in danger for the time to come not to be beleeued any more in the truth vvhere before the dissimulation of false pretences and of the openest Hypocrisie that might be carried the credit of most sacred Truth and of most perfect Devotion CHAP. 3. Maximilian the Emperour is advertised of the Troubles begun among his Sonnes THere came three Postes very lately vnto the Majestie of the Emperour Maximilian the second and presently it vvas knowen how they brought him advertisement that the Arch-duke Matthias had taken Armes against the Emperour Rodolphus his Brother seditiously requiring the Kingdomes of Hungary and Bohemia and the absolute Dominion of Austria and other Provinces These ill newes infinitly troubled the mind of the Emperour for he vvell knew that the discord risen vp among his Sonnes vvould giue the enemies of the House of Austria that content vvhich they so much desired Whereupon yesterday morning very early that Prince presented himselfe before Apollo and vvith many teares demanded of him vvhen the evils of the House of Austria so long before commenced through the cruell combination of all Germany against it should have an end and for vvhat demerit such fearefull scourges vvere sent vnto his House Vnto this demand Apollo answered in this sort All the troubles and persecutions of your Family great Emperour shall cease vvhen it shall vvholly abandon those ambitious thoughts of desiring to command over Hungary and Transilvania vvhich hath given vnto Germany such iealousies that to secure her auncient Liberty from the power of your House shee bendeth all her study to nothing more then to the depression of it for the Germans fearing greater prejudice from your acquests then from the victories of the Turkes are fully resolved rather to lose Vienna then recouer Buda And then also shall all Germany vnfainedly loue your Arch-Dukes when deposing their present ambition they shall make it appeare that they desire to be equall and not superior to other Princes of Germany CHAP. 4. Philip the second King of Spaine after some contestation about his Title entreth with great pompe into Pernassus THe mighty King of Spayne Philip the second who some two months since arrived at this Court was not permitted before yesterday to make a publicke and solemne entry because that on certaine Tryumphall Arches which with a Royall magnificence were erected vnto him by the Spanish Nation these wordes were written Philippo secundo Hispaniarum vtriussque Siciliae Indiarum Regi Catholico Italiae pacis Auctori foelicissimâ— Which distasting the greater part of the Italian Princes they required them to be cancelled saying That they would not at any hand acknowledge from the Spaniards that peace of Italy which with ready mony they bought of the Hollanders This aromaticall matter was a long time disputed and albeit the Italian Princes had concludingly proved in iudgement that the present peace of Italy was not to be acknowledged from the good mindes of the Spaniards who would haue seized on it all had it not beene for that great diuersion but altogether from the warres of Flanders yet in the greatest heate of this contention the Queene of Italy with her wonted prudence pacified the matter for hauing called all her Princes together she advised them to leaue ostentation and vain-glory to the Spaniards and applying themselues to substantiall things to continue feeding them with breath The concourse both for number and quality of Princes which assembled to grace and serve so great a King was the greatest and the honorablest that euer Pernassus had seene And so powerful a Prince had place amongst those Monarchs which are famous in the world more for prudence and advisednes vsed in peace then for valor shewed in warre and greatly did the Learned marvaile at the Imprese which he carried painted in his Standard generall of a writing penne wherewithall by the testimony of Historians it plainly appeared that in the potent Kingdome of France and other places where good occasion had beene presented vnto him to employ it he had caused greater batteries and ruines then Charles the fift his Father had done or could do with most part of the Cannons of all Europe An Imprese that was much commended by the sacred Colledge of the Vertuous it being greatly to the honor of all Writers that a Penne in the hand of a man who knew how to mannage it could worke such memorable effects So mighty a King was entreated in Pernassus alla grande for euen the chiefest Monarchs of Christendome thought it a great reputation vnto them forto be able to serue him insomuch that the day after his entry being vnder the Barbers hand the famous Queene of England continually held the bason vp close to his beard and the warlike King of France Henry the fourth counted it a great glory vnto him to wash his head the vvhich he performed vvith such excellent dexteritie as if he had beene borne for the Trade although some malignants haue published that it was without Soape and onely with very strong and sharpe Lye This great Monarch was presented by all the Vertuous of Pernassus with sundry Presents of Poesie and other most elaborate Writings the which he exchanged with much liberalitie And to a learned personage that presented him with a most worthy and honest Discourse wherein he shewed the way how the noble Parthenope and the whole Kingdome of Naples that by the robberies of Souldiers corruption of Iudges oppressions of Great-men and by the generall ransackings of the ravenous Vice-roys which from Spayne are sent thither to be fatned is now come to vtter desolation may be made to returne vnto the ancient greatnesse of his splendour he gaue twenty Ducats and consigned the Discourse to his Confessor charging him to yeeld him a good account of it as of a Worke that was very holily written But vnto a sufficient Politician that presented him with a long Discourse howbeit cleane contrary to the former entreating of the meanes which was to bee vsed for afflicting the sayd Kingdome of Naples more then now it is how it might be reduced to such calamity and miserie that the generous Steed which without Bridle and Saddle the Seate of State doth with ill fortune carry for Imprese should patiently endure both Pack-saddle and Burthens yea and quietly draw in the Coach too because he held that to be vnderstandingly written according to the true termes of good Policie hee gaue twelue thousand Crownes a yeere and created him a Grande of Spayne CHAP. 5. Most of the Princes Common-vveales and States of Europe are weighed in a payre of Scales by Lorenzo Medici SEeing it is apparent that the Romane Common-weale after the acquisition it had made of the Empire of all Italy could in a short time arrive to that Vniuersall Monarchy which is yet so famous to the World and whereunto many ambitious Princes haue since in vaine aspired it hath beene a generall receiued Opinion That that Potentate who in State and Forces is suffered
NEWES FROM PERNASSVS The Politicall Touchstone Taken From Mount Pernassus Whereon the Governments of the greatest Monarchies of the World are touched Printed at Helicon 1622. THE PREFACE THE truest and securest precepts of Policie are those which either are drawen from the prudent resolutions or vnadvised errors of great Princes in the deliberations of their most important affaires or from the study of Policie all consisting in a severe and iudicious censure of the actions of the Great and the studious in Histories which haue the gift to know how to examine them well draw out of them most excellent rules for the wel-governing of many people which being very true it is no marvaile if the best Writers of matters of State have growen extreamely odious to those that raigne by reason that as Princes willingly lend an eare to the praises which happen to be given them although they come from the pen or mouth of an impudent Flatterer so likewise they haue in exceeding abhomination all censures which are made vpon their actions it being an insupportable miserie vnto them that their imprudence and calamities should serve for instructions vnto others not to commit the like faults This truth assures me that these my present Advertisements from Pernassus where in a sporting manner the actions interests true ends and defects of many Princes not very iust coming to be censured touched discovered and noted would bring them infinite displeasure if they should be openly published Wherevpon I that at any hand will not give disgust to any person private or publike whatsoever haue fully resolved to keepe them from the Presse as from the fire for the length of time maturing things that which for infinite respects in our Age is odious the present Princes wanting and those affaires growing olde which now liue and that in regard of their importance are held in great ielousie I hope that these my Labours will then with particular liking bee read of the Vertuous whom I indevour to please and delight In the meane time I haue presumed to hide these my Writings in your Lordships Librarie vnto whom I present them to the end they may be published to the world at such time as they cannot giue distaste to any one But then my desires shal be accomplished when these my Workes such as they are may giue vnto your Lordship that satisfaction which I so exceedingly desire in regard of the infinite devotion I beare vnto your Name and the innumerable obligations wherein I stand ingaged vnto you which haue created me a debtor vnto you in so great a summe that if I should spend my whole life in your service yet I should thinke I had done nothing but that still I should die ingratefull THE CONTENTS THe Spanish Monarchy arriveth at Pernassus beseecheth Apollo she may be cured of an Yssue in her arme and by the Politicall Physicians dismissed The Monarchy of Spaine lamenteth for that her falshoods are discovered Maximilian the Emperor is advertised of the troubles begun amongst his sonnes Most of the Princes Commonvveales and States of Europe are vveighed in a paire of Scales by Lorenzo Medici The Spanish Monarchy goeth to the Oracle at Delphos for to knovv vvhether ever she shall attaine to the Monarchy of the World and receiveth a contrary ansvver Philip the second King of Spaine after some contestation about his Title entreth vvith great pompe into Pernassus Almansor sometime King of the Moores encountring vvith the Kingdome of Naples they relate one to another the miseries they sustaine by the oppression of the Spaniards Sigismond Battor learneth the Latin tongue The Cardinall of Toledoes Summa is not admitted into the Library of Pernassus The French desire the receipt of the Spanish scent for Gloues The Monarchy of Spaine throvveth her Physician out of the Windovv Most of the States of the World are censured in Pernassiu for their errors The Duke of Cuize his Secretary is punished for speaking amisse Certaine Persons for example vnto others are shevved vnto the people The Monarchy of Spaine inviteth the Cardinal of Toledo to be her Royall Divine in her Councel of State vvhich he refuseth and vvhy The Spaniards attempt the acquisition of Savoy but do not prevaile The Duke d'Alva being arrived at Pernassus in complementing vvith Prospero Colonna they fall foule about defrauding the Colonesi of their Titles NEVVES from Pernassus CHAP. 1. The Spanish Monarchy arrives at Pernassus beseecheth Apollo she may be cured of an Yssue in her arme and by the Politicall Physicians is dismissed ALthough the Majestie of Apollo had decreed vnto the High Mighty Monarchy of Spayne immediatly vpon her arrivall at this Court vvhich vvas some fovvre months past not only a solemne entrance but the publike Consistory of the Learned in the Royall Hall of Audience vvith the presence of the Excellent Muses yet vvas it not executed vntill tvvo dayes since by reason she consumed all those fovvre moneths in according vvith the Princely Poets such Titles as she vvas to giue and receiue from others and in agreeing hovv to receiue and hovv to be receiued in Visitations vvhilst the Vertuous stood amazed and bitterly complayned of the hard condition of these modern times plagued vvith the corruption of such vanity but greater vvas the affliction of the Vertuous because many Learned Princes openly refused to be visited by that great Queene saying That they suspected the receiving some affront from her for that they had lately Letters out of Italy vvherein they vvere advised by their friends to stand vpon their guard it being the particular custome of the Spaniards to goe to visit persons more to iniure then to honor them and that therefore it seemed to them a kind of exceeding madnes in stead of avoiding affronts to attend them in their houses and reverently to receiue them vvith Cappe in hand And albeit so potent a Monarchy to the great vvonder of all men had shevved herself much more sparing in giuing to others satisfaction of Titles then in bestovving her golden Pistolets nevertheles she hath receiued from those Princely Poets and from all the Vertuous Potentates that more regard the substance then the vanity of things in this same titular busines as much content as she could desire Hovvbeit the reputation of so great a Queen hath bin much blemished in this Court by reason she is seen notvvithstanding the extreme necessity that lyeth vpon her for the acquisition of friends to shevv her self too forvvard in alienating such from her as desire nothing of her but satisfaction of vvords Further it hath bin observed for a particular of much note hovv the Mr. of the Ceremonies advertised her that that great punto she so stands vpon is an odious thing onely proper to barbarous Kings and most vnvvorthy so great a Lady and such a Princesse of Europe as she vvas vvhereunto vvith much disdaine she ansvvered Hovv she vvondered that he considering the place he held should haue so litle vnderstanding as not to
times the face of feare whereupon she seemeth more apt to maintaine then conquer States There are many singular men that laugh at her for ruling all her actions by such solide and mature counsels without ever venturing any in the hand of that Chance and Fate vvhich haue so favoured and made glorious the French when as on occasions they haue bene carried more by valor then discretion And some are of the minde how that only proceedeth from her being as sparing of her owne bloud as she is thirsty after others Whence it is that the most vnderstanding Captaines in the Art of warre deride her for aspiring to the Empire of the World and yet will neuer fight for this mighty Queene being resolved to make acquisition of great States by marriages she abhorreth that dreadfull custome of the French to buy others Kingdomes with the price of their owne bloud Being then more advised then couragious she is more dangerous to her friend in peace then to her enemy in vvarre wherefore the French that hitherto haue liued with her in a supine negligence haue at length after so many calamities learned to double barre the doore when once they haue concluded a peace with the Spaniards She is most carelesse of her owne but so greedy of others riches that she careth not to waste her owne patrimoniall estates so as thereby she may get anothers She is so close so reserved that it is not possible for any cunning of man to find out her ends but he that will iudge of the disposition and customes of such a Lady must be fully perswaded that in all the affaires which either she manageth herselfe or others haue to negotiate with her she is within quite contrary to that she appeareth without And albeit that amongst the aforesaid vertues she hath so notorious vices yet by the greatnesse of her fortune every thing in her is interpreted and admired for Vertue so that many wise Princes hold it an honor to imitate her even in vices She is of constitution very strong whereupon it is concluded that she is long-liu'd only she suffereth in the indisposition of the distraction of her members a matter that doth infinitely weaken so great a Body and although with the ayde of the liberty of Genoa and the alliance she hath with the Duke of Savoy she vseth many devises to vnite them yet by the diversity of the interests of those Potentates she prevaileth litle But such a Princesse by nothing receiueth so much preiudice as by her principall ministers the Spaniards whose services alone she vseth in the greatest Charges exercised by them with so much insolency odious pride 〈◊〉 they will not be honored as men but adored as gods an impertinence that hath made the Spanish Dominion distasifull not only to the Italians and Flemmings but euen to the very Spaniards themselves This mighty Princesse then appearing in the Royall Hall before the Maiesty of Apollo she caused her seruants to vnbinde her left arme and shewing it naked vnto Apollo and to all the sacred Colledge of the Learned she spake in this manner Lord and Father of good letters this vvhich you see is that same stinking Yssue of Flanders vvhich the French the Germanes and some Italian Princes vvhich seeme my friends and that in bowelled beyond Sea Renegada made me so many yeeres since out of the suspition they had of mee I grant that the Princes I haue named had iust cause to bee iealous of my power at such time as after the death of Henry the second they saw France falne into the calamity of infant Kings and that in their minority I sought to sow dissention in that Kingdome But now that those suspitions are vvanting and that in the great contention vvhich I had with the French and particularly vvith that same vnchayned Prince of Beaâ—ne I vvas condemned in costs I doe beseech of your Maiesty that so fastidious an Yssue may be stopped since every one seeth that by the great abundance of humors vvhich are there concurring it is become so raging a Canker that I pray God it doth not end vvith the ruine of the vvhole I did not passe into Italy through mine owne ambition nor had that ardent desire to possesse my selfe wholly of it as mine enemies affirme it is vvell knowne that I was called nay forethly haâ—â—â—… thither by the Princes of Italy themselues to deliuer them from the great feare they were in of the domination of the French And happy had it beene for my House of Spayne vvhich I had covered with Slate of silver and Tyles of massie gold if I never had had any thing to doe with the Italians a double dealing Nation full of deceits and interests and onely good to imbarke men in dangerous affayres vvithout Bisket and then to abandon them in the middest of greatest perils making profession of nothing more then to fare well at other mens costs And it seemeth marueylous strange to mee that Italy which as every man knowes hath suffered her selfe to be towzed by so many strange Nations should now make such profession of chastity to mee that if shee see me never so little to moue shee entreth straight into a jealousie that I vvill depriue her of the honour of her Liberty And albeit the greatnesse wherein the Kingdome of France standeth at this instant secureth Italy and all the Princes which I have named from the feare they are in of my power yet vvhen it shall so seeme good to your Maiestie I am ready to give security to every one of not offending so that this same fastidious Yssue of mine may be stopped By order then of his Maiestie the Yssue then was diligently considered by the politicall Physicians and having made an exquisite consultation thereupon they delivered That in regard the Spanish Monarchy was troubled with an ardent thâ—rit of Domination that Yssue was necessary for her whereby those grosse humors might be purged away which from Peru distilled downe into her stomacke and caused that vnquenchable thirst And those worthy Physicians considered that if the sayd Monarchy had not that Yssue there was manifest danger that the pernicious humors of Peru would mount vp into the head of Italy with apparant ruine of the principall members which now remaine free in her and that the said Monarchy of Spayne would fall into the Dropsie of an Vniuersall Monarchy to avoid vvhich inconveniences nothing was so proper said they as that same Yssue of Flanders which was to be kept open so long as Peru ministred those pernicious humors to the Monarchy of Spayne This resolution greatly displeased the Spanish Monarchy vvherevpon being much incensed she said thus Sir if through the malice of others I must so foully consume away my selfe in ministring oyntments to the Canker vvhich my enemies call a divertiue Yssue some peradventure that litle dreame of it shall haue their share in it This was presently apprehended by the English the French and Italians who replied
to attempt it The weight of this Kingdome was answerable to that of the last fifteenth yeare which amounted to sixteene Millions But the English to giue more weight to their Kingdome would haue put the Kingdome of Scotland into the Scale when the Scottish Nobilitie with drawen swords in their hands opposed themselues freely protesting that they would never suffer their Country to be annexed to the Kingdome of the English for yet fresh was the lamentable example of the miseries of Flanders who when she saw her Earles become Kings of Spayne foolishly beleeved that shee should command over the Spanyards whereas soone after not Spayne was sacked by the Flemmings but Flanders by the covetous and cruell Spaniards and that which made vp their miserie Charles the fifth the Emperor and King Philip his sonne by their continuall residence in Spayne of Flemmings became Spanyards The vnfortunate Flemmings by losing their Prince of naturall subiects grew to be esteemed strangers and men of little faith And so Flanders the naturall Country of Charles the fifth the Patrimony of King Philip became according to the termes of moderne Policie a State of fiue States and began to be governed by strangers with those jealousies and with those oppressions of Customes Taxes Contributions and Donatiues as begat those bad humors those ill satisfactions from whence since hath proceeded that ciuill warre which after an vnspeakable profusion of Gold an infinite effusion of bloud an incredible losse of honour to the Flemmings was converted into a covetous merchandise of the Spanyards Therefore the Scots by such lamentable miseries haue learned not to permit their King vpon any termes whatsoever to abandon the Royall Seate of his ancient Kingdome for to place it in a greater newly fallen vnto him in which case the Scots should vnder their cruell enemies the English be sure to suffer all the calamities which inferiour Nations are wont to endure at the hands of the superiour Some that were present at this Act report how the Spanyards told the King of England that those Scots which had spoken so arrogantly in the presence of his Majestie were to be seuerely chastised to whom the King of England answered That the Spaniards ought not to giue that counsell vnto others which had proved so pernicious to themselues and thereupon hauing commanded the stay of weighing their Kingdome hee assured his Scots that ere long he would giue them all possible satisfaction After this the vast Ottoman Empire was put into the Scale which the last fifteenth yeare arrived to the summe of two and thirtie Millions but now was found to be lesse then sixteene the strangenesse whereof made all the Princes very much to marvaile and particularly the Venetians who could not beleeue such a fall whereupon they desired that with more diligence it might be reweighed and it appeared how in that litle time running betweene the first and this second weighing it had fallen eight hundreth twenty and two pounds whereby it was manifest that the Ottoman Empire heretofore so terrible to the world now consumed with luxury covetuousnesse and idlenesse runneth headlong to his ruine which gaue great contentment to all those Princes Nevertheles it was observed by some of the wisest there present that the Spanyards were not so glad of it as the rest out of a doubt they had that the depression of the Turke would be the exaltation of the Venetian State Then came the Polach Senators and put into the Scale their Kingdome which in regard of the small authoritie the King hath there and the too much command which the Palatines arrogate vnto themselues made but a poore reckoning for it did not amount to six Millions of pounds whereas in times past it alwayes exceeded twelue After them the Signory of the Councell of Tenn put into the Scale the flourishing estate of the Venetian Commonwealth most admirable for the greatnesse thereof and oportunitie of scituation fitting for all great enterprises which went beyond all expectation in the weight for it came to eight Millions the cause whereof was sayd to be the huge masse of Gold which those wise Senators in so long a time of peace had gathered togither into their Treasury Next came the Swittzers the Grisons and other free people of Germany and brought their Comonweales to the Scale How beit the Princes required that they might be weighed each one severally by it selfe wherewith the Germanes were well contented so that it might be done But Lorenzo having put the Commonwealth of Basil into the Scale it appeared that the greater part of the other Common weales of Germany were all so linked together that it was impossible to seperate them one from another which put a many of ambitious Princes there in a sweate Then the Duke of Savoy caused his State to be put into the Scale by his noble Knights of the Annonciata which equalled the weight of the last fifteenth yeare but Lorenzo having added into the Scale that most noble prerogatiue of Title which the sayd Duke Charles Emanuell enioyeth of the Prime Souldyer of Italy it was seene to aggravate the weight a Million foure hundreth and twenty pounds After this with a pompe and Maiestie matchable to Kings appeared the Duke of Lorraine whose State though litle equalled the weight of great Kingdomes and it was considered that it fell out to be so by a certaine good fortune which that Prince had to haue his States so happily seated that he could easily put the Lowe-Countreys into grievous difficulties by impeaching the passage of those succors which the Spaniards conduct thither out of Italy whereby he hath growen into such reputation that to the most offerer he selleth for ready Gold the marchandise of that his adhering in such sort that after he had dreyned the Spanyards asmuch as any the devoutest French Lord of the Holy League whatsoever syding afterwards with the French he knew so well how to change his coppy that a King of France such as was Henry the fourth the great Duke of Toscan and the Duke of Mantoua were glad of his allyance And fully to make vp the Spanyards iealousye the famous Venetian Commonwealth drew into her pay a Prince of that House with such affection that if that great Lady had not made a vow of perpetuall chastity and her nature according to the custome of some Indians had not bene stytched vp the first day she was borne by the Venetian Signory most jelous of her honor it was verily beleeved by many that she would haue taken him to husband It was observed that the Duke of Savoy envyed much the felicity of this Prince because he finding himselfe also seated betweene the French and the Spanyards of Milan as the Duke of Loraine was betweene the French and the Spanyards of Flanders in stead of so many benefits and so many commodities as fell vpon the Duke of Loraine he had received most cruell kickes not onely from the French then his enemies but from
those intestine discords which have made it a slave to Strangers Vpon so sad an answere the Monarchy of Spayne full of griefe departed out of the Temple and much she marvailed when shee saw the French Monarchy present her selfe before her with whom having vsed her wonted Complements shee drew her aside and declaring vnto her what answere shee had received from the Oracle shee informed her that if the Vniversall Monarchy should returne againe to the Italian Nation France would quickly be as sure to feele a new Iulius Caesar as Spayne a second Scipio and therefore to secure their affaires there was no such way as to divide Italy betweene them Shee also offered to teach her the same Receipt which shee had so happily experimented in the Indiaes wherewithall they might so assure themselves of the Italian Nation that there should remaine no more of that wicked race of men in the world then the bare name Let me first forget answered then the French Monarchy that vnlucky devision of the Kingdome of Naples which my king Lewis the twelfth made not long since with you and then we will talke of this businesse For it is not so easy a matter to wrong the French a second time as I perceiue you perswade your selfe it is As for the receipt which to be secured of the Italians you propound vnto me I pray you vse it your selfe for to spoyle the earth of people as you haue done in the Indiaes and to raign over naked Countreys voyd of inhabitants is a certaine politick Precept which is not found in the French reason of State for I haue learned to my cost to content my selfe with a litle so it be good and therefore I place my greatnesse more in the multitude of Subiects then in the extent of Kingdomes and so as my French may liue cōmodiously in this world I am well pleased that others shall doe so too Moreover with that libertie which is proper to my nature I will freely tell you that the subduing of all Italy is not an enterprise so facile as you imagine for when I was of your humor I know how pernicious it proved to me and therefore be warned by my experience not to attempt that which in the end will bring you nothing but losse and disgrace CHAP. 7. Almansor sometime King of the Moores encountring with the Kingdome of Naples they relate one to another the miseries they sustayne by the oppression of the Spanyards THe famous King of Moores Almansor he that many yeares togither raigned in Spayne over the noble Realme of Granada met yesterday with the Kingdome of Naples and falling in talke with him after he had for a good space observed the chayne which the sayd Kingdome of Naples wore fastned about his legge he told him that the manufacture thereof being Moresco he verily thought that he had many times scene and handled it some where els and a litle while after with a shew of great marvayle he affirmed that he knew it well and how it was the very same wherewith all both he and the Moorish Kings his Predecessors had for the space of seven hundreth yeares held many Kings of Spayne in servitude and therefore he earnstely entreated him to let him vnderstand how by whom and when he was chayned in that manner A very good eye and an excellent memory hast thou Almansor answered then the Kingdome of Naples for this vnlucky chayne which thou seest about my legge was brought out of Spaine by Gonsalvo Corduba called the great Captaine and therefore it is very likely to be the same thou speakest of And now it is an hundreth yeares since first I found my selfe in the miserable servitude wherein thou beholdest me and from which I know not whither ever I shall be freed for in regard of the mighty power whereunto I see the sorces of the Spaniards arrived having vtterly lost all hope of assistance that may be expected from men I know that my ancient libertie standeth wholly in the poewrfull hand of God who had need to renew in me the miracles of the Red-Sea if my deliverance shall follow The yeares replyed Almansor confront well for a litle before the time of thy servitude the Spanyards vndid this my chayne from about the legge of the Kingdome of Granada where withall afterwards they bound thee But let it not displease thee O Kingdome of Naples to declare vnto me how it could come to passe that the Spanyards should make themselues Masters of such a Kingdome as thou art so potent and so farre distant from their Forces By fraud Almansor sayd the Neapolitan Kingdome did the Spanyards get into Italy for by open force they had never beene able to make such notable acquests and as thou saydest well so disproportionable to their Forces which vvere so farre off But heare and vvonder at the large and grosse conscience of a King of Spayne in matters of State although he vsed much art to seeme vnto foolish men a very Saint for thou shalt come vnto the knowledge of a Tragedy according to the rules of my Christian Religion most vvicked and cruell but according to the termes of moderne Policie the most advised that ever any Nation represented vpon the Stage of the vvorld Alfonso my King to his vtter and my chiefest ruine gaue Isabella his Niece for from this vnhappy marriage did my displantation take beginning to Iohn Galeazzo Duke of Milan for vvife The minortie first and then the vnspeakeable silly weakenesse of so infortunate a Prince incouraged Lodovico Sforza to vsurpe the State vpon his Nephew Alfonso as it behoved him sought to hinder that Tyranny vvhere of Lodovico being aware and knowing that without the ruine of my Kings it vvas not possible for him to arriue vnto the end of his most injust desire he fell into that resolution vvhich afterwards both to himselfe to me and to all the Princes of Italy proved so fatall of drawing the French into Italy to the conquest of me My Kings to defend themselues from such mighty enemies called to their ayde that holy soule of Ferdinand King of Aragon their Cousin who shewed himselfe so kind a kinsman and such a faithfull friend that in stead of chasing avvay the French enemies he divided me with them and to shew himselfe compleat a little after this vnhappy division he entred into warres against the French and having overcome them he forced them to returne full of shame and losse into their countrey vvhereupon the good King Ferdinand without any scruple at all of conscience became my absolute Lord and then it was that he fastned this chayne about my legge which thou remembrest to be the manufacture and worke of thy Nation And I do not thinke that in all the Chronicles of the Saracens Moores or Turks vvhich it is likely thou hast read there was ever a more vvicked treachery recorded done by a King that desired to be reputed a man of a good conscience and of an holy
disposition and that a litle before had receiued of the Apostolicke Sea that glorious title of the most Catholike King Truly replyed Almansor in the Chronicles which thou hast named of my Nation many foule actions cōmitted by divers Princes out of ambition to raigne may be read but this which thou hast recounted of Ferdinand goeth beyond them all But if thou O Almansor sayd the Kingdome of Naples diddest with thy Nation keepe the Kingdome of Granada chayned so many hundreth yeares vvhat course tooke the Spanyards for to free him That Vnion of the Kingdomes of Castile and Aragon replyed Almansor which followed vpon the marriage between Ferdinand and Isabella occasioned the libertie of the Kingdome of Granada a most vnhappy Vnion the which no lesse then I haue done and continually still doe the greatest Potentates of Europe haue lamented doe lament and perpetually with vnfained teares vvill lament as that which is the true and onely roote from vvhence are sprung all those greatest subversions of States which vnto this day haue beene seene in many partes of Europe but more remarkeably in Italy And beleeue me Neapolitan Kingdome that even till now might I haue raigned happily in Spayne if this pestiferous Vnion had not overthrowen my greatnesse for the many jealousies that raigned betweene the Castilians and Aragonians were my inexpugnable Cittadels which would haue maintayned my raigne here for ever Withall assure thy self O Kingdome of Naples that the aydes which the Popes gaue to Ferdinand and Queene Isabella greatly accelerated my taking in Peace peace Almansor said then the Neapolitan Kingdom for after thou wert chaced out of Spayne by the ambitious Spanish Nation the Popes vndervvent such miseries that it may be truly sayd how with ready mony they bought those extreame calamities wherewithall afterwards they encountred for though the Sea Apostolicall were well contented to see the Moores driven out of Spaine yet that satisfaction was much dissasted with my servitude which followed presently vpon it the Popes having never had any thing in greater feare then that I should fall into the hands of a mighty Prince vvho might make them liue in those perpetuall jealousies vvherein finding themselues drowned even vp to the very eyes many of them and particularly those that haue a greater knowledge of things of the vvorld do not alwayes make quiet sleepes A cleare testimony of the truth which I speake was the lamentable and wicked sacke of Rome perpetrated by the Spanyards a litle after my servitude with which ingratitude they payd the Apostolicke Sea for all they were debtors vnto it aswell for the remission of the Tribute of Naples as for the other succors which they received in the vvarre of Granada A calamitie that having past the termes of most grievous miseries hath in such manner opened the eyes even of men of the drowsiest vnderstanding that every one cōmeth clearely to know what it is to vnchayne the Lyon out of a zeale of pietie for the Spanyards no sooner saw themselues freed from the impediment of the Moores of Granada but that through the ambition which they shewed in desiring to cōmand over the whole Vniverse not onely in Italy but throughout all Europe most important jealousies of State and most grievous interests of Religion discovered themselues in so much that I haue often heard it discoursed by men of most vnderstanding in affayres of the vvorld how peradventure it would haue beene lesse prejudiciall for many Princes of Europe that thou haddest raigned still in Granada then that the Spanyards should haue passed into Italy to acquire such important States as at this day they possesse there Hereunto may be added the prejudices both publike and priuate which my ruine hath brought and continually doth bring vnto the Italian Princes and more particularly to the Popes because the Kings of Spayne had no sooner fastned this Chayne about my legge but presently they began to aspire vnto the Dominion of all Italy and the quicklier to arriue thereunto they knew very excellently how to interesse themselves in the differences which at that time depended betweene the Princes of Italy and the French about the possession of the Dutchy of Milan wherein that top of man Charles the fifth carried himselfe in such sort that hee made himselfe to bee knowen the worthy Nephew of his Grandfather by the Mothers side for having with the Forces of the Italian Princes chased the French out of Italy instead of restoring the Sforzi to the State as it was agreed betwixt him and the confederate Princes with the fraud of a thousand Turkish quarrels pickt of purpose which he well knew how to invent against the Sforzi he made himselfe absolute Master of that so important a Dutchy Stay Kingdome of Naples and making a point here sayd Almansor satisfie me in this seeing the noble State of Milan was fallen into the hands of the Spanyards what hindred them from running precipitously to the acquisition of all Italy and seeing thy servitude doth manifest vnto the world that the aydes and succours of Princes serue more for the benefite of him that giveth them then for the profit of him that receiveth them why would not the Italian Princes rather suffer that Milan should be vnder the Dominion of the French then by receiving ayde from the Spanyards runne the danger of letting that Dutchy beeing so important a member of Italy fall into the hands as thou saydest it did of the Kings of Spayne The power of the Kings of France answered the Neapolitan Kingdome defendeth that remnant of Liberty which remaineth in Italy from the ambition of Spaine for those glorious Kings out of the interest of their greatnesse will not endure that the Dominion of all Italy should fall into the power of the ambitious Spanish Nation which cannot extinguish the ardent thirst they have of commanding neither with the Conquest of all the new World discovered by them nor with so great a part which they possesse in the old Besides the Italian Princes who know the great perill wherein they finde they are of a dangerous and miserable servitude have so vnited themselves together that although they be many in number yet make they but one Body and the Spaniards who haue vsed and doe vse all possible devises to dis-unite them evidently perceive that they wash a Black-Moore But touching the State of Milan thou must know how it was iudged more secure for the publike Liberty of Italy that that Dutchy should fall into the power of the Spaniards then that it should remaine in the hands of the French who for that they were ioyning to Italy when therein they should possesse any little part there would haue beene manifest danger that they would haue made themselves absolute Lords of the whole but in the Spanyards it would fall out cleane contrary for their Forces albeit very great are notwithstanding so farre off that by so long a tract of sea they could with much difficulty transport out of Spayne
into Italy Forces that were able to maintaine the acquests they had made not that they could be sufficient to subdue the whole Thou speakest the truth sayd then Almansor but goe on and declare vnto me the prejudices which thy falling into the hands of the Spaniards brought vnto the Popes Know then replyed the Kingdome of Naples that whereas before the Popes were the terror of my Kings now it happeneth to bee cleane otherwise for they liue in a very great agony lest the Vnion of Milan with Naples should one day follow to which marke they obserue the Spanyards haue directed the scope of all their thoughts vvhereupon the Spanyards whose proper nature it is to make good vse of the feare vvhereinto they see they haue put the Princes their neighbours haue arrogated vnto themselves such authority in the Court of Rome that they vaunt they are the true arbitrators of all the most important matters vvhich there are handled Moreover when the Kings of Naples were not Kings of Spayne the Popes with every litle menace of denying the investiture obtayned of my Kings Principalities Dutchyes Earldomes and other great States in gift buying their friendships also with mariages and many other sortes of liberalitie but now the feare being ceased if the Popes vvil make their kinred great with titles of important States they must be glad to buy them with their ready mony and the advised Kings of Spayne besides the pretious Gold of entreaties which at any hand they will bee sure shall precede for a first payment sell them vnto them thoroughly sawced Important interests and grievous disorders are these sayd Almansor vvhich thou hast recounted vnto me but how cometh it that thou Kingdome of Naples which art the Magazine of Silkes the Granary of Italy shouldest goe so ragged and be so leane Seeing the Spanyards that come naked out of Spayne answered the Kingdome of Naples after they haue beene three or foure dayes in my house will needs cover themselves all over with gold it is no marvaile if I be spoyled to clothe so many Raggedemuffins besides if thou sawest the rapacitie of the Vice-roys that to recover them selves are sent vnto me or if thou knewest the rapines of Secretaryes of thousand Officers and other Courtiers which they bring along with them all thirsty of my bloud thou wouldest greatly marvayle how it were possible I should satiare the raging and greedy swallow of so many hunger-starved wretches As for the litle flesh thou seest on my back the Spanyards affirme that in the booke of a certaine Florentine who hath given rules of the cruell moderne Policie they find written that being a Kingdome conquered after the manner of those horses vvhich are kept only for races I ought to be maintayned low in the flesh I but sayd Almansor then the Milanesi how are they entreated They also replyed the Kingdome of Naples are bathed with the water wherewithall thou seest mee so wet only this difference is betwixt vs that in Milan are droppes in my house flouds The true occasion of the diversitie of these entreatings is the quality of the Lombards dispositions most vnlike to my Neapolitans for the Nobilitie of the State of Milan are naturally phantasticall free resolute and farre from that vice so proper to my Neapolitans of flattery and affectation but so bold and hardy that they dare say how if one only Cremonese spirit had beene found amongst my Neapolitan Barons it would haue hindered that same forced donatiue that hath brought me to eate Bread and Onyons the which although with great words it hath beene often demanded by the Spanyards in Milan they haue beene as resolutely answered that they should take care to liue Besides the confining of the Grisons of the Duke of Savoy and Venetians are the cause that the Kings of Spayne proceed with more diseretion in Milan for when the Popes managed Armes I my selfe also was for their occasion greatly respected But soft Almansor yonder commeth my most capitall enemy Don Pedro de Toledo wherefore I pray thee withdraw a litle for at any hand I would not haue him take notice that I lament my disgraces heere vvith thee and for this onely vvere it for nothing els may I tearme my servitude most wretched in that I am forced to call this miserable state wherein thou seest me the happy golden Age. CHAP. 8. Sigismund Battor learneth the Latin tongue YEsterday about eight of the clocke in the evening the ordinary Post of Germany arrived at this Court and brought very ioyfull newes how Sigismund Battor Prince of Transilvania was growen so inamored of the gracefull Latine tongue that to his great glory he spake and wrote with the puritie and eloquence of the Cesarean style whereupon all the Vertuous earnestly besought Apollo that for such good newes there might be made in Pernassus all those demonstrations of ioy which to incourage Great-men to the loue of Learning were wont to be made when any Prince became learned But his Maiestie that seeth into the vttermost secret of all things denied those Vertuous their request and told them that then only there should be feasting in Pernassus when out of the freenesse of a noble minde and meere election of studies not constrayned by any necessitie Princes applyed themselves to Learning and that they were to know how Prince Battor had gotten the elegant Latine tongue neither out of ambition to shew himselfe to bee learned nor out of a vertuous curiosity to know many things but onely out of necessitie for his reputations sake to correct the foolish and childish absurditie which he committed in Gender Number and Case at such time as in the warre of Hungary he tooke that fatall resolution to arme himselfe against the Turke for to adhere vnto the Emperor of Germany whom in regard of the strong and lively pretensions which he hath to the Principaliâ—y of Transilvania he was to haue in more horror then seventy Ottoman Emperours CHAP. 9. The Cardinall of Toledoes Summa is not admitted into the Library of Pernassus THe illustrious and reuerend Francesco Cordova Cardinall of Toledo a personage of exemplarie life an exquisite Divine and excellent Philosopher hee that in his owne person honoured the Word of God in the Pulpit more then any other Preacher whatsoever of his time some few dayes since arrived at Pernassus having beene received vpon the confines of the State by Alessandro d' Ales and Cornelio Musso Bishop of Bitonto and all the way entertayned at his Majesties charge This honorable learned man presented his Writings vnto the venerable Colledge of the Vertuous and those of Philosophie were not only commended but admired as also the Commentaries composed by him vpon the divine passages of all the sacred Writers were received with extraordinary applause and shortly after they were carried in a precious Vrne vnder a cloth of Estate into the Delphicke Library and with the name of the Author consecrated to Eternity Onely his Summa although
hemselfe to the vast Ottoman Empire said vnto him That the crueltie which he vsed onely vpon light suspitions against his chiefest ministers was held by all the world to bee a bloudy course it being a received opinion that men of extraordinary valour and merit should not be layd hands on but for great and prooved offences And that when the Ottoman Princes did even justly take away the lives of their ministers the custome of seizing vpon their Estates to their owne vse and thereof vtterly depriving the children did scandalize all good justice because it seemed that with such cruell rigour the Estates rather then the faults of the delinquents were hunted after To this so open a correction the Ottoman Empire answered with admirable gravity That hee was growen to that greatnesse wherein hee was seene by the onely two most powerfull meanes of reward without measure and punishment vvithout end And that the sole foundation of he quiet of every State being placed in the fidelity of the most important ministers Princes were not to seeke any thing with more care then with immense rewards to allure them vnto faithfulnesse and vvith infinite punishments to terrifie them from trecheries That those ministers vvhich have in their power the Forces Command and Governments of States not beeing able to erâ—e but in most important matters it vvere the counsell of a foolish Prince vpon suspitions of that moment to arraigne accuse and heare the justifications of the offendor but in such a case the Prince which will runne no danger ought to indevour to surprise his minister vpon the sudden and to deale so securely that the execution of the punishment may precede even the accusation itselfe That many times it had fallen out that he with a suddaine chastisement had preuented the consummation of most foule treasons Which resolution though he acknowledged to be most seuere yet he knew it had so wrought that there vvere neuer seene in his State any Counts St Paul Princes of Orange Dukes of Guise d' Aumale du Maine de Mercure and other foule monsters of disloyaltie vvhich vvith the shame of those Princes that vvith halters poynards and axes knew not how to preuent such dangerous offences haue beene seene otherwhere It being a rule in matters of State as common as secure That that minister which giveth to his Prince the least shadow of suspicion of his faith incurreth a capitall paine because those Captaines which haue the care of Armies in their power are bound like the wives of Honorable personages to liue with such puritie of minde that they be free not only from blame but from the least suspicion of a blame-worthy thought That touching the seazure of his Basshawes estates after their death he thought he might truly say that the entertainements gifts and wealth wherewithall other Princes rewarded their ministers in comparison of those inexhaustible riches which he bestowed on his well-deseruing Officers were vile and poore as those Royall Treasures which Ruften Mahomet Ibrahin and infinite others left behinde them after their decease haue fully testified That the greatest regard which a Prince ought to haue in rewarding his ministers consisteth in prouiding that the vnmeasurable riches wherewith he bought of them infinite fidelitie may not possibly at any time be conuerted to the prejudice of him that vsed the liberalitie That from the grieuous disorders fallen out in the States of other Potentates he had found it to be a matter most pernicious vnto Princes that the extraordinary riches left by a deseruing minister should passe vnto his children not hauing first deserved it by their vertue valour and fathers said fidelitie of the Prince That he had not out of couetousnesse as many misjudged confiscated the great inheritances of his Basshawes but that by the coÌ„moditie thereof those subjects should not be idle consequently vicious which being descended of fathers of notable valour gaue the Prince assured hope they would imitate the vertues of their Progenitors That the gate of his Treasure stood perpetually open to the heyres of his ministers to restore them their fathers enheritances twice doubled when they with their fidelitie and valour should deserue them and how much the riches of men vicious and subject to ambition were apt to disturbe the peace of any Kingdome how great soeuer well appeared by the fresh examples which he had seene both in France and Flanders Whilst the Ottoman Empire spake in this manner he obserued that the renowned French Monarchy with the shaking of her head seemed to declare that she no way approued those reasons whereupon somewhat the more moued he said thus Mighty Queene my custome in seizing vpon the estates of my Basshawes is profitable for the greatnesse and quiet of my State and in regard of the friendship that is betwixt vs I would to God the same course were obserued in your France for you know full well to what vse Henry the Duke of Guize conuerted the exceeding riches wherewithall the liberall Kings Francis the first and Henry the second rewarded the merits of Duke Francis his father You and I and all those that raigne do know how the sweetest bayte that can allure men is a Crowne and there beeing no man which for to taste neuer so litle of it but would hold it a great pleasure for to expose euen his life to manifest danger of losing it Princes ought to be most vigilant in keeping with extreamest severitie the passages thereunto closed vp against all men nay they ought to accomodate their affâ—â—â—es in such sort that no priuate man whatsouer should once hope to taste of so sweet a thing And I tell you freely that if your Duke of Guize had in my State but only thought that which with such publike scandall he boldly put in execution in your Kingdome of France I wold the very first day haue given him that blow whervnto your King Henry the third although hee were incited vnto it by the greater part of the Princes of Italy could neuer be drawen vntill the very last hower of his shamefull disgraces and euen at that instant when the sore of the French vprores vvas become an incurable vlcer for where ambition raigneth among Nobles Princes are constrained to shew themselues all severitie continually keeping scaffalds in readinesse and prepared to punish the seditious and rebellious and their Treasury open to reward the quiet and the loyall that Prince beeing vnworthy to command that hath not the vnderstanding how to make himselfe be obeyed neither can there be a more scandalous matter seene or met withall in a State then that the Prince should liue in jealousy of an Officer which ought to tremble before him But it is the propertie of you the Princes of Christendome making profession of Learning and directing your selues by rules of Policie to call me Barbarous and my secure way of proceeding Tyrannicall whilst in the meane time yee suffer your selues to be reduced by your heroicall vertues of
then such grievous disorders about thirtie yeares past his Maiestie commanded that the infortunate Count S t. Paul the Prince of Orange and the Duke of Guize should be closely carried in a Caroch by Gio Francesco Lottini the secret Register of Morall precepts in this Court vnto the porch of the Delphicke Temple vvhere those three great Princes vvith their hands without fingers and all so foully torne as if they had beene gnawen with dogges vvere shewed by Lottini to the people vvhich came in and out at the Temple vnto vvhom vvith a lowd voyce he said Yee faithfull Vertuous devoted vnto Learning and holy Morall precepts by this so miserable calamitie of these vnhappy Princes depriued of the vse of their hands which God preserue vnto you take example and learne vvhat it is for a man to suffer himselfe to be carried to such simplicitie as to plucke Crabbes out of their holes with his owne hands for the benefit of another CHAP. 15. The Monarchy of Spayne inviteth the Cardinall of Toledo to be her Theologian which he refuseth and why THe report goeth in this Court that the Mighty Monarchy of Spayne by her chiefe Secretarie in vited the worthy Cardinall of Toledo vvith allowance of a large pension to assist as her Theologian in the Royall Councell of State to the end that no hing should be determined there vvhich might be against his conscience This matter filled the vvhole Court vvith marvaile in regard euery one knew how litle that Prelate in the rebenediction of the most Christian King Henry the 4. favoured the affaires of his Prince for vvhich cause no man could imagne the occasion vvherefore so vvise a Queene in a businesse of such weight should vse the service of so diffident a subiect Those vvhich make profession best to vnderstand the manner of proceeding of the advised Spanish Nation even in this resolution acknowledged the inveterate prudence of the Kings of Spayne vvhose proper custome it is never to be at quiet vntill that vvith pensions vvith honorable Charges with all kinde of loving demonstrations and humane deuises they haue drawen vnto their partie all such great subjects as they see to be alienated from their Interest and from vvhom they know that one day yet they may receive services The chiefest Confidents of so great a Cardinal deliuer that his Lordship very gladly accepted the noble Charge propounded vnto him howbeit vvith this condition vvhich by the Spaniards vvas presently rejected that whensoever vvith the authoritie of the sacred Scriptures vvith the Doctrine of the holy Fathers vvith the ordinances of the Cannons he should make the Royall Councell capable how the resolutions made in it vvere disagreeing from the Lawes of God and men he alone then vvould haue power to hinder the execution of them and all to the end the World might know That the Royall Theologian in that Councell was only to helpe the conscience of his King vvith the will of God not to serve for a maske to establish the Dominion of Kingdomes over men for it seemed too shamefull a matter vnto him that such a one as he should be employed to authorise the diabolicall impietie of the moderne reason of State and to make most stinking Assa fetida appeare vnto simple people very excellent Muske CHAP. 16. The Spaniards attempt the acquisition of Savoy but doe not prevaile SEeing that for to draw the French naile out of the table of Milan vvhere it vvas fixed the ill-advised Italian Princes had made vse of the Spanish pickaxe which entred in such manner into the very table it selfe that it was neuer possible since to draw it forth with any kinde of pincers whatsoever all the Potentates of Europe and especially the Italian Princes which perceived that the Spanyards after the servitude of the Milanesi openly aspired to the absolute Dominion of all Italy to the end they might secure that remainder of libertie which is yet resting in her agreed amongst themselves that every five and twentieth yeare the Chaine vvhich the Spanyards haue forged for the Italian servitude should vvith exact diligence be measured by persons thereunto deputed And comming a few daies since accordingly to measure it the Italian Princes to their infinit amazement found that so odious a Chaine vvas encreased vvith fiue most prejudiciall linkes presently whereupon the Politicall Smithes were called who very carefully made an aslay of the yron added to the Chaine and they found that the first linke vvas forged at Piombino the other at Finale the third at Correggio the fourth at Porto Lungone and the last at Monaco Greatly did the Princes marvaile at the strangenesse of this accident and many of them were ashamed tht thorough their carelesse simplicitie the Spanyards had encreased the Chaine of the Italian servitude much more in peace then they could haue done in warre with foure Armies With these strange exorbitances the Italian Princes were so incensed against the Spanyards that they told them freely how if they did not containe themselues within the bounds of honestie and modestie if the Italian files would not suffise to reduce that miserable Chaine to his due measure they would make vse of the French and if with them neither they could obtaine their intent they would procure enough from England and Germany yea and in case of desperation they would not sticke to furnish themselues with those excellent damasked ones that are made in Turkie Whilst the Italian Princes were in this contestation there arrived a Poste which in all hast had beene dispatched out of Italy vnto them with this certaine aduertisement That the Spaniards were forging another linke in Savoy to be added vnto the Chaine of their servitude in regard of which newes the renowned Venetian Libertie instantly opened her famous Arsenall and all the Princes of Italy ranne to arme themselues the warlike French Monarchy cōmanded her Nobilitie to horse all Germany put themselves in order to passe the mountaines and the numerous Fleetes of the English and Hollanders set saile towards the streights of Gibraltar when just in the nicke even as all the World was in Armes a new Poste arrived vvho pacified the minds of men with this intelligence that indeed it was true how the Spanyards had laboured vvith all possible industry to forge that most important Linke of Savoy but that they had sweat in vaine because in the soldering it broke CHAP. 17. The Duke d'Alva beeing arrived at Pernassus in complementing with Prospero Colonna they fall foule about defrauding the Colonesi of their Titles DOn Hernando de Toledo Duke d'Alva a few dayes since arrived at Pernassus and by expresse order from Apollo a diligent examination of his actions beeing made by the militarie men he was found worthy to be admitted into Pernassus amongst those famous Captaines which without effusion of bloud knew how to vanquish an enemy more by patience and art then by open force or valour that durst hazard the fortune of Kingdomes vpon the doubtfull
the Lyons jawes they would soon become absolute Masters of the World All which are insolencies that vvith daggers points not by you Italians but by the Monarchy of Spayne herselfe ought to be revenged vvith all kinde of crueltie on her Spanish Ministers who with their vanitie distaste the good servants of so great a Queene and make her government nothing acceptable to her subjects A disorder that bringing much difficultie to the substance of that Vniversal Monarchy wherunto it is not possible she can arrive vvith the publike hatred of all Italy hath high need of remedie With this answere Apollo returned the Lord Prospero exceeding well satisfied to his house after whom the Duke d'Alva appeared before his Majesty with all his family wonderfull melancholy vvhich cast such milke in their faces that the Spanyards seemed not so blacke as ordinarily those Moores that come out of Granada vse to be Then Apollo interrupting the complaint vvhich the Duke was about to make against the Lord Colonna said Duke I am much displeased vvith the disorder vvhich I vnderstand hath happened and so much the more by how much the cause of such an vprore is not very just nor vvithall very honourable on thy side And vpon this occasion it pleaseth me to remember vnto you Spanyards that to be not only niggards as to all men ye are knowen but not to vse prodigalitie in giving vnto others those Titles vvhich are desired is a manifest signe of malignitie because the ingenuous nobilitie of a Baron is knowen by shewing litle covetousnesse in receiving Titles and much liberalitie in giving them For even by over much not by due honour doth greater reputation accrew to him that giveth then to him that receiveth it And you Spanyards that vse such austeritie in desiring great Titles onely for your selves are not avvhit encreased in reputation but rather are become so odious and ridiculous to all men that the Italians in their Comedies haue deservedly introduced the personage of the Spanyard to represent vnto the World a perfect Braggadochia I wonder yee should not preceive that in thinking to arrive vnto the Dominion of the earth by abusing men is the vvrong way to the wood The mindes of men Duke are taken vvith the baite of humanitie vvith the whistle of gratitude of courtesie of gentlenesse and that Fowler would shew himselfe very ignorant that should goe with a drumme into a Dove-house for to take Pigeons as I see you Spanyards foolishly doe Moreover I tell you that if ever any Nation vvere to make a baite of dignities for to allure the Italians to fall into the nets of your Dominions and light vpon the Lime-bush of your servitude it is you Spanyards for the ends vvhich yee haue vpon Italy Withall yee are to consider that the States vvhich yee possesse of Naples and Milan are fastned vnto you with Waxe for yee shall command over those two members no longer then till the Italians resolve to chase you from thence who if they could be assured that after your ruine they should not fall into the power of the French ye should quickly know that only vvith a litle disturbance which they could give you in the Port of Genoua they would put you into a thousand intricate difficulties all matters that should admonish you to give satisfaction at leastwise in vvords to them whom in regard of your Interests in Italy yee are obliged to respect As for the injurie vvhich you say you have received from the Lord Prospero I tell you plainly that whatsoever affront shal be done you vpon any such like Titular occasion I vvill not onely be insensible of it but I vvill thinke you haue desirously sought it Then the Duke would have excused himselfe vvith saying that from his King he had instruction how to carry himselfe towards the Italian Barons in the particular of Titles vvhen Apollo told him that the Spanish abuses to the Italians were not to extend but only to the Neapolitans and Milanesi and his Majestie also added That if much passion did not blind the Spanyards they might easily see how their Grandes whom Spayne it selfe could not containe and that in Italy would play the Gyants compared with the Romane Barons and those of meane stature would prove but dwarsses Herevpon a cloude as white as snow beginning by litle and litle to cover the person of Apollo the Priests that were about him perceived how his Maiestie would prophecie so that every one falling prostrate on the ground and vvith the rest the Duke and his followers out of that hollow cloud proceeded the divine voyce of his Majestie which with a pleasing sound spake in this sort I fortell vnto you Spanyards that vvith your rough and odious manner of proceeding yee vvill one day compell the Italian Nobitie which is the Mistres of the cruell Sicilian Vespres to plot some bloudy Neapolitan Even-song against you it beeing the proper custome of the Italians with greater rage to revenge the abuses of words then the offences of blowes as they that having short patience and long hands are borne not only with an heart most inclined to great resolutions but that doe not vse to revenge injuries with all kind of crueltie before they are quite forgotten by those that did them And with your owne ruine you vvill then finde them with swords in their hands to be Paladine Orlandoes when ye shall perswade your selves they are become most suffering Asses The Poste of Pernassus to the Reader THese Papers comming by chance into my hands I perceived there was something in them that I could not perceive wherefore I thought best to communicate them with better vnderstandings for my part I could see no hurt in them but did imagine by that little good vvhich I saw there was much more that I could not see and therefore judged them fit for all mens eyes Yet finding the names of Spayne and Austria or Austria and Spayne pardon me politicke Reader for I am not certaine vvhich should have priority and I know in such Catholike points a little error is deadly so often inserted I durst not be too bold with sacred things For I well saw those two names joyntly considered are now growne of such estimation as all Nations and Kings bend their knees and doffe their Bonnets at the naming of them more superstitiously for destroying then reverently at the Name of Iesus for saving Therefore I could not resolve vvhether it were treason or sacriledge or I wot not what greater sinne to touch sacred things profanely with common and vnwasht hands especially when I saw all such as had done the like or lesse then thus made miserable examples of disobedience as if they had offended Adam himselfe or a house miraculously raysed vp by God or rather originally created in nature to rule over all the vvorld in Adams stead and that to be the sonne of a King could not protect an offendor in this kind from punishment yea from being cast out of his Paradise O thought I vvhen I saw this how worthy is he that doth thus to be counted onely the Catholique King for he is a King of kings indeed fit to be the executioner of his Holinesse divine Decrees and to consume all vvith Lightning vvhere the sacred fulminations vvent before Tremble all Princes and looke to your Crownes especially you perty ones in Germany that are but fatted to be swallowed one after another as his stomacke can digest or your turne comes to bee served vp You see it is safer beeing his servant then the sonne of any Potentate besides Therefore strive for place and preferment there and helpe vvith all the speed yee may to betray one another to ruine You that are Protestants or Lutherans it is no matter for Religion hold some the stirrop and let others lift Spayne into the saddle to ride one another like Poste-horses by turnes You see how honourably hee deales with that Prince whose peaceable patents made him easie entrance and how fauourably vvith the Palatinate vvhom hee rides in bloud and spur-galls on both sides vvhilst you stand laughing on and see not that your day is comming Thus I thought and thought withall to be silent and to keepe these Papers from flying abroad for feare of having my owne vvings clipt But vvhen I saw in defect of greater God had raysed vp petty Princes to defend the Faith and put that spirit into the Prince of Orange the Count Manâ—felt and the Duke of Brunswicke vvhich hee had taken from Saxony and Bavaria and others it made me resume courage beholding the immediate hand of God in this vvorke and to thinke surely God vvill have all the glory to himselfe that hee employes such instruments vvhose estates in comparison are but drops to the Spanish Ocean I vvill not therefore be guilty of so much cowardize as to reserve my selfe vvhere these men fight and seeme prodigall of their owne lives or at least not of so much dishonesty as to conceale what God hath sent into my hands perhaps to publish for the generall information and benefit of all Christendome Goe out therefore and prosper in Gods Name FINIS