued together with the death of many of the chief Lords of the Kingdom and the imprisonment of the Kings own person The Cesarians were come from Lodi to relieve Pavia which was reduced to a great scarcity of all things they being gotten to be strong enough and for Foot almost equal to the French Army though far inferiour to them in Horse and drawing near to the French Camp they forced the King either to suffer them to relieve Pavia or to come to a day of Battel the thing which they desired that they might put their desperate affairs to the utmost tryal and fortune favouring their forwardness they had the opportunity of assaulting the King in the Park where he contrary to the opinion of his best experienced Commanders would needs stay So as the French not being able to come into the field till it was too late nor to make use of their Horse wherein they did exceed the enemy the whole Army was routed and put to flight and the King taken Prisoner Monsieur d'Alanson only escaping with the Reer This so great and
lesse willing to revenge himselfe for the injuries he had received from the French and chiefly to chastise the Duke of Cleve's daring as he termed it who was a Feudatary of the Empire for having taken up Arms with his Enemies against him assembled the Diet of Princes and Hans-towns according to the custome of Germany and had gotten all the Forces of Germany to joyn with him in making War against the King of France and the Duke of Cleve and to the end that his Forces might be the more formidable laying aside to the wonder of all men the memory of the heinous and great injuries received from Henry King of England for having repudiated his Aunt Queen Katherine and not regarding that this Prince had declared himselfe a Schismatick and was become contumacious to the Church of Rome he resolved to joyn in league with him and to make War upon France Thus it seems that all other Reasons both Humane and Divine give way to the Reason of State though Princes oftentimes term their meer Appetites Reason And Caesar found Henry the more inclined to this Invitation by reason of his not being satisfied with the King of France for having adhered unto his enemy Iames King of Scotland in a difference between them concerning Confines In these great Commotions the Pope and the Venetians continued in their Neutrality being desirous to maintain the peace of Italy as much as might be But the Venetians were herein much more resolute and constant for the Pope being troubled with severall jealousies was sometimes otherwise minded Many things made him apprehend Caesars greatnesse he considered how much more powerfull Cesar was likely to prove being assisted by the forces of Germany and of England and that the power of Emperours had ever been formidable to Popes and that he was the more particularly concern'd in that Cesar had satisfied the German Protestants in many points and now of late in procuring the Councill to be celebrated within the confines of Germany whither the Embassadors being gone very early they gave out that matters of Reformation were to be treated on which is not usually very acceptable to Popes and chiefly then by reason of the freedom of their speech who being alienated from the obedience of the Church of Rome sought to cover their own faults by the errours of others Nor was it of any small moment to make him think the worse of the Emperour that he had contracted friendship with a Prince who had thrown off his obedience to the Apostolick Sea and that he seemed not willing to gratifie Him in the affairs of Millan The Pope being moved out of these respects proposed a streighter conjunction and intelligence with the Venetians for the common safety a thing proposed then onely as looking at Peace and Quiet and not of forgoing their Neutrality unless upon utmost necessity but with intention as was discover'd by many signs to bring the Common-wealth to joyn with the King of France But the Senate continuing their accustom'd answer shew'd the Pope that there was no Occasion much lesse any Necessity to make any such Innovation whereby mischiefs afar off might be rather hastned then kept back by making Princes jealous Herein the Senators did maturely consider that the forces of the Emperour and of the King of France were so equally ballanced each of them being very strong of himselfe and assisted by other great Princes as it was not to be feared that one of them should so exceed the other as that his power might prove prejudiciall to the affairs of Italy and that Time often produceth notable and un-thought of advantages which they ought most to attend who propose unto themselves the safety and preservation of what is their own rather then the getting of what appertains to another That the Common-wealth could not confederate with any other without offending Cesar who having so ofen desired new Leagues they could never be brought to alter any part of their old Capitulations that at the present the King of France was excluded all Italy but that it was more to be desired then likely that he might at this time have a share therein the better to counterpoise Cesar now when he must be necessitated to imploy his forces in defence of his own Kingdom it being set upon both by English and Imperialists The Venetians were much more troubled at the coming forth of the Turkish Fleet which was now much talked of and whereof great preparations were seen though the Turks promised that all fair respects should be had to what appertained to the Common-wealth and that Paulino affirm'd the same constantly who was to be in it and had wholly changed his mind by reason of new instructions which he had received from his King It was foreseen that Italy would be disfurnished of souldiers since the flowre of her Militia was to go serve Cesar and Ferdinand in Hungary and Flanders That Doria's Fleet consisted but of a few Gallies and those employ'd in bringing Cesar's person into Italy That the Common-wealth had not as then above thirty Gallies at Sea so as all Seas were open and free for the Turks all Shoars exposed to their assaults Nor was it to be comprehended nor much to be credited what their present intentions were nor what they would hereafter be according as occasions should fall out Therefore the Venetians thought good to increase their Fleet to the number of 70 Gallies arming some in Dalmatia some in Candia and in other places and making Stephano Tiepolo Captain Generall at Sea a man famous for his own worth and more famous afterwards for being father of Paolo Tiepolo Procurator of St. Mark a famous Senator of our times both for his eloquence and wisdom in the Senate who gave an account of this to all the Princes Courts to the end that the newes hereof might not make her designes to be thought greater then they were to tell them That the Common-wealth had armed some Gallies for the safety of their Subjects and for the guard of the Sea and of her Shoars and had made a supream Commander over them to the end that the publick Officers and Subjects might be kept within the bounds of obedience and all occasions removed whereby the publick quiet might be disturbed And accordingly the Generall was enjoyn'd to keep within the Gulph and visit the Shoars and Islands of their Dominions ordering and taking course for all things that were necessary where he was to be met by Iustiniano one of the Sea-Commissaries the other Commissary which was Alessandro Bondomiero being to tarry in the waters of Corfù with 15 of the best Gallies wherewith upon the approach of any Fleet he might be safe in the Mandracchio And he was also ordered to shun all such things as might cause suspicions in the Turks of the insincerity of their intentions towards them which it was very well known was often cunningly endeavoured by Doria This mean while the Turkish Fleet put to sea
the House of Austria and out of those of the Dukes of Bavier and Cleves and of the Marquis of Brandeburg which Princes adhered unto the Emperour So as he might muster about 40000 Foot and 5000 Horse At the same time the protestant Princes whose chief Commanders were Iohn Frederick Duke of Saxony Elector of the Empire and Philip Lansgrave of Hesse endeavoured to get more Lords and German Cities to joyne with them and used all the means they could to encrease their numbers making profession to defend the liberty of Germany and causing those who joyned with them to swear fidelity to the Empire which they said Cesar would possesse himself of as of his own peculiar State and turn it into a tyrannicall Government Wherefore many chief Lords and Cities embracing this as the common cause took up Arms against Cesar as the Duke of Wittemburg the Count Palatine the Communalty of Argentine â—lms Franckfort and Noremburg the City of Auspurge being long before declared These sent their Embassadours to Ulms where a Dyet was intimated to treat particularly of preparations for war any where there was such a concourse of almost all Germany as thed soon got an Army of 80000 Foot and 10000 Horse with which Forces they hoped the rather to beat Cesar and to drive him as they said out of Germany for that they saw he could not raise any considerable Army of Germans they onely apprehended forrain souldiers and chiefly the Pope's Italian Foot which they being desirous to keep from comming they writ very earnestly to the Venetian Senate declaring the good-will they bore to the Common-wealth which was highly esteemed by the whole German Nation desiring them that they would not afford passage to those people which the Emperour sought to bring in to their prejudice and to enslave all Germany to the pernicious example of all other Countries The Senate replyed to this That they did very much cherish the friendship of those Princes and of all those people to whom they had alwaies corresponded with like affection and esteem of their particular persons and of the whole noble German Nation But that their Country being plain and open they could not hinder souldiers from passing through it unlesse by strong force of Arms which their Common-wealth was not wont to do unlesse to their declared enemies Soon after there came particular Letters from the Duke of Saxony and from the Lansgrave wherein declaring their designes and their necessities and that they had taken up Arms in their own defence they desired to be befriended by the Common-wealth with a certain sum of mony Which desires of theirs were much furthered and assisted by the King of England who employ'd his secretary therein he being then resident in Venice who presented these Letters The King was moved to defend the cause of these men though not altogether openly either for their joynt dissenting from the Church of Rome or for that he was not well pleased with Cesar for the agreement with France and that he was troubled at his greatnesse But the Senate continuing their wonted answers said That they esteemed those Princes as their very good friends and wish'd them all good successe but that they could not pleasure them in this lest they should offend other princes whose peace and friendship they desired to preserve These respects being set aside the Senate seemed very well minded toward the German Nation Also when the City of Auspurge had by expresse Letters recommended their Merchants to the protection of the Common-wealth many whereof were already in Venice and others came thither daily in greater numbers by reason of these commotions that their persons and goods might be safe For after this City had declared enmity to the Emperour they had received ill usage in other Cities where they had been for their own private affairs Answer was made that the people of that City and all other people had alwaies been welcome and well received as if they had been their own Citizens and that they would still keep all tearms of justice and civility with them The City of Venice keeps alwaies great commerce with Germany because of many things which come from the Levant which the Germans have need of and which are brought unto them by Venetian Merchants ships as Spices Cottons and severall other Merchandizes and likewise many other things which grow abundantly in their Country are brought to Venice and carried from thence to other parts to the great advantage of private men and of the publick customes wherefore for the better conveniency of the German Nation there was long before this a great and Noble Pallace or Warehouse built in Venice upon the Rialto standing upon the Canale Majore in the fairest and most frequented place of all the City where usually many of this Nation are and whereof many of them finding themselves so well treated live all their life chusing this City for their Country where they purchase Estates and build particular Houses to themselves Whilst all sides were thus intent upon making War and that a mass of Souldiers being got together they were ready to march news was given out that peace was made and though the conclusion thereof was not certain it was most certain that messengers were imploy'd on both sides to treat thereof whereat the Venetians were not a little troubled considering that when so great Armies were in Italy they might peradventure betake themselves to other enterprises and other States being unprovided might cause much apprehension in them all Therefore the Pope fearing lest the Senate might joyne in some straiter friendship and Intelligence with some others which might be contrary to his designs discourst long with the State 's Embassador shewing that he had been alwaies desirous to keep the peace of Italy for the Common good but that he had continually had a particular eye to what might concern the Common-wealth's safety and greatnesse he wisht him therefore to assure the Senate of his good-will and that he would keep good intelligence with him still which would be the way to preserve both their States and the rest of Italy quiet That he had renewed this his desire purposely at this time when he himselfe being armed and free from offence it might be believed that it was not fear but true zeal which made him thus unbowel himselfe unto them But the indeavours of Peace proving vain the Armies of both sides were drawn into the field in one and the same Country for though the Protestants which was the denomination they gave themselves who were in league against the Emperour by reason of their protestations made in matter of Religion indeavouring to do that for themselves which they could not get others to do to wit to stop the passage of such as came against them through Italy had possest themselves of the Castle of Chiusa in the County of Tiroll placed amongst the Mountains by which way they thought the Enemy was to passe But the Papall and
Cesar had not shared the advantages of war with him by giving him part of the monies which were paid by those that compounded nor having communicated the most important advices of peace or war to him nor his representatives as he ought to have done since he shared in the expence and hazard But on the other side Cesar said that the Pope had fail'd him in his promise and devoire since the war not being yet fully ended which he had undertaken chiefly at his entreaty and by his advice he had recalled his men whereby he did not onely deprive him of that aid but did diminish the forces and reputation of his Army whereby there was yet a great strength of men to be overcome in Germany under the conduct of Iohn Frederick and of the Lansgrave the one of which for the antient blood of Saxony and the other by reason of the love the people bore him would be able to raise so great an Army as without due providing for the contrary might yet question the victory These things did Cesar amplifie either to draw the Pope to a new contribution of Monies or Foot or to get leave as he had often desired to make use of the revenues of the Church in Spain for this war or peradventure to make his victories appear the greater by magnifying the forces of the enemie But the Pope being far from favouring Cesar's designes any further prefer'd the apprehension of his greatnesse and his being very ill satisfied with him before all other respects But the occasions of dividing the Pope from the Emperour grew much greater the next year 1547. For Cesar's power and reputation daily encreasing he grew the more ambitious of Government He did so prosper in Germany as bringing the Duke of Saxony to Battle not affording him time to withdraw into the strong holds in his own Country as he designed to do he won such a victory as he thereby put an end to the war the Duke being taken prisoner and his forces so utterly defeated as the Lansgrave dispairing to save himself by force of Arms or by any other means put himself willingly into Cesar's hands who possessing himself of the Forts of Hessen detained him prisoner So as all things being peaceable and quiet in Germany he entred as it were in triumph into Auspurg where he summoned a Dyet from all the parts of Germany wherein he obtained many things for his advantage and satisfaction amongst the rest a great contribution from all the Princes and Haunâ—e-Towns whereby to take 20000 Foot and 4000 Horse into pay for the service of the Empire wherein he comprehended his own patrimoniall estate and the like of his Family Betwixt which and the Princes and Haunâ—e-Towns of Germany a perpetuall League was made for the common defence Yet these his great prosperities did not at all quench his thirsting after new acquisitions and glory his chief aime was at Italy and together with other higher designes to settle himself fast in the State of Millan whither he sent great store of Artillery which were presented him by divers German Lords and afterwards a good number of Spanish Foot making of them an ordinary Garrison in that State esteeming them most faithfull to him He also made the people swear fealty to him and to whomsoever he should name to be Lord over them intending that Government to his son Philip who to that end was to go quickly for Italy And he treated still with the Swissers capitulating with them to defend the State of Millan He moreover had placed a guard of 400 Spanish Foot in Sienna and an Officer of his who exercised much authority in many things and attempted to build a Fort there intending as it was thought to bring them under the yoke of servitude for the which occasions were not wanting by reason of commotions raised in the City the people whereof not being able to see themselves inslaved had driven out the Spanish Foot and done many other things contrary to Cesar's dignity He sought also to possesse himself of the Town of Piombino and to take it from the Lord thereof upon severall pretences promising to recompence him with other territories that he might make use of that scituation which lay upon the Sea-cost of Tuscany and was very commodious in other respects for affairs at Sea But above all other things the taking of Piacenza which was done as shall be said together with the death of Duke Pier Luigi caused fear in all men and particular affliction in the Pope and two of the prime Princes of Christendom Francis the first of France and Henry the eighth of England's death which ensued not long after one another all things seemed to smile upon Cesar For these Princes of great power and mature counsell being taken away he remained in supream authority and sole arbitrator of affairs The King of France his death begot more alteration in thought than in effect for Henry his third son comming by the death of the Dolphin and of the Duke of Orleance to the Crown who was brought up under his father's discipline and did inherit his affections especially his hatred to Cesar appeared soon ready to tread in his fathers foot-stâ—ps and not to yield any waies to Charles his fortune But the King of France his death was severally interpreted by the Italians some thought that the occasion of many troubles to Italy was taken away which by reason of his unquiet nature of the bitter hatred which he bore to Cesar and of his obstinate resolution of getting the Dukedom of Millan was never to have an end but by his death Others were of a contrary opinion who thought the new King would not so soon forego his fathers resolutions and enterprises which though he should do they thought that more prejudice then advantage would redound thereby to the Italians who the counterpoise of the French forces being taken away were with little cure to their libertie to depend the more upon the Spaniards will Some in Venice did with much griefe call to minde the love which the late King bore to the Common-wealth his readinesse to assist her in her lowest ebb of fortune and chiefly his assisting her in the recovery of Verona They likewise alleadged as signes of his good-will his having so often desired a new conjunction with the Common-wealth not being any waies scandalized at his so many repulses which had won no small honour to the Common-wealth and had made her be the better esteemed by Cesar's self Others not without some bitternesse of spirit remembered the ficklenesse used by this King upon many occasions and his great ingratitude towards the Common-wealth which having with much readinesse taken up Arms and exposed her self to so much expence and hazard of war first for his own freedom and then for the like of his sons from Cesar's hands had been so scornfully abandon'd by him as that in his agreement made with Cesar he had made peace not onely without