not without wel-grounded reasons For it is a cleer case that there is ingraven in the breasts of men by nature her self a detestation of slavery and how unwillingly they put their necks into the yoke of another specially when it becomes intolerable when exorbitant exactions are imposed upon Subjects wherby they are reduced to extreme fits of desperateness Ad extremum ruunt populi exitium cùm extrema onera iis imponuntur People ru◠to extreme ruine when extreme burdens are laid upon them as Tacitus truly taught Hence it came to passe that in the royall City of Naples that Masse of numberless peeple with their families being among other gabells much aggriev'd for that upon fruits and not being able to indure it having made it often knowne unto the most excellent Lord the Duke of Arcos Vice-Roy of that Kingdom by the public cries and lamentations of women and children and the men of Lavinaro and other popular quarters as he pass'd through the Market place to the devotion of the most holy Mother of Carmine in the Church of the Carmelites situated along the said Market and having petitioned him by the means of the most eminent Cardinal Filomarino the Archbishop and others to take off the said gabell upon a Sunday as his Excellency went to the said Church he heard a great buzz among the peeple and little lesse then threatnings presages of the following commotions which succeeded afterwards and promising to take quite off the said gabell he returned with such apprehensions of fear into the Palace that he not only went no more to the Carmine but he wold not suffer the most solemne Feast of S. Iohn Baptist to be celebrated which was us'd to be yeerly in Naples and this was done of purpose for preventing such an infinite crue of people should not assemble in one place In the interim the peeple much grumbling and muttering that the promised grace was delayed put fire one night to a baracca of powder in the Market place where the said gabell was exacted which was afterwards repair'd after this had twice happen'd There wanted not from day to day most pungent and bitter invectives full of popular grievances and of fiery protests against the public Officers fixed up in the most public places of the City This boldnesse increased afterwards and with this boldnesse an envie upon the report that was had of the good success the revolutions of Palermo and a good part of Sicilie Messina excepted had for their grivances by force of Arms from the most excellent Lord the Marquis of Velez Vice-Roy of that Kingdom who took off or moderated most gabells and gave afterwards a general pardon for all excesses as for opening of prisons murthers thefts arming in the Countrey and all other offences c the tenor whereof was as followeth The first Ban or Act of Grace in Sicilie HIs Excellency in relation to the royall Patrimony by this present Act to be alwayes in force doth take off and abolish to perpetuity the gabell of meal wine oyl flesh and cheese throughout all this City and Territory of Palermo for ever and that the Consulls for the Master ships are to have two popular Jurats to perpetuity from this day forward for the service of the peeple In Palermo this 21. of May 1647. The Marquis of Velez Subscribed by all the Ministers of the Patrimony as also by the Civil and Criminal Court and by the Master Notary of the Kingdom The second Ban in Sicilie BEcause that this night the prisons of the Vicaria were broken ope and the prisoners made to go out that were found therein and his Excellency knowing the said prisoners to be faultless by this present Ban he pardoneth all and every one of the said prisoners And likewise his Excellency doth acquit and pardon them who were found left in the said prisons and did not go out moreover his Excellency doth give grace and pardon Sub verbo fide Regia by royall Word and Faith to all the said prisoners as well for the Delinquency of flight as for all other Delinquencies for which they were imprison'd In Palermo this 21. of May 1647. The Marquis de los Velez Don Livio Pente President of Justice The peeple of Naples being thus allur'd and incouraged by the example of the neighbour Kingdom grew very envious to attain the same freedome saying And what are we lesse then Palermo is not our peeple peradventure if they unite more formidable and warlike Have not we more reason far being more burden'd and oppress'd On on to Armes time is precious 't is not good to delay the enterprize c. These and like complaints made in divers Conventicles became now public Whereupon the Lord Vice-Roy in high wisdome being very desirous to prevent mischiefs caus'd the six Quarters or Precincts of the City to meet oftentimes viz. The fifth part of the Gentry and the sixt of the peeple that by all meanes there might be wayes found out to take off that gabell or tax upon Fruits Which designe though 't was pleasing to all for the satisfaction of the peeple yet because it was prejudiciall to some of the Farmers there were secret wayes found to hinder the happy effect of the said business but they went about to disswade the Vice-King from the accomplishment of his promise made to the peeple and either to please him or for their owne private interest which is more probable they represented unto him that a few poore Tatterdimalians had made all that noise therefore they induc'd him to repaire the Toll-house for fruit that was burnt which he did but with a purpose to take it quite off or find some temperate way to satisfie the discontented peeple on the one side and the Napolitans Nobles Gentry and Merchants on the other side who had advanc'd upon the said gabell above six hundred thousand Crownes upon the account of the Capital million and eighty five thousand Crownes of annuall rent This way of temper was buzz'd abroad to be som new Tax that was to be put upon Corne and Wine whereunto th' inraged peeple replied and protested that they wold never give way thereunto but they reiterated their instances to have the said gabell upon Fruits to be quite taken off and not to put any other in compensation of it As matters were thus perplex'd behold an occasion did suddenly present it selfe in an instant the 7. of July 1647. which made way to the totall execution of the desired purpose as it shall be clearly declared very punctually from day to day and that with as much fidelity and truth as any pen can possibly promise upon this subject Sunday the 7. of Iuly 1647. The first Day A Young man about twenty four yeers old happen'd to be in a corner of the great Market place at Naples a spritefull man and pleasant of a middle stature black-ey'd rather lean then fat having a small tuff of haire he wore linnen slops a blew
words unto me to do so and why not Yes that we will they answer'd all resolutely you may be sure of that Well well replied Masaniello though what hath hitherto pass'd hath not much pleas'd the Viceroy yet his Majesty will find that he hath not lost any thing by it onely som of the Nobility our enemies have lost by it who will return to their former beggery ravenous wolfs who bought and sold our blouds never regarding the glory of God the service of his Majesty or the common good of City or Kingdom Now the temples of the Spanish Monarchy shall be adorn'd with the most precious Crown that ever she bore upon her head that which shall be given him by us hereafter shall be all his and not as in former times for when we gave him any treasure it vanish'd away and was half drunk up by his Officers Having spoken thus much and more he turn'd at last to the Bishop saying Most eminent Lord blesse this peeple The Bishop reach'd out his cap out of the coach and making two signes of the crosse on both sides he gave them his pastorall benediction And thinking to go on with his Cavalcata the number of peeple was so great that it fill'd the whole Castle and so hindered the passage And because going to treat of peace 't was unseemly that such a confus'd company of peeple should go along Masaniello upon pain of life and of rebellion commandâ—d that no body shold make one step farther whic was inviolably observ'd with marvellous obedience He advanced therefore a horseback first and the Archbishop in his coach with Arpaia and Genovino and Masaniello's brother Being come neer the palace where there was a strong trench garded by companies of Horse and Foot and all the Balcones and windowes being lin'd with armed men Masaniello pass'd furiously into the trench and the Bishop after him with other horses and coaches and being entred into the Court as they went up the stairs the Viceroy was there ready to meet the Archbishop who brought in Masaniello to do him reverence which he did and putting himself at his feet he kiss'd them in the name of the peeple thanking his Excellence for the grace he had don them touching the Capitulations granted them saying he was com thither that his Excellence might dispose of him as he pleas'd whether he would hang him break him upon wheels or put him to any other kind of death But the Viceroy made him rise up saying he never knew him to be culpable or that he had offended his Majesty in any thing Therfore he might be merry for he shold be alwaies well regarded by him and with these words they say he often embrac'd him whereunto Masaniello replied That he never had any ill designs in all his life but all were bent to do his Majesty service and unto his Excellence whereof he call'd God to witnesse and saying this being come up to the innermost rooms of the Palace they discours'd a little alone Then came in the Archbishop and they all three consulted about the affairs of the City then current and the present estate whereinto 't was fallen In the mean time there were divers whisperings in the Court below among that huge concourse of peeple which was gather'd together in such numbers from all parts and corners of the City besides those that were first assembled in the great yard of the Castle which were so thick that one might have trill'd a bal upon their heads the murmur did arise from som jealousies that Masaniello might be arrested or at least som hurt done unto him therâ—fore the Viceroy thought it expedient that he might be publikely seen in an open Balcone with the Archbishop and himself which was don accordingly whence Masaniello facing the peeple sayed lo I am here I am alive and free Peace Peace at which words the peeple exceedingly rejoycing cryed also Peace Peace a little after all the bells rung in the Churches circumjacent as in the Churches of St. Lewis of the holy Spirit of the Crosse and Santa Maria del Angeli but he not liking that ringing commanded they shold ring no longer which was obeyed accordingly Masaniello told the Viceroy now my Lord you shal see how obedient the Napolitans are so he bade them cry out Viva Dio Viva la Madonna del Carmine viva il Re di Spagna viva il Filomarino Viva il Duca de Arcos viva il fidelissimo popolo di Napoli Let God live let the most holy Virgin of Carmine live let the King of Spain live live Filomarino and the Duke of Arcos with the most faithfull peeple of Naples and with ev'ry Viva that he cryed the peeple followed him and at last he cryed Muoâ—a il mal governo let the ill government die This being don as the first proof he tryed a second upon the peeple and putting his finger upon his mouth there was a profound universall silence that scarce a man was seen to breath afterwards for a last proof of his authority and the obedience of the peeple he commanded with a loud voice out of the Balcone wherein he was that ev'ry soul there present under pain of rebellion and life shold retire from that Court which was punctually and presently obey'd as if they had all vanish'd away not one remaining behind insomuch that the Viceroy was amaz'd at such a ready and marvellous obedience Many discourses being pass'd in the Palace 'twixt the Viceroy the Bishop and Masaniello they appointed among themselfs that the Capitulations shold be printed which were demanded of the peeple and subscrib'd by the Viceroy as also by the Collaterall and the Councell of State and War and that the Sunday next following the Viceroy accompanied with all the Tribunalls shold go to the Dome in person where the sayed Capitulations shold be publikely read and sworn unto by solemn oath to observe them for ever as also to procure that they shold be confirm'd by his Catholike Majesty After this the Bishop went down with Masaniello having taken their leave of the Viceroy to take Coach So afterwards the Viceroy did ratifie all as desiring nothing more then that by his moderation and prudence the confusion shold cease and the City freed from Banditâ— from plunderers and facinorous men Hereupon he commanded his Commissary generall of the field to be alwaies at hand to receive his Orders which was obey'd exactly After this parley Masaniello swayed with more dominion then ever he did in quality of absolute Monarque o're the City as well in civill as warlike affairs ad modum belli with uncontroulable independent authority till his head was chopt off When he parted from the Castle the Viceroy bestowed on him a rich chain of gold of 3000. crowns value putting it about his neck with his own hands although he had refus'd it divers times but afterwards receiving it by the advice of the Bishop he was declar'd at the same time by the Viceroy Duke of St.
deliver'd into his hands the Original Charter or Priviledg of Charles the V. with a Promise in writing subscribed with his own hand to observe it firmly desiring him to go to the great Market place to have it seen and publish'd in the Church of Carmine When the Bishop had the tru Priviledg in his hands he felt an extraordinary fit of comfort not doubting but his beloved sheep wold be now altogether quieted which certainly had happen'd had not a secret Treaty of Matalone and Don Giusâ—ppe Caraffa his brother against Masaniello and his followers bin discovered which put all things again out of square The Bishop therefore being com to the great Market place and receav'd by the peeple with mighty reverence and honor he entred into the Church of Carmine complemented by multitudes of peeple more then the said Church could hold The said Charter was read with a loud voyce and understood by all with a kind of Jubile of contentment yet there wanted not by the secret practise of the Devil som who having still rebellious spirits suspected the truth of that Charter and that it was not the Original but a suppositious one wherupon suspecting themselfs to be deluded by the Bishop they began to cry out yea to threaten him by telling him Will your Eminence also deceave us At which instant the Bishop stood in evident danger of his life The Bishop desiring to penetrat the cause of those whisperings ask'd Masaniello what was the matter who told him Most Eminent Sir this peeple suspect that this Charter is not the true one and that your Eminence goes about to baffle us but I do not believe it and I will turn against them in your defence or kill my self knowing well how punctually honorable your Eminence is The Bâ—shop answered My dear son these Priviledges and Charters are the very same which Charles the V. subscrib'd and which the peeple desire But because you may be sincerely satisfied of the truth of my proceedings let us do this find me an intelligent man whom you will and I will deliver it him leaving it in his hands and for a sign of the truth I will not stir hence till this busines cleerly appeer that you may know that I hold you my sons as much as the Gentry and as your Pastor and Father I wold spill my bloud most willingly for my peeple as also for the peace and quietness of my dear Country At which words Masaniello grew very quiet and with him the tumultuous peeple So they sent for D. Iulio Genovino a most sagavous man who knew as much as can be known of the affairs of the City and Kingdom by his long experience being 80. years old and having bin 19. years a prisoner during the time of another Revolution happen'd in the Government of Ossuna Masaniello therefore made the Priviledg to be deliver'd to that man that he might study and review it as he did all the night following with most exact diligence all which time the Bishop departed not from the Church of Carmine And it was by the disposition of God Almighty and the most blessed Virgin that this happen'd for that very night ther were 36. Houses of Cavaliers to be burnt amongst whom in the first place was the Duke of Mataloni the Duke of Medina las torres the Prince and Prior della Rocella the Prince of Cellamare Chief Post-master of the Kingdom Cornelius Spinola Carlo Spinelli Don Ferrante Caracciolo Carlo Brancaccio the Counsellor Don Francesco Capece Latro Francesco Tomacello and the Houses of divers other were to be a Sacrifice and by the sole endeavors of the Bishop they scaped it Though these forenamed had been the principall heads and Authors of the disorder hapned the year before in the procession of the reliques of San Genaro yet the Bishop as a pious Pastor and common father rendring them like a perfect Christian good for evill prayed more in the behalf of these then any other specially for the Houses of Medina and Mataloni Wherefore Masaniello perceaving the goodnes and integrity of the Bishop and sounding out his praises with full mouth to all the peeple it made them desist from the firing that was intended declaring that he had absolutly forborn it at his instance It happen'd that the same day and time that his Eminence was to reason with the peeple in the Church of Carmine another general whisper was or'e-heard For after the Charter of Charles the V. was read that which the Viceroy did subjoyn was also read which was That he confirm'd all the said Charter by abolishing all the Gabells and Impositions and that he pardoned all the peeple for whatsoever they had don and acted in that Commotion and he promis'd to obtain such a pardon from his Catholic Majesty for any act of rebellion that might have happen'd When this was heard you wold not beleeve how greatly the peeple were mov'd wherupon they began to cry out with a loud voyce That they never comitted any act of Rebellion but to have always bin most faithful Vassals and wold dye so towards his Majesty who and they rais'd their voyces to a great height they prayed to live a thousand years The thing they only desired was that the Priviledges made good unto them by King Ferdinando and Charles the Emperour might be made good unto them now Therupon thinking they were gull'd and betrayed they wold give ear no longer to any accord as also because in the said Confirmation his Excellency did not specify that the whole Kingdom shold be so disburdned without the necessary Clause of the Apostolical Assent as they had made instance and therefore without being a whit satisfiâ—d they desir'd that the War might be prosecuted until they might have compleat satisfaction yet the Bishop labour'd still to divert them from such thoughts by reading unto them the Note following sent him from the Viceroy My most Eminent and Reverend Lord THe most faithful peeple of this most faithful City prayed me to confirm their Priviledges and in regard of the affections and high love which they have always shew'd to his Majesties Service I granted their Petition and because instances have bin made unto me that for the greater authority it shold be published in a pontificial way I desire your Eminence so to do and it will be a favor unto me and a comfort unto the peeple God gard your Eminence many yeers according as I desire Datum 6 July 1647. The Priviledg is a dispatching and those of the most faithful peeple shall bring it to your Excellence So I rest the greatest Servant of Your most Reverend Eminence El Duque de Ercos But the peeple not lending an ear to all this thinking the Bishops promises to be lame and imperfect and being earnest to pursue the War as is said already till ther be a Condescension to all their Reasons they went on in ingrossing their Militia through all the parts of the City and by putting in order
dispatch't with greater celerity then was beleev'd wherein there easily aypear'd a concurrence of divine assistance by the intercession of the most glorious Virgin del Carmine they were sent forthwith by the hands of Father Filomarino the Capuchin by his Eminence unto the Vice-Roy that his Excellence shold sign them with his own hand which was don and it being notified by the said Father that the desire of the peeple was to have the sayed Capitulations legally authorized by public act and subscrib'd not only by the Viceroies hand but the Collaterall Councell royall together with the Counsell of State all was readily assented unto Therefore another letter was sent in more earnest terms then any of the former wherein the Archbishop by efficacious instances did desire his Excellence wold operate to bring to a period that solemn ceremony so much panted after by the desires of the peeple representing unto him the imminent dangers that otherwise wold ensue and were visibly hanging o're City and Kingdom to the disservice of God and the King the holy Church and the Citizens to the discomfort of women and whereon depended the lifes of so many innocent babes as also for the advantage and boldnesse the enemies of the Crown wold take for to undermine it and to embroyle as in former times was practis'd so flourishing a Kingdom notwithstanding its fidelity and constancy of loyalty known to all the world specially to the alwaies sacred and Catholic House of Austria The Viceroy replied that he wold willingly and most chearfully ratifie and confirme all things in the name of his Majesty and not any their priviledges but the generall Indulgence or pardon already promis'd with assurance that for the future he wold most rigorously punish all the Banditi or any other perturbers of the public peace esteeming all that most faithfull peeple for his Majesties dear children and the most beloved vassalls of all his crowns and shold be respected so alwaies by himself I thought good to display this in Italian for such who do not well understand the Spanish but the letter of the Viceroies waâ— punctually to this following effect Most eminent and most reverend Lord BY the hand of your Eminence the pretensions of this most faithfull peeple of Naples have been setled I have granted them the great Charter or priviledge which they desir'd that was in the time of Charls V. which I dispatcht in form and I again approve and ratifie whatsoever that priviledge of his Cesarean Majesty contains in the name of his now Catholike Majesty Regnant And touching the generall pardon let it be drawn up according to their own fancy I will confirm it both touching matters pass'd as also for the the future Moreover I will punish the Banditi wiâ—â— all severity who were call'd in by any one whatsoever and with greater rigor then formerly as the chiefest pertubators of the publike peace but finding that the conclusion of this businesse still suffers delaies and inconveniences arise thence ev'ry instant I thought good to represent again and again unto your Reverence all this that as being the Father of the whole City you wold intimate unto the most faithfull peeple that from these protractions may arise that the enemies of his Majesty may lay hold on an occasion to disquiet this fâ—orishing Kingdom and sow new divisions in ev'ry corner a thing which this most faithfull peeple must needs be sensible of and it behoves them so to be which peeple have shew'd them alwaies so zealous in his Majesties service I earnestly desire that all consultations may tend to their good Moreover your Eminence may please to intimate that all the incoâ—vences that shall grow by not taking speedy resolution to the service of God to that of the Kings to the holy Church to the Citizens to women and innocent children all this shall be put to their account who shall delay the accomplishment of that which is â—lready pitch'd upon since for my part I am ready night and day in the name of his Majesty to put ev'ry thing in execution besidâ—s I â—ave done al things that were possible in the behalf â—f this most faithful peeple whom his Majesty doth â—steem for his sons and the most beloved of all his Monarquie and I wold treat them so desiring their ease and quietnesse I put all things in your â—minences hands whom God preserve many years 11. Iuly 1647. Since I had written this letter I understood â—our Eminence is not in the Carmine I pray be pleas'd to return thither and treat with the most â—â—ithfull peeple accordingly and by our grave auâ—â—ority to let them fully understand how infinitely 〈◊〉 imports to put in Execution what is agreed upâ—â— and to cut off all delaies it wil be a work wortâ—y of your Eminences care I wil add no more but that I am the greatest Servitor of your Reverence El Duque de Arcos As soon as the present Letter and the subscribed Capitulations were delivered unto Father Filomarino and brought back by him to the Bishop they were consign'd by him to the power of the peeple it being solemnly appointed that after the sayed Capitulations had bin publikely read in the Church del Carmine in the presence of the whole peeple Masaniello should go in company of the Archbishop to the Castle to speak with the Viceroy About ten a clock the same day the reporâ— being dispers'd that the Accord was finish'd and that Masaniello was to transfer himself tâ— the Castle to speak with the Viceroy in perâ—son 't was incredible what a multitude oâ— peeple gather'd together in the great Markeâ— place besides those numbers that fill'â— the Church of Carmine where the Arch-Bishop sitting under a great canopie of staâ—â— hard by the great Altar in a stately chaire tâ—â— Capitulations were read from the Pulpit by Notarie where stood also on foot Masaniâ—ello apparell'd in cloth of silver togethâ—â— with his Counsellour Genovino and Arpaâ— the new elect of the peeple This was oâ— Don Genovino's old acquaintance the time of the Duke of Ossuna who at the bâ—â—ginning of these tumults found himself the government of Teverola an inhabitant of thâ— City of Aversa and was sent for purposely by Masaniello The Capitulations being read and understood and receiv'd with â—nexpressible joy and applause Genovino went up the Pulpit and with a loud voice sayed these words My peeple these are the things which you have so long desired and indeavoured to be procured ever since the Government of the Duke of Ossima but could never be had but now by Gods speciall grace and the blessed Virgin of Carmine our Lady we have â—btained them Let us Iubilize for so high â—nd signal a blessing let us triumph for so â—lorious a victory let us give Heaven due â—hanks for so deare a trophy thundring upon â—his blessed occasion Te Deum to which â—ymne he himself giving the beginning he â—ame downe from the Pulpit and the muâ—â—c was pursued by two Quires
the intervention of the Capo popolo who shold be a Lord by Title as it was anciently when the Prince of Salerno was Capo popolo That he shold be nam'd by the peeple and the Elect likewise made by the Capistrada to be all chosen by the peeple without any dependency or having any recourse to the Viceroys for the future They stuck not to demand that the Castle of Sant Elmo shold be put into their hands but they proceeded not very far in that proposition His Excellency perceiving the Treaty of Peace to be still delayed and the people to be so implacable and pleasing themselves with that kind of loose living wold lend no ear to any accomodation of Peace he judged it expedient to do som favors to the Duke of Mataloni and Don Ioseph Caraffa his brother and make them go out the one out of the Castle of Sant Elmo the other by making him com from Benevento that joyning with other Lords and Knights they might go up and down the City to perswade the peeple to conformity and quietness which was don for many Lords did ride up and down the streets in divers quarters and in particular the Prince of Bisignano Caraffa di bel nuovo Il principe di Monte Sarchio of the house of Avalos the Prince di Satriano Ravaschiero the Duke di Castel di Sangro Don Ferrante Carraciolo the Prince della Rocella the Lord Don Diomede Caraffa the Lord of Conversano with other Lords dwelling in the Piazza of the great Market where there were infinit store of peeple They signified unto them that his Excellency the Viceroy was very ready to give them all satisfaction But they answered That they desir'd no more but that the Priviledges of King Ferdinando shold be made good to the City which was confirm'd by Charles the fift of happy memory who by Oath promis'd the City of Naples at his Invectiture to the Kingdom had from Pope Clement the 7. to impose no new Taxes upon City or Kingdom as well He as all his Successors without the consent of the Apostolical Seat and being so impos'd they shold be well impos'd otherwise the City might rise up with sword in hand without any mark of rebellion or irreverence to the Prince for the maintenance of her Liberties Now in regard that most of the Gabels ever since some few of small consequence excepted have bin layed without his holiness consent it was just that they shold be all taken oft and that the peeple shold have the Original of the said Priviledg which was within the Archives of the City which is in the Church of S. Laurence Those Lords and Gentlemen understanding all this they went back to Castel nuovo to impart all this to the Viceroy who presently convok'd the peeple Collateral Counsel with that of State as also the sacred Councel of Santa Chiara to consult what Answer shold be return'd unto the peeple In the mean time the Arch-bishop according to his accustomed vigilance and paternal zeal to spiritual peace as also to the temporal quietness of the people comitted unto him as likewise for the Devotion and Vassallage he profess'd unto the Catholic King to the Service of his Royal Person and State Ordain'd That the most holy Sacrament shold be openly expos'd in many Churches to invite all comers to implore at such an exigent divine assistance This was don nella Capella del Tesoro where the Dome is where the miraculous bloud and the holy head of San Gennaro the glorious Protector of Naples was laid out Moreover all orders went in solemn Processions up and down the City as the Dominicans Franciscans those del Carmine the Augustins the Iesuits Capucins Teatins and others who gave som general edification That day mighty diligences were made by the peeple who shold be their Chief that by their authority they might make their addresse to the Viceroy and obtain what they desir'd and in regard that among others which rid up and down the City the Lords della Rocella were of the chiefest in regard they also had their Palaces in the great Market Therefore they made motions to the said Lords That they wold please to imploy themselfs in behalf of the peeple to find out the foresaid Original Priviledg of Charls the fift The said Lords did promise to do so and for the execution thereof they went to Castel nuovo accompanied by many peeple where his Excellency comanded them to be admitted and to enter the concourse of peeple remaining without all the while expecting not without much anxiety an answer from the Viceroy At the same time and to the same purpose the Lord Prior was sent for from S. Laurence with a great train of peeple and the multitude was so great as if his horse had bin carried in the air out of the lively hopes they had to find the said Priviledg But the Lord Prior finding it wold prove a difficult thing for him to find it as also to be suffer'd to enter into the Stanzas of S. Laurence by a turn which he gave in a straight street going off his horse and faigning to withdraw himself upon some business he got away in the twinkling of an eye with som of his servants by an incredible way of art and velocity retiring himself into the Church of the holy Apostles among the Fathers Teatins This administred cause of extraordinary murmuring and discontent to the peeple who thought themselves baffled and deluded by him who they expected shold have bin their kind of Defendor and Advocat although ther want not som who affirm that the Lord Prior had brought them a kind of Paper in a sheepskin giving out 't was the Original out of a mind of the great Charter of Charles the fift he had to quiet them But because when the peeple shew'd it to their Satrapons and Councel and being told them that it was a counterfeit one they fell into such a fierce disdain that if he had not fled that good Lord had met with death as they write it happen'd som hours before to the Prince of Monte Sarchio The Duke de Roccella in the mean while was return'd from the Castle attended by much peeple to the great Market place where the gross of the multitude was carrying with him a Coppy of of the Priviledg desir'd by the peeple and because he had heard of the dangerous success the Lord Prior was like to have he durst not say it was the very Original but he clearly told them it was a true and real Coppy the Original not being to be had for the present Hereupon it was receav'd at the beginning with some applause but being read and read again and found imperfect it rais'd a mighty discontentment in the hearts of the peeple who cryed out they were mock'd cozen'd and betray'd by the said Duke as they were by the Prior and so falling into a mortal hatred of all the Nobility they rag'd against them threatning them ruin and
thither towards the Evening to execut their design So passing again to Chaia to the Palace of the young Duke of Caivano Don Francesco Barile to get the residu of his fathers goods preserv'd haply by him they rush'd also into that house and did miserable spoil to evry thing that came in their way And as they were doing this peeple of all sorts men women and boys brought them faggots with pitch oyl sacks ful of straw and other helps making hideous noise up and down the streets as if they had bin stark mad and crying Ther is but this little straw left in our houses and it shall serve to put fire into the kennels of these dogs who have impos'd suck'd and swallow'd such Gabels from us and saying this they wold let down the sack of straw and throw all into the fire Other women wold bring in their arms their children and putting little fir'd matches into their hands they wold make them throw them into the fire crying out These poor lambs shall also take vengeance of these Theefs for the bread they have taken out of their mouths so with hurling exclamations and curâ—es they went up and down yet somtimes with these interjections of prayer Viva Iddio semâ—re il nostro Re ruvoiano questi carri Let God live for ever and our King and let these dogs dye the death The sight of all which things wold have mollified an Adamant and drawn compassion out of the very Rocks While the peeple went thus to evaporate their high discontentments and deep hatred against the pretended enemies of the public good the Bishop did very strictly negotiate with the Vice-Roy for a finall accord by the intervention of som choice instruments whom he had sent thither of purpose for 't was not fitting he himself shold remove from the Church del Carmine because he prevented thereby the horrible firings and spoiles which were threatned to be also made thereabouts he imployed besides into the Castle three Gentlemen of speciall parts who were Caesar Gerardini à Luquese a Gentleman who was Master of his Chamber one of a lovely conditition of much vigor and prudence the second was Don Gennaro Quaranta and Guiseppe de Rossi both Neapolitan Gentlemen whereof the one was Vicar-Generall of the Nunns of Naples a Subject of high learning and goodnesse of life And that Wednesday morning the business was at so hopefull a pass that a motion was made to make a solemn Cavalcata to the Church del Carmine by the Vice-Roy and where all the Nobility shold attend him that the capitulations of peace might be publikely read there and afterwards a Te Deum solemnly sung to give God due thanks for his graces This was intimated to Masaniello who consented thereunto yet he commanded the peeple to be still vigilant and to stand upon their guard and ev'ry inrolled soldier to have his Armes ready and to stand firm to his post and not to stir thâ—nce upon pain of death As these things were in agitation and fully intended the Vice-Roy ceas'd not to send messages ever and anon unto the Bishop desiring him to assure the peeple that they shold have all possible satisfaction and it lay in his Eminences hands in chief to maintain the Crown of that Kingdom with the lifes and being of all the Nobility throughout Naples therefore he had sent him the day before the ancient Charters of King Ferdinand and of Charles the fifth confirmed by the Royall Councell Collaterall and the Councell of State held of purpose for that effect wherein there was a generall indulgence or pardon granted unto the peeple of Naples for any offence whatsoever committed the tenor wherof was as followeth Philip by the Grace of God King c. Don Roderico Ponce de Leon Duke of Arcos WE by an everlasting priviledge do grant to the most faithfull peeple of this most faithfull City of Naples that all Gabells and impositions be extinct and abolish'd which were laid upon the City of Naples and the Kingdom from the time of the Emperour Charls the V. of happy memory untill this hour Moreover we grant a generall pardon for any offence whatsoever committed since the beginning of this present revolution to this point of time as also for ev'ry offence and inquisition pass'd that related to the sayed revolution Given in Castel nuovo 10. of Iuly 1647. El Duque de Arcos Donato Coppola Secretary of the Kingdom This being receiv'd by the Bishop he procur'd suddenly by discreet waies to induce Masaniello to convoque all the Captains and chief commanders of the peeple together to hear the reading of the sayed Capitulations of the accord so much desired by them The Charter of Charles the Emperour being already acknowledg'd by Don Giulio Genovino and presented unto them by the Bishop as tru and original therefore there were more then hopes nay 't was held a thing beyond all doubt that an agreement wold follow But mark while the peeple were all assembled in the Church deâ— Câ—â—mine there being infinite multitudes which stayed without not being able to enter because the Church was full already being there com to hear the Articles read which they seem'd to desire with that anxiety behold a new chance happen'd and God forgive him who was the cause thereof for he bore the punishment a little after which put all things out of square and was able to put the whole City to fire and sword The chance was that ther entred into the gate del Carmine which leads to the Market place a great nomber of Banditi at least 500. all arm'd a horsback giving out that they came for the service of the peeple sent for by the forenamed Bandito Perrone as he attested himselfe before Masaniello and the substance of the fact was tru but the end whereunto it tended differ'd much because that he confederating with the Duke of Mataloni and D. Guiseppe Caraffa his brother had an aym not at the service but the destruction of the peeple which was first to kill Masaniello their leader with divers others of the principall mutineers about the great Market place and other circumjacent prâ—cincts as 't was afterwards discover'd and shall be told hereafter The sayed Banditi being made to com before Masaniello they were receivâ—d with great demonstrations of love but while they were there in his presence Perrone made a motion which was that the said Banditi shold go a horsback through the City and take their quarters a part which things he held to be very essentiall and conducing much to the service of the peeple wherunto Masaniello replied that 't was bootles to do this â—ut 't was sufficient if divided they stood a foot ready at his commands Perrone persisting in his opinion sayed often that by all means the Banditi shold be a horsback Masaniello suspecting som sinister practises of Perrone in giving this same counsell caus'd that he order'd more peremptorily they shold go a foot and that
there was money thrown to them that drew him by many specially by the Gentry who all this while durst scarce peep out of their houses or appeer abroad publikely So they got a horse-back and went to the Castle to attend the Viceroy and give him the joy who entertain'd them with infinite demonstrations of contentment The Archbishop went also thither who after he had com from the Carmine had scarce reach'd his own palace but the tidings of Masaniello's death was brought him which made him go directly to the Castle to acquit himself of those duties of congratulation which were due to the Viceroy who sending very strict Orders abroad that the street Captains shold be in a perfect equipage and readinesse at his command and that upon pain of life they shold not obey any body else whatsoever He commanded to apprehend the complices of Masaniello as was don as his wife his sisters his kinred and being all made prisoners they were brought up to the Castle And because his brother Matteo was gon abroad to Benevento with more company to take as 't was given out the Duke of Matâ—loni there were armed bands dispatch'd thither to apprehend him and conduct him to Naples which was don and he was committed to the Castle though afterwards to please the peeple he with others were set at liberty as shall be delared hereafter There were armed bands sent also to the market place to bridle the peeple and gard the goods that were there depositated belonging to divers owners These good Orders being given the Viceroy was exhorted by the Bishop and by all the Nobility and Ministers Royall to shew himself publikely up and down the streets Whereupon the Bishop and he mounting on horse-back attended by all the Counsellours Ministers Officers Nobility and Gentry with all the Tribunalls being well garded with Horse and Infantry they went to the chiefe Church to give God thanks and the most glorious protector of Naples S. Gennaro whose holy head and blood was taken out and put upon the high Altar where extraordinary thanks were given for the tranquillity which was re-obtain'd by the death of so base a fellow who by the secret judgements of God had made himselfe so formidable that he terrified the whole City a cleer instrument it cannot be said otherwise of the just indignation of God being offended with the sins of that City who as somtimes he punish'd the Egyptians with small contemptible creatures as flies and frogs did correct humble and chastise the City of Naples by so vile a Plebean From the Church the Cavalcata pass'd to the Market place where the Viceroy did again by sound of Trumpet confirm the Priviledges granted by Charles the fifth together with the Capitulations he was receiv'd with extreme exultances of joy by all the peeple who loudly cryed out Viva il Re viva il Duca d' Arcos Let the King live live the Duke of Arcos whereunto others added Let Filomarino live the restorer of his Countreyes peace they gave also thanks to the most holy Mother of Carmine and so they returned into the castle very joyfull and afterwards ev'ry one unto his own home The shops were suddenly open'd the Spanish Soldiers took their arms again and the dispersed gards up and down return'd to their former posts but that in the castle was redoubled with Walloons and ev'ry one did with exact reverence submit unto the Vice-Roy to whose prudence patience and dexterousnesse joyn'd with the vigilance and indefatigable assistance of the most reverend Archbishop the preservation of that City may be attributed for if his Reverence had not strongly and industriously interpos'd in the businesse the whole City had been like to have been destroyed with fire and sword as it will appeare by a copie of the following Letter written by a Napolitan Cavalier one of the prudent'st Patriots of the whole Town sent to a Gentleman a friend of his resident at Rome wherein also there is a relation made how San Gernnaro the Protector and Patron of Naples did appeare which did prognosticate peace tranquillity and happinesse to the Napolitan peeple The tenor of which Letter was as followeth Deare Sir THis morning I was to do my observance to the L. Cardinall the Archbishop Filomarino and I have reverenced him as much as possibly I could as Liberator of his Countrey who after he had done me sundry favours told me that yesternight the popular tumult ceas'd conducting with himself Tomas Anello the Captain Generall of the peeple and all Capitulations were subscrib'd and sworn unto whereof I will send you a copy by the next This quietnesse was miraculous in a manner for the many circumstances that attended it wherof you shall have distinct advise that which I can say now unto you is that from the mouth of the Lord Cardinal himself the glorious San Gennaro was seen over the great Church of Carmine with a sword in his hand and ther were many persons examin'd upon Oaths about this Vision His Reverence also saw as he went to the Church of Carmine a most bright star which gave him undoubted hopes of peace and quietnesse which God hath pleas'd to restore to this place by his Intercession for he kept all the while the will of the sayed Masaniello in his fist as it were insomuch that he did few things but what his reverence pleas'd and commanded and he was so prudent as not to propose any thing but what was fit to be obtain'd for the universall good In sum he hath given unto his Catholic Majesty our Soveraign Lord the Kingdom and hath so confirm'd it that for the future there is no fear of any combustions and this people is so well contented with the abolishments of the gabâ—lls that they will be able to defend themselfs against all the world The sayed Lord Bishop may be said to have given life to all the Nobility because the enrag'd peeple wold have taken away their lifes he hath given quietnesse and sustenance to the poor because bread is made here at thirty seven ounces and all other things are in mighty great abundance and very cheap To conclude Sir a new heaven and a new earth appears here and it evidenly appears that the Lord wold have it so Your most devoted and most obliged Servitor Astorgio Agnese In conformity and by vertue of the pâ—ace aforesayed many Nobles and Cavaliers were seen to passe ev'ry day along the streets to the Castle in their Coaches shewing themselfs unto the peeple from whose sight they had kept themselfs hugger mugger before The Ladies also went up and down with their fardingalls which formerly they durst not do by reason of Masaniello's order to the contrary yet they moderated their expences and train specially those who were us'd to gain by the Gabells The same time that Masaniello was slain ther happen'd two accidents the first was that the head and foot of Don Peppo Caraffa remaining still expos'd to public view in an