to trouble Maximillian any longer with that unreasonable War These Letters being read in the Senate they resolved to justifie the Common-wealth by their Embassadour who was then resident in the Court of England and to free the King from such false suspitions The Senate seemed to wonder very much why Henry towards whom the Common-wealth had shewed such affection as became them well to do to a great Prince who was their Friend and Confederate a well Wisher and Amplifier of their Dignity should believe that the Venetians would injure him or should have endeavoured to disturbe his Victory whereat they had much rejoyced to witness which they had at this time sent Francisco Capello Embassadour into England who dyed in his journey thitherward But that as for those things whereof he particularly complained he was to know that all the Albanesi were not Subjects to the Common-wealth nor were the Venetians able to inhibite them the Service of other Princes That their Fleet was prepared not to assist others but only to withstand the so great Forces which the Enemy had prepared against their State that they had long before been Confederates with the French as the condition of those times required which was the reason why they had not satisfied Maximillian in his first requests Which had made him wage War with that Common-wealth not having been any ways injured by them nor had the Venetians taken up Arms against him otherwise then in their own defence that after these first successes and Truce being made it was violated by Cesar who entred in an hostile manner into their Dominion wherefore they were forced to take up Arms again to drive him out of their Confines whereby Henry might conceive that they had not been the first Authors of War against the Emperour having only endeavoured to keep themselves from being injured according to the wont of their Ancestors who were always accustomed neither to do nor suffer wrong And that notwithstanding they forbear not all this while endeavours by Letters by Embassadours and by all other means which they thought might do any good that the occasion of controversies being removed they might come to some Agreement with Cesar that many might witness this but especially the Arch-Bishop of York an honourable and worthy Gentleman who had often interceded in this Treaty of Peace and who knew very well what their intentions were and what the Enemies were minded to do that men would think that Cesar who was a great Prince should offer at nothing which was not honourable and becomming him yet it could not be denyed but that many of his Advisers did corrupt this his good Will endeavouring their own advantage by drawing out the War at length though they seemed to be concern'd in Cesars Interests only That therefore it became Henry who was a great and excellent King to be so just and moderate as not to suffer himself to be diverted by any conjunction which he had with the Emperour from what was fair and right but as a just and upright Arbitrator to interpose his Authority for the laying down of Arms on all sides upon such reasonable conditions as might not be injurious to any one So as the people of Christendom long molested with so many Wars might nâ—w enjoy some rest and safety and as for them they would the more willingly make peace with Maximillian in respect of Henry's being the Authour of it But all these endeavours were of little avail with a Prince who minded more the composing of his own Wars then those of others wherefore the Venetians finding no hopes of Agreement began to bethink themselves of War All people whom it became to speak their minds were enjoyn'd by the Senate to propound such things as they thought fittest for the raising of Monies upon such occasions Many things were propos'd and argued in the Senate with diversity of Opinions New Taxes were laid upon the City and several ways were found whereby to bring in Monies into the publick Treasury There was a new Magistracy instituted consisting but of three who had Authority given them to impose what sum they should please upon every Citizen or Inhabitant of Venice according to every mans condition and ability provided that it should not exceed 300 Duckets for any one Family or Person Moreover power was given to Alviano and two Savij of the Council who upon occasion of some other imployment were then in Padua to free such from exile as had been banished for no very grievous offences enjoyning them to pay such sums of Money as they should think fit for payment of the Army whereunto if any one should be backward their Goods were to be distrain'd So as in a short time the scarcity of the Exchequer was provided for and some hopes were had of being able to maintain War for a while Alviano being this mean while gone out of Friuli as hath been said the Senate being thereunto chiefly moved by the perswasions of Ierolimo Savorâ—gnano resolved to re-assume the Enterprize of Marano the chief care whereof was given to him who chearfully taking the imployment upon him and having got together about 2000 Country men and drawn 400 of the best Foot out of Udine went about this And that he might do it with the more safety and Honour Iovan Vitturi who commanded all the light Horse and Iovan Paolo Manfrone Captain of the Curassiers were ordered to pass with all their Horse over the Tagliamento and to be aiding to Savoragnano in his Enterprize by over-running the Country and by securing it from any new commotions of the Enemy moreover the Fleet was sent to the Marishes of Marano that it might be beseâ— both by Sea and Land As soon as Savoragnano came to Marano he possess'd himself of a strong situation not far from the Walls where he took up his Quarters He then began to make Ditches by which the Souldiers being shelter'd might get to the Walls The Town was situated much to our mens disadvantage for it was environ'd all about with low Moorish Grounds wherefore Savoragnano to overcome the badness of the Seat by Industy made certain rises of several materials like so many little Towers and did munite them excellently well whereby he got two great advantages the one that they might be a greater safety for his men if the Enemy should sally out of the Town at unawares the other that for matter of fight his men and the Enemy might be upon equal terms the one standing upon the Walls the other upon the made Rises Thus all things being prepared for an Assault towards which the Souldiers had already made some advancement some Captains who did differ in opinion from Savoragnano before meeting with some let by reason of deeper waters were occasion why what was before resolved upon was not put in execution And in the Interim Letters came to Savoragnano and the chiefest of the Army from the Senate wherein they signified their opinion that it was better to
sending for the Gallies to Naples made him quit the enterprize and give over the hoped for victory Phillippino Doria was already come to Naples with eight Gallies but these not being sufficient to keep the City from being victuall'd by Sea and it being likewise thought that they could not be safe there if the enemy should send forth their armed Vessels which were in the Haven Lautrech had continually solicited the Venetian Commanders to come as soon as they could and joyn with Doria's Gallies to secure them and to straiten the siege yet more Such were the proceedings in the Kingdom of Naples but the Venetians were busied with other affairs of no less importance for Henry Duke of Brunswick after many rumours of his coming being very much solicited by Charls and Ferdinand to pass into Italy and to enter Lombardy to divert the forces of the League from the enterprize of Naples which Kingdom being in great danger he saw he could not succour by any way better passing from Trent into Valledragi was entred into the Territories of Verona and had brought with him about twelve thousand foot with whom it was said that Antonio da Leva was to joyn who was already come into the field with eight thousand foot that they might joyntly fall upon the Town in the State of Venice which Brunswick had denounced war against having with much vanity and very ridiculously challenged the Duke thereof Andrea Gritti a man of fourscore years of age to fight a single Duel with him But the Senate was not wanting in diligence to arm themselves they designed to raise an Army of twelve thousand foot of which four thousand to be Switzers to which purpose they sent monies into Switzerland and desired the King of France to further this their Levy by his authority They likewise brought great store of light Horse from Greece and from Dalmatia and recalled the Duke of Urbine from Marc d' Ancona And to the end that their own State might not be bereft of defence whilst they went to defend the States of others they commanded him to view all their Cities and Forts of greatest importance to put good garrisons into them and to do whatsoever else he should judge might make most for their safety then they chose divers select Gentlemen whom they entrusted with the particular charge of the chief Cities Girollimo Diedo was sent with one hundred and fifty foot to Treviso Pietro Sagredo with as many to Padua Zaccheria Orio Phillippo Correro Allessandro Donato Ambrâ—gio Contarini Ioseppe Badoero Lorenzo Lanudo Agostino Canale and Almoro Barbaro were sent to Verona with 25 souldiers apiece wherewith they were to guard the gates and places of greatest importance These preparations were judged worthy consideration in France wherefore they likewise prepared to send powerfull Forces into Italy which were to be commanded by Monsi ur de St. Paul one of the house of Burbone a personage highly esteemed for his birth and other honourable endowments but not much experienced in war and as it proved afterwards not very fortunate in this enterprise But these provisions proved too late for the present occasion for the Duke of Brunswick finding himself strong enough designed to fall upon some of the Commonwealths Cities being the more encouraged so to do because at his first arrival Peschiera Rivoltella and some other Towns neighbouring upon the Lake of Garda yielded unto him But the Duke of Urbine who was at Verona diligently observing Brunswicks marches prevented his designes and went presently to Brescia where he augmented the Garrison and from thence to Bergamo putting many of the Inhabitants of those valleys who were very faithfull to the Venetian interest into the City and begirting the city with trenches and outworks put it in a posture of defence Moreover he cunningly made the men of those parts propound treaties of agreement and giving of monies wherein they spun out time to the end that by retarding Brunswick's march more opportunity might be had to secure the principal places wherein there being good store of Light-horse they infested the Dutch Camp by sallying out and disturb'd their Victuals And amongst these Geralamo da Canale did very good service with five hundred Crabats which he had brought with him out of Dalmatia So as Brunswick falling short of his hoped for success and being incommodated for victuals after having according to the barbarous and cruel custome of that Nation ruined the Country and burnt many noble edifices went out of the Venetian Confines and came into the State of Milan where he was met by Antonio da Leva who hearing of his arrival was past over the Ada to joyn with him in some enterprise Wherefore both of them repassing over the Ada they went to encamp before Lodi from whence the Duke of Milan was gone a little before being advertised of the enemies approach by Gabrielle Veniero the Venetian Embassadour and leaving a good number of men in that city he came by the Venetians advice to Brescia But the Venetian souldiers who were in Lodi and who were commanded by Paolo Sforza the Dukes bastard brother having valliantly withstood many assaults repuls'd the enemy Wherefore Brunswick not having much money to maintain the Army longer finding that he had spent much time in vain began to be aware of his idle thoughts whereunto he had out of vain glory and hopes of Booty been perswaded by Ferdinando d' Austria who minding more his brother's advantage then the success of the business had earnestly perswaded him to pass into Italy and without thinking of advancing further to enter into the Kingdome of Naples as he had at first purposed to do he went by the way of the Lake of Como to return to Germany being pursued by il Conte di Giazzo and by Mercurio Bua who issuing out of Bergamo fell upon his Reer but did not much prejudice the enemy because they were too late aware of their departure Yet many of the Dutch who in great numbers parted from the Camp were ransak'd and cut in pieces by the country people The besieged in Naples were much troubled to hear of the dissolution of the Dutch Foot being thereby bereaved of the onely relief wherein their safety lay For but a little before they had with bad success attempted to beat the Galleys of Philippo Doria that they might have the way open by Sea since they could come by no victualls by land Lautrech having possess'd himself of Pazzuolo and of the neighbouring places The Imperiall Commanders were likewise herewith much molested for understanding that the Venetian Fleet was suddenly to come into those Seas they knew their danger would be the greater and their remedy harder Therefore being resolved to prevent the Enemy they determined to put out from the Haven with 6 Galleys and many other armed Vessels and to assault Doria's Galleys and were so assured of Victory as they thought as the Marquis Guasto Don Hugo and other chief Commanders went aboard those
Pope or at least to alienate him from Cesar since he undertook to defend a vassall of the Church whom Cesar sought to oppresse and would not for any thing the Pope could do desist from molesting him in the businesse of Parma but required that Piacenza might likewise be delivered up unto him so as a great fire was already kindled in the midst of Italy No lesse dangers were likewise threatned in other parts for Ferdinando King of the Romans taking occasion from the discords which arose amongst the Barons of Hungary and particularly from the commotions raised in Transilvania by George Bishop of â—aradino a man of great Authority and who hoped to be able to possess himselfe of that Province parted from Auspurg loaden with promises of assistance from the Emperour which tended to the inducing him to yeeld up his pretences to the succession of the Empire to his Son Philip he was gone into Austria where he had already commenced Dyets that he might raise as many men and monies as he could for such an enterprise And on the other side it was known that Soliman who was already returned from Persia to Constantinople would not indure that that infant-King recommended to his protection should be bereft of any part of his Dominions and he had the better occasion to take up Arms against the House of Austria and to think the Truce for five years broken for that the Imperiall Army had taken two Towns in the Rivers of Africa to wit A City called by the same name of the Province Africa and Monestero These Towns being formerly possest by the Moores were the year before taken by Dragute who being afterwards made a Sangiaccho had received them into Solimans custody and were since taken by Prince Doria who put thereinto a Spanish Foot-Company The Venetians were the more displeased at these accidents because they thereby lost their hopes of renewing the Truce for a longer time a thing which was yet in Treaty at Constantinople promises being past therein on all sides and if it had succeeded the Common-wealth would have been therein named and comprehended with much honour But Soliman continuing his desire of friendship and peace with her when he came to Constantinople sent a Chians to Venice to acquaint the Senate with his return from Persia and of his prosperous success boasting them sufficiently according to the custome of that Country though in effect the attempts made in Persia meeting with greater resistance by the Persian Forces than was expected proved to no purpose so as he was reeturn'd to Constantinople with his Army very much harrassed But the Senate being desirous to preserve Solimans favour corresponded with this his demonstration of friendship and sent Caterino Zeno Embassador to him who though he were very aged being 84 years old refused not to serve his Country though it were to take so long and difficult a journey And his Embassy proved very prosperous for by his wisdome he quieted the complaints which were often renewed by the Turks touching the death of Sabba Rays whereof Soliman promised there should be no more speech had The year 1550. past over with these petty proceedings which was the more celebrated notwithstanding throughout Christendom for that the year of Jubilee fell that year wherein the treasury of Indulgencies according to the ancient Rites of every five and twenty years is largely opened in Rome to devout people whereof there was a greater concourse then in that City upon occasion of the new Pope This year was likewise more remarkable for other reasons for the new intimation of the Councill to be held at Trent whither many Prelates flockt apace from all parts and then by reason of a great scarcity of Corn which was almost generall but chiefly in Italy which made Princes make bold with the publick Monies to furnish their people particularly the Signory of Venice which with singular Piety and Liberality provided for the people of that City and of her other subjects and inviting others to bring Corn from Countries far off they gave great sums of Moneys to such as brought Grain into Venice from whence it was distributed into other Towns belonging to the State according to their need But the year 1551 which insued the fire of War began to flame higher in Italy than before to the danger of all Italy whereat the Venetians were the more troubled because they had alwaies taken the greatest care and pains to preserve peace The Pope was a great cause hereof but more out of the uncertainty of his resolves than ouâ— of any ill-will For he suffered himselfe by little and little to be drawn from his first intentions giving ouâ— Writs of summons against Octavio Fernese whose defence he himselfe had undertaken but a little before accusing and protesting against the King of France his having taken the City of Parma into his protection though as it was said he seemed at first to assent thereunto at least not to dissent He was not aware that the bitter words which he continually used against the French and the Ferneses made them joyn the closer together and to increase their Forces and provisions for War against which not providing any sufficient defence he was brought into a necessity of throwing himself into Cesars power with whom he was notwithstanding ill satisfied for the very selfe same businesse of Parma The Pope was by degrees drawn into these Inconveniencies by tricks used by the Imperialists which he was not aware of those who were nearest him seeking for their particular ends to conceal the truth to make other mens dissemblings be believed and to nourish vain suspitions in him so as without being aware thereof he was drawn from his neutrality and occasioned the interruption of that quiet by which he at first indeavoured to win praise and Glory It becomes Princes to bethink themselves well before they undertake any businesse for they cannot without losse of honour easily withdraw themselves from their resolutions when they are once made known nor can they often prosecute them to any purpose without great prejudice to themselves and subjects The Venetians did oftentimes intercede with the Pope to appease these most troublesome commotions considering how long and grievous the War was like to prove which was now about to begin upon so slight an occasion in Italy That it was a very unfitting time for it now by reason of the news which was every where â—â—ard of Solimans intentions nay of the preparations which he was making to assault the Christian Countries both by Sea and Land And these Discords between Christian Princes what were they else but inducements to make the Turks sooner put on such resolutions nay assured hopes of giving them the Victory in their hands Peace and Quiet was to be desired by all men but particularly by him to whom it was recommended as to the common Father and expected from his wisdome and from that holy resolution which he had shewn of being Neutrall
much incouraged to hold out by the love which those Inhabitants bore to the Common-wealth and by the scituation of the place which is naturally very strong For the Fort had but one front to defend which lay towards the south East which by reason of its hight was safe enough and was surrounded every where else by an unaccessible Rock â—â—ali being gone from Castel Rosso which is seated upon the head of Nigraponte after Sun-set came early the next morning before the Island of Tine where landing about 8000 foot he made them presently march towards the Town which was five miles from the shore hoping to take it by assault But the Governour who was alwaies vigilant discrying the Fleet before it came to the Island and indeavouring at one and the same time the safety of the Islanders and of the Fort gave the Islanders timely notice of the Enemies approach by shooting off of Guns so as they might get time enow to get within the Town and by them he might the better resist the assault which was made that very day and wherein the Enemy were repuls'd and much galled by the Artillery as they retreated in so much as they were forced to keep aloof off and quarter that night in the plain called St. Nicholas The next day landing some great Guns they intended to batter the Fort but finding by the scituation of the Place that that design would prove vain they incampt about it hoping that many men being gotten into the Town they might take it by siege Wherein having spent 12 days and solicited the Governour in vain by Letters containing both threats and great-rewards to surrender the Town and finding him still more resolute to defend himselfe they resolved to be gone having first ransackt the whole Country fired the farm Houses ruin'd the Churches and kild all the cattle This action purchas'd great praise to the Governour who was not at all daunted at the sight of such forces had valiantly sustain'd the assault and in so great commotions of War preserved that Island which lay in the very jaws of the Enemy and rendred this their first design vain The Turks leaving the Island of Tine went to Rhodes where having staid a while and designed what they would do they came to Fenica Hither were all the Souldiers brought which were to come aboord the Fleet which being altogether made above 200 Sayl whereof there was 150 Gallies and of the bigger sort some vessels for burthen one Gallyoune six Ships and a great number of lesser Vessels for carriage called by the Turks Caramusolini and about fifty Palandarie which are made like small Gallies but somewhat larger in the Poope and higher on the sides and much covered containing about a hundred Horse a peece The Turks parted with these forces from Fenica and steered their course towards Cyprus but because the actions of greatest importance in this War hapned in this Island the possession whereof was the cause of the War it will be worth the while to acquaint you with the State and most remarkable proprieties of this Country before we proceed to the Narration of what was there done The Island of Cyprus lies towards the Levant in the furthermost part of the Mediterranean which according to the severall Provinces which lye upon it hath severall names given it The Island looks on the East towards Soria with which if we will credit the testimony of the Ancients she did at first joyn in a Terra Ferma On the West lies Panfilia which is now called Sarmania On the South Aegypt and Caramania on the North which is the ancient Cilicia on which side this Island lies nearest the continent It is seven hundred miles in compasse extending it selfe about 200 miles in length East North-East towards the Levant but in the largest part it is not above seventy miles over It is of a very good Air being placed in the beginning of the fourth Climate under the ninth Parallel so as it produceth almost all things belonging to humane life in great abundance and perfection And though hardly the fifth part thereof he cultivated the half thereof lies every other year follow yet is it so fruitfull as it hath not onely wherewithall to supply the necessity of the Inhabitants but to serve Forrainers Besides Corn it yields much Sugar Cotton Saffron and many other things which are transported into forrain parts It abounds in Salt-pits which though they be now reduced to the third part of their former number yet as much pure white salt may be taken from thence every year as will load one hundred great ships It abounds also in severall sorts of Creatures excellently good nor doth it want Mines of the most pretious Mettalls By reason of this great plenty of all things it was anciently called Macaria as if Blessed which made the Poets fain that the goddesse Venus was born here and did delight to live here as in her proper 〈◊〉 Wherefore the Cyprians erected a famous Temple to her in the City of Paphos It was celebrated by antiquity as the seat of nine Kings having within it thirty Cities which though according to the custom of modern daies they be greater in number then reality yet there remains many worthy memorialls of their pristine grandeâ—sa and prosperity And there are yet seen the ruines of severall Cities as well Maritime as Inland which are wholly destroyed But at this time her chiefest Towns are Nicossia Famagosta Baffo Cerines and Limiso which latter two were onely reduced into any strength there not being any other place in the whole Island able to resist the Turks power though Cerines hath held out long formerly against lesser forces The Inhabitants of this country were so highly esteâ—â—ed for worth in war and for experience at sea as Alexander the great forbore to molest them with his Arms. And we read in modern Histories that they did many memorable acts in the businesse of the Holy Land and in Soria against the Infidells This Island was Tributary to the greatest Empires of the world for following the fortune of other Eastern people it became obedient to the Kings of Aegypt and to those of Persia and lastly to the Romans When the Roman Empire began to decline it was possest by the Sarasins which the Turks make use of at this time to shew they have some just pretence to this Island affirming that they found in their Hâ—stories that their fifth Captain of the Mahometan Religion after Mahomet had acquired and possest it and that there were the Sepulchers of many Musselmans which they could not suffer to remain in the power of those of another Religion But it was recovered from the Sarasins by the Christians in the year 1122. and joyned to the Kingdom of Jerusalem when they went to the taking of the Holy Land And after severall accidents being separated from thence it was governed for many years by Lords of its own under the protection of the Emperours of
that the enemies were very near and did intend to assault it After these first Gallies were gone from Constantinope Ali went from thence also with 30 others to Fenica to take up men and from thence went to Cyprus where he tarryed for many dayes himselfe and sent his Gallies the mean while to Tripoli to take in more Souldiers and Ammunition and when the Army was provided of all things Ali leaving Arumâ—t with 20 Gallies ten Mahouns five Ships and many other Vessels to guard the Island went with 54 Gallies to find out Bashaw Pertau who being gone from Constantinople before and meeting by the way with the Gallies of Napoli and Metelino was come with about 100 Gallies to Castel Ruzzo where the whole Fleet was to make their Rendevouz Not long after Uluzzali who was gone from Algiers came to the same place with 20 Vessels and with many others belonging to particular Pyrats and last of all Cessan Son to Barbarossa came thither with 20 Gallies which had been battered and were now new Calkt The Turkish Fleet being thus all met together which consisted of about 250 sayl they went to the Island of Candia whither being come they entred the Haven of Suda and going soon after towards Cania they landed many men not far from the City who burnt divers Villages and made much prey of beasts and other goods for the Inhabitants were all fled either to the City or to the Mountains The Commissary of Cania sent forth a good Band of the Garrison of that Fort and with them many of Quirini's Souldiers out of his Gallies which were then in that Haven to suppresse the insolency of these Men and to prevent further mischiefe who made the Enemy to retreat and our Souldiers being afterward recruited with 300 Corsick foot who were very opportunely come thither a little before in a ship of Genua under the conduct of Colonel Iustiniano they pursued the Turks who as they retreated towards the Gallies to save themselves were many of them slain and durst not accost the Fort knowing that it was well man'd but they had a great mind to have pillag'd the whole Island and the Maritime parts had they not been diverted by foul weather Uluzzali forbare not notwithanding to go to Rethimo with 40 Gallies in which City for all the rest were fled at the news of the approach of the Turkish Fleet not having sufficient Garrisons to defend themselves there was none left but Ierolimo Iustiniano one of the Counsellors and Captain Ieraldo Alfieri with 100 foot who as the Enemy drew near the City began to shoot apace at their Gallies not without somewhat indamaging them whereupon the Enemy thinking that there were men enough in the Town able to defend it they departed for that time without making any further attempt But afterwards landing some men on the neighbouring shores and taking some Prisoners they understond by them that the City had not men enough within to defend it So as Uluzzali resolved to return thither as to a secure prey Iustiniano seeing the Enemy returned and landed with a full resolution to assault the City was forced to abandon it and to retire into the neighbouring Mountains to save those few Souldiers and with them and some others that he had pickt up in the Country he betook himselfe to guard the strongest passes to the end that the Enemy might not get further in to doe more mischiefe When the Turks were entred the City void of Inhabitants 't is a sad thing to say the cruelties which they used to that miserable Town they plundered the Houses ransackt the Churches fired both publick and private Edifices did not pardon the quiet of the dead but digging up the graves scattered them up and down every where moved thereunto either out of hopes of finding some Monies there or by that naturall inhumanity of dealing with the dead as they could not do with the living For which wickednesse they did in some sort pay for some of their Gallies were by a great tempest driven upon the shore where together with the death of many they were split and many others who out of a desire of pillage were gotten further into the Island were cut in pieces by the Souldiers who were gotten out of Cania and by the Country people who came down from the Mountains So as upon mustering their men at their departure they found above 2000 missing The Enemies being gone from Candia went to Cerigo where they did much harm and from thence the whole Fleet past to Giunco and went to the Islands of Zante and Cefalonia burning all the Towns and laying the Countries waste all the Inhabitants being withdrawn into Forts Whilst the Turks did this mean while diligently attend their businesse at Sea they forgat not their Land affairs for they had assembled together an Army numerous enough and made Acmat Bashaw Captain thereof who being gone with his men from Constantinople and keeping awhile in Scopio made men doubtfull whether he was to go for Dalmatia or for Transilvania the times being such as there was reason to suspect either of them but soon after Acmat marched towards Ducagini with above 15000 Horse and it was known that the Belgerbie of Greece raised many Horse to joyn with Acmats Army which made it be believed that these men were intended against the Venetians Dominions and chiefly since the Fleet was seen to advance so far which being assisted by the Land forces it was thought that the Turks intended to attempt joyntly somewhat in the Gulph These things being first designed by the Turks were the more hotly pursued for that all Agreement grew desperate and all treaty of Peace was broken For when Ragazzoni was come to Constantinople it was known that the hopes had much prejudiced this businesse that if the Venetians would prosecute the Treaty it might be brought to a good end the Turks having begun to hope they might attain those things by agreement which were not to be had without doubt and difficulty by Arms. For before Ragazzoni came to Constantinople a messenger was come thither sent in great haste by the Sangiacco of Chersego Son to Mehemet which gave notice of the others comming with certain intelligence that he brought orders for a treaty of Peace which as it caused much joy so did fill it men with immoderate hopes So as the Bashaw entering upon this Treaty did in a magnificent manner extoll the Ottaman Forces He said that Selino was heinously offended that he had mighty designs against the Common-wealth the which he prepared to assault with powerfull Forces both by Sea and Land and out of these discourses he took occasion to propose unreasonable conditions of Peace but yet proceeding very cunningly therein he sought to moderate the severity of what he related in Selino's name by his own indeavours full of humanity and affection In fine he advised the Consull to counsell his Senators to deliver up the possession of Cyprus freely as
lesse diligent in ordering his forces and in incouraging his men to fight When any noble Venetian Governour of any Gally came before him he desired him to remember That a publick pious and important cause was to be disposed in that days work That the totall affairs and the honour and safety of their Country lay in their valour that the necessity of fighting was unavoydable which was wont to make even cowards valiant but that selfe worth and desire of praise did awaken fortitude in noble and generous hearts This mean while the Gallies came still out and leaving the Rocks on the left hand the whole Fleet came into full Sea and put it selfe in order one gally keeping in a direct line by the others with sufficient space for a gally to go between them The Venetian and Spanish gallies being every where mingled the whole Fleet taking up about 4 miles space Andrea Doria who led on the right wing kept towards the Sea on the South-East side Commissary Barburigâ— kept with the left wing to landward the three Generalls keeping in the midst with the Battel about which there were 4 gallies with Lanthorns two on the side the two Admiralls of savoy and Genua upon one whereof was the Prince of Parma and the Prince of Urbin upon the other and two on the Poop La Patrona Reale and the Commandadore of Casteiles Admirall Lomelini's Gally and Commissary Quirino's Admirall closing up the battel on one side joyn'd it to the left wing the Admirall of Malta and Admirall of Sicily joyn'd it with the right wing and the Admiralls of the wings were the formost of their squadrons on the out-side The 6 Galliasses were placed on the Front of the Battel about halfe a mile from it divided in the same manner In the midst before the Battel stood Duedo's Admirall and Gauro's Gally with two others for every wing which were all very well furnished with Artillery and Souldiers The Fleet being thus ordered stood firm with their Prows turn'd towards the Enemy expecting that they should come on Ali not seeing our left wing appear yet which was not come from forth the Rocks thought the Christian Fleet to be lesser then it was and seeing Doria bend towards the Sea which he did to make way for the other gallies which followed he imagined they began to fly whereupon the Trumpet Drums and Cymballs sounding and making great signs of joy the Turks advanced as to an assured prey but when they had advanced a little and saw all our Gallies in order they grew doubtful so as striking their main Yards for the winde began to grow lesse they slackned their course but not having time to put on new resolutions they came slowly on that they might keep the better order Ali exhorted his Souldiers not to forgo their former courage if he found fear in any one of them he stir'd them up either by promises or threats bidding them remember the worth of many Mâ—sselmans who would not give over the Battel till either dead or Conquerors As soon as the Enemies Fleet came near the greater gallies they were play'd upon by a great shower of shoâ— for those Vessels were well provided as hath been said with both great Guns and lesser and suddenly made many shot as them every where on Prow Flank and Poop whereby they prejudiced them much Those of the first squadrons made resistance and made many shots at Duodo's Admirall but soon perceiving that they did us but little harm and received much themselves they began to fall off with all possible speed from the greater Vessels so as every gally seeking to give way and to free themselves as soon as might be from danger and not being all of equall goodnesse nor able to keepe the same course they fell of themselves into disorder and to get out of the reach of the Guns kept their ranks sometimes closer sometimes wider not according to conveniency or reason but as they were advised by Necessity Hereupon it hapned that the enemies Fleet fought in great disorder for the winde failed them so as after they had past the Galliasses they could not re-order themselves before they were come very near our smaller Gallies which making use of the fair winde were advanced and had by shot defyed the enemy and begun the fight This disorder of the enemies appeared most in the right Wing for many of them falling willingly towards land they had straitned their Squadrons too much on that part Then Ali thinking Doria's Squadron the greater because it made the greater show being out at high Sea and beginning to doubt that his taking so great a compasse was done with intention of inclosing him in the midst and by tacking about to assault him both on the Flanck and Poop to his great inconvenience he commanded Uluzzali that he should augment his left wing and making towards the enemy should face or fight their right Wing But Doria steered his course towards the enemy's Admirall which was opposite to him so as the conflict began somewhat later on that side then it had on the left Wing which being near land and having but little way to make encountered the enemy quickly But Siloco who was opposite to this our Wing seeing some space by sea between the last Gallies thereof and the land his Gallies being as hath been said close together fell with them presently beyond ours to the end that turning back he might assault our left Wing on the reer and that upon any ill fortune he might be the neerer land and so might provide the better for his safety And though Commissary Barbarigo were aware of this his designe yet could he not hinder him time enough so as the Gallies of the second Squadron past safely beyond ours At the same time Ali keeping his course streight on and re-enforcing the Rowers that he might be the sooner out of danger of the shot met with Iohn's Gally who seeing him come knew the Emperiall Gally by its Ensignes and not tarrying to expect being assaulted advanced immediately together with the Venetian Generall and both of them gave him a fierce assault Colonna did the like to Bashaw Pertaw's Gally betwixt whom the fight grew the fiercer for that these the chief Commander's Gallies had other Gallies neer them which assisted them to sustain and to refresh the fight But other Squadrons of the same order which kept first close together severing themselves a little entred the Battle in severall places and in severall manners some were to resist many of the enemies Gallies and some other unfought withall wound about whither they listed to succour their companions that were in danger Thus they fought in severall places with great slaughter and dubious event so as it seemed not to be one but many Navall Battles The souldiers being on all sides enflamed not onely with the desire of glory but with hatred to their enemies boarding the enemies Gallies or beating back those that sought to
Orsino being presently gone after their return from Malgarithi That it was likewise to be considered if the businesse should prove longer then was imagined as it usually falls out in such cases they should lose honour in giving it over and might incur great prejudice by continuing it since all the Leagues Fleets were to meet in good order in the beginning of March He therefore proposed as a thing better befitting the present time and occasion an attempt upon the Dardanelli or that they might go somewhere else where by depriving the enemy of their Rowers and of other things wherewith they were to recruit their Fleet their designes might be disturbed and hindered Yet Veniero continuing in his opinion went in the beginning of February with the whole Venetian Fleet to the Island or Promontory of Albania formerly called Leucade but now S ta Maura which being but a little distant from the firm land is now by the Corinthi the antient inhabitants of that country joyned by a Bridge to the land Our mens first care was to keep the Fort from being succoured hoping that being unexpectedly assaulted by sea and land and having but a small garrison it would soon become theirs Commissary Canale was therefore ordered to advance with 13 gallies and to break the Bridge about which many armed Barks were placed to keep horses from wading into the Island â—o as the enemy might be berefâ— of all succour These things being thus ordered and many Foot and Horse being already landed Generall Veniero and Colonell Rancone who had the chief command of the land forces in this enterprise went to view the scituation but finding many of the enemies Horse with whom it became them to skirmish and wherein they lost some of their men they were forc'd to retreat not being able to take so good observations as was needfull And finding by what they conceived at the first sight that the situation was stronger then it was given out to be and the therefore the enterprise would prove the more difficult which difficulty was made the greater by their failing in their first designe For the Barks which were to keep the Fort from being relieved not being able to advance so far as they should have done by reason of the shelfs and shallownesse of the water could not keep the enemies Foot and Horse from wâ—ding over and encreasing the Garrison They dispairing of doing any good without more ado embark their men and went awaâ— with the whole Fleet whereof 25 gallies commanded by Commissary Generall Soranzo went to Candia and Generall Veniero reâ—â—rned with the rest to Corfu This mean while Colonna was come from Naples to Rome where he was received with great pomp and extraordinary honour the houses and streets being adorned divers Arches erected and the antient Arches of Vespasian and Constantine by which he was to pass inrich'd with new and proper motions At his entrance into the City he was met by a numerous company of people and by the chief Magistrates of Rome before he came to the Porte Capena now called St. Sebastian's Gate through which he made his publick entry accompanied by 5000 Foot and many Nobles with attendance in rich Liveries the pomp being made the more conspicuous and glorious by 170 Turkish Slaves who clad all in silk were led as it were in triumph amidst the files of souldiers Thus did Colonna passe by the way of the Campidoglio to the Palace where the Pope accompanied by the Colledge of Cardinals stood expecting him in Constantine's Hall whose foot when he had kiss'd he presented the prisoners to him amongst which were the sons of Bashaw Ali in token of his victory At which Rome was overjoyed seeing the memory of her glorious triumphs and of her pristine greatnesse as it were renued after so many ages in one of her famous Citisens THE VVARS OF CYPRUS BOOK III. THE CONTENTS THe effects of the Victory and mens severall discourses thereupon The dis-â—nion and differing opinions of Christian Princes in adhering unto the League How the Turks behave themselves after the Rout. Pius Quintus dyes and Gregory the 13th is chosen The Enterprise of Castel-Nuovo succeeds not The Colleagues Fleets lie idle their dis-union The occasion of the Spaniards parting from the League related more diffusedly and the discords between the French and Spaniards The proceedings of the Turkish Fleet the like of the Venetians and the Popes The Turkish and Christian Fleets face one another both stand upon their advantages They fight not and the Turks fly They meet again but fight not by reason of divers accidents Don John joyns with the Confederates Fleet they go to assault the Enemy but comming too slow the design succeeds not Other Enterprises attempted without successe Don Johns departure and the disâ—â—â—ion of the Colleagues What succeeded in Dalmatia between the Venâ—tians and the Turks Treaties in Rome for provision of War to no effect Treaties of Agreement held at Constantinople and in Mocenigo's speech perswading to Peace The conclusion and conditions of Agreement insuing in March 1573. Mens severall discourses and Princes opinions thereupon THe Victory gotten by the Princes of the League against those Enemies who being till now almost invincible were by reason of their so many prosperous successes in Battel become formidable to all other Nations had awakened great hopes in all men thinking it was now an opportune time to take revenge for past offences and that the Ottaman Empire being once abandoned by fortune might be overborn by the true worth and valour of Christian Princes and Souldiers and as it usually falls out especially when being at the height of prosperity men fancy all things feasible which they doe very much desire no enterprise no acquisition was so great as could satisfie their conceived hopes or which was thought a sufficient recompence for such a Victory Nor did onely such to whom it appertain'd either by peculiar imployment or by experience in War to talke thereof but all men being every where become Souldiers did popularly and oft-times very vainly discourse how making use of so happy an occasion the Colleagues forces should be imploy'd Severall Enterprises were motioned against the Turkish Dominions and especially in Greece All men held for certain tâ—at the very same of the approach of the Christian Fleet was sufficient to make way for noble acquisitions For that the Inhabitants of those Provinces who were held in cruell slavery by the Turks mortally hating their religion customes and Empire would instantly rise up in behalfe of the Christianâ— and the Souldiers of their Garrisons being possest with fear would retreat to the most remote and secure places leaving their Towns to be freely possest by our men if they would but appear before them so as the whole Turkish Dominions would in a short time be in disorder and one acquisition would make way for another and this first victory would be get more Others not content with such things as these but flying at all
these two Cities Baglione went with 2500 Foot and 400 Horse to the custody of Trevigpe and Andrea Malipiero was sent thither likewise from the Senate that he might take particular care for Ammunition and all other things which might be requisite for the Souldiers And Alviano went himself with the rest of the Army into Padua and though the City might seem to be sufficiently therewith garrisoned yet the Senate would have some companies chosen out of Venice and Istria which should be put into Arms and sent to guard that City Moreover many of the Country people who were run into Venice to save themselves from the Enemy were sent thither to be made use of as Pyoners upon any occasion To infuse the greater courage and confidence into all which many of the young Nobility of Venice and many other well born Citizens went with their Servants and Friends to the defence of Padua and readily exposed themselves in common with the other Souldiers to all labour and danger of the War Gritti also who had hardly been eight dayes in his Country was sent by order of the Senate to that City to discharge the same place which was formerly done by Malipiero Padua a great and noble City was kept by the Venetians with great care and vigilancy for the Common-wealth having placed the surest Foundations of her Empire by Land in that City both for the opportunity of its scituation fertility of ground and certain other fortunate Auspices they had not been wanting in these hardest times to attend the Preservation of that City with all sort of care so as it was made very strong and those parts of the Suburbs were thrown down which extending themselves into a great length could not be walled in the Trees were cut down for a good space round about the City and all the neighbouring Villages pull'd down to the ground so as being inviron'd on all sides by open fields no Enemy could approach the City but must be discover'd from a far off and expos'd to the shot of Cannon The Emperour Maximillian had formerly endeavoured the taking of this City with great warlike Preparation but finding all to be in vain was forc'd to quit the Enterprise But the Venetians hereby instructed had with all care and diligence caused works to be made about the Fort and had brought it to great security and perfection The City was likewise excellently well provided with Victuals and much corn was every day voluntarily brought in by the Neighbouring Inhabitants There was great store of Artillery of all sorts which being very well ordered and disposed of did sufficiently guard the Walls on all sides though they were of a very larg circute Thus had the Venetians carefully provided for all things requisite to the Preservation of this City moved thereunto rather out of the considerableness of the cause then fear of danger All these things being thus ordered those who were to defend the City did couragiously expect the Enemies Approach who being gone to the Castle of Este and from thence falling down along the River banks till they were come within two miles of the City encamp'd themselves on the right hand of the river Bachiglione There was nothing in the enemies Army except the train of Artillery which could give such Reputation as was requisite for the winning of so renowned a City The men were but few for such an Enterprise the Foot did not exceed 8000 nor the Horse above 1000 in all And their provision for Victuals was but by hazard from day to day so as it was conceived the Army would in a short time be reduced to great straits There were several Commanders in the Army of very great Renown in War but their experience was of no avail here by reason of the Bishop Gurghense his great Authority and his greater Obstinacy But that which did most of all trouble and confound the Commanders was the difficulty of bringing the Artillery to the Wails and of leading on their Souldiers safe to the Assault Which could not be done without a long and laborious work of Trenches under the shelter whereof they might escape the Cannon-shot which play'd from all parts But such work required so many men to make them as though all the Countrey round about was fetch'd in with great severity yet could they not find men enough for the business Insomuch as the Enemy having begun to make a broad and deep Ditch which was led on by crooked lines from the Camp to the City to make a Fence against the cannon-shot which was made from off the City Walls with the earth which they threw out they were forced quickly to forsake that work as well for want of Pioners as for the continual disturbance which they met with from the City and chiefly by the light Horse which sallying out often at unawares fell upon the Pyoners disturbe the work and did continually infest the Enemy sundry wayes So as nothing passing on either side but slight Skirmishes the time past on and but little was done and the Inconveniences of the Enemies Army increasing every day more and more their hopes of getting the City grew lesser and lesser for the Camp being pitch'd in a low scituation and subject to the often Inundation of water and consequently less healthful the Souldiers began to fall sick apace so as they could not tarry there moreover the Camp being kept from being victuall'd by Light Horse which sallied often out of the City and not being furnish'd with any great store out of the Countrey the Army was greatly inconvenienced The Souldiers not being content with their abode there complained grievously and with injurious words told their Commanders That that Enterprise was idlely undertaken that the business was too difficult and which by other Tryals was almost impossible to effect that they would not refuse any duties how sore soever nor shun any danger if there were any hope of good success but that a business which was not accompanied with any hope of good was certainly not only vain but very dishonourable and mis-becoming Military men What hopes had they to win a strong City now when numerous Armies of several joynt Princes being brought before it to the same purpose four years ago were forced with shame to forego it What reason had Caesar to perswade himself that his very name though at a far distans should make so much for the Victory now when his presence could not effect it before That a War of such importance ought not to be govern'd by the Authority and Counsel of Bishop Gurghense a man wholly unexperienced in what belong'd to War That he minded only Caesars Affairs and cared not for the Souldier that they had not received their due pay nor had not had such Aids sent them as was promised What remained there now to be done but immediately to raise the Camp These Speeches being noised throughout the whole Camp came to Gurghense's car who being moved thereat and dispairing
of a wicked perfidious Priest Bartholomeo who being familiarly acquainted with Alessandro Marcello Commissary of Marano prevailed with him that one morning before day a gate of the Town should be opened under pretence of going out early to hunt by which means Frangipane having formerly agreed thereupon with the Priest possess'd himself of the gate before which he was unexpectedly come with some Dutch Foot Companies and a Troop of Horse wherewith he entred the Town For which wickedness the Traytor was justly punished for being taken Prisoner by Nicola Pisaro Podesta of Porto Gruaro he was sent to Venice where he was hung up by one foot and stoned to death by the common people This Town as it was very convenient for the Venetians by reason of the situation thereof being placed in the innermost part of the Gulph and wash'd by salt water on the one side so it being at one and the same time to be assaulted both by Sea and Land it promised speedy and good success to any one that should fall upon it Wherefore the Venetians resolved to make the taking thereof their first business to the end that if they should find easie success therein they might go to the recovery of Goritia which being taken by the like fraud by Frangipane held for the Emperour Baldissera Scipione one of Luca went by order from the Senate to this Enterprize of Marano together with four other Conductors of Gens d' Armes each of which commanded 50 Horse men besides all the light Horse in number 500 under the Conduct of Ulatico Cosazza and of Nicolo da Pesaro who were likewise to be accompanied by Barnardino da Parma with 400 Foot To these Forces were added about 2000 Country people whom Gierolamo Savorgnano who was at this time of great Authority with the people and not less affectionate to his Common-wealth had gathered up from all the parts thereabout Scipione commanded the whole Army who had the charge of all that was done by Land but Bartholomeo da Mâ—sto had the charge of the Maritime Affairs who was then Savio di Terra firma a man famous for his experience by Sea he was followed by order from the Senate by the Podestu's of Murano Torcello Chioggia and by those of Caurle and Pirano and of other Towns of Histria who were all commanded to rig out as many Barks as they could for this Enterprize who being all met at the time appointed the whole Fleet past into the Washes of Marano where when they were come our men sent Heralds to the Citizens and Dutch Souldiers of the Garrison to demand restitution of that Town in the name of the Common-wealth exhorting them not to force them to use violence but rather that they should lay aside all hopes and thoughts of being able to defend themselves But discovering thoughts much of another nature in the Defendants who returned injurious words our men much incensed and being greatly desirous to re-gain the Town they resolved not to stay for the Arrival of some Gallies which were to come up unto them but to advance and assault the Walls But as soon as our armed Barks began to be divided and disordered by their Cannon shot and many that were therein slain the Marriners and Gally-slaves who being unexperienced in War and not acquainted with danger had earnestly desired to be led on to the Assault were strangely terrified and falling to their Oares every one as fast as they might they endeavoured to carry the Barks out of the reach of the Artillery being more indamaged in their flight by the fear and confusion which they were in Our men being thus taught their danger by experience durst make no farther Attempts till more aid was come up unto them but four lesser Gallies being afterwards come up unto the Fleet whereby they were made the stronger and the better incouraged they resolved to assault the Town again The Walls were lower and the Towers much batter'd by the Artillery on the side which was towards the Haven wherefore our men thought they might land the easilier on that side and to the end that the Enemy being kept busied in divers parts might be the less able to resist they thought their Enterprize might prove the more successful since the Town was set upon at the same time by the Fleet by Sea and by Scipione and Savoragnano by Land The business began now to have good success when those Land-men that were with Scipione and some others that were got out of the Gallies and had landed some Artillery were kept from coming nearer the Walls by a great deluge of water which fell from the Skies which fill'd all the Plain and Marrish Grounds which were round about the Town The Defendants being therefore safe on that side ran all to the other side where they were assaulted by the Fleet and repuls'd our men who began already to scale the Walls At the same time that these things were a doing the Souldiers which were sent by Scipione to possess themselves of the Passes and to keep the besieged from being relieved by any succours which might come from Gorilia which is not above 20 miles from thence sent Savoragnano word that Frangipane was drawing near with a great many men so as if they had not more help sent speedily to them they should be forced to quit those places not being able with a few men long to resist a far greater number Savoragnano hearing this and dispairing now to take the Town by Assault marched suddenly with his men thitherward and was hardly advanc'd one mile when he met those very men who had but a little before sent to him for succour for being terrified at the fame and great opinion which was had of the Enemies Forces they durst not tarry till they came Wherefore joyning them with his own men he went to find out the Horse who were within their own quarters in somwhat a higher place not far from the rest of the Army that they might be ready upon any occasion to wait upon the enemy according as they should see them move Savorgnano strove by entreaties and all other means to perswade the Horse-men to come nearer Marano and joyn with the rest of the Army shewing them what had been done and what was to be done which as not concern'd any ways in point of shame they refused to do Some of them being frighted by what was commonly noised in the Camp touching the great Power of the Enemy other mutinying for not receiving their pay in due time so as many began to forsake their Colours and dissolve their Companies Wherefore Savorgnano fearing that the strongest part of the Army might be weakened and that the Common-wealths Forces might be thereby diminished endeavour'd to perswade the Gens d' Armes to retire towards Udine into a place of safety promising to go along with them and to secure the way In this Interim Frangipane meeting with no obstacle advanced and entred safe with all his men
new impositions and if they should not have been permitted to merchandize with the Moores and make their best advantage in all places Wherefore experience soon shewed that the Spaniards were much prejudiced and did quite lose that Traffique by which they thought to have increased their publique Revenues And since so fair an occasion is now offer'd I think it may stand with my intended purpose who have undertaken to record to memory the Venetian Affairs that I â—ay something of their Maritime Negotiations to the end that the chief reason of that Cities wealth may be the better known The ancient Founders of this City and their Law-makers took special care that the Câ—tizens should exercise themselves in Voyages and Traffique at Sea and that they might by their industry indeavour to increase the riches both of the private and of the publique and at the same time make the name of the Venetians famously known to far distant countries The scituation of the City did invite to this manner of life and exercise and did almost of it felf admâ—nister such thoughts to the Inhabitants for the City not having any Territories of her own by land by the fertillity whereof or by mans diligence she might enrich herself nay wanting such things as were necessary to maintain life they were first necessitated to exercise their industry and afterwards got aboundance of all things The antient custom was to sayle with great Gallies built for Merchandize into many Countries both Christian and Pagan and to bring many things from thence which might not only serve for the use of their Citizens but might be sent into forraign Nations and great gain might be made thereby Many of the young Nobility had wont to go in these Gallies as well to practise Merchandizing as to learn the Art of Sayling and the knowledg of Maritime Affairs Others of them continued many years in Forraign Nations and almost in all those places wherein they did traffique to deal for themselves and for others So as hereby they did not only acquire riches but experience in many Affairs and that being to be imploy'd in the Government of the Common-wealth at their return they might not appear rude or unexpert in managing publique imployments Hence it was likewise that frugality modesty all goodness and the like were better observed in that City wherein the youth being imploy'd in honest exercises were not corrupted by idleness and all that first age was voyd of Law-sutes and ambition The wise Authors of these good orders knew very well that the desire of honour and power did imprint it self early in our souls and that as our age increaseth it getteth to such a growth as it findes no bounds and does sometimes grow immoderate and plots things prejudicial to the State And that in idleness youth grows effeminate and that those are sooner corrupted by evil customes who never parting from home spend their lives in aboundance of all domestical Affairs But that we may not digress too much from our first purpose we will re-assume our discourse where we left The voyages made by our aforesaid Gallies that were commonly called Gallies of traffique were these When they put from Venice their first voyage was to Taragosa in the Island of Sicely from thence they went to Tripoli in Africa then touching at the Island of Gherbe le Sirte to Tanis Here they turn'd their course towards the Kingdom of Tremisine making their chief aboad at Tusen and Mega which now are called Oâ—a and Oran as in the fittest and most frequented places of those Regions Lastly they went to divers Towns in the Kingdom of Morocco called in their language Fez to Bedis of Gomiera and having already touched all the Havens of Barbary which were anciently tearmed Mauritania and Numidia they went to Spain traffiquing in Almeria anciently called Abdara from thence to Maligo Vallence and Forora But they did not use the same traffique in all places for they carried many sorts of Mettals and much linnen cloath from Venice to the Moores of Africa to buy the which the Moores came at a certain time of the year to the aforesaid places bringing much gold with them Then passing with this gold into the Rivers of Spain they bought there divers sorts of Merchandize as silk wooll grain and other things which that Country produceth and all these they brought to Venice This Navigation which was long used by the Venetians and was of great advantage to them began to be disturb'd by the reasons we have before spoken of and divers accidents supervening afterwards the State of Affairs being altered it is wholly given over and lost But let us now re-assume our interrupted Narration A good part of the time of Truce was now past and the year 1518 began wherefore it behoved them to come to a new agreement with Maâ—imillian The Pope endeavour'd as he had often formerly done that this business might be transacted at Rome but the Venetians confiding more in the King of France desired that it might be handled at his Court whither Cesar was to send his Embassadours with authority to assent unto and to observe what should be agreed upon The Treaty was begun by the procurement of the most Christian King but things could not be brought to a settled composure for the Venetians wearied with so long War and no less cloy'd with Maximillians dubious and suspitious counsels cared little for any other agreement save such whereby they might be put into an assured condition of peace and quiet But the Emperour according to his accustomed and natural inconstancy that he might always have a loop hole for new designs as also hoping to get a greater sum of money from the Venetians by these frequent agreements propounded a treaty rather of Truce then of Peace At this very time Pope Leo was very earnest in procuring an universal Truce whereby all Christian Princes might lay down their Arms to the end that true amity and sincere peace ensuing they might by a general consent establish and conclude a powerful and firm League against Selino for the Ottoman Empire being so mightily encreased both in State and Power by the acquisition of Egypt and Soria it was evident that great mischiefs were threatened to all Christendom by a powerful Enemy The same immoderate desire of Reign which had made Selino wage War with the Soldans of the Mamulâ—ccchi would always be the like in him towards all Christian Princes Therefore mature care ought to be had that the Turk might not arrive at such greatness as that without any impediment or gain-saying he might hereafter make all other Provinces subject and Tributaries to him These things being thus represented to the Venetians in the Popes name and many principal Prelates of the Court of Rome being sent to all the Princes of Christendom to the same end were a great means of moving the Senate to agree with Cesar touching a new Truce since greater and longer difficulties appeared to be in
peace Cesar prepares to succour Genua Giorgio Sfonspere musters 10000 Dutch at Bolzano and in despite of the Confederates passes into the Country of Mantua Giovan de Medici his Valour The Dutch pass into Tuscany The Venetians succour the Popes State and send Marco Foscari to Florence The Imperial Fleet towards Genua is pursued by the Venetian Fleet chas'd by Navarro gets at last to Gaetta and lands the Vice-roy of Naples Renzo de Ceri sent by the King of France to Rome The Viceroy succours the Collonesi and besiegeth Frussolone The Colleagues attempt the taking of Naples their proceedings Important actions before the City The Neapolitans are afraid and are supported by Don Ugo Moncada The Ecclesiastical Army in disorder Burbone comes forth of Milan to joyn with the Duth and goes to Bologna The Pope the mean while concludes peace with the Viceroy his little discretion in laying down Arms his fears and his excuse to the Colleagus Embassadours A Tumult in Florence appeased by the Duke of Urbane Burbone despairing of the Enterprise marches towards Rome desires passage from the Pope which is denied wherefore he besiegeth the City he is shot upon the walls thereof with a musket and dies The Emperours Army enters Rome The Pope retires to the Castle of St Angelo Rome in a few dayes undergoes the miseries of being sack'd of Famine of Pestilence and suffers totall desolation of all things as well sacred as prophane THe Fortune and reputation of the French being much declined by their being driven in a short space out of the State of Milan and by Forces not greater then their own it was generally thought that the Venetians whose Army was defeated and the greatest part of their Horse by them dismist they having likewise given leave to their Commissary Gritti to return from the camp and come home having largely made good their Confederacy with King Francis though they got but little good thereby would at last follow the victorious Fortune of Charles the Emperour who as he had formerly seemed to desire their friendship so did he now more then ever endeavour to draw them to side with him hoping by reason of the low condition which the French were in to be able to seperate them from King Francis and believing that the preservation of the State of Milan and the good end of all the war did chiefly depend upon this new Confederacy and upon the assistance and forces of the Venetians for it was very certain that king Francis made great preparations to pass into Italy with a powerfull Army and that if he should be assisted by the Venetians the Emperialists and Sforzas would not be able long to maintain the burthen of so heavy a war As on the contrary if the Venetians should joyn with the Imperialists it was thought that the French would be kept from retiring into Italy being they were to meet with so stout resistance and that King Francis seing himself deprived of the Venetian's aid would lay aside all thoughts of coming into Italy as despairing of good Success Cesar therefore laboured hard to effect this and did not onely treat thereof at his own Court with Gasparo Cotarini who was Embassadour there for the Com-wealth acquainting him with many reasons wherefore the Senate should be perswaded to joyn in like Confederacy with him to defend the States of each other as they had of late years done with the King of France but he likewise interposed the authority of the King of England with whom Charles having had speech at his return from Spain he had had much discourse thereupon and the Cardinal of York had the copy of the Capitulations drawn up by the Emperour's Lord Chancellour and having acquainted Gasparo Contarini with them offered to moderate them and to make them such as the Common-wealth which had complained thereof as being too severe should have reason to accept them But the business requiring some length of time by reason of this distance of place a League was concluded between Charles and Henry reserving room for the Venetians to be comprehended therein if they would declare within three months and if they would accommodate their affairs first with Cesar either by way of Truce or Peace which being communicated to the Senate produced as then no other result save onely fair correspondency in general with a shew of being much inclined to peace and to friendship with Cesar so it might stand with the honour and safety of the Commonwealth and that since the Cardinal of York had already offered himself to be a Mediator and stickler in the business of greatest difficulty it was requisite to hear what he would propound before any resolution could be taken But the news of the French preparations for the affairs of Italy increasing dayly and greater doubts arising in Charles and Henry by reason of the Venetians delaying to put on any resolution that their State would continue their confederacy with France they resolved to send Embassadours to Venice to accelerate the conclusion of the League which was propounded by them The King of England's Embassadour came thither first which was Richard Pace who having received his Commission from his King whilest the said Richard was at Rome discharged his trust together with the Emperours Embassadour which was resident at Venice desiring in their Princes name that the Senate would declare what they intended to do when the King of France should return with an Army into Italy to possess himself of the State of Milan But the Emperours Embassadour proceeded further desiring that the Commonwealth would wage war against the King of France if he should not desist from troubling Cesar and from disturbing the peace of Italy alledging that the Venetians were bound to do so by a particular Confederacy made two years before at London wherein by particular consent of their Senate the State of Venice was named amongst the chief Contracters The Venetians proceeded very maturely in this Treaty weighing how pernicious any resolution they could put on might prove to the Commonwealth according to the various events which might happen in the affairs of Italy and by the secret Counsels of Princes for it was certain That if the King of France should through any accident that might happen delay sending a powerfull army on this side the Mountains his reputation would be so much lesned and the Forces and authority of his enemies so confirmed as the adherers to the French would be exposed to eminent dangers and on the other side to forego their Friendship to boot that it went against their general inclination brought with it no lesser difficulties For it was rather to be believed both in respect of the power and wealth of the Kingdom of France and out of the immense desire that King Francis had to get the State of Milan that the French would return with powerfull Forces on this side the Mountains and regain his former power and authority so as they might have means
Prince of Orange to enter into the State of Milan thorow the Duke of Savoy's country with a good number of Lands knights but on the other side the Confederates being wholly bent to keep off all relief made several provisions many ships were preparing in Britany and at Marcelles by the King of France and some Ships that were taken as it was said about Genoua were armed at the common expence intending to put to Sea with a great Fleet and to hinder the passage of the Spanish Fleet Divers endeavours were had likewise with the Duke of Savoy that he might not permit the Imperialists to pass thorow his State But the greatest and most apprehended dangers came from Germany for it was said that Georgio Sfonspera an old Commander and one very affectionate to the House of Austria was raising great store of foot in Styria and allured men by the hopes of prey and that the Dutch Foot which were in the Garrison of Cremona being come to him he had got together above ten thousand Dutch Foot about Bolzano Divers things were therefore put in practice at the same time to hinder the passage of these men The practice formerly held with the Governour of the Castle of Mus was agreed upon not only the disbursement of five thousand Ducats the one half whereof was to be paid him by the Pope the other half by the Senate for the freeing of the Venetian Embassadors who were detained by him whilst they were passing into France but also that he himself should come in person with four hundred Foot to the service of the League wherewith he was to Guard the Lake of Como The Venetians sent likewise Secretary Nicolo Sangontino upon the same occasion to the Marquis of Mantua to desire him that though these men should be advanced he should not suffer them to enter into his State and because Artillery and Munition were preparing in Trent which made it be feared that Georgio Sfonspera would fall with his numerous men into the Territories of Verona the Senate raised therefore four thousand Foot more and made some Troops of Curassiers and of light Horse come from the camp they made Agostino da Mula Commissary General on this side Menzo and disposed of all things in order to fight and beat back the Enemy But the Dutch Foot came by the Valley of Lagni from whence they past quickly after to Poldrone which when our Commanders knew who were in the parts about Verona Camillo Orsino went immediately with the light Horse and some of the readiest Foot companies to Salo leaving the rest of the Army behind with orders that passing over the Lake of Garda they should come into the same place which not being to be done for it fortun'd that that Lake proved then as it somtimes is unnavigable Orsino could not march till it was too late to encounter the Enemy who were already well advanced Yet having possess'd himself of the passage della Corona a strait place and naturally strong he forc'd the Dutch who had already taken that way to go by the tops of the Mountains so as by very craggy and difficult ways they came to Gardo and from thence to Castilione and soon after they entred into the Marquis of Mantua's Territories thereby cozening the Commanders of the League who thought that the Dutch would have made towards Milan thorow the Territories of Bergamo but passing over the River Olio at Rivalta and afterwards over the Menzo it was thought that they would take their way either towards Piacenza or Pavia Wherein to hinder them the Commanders of the League thought it fit to divide the Camp into two parts with the one whereof the Marquis of Saluzzo taking with him the Switzer and Grison Foot to the number of ten thousand went to beyond the River Ada and quartered at Vauri near the strongly seated Cassano and the Duke of Urbin who conducted the rest of the Army consisting of as many Foot went to Sansino But George Fonspra being already got beyond them with his Foot and the Duke not able for wanâ— of victuals to follow him presently with his whole Army he made his light Horse and some Foot companies follow them in the Reer by whom the Enemy were much annoy'd and chiefly by Giovan di Medici who although the rest of the Popes Captains were gone stay'd in the Camp and took pay of the King of France but yet they advanced still and pass'd over the Po and the Duke of Urbin taking the same way with his Army came to Borgo forte from whence the Dutch were gone but a little before and caused a Bridg to be made to the end that if occasion should be he might pass his men over But Fonspere not knowing what way to go when he was got over the Po was cause of much suspention with the Colleagues and the Pope was chiefly much affraid beleiving that the Enemy would bend towards Bologna and peradventure pass into Tuscanie wherefore he pressed the Venetians very much to pass their men as soon as might be over the Po for the better safety of the Churches and the Florentines State but their own Common-wealth was not free from the like danger wherefore the Senate to satisfie the Pope as far as stood with their owne safety ordered Luigi Pisari who was in the Camp with the Marquis of Saluzzo that if any number of Foot should be demanded of him to encrease the Garrisons of the Towns belonging to the Church he should readily releive them Which Guiccherâ—ine demanding Babone di Naldo was sent thither with 1000 Foot They writ likewise to their Captain-General that if the danger of the confederates should encrease and theirs should lessen he should pass over the Po either with the whole Army or but with part of it according as occasion should require and as he should think best Which being by several accidents delayed this advice was altered and it was thought more expedient for the common service that for the present the Marquis of Saluzzo should pass over only with his men taking along with him 300 of the Venetian light Horse and some pieces of Artillery to be taken from their Camp The Popes danger and his fear also did much increase by the Enemies approaching near Florence for the Dutch having passed the River Nura and then that of Trebbia not being any ways disturbed by our men stay'd at Firenzvole where they expected to meet with the men of Milan But the Imperial Commanders finding it hard to make the rest march the Italian Foot and some light Horse went only thither at that time But the Senate being desirous to give the Pope all satisfaction sent new Orders to their Commissary to draw out some more men from their Army and to send them over the Po that they might joyn with those that were formerly passed over with the Marquis of Saluzzo Therefore Commissary Vetury went thither presently with 5000 Foot and some Troops of light Horse the
evade the recovery of what the Turks had taken from his brother Ferdinando fearing to encounter the Turkish Armies He gave a particular account of all these his designes to the Venetian Senate seeming very zealous of the common good of Christendome but particularly a desire of assisting the Common-wealth and of keeping friendship with her Wherefore to satisfie him the League was renewed in the very self same terms as was contained in that of Bolognia to remove all doubts that it might be null'd or weakned by Pope Clement's death And their Embassadour Mark Antonio Contarini the more to shew the continuance of their Amity was commanded to follow the Emperour whithersoever he should go as he accordingly did and processions were made by all the religious orders throughout Venice and prayers poured out to God for the happy success of this business This so great preparation begot severall suspicions in the Turks which were augmented by the sinister Offices done by Iohn Forreste the French Embassadour at Constantinople who very falsly but with efficacious reasons went about to make the Bashaws believe that the Venetians egg'd the Emperour on to go with those so great forces into Greece against Soliman's dominions And notwithstanding the King proceeded otherwise by his Embassadour at Venice desiring the Senatours out of great Zeal as he would have it believed to their service to be very vigilant in observing Cesar 's wayes saying that they might very well be jealous of this so great preparation for a Fleet and that many things might be said thereof tending to the prejudice and eminent danger of the Common-wealth that they might upon all occasions make use of his Forces and promise unto themselves all things from his kingdome and that he desired to witness this unto them again to the end that they might relie upon these his offers as might be most usefull and advantagious for them The Senatours were not a little troubled hereat finding clearly that all this tended only to make the Commonwealth mistrustful and peradventure to move them to open war either with Cesar or Soliman wherefore they should be forced to have recourse to France either for their intercession with the Turks or for their assistance against the Imperialists Yet concealing these their suspicions in part they returned thanks to the King for these his friendly offers which though they did not think they should now need yet they acknowledged that thereby the Common-wealths obligations to that Crown were increased But they complained much of the bad Offices done them by his Embassadour at Constantinople which were so contrary to what was true and so destructive to their affairs The King hearing this sought to free himself from fault by denying that he had given any such commission to his Embassadour But it was very certain that the King of France had already begun to hold some secret intelligence with the Turks concerning things of great concernment and very prejudiciall to Christendome And as Soliman being now busied in the wars of Persia deâ—err'd the conclusion of this business and the future evils so was it foreseen that he would the more easily embrace the King of France his proposals for that being become more haughty by his having victoriously over-run Persia with his Forces he would be the more desirous to abate Cesars greatness and glory as also that finding how much his people had suffered by the length and difficulty of their march and how much the Persian Forces were to be vallued by which he had been much indammaged in his return he would seek to turn his war elsewhere But the endeavours of the French could not yet prevail so much against the Venetians as to trouble their peace nay Soliman who was got so far with his Army into the confines of Persia as that he had plundered the City of Tawris the Regal seat of those Kings and then passing into Babylonia had driven the Persian garrison out of Babylon and brought that City into his own power gave a particular account to the Senate of his prosperous successes and of his putting the enemy to flight which though it were in high tearms as concerning the enemy exaggerating their loss and his victories yet was it with great shew of good and continued friendship to the Commonwealth But it was given out that presently upon his return to Constantinople he would rigg out a very great Fleet to which purpose he had sent for Cariadino and given other orders which were evident signes that he would not give over waging war And in this Interim the winter being over Cesar had disposed of all things for the Affrican enterprise and had imbarked himself at Barcellona whether his whole Fleet was come consisting of three hundred sail of several ships commanded by Prince Doria and wherein were forty thousand fighting men besides a multitude of Mariners and slaves and he was accompanied by the chief Lords of Spain and by the Infante of Portugal who brought eighty sail of ships to Barcellone The Fleet Sayled first to Sardignia and put in at Caglieri where necessary orders being given for the administration of War it pass'd on to the Carthagenian shore this Country is called Martia famous for the ancient and noble seat of the Common-wealth of Carthage where coming to Land neer Goletta he suddenly landed his Army incamped before it the taking of this place being thought requisite toward the taking of Tunis The Turkish Gallies in Goletta made valient resistance but the Fort being almost quite thrown down by Cannon shot the Town fell into the Spaniards hands Which is a Cittadel consisting of many Bastions lying almost in the mouth of the Channel where the Sea water makes a Lake upon which stands the City of Tunis about twelve miles from the Sea The Spaniards entring into this Lake they took without any manner of contest about 50 Saile of Gallies and Flie-boates which were put there by Cariadino as a safe place Cariadino was so discouraged at this loss as though coming at first out of Tunis with his Army he shewed as if he would give the Emperour Battel yet he soon retreated into the Town of Bona and not thinking himself safe there neither for he heard he was pursued by Doria passed into Algiers The Cities of Tunis and Bona though they were very well Garrisoned when they say themselves abandoned by their chieâ— Commander fell soon and easily into the power of the Spaniards but Cariadino escaped all these dangers being reserved as a scourge to Christendom for the sins thereof and he went soon after to Constantinople whether he was sent for and meeting Soliman before he was come thither with his Persian Army he excused the loss of the Kingdom as well as he could and was by him received into grace again and made Governor of his Fleet. And Cesar parting victoriously from Affrica gave the Kingdom of Tunis which he had won a noble gift to Amuleasses upon obligation of paying him every
listned willingly hereunto being the more desirous thereof that they might make the Enemy feel their forces which had hitherto been onely cause of great expence to the Common-wealth They were not a little herein incouraged by the Duke of Urbin who being made acquainted therewith did not only commend it but entring into more exalted thoughts proposed greater matters He said that if 5000 Dutch-foot were added to those Italians who were in Dalmatia and some Italian Horse to the Grecians and Stradiotti they might with these forces enter Bossina and make themselves Masters of some good Town which might make way for greater acquisitions that it was alwaies good counsell to carry the war home to the Enemies that there was onely a weak Garrison of 3000 horse in Bossina that if such occasions were let slip to what end did they continue war why such expence why all this adoe if they meant onely to defend themselves and that not without difficulty and danger that the fortune of war was alwaies doubtfull but he who will not hazard any thing undergoes a certain and voluntary prejudice This advice looked handsomely shewing generosity and hopes of Victory It was therefore resolved to raise the Dutch foot immediately to which purpose Constantino Cavazza was sent into Bavaria who was Secretary to the Consiglio di Pregadi who by the assistance of Duke Lodowick who was very affectionate to the Common-wealth quickly effected what he had in charge so as the souldiers having immediately received one-pay fell down into Friuli the mean while Camillo Orsino having assembled 4000 foot and 500 Horse out of the Garrisons of Dalmatia and some peeces of Artillery went into Obraazzo the taking whereof was of great consideration for thereby they bereaved the Turks of a place where they used to raise numbers of men to assault our Confines and for the advantage which might be made of many Woods in the neighbouring Country The Castle was neither very strong nor very well provided to make defence wherefore the enterprise was thought as easie as usefull It being therefore continually play'd upon for two days the third day the souldiers were led on to the assault where after some contest they entred but Orsino finding that it could not be fortified nor kept without much difficulty gave order for the demolishing thereof But the Turks being hereof advertised came upon our men so suddenly before they had quite slighted the Castle as giving the work over they left the place in the Enemies hands who suddenly repairing the ruines placed therein a strong Garrison Our men were so terrified at the unexpected comming of the Turks as retreating to the shore to imbarke themselves they were pursued by the Enemy and had been totally routed had not Camillo da Monte Napolitano making head against them entertained the Enemy and afforded our men opportunity of imbarking themselves this success as at first it gave great incouragement and hopes so the condition of affairs soon altering they thought not of prosecuting any other designs upon Nadino Laurana Clissa or Osâ—ravizza wherein greater difficulties were daily found Hereby those began to cool who had been forwardest in falling upon other enterprises in the Turkish Territories and the Duke of Urbin's selfe made many difficulties alleadging that those men which he had first demanded were not enough to take Towns and to guard the Country from the Enemie and that a greater number would require so much victuals as would not easily be come by they being to be brought by Land and through an Enemies Country They were therefore much troubled what to do the thing of it selfe was very advantageous and much to be desired but met every where with many difficulties The Dutch foot were already come very near many other things provided not without expence whereby the souldiers might be incouraged the Fleet lay idle if the Enemy were suffered to rest secure every where to what end should they still waste themselves in War but they that weighed the businesse more maturely alleadged That these ill grounded hopes were not answerable to the certain danger of drawing upon them the whole Turkish Armie and to bring them once more to the ruine of Dalmatia now that to our good fortune they were turned selâ—ewhere That it Would be better to imploy this time and these monies in fortifying the most important Towns and in securing them from those dangers which they were known to have been in formerly they not being sure but that the Enemy who were not gone far off might quickly return to assault them Besides would they give over thinking of their Fleet upon which since their greatest concernments did depend their chiefest care should be thereof and increasing the forces and reputation thereof as much as possibly they could And that since the slow proceedings in uniting the the Fleeâ—s shew'd how little they were to trust to the helpe of others they were to learn that by experience which reason could not perswade them to to wit That not being able solely of themselves to maintain the war and not being assisted by others as need required it would become them to treat of Peace to the procuring whereof how could the provoking the Turks by new injuries and the further incensing of Soliman with little or no hope of advantage conduce very much That the War proceeded so little prosperously as it was not to be doubted but that it was better to think of quenching this fire than of feeding it with fresh fuel These reasons prevailing with all men made them at last resolve to dismiss the Dutch foot giving them halfe a pay more and giving the Commanders better presents as well to keep fair with that Nation as also to avoid the danger of having the country plundered by military insolence now that they were within the confines of the Common-wealth This occasion being removed the Turks continued their way towards Hungary and those that were in the neighbouring Garrisons were quiet now that all the Towns were well munited so as Dalmatia might for a while hope for repose All mens eyes were now upon the success of the severall Fleets Barbarossa being gone from Candia kept about the Rivers of Nigrapont and the adjacent parts not attempting any thing having some jealousie of the Christian Fleets But Generall Capello having assembled a great many Gallies one Gallioun and several ships the Patriark Grimani being joyn'd with him with the Popes Gallies all things being now in readinesse waited the arrivall of the Spanish Fleet great hopes being dayly given out of its speedy comming but no such effect was seen the best season for action at Sea to the grief of all men and blame of many being lost The Emperour said he would forthwith send the thirty Neapolitan Gallies to Corfu which were at Messina and fifty ships with 3000 Spaniards with Don Ferrante Gonsaga aboord them who was then Vice-roy of Sicily who since the the Duke of Urbin could not by reason of his
Pirats and some others were gone into Affrica to succour Tunis and Goletta from suspition of new commotions of the Turks and Moors of those parts The former consultations were then renu'd but with greater necessity of comming to a resolution and of falling upon some enterprise At last it was resolved by common consent to go with the whole Fleet to Prevesa and to fight the enemy Our Commanders intention was to land their men as soon as they should be come to Prevesa and to use all their might to possesse themselves of that Castle and to build a Fort over against it that so they might master the Gulphs mouth so as they might afterwards put on what resolution they should like best either of entring to fight the enemies Fleet or else of keeping it from comming out and ruine it by its own sufferings This advice was listned unto by the great applause of all accounting the place where they were to have the conflict as a good Omen as being favourable to the Western Princes for the signall victory which Augustus got over Mark Antonio and Cleopâ—â—ra Queen of Aegypt in that sea The League 's Fleet consisted of 136 Gallies 2 Galleouns and of 30 Frigats These were divided into five Squadrons in the first was placed the greater Vessells governed by Francesco Doria and the lesser was divided into four other Squadrons Patriarch Grimane led the Van with the first Squadron Generall Capello brought up the Reer Doria and Gonsaga kept in the two middlemost Doria next the Patriark and Gonsaga next Capello The Fleet staied a while at the Gominizze waiting for the other Imperiall ships which being long a comming finding the season good it sailed towards Santa Maura The Turks when they heard that the Christian Fleet was parted from Corfu and was making towards them wondred very much thinking they had been safe in that Haven and free from suspition they could not perswade themselves that the Fleets could meet together that year nor if they should meet that they would draw so near them and hasard a Battle The unexpected case made them differ the more in their opinions what was to be done some were of opinion that they should have done enough if after having kept possession of the sea almost all that Summer and done much prejudice to the Venetian Towns the Fleet should return safe into the strait of Galipoli and be able as they said to waste the Venetians by prolonging the war and separate the Colleagues forces and intelligence getting the victory by a more secure way They therefore told Barbarossa that it would be best for them to keep in that Haven where by the means of the Castle of Pevesa and by the straitnesse of that Channel they might tarry without danger and have all conveniences the country being their friend and abounding in all things till such time as the Christian Fleet quitting those seas as they would quickly be forced to do by reason of the season of the year and of many other incommodities should leave navigation free and safe for them Others not being able to suffer that the Christians who were wont to retreat and yield unto their power and forces should keep them shut up for fear in that haven propounded their suddain putting forth to sea with their whole Fleet to fight by which generous resolution all fear would be transported from their souldiers into those of the enemy and also all danger They considered that to keep there shut up as it was a badge of infamy so it did not promise any safety to them since they might be kept from comming forth longer then they imagined and their Fleet incommodiated and peradventure assaulted within the haven where the hopes of being able to save themselves by getting soon to land and the seeing themselves fought withall at their own doors would discourage their souldiers from fighting and so it might fall out that without hasarding Battle and without making triall of their military valour and discipline which had alwaies been dreaded by the Christians they should by a new and detestable example reap a certain and ignominious losse That come what would come Soliman would assuredly commend such a generous resolution who having undergone the troubles of so many wars and exposed his person to many dangers meerly out of a desire of glory would not endure that the reputation of his forces should be so much lessened and his happy fortune and that of the Ottaman Empire should be distrusted by refusing to fight with those enemies who came to defie his Commanders in his own Havens and underneath his own Forts Barbarossa was bold and wonted to hasard himself upon fortune and to find her favourable He knew that there were many at Court who envied his glory and greatnesse and that his retreat from Corfu and the bad successe of that enterprise whereof he had been the first author had given them occasion of spreading abroad many rumours which he thought might detract from his reputation and from the favour he was in with Soliman Moreover he had some hopes that though the Christian Commanders should come very near him with their Fleet yet they were not absolutely resolved to fight him He was herein confirmed by the treaties of Agreement held formerly with him by Doria so as the same resolution which would purchase him the praise of a noble daring by comming with his Fleet out of the Gulph seemed to be accompanied with safety He had a Fleet of 150 vessells with oars besides some with sailes wherein though many Galleasses Fly-boats and other lesser vessells were comprehended yet his smaller Bottoms exceeding those of the Christians in number he doubted not the victory if they should fight without their grosse Body the use whereof depended much upon the uncertainty of fortune and of the winds He resolved therefore to carry his Fleet out of the Gulph and to present himself in sight of the Christian Fleet neither seeking nor eschewing Battle but like a wise Commander endeavour to learn the enemies intentions and waies that he might govern himself accordingly Before he drew forth his whole Fleet he sent out a Squadron of 50 Gallies to discover the minds of the Christian Commanders and to discry their goings whether they did really intend to fight or no and in what order they guided their Squadrons The Leagues Fleet steered its course then towards St. Mauro but being informed by those that stood on the top-mast that the enemy was come forth they presently tack'd about and made towards them Their voyage being altered they altered the ordering of the Fleet Generall Capello led on the Van who comming within ken of the Turks made the Gallies of his Squadron give more way playing upon them with his great Guns made them retreat to that place from whence they were parted which they did in such haste being come to discover not to fight as they were put in some disorder every Gally striving which should
victory by which Doria being at last wrought upon and over-come with a certain shame he commanded the rest to advance and he himselfe began likewise to move with his squadron So as the ships being past on our Fleet drew somewhat nearer the enemy who being come to the designed place stood with their Poops to the land and their Prows to seaward Many shot were made though afar off from both sides so as the battle seemed to be already begun yet the gallies advanced no farther on either side Doria hoped that the Turks being terrified by this incounter would quit their Gallies without fighting and seeking to save themselves by land would leave them the Victory void of danger Barbarossa seeing the yarer gallies back'd by the Gallioun and by the Venetian Barza durst come no nearer fearing lest his squadrons might be disordered and his Gallies but badly treated by the Artillery of these stronger ships But Doria seeing his thoughts proved vain and being resolved as his actions shewed not to commit himselfe to the hazard of a battel began plainly to retreat whereat the Turks being incouraged advanc'd so far as many of their Gallies were come near the Barza and the Gallioun which being before the rest and by reason of their bulk could not so soon retreat and a barrel of powder which was above hatches in the Gallioun being set on fire by a Cannon bullet the Marriners and Souldiers were terrified and much disordered But the Captain commanding couragiously and taking order for all things saved them from that danger and would not suffer that any more shot should be made as then against the enemy The like did the Captain of the Barza But when he saw the Turkish Gallies come somewhat nearer they gave them all their Guns at once and made them soon retire But our ships and some of our gallies remained in the like nay in greater danger not being able so unexpectedly to make away so soon as did the rest The Turks seeing them separated fell upon them as upon certain prey Two of the Venetians ships falling on fire in the fight were miserably sunk with all the men in them and two Spanish Vessels having made long and valiant resistance were taken the rest by reason of a favourable winde which arose escaped safe away Two smaller gallies ran the same misfortune the one belonging to the Venetians the other to the Pope the first being commanded by Francisco Capello the other by Abbate Bibiena which having most of their men slain fell into the power of the Turks Others which were in some danger escaped by reason of the darknesse of the night and the whole Fleet of the Confederates save the aforesaid few got safe to the Island of Corfu Doria would be the last that should retreat thinking to shew either greater bravery thereby or his greater care of the Fleets safety But all men knew that this his confidence proceeded not from any courage nor from any good will to the service but for that he knew his Gally to be so yare as that he might easily escape danger But General Capello being aware thereof would not move but at the same time together with him The Turks growing confident upon this retreat of the confederates Fleet were not content to have escaped shame and danger but thought to carry it home to others Wherefore they went with their whole Fleet not long after to the Island of Paru within twelve miles of Corfu where they tarried a good while as if they did defie the Confederates to come out of the Haven and fight and expecting an opportunity to damnifie them But the Confederates Fleet was full of disorder and fear Doria's Stars were thought unfortunate his Loyalty was suspected and all that he advised There was not any one who durst offer at any generous action if any businesse were propounded it soon begot doubts and difficulties even in the propounders Thus all the Gallies keeping in the Haven and no occasion of Action being given the Turks after having insulted over the Christian Fleet fearing some stormy tempestuous weather for now the first week of October was over retired to the gulph of Larta This was the successe of this present year this the end of such preparations for war Great expectation of mighty matters great movings hopes and fears of notable events but no effects answerable either to the mightinesse of the Princes or to the expectation of such forces Yet this age not being accustomed to see such warlick preparations at sea this encounter of the Fleets at Prevesa was very famous but certainly to the little honour and great grief of Christians and to the particular blemish of Doria's reputation who was then and afterwards generally ill spoken of every where some accusing him of perfidiousnesse others of cowardise and of bad affection to Christendom particularly towards the welfare of the Venetians And certainly there were many things which might make his loyalty suspected the friendship which he was known to hold with Barbarossa contracted whilst the one was in the King of France his pay at Marcelles and the other in Algiers the treaties which were known by all men to have been formerly held between them and for that two Galleotte were seen to come from Prevesa the night before the Turkish Fleet appeared the one whereof went into Sicily the other after having accosted Doria's Gally was said to have returned into the Gulph of Prevesa Moreover it was observed that Doria had caused all the main-sail-yards of his Gallies to be blackt over which was suspected might be a signe whereby they might be known from the rest But those who spoke more particularly blamed him for having many immoderate affections as ambition of being great fear of danger to his own person and avarice by which being blinded and not knowing nor valluing any interests but his own he would not hazard himself nor his own particular Gally to the danger of Battle upon the preservation whereof his glory and reputation did depend in regard of the need the Emperour stood in of his service Nay the Spaniards spared not to blame him the Marquis d' Aglier Embassadour from the Emperour at Rome did publickly detest Doria's actions shewing peradventure more fervency therein to free the Emperour from suspition that this might be done by his order Yet the Venetian Senate wisely considering that it made not for them to alienate this mans minde from them who had the government of that Fleet seemed not to be any waies ill satisfied with him writ civilly unto him saying That they believed he like a wise Commander had done what appeared best to him for the good and safety of Christendom Doria hearing of these complaints which were generally made against him was much afflicted insomuch as after his return to Corfu he seldom suffered himself to be seen abroad and when any discourse was had of this businesse in his presence he shewed much passion and was hardly able to
which hindred his designs as Mustafa alleadged or that under pretence of this practice he plotted some mischiefe to our men which he found afterwards by new accidents he could not compasse the businesse could not be effected nor had they so great forces as they might hope thereby to force the Town which was already Garrisonized with new men The like success and out of the same reasons had the businesse of of Alessio attempted not long after by those of Dulcingo For having taken the Suburbs of the Town with those few men which they could put together and chased the St. Iacco of Ducagini who was come with some Horse to relieve the Town they could not keep long before the Castle nor so soon effect the enterprise by a few men but that it was impeded by the Belgerby of Greece But our men made War upon the confines of Zara rather to keep the Enemy from doing injuries and to secure that Country which was mightily infested by the Turks than out of any other hopes for the enemie were mightily increased in Horse thereabouts so as our light Horse which kept for the most part within the City of Zara went out as occasion required to hinder Pillage and many other mischiefs which were done by the Enemy wherein Brandolino Brandolini Count di Val-di Marino and Ierollimo dal Nero Vicentino did behave themselves gallantly with their Ferrara Horse wherewith appearing often in the field and valiantly assaulting the Enemy who came to do mischief they revenged themselves upon them before they suffered them to depart But no remakable action hapned in these Countries Pillage rather then Battel being the effect of this first years actions At the same time that these things hapned whilst the Fleets were gone prepared for hostile actions the businesse of the League which was agitated as hath been said by common consent in Rome was no lesse solicitously attended where as soon as sufficient Commissions were come from the King of Spain and from the Signory of Venice to their Agents inabling them to conclude it the Pope sending for them to come before him in a grave and affectionate manner spoke unto them thus As soon as there was any news heard of War resolved upon by Selino Ottaman against the State of Venice we fearing lest this might be the begining of much mischief to Christendom a million of our-enormous sins having provoked Gods anger against us We I say presently betook our selves to our prayers and devotions which if they might not impetrate pardon for us might at least mitigate the punishment wherein we have intermitted nothing neither by our internall peculiar affection nor by our admonitions nor by our example which belonged unto our office as the true Pastor and Custos of the Flock committed unto us by God And now we begin to rejoyce thinking that our humble Petitions have not been powred forth in vain since the Catholick King moved by the divine spirit hath so easily and so quickly been perswaded to concur in this holy League and to this purpose hath made choice of pious and wise men that so important a businesse may the more easily be brought to a good end And the like good disposition of minde is seen in the Venetian Senate all whose votes have concur'd to the undertaking of this War Those Senators being resolute and constant not to dispence with any cost or pains wherein their own safety may be concern'd and the common good of Christendom which was certainly very much threatned by the Turks Which as it is well known to you Gentlemen who are so wise so ought you with all your study and indeavours to intend this union wherein the purchasing of perpetuall peace and quiet to your Princes Dominions and immortall glory to their names is negotiated Mens Governments and Empires are not secured from ruine by the farre distance of others mens Countries but those ruines are retarded that they may fall the heavier Constantinople Cairo and Jerusalem how far are they distant from the Caspian Gates from whence these Barbarians had their first beginnings and yet these Seates of noblest Empires are inslaved by a forrain people neither known nor feared by them before And at this time when these men extending the bounds of their Dominions on all sides are become neighbours to almost all Princes now that over-running the Sea with their shipping and having so many Havens in their hands they have made the way more easie for them into the most remote Regions Shal it be said that Spain or any other Province is free or safe from the power of such an Empire which being wholly ordered for War will never meet with any Boundures but making one War arise from an other aspires at the universall Monarchy But say that the Venetians were solely concern'd in the damage and danger of this war it ought assuredly be common to all Christian Princes since it is made by Infidels against the faithfull nay against that Common-wealth wherein the true Christian Religion hath alwaies been profest and nourisht and which hath so often defended and maintained the dignity of this holy Sea the head of Christianity and which imports not a little since she fights in defence of the Kingdom of Cyprus the preservation whereof ought to be highly esteemed and defended by every Christian Prince lest that Island which lyes so opportunely for the enterprise of the Holy Land fall not into the hands of Infidels To which enterprise now that the Empire of Constantinople is lost that passage will be shut up whereby Christians have formerly past happily thither Nor will we dispair and think that our fervent desires shall alwaies prove vain but that we may yet see a Croisado wherein all Christian Princes and people may so zealously concur as a new Kingdom of Ierusalem may be sounded and the Trophy of the Cross be replaced there so as that blessed Land be no more the receptacle of impious and wicked men The Hermit Peter was able to perswade so many Princes and joyn together so many Armies almost of every Nation for so glorious and pious an enterprise in the time of Pope Urbane who knows but that God may be as gracious to us And that the time is now come we have some signs thereof since God hath so long preserved so famous and and powerfull a Common-wealth from so many dangers and that he hath been pleased by so many wayes to increase the power and dignity of the House of Austria wherein he hath now given us so powerfull and pious a Prince that he may quell the pride of the Enemies of the Holy Faith and parallel the worth and glory of Charlemain whose fame is made so illustrious by the memory of so many things done by him for the increase of Christian religion This so great and honourable work and the hope of such happy successe is recommended to your diligence and trust so as you ought not onely be diligent and effectuall in executing
should remain in him who should be declared Captain-Generall of the League which should be Don John of Austria and in his absence Mark Antonio Colonna with the like Authority though he should at the same time retain the name and quality of Generall of the Church That it might be lawfull for Maximilian of Austria the Emperour Elect for the King of France and for the King of Portugall to joyn in this Confederacy and that all the Colleagues should use their uttermost endeavours to perswade them and the other Christian Princes to do so And in case of addition of any other Confedederates it was to be understood that what proportion of expence they should be at should go to the augmenting of the Forces of the League No particular mention was made of dividing such places as should be gotten but it was refer'd to what was exprest and declared in the Articles of the League in the year 37 if any difference should fall out between the Confederates the Pope should be the Arbitrator and Iudge so as that should be no breach of the Confederacy nor any impediment in the execution of what was established therein These Articles being sworn unto as hath been said and afterwards signed and sealed by the Embassadours were ratified by the same Princes within the appointed four moneths But because the Confederates were not bound to the observancy of these things till the next year there was another writing stipulated apart wherein these things were particularly contained which were to be done this year to wit That 80 Gallies and 20 Ships ought to be at Ottranto by the moneth of May to joyn with the Venetian Fleet Those of the Pope Savoy nor Malta not being therein comprehended And because a difficulty arose touching the satisfaction to be given to the Venetians towards the expences pretended unto for having more Gallies than by the covenant they were bound unto It was declared in the same writing that the Pope was to be judge thereof who was notwithstanding to determine particularly that their debt being known it should be made good out of what they ought or should owe to the King of Spain for Corn either formerly had or to be had hereafter the price whereof should be rated by the Pope who took upon him likewise though it was not expresly mentioned in the Writing to determine what satisfaction should be given to the Venetians for their pretences of charge for great numbers of Foot which they maintained in his Sea-Forts more then the Garrisons of those places to make use of them either in the Fleet or otherwise against the enemie as occasion shall serve At the same time that these Treaties of League and Peace were discussing in Venice wherein there was some difference in opinions they all agreed and were very diligent in providing for war It was resolved that 25 Gallies should be set out which should have for their Governours Venetian Gentlemen not onely of the Venetian Nobles but many of those of the Cities of Terra Ferma to the end that in the common cause all might be partakers as well of honours as of dangers and troubles and because their greatest want was of men by reason of the great mortality and the apprehension which was had thereof safe conduct was granted to the Banditi of the Common-wealth to come and serve in the Gallies either as Mariners or Souldiers and all Gentlemen of the Country who would come willingly to that service were exempted from any personall penalties for four years 2000 to serve in Gallies were likewise ordered from the Cities of the Terra Ferma though this tax was formerly wont to be laid onely upon the Country Souldiers were also brought from forrain parts to recruit the Sea Garrisons and for the service of the Fleet. And that nothing might be wanting to try the fortune of war again a new Generall being already chosen as hath been said they would also change the two Commissaries Quirini Captain of the Gulph was chosen in the place of Celsi and Trono Captain of the Ships in Canale's place But he dying at the same time Canale continued in his place Quirini was succeeded in his place of Captain of the Gulph by Trono who was then in the Fleet. Iovanni Venâ—ramini Iov Contarini were afterwards made purveyors who were to have particular care of the publick Monies and of all that was to be delivered out in the Fleet. This mean while Commissary Barbarigo having made haste from Venice was come to Corfu where the Fleet then was as hath been said to whom according to the order of the Senate the Government was assigned over by Generall Zanne But he held it but for a few dayes for Veniero hearing whilst he was in Candia of his election left such orders as he thought convenient for the arming of the Gallies of that Island and suddenly began his journey and comming to Corfu in the beginning of April took solemnly the place and dignity of Generall upon him When Generall Zanne returned to Venice there were many faults laid to his charge and as it often falls out upon such occasions the cause of the bad successes occasioned for the most part from bad seasons and for many almost inseparable accidents were attributed to his negligence and want of experience and whereas a kind of happy Genius had formerly made all his actions be commended and admired whereby it was thought that the publick affairs recommended to his charge should have good successe as he was thought to have been very fortunate in his private condition by reason of his Honour wealth and Children and for that he had twice before been Generall and so succesfull therein as all troubles and dangers ceased as it were with his election so now these so many adversities were taken from off the publick score and laid to his private misfortune Being thus accused of these faults he dyed two years after before he could justifie himself proving the saying true that No man can be said to be happy before his end The affairs of Cyprus and preservation of Famagosta whereupon the hopes of other events did depend were not at this time forgotten but as soon as the season would permit Antonio Quirini who being taken from the Government of Candia had this charge committed to him after Trono's decease departed with four Ships to carry the succour formerly ordered for Famagosta Which that it might the more safely arrive 12 Gallies were given for a convoy to the ships for it was heard that the Turks lay with some Gallies about the Island to hinder the supply Marco Quirini went with his Admirall along with this Convoy who to boot with guarding the succour had the opportunity of doing an honourable action for as he came to Famagosta he made the Ships advance within sight of the Enemy who were in Costanza and lay with his Gallies concealed near Land and seeing seven of the Enemies Gallies come forth to assault our
near did not joyn Battel since the greatest and most certain hope of victory was reduced to industry and to indeavouring to draw each other to fight upon the advantage of such forces wherein each did exceed the other Uluzzali indeavoured therefore by severall means to shun incountring with the greater Vessels and to deprive the lesser Gallies of their assistance and taking the advantage of the Lee-shore he intended for as much as vvas conceived to keep himselfe from shot of the greater Vessels and to assault our left wing either on the Poop or Flank But Commissary Canale who commanded that wing preventing him blockt up the passage and deprived him of that opportunity Wherefore Uluzzali trying to work his intent by some other means commanded 25 of his yarer gallies to go from the part that was nearest the Island of Cervi and to assault our right Wing which was commanded by our Commissary Generall hoping to disorder it and by drawing other of our gallies to defend it to engage all our lesser gallies in fight far from the ships and galleasses which being totally becalmed lay unmoveable But Commissary Soranzo resolving valiantly to withstand those that came to assault him before they should be come nearer him repuls'd them by frequent shot and making them retire towards their other Squadrons began to pursue them close and to endanger them and was followed by the Fleet but they were forc'd to proceed slowly by reason of so much towing So as many hours being spent and our men not being able to advance faster with their joynt forces and the enemy not willing to accost them before he had divided them when the Sun began to set Uluzzali secured by the comming on of night and by the great smoak of the Artillery began to make his gallies be towed back by little and little yet turning their Prowes but at last he took the advantage of the point of the Island Cerigo and turning his Prow he launch'd out into the sea and got quite out of the sight of our men and out of danger our men not being able to follow them any further by reason of the slownesse of towing and of the wearinesse of their men nor could they well discern then what course he took as well by reason of the obscurity of night as also by a stratagem which he used in his flight having sent one Gally with a light in the lant-horn quite another way than whither he went with his whole Fleet to make it be believed that he was gone the same way But the next morning the enemy was kend to be towards Brazzo di Maina Our men having kept the most part of that night at sea went to the North Cape of the Island of Cerigo to take in water and to afford some rest to their wearied Rowers where having tarried that day and part of the next for they understood by their Guards from land that the enemies Fleet was discovered to be not far off they speedily embarcked their men and went to where they heard the Turkish Fleet was which not being to be found any where that day our Fleet kept all that night at sea in very good order But on the tenth of August the enemy were discovered to be upon the Cape Matapan who keeping their Gallies with their Forecastles towards land kept about the coast on both sides the Cape Uluzzali seeing himself found out by our Fleet gave warning by shot of Cannon to his Gallies which lay furthest off to come closer together and suddenly put himself in order being especially cautious not to put himself in such a place as he might be forced to fight with our greater vessells wherefore he took a great circuit keeping his two wings half a mile distant from the body of the Battle wherein he kept in the midst He faced our Fleet which came towards him in somewhat a closer order expecting that our Generalls allured by hopes of an easie victory should pass forwards beyond their ships and galliasses to fight his Squadron whilst it was divided and severed from his other gallies And in the mean while the two Wings of the enemy taking a large compasse seemed as if they would encompasse our men and assault them on the back out of danger of our greater vessells so as they should not be able to assist our Generalls if they should come to conflict with their middle Squadron Which designe being found out by our Commanders orders were forthwith sent to those that were in both the Wings that observing vigilantly what course the enemy should steer keeping their Forecastles stil turned towards them they should not suffer them to passe beyond our Fleet. Thus each Fleet facing the other alwaies in all parts they were already come within Canon-shot At this so great a pinch Generall Foscherini being ambitious of praise and of doing somewhat which might be answerable to the opinion of his conceived gallantry took a small boat going sometimes to one place sometimes to another and endeavouring to be every where he ordered commanded provided for all things necessary He desired the governours and captains of the gallies to be carefull of themselves and to remember the last year's happy successe saying That these were those very enemies who not many months ago were with so much glory overcome by them in Battle nay that they were the poorest and least couragious amongst them for all the ablesâ— and most generous were slain in the last Battle and those that escaped were full of fears That the very reputation of the late victory would assuredly be sufficient to fight for them against cow'd people and who had lost their courage by the bad successe of the last Battle whose Admirall would be the first that should teach them to flie as it became his trade of Pyracy and as he had done in the last fight That there was not any who had not earnestly desired to have an opportunity of fighting the enemy believing that therein lay the chief difficulty of getting another no lesse famous victory That this opportunity was by divine Providence now offered them when they did most desire it and looked least for it That if they should now again suffer the enemy to escape away safe when their forces were so weak they might in vain seek an occasion hereafter of suppressing them for growing in time more powerfull and more bold they would bereave â—hem of the occasion or of the easinesse of other victories nay they might deprive them of the fruit of that victory which they had already gotten Therefore the end of that war and the fortune of the Common-wealth for some ages did depend upon that daies successe If they valued their own glory the good of their country the exaltation of Christendom let them now fall boldly upon the enemy since they had that now before their eyes which was able to inflame poorly spirited men much more such as were noble and generous But that if any one