The generall historie of the magnificent state of Venice From the first foundation thereof vntill this present. Collected by Thomas de Fougasses, gentleman of Auignon, out of all authors, both ancient and moderne, that haue written of that subiect. Englished by VV. Shute. Gent.

THE FIRST BOOKE [ 10] OF THE FOVRTH DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice.

The Contents of the first Booke of the fourth Decad.

[ 20]

A Comparison betwixt the Romanes and Venetians. The Isle of Rhodes is in vaine besieged by the Turkes. They take Otranto in Italy; and the Venetians the Isle Coritia. The originall of the Ferrarese warre. A Councell is called, concerning warre against HERCVLES D'AESTE. Great preparation for the warre resolued. The description of Lombardie and the Riuer Po. The waies through the marshes neere to the enemie are fortified. Ficarolles is besieged. The nauall Armie saileth on the Po. The Venetians take Hadria, and the towns neere adioyning. The enemies are defeated at Policella. Ficarolles is taken in the night by Scalado. Many die in the Armie by contagion of the ayre. The whole Island of Ro∣uiga is reduced vnder the Venetians command. ALPHONSO of Arragon wasteth all [ 30] places neere to Rome. ROBERTO of Arimini is sent to aide the Pope, and by defea∣ting the Arragonois getteth a gallant victorie vpon the Veliternian territorie. ROBERT of Arimini dieth within a few daies after his victorie. FREDERICKE of Vrbin like∣wise dies not long after at Ferrara. VICTOR SOVRANZA vanquisheth SIGISMOND D'AESTE, and HVGO SANSEVERINO at Argento. SANSEVERINO hauing crossed the Po at the obscure lake, encampeth in the view of Ferrara, and doth afterwards make an inexpugnable F•…•…rt vpon the Riuer bankes: wherein he placed a strong Garrison.

THis Historie which in diuers things resembleth that of the Romans, deserues in this place some compari∣son [ 40] betwixt them concerning their actions by sea and land; sauing in this: That the Romanes ouerthrew themselues by one onely war•…•…e, which the Venetians haue not done. For such as at first the Hernici, Equi, and Vols•…•…ians were to the Romanes, such haue the Dalmatians, Liburnians, & Histrians beene to the Ve∣netians. The French was a dangerous enemy to them and left them nothing but the Capitoll; the same na∣tion molested the Venetians, and tooke all from them but Rialto. The Cimbrians, Teutonians, and Ambrons were terrible to the Ro∣manes [ 50] and to all Italy: the like were the Gothes, Hunnes, and Lombards to the Ve∣netians and their neighbours. Carthage was an enemie to the Latine name, the like was Genoa to the Venetians: But Carthage shewed her greatest furie against the Romanes when she was confederate with king Philip and the Siracusans against

them: Genoa was neuer more terrible to the Venetians, than at that time when in the warre of Chioggia she was backt by Lewis king of Hungarie, and the Padu∣ans. Pyrrhus was an enemie to the Romans, but more milde than the Carthagenians. Pipus was so to the Venetians, but much more tractable than the Genouese. The Romans had tedious warre w•…•…th Mithridates, the Venetians with Philippo Visconte. Antiochus was great, but Ottoman greater. The Romanes maintained the con∣federate warre, the most dangerous that euer was in Italy: and the Venetians to resemble them in all things, did not onely in Lombardie withstand the forces of all the Princes of Italy, enuying their geatnesse, but brake and defeated them.

We will then first speake of the cause and progression of the Ferrarese warre, from [ 10] whence afterwards sprang that of the confederates, that we may the better vnder∣stand what ensued. But before we enter into this discourse, we must set downe somewhat which preceeded that warre, among others, two iournies of Ottoman a∣gainst the Christians: which, though they may seeme impertinent to our Historie, I neuerthelesse thought good to insert, because we account all Christendome for matters of religion to be but one intire bodie.

A yeare and more after peace was concluded, Ottoman besieged Rhodes with as warlike preparation, as he had certaine yeares before iuuaded Nigrepont. Rhodes is the goodliest Island of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, wherin in old time were three beautifull Cities, Camia, Linda, and Lalissa: at this day there is no more but Rhodes. [ 20] It is in compasse one hundred fiue and twentie thousand paces, though Isidorus say it is not so much. The Turke at this siege attempted many notable enterprises, and by frequent assaults went about to vanquish the Christians, and at times the walles being beaten downe, entred the Citie, but by the valour of the besieged, most of whom were knights of Ierusalem (for those of that order had the absolute com∣mand of the Island) they were with great slaughter driuen from the walles, and the Citie by diuine and humane aide was preserued.

The Turkes themselues did afterwards report, that two men of diuine coun∣tenance so long as the siege lasted, with torches in their hands, did euerie night walke the round vpon the walles with their swords, threatning the enemies, so as they be∣ing [ 30] terrified with this vision, retired. The common people said that they were Saint Peter and Paul. If this be true, we may then iustly affirme, that Rhodes at that time was not onely preserued by humane, but by diuine assistance. It was also accoun∣ted for a miracle, That the verie day that Ottoman a cruell enemie to Christians died, the Hauen of Rhodes stood drie. (and yet it is exceeding deepe) This hap∣pened a yeare after the siege.

The Spring following, the great Turke resoluing of some important enterprize, did by sodaine incursion take Ottranto. This Citie is in Calabria, diuided from Valo∣na by a small Arme of Sea. Valona is an ancient Hauen. The smal space of sea which separates this place from Italy, containing 50000 paces in length, king Pirrhus first [ 40] of all attempted to passe ouer his Armie on foote, and to that end builded bridges there. After him Marcus Varro Admirall of Pompeis nauall Armie against Pirates, was desirous to doe the like: but both of them were diuerted from their enterprises by sundrie accidents. Ottranto being taken, it was to be feared that Ottoman with all his force would come and inuade Italy, which would mightily haue endangered Christendome, had not Gods prouidence preserued it from that mischiefe by the Tyrants sodaine death: for this plague to mankind was cut off euen in the middest of his warlike preparations: whereupon king Ferdinand besieging Ottranto by land and sea recouered it, aud tooke all the Turkes that were in it.

The Venetians in the meane time annexed the Isle of Coritia in Dalmatia to [ 50] their dominions, which the modernes call Veglia. It was their owne in former time when they were Lords of Dalmaria, and the Islanders for a time had beene gouer∣ned by▪ Venetian Magistrates. But in the daies of Prince R•…•…iniero Zen•…•… it being giuen in perpetuitie to the Schi•…•…els in those daies one of the nobless families of the Island,

they and their successors for two hundred yeeres space continued loyall to the Ve∣netians. But in succession of time, the affection of these petty kings beganne to al∣ter in the troubles of Dalmatia, now following the Venetians party, and then on a sodaine that of Bela, Ladislaus, Lewis, and other Hungarian kings, euen till the time of Iohn sonne to Bano the last Prince of the Coritans: Hee hauing rashly and forci∣bly entred certaine small townes on the firme land belonging to Prince Martin his brother, by whose will and testament after his death they were bequeathed to Ma∣thias king of Hungarie, he did in such sort prouoke the Hungarian against him, as he was enforced to haue recourse to the Venetians.

Maerblaisius, who to that end was sent from Hungarie into Dalmatia, not sa∣tisfied [ 10] with the recouerie of those townes on the firme land, passed ouer into the I∣sland, and had already besieged the cittie of Musella, when Giacomo Venier•…•… sent by Antonio Lauretano Generall of the nauall Armie from Corfu, arriued there, follow∣ed afterwards by Antonio Vinciguerra one of the Secretaries sent from the Prince and Senate; who in the Common-wealths name willed the Hungarian to desist from inuading the Coritans, who were vnder the Venetians protection: But the Hungari∣an was so farre off from giuing ouer his attempt, as on the contrarie, hauing taken Musella by force, hee brought his Armie to the chiefe Cittie of the Island: The I∣slanders standing ill affected to their Prince in regard of the grieuous subsidies hee exacted from them at the beginning of the warre, were in a manner all reuolted [ 20] from him vpon the enemies arriuall. Then the Coritan Prince hauing lost all hope, did by the perswasion of friends, quit all the claime which himselfe and predeces∣sors had in the Island, to the Venetians, into whose hands hee resigned the Castle, and himselfe went to Venice whither already he had sent his wife and children. Not long after, foure Gallies arriued in the Island, wherewith the Hungarian being ter∣rified, and fearing to be intercepted in his returne home, hauing first taken assurance of the Venetians, did peaceably surrender the Island vnto them.

Victor Souranza who succeeded Lauretano in the Admiralty, comming thither by chaunce, fortified it. The Senate assigned a perpetuall pension of a thousand crownes to the Coritan Prince, and foure thousand ducats for his daughters dow∣rie: [ 30] But he accustomed to tyranny, and not being able to liue vnder Lawes in a free State, departed secretly with his houshold into Germany.

It is now time to returne to the propounded warre of Ferrara. The Princes of Ferrara had of a long time beene friends to the Venetians, so that Borsia Predecessor to Hercules, if at any time strife arose concerning their bounds, came with a small traine as a priuate person to conferre with the Prince and Senate, supposing that he could doe them no greater honour, nor better expresse his loue, than to come him∣selfe vnlooked for to giue them satisfaction. This Prince to his dying day had no∣thing in greater admiration than the Venetian Seigniory, nor accounted any thing comparable to the peace and friendship thereof. This mans deserts, and the hope [ 40] which the Senate had conceiued, that no man would more resemble Borsia in his behauiour and affection towards them than his brother Hercules, the Venetians did earnestly embrace his cause, and assisting him by land and water, seated him in the Dukedome, for which hee lately stroue with Nicolao, sonne to Lionello, fauored by his vnckle the prince of Mantua, and Galeas Visconte.

But not long after, Hercules maried Leonora daughter to king Ferdinand, by means of which new alliance growing more insolent, his loue to the Venetians waxed cold, and he did not greatly care to infringe his league with them. For contrary to their agreement hee had permitted his subiects to make salt at Comachia: Neuerthelesse to cleere himselfe thereof, hee was content at the Venetians intreatie by Benedicto Treuisano sent to him to Ferrara to that end, that a great quantity of salt made there, [ 50] should be cast into the Sea. Hee did besides, lay taxes and impositions on the Ve∣netians, notwithstanding their ancient freedome and exemption. But this was no∣thing: for he builded a Fort neere to Cap-Darger, as if himselfe had beene to haue

bounded his owne confines. Lastly, the Venetian Magistrate, which by couenant remained in Ferrara, being outraged, expulsed and excommunicated by the Cities Archbishop, the Duke declared himselfe an open enemy to the Venetians.

The Senate in the meane time knowing whereunto his designes intended, did sometime by Letters, then by Ambassadors, intreate him not to enforce the Ve∣netians to become his enemies, but rather, imitating his brother Borsia and other his Predecessours to perseuer in their ancient friendship, which would both bee profitable and honourable for him. This proude man, who by reason of his new alliance promised great matters to himselfe, contemned this counsell. Neuerthe∣lesse, the Senate made Pope Sixtus a means to containe him in their ancient friend∣ship. [ 10] But his mediation doing no good, they being prouoked, as well by new as old iniuries (which they had dissembled during the warre with Ottoman) resolued to in∣uade him, and by Armes to reuenge that which till then for quietnesse sake they had more kindly than honourably endured.

This determination did for certaine dayes busie the Councell. Some of the aunci∣ent Senators were of opinion not to make warre on Hercules vpon any occasion whatsoeuer; not that it was vnlawfull, but because the time permitted it not, and did often aduise those that craued warre to take heed, that by desire of reuenge, they did not precipitate the Com∣mon-wealth into danger, saying, That the City and Tributary Townes were tired with long warre: That it behooued them sometimes to lay downe armes, lest by heaping one warre vp∣on [ 20] another, the world should say that the Venetians loued nothing lesse than peace. Moreo∣uer, though there were nothing else in it, they ought to consider that Hercules besides his owne experience in Martiall matters, was allied to two potent Kings, and that vndoubtedly he would neuer of his owne priuate motion haue so mightily prouoked them: Besides, it was cer∣taine that diuers Italian Princes were leagued with him, which being so, they desired those that wished for warre to aduise themselues, if they had not more need of a Target than of a Sword.

At this speech most of the Senatours, (as euery man was inclined) cried out to the contrary, saying; That the allegations of cowards ought not to diuert their former re∣solution, and muchlesse cause them to beleeue them, that by the example of one man, other [ 30] Princes their neighbours would rise against them, who would be twice aduised ere they inua∣ded the Venetians. That the Citie was able to vndergo the whole burthen of the warre, and being of a long time accustomed to warre, would not liue ydlely. That the State by Gods goodnesse was so wealthie, that notwithstanding the great masse of gold spent in the warre against Ottoman, her treasure was in a manner infinite, whereby warre might be manna∣ged to the honour of the Common-wealth: That all passages to sealay open to the Venetian Marchants, whose trafficke did daily augment their imposts and customes: That diuerse Senators present in Councell offered to aide the Common-wealth with great summes of gold, whereby they might perceiue that nothing could be wanting for the entertainement of the ar∣mie: That the King of Hungarie was in no sort to be feared: for besides his perpetuallwarre [ 40] with the Emperour Fredericke, the Turkes were still on his confines and wasted his Coun∣trey, so that hee had enough to doe, to defend his kingdome from two such potent enemies: That King Ferdinand was not to be regarded, who had not yet recouered his losses at the siege of Ottranto: That the Venetian fleete scoured the Sea coast of Apulia and Calabria, which if hee were desirous to defend, it behooued him whether he would, or no, to haue no hand in the Ferrarese warre. But admit (said hee which spake) that his forces be so great, as they may fitly be diuided into sundry places, by what way shall he come to bring aide to his sonne in lawe? His souldiers haue no wings to flie through the aire from Calabria into Lom∣bardie. Rome belongeth to Pope Sixtus, so doth Sabinia, the Dutchy of Spoleta, la Marea, and all Italie besides, from Tibers mouth, as farre as Ancona. His Holinesse so soone as hee [ 50] perceiued that hee could not preuaile with Hercules, hath not onely aduised vs to make war vpon him, but together with the Venetians hath an hand therein. The Florentines and Mi∣lanois will not take our parts; But the Genouese and Prince of Montferrat will assist vs: The Rubrians of Parma will doe the like, who as we vnderstand are ready to reuolt. And seeing

wee want neither Armes, money, nor aide, what shall hinder vs from inuading Hercules? When did euer any of your neighbours (most noble Senatours) more prouoke you? Ouer all his Territories hee hath cancelled your freedome and immunities. He hath of a long time v∣surped vpon the confines of your dominions; Hee hath suffered your Magistrate to be out∣raged, expulsed, and excommunicated: If this wrong cannot moue you, what then is able to incite you? Will you tarry till hee inuade you first? Questionlesse hee will assaile you, and it may be sooner than you imagine. On then, follow the steppes of your Auncestours, and with fire and sword pursue this open enimy. Let your Armes quench this flame which our long suf∣ferance hath so kindled, as but by this meanes will hardly be extinguished. Let all men see, that when neede is, the Venetians know how to draw peace from warre, and warre from [ 10] peace.

Heereupon, the Senate with generall consent presently resolued to take Armes: And that all requisite solemnities might be obserued therein, it was decreed, that so soone as the people were made acquainted therewith, it should be denounced to the enemy. When it was published, the people were so ioyfull, as men might ea∣sily perceiue, that neuer any warre was more pleasing to them than that. Where∣upon the Senate resolued to prepare two fleetes, the one to inuade Apulia and Ca∣labria, if Ferdinand should stirre; And the other to passe vp against the streame of the Riuer Po into the enemies Territories. That by sea was committed to Victor Sou∣ranza, [ 20] who had beene Admirall of the Gallies; and the other to Damiano Moro, both of them valiant Captaines: But when the Senate considered, that he was not onely to be inuaded by water, but by land, it diuided the forces into sundry places. Roberto Sanseuerino (who not long before serued them for large entertainement) was appoynted to make warre vpon him on the hither side of Po, and Robert of Ari∣mini Generall of all the troups, on the other side towards Flaminia. Many did vo∣luntarily follow the Venetian ensignes both by land and water, not so much for hope of bootie, as for particular hatred to the Duke, whose pride they could not endure.

Diuers Vessells were already gone from Venice when Roberto Sanseuerino and Antonio Lauretano the Prouidator, marched towards Legnaga. These, hauing view∣ed [ 30] all places, resolued with their troupes to passe into the enemies Countrie, ouer the Lakes of the Riuer Tartar, which are betwixt the Po and the Adice. But here it is requisite (seeing all Lombardie from Hostilia a Citie of the Mantuan on this side, and beyond the Po, as farre as the Sea, is watered by diuers streames) to discourse somewhat of the situation of the Prouince, and winding of the Riuer.

Now this Prouince is inclosed by part of Flaminia, and La Marca, on euery side by Mountaines, sauing on the South and East, where it is watered by the Adriatick Sea, so, as if it extended no farther to Sea-ward than towards the Appenine Hills, and Genoa, it would retaine the true forme of a Theater. And if it might be called a Theater, it might truly be said to be that of Mars, and none other, as the Greekes [ 40] termed Beotia, because there is no Countrie of Italie where Warre hath oftener be∣gunne or lasted longer, than in Lombardie. It hath on the West the Appenine Hills, stretching themselues towards Genoa, and after that they haue coasted and left Tus∣canie on the right hand, haue their extent towards Ancona. The Alpes in a man∣ner doe the like towards the North and West. The Tuscans in times past possest the whole Countrie. The French drawne thither by the beautie and fertilitie of the Prouince, chaced them thence, and did a long time after enioy the whole Countrie on this side and beyond the Po. Some thinke that the Gaules, Lebetians, Insubres, and Cenomans, haue inhabited betwixt that Riuer and the Alpes: Some likewise affirme that the Venetians are descended from the Gaules, and others say it is not so, [ 50] because they differ from them in speech, though resembling them in habit and manners. The Boyans, Egans, and Senonois dwelt beyond the Po, whereupon it was afterwards rightly termed Gaule. But they were extinct by the Romans. Last∣ly, by the arriuall of the Lombards (who did a long time inhabit the Prouince,

where the greatest part of their power remained, with Pauia their Royall Seate) it was called Lombardie, one sillable being taken from their name.

The goodliest and greatest Riuers of this Prouince, are the Po, Thesin, Oglio, Abdue, Mincia, and Adice. The Po which as some say the Greekes termed Erida∣nus, receiues her Spring in the middest of the Mount Vesula, on the confines of Li∣guria, from thence falling downe into the plaine, it runnes first towards the South, then turning towards the East, it entreth by sixe Channells into the Adriatick Sea, and being augmented by thirtie Riuers falling into it, it growes so great, as some thinke it nothing inferiour to the Danubium or Nilus. The Riuers which fall into it are very famous, and with great abundance of water, issue from very excellent [ 10] Lakes. From the Lake Larica vulgarly called Coma, it takes the Abdue. From Ver∣bana or the great Lake Thesin. From Benac, or la Garda, Mincia. From Sabina, or Isea, the Oglio. From the Lakes Epilles, whereof the one is called Pucian, and the other Ceruian, Lambroma. Besides these Riuers, snow melted in the Moun∣taines, doe much increase it, especially in the Dogge daies, and being once swelled, it is as dangerous to ships as to the Neighbour Territories, which causeth the Inha∣bitants to make great Bankes and Rampiers to restraine it, neuerthelesse in this it deales well with them, for it easily giues them againe whatsoeuer it hath taken from them.

Being thus augmented (as hath beene said) it runnes with a direct course to Fi∣carolles [ 20] (this Citie is a little beneath Hostilia) where being ouer-pressed and glutted by superfluitie of waters, it begins to enlarge it selfe somwhat beneath the Citie, and diuiding into two, makes the first Island which the Inhabitants call Polesina, pla∣cing (as I thinke) one sillable before an other, pronouncing Polesina for Polinessa, which is as much to say, as a long and broade Island. And because that Ferrara is not farre beneath the place where the Riuer diuideth it selfe, they commonly call it the Pollesin of Ferrara. The branch which runneth on the right hand, before it comes to the Citie recouereth her strength by succour of diuers Riuers, which in a little space fall into it, whereupon being ouer-loden with this new burthen, the Ci∣tizens looking on, as if it were troubled with some faction, it diuideth it selfe into [ 30] two, and differently pursueth her course: by that second diuision making an other Island, wherein are the Cities of Argentia and Comachia, enuironed with Lakes. The right Arme of this Riuer comming to the Argentine Territorie, on the other side neare to Faniola, receiueth the Riuer Vaterna, which the Inhabitants by cor∣rupted speech call Sauterna, comming from Forecornelia. And there, as though it were not able to endure all her encrease, comming neare to Comachia, at a Towne called S. Alberts; it prodigallie disgorgeth as much water as it tooke in at Vaterna, the which gliding through the Lakes of Rauenna, entreth like a nauigable Riuer in∣to the Sea: And in this manner the Hauen of Rauenna may bee termed one of the mouthes of the Po. The other part which is farre greater, from S. Alberts runnes [ 40] directly into the Sea, and the Inhabitants call her entrance Primaria, in old time na∣med Vaterna of the Riuer which falls into it.

That branch on the left hand beneath Ferrara, runnes into the Sea with the selfe same force, as it commeth from the Citie, and the entrance thereof is called Volana. Betwixt this and Primaria, which wee lately mentioned, the Lakes of Comachia haue their mouth, or rather Hauen, which is called Magneuaca. But to speake tru∣ly these are armes of the Sea, as may easily bee perceiued by reason of salt which is made there.

Now I returne to the first diuision of the Riuer, which we said was a litle beneath Ficarolles: This is esteemed to be new, not so much by the Map of Italie, which [ 50] Robert King of Naples, and Francisco Petrarca haue made, where Blondus of Forli af∣firmes no mention at all to be made of this diuision, as by the authoritie of Polibius a learned Author, who saith that the Po entreth by two channels into the Adriatick Sea, by Padusa and Volana, which are properly parts of that Riuer, whereof wee e∣uen

now discoursed. But to returne to the other part, it runs on the left hand with∣out any diminution at all, as farre as the Confines of Hadria, and diuiding it selfe a∣gaine into two mouthes, entreth by two seuerall waies into the Sea: That which is next to Volana is called Abba, and the other Goria. The Inhabitants of the Coun∣trie call the other bigger Channell which runnes on the left hand into the Sea, the Fornaces.

This in briefe is all wee can say of the originall of the Po, of her course and en∣trances into the Sea. Some thinke that it was called Paua, because that round about her spring there grow many trees called in the French tongue Pines. Plinie saith that the Ligurians called it Bondimaca, by the name of the Village, and for proofe [ 10] of his saying alleageth the Towne of Bondicomaca neare to the Riuer.

The Adice likewise which diuided in sundrie sorts makes diuers Pollesins, com∣ming downe from the Mountaines of Trant runnes a thwart through the Citie of Verona, from thence being parted in two at Castagnare, beneath Legnaga, that part which enuironeth the Village, falls into the Tartar, issuing from her Lakes, and ioyned together are not long ere with a greater course they meet with the other part of the Adice at Malopra, and so all these Riuers meeting in one, doe behinde enclose the Pollesin of Rouiga. At last falling into the Lakes they loose the name of Riuers. But the Adice being diuided into two aboue the Tower Marchiana, That part which runnes directly towards Sendouare and Rouiga, before it comes to Cap∣darger, [ 20] gently reenters into her owne streames, and thus mingled, runnes through the Lakes and Marshes vnto a place called the new Tower, where againe separating it selfe into two parts, falleth by two mouthes into the Sea, that on the right hand being called Fossiones, and the other Brandules. The Adice being there diuided (as hath beene said) makes two Polesins, the one beyond Rouiga called the old, and the other on the hether side, termed the new.

Now these diuisions of Lakes and Riuers made the Venetians iourney much more difficult, for in some places they were too deepe to bee foorded, and in others too shallow to be passed by Boat. First, Sanseuerino and the Prouidator Lauretano, [ 30] were of opinion to cause diuers small Boates to bee brought through the Lakes of the Riuer Tartar to Boaria, not farre from Legnaga, and in them to transport three companies of Foote, vnder the command of Andrea de Parma, and Thomaso Himula∣no, first to Crocelta, and from thence to the Mellaritan Confines. By this meanes the Venetian Souldiers came on the last of Aprill before day into the Enemies Countrie. Some of the Garrison of Mellaria with Francisco Sica comming from Hostilio with troupes of Horse, sought to repell them at their first arriuall, but after some light skirmish they were glad to retire. The next night Antonio Marciano a ve∣ry famous Captaine, beganne with three hundred Peasants to cut a way for the Ar∣mie through the Lakes neare to Casalon, They wrought there all that night, and the labourers stood in water and mud vp to the girdles: but so soone as it was day [ 40] and the worke not finished, Sanseuerino and Lauretano comming thither, and consi∣dering the danger which those troupes were exposed vnto, that were already in the enemies Countrie, they presently sent for all the Countrie people there abouts of euery sexe and age, to helpe to finish the worke: more then one thousand persons laboured there, who the next day after finished it, and by three of the clocke after noone of the same day the troupes came to the bankes of the Riuer Tartar: so soon as their fellowes which guarded the opposite shore saw them, they presently made a Bridge ouer the Riuer, ouer which euery man passed at his pleasure into the enemies Countrie.

This way (foure and twentie furlongs in length) cut through the Lakes, was by [ 50] reason of the great quantitie of Fagots wherewith it was made, called Fascinada. A Fort was builded on the hither side the Tartar neare to the Bridge, and strongly fortified that men might freely passe vp and downe. The same day the forces mar∣ched into the Mellarians Territories: some that were there agree not about their

number; saying, that they were 20000. Others mention not so many. But Sanseuerino marching to besiege Mellaria on the Po, did at the first assault winne the enemies Rampier neare to the Castle: whereuppon those within it presently yeelded.

Mellaria being taken, the enemie shewed himselfe about Sunne-set on the other side of the Riuer: this gaue a sodaine alarme to the Venetian, who in armes present∣ly ranne to the Riuer bankes: but perceiuing their small number their feare ceased. They had intelligence afterwards that it was Frederick of Vrbin, who came to crosse the Po at Hostilia, from thence to march to Milan, King Ferdinand and Hercules con∣federates, had made him Generall of their Armie, and sent for him to come away [ 10] speedily to Ferrata to oppose himselfe to the Venetians first attempts. The Vene∣tian returned to the Camp, and two daies after leauing Mellaria, went and encam∣ped at the Village Brigantino, which they had taken not long before. Then San∣seuerino had intelligence that the enemie had abandoned Trecenta, and some other lesser Townes of no great moment. Hee thought it fit there to make a bridge, by which supplies and victualls might be brought to them from Verona. Though this was not so neare a way as that of Croselta or Fascinada, yet was it more sure than a∣ny of them, whereupon he left a strong Garrison to guard the bridge.

Within a while after, the camp marched from Brigantino towards Castelnouo, where filling a great trench which the enemie had drawne from the Po to the lakes, [ 20] to stop the Venetians approch, the Armie came neare the Citie, wheresor three daies space the Ordnance playing vpon the walls, in the end after some assaults, the Citie yeelded. In the meane time they made incursions into the enemies Countrie, and euery day brought great store of Cattaile and prisoners to the Camp.

The report of these incursions being bruted in the neighbour Villages, prouoked many to come to the Venetians campe vpon hope of bootie, so as in a short space the Armie consisted of 30000. able Men. From Castelnouo they went to Ficarolles, where an other great trench being likewise made by the enemie, did for a time re∣straine the course of their victorie; but this impediment taken away, they planted the Cannon against the walls, when speedie newes was brought from Mellaria, that [ 30] Frederick of Vrbin with great forces lay at Hostilia. The Venetian Generall, fearing if the enemie should at his backe shut vp all passages, he should not be able when he would to returne, did presently raise his camp and returned to Castelnouo: There he vnderstood by spies that the forces which were at Hostilia were not sufficient to make any attempt on this side the Po: Then Sanseuerino sent word to Count Mar∣cian presently to breake downe the cawsies and bankes of the Riuer betwixt Mella∣ria and Hostilia; for that once done, they needed no more to feare the enemies in∣cursions: and himselfe returned againe to Ficarolles. But in his absence, the townes∣men had fortified the trench, planted their Ordnance on the opposite shore, broken downe the camps Rampiers, and burnt the Souldiers Cabins. Vrbin comming thi∣ther [ 40] afterwards from Hostilia had strengthened the Towne with a stronger Garri∣son, and from thence retired to Stellata on the opposite shore, and there remained to releeue his people when neede were, with supplies, armor, and victualls: all his troupes came thither to him.

Robert in the meane time being somewhat tyred, did againe fill the trench, and encamped on either side thereof. But whilest these things were done there, Chri∣stofero Muletto a valiant Captaine, who commanded the small vessells (for Damiano Moro Generall of the fleete vpon the Po had passed on beyond the enemie) besie∣ged and took Hadria a very ancient Citie: The souldiers of the garrison and towns∣men did at first brauely defend it. The situation of the place did greatly auaile [ 50] them, which is for the most part enuironed with water, not nauigable but by cer∣taine Channels, through which very hardly vessells come neere the Cittie. Domi∣nico Hericeo a couragious souldier was slaine at the first assault. The Venetians incen∣sed by his death, did with greater furie assault the Citie, and without feare of dan∣ger

mounted the rampires, and neuer gaue ouer till the souldiers and mariners en∣tred it. Then the inhabitants casting downe their Armes, cried for mercie. The Conquerors at their first entrance slew diuers, and the houses in many places were burnt and spoiled, and Hadria had that day beene wholy ruined, had not the Ve∣netian presently commaunded the souldiers to abstaine from spoile and murther. We haue elsewhere spoken of the situation and antiquitie of this ci•…•…tie.

Hadria taken, the whole Countrey round about was wasted. Comachia like∣wise at the same time yeelded to the Venetians. These Citties with others neere adioyning, some by force, and others voluntarily, beeing taken by them, and Moro sailing with the fleete vp the Riuer, all men fled on both sides the Po: for the [ 10] Inhabitants of the Countrey terrified with the losse of Hadria, ranne with their wiues and children to Ferrara and other Townes of safetie.

Hercules had fortified a place vpon the Po called Pilosella, by which the fleete was to passe, and had there builded three Castles of wood, one in the middest of the Riuer; and the other on both sides; which hee furnished with ordnaunce and other necessaries, and strong garrisons. Sigismond d'Este Hercules brother and Gio∣uan Bentiuole of Bolognia lay there with six hundred horse, and as many foot. Mo∣ro had great numbers of vessells, to wit, gall•…•…ots, small boates, Ganzarioles, with many other of sundry sorts to the number of two hundred well armed and readie to fight. Himselfe in his owne Gallie, sailed against the enemie, the like did the for∣ces [ 20] by land. The Venetian beganne the fight with such animositie, as putting the Cauallerie and the rest which were on each shoare to flight, after along and dange∣rous bickering hee tooke the Fortes vpon the water. The victory was verie bloudy. But the ioy to haue vanquished made them forget their present losse. They sent the Castle which was builded in the middest of the water vpon a great vessel, to Ve∣nice, the others were burnt.

Moro victorious, caused his souldiers and mariners to spoile and waste all places neere to the Riuer; they being as well prouoked by reuenge, as desire of bootie, pil∣laged all villages, and countrie houses vpon the Riuer, and then burnt them, and so [ 30] satisfied, carried away with them great numbers of prisoners and cattell, and thus loaden with bootie, arriued at the campe before Ficarolles. These men by theyr speed, comming thither before the fleet, and being taken for enemies, did put the Campe in alarme; but when they were knowne to be friends, they did cheereful∣ly embrace one another, and continued the siege both by land and water: then they made so fierce a battery as they ouerthrew the Citties, walles, and rampires. Fre∣dericke of Vrbin, who was on the opposite shore, beholding the danger of his friends, was not idle, but annoyed the Venetians with his ordnance from the farther side, and supplied the besieged with armour, victuall, and whatsoeuer else he knew to be necessarie for a siege. But nothing did so much hurt to the Venetian as certaine [ 40] peeces called Bases, then not vsuall. For neither armour, rampire, or fortification could withstand their fury and yron bullets, which carried away with them what∣soeuer they met with. And because that contrarie to the discipline of those times they played aswell by night as day, Sanseuerino sent him word by a Trumpet, that if hee did not cease his new kinde of warre, hee would turne his Cannons from the walles of Ficarolles vpon his Campe, whereupon they agreed together, that when Sanseuerino should assault the Citie, or batter the walls with his ordnance, the ene∣mie might vse those peeces.

Moreouer, Sanseuerino resoluing wholy to shut vp the Riuer from the enemie, commanded certaine vessells of the fleet to bee drawne by Land vp the Riuer, be∣yond the enemies camp. Vrbin sent for nine Galeots from Hostilia (of those fiue [ 50] and twentie which he had brought with him from Milan) to ouer-runne those ves∣sells. Fiue of them being come to an Island neare to the Venetians fleet, foure hun∣dred of the Souldiers landed there to refresh themselues by reason of the great heat, and lay downe here and therein the shade vpon the grasse. The Venetians, aduer∣tised

of their landing, and vnwilling to omit so faire an occasion, landing on the far∣ther side of the Island to the number of 150. did sodainly assa•…•…le the enemie halfe a∣sleepe, who being amazed with such an vnlookt for assault, in sted of defending them selues fled towards the vessells: most of them were slaine or taken; threescore and ten being taken aliue were brought to Sanseuerino, who vnderstanding that they were Milaneses and Artificers, not comming thither of their owne accord to fight, but sent by their Princes commandement, did vse them gently, and furnishing them with clothes and money, gaue them leaue to depart.

It was not long ere the enemie had his reuenge, with greater losse to the Vene∣tians. The Po diuides it selfe into two branches (as hath been said) fiue hundred [ 10] paces beneath Ficarolles. The Venetian Captaines determined to build a Fort at the point of the Island where this separation begins, that the right side thereof on the way from Stellata to Ferrara, might be shut vp from the enemie. Antonio Mar∣ciano was the first that propounded it, wherefore the charge thereof was committed to him. He being accompanied by Bartilmeo Falceria, Tomaso of Immola, and two Companies of foot, did on a sodaine seize on the place, and then with great num∣bers of peasants brought thither with him to that end, began the worke. The sol∣diors and marriners in the meane time desirous of bootie, straying far from the worke, made incursions as far as Ferrara, from whence returning with great bootie, they went without leaue to the Campe on the opposite shoare, leauing Marcian and [ 20] his workmen with few or no forces at all. By reason hereof the worke could not be finished in one day. Hercules, by messengers from the Duke of Feltre aduertised of the enemies deseigne, came speedilie thither to defeat them: For he was not igno∣rant how discommodious that Fort would be to Ferrara. At his arriuall he charged them, but Marcian in the end being oppressed by the multitude, was taken, and Fal∣ceria with him: Many of his soldiors were slaine, Thomaso of Imola in a little boat escaped with some few soldiors, and went ouer the Riuer. Hercules presently fini∣shed the fortification which the other had begun, and placing a strong Garrison in it, did greatly relieue Ferrara.

Sanseuerino in the meane time lying longer before Ficarolles than he expected; [ 30] the better to annoy the enemie, sent Fracasse, G•…•…ouan Maria, and Pietro Marcello the Prouidator, with part of the troops to take the Townes of the Rhouigian Pollesin: For the enemies Countrie neer to the Adice had not yet tasted the calamities of warre. At their first arriual there they tooke Castle-Guillielmo, the tower Sandona enuironed with lakes, Rouiga, Lendenara, the Abbey, and other places of the Pol∣lesin, but not without fight, where Ieronimo, sonne to Count Marcian a braue young man was slaine.

For the assurance of the Townes yeelded to the Venetians, Augustino Barbadico at that time Gouernour of Padua, a man of great wisedome and authoritie, did by the Senates commaund go to Rouiga, with whom they ioined Pietro Treuisano. [ 40]

The Prouince being setled, Barbadico by the same commaundement returned to Padua: Treuisano falling grieuously sicke, died soone after. Roberto Venieri sonne to Francisco, succeeded Treuisano in the Prouince. This man did not alone fashion the peoples minds to obedience, but by his meeknesse confirmed them in their duties towards the Venetians.

Whilest these things were done neere to the Adice, Frederick of Vrbin falling sicke, was carried from the Campe at Stellata to Ferrara. Sanseuerino, though his sonnes had part of the forces, did not cease continually to annoy the enemie, whose wals being beaten downe by the Canon, himselfe impatient of any longer delay, resolued to giue an assault, wherein the Venetian tooke the Parapet of the Tower, [ 50] and made it good; many after the retreat was founded, remayning in it. Hercules soldiors, terrified with the enemies boldnesse, did set fire on the piles that suppor∣ted the Tower, and ouerthrew it. Sanseuerino thereby perceiued the inhabitants small hope, whereupon he assailed the Citie more fiercely. Vpon the 29. day of

Iune at midnight the soldiors went to the assault, and fauored by the night, made many bridges ouer the dikes and hollow places. The besieged, notwithstanding the darknesse of the night, did brauely defend it, so as this assault both in shew & effect was more furious than that by day. It continued till day-light: but the enemie be∣ing then vanquished, the Venetian in sundrie places entred the Citie, which taken the soldiers threw downe their Armes: some of them were cast into the riuer, others murthered, verie few taken prisoners. This being done, and the Venetian master of the Citie, he did forthwith begin to repaire it.

Within a while after, Sanseuerin and Lauretano fell sicke, by reason of the vnhole∣some aire of the marshes: both of them were carried to Padua, but with seuerall [ 10] destinies, for the Venetian died there, and the Generall recouered. Moro likewise, Ge∣nerall of the nauall Armie, called home by the Senate, died soone after his arriuall at Venice. This Summer was vnfortunate, but the Autumne after it much more: Some that haue written the Ferraresse warre, and were present there, affirme that more then 20000. men of those that were at the siege of Ficarolles by land and wa∣ter, by some one accident or other died there, but most of all by reason of feauers oc∣casioned by the infectious ayre of the marshes. This is all that happened in Lom∣bardie during that Summer.

In Flaminia, Robert of Arimini did not cease to annoy the enemie by ordinarie incursions with those forces which he had receiued at the beginning of the war: he [ 20] was abundantly furnished with victuals & other warlike necessaries from Rauenna, gouerned at that time by Bernardin Bembo. Roberto in the heat of Summer was com∣manded by the Senate to go to Rome to relieue Pope Sixtus which was besieged.

Alphonso Duke of Calabria at the beginning of the Venetians warre sought to bring 4000. men to aide his brother Hercules. But because his way lay through the Popes territories, he marched by assistance of the Colonessi, and Sauell•…•… who were open enemies to the Pope, directly towards Rome, which Citie hath diuers noble families in it, among whom the Vrsini, Colonesi, and Sauelli, hold the chiefe ranke, as well for wealth as antiquitie of descent. These men of a long time being ill affected to each other, haue often by meanes of their mortall hatred banded to∣gether, [ 30] sometimes in the Citie, but oftner in the field, as in a freer place: most of the townes and villages neere to Rome are theirs. But beside these, there be diuers o∣ther noble families in the Citie, yet the Vrsini haue for many yeares excelled them all both in wealth and knowledge in martiall discipline. Foure of this house, sonnes to Carolo, haue in our time beene verie famous, Latino, Giouanni, Neapuleo, and Roberto. The two first followed Pope Eugenius to Florence, where they did winne his loue and fauour, as Latino the eldest brother was made Cardinal, and Giouanni elected Bi∣shop of Trani, and being inriched with diuers other benefices, did much augment the greatnesse & dignitie of his house: These two did greatly illustrate their familie, but not so much as Neapuleo and Roberto, who by their experience in martiall disci [ 40] pline, purchased such honour, as at one time the first was made Generall of the kings Armie, and the other of the Popes. They did not onely by their valour keepe their paternall principalitie, but did wonderfully encrease it, so as they be∣came Lords of all the whole countrey, from the Tyrhene sea as farre as the lake Piscino extends it selfe.

This prosperitie procured them hatred and e•…•…uie. For at one time the Colo∣nessi, Sauelli, and Anguilares were their enemies: and because they were all too weake to withstand the power of this one familie, they caused Pope Calixtus like∣wise to Arme against them, whose attempts they did not onely frustrate, but brake and defeated them, and chiefly at that time when Borsia Nephew to Calixtus, with [ 50] forces farre superiour to Vrsi•…•…os, was by him vanquished at Varro his village.

But if Vrsinis greatnesse was enuied before, it was most of all in the daies of Pope Sixtus, when their enemies desirous wholly to ruine them, had (in their owne opi∣nion,) found out a fitt occasion. For these foure noble men being lately dead, they

ioyntly bent all their malice vpon Virginio sonne to Neapulco, sole heire to Vrsinis principalitie. But he being young and powerfull, after the Precedent of his Ance∣stors, did together with Ieronimo Visconte follow the Popes partie, by whose coun∣cell he was wholly directed. In hatred to him rather than the Pope, the Colonesi and Sauelli did vpon Alphonsos arriuall practize innouation as well in the Citie as a∣broad, whereupon two Cardinals of both those families, men of great authoritie, were by the Popes commandement, as guiltie of treason, imprisoned for a time in Castle Angelo. Their kinsmen incensed thereat, did by their factions trouble all Rome, aided Alphonso with victuals, and the more to annoy the Citie, gaue him free entrance into their Townes and Castles. And although the Pope at that time [ 10] was strong, many noble Gentlemen seruing him, his Armie neuerthelesse stirred not forth of the walles of Rome, fearing if they should leaue the Citie, those of the contrarie partie would make some commotion.

Alphonso laying hold on this occasion, tooke diuers townes from the Pope, spoi∣ling and wasting the whole countrey neere to Rome. The Pope wrote to the Vene∣tians to send Roberto Malateste to raise the siege. Though the Senate at that time was busied in the Ferrarese warre, it neuerthelesse commanded Victor Souranza to wast the Sea coasts of Apulia and Calabria with a mightie fleete: They wrote to Fran∣cisco Diede their Ambassador with the Pope at their charge to raise forces in Rome: And willed Robert of Arimini to march speedily thither with the greatest power he [ 20] could to raise the siege. They sent Pietro Diede to be his Prouidator, to raise forces from all parts: this they did, because they would not onely aide his Holinesse with a Generall, but with souldiers. Robert being commanded to goe to Rome, depar∣ted from Flaminia with many troupes of horse: but hauing intelligence by the way that Nicolao Vitelli aided by the Florentines had taken the towne of Typherna, he went thither, where ruining certaine places belonging to the Typhernians, the dan∣ger of Rome calling him thither, by great iournies he arriued there: At his com∣ming the state of the warre was changed, and they marched against the enemie.

Alphonso hauing intelligence of the Venetians approach, encamped on the Veli∣ternian territorie in a place called the Dead field. So soone as the Venetian Generall [ 30] discouered him, he encouraged his souldiers, and full of hope marched against him: being more confident through the number of his men, whereby he enforced the Arragonois to fight on all parts at once. Alphonso was likewise strong both in horse and foote, but chiefly in horse: he had besides foure hundred Turkes which he had brought from Ottranto: with these forces he brauely receiued Malatestes charge. The fight was hot for sixe houres: The Venetian Generall did greatly annoy him. The Arragonois on the contrarie presuming on the valour of his men, resolued ey∣ther to die or conquer: many fell on both sides, in all places the battaile was bloudie, especially where the Turkes fought. At last the Pope and Venetians multitude, with the Generals encouragement preuailing, the enemie by little and little retired. Al∣phonso [ 40] sought to reenforce them, but perceiuing he could not, withdrew himselfe to a place of safetie, accompanied with some few horse: other braue Commanders preferring any hazard before flight were taken, in greater number than euer before in any battaile.

The conquerour within a while after entred Rome with his prisoners, represen∣ting the Romanes the forme of their ancient triumphes, and hauing by this victo∣rie purchased immortall glorie, he died not long after. Some say that he was poiso∣ned, but it is most likely that he died of asurfet taken by his great trauell in the heat of the battaile. He was honourably buried in Rome, where this Epitaph was written on his monument. Veni, vidi, vici, Laurea•…•… Pontifici retuli, Mors secundis re∣bus [ 50] inuidit. In English thus, I came, saw, ouercame, brought victorie to the Pope, which death tooke from me. Some write that on one day two the greatest Captain•…•…s of I∣taly died: he of whom we now spake; and Fredericke of Vrbin, that was carried away sicke to Ferrara from the campe at Stellata.

But whilest these things were done neere to Rome, Pietro Maria de Rossis follow∣ing the Venetians partie in Lombardie, ceased not to annoy Sforza's troupes on the Parmesan confines: But the Venetians intention was not so much to hurt the Mi∣lanois, as by entangling him in a domesticke warre, to keepe him from aiding Hercu∣les. Sforza's forces sodainely marched towards Parma, where Rossis being sharpe∣ly assailed, was not onely enforced to retire into his owne territories, but lost Nu∣cetta, and the Castle Candida.

But Pietro Rossis a braue and valiant Gentleman falling sicke, died within a while after. Guidone whom he had made his heire, went with his bretheren to besiege a certaine Towne, but being abandoned by the Venetian succours, who could not [ 10] follow them by reason of the Po, though for a time they did brauely withstand all Sforzas attempts, and sometime defeated his forces, yet beeing tired with so long a warre, they were enforced to retire.

Autumne was already more than halfe spent, when Sanseuerin hauing recouerd his health returned to his desolate camp, where nothing was to be seene but weake and sicke souldiers. Luca Pisani whom the Senate had sent from Verona after Lau∣retanoes death, commaunded the Armie as Prouidator, till Giouan Heme called from the confines of Bressia arriued at Ficarolles. He being come, Pisani who was alrea∣die infected with the bad aire returned to Venice. The new Prouidator repayred the walles of Ficarolles, when Frederico Cornari, and Francisco Sanuto came to the [ 20] Campe as Prouidators. At their arriuall, the Armie made some abode there, toge∣ther with the fleete, not daring to enterprize any memorable matters; for though their numbers were great, yet most of them were so weake, as they could hardly walke vp and downe. But towards the end of Haruest, the aire being purified, they beganne by litle and litle to recouer their healths: Then Sanseuerine loath to loose any longer time, sent Fraccasso his sonne with many troupes of horse, to assault the Fort which Hercules had made vpon the Riuer banckes at the obscure Lake, for it did greatly annoy the Venetian vessells going to and fro: He planted his ordnance on the opposite shoare, from whence in short space by continuall shooting hee had so beaten downe the Rampires as hee was in good hope before long to driue them [ 30] thence.

But whilest Fracasso was there busied, Victor Souranza Generall by water, com∣ming vp the Riuer Po as farre as the Argentine territorie with one and twentie gal∣lies, foureteene foists, and other lesser vessells, determined to assault the Towne of Ianiola, seated at the mouth of Vaterna: For if it were not taken, it was certayne that the fleete could not goe vp farther but with greater daunger. To this end Sou∣ranza landed foure hundred horse, and sixe hundred foote at a place opposite to the Citie. These hauing begunne to fortifie the Riuer banckes to defend themselues from the enemies incursions, that they might afterwards without any let batter the towne walls, Sigismundo d'Este on a sodaine with Nicolao Corregio, Hugo Sanseue∣rino, [ 40] and other noble men comming foorth of Argento with three thousand men, assailed them, and gaue their first charge vpon Andrea Burgensis quarter, where at first the Venetians had the worst, but so soone as the alarme was giuen in the camp, euery man armed ranne fiercely to the fight. Sigismond opposed to the Venetians front foure waggons, on each of which lay foure falconets. There the battaile was very doubtfull, till three hundred Venetian light horse wheeling about to giue in vpon the enemies backe, did so terrifie Hercules souldiers, as Sigismond and the o∣ther Captaines betooke themselues to flight, then the Gallie called Valeresa com∣ming with great rumor vp the water vpon their backes, the enemies changed their fight to flight. Sigismond mounting a swift horse, escaped himselfe alone to Argen∣to. Many were drowned in the Riuer, more were slaine in the battell, but the num∣ber [ 50] of prisoners was greatest of all. Souranza that day obtained a great and nota∣ble victorie. For besides Hugo Sanseuerine, he tooke three score and tenne other Captaines whom he sent prisoners to Venice.

Roberto Sanseuerino being likewise desirous to execute some memorable enter∣prize, resolued to passe ouer into the Ferrarese Territory, and for effecting it hee commaunded a bridge to be made on galliots, and committed the worke to Bassan of Verona, which being soone finished, he left Barbadico at Ficarolles, and himselfe with Heme and Sanuto the Prouidators, went a mile beneath the enemies Fort, where hee beganne to passe ouer his troupes, and so soone as one boate had passed, it cast anker, and so the rest serued for a bridge. By this time eighteene hundred horse and foote were already gone ouer into the enemies Countrey, when they per∣ceiued that there wanted vessells to finish the bridge, which happened by their er∣rour who had not taken the iust breadth of the Riuer: by the meanes whereof, a [ 10] troupe of valiant souldiers remayned on the other shoare destitute of their fellowes aide: whereat Sanseuerine was moued, in great choller protesting, that if they did not before day prouide boats to finish the bridge, his brauest troupes through the carelesnesse & indiscretion of some, would vndoubtedly be cut in peeces before his face. But by the Prouidators diligence, it was preuented, and the bridge beeing wholy finished, the rest of the Armie crossed the riuer ere the enemie had anie no∣tice thereof.

Hercules souldiers hauing discouered them, and not trusting to their Fort, threw their ordnance into the Riuer, and setting fire on their fortification, retired speedi∣ly to Ferrara. By their example others that held certaine fortified places vpon the [ 20] Riuer, did for feare abandon them: whereupon the Venetian in an instant became Master of the Riuer (one Fort excepted, standing at the head of the Polesine which the enemies had fortified.) So soone as the Venetians perceiued that neither the ri∣uer nor any forts could resist their furie, they wasted the whole territorie, burning farmes and country houses downe to the ground.

There is a Parke within a mile of Ferrara: Borsia was the first that inclosed it with walls, but Hercules inlarging it, did much beautifie it with lakes, ponds, groues, and other places fit for chace. The Venetian first encamped neere to the walls which are close to the riuer; and in the meane time made a new bridge ouer the Po, stron∣ger than the former. They first placed a ranke of shippes of burthen, one close to [ 30] another, from one side to the other, fastened to their ankors, by strong yron chains which could not bee cut in sunder, then they laid euen planckes vpon them so cun∣ningly ioyned together, as it resembled a well-framed bridge of stone: This beeing done, they builded shoppes vpon it on both sides, wherein all sortes of wares were sold, which hindered Passengers from looking on the water: They made moreo∣uer draw-bridges at both ends, which when they were drawne vp, those shoppes seemed an Island in the middest of the Riuer. And to keep the enemie from firing it by night, some two hundred paces before it they hung vp aboue water great wod∣den plankes fastned to ankors with yron hookes to keepe out the fire works, which might be throwne vpon it, till they were either quenched or burnt out. [ 40]

The bridge finished, Sanseuerine brake downe the Parke walles, and through it marched with his armie in battell within a mile of Ferrara, where he remained for a time in the Cities view, but when he saw that the enemie did not sallie, he brought backe his troupes to the Campe: then he beganne to repaire the Fort vpon the ri∣uer which the enemie had abandoned; hee did first enlarge it, then enuironed it with trenches of twenty foote deepe, with strong bastions, Towers, and Rauelins: This worke vndoubtedly was in a manner impregnable, and would perpetually haue terrified the Citie of Ferrara, had it not by peace beene razed. The Venetian hauing in this manner assured his Campe, galloped with his Cauallerie to the very gates of Ferrara, filling all places with feare. [ 50]

The Citizens viewing the bridge so neere them, and the Fort much neerer be∣ganne to lament their owne and Common-wealths estate, saying, That Hercules Principalitie was ouerthrowne, themselues in great daunger, and that the stroakes of warre had pierced their very heart, that they were out of hope euer to haue

peace with the Venetians, who had displayed their victorious Ensignes at their gates: That the Marshes, Lakes, and Riuers had not beene of force to restraine the course of their Victorie, of whom they were to receiue verie vniust conditions of peace, or submit themselues to their mercie. The Venetian in the meane time o∣mitted nothing that might further his Victorie, he did shut vp the riuers and lakes, placing corps du guard and garrisons in all passages. In a word, he held those of Ferrara at such a bay, as Conquerours are wont to do the van∣quished, when they are desirous speedily to end the Warre.

[ 10]

The end of the first Booke of the fourth Decad.

[ 20] [ 30] [ 40] [ 50]

THE SECOND BOOKE [ 10] OF THE FOVRTH DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice.

The Contents of the second Booke of the fourth Decad.

THe Pope maketh a new league, and abandoneth the Venetians. The Duke [ 20] of Calabria comes to Ferrara. All Princes and Commonwealths of Italy band themselues against the Venetians. The Senate sends for the Duke of Lorraine into Italy, and giues him large pay. SANSEVERINO with great forces crosseth the Adda by a bridge, and encampeth at Frezzia. LODO∣VICO SFORZA doth easily ouerthrow the ROSSIANS. ALPHONSO taketh diuers townes from the Venetians on the Bressian and Verona territories: then crossing the Min∣cia, he scoures the countrey as farre as the Riuer Adice, and not long after takes Azzola. The Venetian Infanterie vpon HERCVLES arriuall at Stellata leapes into the Riuer. AL∣PHONSO leauing Azzola with an intent wholy to ouerthrow the Venetian forces vpon Po, being stopt by SANSEVERINO returnes without effecting it. GIACOMO MAR∣CELLO [ 30] Generall of the Venetian fleet, dies at the siege of Gallipolis, which being taken, the Venetians make farther incursions into Calabria. The enemies Armie comes to Baig∣nols where peace in vaine before motioned at Cesenna, is determined and concluded. And lastly the triumphes, turnaments, and barriers made at Venice for ioy of this peace.

THE Venetians had alreadie mightily preuailed, and the warre with Hercules would soone haue beene en∣ded, had not Pope Sixtus by his sodaine alteration not onely snatched the victorie forth of their hands, but that which worse is, thrown them headlong into [ 40] a dangerous war. For the Pope and Ieronimo Visconte by whose councell and aduise all matters were di∣rected, •…•…alling by little and little from the Venetians after Malatestes death, did at last openly declare them∣selues friends to the Fe•…•…arois. Francisco Diede, who at that •…•…ime was Ambassador with the Pope, had of a long time foreseene it, and a little before had by letters aduertized the Prince and Senate thereof, who to containe them still in league, omitted no kinde offices of good friends and confederates. It is not certainly knowne vpon what cause they did it. [ 50]

The Pope hauing made a league with the enemie, did by letters goe about to cause the Venetians to lay downe Armes, to induce them no more to warre vpon the Ferrarois, and to restore vnto him whatsoeuer till then they had taken from him. The Senate moued by these letters, were vnwilling to let goe the victorie

whereof they had so sure hold, and yet desirous to answere the Pope, and to let him and all the Princes of Italy and Europe vnderstand that they were not Authors of that warre: for they would neuer haue taken armes against Hercules, had not Pope Sixtus prouoked them thereunto. They decreed that Bernardo Iusti∣niano a verie eloquent person should, in the Common-wealths name, answere the Pope.

The effect of those letters which he composed, and after the Senates approbation were sent to Rome, is this. That the Senate were so farre from entertaining this warre without his Holinesse consent, as they did it by his instigation: That as at first so now they did not onely preferre peace before warre, but before victorie, so it [ 10] were sought for in time, and not on such conditions as might make their lenitie in∣•…•…erpreted in discretion: That they were confident his Holinesse actions had no pri∣uate end, but such as imported the common good of Christendome: onely in this it was notorious to the whole world, that he dealt more subtilly than sincerely: That for twentie yeares wherein both by land and sea they had beene singled out by dread∣full Ottoman, none of the Princes of Italy afforded one drop of bloud towards the quenching of this neighbour flame, but seemed deafe to all solicitations, lame in as∣sistance: But in this priuate cause of Ferrara those which shranke backe from the publike quarrel could all bandie together, not as if they would arbitrate, but enforce peace: That they humbly desired his Holinesse to deliberate this businesse tempe∣rately [ 20] which others did passionately, & let his owne vnderstanding aduise him whe∣ther it more concerned him to fauour the Venetians or the Ferrarois. As for them they were resolued to prosecute that warre, which by his aduise they had vndertaken, hoping the successe should be as happie, as the cause iust and honorable.

This is in summe the import of the Venetian letters: But the Pope not respecting his ancient league, and perceiuing the Venetians to continue their resolution, ex∣communicated them. He had alreadie leagued himselfe with Ferdinand and others. And whilest this businesse was pursued by letters to and f•…•…o, Alphonso Duke of Ca∣labria came to Ferrara with two thousand men, among whom were foure hundred Turkes which he brought from Otranto, but they within a while after ranne ouer [ 30] to the Venetian. Vpon his arriuall certaine skirmishes were made neere the Citie, himselfe stayed not long there, but leauing his troups with his brother in law, went first to Mantua, and then to Milan. But at a councell held at the sametime at Casal∣Maior vpon the Cremonese where the commissioners of all the confederate Princes and states met, warre was concluded against the Venetians by general consent. Fre∣dericke Gonzaga Prince of Mantua had the title of Generall of the Armie, but Alphon∣so Duke of Calabria the honour. The Senate hauing intelligence of what had beene concluded in that assembly, and considering the dangerous warre they were to op∣pose the next Spring, (For the Genoueses excepted whom Giouanni Pascalis sent to that end had exempted, all other Princes and States of Italy had coniured their de∣struction) [ 40] and for the strengthening of their partie, they sent into France for Rena∣tus Duke of Lorraine, vnto whom they gaue honourable entertainment. Antonio Vinciguerra one of the Secretaries had long before solicited him from the Pope and Venetians to come into Italy against the Ferrarois, who now the Pope relinquish∣ing the cause remained firme to the Venetians, and brought two hundred horse, and one thousand foote to their aide. Vinciguerra conducted him through the Alpes: Bartilmeo Victurini, and Nicolao Foscarini Venetian gentlemen, went as farre as Trent on the confines of Italy to meete him.

The Duke of Austria and the other Potentates of Germanie in fauour of the Pope denied passage to the Sauoyards, and other French whom Lorraine had en∣rolled. [ 50] The Spring was alreadie come, when Pietro de Priuli, and Marco Antonio Morosini came to the Armie as Prouidators. The enemies comminations were great: but the Senate hauing intelligence that their fauorites in Milan which yet stirred not, would if Sanseuerin crossed the Adda, raise some commotion

vpon difference betwixt the widow of Galeas and Lodouico Sforza, after mature de∣liberation, commanded one part of the Armie to passe into Lombardie, and the o∣ther to remaine before Ferrara Deifebo A•…•…guillare went before with a braue troope of horse, and expected Sanseuerino at Azzola vpon the Bressan Confines. Roberto soone followed him, leauing the Prince of Mirandola, Bernar dino Montone, Antoni∣ace Dulcino, Gasparo Perussini, Alessandro surnamed the Turke, and diuers other Cap∣taines at the siege before Ferrara. The French Generall went thither likewise with his forces: But their arriuall was more terrible to their enemie than profitable to the Venetian, the French euerie day mutining.

Sanseuerino with Marc-Antonio Morosini the Prouidator being come to the Bres∣san [ 10] territorie, remained for a time at the new Orges, then making a bridge ouer the Adda aboue Trezzia, and fortifying it at each end, himselfe encamped on the fur∣ther side, where he contained his souldiers without executing any hostilitie vpon the Countrey, rather like a guest then enemie, which was so farre from di•…•…inishing the malice of the Confederates, as on the contrarie it increased it, hastening not de∣ferring this intended warre. Lodouico Sforza, with a mightie Armie was in field a∣gainst the Rossians of Parma, who till then had brauely defended their patri∣monie, but now seeing so vnequall a power bent against them, fortified their townes, and yet not thinking themselues secure, retired with their children into the Genoueses territories. Their Tenants following not their Lords but their for∣tune, [ 20] presently vpon their departure yeelded to Sforza. Lodouico▪ vpon this vic∣torie marched vnto the territorie of Gremona where Alphonso expected him, (as some say) called in by the Milaneses vpon Sanseuerins arriuall to guard the frontiers in the absence of Lodouico. Others affirme that he came voluntarly offering his as∣sistance against Sanseuerino.

Such was the state of the Venetian affaires, when the Commonwealth was sha∣ken with a new feare by a transcursion of two of S•…•…ins sonnes to the enemie. Hee had foure sonnes which serued in this Armie, all valiant and braue young Gentlemen, of whom Francisco and Galeas vnknowen to their father, dishonorably fled to the enemie, allured (as it seemes) by faire promises: yet their error was so [ 30] much the lesse, as it extended no further then to themselues. This, at first did greatly •…•…rpiex the father, who in great passion called God and men to witnesse of his sonnes treacherie, practizing not onely against their fathers honour, but life: yet herein comforting himselfe, that his fidelitie was sufficiently knowen to the Venetians, and should euery day be more and more manifested: whereupon, hee sent messengers to Venice to make his owne Apologie, and excuse the temeritie of his children, which he hoped ere long to redeeme with his owne seruice and loyalty, and let the world know that he esteemed nothing so deere, as the safetie and ho∣nour of the Venetian Estate. But the Senate was so farre from imputing the érrour of his sonnes to himselfe, as they did by letters comfort him. [ 40]

Alphonso in the meane time hauing made a bridge ouer the riuer beyond Cas∣sian, passed ouer his Armie with great rumor into the Gyradade, and thence, mar∣ching into the Bergamasco, tooke Colloigna and Vnguiana. Sanseuerino hauing in∣telligence of his comming, kept strong guard on the bridge on that side and streng∣thened his Rampiers, and then retired with his forces towards Bergamo: Thence, crossing the Oglio at Palaznoles, he encamped at the new Orges. The enemie ha∣uing taken Trecian, and reenforced the Popes and Florentines troupes, passed o∣uer the Oglio betwixt the new Orges and Quintiano. The Senate considering how dangerous the enemies Armie would bee to their territories (for it was reported that he had an hundred companies of men at Armes) did speedily send the rest of [ 50] the Cauallerie which lay vpon the Po, to Sanseuerino, that hee might be better able to resist him.

Alphonso in the meane time, had taken all that part of the Bressan territory which lieth betwixt the Riuer Mella and the new Orges, a very fruitfull soyle a∣bounding

in townes and villages, which vpon terrour of his arriuall presently yeel∣ded vnto him. The Venetian being inferiour to the enemie in strength, resolued not to confront but follow him, and preuent his attempts: And leauing Antonio Sc•…•…riotto with 300 horse in garrison in the new Orges, himselfe went through by∣waies first to Maclou, then to Saint Zene three miles from Bressia. Augusti•…•… Barba∣dico and Zacharia Barbaro men of great authoritie, came from Venice to the Campe. But Morosmi and Barbadico remaining with Sanseuerino in the Armie, Barbaro went to fortifie Bressia. He was sonne to that Francisco who in former time had for three yeeres space defended that Citie against all the attempts of Duke Philip, worthie in∣deede of such a father whose wisdome and vertue he inherited, but more famous [ 10] in being father to H•…•…olao, the learnedest of his time in Greeke and Latin•…•… Alphonso crossed the Riuer Mella and seized on Baignols.

The Prince of Mantua (who till then had caried himselfe as a friend not enemie to the Venetian•…•…) did openly shew himselfe their enemie, ioyning with Alphon∣so, whose Armie by this addition amounted to one hundred and thirtie compa∣nies of horse, which being diuided ouer the Bressan territorie tooke all the townes on this side the Riuer Mella (Azzola excepted) from the Venetians.

Sanseuerino vpon the enemies comming to Baignols, retired to Regiana fiue miles from Bressia, but Alphonso taking all the other townes, brought his Armie to Calcina. This is all which that summer, till the beginning of Autumne was done, [ 20] vpon the Bressan and Bergamasch territories.

Neer to the Po, most of the French being dead by sicknesse, their Generall hauing intelligence of King Lewis death, who by his Testament had made him Gouernor and Protector of his Realme, returned into France. The Senate being aduertized about the Spring, that King Ferdinand, assisted by the Pope and Consederates, had rigged a mightie Fleet, the better to resist the enemie at Sea, wrote to Iacomo Mar∣cello who succeded Souranza in the Admira•…•…tie; •…•…o haue a care that the State were not preiudiced about the Islands, nor in the gulfe neere to Histria and Dalmatia; and if he might safely doe it, to inuade the fro•…•…tien of Apulia and Calabria as Souranza had done. [ 30]

Marcello had not long beene Admirall, when fortie of the enemies Gallies, vn∣der the commaund of Frederick of Arragon, sonne to Ferdinand, a braue young Prince, came into the Hauen of Ancona. Their arriuall did trouble the Senate, for it was likelie that the enemie, by tarrying in that place, would cut off the Vene∣tians passage on the Sea. All Venice had their hope fixed on Marcello and his Fleet, despairing of their Dominion at Sea, vnlesse the enemie could be speedily repelled; expecting when Marcello should either assaile or fire them.

But whilest he intended the supplying of the Gallies, not yet compleat with sol∣diers and marriners, which he could hardly effect without promise of pardon and impunitie to the Bandetti of Albania, Dalmatia, and Histria, the enemie thinking [ 40] himselfe not safe departed from Ancona three dayes before his arriuall. This o∣mission was hardly interpreted, especially by the vulgar, measuring things by the euent. But better vnderstandings made more fauourable construction of it, saying; He did better to absent himselfe from fight, than vnaduisedly hazard his naked Fleet, and that victorie was more easie in discourse then action. Thus was hee va∣riously censured.

The enemie in the meane time being out at Sea vn willing to seeme idle, made sodaine incursion vpon Lissa an Island in Dalmatia, putting all to fire and sword•…•… From thence he sailed to Corfou, Georgio Viare a wise & valiant Gentleman gouerned the Island. He descrying the Arragonian Nauie, encouraged the inhabitants, pr•…•…∣paring all things requisite for defence: The enemies first assaults were very violent: [ 50] for being many; they at one time scaled all par•…•…s: but through the valour of the de∣fendants, they were not onely kept from entrance, but pre•…•…ipitated from the wals with great slaughter.

Notwithstanding this braue repulse, the assault continuing till night without in∣termission, and the Gouernour fearing, that the Defendants wearied, though not conquered, would giue way to the enemie, inuented this stratagem. Hee diu•…•…ged that the Venetian fleete would in few houres arriue there, whereupon •…•…ee com∣maunded all the bells to be rung, acclamations of ioy to be made by the souldiers on the walles, as though supplies were already arriued. The enemie terrified with this sodaine clamour, hauing lost 500. men in this assault, put to Sea. Shortly after the Venetian fleete, arriued and wintered there.

Alphonso was (as hath beene said) encamped at Calcina, and it was probable, that from thence hee would goe and besiege Lonata. Morosini the Prouidator de∣parted [ 10] from the Campe at Rezza, and went thither to fortifie the Cittie, whither hee sent for Country people, who with the inhabitants and souldiers of the Garri∣son, made a trench and ra•…•…pires. Giacomo Media was likewise there, who not long before had beene sent thither with three hundred men to guard the Citie. These, together with the light horse of the Towne, did by their frequent incursions, fore∣stall all things from the enemies forragers so long as they remained there. More∣ouer, the Venetian had diuerted the ordinary current of the Riuer Seriola, that if the enemy came to encampe there, hee might want water. Neuerthelesse hee at∣tempted to take Vidaciolla, which Sanseuerino hauing strongly fortifyed, and the enemie twice assaulting it, could not be taken. Then Alphonso being loath to loose [ 20] any longer time, determined to march directly to Verona.

Some say, that the Prince of Mantua, from thence returned home, discontented with Alphonso, for refusing to besiege Lonata and Piscara, which two townes hee∣specially desired to take from the Venetians. The Senate had beene aduertized of the enemies desseigne, and therefore sent diuers boats, and a strong Garrison to Pis∣cara to guard the Towne and Lake of La Garda: they had beside commaunded the Gallie which lay at Lalissa to bee armed, and brought into the Lake. The charge thereof was committed to Andrea Marcello, who had commaund of those vessells, till Pietro Diede was sent thither by the Senate.

The enemie lying still at Calcina, Thomaso of Imola, who commaunded the foot [ 30] forces vpon the Po, crossing the Riuer before day, gaue a sodaine assault to the sub∣urbs of Stellata, and to the rampires next the Castle: the Sailers were mingled with the Souldiers. The suburbs were easily taken and burnt. The ordnance and other engines being taken from the enemies rampires were carried to the vessels: this be∣ing done, they gaue a fierce assault to the Fort: The Souldiers and Mariners vrged with such furie, as in a moment they became masters of part thereof: Then they which were in the highest places craued parley, first of Immola, then of Andrea Zancane, who commaunded the vessells, and of set purpose prolonged their parley, expecting some speedie aid from Ferrara, wherein they were not deceiued. So soone as newes came to the Citie, that the enemie had taken the bastions, and part of the [ 40] Fort at Stellata, and that without speedie helpe, they within it would be enforced to yeeld; Hercules on a sodaine taking the light horse with him, and commaunding the rest of his forces to follow in order of battell, shewed himselfe vnlooked for to the Venetians, whom hee charged: the Sailers running to the vessells, left the soul∣diers to the slaughter, who for a while made head, but vpon the arriuall of the rest of the troups, they threw themselues into the water, trusting to their skill in swim∣ming, hoping thereby to get into the vessells, but most of them being carried away by the violent swiftnes of the torrent, perished, those that escaped drowning were taken prisoners, among whom was Immola, who being but slightly wounded, and dying the night following, was supposed to haue beene poysoned. [ 50]

Those that lay at the obscure Lake, made incursions as farre as Ferrara, where among other places they spoiled the rich and beautifull Monasterie of the Char∣treux, burning part thereof. Giouan He•…•… Prouidator in that Campe hauing intelli∣gence that the Fort of Stellata was taken, and making himselfe readie to march to

the reliefe of his soldiers, and in ioy of that good news curuetting his horse not well managed, it threw him, of which fall hee died not long after. Giacomo surnamed Media came to the Camp as Prouidator in his sted, who by reason of the infectious aire falling sicke was carried backe to Venice, where not long after hee died. Lastly, they sent Francisco Troni thither, a discreet and braue yong man, who had no better successe than his fellowes.

Whilstthe is was done on the Po, Alphonso departing from Calcina tooke Car∣pinetta, thence marching to Calauria, hee crossed the Mincia with part of his for∣ces beneath Valegia, where hauing well viewed the whole Countrie, hee repassed the Riuer and came to Godia, where againe crossing the Mincia at a bridge, by the [ 10] Mantuans confines came into the Veronois. Vallegia stands vpon an high hill, and vnderneath it runnes the Mincia; the walles fortifyed with towers extend them∣selues as farre as the Marshes of Tartar. In this space stands Villafranca in the mid∣dest of a Plaine, strong rather by Art than Nature. The Arragonois breaking down the walls in that place, approached with his armie neere to the Citie, and battering the Castle, tooke it the third day after his arriuall.

From thence scattering his forces throughout the Veronois, he filled all places with terrour, euen to the Cittie walles: Hee likewise sent some of his Captaines to view the strong townes of the Countrey, and without difficulty became Master of Vigatia, the Isle of Escalla and Sanguineta. Then comming to the Riuer Adice, and [ 20] being discouered by the Inhabitants of the farther shoare, they terrified, fled, which terrour ranne as farre as Padua and Vincenza, the Country people flying to the cit∣ties and strong townes. In this alarme the Magistrates of both places assembled forces to oppose the enemies passage ouer the Adice. Alphonso stayed not long at Villafranca, ere Sanseuerino comming vp the Lake of Benac encamped neere Vale∣gia, where Marc- Antonio Morosini met him with part of the forces which were at Lonata; at his arriuall Augustino Barbadico his Colleague fell sicke, and was carried to Venice.

Alphonso perceiuing the Venetian to be encamped before him, and not able to draw him to the fight, nor yet safely to assaile him, on a sodaine rose and marched [ 30] into the Bressan, where he besieged Azzola. Some thought that the enemie did not without cause remoue and giue ouer his other dessigns for that siege, but that he had correspondence with some of the Garrison and Citizens for surrender of the towne. It is certaine, that the towne being afterwards deliuered backe to the Ve∣netians by agreement, some by decree of Senate, who feeling themselues guiltie had remoued their habitation, were absolutely banished, whereby wee may per∣ceiue that it was not a publike but priuate surrender. But howsoeuer, the City re∣puted impregnable yeelded at the first assault, the Castle following their example: Sanseuerino after Alphonsoes departure recouered all the Townes which hee had ta∣ken vpon the Veronois, and leauing Antonio Souranza for the guard of Valegia, hee [ 40] went into the Bressan, and encamped at Calcina.

While these things were done abroad, the State receiued an ill presage at home. For the Dukes pallace was in part burnt downe by night. It is thought one of the Chappell negligently leauing a candle lighted, the snuffe thereof falling downe kindled the fire, which about the second watch of the night brake forth into a flame: the mischiefe would haue extended farther, as in former time, had it not bin spee∣dily preuented. Sanseuerino strengthned at Calcina with new supplies, was desirous to pursue the enemie, when contrary to all expectation hee vnderstood the losse of Azzola and the Castle. This newes bred generall amazement, many expostu∣lating why the Azolans euer fauoured by the Venetians should so betray them? why the Castle should so distrust it owne strength? That this yeelding proceeded [ 50] not from feare but treacherie: and that the enemie not vninuited had so confident∣ly entred the Bressan. These rumors passed in the Venetians Campe. But Alphonso deliuering the Towne to the Mantuan, resolued by all meanes to free his brother

Hercules from the siege, from whom he daily receiued letters full of complaint, how thath e gained not by the Venetians losse; that his Victories benefited others, not secured his subiects still besieged: That the Venetian Ensignes still braued Ferrara, and possessed the bankes of Po: Therefore he intreated him in such extremitie not to relinquish his sister Leonora and her children parts of himselfe, and desired him to consider how that he should be able to hold out a winter siege; if the enemy should perseuer and his associates fall from him, (the onely thought whereof was terrible) were not he and his whole estate ruined? Therefore he importuned him whilest he had time and meanes, that he would doe his vtmost to remoue the enemie from the Po, and raise the siege ere Winter. [ 10]

These Letters did not moue but spurre this forward Prince, who sending his in∣fanterie before by the Po to Hostilia, himselfe about midnight followed with the horse by land. Sanseuerino hauing intelligence of the enemies departure, and assu∣red that his haste tended to the surprisall of the Venetians on the Po, remoued like∣wise before day, and by great iournies came to Verona with two companies of men at armes, and sent order to the magistrates to prepare all the vessels vpon the Adice, that nothing might retard his desseigne. Francisco Diede was then Gouernor of the Citie, the yeare before Ambassador with Pope Sixtus (as hath beene said) and Francisco Marcello Prouost. These spending most part of the day in gathering the boates, and the busines not yet ended, were faine to labour all night, so that vpon [ 20] Sanseuerines arriuall, the souldiers imbarqued and sailed directly towardes the e∣nemie.

The Venetian troupes following after the Generall being come to Piscara, they diuided themselues and tooke sundry waies. Morosini the Prouidator, and Fracasso comming to Verona with certaine companies of horse, followed Sanseuerino to aide him if neede required. Antonio Victorini who had beene Prouidator at Verona re∣turned to the Campe at Calcina with Deifebo Anguilare, and the other part of the armie. The Venetians had the good fortune that those whom Alphonso had sent to Hostilia by the Po, were detained by a south winde. They being wind-bouud, Sanseuerino with a more fauourable gale arriued at Castel-Nouo as soone as Al∣phonso. [ 30] The enemie amazed with the sodaine noise heard from the Castle, and wondering at so many confused voices, what, and whence those numbers were, at last vnderstanding Sanseuerino to be come, Alphonso brake into these words; O im∣mortall God! doth this olde fellow flie now •…•…e can not goe? must the vigour of my youth bee out-stripped by his deerepitude? and, his iourney being greater than mine, must his speede be so too? Then turning to his Captaines and Pilots, hee exclaimed against the windes and waters, as confederate against him; and so grinding his teeth, and bewraying much passion, returned frustrate to Hostilia.

Victorini in the meane time, Deifebo, and Rodolpho Gonzaga departing from Cal∣cina, went to Castagnolles. There they vnderstood that Lodouico Sforza did with [ 40] great force batter Romagnia vpon the Bergamasch. The Venetian crossing the O∣glio went to Pallasuoles, from whence Thomaso Primania was sent to Bergamo, and Pietro of Carthage to Martinengà to secure those Townes: But Sforza remaining before Romagnia after long siege tooke it. The Venetian Armie comming after∣wards to Pontoglio, and from thence, neere to the Oglio, did in short space reco∣uer diuers townes lost that Summer.

In the meane time, Sanseuerino and Morosini the Prouidator returning from the Po, ioyned with the Armie. All things succeeding prosperously, Pietro Marcello as Prouidator was left to winter at Valegia, and the Albanian horsemen at Villafran∣ca vnder the commaund of Nicolao Enonio and his brother, two braue young men, [ 50] and the rest in other places of the Veronois neere to the Mantuan confines, who by their frequent •…•…cursions, did all that winter disturbe Mantua and the Territories adiacent. Sanseuerino vnited with Victorini and Rodolpho Gonzaga, tooke Manerbia and the strong garrison in it: From thence Morosini by the Senates licence returned

to Venice, leauing Victorini in the Campe. Manerbia taken, the Venetian Generall recouered Valeriota, Scorsariola, and to conclude, all townes lost that Summer, but Azola, Quinciana, and Senica: Then, sending the troopes to Garrison, himselfe in mid winter honourably accompanied, went to Venice. Prince Moc•…•…nigo at∣tended by the noblest Senators in the Bucentauro richly hung, went to meet him, and because he had honorably borne himselfe in his place, the State gaue him ma∣ny rich gifts: they afterwards bestowed vpon him Catadella a towne on the Paduan territorie, and Montorio on the Veronois, with a delicate and pleasant place neere to the citie, with a goodly pallace in it: and that his wife might bee a sharer of his good fortune the Senate inriched her with many costly iewels. The like acknow∣ledgement [ 10] did the Rossians of Parma receiue, who being by Sforza expulsed their Countrie, were at the same time in Venice, where they were bountifully entertai∣ned by the Prince and Senate, promising neuer to forget their good seruice, and for the time present gaue them certaine summes of gold forth of the publicke trea∣sury for the entertainement of their great familie: afterwards assigning a perpetu∣all annuitie of 32000. crownes to the two brethren Guido and Giacomo, and to the third, who had taken holy Orders, a very rich benefice vpon the Ve∣ronois.

Whilest these magnificent rewards were giuen at Venice, it fell out after Sanse∣uerines departure forth of Lombardie, Giouanni Antonio Scariotta leading fiue hun∣dred [ 20] horse to their Garrison at Cremona, by the treacherie of his guides fell into an Ambuscado, in which he lost most of his horse, but himselfe, sonne, and one ser∣uant, made way through the enemies and escaped. Sanseuerino toward the latter end of winter together with Nicolao Pisaura the Prouidator came to the new Orges where Fracasso lay in garison; vpon their arriuall, Antonio Vittorini by the Senates permission returned to Venice, so that Pisaura was sole Prouidator in the Armie, till the comming of Luca Pisani, who after Zacharia Barbaro had for a while com∣maunded Bressia. They remained still in the Armie till the end of the warre, and in the meane time wearie of Idlenesse, made a bridge ouer Oglio, and a Fort at it, which crossing, they tooke the Tower Tristania on the farther side the Riuer, and [ 30] finding store of corne, victuall and hay, it was a great helpe to them that winter: And because the place seemed of some importance, they sodainly fortified it, pla∣cing a strong Garrison there.

The spring already approched when a rumour was spread that the Consultation of the confederate Princes which Alfonso held at Cremona had no prosperous issue, and that they dissented concerning the renouation of the warre. This did put the Venetians in some hope that peace propounded in Flaminia by the Popes Ambas∣sadors, might vpon reasonable termes take effect, and to these ends being solicited, the Senate sent Zacharia Barbosa and Frederico Cornari to Lesenna; where after long consultation, they perceiued by the vniust conditions propounded, that this trea∣tie [ 40] of peace was motioned onely to amuse the Venetians, and to keepe them from pursuing that which they had begunne the yeere before in France and Germanie.

The Venetians the precedent summer, carefull of the issue of that warre, and incensed against Pope Sixtus had sent Ambassadors to the French Armie and Ger∣maine Princes to incite them to summon the Pope and all Christendome to a gene∣rall Councell, wherein it might be lawfull to complaine of the Pope, and to im∣plore the aide of all Christians against him; and to this end they sent Seb•…•…stiano Ba∣doario to the Emperour Frederick, Antonio Lauretano to the French king, Paulo Pi∣sani to the Duke of Austria, and Nicolao Foscarini into Flaunders to Maximillian, the Emperour Fredericks sonne. [ 50]

The Pope fearing this matter, was desirous to hearken vnto peace. The Vene∣tians in the meane time, though they intended peace, did not omit their warlike preparations against the Spring: for besides the Italian forces which by new sup∣plies were mightily encreased by sea and land, they drew from Morea and the

Islands next adiacent to Corfou, from Albania, and Dalmatia, twelue hundred horse, one part of these were quartered in the villages neere to the enemie, from whence they daily made roads into his Countrey, and the rest vpon the Bressan.

The Spring was alreadie past when Sanseuerino sent commaundement to all the Garrisons, to meet him on the 27▪ of May, betwixt Variola and Cortiana. But whi∣lest this was done on the Bressan, the sailers of Diede his Galley, and foure other Gallies of Marcello's Fleet mutined. The Authours of the mutinie were secretly punished by the commaundement of Tomaso Zeno Generall of the Fleet on the Po: which the other Marriners hauing notice of, went with their Gallie to the ene∣mies side, who lay neere to Philocina, but they were by him basely stript, spoyled [ 10] and sent away. The Senate vpon these newes proclaimed them traitors; and that they might serue as an example to others, banished them from their territories, with this addition, That if any of them were euer afterwards taken in the Venetian iurisdiction, they should be put to death as Capitall offenders.

At the same time that this Galley was lost, Captaine Porco, agreat enemy to the Venetians, made daily incursions from Hostilio euen to the trenches of Mellaria, and among other brauadoes against the Venetians, hee did by oath protest vnto Giouanni Canalis (at that time Gouernour of the Castle) that within few dayes he would come knocke a naile into the gates of Mellaria. This bragge cost him deere; for being taken and brought before Canalis, the Venetian said to him; Thou arro∣gant [ 20] and vaine-glorious fellow, performe thy insolent promise: and seeing as victo∣rious thou canst not performe this bragge, at least as a captiue; And because thou shalt not be forsworne, take this naile and hammer: (which he deliuered to him.) This being done, he presently sent him to Venice to be executed.

Marcello, Generall of the Venetian Fleet, toward the latter end of the Spring left Corfou, and went to besiege Gallipolis. This citie is like an▪ Island, and seated in that part of Calabria aduauncing toward the Ionian sea, confining vpon it and the Adriatick. Plinie saith, That in time past it did belong to the Gaules, which is not vnlikelie to be true in regard of the name. The Nauall Armie consisted of 56. ves∣sels, among which were 16. Gallies, and fiue shippes of burthen. The Venetian [ 30] before he would assault the Citie, summoned it to know if they would voluntarily yeeld, but seeing that labour was vaine, he drew his vessels neere the shoare, and landed part of his souldiers to assault it by land, and on the water from his Fleet an∣noyed the enemie so, as on both sides a cruell fight beganne. Marcello from his Ad∣miral Galley incouraged his soldiers, willing them brauely to mount the Rampiers; the soldiers obeyed and desperately ranne through the midst of the enemies shot. Dominico Delfino, Lodouico Garzone, Constantino Lauretano, Tomaso Diede, and many other Captaines of Gallies, did brauely acquite themselues at the assault: And the Venetians had alreadie, not without great slaughter, reared ladders against the wals, on which some were mounted, when Marcello from the poope of his Admirall Gal∣ley, [ 40] encouraging by name the soldiers and Captaines, approuing the valliant, and condemning cowards, executing all offices of a skilfull Captaine and Generall, be∣ing shot with a bullet, presently fell downe dead. Sagidino the Secretarie saw him fall, and couered him with a cloake, and after that he had conueyed the bodie into his Cabin, encouraged his Countrimen to pursue the victorie, telling them that the Generall was slightly hurt, and gone to be drest, willing them, in the meane time, to let the enemie see that they could fight valliantly without a Commander, and in recompence of their valour, the Cities sacke was theirs, it being once taken.

Dominico Maripietro Captaine of the shippes of burthen, so encouraged his sol∣diers, as in despite of the enemie they mounted the walles. At last the victorious [ 50] Venetian entred the Citie, not yet knowing their Generall was dead. Euery street was filled with slaughter and spoile. Commaundement was giuen not to rauish women or spoile Churches. The Citizens threw downe their armes and cryed for mercie: all places ecchoed the cries and lamentations of women and children. The

noble Venetian presently grew passionate, and pitied their distresse, by sound of Trumpet commanding his Souldiers and Marriners to abstaine from spoile and slaughter. Gallipolis taken, the command of the fleet was by a Generall consent committed to Maripietro, till such time as the Senate should prouide a new Gene∣nerall. The victorious Venetians did forth with fortifie the Citie, and made it a safe retreat for their forces.

In the meane time Nerita a Citie of the Salentines Radisca and many other neigh∣bour townes daunted with the disaster of the Gallipolitans, voluntarily yeelded. Marcellos death reported at Venice, did somewhat sower the sweetnesse of the vi∣ctorie. The Citie neuerthelesse reioyced, because that by the taking of Gallipolis, [ 10] a means was offered them at their pleasures to anoy king Ferdinand their enemie, whose pride was no whit daunted, notwithstanding that he saw the Venetians make incursions into the verie bowels of his Kingdome; yet that turbulent spirit of his when it perceiued his countrey entangled in a difficult and tedious warre inclined to peace.

His sonne Alphonso who lay on the Cremonese, hauing intelligence by spies that the Venetians comming from their Garrisons, were with a mightie Armie encam∣ped at Varioles, did with his troupes (which were farre inferiour to the Venetians) march to Quintiana, where fortifying himselfe, his Armie by supplies from the confederates, did daily encrease. Sanseuerino in the meane time, because he would [ 20] not be idle, thought it fit, that Nicolao Pisauro the Prouidator, and his sonne Francisco should with certaine troupes of horse make incursions into the enemies countrey: These hauing at a bridge crossed the Oglio, did on a sodaine surprize Calce, and other townes of small importance, some of which they fortified, and razed the rest.

The enemie being not farre off, lay still and would not remoue, so as all that har∣uest there was no other memorable exploit done. In the end, after that Alphonso had assembled all the confederate forces consisting of sixe score companies of men at Armes, with an infanterie to their Cauallerie, he marched against the new Orges. Sanseuerino though he were inferiour to him in number of horse, yet being his su∣periour [ 30] in foot forces, went to the old Orges, supposing that the enemie would come thither. Nicolao Treuisano Gouernour of Bressia, accompanied Sanseuerino with a gallant troupe to the new Orges.

Alphonso in the meane time being come to Metella, enforced the townsmen to yeeld, together with some other places of meane importance: From thence he went and seized on Varioles and Scosariolles, and then continued at Baignolles: But the Venetian who still followed him, seeking for a fit occasion to giue him battaile, went from Maclodia to Torbolles, and from thence not long after encamped at S. Zenes betwixt Bressia and the enemies campe. There peace was motioned with more likelihood of good successe, than before at Cesenna, and as it had a better be∣ginning, [ 40] so was the end more prosperous. For the Captaines (which seldome hap∣pens) who were wont to abhorre the name of peace, became Authors and Vmpires thereof.

Sanseuerino on the one side, and Lodouico Sforza on the other, after sundrie mes∣sages from both parts vndertooke this treatie so much desired, not onely in Lom∣bardie, where warre was hote, but ouer all Italy.

During this treatie of peace, or not long before, the Venetians receiued a great ouerthrow neere to Ferrara. Certaine foot-companies of the Garrison of the ob∣scure lake had made incursions to the verie gates of Ferrara, seeking to draw forth the enemie into some Ambuscado: but the Ferrarois still contained themselues within their walles till the Venetians retired towards their campe: for then they sent [ 50] certaine troupes of horse against them, who skirmished with them as farre as the Parke corner which confrontes Cassagio, where the Venetians in disorder were put to rout, diuers were there slaine, and many wounded: but the number of prisoners was verie great, who (according to the manner of the Italian warre) being stript,

were dismissed. Troni Prouidator at that time of the obscure lake, falling sicke, and being carried to Venice, died there.

Peace (as hath beene said) being motioned by the Captaines did then take effect, on these conditions: That the Venetians should reenter Asola Romania, and all other townes lost during that warre of Lombardie▪ That they should withdraw all their Garrisons on this side, & beyond the Po; raze all the Forts built vpon the riuer banks; and should surrender to Hercules whatsoeuer they had taken from him: the Pollesin of Rouigo excepted, which themselues retained; and should enioy the same liber∣ties old and new as they were wont to haue in Ferrara, and places neere adioyning: That Sanseuerino should still continue in the Venetians pay, and yet should be Ge∣nerall [ 10] to all the Princes and States of Italy.

Such was the end of the confederate warre of all Italy against the Venetians, the greatnesse of whose preparations may be imagined by this: That in two yeares space or little more whilest this warre lasted, they spent three millions and 600000. Du∣cates. The Venetians of a long time had not so willingly entertained peace. In all Townes and Castles ouer their dominions, bonefires were made in signe of ioy.

Besides, triumphes, turnaments, and fight at barriers, were proclaimed which should continue certaine daies. The rewards propounded to the combatants were two peeces, the one of cloth of gold, and the other of siluer. Great multitudes [ 20] of people came from all parts to behold those shewes. Hercules de Oeste, and Iulio Count of Camerin were present at them, whom the Prince and Senate went to meete. Leon, sonne to Lodouico Sforza, and Galeas Sanseuerino came from Milan to Venice. Old Sanseuerino chose rather to be a dealer in the triumphes than a specta∣tor. The Rossians of Parma, and the Prince of Mirandula came thither likewise, with many other great Lords, some to fight, others to looke on. The market-place of S. Marke as farre as S. Geminians Church was to this end sumptuously adorned. The combatants preparations were magnificent: Three of Sanseuerines sonnes, who sundrie times made shewes a-part, caused fiue and twentie braue coursers to be rich∣ly trapt with gold and purple. The Rossians of Parmas shewes were in a manner like [ 30] this: But that of Count Camerins nephew, sonne to his brother, was accounted more sumptuous than all the rest. More than an hundred thousand persons beheld these triumphs.

Prince Mocenigo accompanied with the Senate and Citie Magistrates had a place prepared for them. These turnaments lasted certaine daies. In the end, the honour of the triumph was adiudged to Sanseuerines sonnes, as they that had best deserued it, Fracasso and Antonio Maria diuided the cloth of gold betwixt themselues, and Ga∣leas alone had that of siluer. Count Camerins nephew, who in all mens iudgements had done brauely, refused three hundred crownes, which the State would haue gi∣uen him. Some thought he did it in disdaine, because others were preferred before [ 40] him. Mariotto, a younger brother of the Rossians of Parma, doing more at barriers than his yeares promised, was rewarded with a horse richly barded. Many others were rcompenced according to their merit, many were like∣wise knighted. Iulio Count of Camerin was made Ge∣nerall of the Venetian troupes, seeing Sanse∣uerino commanded those of all Italy.

The end of the second Booke of the fourth Decad.

[ 50]

THE THIRD BOOKE [ 10] OF THE FOVRTH DECAD OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice.

The Contents of the third Booke of the fourth Decad. [ 20]

THE Dukes Pallace burnt during the warre, is sumptuously reedified. The Pestilence begunne in Summer doth in Autumne make diuers places in the ci∣tie desolate. A briefe Description of their Sea-trafficke. Foure Gallies tra∣ding into France are taken by Pirates on the coast of Portugall. Troubles in Friull by the sodaine arriuall of the Hungarians. ROBERTO SANSE∣VERINO with a braue Cauallerie goes to the warre lately begunne neere Rome. The electi∣on of MARCO BARBADICO who succeedeth MOCENIGO in the Principalitie of Venice. A briefe Declaration of the warre of Rome betwixt Pope INNOCENT and king FERDINAND Three Commissioners are appointed to prouide all things requisite to purge [ 30] the Citie from the pestilence. SANSEVERINO dispoiled of his troupes, returnes to the [ 30] Venetians. Their vsuall custome at their Princes funeralls. The cause of the warre with the Archduke of Austria, and sodaine commotions of the enemie on the very confines of Ita∣lie. The beginning and end of the Rethicke warre. The kingdome of Cyprus is ioyned to the Venetians Dominions; by a conueyance made by Queene KATHERINE in her life time. The inuention of harquebuzes, and the recompence of such as learned to shoot in them. An extreame cold frost at Venice, and ouer all the Lakes. A league betwixt the Pope, Vene∣tians, and GALE AS SFORZA. The preparations of CHARLES the French King for the conquest of the kingdome of Naples.

THat part of the Dukes Pallace which was burnt du∣ring [ 40] the warre, was from the foundation reedified this first yeere of the peace: It is an admirable peece of worke, and likely to last long. The Citie was great∣ly molested with the Infection the next Summer, which increasing in Autumne, did make Venice very desolate. This domesticke losse was accompanied toward the end of Summer with an other farre from home. But before wee enter into this Discourse, it shall not bee impertinent to mention the Venetians great industrie, & wealth, purchased by traffike at sea. [ 50]

There is no place in all the Sea from Gades, betwixt Affricke and Europe, to∣wards Syria and Egypt in the Leuant; nor from the North and West towards Bos∣phorus and the Fennes Meotides; nor any place so remote, which the Venetian Gallies haue not at all times frequented in trade of Marchandize. It is almost incre∣dible

to thinke how the Venetian vessells doe ordinarily enter into the Hauens, not onely of Italie, but of Liburnia, Dalmatia, Macedonia and Grecce, as if it were in the suburbs of Venice. Wee will speake of those, who at the Common-wealths charge are yeerely sent to take in lading in the remotest places of the world.

Of these, foure great gallies bring home into Italie, Spice, Silke, Pretious stones, and Pearles from Syria and Egypt. Three others goe into Lybia, for gold, iewells, and slaues. Two saile into Fraunce and bring home wooll and Spanish silke. O∣thers goe towards the Tana is, and Fennes Meotides, from whence they returne lo∣den with Tapistrie and Emeraldes. And besides this number, foure direct theyr course into the French Ocean, and from the Martes there, loade themselues abun∣dantly [ 10] with woolls, gold, tapistrie, and cloth of Flaunders.

According to this custome foure Gallies for this purpose were abroad vnder the commaund of Bartilomeo Minio, who comming into the Spanish Seas, mette with young Columbus, (nephew to Columbus the famous Mariner) who with seauen tall shippes of warre incountered them in the night neere to the sacred Promontorie, modernely termed S. Vincents Cape. But although at first hee determined to as∣sault the Venetian Gallies, yet hee abstained that night, and resoluing to fight with them, came so neere, as the prowes of the pirates shippes were asterne the poopes of the Venetian Gallies. So soone as it was day Columbus assailed the Venetians, who were inferior to him in men and vessells, but superior in courage and resoluti∣on. [ 20] They fought fiercely for certaine houres space, and with such great slaughter as is seldome seene in any fight with such enemies, who rarely come to fight but vp∣on constraint. Diuerse that were present at the bickering say, that three hundred Venetians were slaine at that fight: others mention not so many. Among the dead were Lorenzo Michael Captaine of a Gallie, and Giouanni Delfino brother to another Captaine. The Venetians were wearied with long fight. The Gallie Delfina was taken by the enemies, whereupon the rest yeelded. Some say, that in one Gallie foure score dead bodies lay betwixt the prow and poope, which spectacle the vi∣ctorious enemie lamented, saying in despite, That the Venetians by their wilfulnesse had procured that losse. The dead bodies were throwne into the Sea, and the [ 30] wounded set on shoare. Those which escaped went to Lisbone, and from thence were sent home.

Lisbone is a Citie of Portugall standing vpon the Sea, I thinke it was in old time called Olisipone. It is at this day very famous, as well for the ordinarie residence of kings, as for her great wealth. The Venetians were there very kindely entertained by the king, and those that were sicke he commaunded to be carefully looked to, the rest, according to each mans qualitie, receiued mony and cloaths, and were sent home into their countrey.

The Venetians are in ancient league with the kings of Portugall, the which be∣ing deriued from the Father to the Sonne, they inuiolably obserue. They say, that [ 40] the cause of this league and friendship proceeded from the Venetians courtesie and liberalitie. It is reported, That a king of Portugall came in time past with a small traine to Venice to see the Citie, where he remained certaine daies in disguised ha∣bite. But so great a guest could not long be concealed: For the Senate hauing in∣telligence, that a Noble man of royall parentage lay in the Citie, it did honourably receiue and conducted him to a goodly Pallace, where he lodged, being accompa∣nied by certaine Senators to shew him the singularities of the Citie, and to wait vp∣on him whither soeuer hee went: At his departure they gaue him rich giftes, and for his greater honor appointed some to attend him as farre as the Venetians con∣fines. This did the Venetians, not (as they thought) to a king but only to a priuate [ 50] person of blood royall. At his returne into Portugall hee acquainted his Princes with the Venetians curtesie and liberalitie; and made a Decree, That his succes∣sors should for euer acknowledge the Venetians bounty towards him. And for this cause the king of Portugall gaue such good entertainement to the distressed Veneti∣ans:

he did likewise commaund that none of his subiects should buy any part of the Venetians goods which had bene stollen from them. The newes of this losse did greatly afflict the Citie, the which exceeding (as it was reported) the summe of 20000. crownes, touched some particular persons: But the death of so many men did much augment their sorrow. The pestilence at this time did greatly infect the Cittie, in regard whereof, the Senate was of opinion at that time not to reuenge that wrong, but to deferre it to a fitter time.

At the same time there arose some troubles in Friull. Certaine light horse, sent by the King of Hungarie (as it was afterwards knowne) made sodaine incursions [ 10] vpon the very confines of Italy, to surprise Porto-nouo, a towne vpon the Riuer Lizonza. The Hungarians made a stay vpon the Thryestines territorie. But the Senate, though it certainly knew that the same King made warre still vpon Frede∣rick, and that those troupes were expresly sent into Italy to surprize Porto-nouo and Tryeste, which Frederick yet held; yet because they were not well assured of the Kings intention, they forthwith sent certaine troopes of horse which lay in Garrison betwixt Verona and Padua, to the Carnons territories. But the Hunga∣rians passing quietly through the territorie of Vdina, and frustrate of their hope to take the Citie, which the Bandetti had assured them of, left Italy, and returned without any farther attempt.

The better part of Haruest was alreadie spent, when Roberto Sanseuerino (who [ 20] notwithstanding the peace in Lombardie still remained in the Venetians pay) ear∣nestly solicited by Letters from Pope Innocent who succeeded Sixtus, went with∣out the Senates consent or knowledge (who were then at peace by sea and land) with his sonnes Fracasso and Galeas and two and thirtie companies of horse, first in∣to Faminia, and afterwards to Rome in the middest of winter: but hee arriued somewhat before his forces; for the Pope being pressed by Alphonso, hastened his comming.

The cause of this warre proceeded from the commotions of the Volaterrans, and rebellion of certaine Princes, who by a sodaine conspiracie, reuolted from Fer∣dinand, [ 30] retiring to Pope Innocent, requesting his aide against that King. The Pope finding them not onely worthie to be protected by his authoritie, but likewise to be freed from all wrong by the forces of the Church of Rome, it fell out that Virgi∣no Vrsino, who (as we haue elsewhere said) besides sundry townes which hee possest neere Rome on this side, and beyond Tiber, had likewise diuers others in the Mar∣shes as farre as the lake Fuscino in the confines of the Realme of Naples, remained still loyall to the King. At first he resolued (as it is reported) not wholly to abandon the King, nor likewise in any sort to take Armes against the Pope, but together with Ferdinand defending the Realmes frontiers, following his Ancestors steps, to make no attempt neere Rome. In this maner, he remained, as it were, neuter amidst [ 40] these new garboiles of warre, when after Sanseuerins arriual, by the perswasion (as it was thought) of some chiefe Commanders of the contrarie faction, the Pallace of the Vrsini vpon Mount Iordano, (which is the name of some part of the Citie) was sodainly by the soldiers spoiled and burnt: whereat Virginio being incensed, did presently declare himselfe together with the other Lords of that familie, an enemy to the Pope. Alfonso strengthened by this mans power, and hauing seized on cer∣taine bridges neere Rome, began after Sanseuerines arriuall, to waste and spoile all places round about the Citie. We onely mention this to acquaint the reader with the cause of the warre betwixt the Pope and King Ferdinand.

Now while these things were done neere Rome, Prince Mocenigo died the seuenth yeere of his Gouernment. [ 50]

[illustration]

¶ MARCO BARBADICO, the 73. Duke of Uenice.

[ 10]

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MArco Barbadico, a Senator of great wisdome and authoritie, was by a generall consent chosen Prince in his stead. This man (the Common∣wealth being quiet at home and abroad) repaired the Ducall Pallace begunne a while before, with such expedition, as in a few moneths whilest he remained Prince all that part thereof towards the East was with stately Architecture almost finished. The cold weather nothing aba∣ting the furie of the Pestilence, it did greatly afflict the Citie. Therefore three Se∣nators were appointed, who had ample commission to doe whatsoeuer they should finde necessarie, to free it from that calamitie. These men, that they might the [ 30] sooner take away the cause of the sicknesse, in an open place for the purpose caused a great quantitie of infectious apparell which the couetous graue-makers had layed vp together, to bee burned in one fire. And because great numbers of people did surcharge the Citie, they sent a great part of the vulgar to inhabit elswhere. At the same time the great Chanell, opposite to the great market-place, was clensed, the which by a decree of Senate, though it were of great extent, was in all places scou∣red. They sent certaine foote companies (according to their vsuall manner) into Cyprus for to guard the Island.

In the meane time, warre betwixt the Pope and the Vrsini (who as hath beene said, shewed themselues openly for Ferdinand) brake forth into great flames, after [ 40] the arriuall of Sanseuerines forces. For Pontenomentana being recouered, which they had taken, and Fracasso, sonne to old Sanseuerino almost slaine with a bullet, the whole burthen of the warre fellon Paulo Vrsino, and other of Virginio's kinsmen. For Nomentana being taken by force, was sackt and ruined. Sanseuerino marched towards Monterotonda, when Cardinall Baptista Vrsino came to the Pope, and as∣sured him that himselfe and friends would be obedient to the holie Sea, by meanes whereof there were none other attempts made neere Rome.

Virginio's troopes of horse did in the meane time waste the Roman territorie, till Alphonso's returne from Tuscanie, where according to their agreement they recei∣ued a braue cauallery from the Florentines and Milaneses, with which they made [ 50] towards Rome: Sanseuerino with farre fewer number went to incounter him neere Flisco; there in skirmish the enemie lost certaine horse; but this notwithstanding, Alphonso presuming on his owne strength did in despight of Sanseuerino make furi∣ous incursions vpon the Romanesca.

The Pope who till then had constantly maintained this great warre, though he alreadie before resolued (as some say) to craue aide from France, hauing sent for Re∣natus Duke of Lorraine to come into Italy against Ferdinand; and had likewise by his Nuncio Nicolao Franco elect Bishop of Treuiso, requested the Venetians to as∣sociate him in that warre; yet because supplies from France are accounted farre off, and tedious, and that the Venetians in respect of their league sworne in Lombardie at the finishing of the Ferrarois warre, with Lodouico Sforza, Alphonso and the Flo∣rentines, would not take Armes; hauing thereby lost all hope of aide from any other place, and fearing to precipitate the State of Rome into greater dangers, he did willingly incline to peace which the enemie offered him on honourable termes. [ 10] For though he was a great Protector of the papall dignitie, yet he loued peace and quietnesse, in concluding whereof, he did as much as in him lay, procure the wealth and aduancement of the Church of Rome, together with that of his friends and confederates.

Sanseuerino presently after peace was made, being casheerd, and resoluing to car∣rie backe his troupes of horse into Lombardie, did by letters and expresse messen∣gers craue leaue of the Senate to retire with two thousand horse into some towne belonging to their territories: But his demand not granted, himselfe destitute of all counsell, as a man forsaken, hauing no safe place of retreate, and Alphonso still at his backe, who had followed him into Flaminia, was enforced to leaue his Cauallerie to [ 20] his enemie, and himselfe with a few followers to make a speedie retreat into the fron∣tiers of Rauenna.

Such was the end of Sanseuerino and his sonnes renowned iourney from Lombar∣die to the warre of Rome, which we haue not so much mentioned for himselfe, as to let the world vnderstand the Venetians great constancie and loyalty. For although an occasion was offered to ruine king Ferdinand intangled in a domesticke war, or at least mightily to endanger him if they would haue embraced those offers, promises and conditions, yet because they would in no sort violate the treatie of peace which they had once sworne to, they stopt their eares to these motions. Now whilest [ 30] these things were done neere Rome, newes was brought from France, that Maxi∣milian sonne to the Emperour Fredericke was chosen King of the Romanes, a name verie hatefull to the Citie of Rome, taking it original in the daies of that Charles who ouerthrew the Lombards greatnesse in Italy. For many Historians affirme, That he did afterwards make his sonne Pipin, King of Italy, himselfe being Emperour: and by this meanes it came to passe in time, that he is not only called king of Italy, but of Romans, which enioyeth the same digintie and greatnesse like him.

Maximiliam had maried the daughter and heire of Charles Duke of Burgondie, who died in the war against the Suisses, and by this marriage purchasing great and ample Signories, being young, valiant and apt either for warre or peace, had after some [ 40] new troubles and difficult men aces of warre, inforced that stirring nation to obey his commandemment: Himselfe and Fredericke his father, acquainted the Vene∣tians, (as their great friends) with this new election. Dominico Treuisano, and Her∣molao Barbaro were sent Ambassadors to them both, with commission in the States name to congratulate that royall election: They were both knighted. Another Ambassador was likewise sent into Portugall, to thanke that king from the Prince and Senate, for that not long before he had relieued and assisted the Venetians, who by Pyrates had beene robbed and spoiled and set on shore in his coun∣trey. Ieronimo Donato a verie excellent Philosopher was appointed to goe thi∣ther. Toward the Spring, the sicknesse lessened, and before Summer ended, it wholly ceassed, so as of a long time before, the Citie was not seene more [ 50] healthfull. This prosperitie was accompanied by another, proceeding from Prince Barbadicos care and diligence, which was, great plentie and abundance of all things, for such store of corne, wine, oyle, and all sorts of meate was brought to the Citie, as in the memorie of man the like had not beene seene. This ioy was likewise secon∣ded

by another: for the Venetians at that time had peace both by land and sea, so as the Commonwealth was neuer more happie than at that time.

The Prince was not onely busied in maintaining the State in this prosperitie, but in augmenting it, when on a sodaine to all mens griefe, death preuented him. He died in the ninth moneth of his gouernment: and therein perhaps more happie than all his predecessors: because, that besides a goodly race which he left behind him, himselfe hauing well deserued of Religion, Countrey, and Citizens, the Citie at his death was cleare from pestilence, and abounded in plentie. We may moreouer adde this to his good fortune, That vpon his death-bed an Ambassador came to him from Baiazet sonne to Mahomet Emperour of Turks, and brought him rich presents. It [ 10] is reported that drawing towards his end, he called for foure of his sonnes, whom after vertuous instructions which he gaue them, he exhorted to loue and honour the State, intreating them often to remember the honour it had done him, for rai∣sing him from a meane Citizen to the highest and soueraigne dignitie, the which ought to make them to render that pietie to their countrey which their father by reason of his short gouernment could not performe. The whole Citie did infinite∣ly bewaile his death. Euerie one did publikely speake of his meeknesse towards all men. For besides other pious examples towards the poore, he did at the beginning of his gouernment, (fearing that by reason of multiplicitie of causes the poore should haue no free accesse to him) make a decree, That the names of those who [ 20] were desirous to haue audience of him should from eight to eight daies be drawne by lot: and that their names who were first drawne, should be first dispatched. This holy Decree was cause that neither ambition, briberie, nor fauour could hinder poore mens suits, nor barre them from audience. Great numbers of people fol∣lowed his funerals to the Church of the Twinnes. But his bodie lies buried in the Church of the Publike charitie.

It shall not be impertinent to set downe briefly in this place, the ceremonie which is at this day vsed at the interment of the Venetian Dukes. After he is dead and bowelled, they embalme the bodie, and lay it vnder a Canopie of Gold, with his guilt sword and spurs reuersed: he is publikely kept in the Pallace for three [ 30] whole daies; then all the companies of the Citie which are as many as there bee Trades, doe with their banners, in solemne order, goe before the bodie; af∣ter them follow the Cleargie, next them the mourners who are many, in sad and sorrowfull manner: last of all come the Senate clothed in Scarlet and Purple, to demonstrate, That the Citie which is free, doth neuer in mourning habit follow the funerall of any Prince, how vertuous so euer. In this manner and habite, so soone as the bodie is brought into the Church, they sit round about it, whilest the memorie of the deceased Prince (according to the ancient manner) is recommended to the people in a funerall Oration. From thence the Senators returning to the Pallace, doe publish the first assembly for the creation of a new Duke. [ 40]

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[illustration]

AVGVSTINO BARBADICO, the 74. Duke of Venice.

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[ 20]

AVgustino Barbadico, brother to the deceased Prince, a man of singular wisedome and grauitie, and at that time Procurator of S. Marke, suc∣ceeded his brother. This election was by so much more pleasing to the Cittie, by how much euery man thought, that they could not haue chosen a man more resembling the late Prince in all vertuous qualities, than this man. The next day after his creation he made a sweet and gen∣tle Speech to the people, but his maiestike and reuerend presence, with a long white beard hanging downe beneath his girdle, made him more venerable. After his ele∣ction [ 30] all things flourishing in peace as before, hee beganne his gouernement like to his brother, by repairing the Ducall pallace.

The next Winter, Antonio Ferriere, and within a while after Giouanni Baria were sent to Constantinople to the Turkish Emperour. Antonio Lauretano Am∣bassadour at Rome was called home, because the Senate supposed that hee had not faithfully discharged his place; hee was a very wise man and excellently learned: he was banished the Cittie for tenne yeeres. Sebastiano Badoario and Bernardo Bem∣bo were sent to Rome in his stead, where Antonio Vinciguerra the Secretarie after Lauretans departure, had in the meane time by the Senates commaund treated with his Holinesse, whereupon at their arriuall, they made a league with him. [ 40]

At the same time almost that this league was published, Francisco Priuli was made Admirall of the Sea. Hee at the Spring receiuing the publique ensignes in S. Marks Church from the Princes hand, departed from Venice. Certaine armed Gallies to secure the Sea-frontires, were gone before, and some others followed them. So great care had the Senate at that time for the guard of the Seas, when an vnlooked for warre from Germanie assailed them, about contending for their bounds; the beginning and progression whereof was thus. Sigismond, brother to the Emperour Fredericke, was Lord and Soueraigne Prince of the Rheticke and Noricke Com∣mon-wealths, and other Countries of Germanie neere adiacent: Hee was a meeke and courteous Prince, but inclining too much to flatterers: Hee had euer beene in [ 50] league with the Venetians, in which regard, the Almaine Marchants his subiects had free trafficke ouer all the Venetians territories, and the Venetian Marchants did the like in his; and especially at a famous Mart which is yearely held for a certaine time at Bolzan, a Citie vnder his obedience.

Now the Venetians comming to this Fayre after their vsuall manner, in the yeare 1487, were by Sigismunds commaundement (contrarie to the law of Nations) ta∣ken and imprisoned, and their goods seized to the Princes vse. His subiects had not long before driuen the Venetians from the siluer Mynes in the Alpes, bought by the Seigniorie, and because they were neere to them, they with-held them by force. When they were demaunded why they did so, their excuse was; That Sigismonds subiects inhabiting vpon the Lake of La Garda, were dispossessed of their dwel∣lings, making this a colour to shadow their malice: for the strife of those men being referred to arbitrement, was in friendly manner debated by Commissioners from both sides. [ 10]

And the better to manifest that their proiect was not new, after the imprison∣ment of the Venetian Marchants, they leuied forces from all parts, aswell of their own, as Swisses & Grisons to the number of ten thousand men. Then at the Spring they came into the field vnder Gaudentius Amasianus their Generall, and entred furi∣ously vpon the Confines of Verona: and from thence running fifteene miles into the Countrey, along the Riuer Adice; they drew neere to Rouero, a Castle belon∣ging to the Venetians, seated in a streight of the Alpes vpon that Riuer, which they being not able to take as they supposed to haue done, they wasted the Countrey round about, and then made Sturma their Rendezuous.

These incursions being knowne at Venice, the Senate commaunded that their [ 20] souldiers which were in the Treuisan, Friul, and Lombardie, should speedily meet at Verona, and that beside those, new leuies of souldiers should be made. Within a while after, Pietro Diede Gouernour of Verona, and Ieronimo Marcello were made Prouidators, and the Signiorie committed vnto them the command of that warre. The Senate aftewards thought good to make Iulio Caesare Varrana Count of Came∣ryna Generall of their Armie, who presently came to Verona.

The Almains in the meane time being prouided of all necessaries to besiege and take that place, approching neere the walls, battred it with their ordnance, whereof they had great store: and the batterie continuing certayne dayes, they did beate downe a great part of the wall; the Captaine of the Castle, by reason of their great [ 30] number, being hardly able to repulse them from the assault, howbeit notwithstan∣ding all his resistance hee was at last enforced to yeelde it vpon composition. That which did most torment the besieged at the besieged at the batterie and assault, was the enemies artillerie, which was charged with yron bullets, hollow within and filled with wild fire. These bullets striking on the walls, scattered the fire vp and downe, with such vehemencie, as it burnt whatsoeuer it met with, so as no man durst come vpon the walles to the assault.

The Senate, perceiuing that the warre would continue longer than they had i∣magined, and in some sort distrusting the speedie finishing of it by the valour and skill of one Generall, intreated Roberto Sanseuerino, (who after that Pope Innocent [ 40] had cassiered him; retired to his owne house neere Padua) to accept the place of Generall of their Armie, together with Iulius Caesar Varran, and to make all haste possible to the Alpes aboue Verona, with certaine troupes of horse, together with his sonnes, two braue young men. Sanseuerino entertained the offer, and speedily went thither; At his arriuall the armie was filled with hope: he made certaine light skirmishes, whose euent was somewhat doubtfull, and made a bridge ouer the Ri∣uer, that the souldiers might passe from one side to the other, and that by it, victu∣alles might likewise be brought to the campe.

At the same time certaine companies of Almaines made incursions on the Ter∣ritories of Vincenza, Feltre, and Friul; the feare of their comming doing more hurt [ 50] than their actions. For Ieronimo Sauorgnano issued from a noble and ancient family in Vdina, and a great friend to the Venetians, who had made him a Gentleman of Venice, so soone as he had notice of the Almaines incursions, did speedily arme the greatest forces he could, and together with many Countrey people whom hee as∣sembled,

marching from the mountaine tops and bad waies which were not vsu∣ally passed, he came downe vnlooked for vpon the enemies, and assailing them on their backs, brake and defeated them, manie of whom perished in those deepe and fearefull precipices. The Senate in acknowledgement of this notable seruice, gaue him great thankes, and recompenced him with the commaund of three hundred foote men, which him selfe bestowed on his brother Giacomo, choosing rather to liue quietly at home, than to meddle any more in martiall matters.

The Almaines puft vp with pride, after they had taken Rouero (as hath beene said) made many incursions into the Venetians Countrey, who determined to sur∣prise them: which they by their spies hauing notice of, laid an ambush to entrap the [ 10] Venetians, from which after a fierce fight, Roberto Sanseuerino by the valour and prowesse of his sonne Antonio Maria, hardly escaped: Not long after Iulio Caesare Varrano Count of Camerina being afflicted with a feuer, went from the Campe to Verona.

The Almaines afterwards, wanting victuals and pay, were readie to mutinie; which the Captaines fearing, craued of Sanseuerino a suspension of Armes for a time, which hee refusing, they did about midnight set fire on the Castle, and with their Armes and bagage dislodged before day. The Venetians wondering in the morning that they heard no noise in the enemies Campe, could hardly beleeue that they were wholly gone, but doubted some treacherie or ambuscado: but [ 20] their spies assuring them that they were gone farre enough, they recouered the Castle.

Sanseuerino being assured of the enemies returne, and strengthened with new sup∣plies from Rauenna, La Marca, and Vmbria, resolued boldly to passe on and besiege Trent, to let the Almaines know that the Venetians could and durst inuade them likewise in their owne Countrey. He imparted his desseigne to the Prouidators, whereupon Luca Pisani an ancient man whom the Senate had sent in Pietro Diede his place, who was gone home to Verona, answered;

That hee did not thinke that this enterprize could any way profit the State; because first, it was not a thing likely to be true that the enemies, who of late were so many, and so gal∣lantly [ 30] armed, were so farre gone into Germany, but at their pleasures they may returne and reunite themselues, yea and confront vs ere long, so readie is that nation to take Armes: and by that meanes, wee shall be in danger of loosing this place, so commodious for barring stran∣gers forth of Italy: Secondly, if our men haue beene now strong enough to driue the ene∣mies hence, wee will not say that they went away of themselues or vnconstrained, but that they haue beene enforced so to doe: But admit it were so, wee are too weake to inuade them, and to enter into their Countrey, there to maintaine a siege, if neede were: For wee must per∣swade our selues, that all Germany, with forces infinite, would vnite themselues and come into the field, rather then endure such disgrace: Lastly, if we should enter their Countrey and he there broken and put to rout, what place of retreate haue we, hauing the Alpes on one side [ 40] and our enemies on the other? Besides, we are to feare the passages, which are so narrow, as in time of peace they are hardly passable. And therefore it is better for the State to protract the warre, rather then on hope of vncertaine victorie to tempt Fortune. Againe, the Citie being much tyred with the Ferraresewarre, ought to make more account of peace without glorie, than of warre, though honourable, and of an assured good euent. This is mine opinion, which peraduenture, in regard of an error, common to those of many yceres, (feare) I will in∣treat you, if you so please, to declare your aduise, that wee may follow that which is most expedient.

Ieronimo Marcello replied in this manner. I would not doubt but that it were daun∣gerous to enter into the enemies Countrey, and to besiege Trent, if that were true which my [ 50] Colleague hath alleadged, Because that the Prouince or Citie which we should take, might a∣nimate all Germanie against vs. Yet according to his owne opinion the matter is farre other∣wise, for the enemie is not gone away of his owne accord, but desperately enforced, as well through want of victuals as pay. Now, he that cannot entertaine an Armie alreadie leuied,

with victuals and money, which are the true sinewes of warre, hardly for want of these two will he raise a new. For it is much easier, to preserue things alreadie made, than to renew those which are ouerthrowne and wasted. It is not credible that all Germanie, to assist Si∣gismund, would take Armes against the Venetians, who haue euer beene their good friends and Confederates: For Sigismund, vnknowne to all other Germaine Princes, without bee∣ing prouoked, hath insolently begunne warre. The Emperour Frederick his brother, ap∣proues not what he hath done, he would neither aid him with money, men or ought else, but seemeth to be highly displeased with this warre. Who will then suppose that he which is forsa∣ken of his owne friends and countrimen, should euer be relieued by strangers? And if any man shall say that all the Princes of Germanie will not stirre in Sigismunds behalfe, but in their [ 10] owne; fearing that the taking of Trent would open the Venetians a passage into their Coun∣trey: and this alone might excite them to vnite their forces to expulse vs: This obiection is easily answered, for the Venetian Signorie hath many townes and Castles through which they may easily passe into Germanie. Feltre is not farre off, nor Belluna likewise; and least of all Ciuidalla in Friull: Besides these townes, it hath many strong Castles towards the East, as Buerna and Lodron on the Bressan, and the Fort of the lake Isea, together with the Topine valley in the Bergamasco, with all that Countrey which extends it selfe from the lake of Co∣ma to the Grisons; And yet the Germaine Princes haue neuer attempted to driue the Ve∣netians thence for feare of the passage. And though wee should take Trent, they would not stirre, but rather confesse and freely say, that Sigismund deserued it for vniustly prouoking [ 20] the Venetian Signorie their friend and Confederate. As for the streight and narrow wayes we are to passe from hence to Trent, it is nothing; Yet we must open them, and foote by foot seise vpon whatsoeuer we shall find by the way doth belong to the Almaines, and leaue nothing at our backes which may proue our enemie: And whereas my fellow hath alleadged that the State wanting money, by reason of the Ferrarese troubles, is wearie of warre; I say we neede not care for that. For if we take Trent, all the expence of this warre shall be well re∣compenced with profit and vsurie, and our wrongs iustly reuenged, to the honour of our Commonwealth, which shall extend her bounds further; The which our ancestors haue so highly esteemed, as they haue neuer cared for any expence, so that they might augment their State. A faire accasion is now offered to take Trent, aswell because our valliant soldiers will [ 30] enter it, the Citie being not well fortified, as also for that the townesmen fearing the sacke thereof, will yeeld vpon the first summons, and therefore our forces are sufficient to hazard the matter without expecting any further aide: If the enterprize prosper, my Lord Pisani will be the first that shall commend the Authour thereof. If the Citie shall resist, and we can∣not take it, yet hauing first wasted the Countrey, burnt their Country houses and villages, and filled all places with feare and amazement, we shall bring backe our victorious Armie into these parts: And thus being reuenged, we may more easily treate of accord, than if we now re∣tire without any further exploit. Wee must thinke that opportunitie doth not euery day offer it selfe, and therefore we are to take it when it is opportunely offered, and not let it slip, least the remembrance of not accepting it, together with repentance, torment those who haue so [ 40] lost it.

Marcello's speech ended, Pisani freely alowed his opinion: The Prouidators thoght it fit that the Generall should execute that which he had propounded, who spedily caused all things to be made readie: But because that betwixt Rouero and Trent vpon the Riuer towards the left hand, there stands a Castle called Pietro, seated on a little hill, commanding the high way, the Generall determined to take it, from thence to bring victuals to the Campe, and because (according to Marcello's aduice) he would not leaue any enemie place behind him. This thus resolued, because that on Rouero's side they could not march to this Castle by reason of the difficult hanging of the mountaine, hee caused his Armie to crosse the Riuer at a bridge [ 50] which he made at his arriuall: then he marched vp against the streame of the Ri∣uer, and within an houre and an halfes march, came to Caillan a small towne with∣in a mile of Castle Pietro, where on small boates making another bridge, he repassed the Riuer, and encamped in a plaine sixe hundred paces from it, betwixt the moun∣taine

and the riuer, and from thence sent his light horse to make dscouerie, who were to aduertize him if they should chance to descrie any of the enemies ensignes. These light horse for getting the Generals commandement, rode vp and downe wa∣sting and spoiling the countrey, onely intending to get bootie. Those of Trent in the meane time aduertized of the making of the bridge, & fearing their owne danger as much as their neighbours, their Armie being far off, and their Citie badly fortified and vnprouided of all necessaries, intreated George, Lord of Pietro Plana a Castle be▪ yond Trent, to make speedie head against the Venetian Armie, with such forces as he had, and the greatest numbers of Boores he coulde leuie, and with them to a∣muze the enemie, till Sigismond should come to their rescue. He presently did what [ 10] they entreated, and from Besina and other places neere adioyning had in an instant aboue one thousand men readie to march: Then with many drummes and trum∣pets he began to come downe from the hilles: The light horse who romed vp and downe, descrying them, and being not able to view their exact number by reason of the hill top which shadowed them, and perceiuing their file to be verie long in re∣gard of the streight waies, supposed them to be farre moe then they were, and seeing them to approach with such great rumours, turned their backes and fled, and meeting with their fellowes which followed them, caused them likewise to runne away towards the Campe, the horse and foote being pell-mell together. [ 20]

The Almaines being more encouraged by the Venetians flight than their owne valour, were presently at their heeles, and so terrified their enemies campe, as eue∣rie man fled and retired to the Generals troupes, who hauing notice of his souldiers flight was comming to backe them, where he brauely resisting the enemie, and re∣prehending the basenesse of his owne troupes, fought verie valiantly for a time: Many on both sides were slaine. And noble Sanseuerino perceiuing the enemies squa∣dron to presse in vpon him, acted wonders with his sword, till at last being beaten to the verie brinke of the Riuer, still aduancing one of his owne ensignes, and being oppressed with multitudes, wrapped himselfe in his colours, and so mortally woun∣ded [ 30] fell into the water where he died. The rest of the Armie terrified by their Ge∣nerals death, fled euerie man toward the bridge. Andrea de Burgo Colonell of the infanterie perceiuing this disorder, and that no man had any care to resist the e∣nemies, supposing that if the bridge were broken, the runnawaies would stand to it, and be enforced to fight, ranne presently to cut the ropes which held the boates: But it fell out otherwise than he imagined: For feare doth commonly entertaine no counsell; euen so those who fled, hoping to escape by crossing the riuer, when they saw the bridge broken, did headlong with their horse and Armes throw themselues into the riuer, where they all perished by the violence of the streame. Few or none escaped to the other side, so, that of the Venetians, accounting as well those that [ 40] were drowned, as they whom the Almaines slew, aboue a thousand men lay dead on the place. Onely Guido Maria de Rossis with his troupe of horse, fighting valiantly, manifested the worth of carriage and magnanimitie in warre, who being inuironed by the victorious enemie, made way through the middest of them, and came off brauely. Other Captaines and Souldiers that could not crosse the riuer, some by vnknowne waies got vp to the tops of the mountaines, and others, but verie few, entred into boates and escaped to Rouero, among whom was De Rossis and his companie. There died great numbers of the Almaines, who with a bloudie victory returned home.

The Venetians spent some time in renewing their Armie, which was almost dis∣banded. The Almaines in the meane time did not stirre, but were glad to doe the [ 50] like, hauing receiued no lesse losse than their enemies. Neuerthelesse, there happe∣ned at the same time diuers skirmishes and incounters, with taking of townes vpon the Feltrine and Vincenzan territories, and along the lake of La Garda, with such troupes as each side could raise, putting all to fire and sword. The Venetians, among

others tooke a Castle neere to the lake, called Arques, which by the Senates decree was burnt and ruined, because it had beene the principall motiue of the warre, and had caused the strife concerning their bounds, as also because that the Lords of that Castle were capitall enemies to the Venetians.

In the meanetime Andrea de Burgo accused before the Councell of Ten, for that he had treacherously, and of malice, broken the bridge at Caillan, was committed to prison, but vpon report of Marco Beazana Chanceller of the Senate, who had bene in that incounter, he was inlarged, and restored to his place. Pope Innocent, being dis∣pleased with this warre, at that time dispatcht the Bishop of Ozima to Sigismond, to intreat him in his name to giue an end to to that warre, and to tell him that the Turk [ 10] being so neere a neighbour, it did not befit two such potent Christian nations to contend with one another, & that if it should please him to make his Holinesse vm∣pier of his controuersie with the Venetians, he would doe him all right. The Bi∣shop made some stay with Sigsmond, till articles of peace were drawne, which he carried with him to Venice, who imparting them to the Senate, they were reiected: In this manner without effecting his legation, he returned to Rome.

The Pope made the same motion of peace to the Venetians by Nicolao Franco Bishop of Treuiso his Nuncio, who earnestly entreated the Senate to embrace it, assuring them that his Holinesse would imploy his credit and authoritie to effect it. But all was in vaine, till Sigismond, tired with the heauie burthen and expence of [ 20] warre, being no longer able to entertaine his Armie, did himselfe sue to the Vene∣tians for peace, whereupon after sundrie messages from both sides, peace was con∣cluded in Nouember on these conditions: That the townes taken on either part, should be restored to the true owners: That the Venetian marchants taken at the Faire of Bolzana, should be set at libertie, and their losses recompenced. Other mat∣ters not heere mentioned, were referred to the Pope.

Such was the end of the Rethicke warre. The Senate recompenced the Captaines and Souldiers according to their merits. Iulius Caesar Varran was casseerd, because he had behaued himselfe negligently in his place. The two sonnes of noble San∣seuerino were still retained in the Signories pay, and each of them made Captaine of [ 30] sixe hundred horse. Sebastiano Badoario, and Bernardo Bembo were sent to the Pope to accomplish this Treatie. All matters thus concluded, the Senate made decrees con∣cerning the expences of priuate families, womens garments, and generally against all superfluities, namely, dice and cards-play, sauing a•…•… weddings, Innes, and vnder the two Columnes in S. Markes place, with this addition: That the summe which was plaid for should not exceed the fifth part of an ounce of gold.

There was a rumour at the same time, That Baiazet the Turkish Emperour made incursions on the Aegean Sea. The Senate hereupon commanded Francisco Priuli at that time Generall of the Gallies to be in readinesse to put to Sea. And because [ 40] they supposed that the Turkes had an intent to inuade Cyprus, he was comman∣ded to saile thither. Priuli embarking his souldiers in Aprill, went to Corfou, and from thence to Modon, accompanied by Cosmo Pascalis the Prouidator, where Nicolao Capello the other Prouidator met them, augmenting the number of their vessels; with which, being fiue and twentie Gallies, and tenne Brigandines they set saile, and the fifth day after arriued in Cyprus.

The report of this Turkish fleet consisting of many long vessels which had sailed by Cyprus through the Gulph of Aiazza, and then returned into the Hellespont without any exploit, bred a longing in the Senate to impatronize the Realme of Cy∣prus: As also because Ferdinand king of Naples went about to make it his, by means of a marriage which he secretly treated betwixt his sonne and Queene Katherine, [ 50] borne in Venice, of the illustrious family of the Cornares, giuen in marriage by her father Marco Cornari to Iames of Lufignan king of Cyprus, with a dowrie of a thousand pound of gold.

This Queene a little after her husbands death, being a widow, and with child by

him, was by his last will and testament left coheire with the childe she should bring foorth, and yet committed to the protection of the Venetian Senate, who at her marriage adopted her their daughter. After the kings death she was deliuered of a sonne, who died before the yeere was expired: Then did certaine Lords of the I∣sland goe about to raise commotions, but the Senate sent forces thither vnder the commaund of a Prouidator together with the Queenes father, who were still to at∣tend vpon her, so as these stirres were on a sodaine appeased.

The Realme then being at quiet, the Queene vnder the Senates protection had for the space of fifteene yeeres peaceably gouerned that kingdome, when Ferdinand vnderhand by two of his familiar friends practised the said marriage: Their names [ 10] were, Riccio Marini of Naples, an inward friend with the late king, and Tristan Cybelletto of Cyprus, who had a sister attending on the Queene: these two com∣ming thither from Ferdinand, were apprehended by the Generall of the fleete, and presently sent to Venice: but Tristan died by the way, hauing swallowed a Dia∣mond, and druncke Sea-water after it: for hee knew that if he came to Venice, the Senate would punish him according to his deserts, because after the kings death he had raised tumults in the Realme, and slaine Andrea Cornari the Queenes vnckle.

The Councell of Tenne, moued by these practizes, fearing Ferdinands pollicies, and the Turkish preparations, together with the king of Syriaesneere neighbour∣hood, commaunded Georgio Cornari the Queenes brother, to goe into Cyprus to [ 20] her, and perswade her to remit the gouernement of the kingdome to the Venetian Senate and her selfe to returne to Venice; where she might spend the remainder of her dayes merily in her owne Country among her friends and kinsfolkes, and not trust her life and meanes among strangers, in aforraine Realme.

Georgio Cornari imbarked himselfe in a small vessell to make the more haste, and in the winter time in a short space arriued in Cyprus, where hee presently acquain∣ted his sister with the cause of his comming. The Queene wondred at his demand (as one that had beene wont to liue royally, and knew the sparing and parcimoni∣ous life of the Citizens of Venice) and boldly refused it, saying: That shee would not [ 30] for the world forsake so rich and goodly a Realme; and that the Senate ought to be satisfied with enioying it after her death. He, insisting on the contrarie, intreated her not to make more account of Cyprus, than of her owne Countrey; because that worldly affaires being va∣riable and inconstant, it might in short space come to passe that shee might bee expulsed her kingdome, it being so desired by many great and potent Lords, and her selfe envied by her owne subiects, who disdained to be gouerned by a woman. One onely meanes was left her whereby to preuent all these mischiefes, which was, seeing shee had no children to referre the gouernement of the Realme to the Venetian State, now in her life time: That the Venetian Common-wealth had beene well pleased to suffer her to gouerne the Realme, so long as the time had beene quiet and voyd of suspitions: But now when all her neighbours wait for occa∣sions, [ 40] and lay snares to surprize it, the Senate hath thought this onely remedy most expe∣dient: But if she feared not these daungers, he besought her to consider the perill she was like∣ly to haue fallen into the precedent Summer; had not the State of Venice reskewed her with their Gallies, the Turkish armie would haue taken her kingdome from her, and her selfe haue beene enforced to flie, or else in daunger to haue beene carried as a captiue to Constantino∣ple. It is good to foresee that which a small accident or some errour may cause vs fall into, and to preuent it. Fortune is variable, sodaine and inconstant, and we cannot euer preuent the enemies desseignes, nor can our friends be alwayes ready to help vs when we please. There is a great distance by land, but farre greater by Sea betwixt the farthest part of the Adriat∣ticke Gulph, and the Isle of Cyprus: This ought you (Madame) to remember and especially consider, that though nothing enforced you thereunto, yet what greater honour, or more [ 50] lasting praise can you leaue behind you, than to haue giuen so flourishing a kingdome to your Countrey? and to haue it written in the Annales, That the Venetian State was honored and augmented with the kingdome of Cyprus, by a Ladie her owne Citizen. You shall still be a Queene. And if the case were mine, I should be desirous, especially hauing liued so long in Cy∣prus

as you haue done, to beholde my natiue countrey and place of birth, there to shew my greatnesse and magnificence, there to embrace my brethren, sisters and kinsfolke. Neuer was the arriuall of any Lord or Lady so welcome to Venice as yours will be: And if Venice were a base and abiect village; yet in you it would be a pious duety to be willing to reuiew the place where you first drew breath, and those who of a long time you haue not long seene. But it is certaine that Venice in all mens opinions, is preferred before all other citties vnder hea∣uen, and accounted the goodliest of all Italy. What cause then is able to moue you after so long absence, especially, your country requesting you to come home, to refuse it? You are to thanke the Senate, for being Queene, and for that you haue raigned so long in peace, but it seemes you haue no desire to acknowledge it; if otherwise, you would not neglect and refuse their [ 10] intreaty. In a word, I being your brother, and one who ought to haue some interest in you, if you deny me this request: all men will thinke that it is not you which haue refused to gratifie the State, but that I haue aduised you to the contrary, whereby I shall purchase my countries hatred, and blot my children with infamy. And therefore (Madame) I humbly beseech you to graunt the Senates request, and to respect me and mine. There is nothing more worthy commendation, than to know modestly how to entertaine Fortune when she smiles on vs, and not to desire to be still on the wheeles toppe. Almightie God doth sometime by aduersitie trie those whom he hath a long time fauoured, to make them remember that they are mortall. To conclude, you can offer vp to his diuine Maiesty no prayer more pleasing, nor sacrifice more acceptable, than to submit your selfe to his will, which you must be perswaded is, that you [ 20] grant your Countries request.

Georgio more eloquent by Nature than Art, hauing thus discoursed with his si∣ster, preuailed so farre with her as melting into teares, shee made him this vnwilling answer. Brother, if this be your opinion, I will yeelde vnto it, and will striue to ouer-ma∣ster my selfe: But our Country shall thanke you for my kingdome, and not me. Their de∣parture concluded, and order taken for all things, the Generall and Prouidators commanded a solemne Masse to be celebrated in the Cathedrall Church of Fama∣gosta: then by the Queenes commaundement and in her presence, the Standard of the Venetian Common-wealth was e•…•…ected in the Citties Market-place, and by this meanes was the kingdome of Cyprus▪ reduced to a Prouince. [ 30]

The Queene and her brother did afterward embarque them selues, traine, and royall prouision in the Venetian Gallies, and in short space in the middest of win∣ter arriued in the hauen of Venice. Shee was honourably receiued by Prince Au∣gustino Barbadico, and by all the Senate who met her at Saint Nicholas Church with infinite multitudes of people of all sorts, who entring into their Gondolas, did with great ioy accompany her. Herselfe in the Bucentauro sitting in the middest of the Senate and illustrious Ladies of the Citie, did in that magnificence enter Venice: The like honour was neuer done to any Venetian Ladie, and her arriuall was most pleasing to the people. Not long after, the Councell of Tenne presented her with the Castle of Azzola, seated on the Treuisan hilles, and appoynted fiftie pounds [ 40] weight of gold for her yeerely expence, with many other rich presents which they gaue her.

Within a while after, the king of Tremisen in Affricke, did by his Ambassadors request the Senate to send some Venetian Gentleman to do iustice to the Venetians that liued in three of his Citties. The Senate to satisfie the king, created a new Ma∣gistrate to goethither, who for his entertainement should haue the hundred part of all marchandize solde by the Venetians. Lodouico Pizamane was the first that was appointed to this office. At the same time they builded a Fort vpon an hill neere to the Lake Ider not farre from Anfer a small Towne on the Bressan, which did great∣ly secure the countrey. [ 50]

About the same time there arose some contention betwixt Mathias the valiant king of Hungary, and the Emperor Fredericke: Mathias leuied two armies to inuade his enemie in two seuerall places; the one hee sent into Friull, and the other to the confines of Liburnia. The Senate being troubled with this neighbour warre, dis∣patched

two Ambassadors, Antonio Bolda, to the Emperour, and Dominico Bollano to Mathias, who dealt so wisely with these two enemie Princes, as they appeased them and procured truce for a certaine time.

Frederick in the meane time freed from warre, came to Trent, to knowe if the Senate would giue him leaue to passe through that part of Italie, which stretcheth along the Alpes from the lake of La Garda, as farre as Aquileia. The Senate ad∣uertized of his comming, sent foure Gentlemen in Ambassage to him, Ieronimo Bar∣baro, Dominico Grimani, who was afterwards Cardinall, Paulo Treuisano, and Ieroni∣mo Leone, who meeting him neere to Rouero, did in the States name honourably salute and receiue him, and accompanied him so long as he remained on their ter∣ritories, [ 10] taking order that he should want nothing in his iourney. They bringing him as farre as Portonouo, which is not farre from his owne confines, tooke leaue of him: He sent three Ambassadors to Venice, to gratifie the Senate for the honor and courteous entertainment he had receiued in their Countrey, which hee tooke as a demonstration of their loue towards him: From thence he departed home to his owne kingdome.

Now, although the Citie was peaceable, they did not for all that cease to pro∣uide things necessarie for warre. Harquebuses were at that time much in vse, an engin which footmen vsed in warre, deuised at first by the Almains. The State vn∣willing to be without such weapons, when need should be, did by a decree of the [ 20] Councell of Tenne, send for the expertest workmen in that Arte, from all parts of Christendome, and for the skilfullest gunners to instruct and teach their youth. And because the Countrie people should not be ignorant therein, it was decreed that in euery village vnder their iurisdiction, two young men should be chosen to practize this exercize, and for recompence, should be freed from all subsidies and impositi∣ons: and that those young men at a certaine day in the yeere should meete at the next Castle or Citie to shoot at a marke, where his village that should shoot best, was for one whole yeere freed from all taxe and tribute.

The ensuing winter was so sharpe and cold by reason of snow which fell, as all the marshes round about the Citie was frozen ouer, the Country people comming [ 30] thither on horsebacke with prouision, and the Magistrate of Mestre came in a wa∣gon as farre as S. Secondo's in the middest of the lakes. And the horsemen for dis∣port armed themselues, and ranne at Tilt vpon the great Chanell: so sharpe and vehement was the frost.

Not long after, Marco Barba Cardinall, and Patriarke of Aquileia died at Rome. Pope Innocent bestowed the Patriark shippe on Hermalao Barbaro the Venetian Am∣bassador then at Rome. This being knowne at Venice, notwithstanding that Her∣molao was a man of great desert, and had written to the Senate that the Pope had enforced him to forsake his order of Senator, and put on that of Patriarke, yet be∣cause there was an expresse law, forbidding all Venetian Gentlemen, being Ambas∣dors [ 40] at Rome, to receiue any Ecclesiasticall benefice from the Pope, during the time of their Ambassage: the Senate tooke the audacious infringing of this law, in bad part. And though he were very rich, well allied, and had great friends, his fa∣ther being one of the noblest men in the Citie, the onely loue and reuerence to law caused the Senate to write backe vnto him, that presently without delay he should redeliuer the Patriarkeship to the Pope, and for not so doing, they threatned to take from his Father the Procuratorship of S. Marke, and to confiscate all his goods. His father not being able to moderate the sentence giuen by the Councell of Tenne, fell sicke with griefe, and within a while after died: The sonne likewise, ha∣uing published certaine excellent bookes of his owne composing, did before the [ 50] yeeres end die of a Squinancie.

The same yeere Lorenzo de Medicis died at Florence, a man of a rare and excellent iudgement, gouerning his Countrie in Peace: He left three children liuing, who were afterwards expulsed the gouernment and banished. The summer follow∣ing

Pope Innocent died, in whose stead by guifts and briberie, Alexander Borgia a Spa∣niard, borne in Valentia, was chosen. This Pope made a league offensiue and de∣fensiue for fiue and twentie yeeres with the Venetians and Galeas Sforza Lord of Milan, who was at that time very young and ruled by Lodouico his vncle.

By this league they were tyed to defend and maintaine one anothers territories, and to destroy their enemies: And because Zemes, brother to Baiazeth the Turkish Emperour, liued at that time in Rome, there was an addition made in the treatie of the league, that if Baiazeth should make warre on the Venetians, the Pope should deliuer him vnto them that they by him might inuade his brother. This Zemes, be∣ing by his brother driuen forth of his kingdome, fled to Rhodes. The Rhodians [ 10] vnwilling to draw warre to their owne Gates, sent him to the French King; he de∣liuered him to Pope Innocent who had earnestly craued him. Pope Alexander at his election found him at Rome, where hee was carefully guarded, lest he should re∣new warre against his brother, in recompence whereof Baiazeth sent yeerely to Rome to the Pope 400. pounds of gold: Hercules de A Este Duke of Ferrara did after∣wards enter into this league.

The Venetian State thus peaceable, Charles the eight French King sent a Gentle∣man to Venice, who being brought before the Senate, told them, That his King being resolued to come into Italy with a mightie Armie to conquere the kingdome of Naples, which by hereditarie right belonged to him, did desire therein to know [ 20] the Venetians loue towards him, and to be satisfied whether they intended to keep and obserue the same league and friendship which of old had beene betwixt them. The Senate vpon this newes, which was likely to alter the State of Italy, assembled the great Councell, namely, to debate this businesse, being loth by their answere to prouoke the King against them.

After sundry opinions, the Councell answered the Ambassador, that the Signo∣rie had euer preferred peace before warre, and did now desire it more than euer, therefore they could wish, that his King liuing at peace, would suffer other Princes of Italy to doe the like: yet if hee came thither with an intent to make warre, they would in no sort stirre, nor quit his league and friendshippe. [ 30]

This Gentleman with their answere left Venice and went to Rome. After him, two others in lesse than two moneths came to Venice one after another from the same King for the same businesse, who receiued the selfe same answere as the first. But Lodouico Sforza was the onely motiue that prouoked this King to the enter∣prize of Naples. He after the death of his brother Galeas Sforza Duke of Millan, tooke vpon him the gouernment of the State, and expulsed his widow, who would haue managed it in the behalfe of her sonne Iohn Galeas that was very young, when his father died. Then by little and little, he dismissed the ancient Officers, placing others in their roomes, and in this maner had commaunded the Dutchie aboue thirteene yeeres. And though in outward shew he seemed very carefull of his Ne∣phew, [ 40] yet in his young yeeres he had so carelesly brought him vp, as it seemed that his onely ayme was to make him incapable and vnfit for any honourable exercise, drawing him from all vertuous studies.

Alphonso, sonne to Ferdinand King of Naples, gaue his daughter Isabell in mariage to this young Iohn Galeas▪ yet though he were maried and had children by his wife, his vncle neuerthelesse still gouerned the State, meaning to leaue it to his owne chil∣dren. Ferdinand and Alphonso taking his vsurpatio (for it was no better) in bad part, moued by the continuall & lamentable letters of their daughter, did louingly entreat Lodouick (according to equitie and reason) to surrender the gouernment of the State of Milan to his nephew, sonne to his brother, vnto whom it belonged, [ 50] who was of yeeres to gouerne, maried, and had two children. They hauing often vsed these intreaties proceeded to sharpe and bitter termes, telling him, That they had made alliance with the Duke of Milan, who was his Nephew, whose State hee vsurped, and therefore he should doe well to detaine it no longer.

Lodouico fearing their power and threatning, and hauing intelligence that the French Kngs laid claime to the kingdome of Naples, sent an honourable Ambassade into France, vnder colour to salute king Charles, not acquainting Pope Alexander or the Venetians with it, with whom he was in league, and commanded his Ambassador, secretly to motion the matter, and to assure the king, that if he would attempt the recouerie of that Realme, he would assist him with all his forces and meanes; and that the conquest would be easie, so that he would onely passe the Alpes, and shew himselfe in Italy. This aduertisement comming from such a person, did greatly preuaile with the king to cause him to vndertake this iourney, being besides incited thereunto from another place. Antonio Prince of Salern maligned by Ferdinand, [ 10] and by that meanes enforced to forsake his countrey Italy, had retired himselfe in∣to France. He in all his discourses with the king, spake of no other matter, telling him, That he should doe ill to let slip so faire an occasion, offered for the recouerie of his owne right: assuring him besides, that Ferdinand was generally hated for his auarice, crueltie, and treacherie; and therefore it would be an easie matter to dis∣possesse him, especially for a king of France, whose authoritie and credit in those countries was verie great. Besides all this, Pope Alexander was no friend to Ferdi∣nand in regard of Virginio Vrsino that serued him, whose open enemie the Pope had declared himselfe in regard of the towne of Anguilare.

All these reasons were approued by the Lords of France that were in fauour with [ 20] the king, who desired nothing more than this iourney. For some of them hoped by the Popes meanes to obtaine Ecclesiasticall dignities, others expected some ho∣nourable command in the Armie, and to be gouernours of Cities and Townes which the king should conquer, and some likewise were possest with a desire of noueltie.

King Charles lending a willing eare to this Ambassade, and tasting the Prince of Salernes proposition, a rumour was presently spred, That the French were com∣ming into Italy, to inuade the Realme of Naples. Vpon these newes king Ferdinand began to arme by sea and land, and to inuent meanes to draw Pope Alexander to his side. Lodouico foreseeing, that if they leagued themselues together, [ 30] Ferdinand might ioyne his Armie with that of the Pope, and send them both into Lombardie, before the kings arriuall, and by the same meanes expulse him from Milan, intreated the Venetians to send their horse and foot troupes to the riuer O∣glio in the Bressian territorie, to diuert king Ferdinand from his designe, or else to let them crosse the riuer to defend his State. The Venetians answered, that it was needlesse: for his countrey was out of danger.

Lodouico perceiuing the French delaies, and fearing that it might breed his ruine, did againe send Ambassadors to Charles to hasten his iourney, promising to assist him with men and money, and victuals, so soone as he should set foote in Italy. King Charles who had spent certaine moneths in the onely consultation of this busi∣nesse, [ 40] and had not as yet made any certaine resolution, when this second Ambassade arriued, did by these continuate pursuites and offers of Lodouico, presently resolue vpon it.

Now because he would not in any sort be hindred in his conquest, he renewed the ancient league with the kings of Castill, and surrendred to them the countie of Rossillon, engaged to king Lewis his father for three thousand crownes by Iohn king of Arragon, father to Ferdinand, on condition that the said kings should in no sort aide the Arragonois against him in his conquest of the Realme of Naples. This league sworne to, the king made all things readie for his iourney. Ferdinand had in∣telligence heereof one day as he came from hunting▪ whereupon he fell sicke, and within two daies after, died of an Apoplexie. Alphonso his eldest sonne was by his [ 50] younger brother and all the Princes of the Realme saluted king. He intreated the Venetians by their Ambassador resident in his Court to perswade Lodouico to desist from soliciting the French king to come into Italy, and that hee would not be a

meanes of his ruine, promising no more to taxe his vsurpation of the State of Milan, which he should enioy so long as he pleased. The Senate by letters acquainted Lodouico with Alphonsos request, and intreated him not to draw the French into I∣taly: But perceiuing that he made no direct answere they gaue ouer and solicited him no more.

King Charles hauing resolued vpon the enterprize, sent Philip de Comines Lord of Argenton his Ambassador to Venice, who in his kings name made a proposition to the Senate, That if they would ioyne with him in this warre of Naples, they should haue a great share in the kingdome, and if they would not accept that offer, to intreat them at least to perseuer in their ancient league and friendship with the [ 10] king his Master: heereunto he added that his king had commanded him to remaine at Venice to acquaint them with all his designes and enterprises. The Senate re∣plied, That the king was so potent and so well furnished with all warlike necessaries that he needed not their aide in that warre, and therefore they determined, accor∣ding to the example of their Ancestors, not to stirre, who neuer made warre but v∣pon constraint, and that they would craue no part in a kingdome whereunto they had no right. For the rest, they would neuer goe from that which they had promi∣sed to the kings Ambassador; that they would euer make great account of his leage and friendship; that they had willingly heard him for his kings sake, and would still do so if he remained among them; that he might at his pleasure familiarly discourse [ 20] with them about any matter that concerned his king, as well in regard of their loue towards his father king Lewis, as to himselfe.

In the meane time Pope Alexander (who repented that he had incited the French king to this warre) and king Alphonso by the mediation of Virginio Vrsin, comming to Viconare, a Castle of his owne, to see one another, and to discourse together of their affaires, made a league on this condition: That the Pope should take Alphon∣so into the protection of the Romane Church, and with all his power defend him against his enemies: and in counterchange, Alphonso promised to pay him downe in readie money a thousand pounds of gold for the arrerages of the tribute due to the Church of Rome for the Realme of Naples, and to pay him yearely afterwards, [ 30] foure hundred pounds of gold. And for greater assurance of this treatie, Alphonso promised to giue one of his daughters in marriage to Guifredo sonne to Pope Alexan∣der. This thus concluded, both of them made preparations for warre.

Alphonso had alreadie armed thirtie Gallies, and eighteene great vessels to scoure along the Riuer of Genoa, and to annoy the enemies fleet which was making readie in the Citie; and he was to make a leauie of horse and foot in Calabria to send them into Lombardie, when newes came that Baiazeth the Turkish Emperour made new preparations, whereupon the State of Venice determined likewise to arme. Antonio Grimani made Generall of the Gallies, Commanded all Gallies that were readie to be lanched, and with them sailed into Sclauonia, where commissioners [ 40] from Scardona and Clissa came to him, who receiued their oath of alleageance for the Venetian Signorie. from thence he went to Corfou.

Alphonsos fleete, whereof his brother Fredericke was Generall, entring the Ri∣uer of Genoa, came to Portouenere, where Ob•…•…eto de Fiesca, a man highly e∣steemed among his countrey men, landed with certaine souldiers, but being repul∣sed by the enemie, he returned to his Gallies, and presently made towards Liuorne, and from thence held his course to Naples. Alphonso hauing lost all hope by Sea, sent his Armie vnited with the Popes, into Romagnia, hauing intelligence that part of the enemies forces had alreadie crossed the Po.

Ferdinand, sonne to Alphonso, a young Prince of great hope, assisted by Nicolao [ 50] Vrsin, Count Petillan, Virginio Vrsin, and Iohn Iames Triuulce the Milanese, commaun∣ded the Arragonoise armie, consisting of two thousand fiue hundred horse, and eight thousand foote.

Whilest the Venetian fleete was at sea, Ambassadours from Florence came to

Venice, to craue the Senates aduise how they should answere king Charles, who had intreated them to giue his armie passage through their territories, and also how they should behaue themselues in those occurrents; for they referred themselues wholy to them, and determined directly to follow their Councell. The Senate knowing very well, that whatsoeuer they should say to the Florentines, would be reported to king Charles and Alphonso▪ answered; That in so difficult a businesse, sub∣iect to sundry accidents, they knew not what was best to be done; and though they loued the one better than the other, yet they durst not deliuer their opinion, because that Fortune is commonly Mistresse in warre, and that it vsually comes to passe, that matters done by chance and aduenture, did oftentimes prosper better than those which are premeditated, and debated [ 10] with long consultation: and therefore they ought to craue councell of none but Almightie God, who onely knew what was best for men to embrace or auoide: and with this answere dismissed them.

Now the forces which king Charles and Lodouico had sent before, being come neere the enemies, neither the one or other durst come to stroakes, but marched close together, being still protected by some fort or riuer, which was euer betwixt them: yet they made sundrie light skirmishes to shew their valour. King Charles had sent the Duke of Orleans, Iulian the Cardinall nephew to Pope Sixtus, and An∣tonio Prince of Salerne (of whom we haue heretofore spoken) to Genoa, with braue troupes of foote, to man the Gallies which were ready rigd, [ 20] with them to open a passage by Sea into the Realme of Naples, whilest himselfe did the like by Land.

The end of the third Booke of the fourth Decad.

[ 30] [ 40] [ 50]

THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF THE FOVRTH DECAD [ 10] OF THE HISTORIE Of Venice.

The Contents of the fourth Booke of the fourth Decad.

KING CHARLES departs from Vienna in Daulphine towards Italy. [ 20] The King by reason of his sicknesse taries at Ast. The death of IOHN GA∣LEAS Duke of Milan, whereupon LODOVICO his vncle vsurps the Title and Armes of Duke of Milan. The French take Fiuizana and sackeit. PI∣ETRO DE MEDICIS grants all King CHARLES demaunds, and for his labour is driuen from Florence, and declared an enemie to the Common wealth. The King restoreth the PISANS libertie. The French take Bertinora. King GHARLES his victorious entry into Florence. The King makes an accord with Pope ALEXANDER, and kisseth his feet and cheeke. ALPHONSO in loue to his sonne FERDINAND deposeth himselfe from the Kingdome of Naples. FERDINAND retires into the Isle of Ischia. King CHARLES entreth Naples, and takes the Cities two Castles. Aleague made at Ve∣nice [ 30] against the French betwixt the Pope, Emperour, King of Spaine, Venetians, and Duke of Milan. King CHARLES is crowned in Naples, and departs from thence to re∣turne into France. The preparation of the League to stoppe King CHARLES his passage. The Duke of Orleance his incursions on the Leagues territories: he takes Nouara. The bat∣tell of Fornouo betwixt King CHARLES and the Confederates. And lastly, King CHALES his arriuall at Ast.

SOONE after the departure of the Duke of Orle∣ance and his troopes towards Genoa, King Charles leauing Vienna in Daulphine on the 23. of August [ 40] 1493. iourneyed toward Ast by the mount Gene∣ua. Galeas of S. Seuerine met him at Suza, and accom∣panied him to Ast: whither Lodouico Sforza came presently to him, with his wife and many faire and gallant Ladies of the Dutchy of Milan. Hercules Duke of Ferrara came thither likewise, where after consultation of sundry affaires, it was concluded that the Armie should presently march. Lodouico in the mean time retired to Num, a Castle on the Milanois a mile from Ast, whither those of the Councell went often to see him, whilest the King tarried at Ast sicke of the [ 50] small pocks, whereupon his Army was quartered in that towne and in other places neere adioyning: the number of it, beside the 200. Gentlemen of the Kings guard (accounting the Suisses that were gone before with the Bayly of Dijon to Ge∣noa, and those troopes in Romagnia vnder the commaund of Aubigni) amounted

to 1600 men at Armes, 6000. Suisse, and 6000. French foot-men: And for the vse of this Armie they had brought by sea to Genoa great store of Ordnance both for batterie and the field, with munition, in such abundance, as the like before was neuer seene in Italy.

The King, during his aboad at Ast, had sent for the Duke of Orleans from Ge∣noa, willing him to attend him there. This towne belonged vnto him by his grand∣mother, vnto whom it was giuen in dowry by the Duke of Milan her father. Now so soone as king Charles had recouered his health, hee sent his Armie into the field, and himselfe went to Pauia, where being lodged in the Castle he went to visite Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan, his cofin german, (the king and hee were sons to two sisters, [ 10] daughters to Lewis the second Duke of Sauoy) who lay daungerously sicke in the same Castle. His talke to him was generall, by reason of Lodouico's presence: he told him that he was extreamely grieued for his sicknesse, comforted him, and willed him to be of good cheere, and to vse all meanes for the recouerie of his health: But the hope thereof being small, the King and as many as beheld him did lament his estate, and perceiued that this young Prince, through his vncles treacherie, would not liue long.

This compassion was augmented by the presence of Princesse Isabell his wife, who languishing aswell for her husbands sicknesse, feare of her young sonne, as for the daunger whereunto her father and kinsfolke were exposed, fell downe at the [ 20] kings feet, recommending vnto him with floods of teares the perseruation of her father, and familie of Arragon, and though her youth and beautie moued the king to pitie her, yet so great an enterprize could not be delayed vpon so weake a ground, whereupon he told her, that warre being now begunne, he was enforced to pursue and continue it.

From Pauia the king went to Placentia, where, whilest hee remained, he receiued newes of Iohn Galeas death; whereupon, Lodouico who had followed him, returned in post to Milan, where the chiefe of the Dukes Councell, suborned by him, pro∣uided in open Councell, that in regard of the States greatnesse and miserie of the times, it would be a dangerous matter, to haue Francisco, sonne to the late Duke Ga∣leas, [ 30] who was but fiue yeeres old, to succeed his father: but that it behooued them to haue a Duke that was a man of wisdome and authoritie: and therefore they ought to dispence with Law, and for the generall good, enforce Lodouico to accept the Ducall dignitie. Vnder this colour, honour giuing way to ambition, he did the next morning (though he seemed to bee vnwilling) take vpon him the Title and Armes of Duke of Milan, hauing first solemnly protested that he receiued the Dutchie as belonging vnto him by the inuestiture of the king of Romans.

The King remaining certaine daies at Placentia, was in a manner willing to re∣turne home into France, as well for want of money, as also because no Italian Po∣tentate shewed himselfe on his partie, and besides, because this new Duke returned [ 40] no more, though at his departure he promised to come backe againe. Yet at last he determined to passe on.

The same day that the King went from Placentia Lorenzo and Giouan de Medicis stole secretly from their Countrey houses whither the Florentine Magistrate had confined them at the pursute of Pietro de Medicis their kin•…•…man and mortall enemy. They came to his Maiestie, & earnestly entreated him to come neere Florence, and told him that he should be honourably entertained there, as well in regard of the peoples loue to the house of France, as for their hatred towards Pietro de Medicis, who commaunded there, and held the Arragonois partie, being by marriage allied to the familie of Vrsini. [ 50]

Vpon this proposition the King changed his purpose, for though at his depar∣ture from France▪ it was concluded in his Councell, that hee should rather passe through Romagnia and La Marca, than through Tuscanie and the territorie of Rome; yet, the Pope and Florentines being declared his enemies▪ his Councell

thought it a matter vnworthy the greatnesse of such a King, if for feare of them he should refuse to passe through their territories: As also because it was dan∣gerous to inuade the Realme of Naples, and to leaue Tuscany and the Chur∣ches State behinde him as enemies. Therefore it was resolued, rather to passe the Appenine•…•…▪ by the hills of Parma, then by the direct way of Bolognia, and to march without delay to Florence.

The vantgard conducted by Guilbert of Burbon, Duke of Montpensier, a Prince of the bloud, went on to Pontrema, a towne feated at the foot of the Ap∣penine vpon the Riuer Magra, the King following with the rest of the army. From Pontrema the Duke went into the country of Lunigiana, where hee ioy∣ned [ 10] with the Swisses, who had defended Genoa, together with the ordnance which by sea was come to Specia, and drawing neere to Fiuizana belonging to the Florentines, which they tooke it by force and sack't it, killing all the souldiers, and many of the inhabitants, the which did merueilously amaze all I∣taly not accustomed to such cruell and bloudy warres.

Serezzana was not farre from thence, where the Florentines determined for to make their chiefe resistance, which they had strongly fortified, but not sufficiently to hold out so mighty an enemy, for it wanted a captaine to com∣mand it, and men to defend it. Yet because some thought it would not bee easily taken, especially the Cittadell, and least of all, Serezanella, a strong Ca∣stle [ 20] on the hill aboue Serezzana, they councelled the King to passe on and leaue them, but the King disdayned so to doe, and thought that vnlesse hee tooke the first towne that made resistance, it would much blemish his reputation, and that they would take example to do the like.

The Florentines hauing intelligence that the King resolued for to come to Florence, and that his army had already passed the Appenine, and then the cruelty which was vsed at the taking of Fiuizana, did publikely detest the rash∣nesse of Pietro de Medicis, who of himselfe, without any necessity had so in∣considerately drawne vpon them the army of so potent a King, assisted by the Duke of Milan, and this rumour had like to haue raised a great tumult in [ 30] the Citty.

Pietro terrified herewith, and with the daunger which hee had before rash∣ly contemned, and perceiuing the aide promised by the Pope and Alphonso to be but à dreame, precipirately resolued, to goe seeke that safety amongst his ene∣mies, which hee could not hope for with his friends. And there vpon, leauing Florence, and not farre on his way from the city, hee heard say, that the troupes of horse and foo•…•… sent by the Florentines to enter Serezzana were defeated by the French, and all of them either slaine or taken. This caused him to tarry at Pietra Sancta for a passe-port from the King, whether the Bishop of Saint Malos, and other Lords of the Court went to him to safe conduct him to the campe, [ 40] comming thither the same day that the King, with the rest of his forces, ioyned with his vantgard, which beeing encamped before Serezanella, battered it with the ordnance. Presenting himselfe before the King hee was entertained with more ceremony then loue▪ and perceiuing that the King did not much affect him▪ by reason of his enemies reports, hee resolued by all meanes to appease and satisfie him.

The next day beeing brought before him, he granted all the kings demands▪ which were excessiue: viz. that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and castles of Pietra-Sanct•…•…, Serezzana and Serezanella, which were the keyes of the Florentine State, and the forts of Pisa, and of the hauen of Liuorne should be deliuered to the king, who by a pro∣mise [ 50] signed with his owne hand, obliged himselfe to surrender them so soone as he should haue conquered the Realme of Naples: That Pietro▪ should cause the Florentines •…•…o lend the king 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ Ducats, and that then hee should re∣ceiue them into his protection.

The consignation of the strong places was presently made: for the money, they wrote to Florence. Pietro de Medicis did hereby much assure the State of Tuscany to the King, and remooued all impediments from him on Romagnias side. The Florentines aduertized of these Articles which Pietro de Medicis had agreed to, the whole city was highly discontented with this reprochfull and dan∣gerous wound giuen to their Commonwealth.

Pietro hauing notice of this rumor; the better to prouide for his affaires be∣fore any greater troubles did arise, tooke leaue of the King, vnder collour of go∣ing to accomplish that which hee had promised. But at his returne to Flo∣rence, hee found most of the Magistrates banded against him, and the mindes [ 10] of his deerest friends greatly troubled, and the next day as hee would haue en∣tred into the councell chamber he was put back.

Hee returned home to his owne house, destitute of courage and councell, and presently left Florence, beeing followed by the Cardinals Iohn and I•…•…lian his bretheren, who after their departure were declared enemies to the Common∣wealth, their houses ransacked which were very ritch in moouables, and their goods confiscate. Two of them, the eldest and the younger went to Venice, the second which was Cardinall Iohn staied for a time at Bolognia, and then retired himselfe to some of his kinsfolke. [ 20]

The King went from Serezzana to Luca, and from thence to Pisa, where the cittizens both men and women falling at his feete, beganne to crie out li∣berty, liberty, infinitely complayning of the wrongs and iniuries done to them daily by the Florentines: The King at the perswasion of some of his Lords, not considering the importancy of the matter, did freely grant their request, wherevpon, the people presently armed themselues, and throwing downe the Florentines armes, that were set vp in the publike places, recouered their so much desired liberty, repealing all those whom the Florentine Magistrates had bannished.

In this confusion of all things the King departed from Pisa, hauing first deli∣uered [ 30] the Cittadell to the Pisans, keeping the new one of greater impor∣tance, for himselfe, and then went towards Florence. Beeing come to Signa, seuen miles from the city, hee staied there till the Florentines popular tu∣mult were in some sort appeased, who had not yet laied downe armes, taken that day when Pietro de Medicis was expulsed; and also to giue Aubigni time to come and meet him, whom he had sent for.

Aubigni was in Romagnia where hee had remained euer since his com∣ming into Italy, making head against Ferdinand Duke of Calabria Alphon∣sos sonne, where after sundry retreates on both sides, beeing re-enforced by the arriuall of certaine companies left behinde him, two hundred Launces, and one thousand Swisses, which the King had sent so soone as hee came to [ 40] Ast, hee remained Master of the field and enforced Ferdinand to retire into the Cerca of Faenza, which is a place betwixt the walles of that Citty, and a great trench some mile behind it, inuironing them both, which doth make it strong. Aubigni then returned into the Country of Imola, where hee tooke certaine strong townes, filling all Romagnia with feare and amazement▪ so that hauing taken Faenza, after the enemies departure, hee marched directly to Bertinora to passe the Appenine to ioyne with the Kings army: But Bertino∣ra refusing to giue him passage, hee assailed and tooke it by force, and in de∣spite, sack't it.

Ferdinand perceiuing that hee could not by any meanes stoppe the French [ 50] mens passage, and thinking it dangerous to remaine betwixt Imola and Fur∣li, retired neere vnto the walles of Cesenna, and from thence went to Rome. The Venetians hauing intelligence that King Charles had crossed the Po with a

mighty army, the more to honor him, resolued to send him Ambassadors, whom they commanded to tarry still with him, and in the meane time armed at all ad∣uentures. The Ambassadors were Dominico Treuisan, and Antonio Loredano, who finding the king at Florence, accompanied him whereso euer he went.

Now after sundry commings too and fro, the king with his army march∣ed towards Florence. There was great magnificence, vsed both by the Courtiers and Citizens: The king entred the city like a conqueror, himselfe and horse armed at all points, with his Launce on his thigh. They beganne forth∣with to treat of agreement, but not without great difficulties, the which at last ended by the valour of Pietro Caponi, one of the foure Commissioners appoin∣ted [ 10] to treat with the king, they accorded, and the contract lawfully past, it was with great ceremony published in the Cathedrall Church at diuine seruice, where the king in person, and the cities Magistrates, promised by sollemne oth vpon the high Altar, in presence of the Court and people of Florence, to obserue the contents thereof.

Two daies after, the King departed from Florence, hauing tarried there tenne daies, and went to Sienna, where making short stay, hee left a Garrison, because hee suspected it to be at the Empires deuotion. Then he iourneyed towards Rome, where not long before Pope Alexander had giuen entrance to Virginio Vrsini, and Count Petillan, captaines to King Alphonso and his sonne [ 20] Ferdinand. So as it seemed he ment to haue anticipated the enemies, to forti∣fie the city, and to repulse them from it: But doubting King Charles intention, and fearing his forces, he had a wonderfull conflict in his minde. For now hee determined to defend Rome, and to that end suffered Ferdinand and his cap∣taines whom he had introduced into the city, to fortifie the weake places; then supposing that hee should not bee able to defend it, hee determined to leaue Rome; and thus floating betwixt hope and feare, the French in the meane time spoiled all the country on the hither side Tiber, taking now one towne, then an other, no place beeing strong enough to hold them out, so that after diuers parlies, hee resolued, as it were by force, to grant all King Charles his demands, [ 30] and to receiue him into Rome, from whence he caused Ferdinand and his army to depart, who went to Tiuoli, and from thence into the Realme of Naples, and whilest he went forth at Saint Sebastians Gate, the French King armed at all points, with his launce on thigh, entred with his army at the gate of Sancta Ma∣ria del Popolo.

The Pope many times determined to flie, but at last retired into Castle Saint Angelo, well prouided of ordnance, munition and victuals. When the King and his army were entred, an accord was propounded by meanes of Cardi∣nall Ascanio, on very rough conditions, which neuerthelesse were effected to the Kings content, who thereby made a league with the, Pope saluted him, [ 40] then kissed his feet in open Consistory, and afterwards his cheeke: and at an other time was present when the Pope said masse, and sate downe next beneath the first Cardinall Bishop, and according to the ancient custome, when the Pope celebrated masse, serued him with water to wash his hands. This done, the Pope made the Bishop of Saint Malo, and the Bishop of Mans, descended from the house of Luxembourg, Cardinals.

Whilest the King remained at Rome, which was some month or thereabout, Alphonso despayring of his owne good fortune, sent for his sonne Ferdinand to Naples, and in presence of his brother Frederick tenounced, and made [ 50] ouer vnto him his Kingly title and Authority: hee did this peraduenture for to lessen his subiects loue towards the French, because this young Prince was of great hope, had neuer offended any of his subiects, and was gracious with the people.

Alphonso after this voluntary demission, hauing giuen his sonne a large

instruction to recommend himselfe to God, departed from Naples with foure light Gallies, laden with treasure and ritch stuffe, and fled into a towne in Sicily called Mazare, where before the yeere was expired he died.

Ferdinand after his fathers departure, rode in royall habit vp and downe the city, attended by his vncle Frederick and other great Lords of the Kingdome, setting open prisons, pardoning all offenders, promising to repeale those that had beene banished. Then mustering his army, hee gaue great guifts to his soul∣diers, and placed new Garrisons in his townes.

King Charles at the very instant of his departure from Rome receiued intelli∣gence of Alphonsos flight, hee went to Velitra, and with him Caesar Borgia Car∣dinall, [ 10] the Popes sonne, as Legat Apostolicall, or rather pawne of his fathers promises. This Cardinall fled away secretly in the night, and to take away all suspition that he did it not by his fathers consent, went not to Rome but to Spo∣leta. And at the same time those whom the King sent to the castles of Hostia, Ciuita-uecchia, and Terracina, to receiue them according to the accord made with the Pope, that they might keepe them so long as he remained in Italy, were repulsed by the Popes souldiers. For the fort of Hostia which Fabricio Colonna held, was recouered by Count Petillan, and re-deliuered to the Pope.

From Velitra, the vantgard marched to Monte-fortino, a very strong towne, seated in the Churches territories, and subiect to Iacomo de Contis a Roman [ 20] Gentleman, who held for the Arragonois, which being battered by the cannon was in short space taken by the French, notwithstanding the strength thereof. Ferentino, and Monte Sancto Giouanni, seated on the Kingdomes confines, had the like fortune, where after breach made, so furious an assault was giuen to it in the Kings presence, who was come thither from Verula, as all difficulties sur∣mounted, it was taken the same day by force, and great slaughter committed there.

From thence the King sent one of his Gentlemen to the Pope, threatning him that if he did not performe the accord which hee had sworne to, hee would come backe and make warre vpon him. The Pope vpon receit of the Kings letters [ 30] presently commanded those places to be deliuered to the Kings officers.

In this manner, and without great resistance, did King Charles conquer that noble and magnificent Kingdome, when Ferdinand, by his fathers flight, taking vpon him the title and authority royall, assembled his forces, and marched to Saint Germans, where he encamped, thinking to keepe the enemies from passing on any farther, by reason of the fitnesse of the place, enuironed on the one side with high and steepy mountaines, and on the other with a fenny country, and in front with the Riuer Garillan, wherevpon, that place is properly called one of the keyes of the kingdome of Naples. But his army, already terrified with the only name of the French, no more shewed any signes of valour, but all his souldiers [ 40] wauering, in a manner, as much in loyalty as courage, and thinking how to saue themselues and goods, dispayring of being able to defend the kingdome, so soone as they had intelligence of the taking of Mont Saint Giouanni, and that three hundred Lances, and two thousand foot approched, did basely abandon Saint Germans, and in such amazement retired to Capua, as by the way they left eight great peeces of ordnance behind them.

Ferdinand and his army were scarce come to Capua, when he receiued newes from the Queene, that since the losse of Saint Germans, the Neapolitans were ri∣sen, and that vnlesse he speedily came thither, some great tumult was likely to ensue vpon these newes, hee presently went thither with certaine troupes [ 50] of horse, by his presence to preuent so great a daunger, promising for to returne to Capua the next day following. The Neapolitans would not suffer him for to enter with his troupes, but onely gaue entrance to himselfe and family; where vnderstanding their resolution, which was, not to endure a

seege, for feare least their city should be sackt, caused two of the three greater ships in the hauen to bee buried; and gaue the third to Obi•…•…to de Fiesca, bestowing three hundred braue horse that hee had in his Stables vpon certaine citizens his friends and seruants▪ and hauing victualled the new castle and that called Del Ouo, he returned according to his promise to prouide for Capua.

But in his absence the city of Capua, thinking hee had forsaken it, Triulcio the cities Gouernor being gonne to treat with the French King, his owne souldiers, breaking open his house and •…•…ansaking it, Virginio Vrsin and Count Petillan bee∣ing likewise gonne, his whole army in a manner broken, hee was enforced to giue place to the Conqueror. Ferdinand beeing come within two miles of [ 10] Capua was aduertized of what had past, by certaine Lords sent to tell him that he should come on no farther: wherevpon notwithstanding his intreaties, hee was enforced to returne to Naples, where hauing made some bootlesse speech to the Nobillity, vnto whom the name of his grandfather and father were odi∣ous, he withdrew himselfe into the new castle, from whence within a while after hee departed, and embarking himselfe in the Gallies, which attended him in the hauen, with Frederick his vncle, and the old Queene and her daughter Ioane, sai∣led into the Isle of Isehia, thirty miles from Naples, where hee was enforced to make triall of his vertue and patience.

After his departure from Naples, all places yeelded to the victors fame, so as [ 20] two hundred French horse comming to Nola, did without any resistance take Virginio Vrsin, and Count Petillan prisoners, who were come thither with foure hundred horse, they were carried to the fort of Montdragon. King Charles hauing intelligence of Ferdinands flight, drew neere Naples, and came to the ci∣ty of Auersa, betwixt Capua and Naples, where the Neapolitan Ambassadors met him, and presented him with their cities keyes, vnto whom hee hauing free∣ly granted sundry priuiledges and exemptions, the day following hee entred Na∣ples, where with incredible ioy and contentment hee was receiued by the No∣bility and people. Hee had sent his captaines before to restraine the inso∣lency of his souldiers: Hee was accompanied to the Cathedrall Church by mul∣titudes [ 30] of people, and from thence (because Castelnouo held still for the ene∣mies) he went to lodge in the Capuan castle, which was the antient abode of the Kings of Naples, hauing with an incredible course of happy fortune vanquished before he was seene.

The King, peaceable possessor of the city (though not of the castles) did by letters, and by their owne Ambassadors gratifie the Signory of Venice for that it had kept promise with him and continued his friend. The report of King Charles his arriuall and successe in the Realme of Naples, was bruted so farre, as the ve∣ry Turke feared him; because that the king had publikely vanted, that after the conquest of the kingdome of Naples, hee would turne his forces vpon him, so [ 40] as all the inhabitants on the sea frontiers of Sclauonia, Albania, and Macedo∣nia, presently forsooke their dwellings, and retired into the firme land, so as if the king had crossed ouer thither, hee might easily haue conquered those Prouinces. And to speake truth, so soone as Bajazeth vnderstood that hee was come to Florence, he beganne to trim his old vessels and to build new.

About the same time, threescore ships of warre, wherein were sixe thousand foote, and three hundred horse, arriued at Liuorne, sent by the kings of Spaine for the gard of Sicily, with Lorenzo Suares, deputed by their Maiesties, for Ambassa∣dor to the Venetian Senate.

Hee told the Senate, that the cause of his arriuall with those forces, was [ 05] the king his Masters feare, least after the conquest of the Realme of Na∣ples, king Charles would make an attempt vpon Sicily, which in former time had belonged vnto the French kings: That their Maiesties knowing the pride and great power of the French, did suppose that the Venetians,

mooued with the neerenesse of the danger to see so mighty a King in Italy, would be possest with the like feare; and therefore had commanded him in their names to salute the Prince and Senate, and to assure them that if they desired ought of them, they were ready to beare a part in their fortune: for in regard of their wisdome and loyalty there was no Prince or King whatsoeuer with whom they more desired to enter into league then with them: That Pope Alexander likewise would make one, who desired nothing more then to bee vnited with Spaine and Venice; and if any thing should happen otherwise then well, their forces thus ioyned together, they might easily preuent it.

This speech of Suares did highly content the Senate, who being already iea∣lous [ 10] of King Charls his greatnesse and good fortune, began to looke about them, and to feare other matters not yet thought of▪ Lodouicos distrust likewise of King Charles, as well for that Iohn Iames Triuulce, whom he had driuen forth of Milan, receiued the Kings pay, as because he had commanded the Duke of Orleance to attend him at Ast: for Lodonico complained thereof to the Venetian Ambassador, and told him, that he would gladly leaue the French parts▪ and make a league with the Venetians. Beside all this, Maximillians Ambassadors (whose father the Emperor Frederick died that yeere) did not cease to solicit the Senate to league it selfe with them against the French.

In the meane time, Castelnouo and that Del-Ouo two Cittadels in Naples, [ 20] which yet held for Ferdinand yeelded to the French. For Castelnouo, the abode of Kings, seated on the shoare, was after some small defence yeelded to King Charles, by the cowardize and basenesse of fiue hundred Lansequenets that lay there in Garrison. And the castle Del Ouo built vpon a Rock in the sea, beeing continually battered with Ordnance, was content to yeeld, if it were not releeued within eight daies. The fort likewise of Gayetta, notwithstanding that it was prouided of all necessaries did after some sleight assaults, yeeld: so as in a very short space, the whole kingdome, in a manner, was with great facility reduced vnder the Kings obedience, the Isle of Ischia excepted, and certaine townes in Puglia and Calabria which still held out for the Arragonois. [ 30]

King Charles did now no more entertaine the Venetian Ambassadors with such cheerefull countenance as hee was wont; but oftentimes said, That those who were not pleased with his comming into Italy, for the conquest of the Realme of Naples, should repent it.

This being reported at Venice, caused them to hasten the conclusion of a new league, to which end, Lodouico had sent new Ambassadors. Lorenzo Suares at his arriuall, told them, that his Kings pleasure was to haue him in his name to enter into the league, on any conditions pleasing to the Senate. Pope Alexander like∣wise did daily expect a fit time to ioyne himselfe with the Venetians and the rest, hauing openly said, that if the French returned to Rome, hee would goe to Ve∣nice, [ 40] and no more behold them. At last, in the month of Aprill, the Ambassa∣dours of these Princes did in the City of Venice make confederacy, betwixt the Emperour, Kings of Spaine, Venetians, and Duke of Milan: it was one∣ly published for the defense of one an others States, with reseruation of place for any else to enter into it that would. But all of them thinking it more then necessary, to draw the French King forth of the Realme of Naples, con∣cluded, in their more secret capitulations, that the Spanish companies that were in Sicily should aide Ferdinand of Arragon to recouer his Kingdome, who much presuming of his peoples loue, made meanes to enter into Ca∣labria. [ 50]

In this confederacy it was concluded, that the Confederates should make ac∣count to entertaine an army of foure and thirty thousand horse, and twenty thousand foot, viz. That the Pope should furnish foure thousand horse, Maxi∣millian 6000. the King of Spaine 8000. the Venetians the like number, and

Lodouico as many. And if any of them by reason of the long distance of place, could not so soone as need were, leuy the number of soldiers hee was rated at, in sending to his associates six hundred pounds of gold, they should for him fur∣nish such forces.

These were the conditions of the Consederacie, the which was so speedily and secretly concluded, as Philip de Comines, Lord of Argenton, Ambassador for king Charles at Venice, who went dayly to the Pallace, and conferred with the other Ambassadors, had neuer any inckling thereof: and beeing the next day after it was concluded, sent for into the Senate, and vnderstanding by the Prince and Se∣nators what had beene done, he was in a manner like a man berest of his sences: [ 10] and when the Prince told him, that they had not done it to make warre vpon any one, but onely to defend them selues; he recouered his spirits, and said, My King then shall not returne into France? The Prince answered, But hee shall, if hee will re∣turne as our friend, and wee will willingly helpe him with whatsoeuer hee shall need. After this answer, hee went forth of the Senate so amazed, as being at the staires foote he turned towards the Chancellor, who accompanied him, and said to him, Good Sir, tell mee what the Prince said, for I haue for gotten it, which he did.

Beside, the insolency of the French, by reason of the facility of their victory was so encreased, as in respect of themselues they contemned all Italians: for which, the peoples loue towards them was already conuerted into mortall ha∣tred: [ 20] and on the contrary, their hatred towards the Arragonois into pitty and compassion to Ferdinand. Wherevpon, Naples and all the rest of the kingdome, waited but for a fit occasion to repeale him.

King Charles had in a manner resolued, before the conclusion of the league, to returne presently into France, prouoked therevnto by some occasion vnknowne to mee, notwithstanding that diuerse important businesses were not ended in Na∣ples, his victory beeing not fully perfected, by reason that the Realme was not yet altogether conquered. But hauing intelligence that so many Princes were leagued against him, and that the Venetians had called home their Ambassadors, resident with him, his minde was much troubled, and hee consulted with his Lords what [ 30] was best to bee done in a matter of so great importance. His Councellers were of opinion to hasten his departure, fearing that by his longer stay, difficulties might increase, and the Confederates haue time to make greater preparations. Therevpon, the King resolued to returne by land, maugre all the Confederates; seeing that hee wanted vessels to transport so great an Army by sea: for the fleete which hee had prepared at Genoa, was wrackt by tempest, vppon the shore of Plombino, the Admirall whereof, and Antonio Prince of Salerno, came to him by land.

In the meane time, King Charles perceiuing that Lodouico as well as others had deceiued him, was desirous to take the Citty of Genoa from him, and to that [ 40] e•…•…d sent Pietro Fregosa Cardinall, thither, who had beene Duke thereof, and Obi∣etta de Fiesca, with eleuen Galleys, the remainder of his whole fleete. Then desi∣rous to prosecute his owne returne, he left Guilbert of Bourbon, Duke of Mont∣pensier, Prince of the bloud, his Lieutenant Generall in the kingdome, with the moyety of the Suisse, and part of the French footmen, eight hundred French lances, and fiue hundred Italian men at armes, which were in his pay, part of them vnder the command of the Prouost of Rome, and the rest vnder Prospero, and Fa∣bricio Colonni, and Antonello Sauello, all three great Captaines, on whom hee had bestowed many benefits. This done, hee departed from Naples with the rest of his Armie, on the twentith of May, and marched directly towards Rome. But [ 50] before his departure hee would bee crowned King of Naples, which was perfor∣med with great solemnity in the Cathedral Church of Naples, where with great pompe hee receiued the honors and othes which are vsually made to new Kings. The King carried away with him eight hundred French Lances, the two hundred

Gentlemen of his gard, the Lord Triuulcio with a hundred lances, three thousand Suisse, and two thousand French footmen: and appointed Camillo Vitelli and his bretheren to meete him in Tuscany with two hundred and fifty men at armes.

In this equipage did King Charles march towards Rome: Pope Alexander, al∣though two dayes before he came thither had promised where to attend him, did neuerthelesse after hee had left a strong garrison in Castle Angelo, retire to Or∣uietta, accompanied by the whole Colledge of Cardinals, two hundred men at armes, a thousand light horse, and three thousand foote, leauing the Cardinall Santo Anastasio his Legat in Rome, to entertaine and honor the King. The Ve∣netians not long before, had for his better safety sent him fiue hundred Alba∣nese [ 10] horse.

The King beeing come to Rome, refused to lye in the Pallace of the Vatican, which the Pope had appointed for him, and lodged in the suburbes: From thence he sent a Gentleman to the Venetian Senate, to tell them from him, that his King had yet neuer intreated or sued to any; but now hee was onely desirous to know of them, whether their State were his friend or enemy. The Prince answered him. That wise and discreet men were wont sometime to referre them selues to the will and opinion of others, and in time of need to request their ayde: That hee spake this, onely to let him vnderstand, that it lay in his Kings power, to [ 20] make the Venetians his friends or enemies. With this answer the Gentleman departed from Venice, together with Philip de Comines the Ambassador.

The Florentines likewise, so soone as they had intelligence of this new confe∣deracie, and that King Charles was come from Naples, to returne home into France, began to leuy soldiers, and to fortifie their townes, to stoppe the Kings passage, if hee intended to passe thorow their Citty. The King departed from Rome, and though at his approach neere Viterbo, the Pope had againe promised to conferre with him in some fit place, yet hee went from Oruietta to Perousa, meaning if the King directed his course thither, to goe to Ancona. The King neuer the lesse, though hee were highly incensed against the Pope, did re-deliuer the Castles of Ciuata-uechia and Terracina, reseruing that of Hostia to himselfe, and [ 30] passed thorow the Churches countrey as a friend, Tuscanella excepted, where the inhabitants refusing to lodge his vantgard in their towne, it entred by force and sackt it, with great slaughter.

The Venetian Senate beeing aduertised that one of their chiefe Confede∣rates territories had beene so spoyled by the French, thought that King Charles had begunne warre against them, fearing that comming vppon theirs, or on those of the Dutchie of Milan, hee would doe the like: Wherevpon they com∣manded their Generall Antonio Grimani, to saile with their Fleete into Puglia. The King afterwards arriued at Sienna, where hee remained sixe dayes, not∣withstanding that euery man aduised him to depart speedily: but there they [ 40] treated concerning the restitution of the Florentines fortes, promised by the King at his departure towards Naples, wherevnto all his Councellors were in∣duced for sundry reasons, but others crossed it: wherevpon the matter was re∣ferred to his comming to Ast.

The King leauing Florence on his right hand, tooke the high way of Pisa, and from thence went to Luca. The Pope perceiuing the King was past, sent backe the Venetians and Lodouicos forces which they had lent him, and retur∣ned to Rome.

In the meane time they in Lombardy began to stirre. For the Venetians and Lo∣douico Sforza made great preparations to hinder the Kings returne into France, [ 50] or at least, to secure the Dutchie of Miian, thorough which hee was to passe, wherevpon each of them raysed forces, and as well in common as in parti∣cular, omitted nothing that might further their deseigne. And Lodouico beeing very desirous to performe that wherevnto hee was tyed by the

Confederacy, concerning the Citty of Ast, sent Galeas of Saint Seuerine to that enterprize with 700. men at armes and three thousand foot making no other accompt but to take it.

The Duke of Orleance, who remained in it, vppon the first intelligence of the new League, had fortified Ast, and with great earnestnesse solicited new supplies from France to releeue the King. On a sodaine forces from all parts were assem∣bled, [ 10] who with great speed passed the Mounts, so that the Duke of Orleance in a short space beeing backt with a mighty power, went forth into the field, and in the Marquisate of Saluces tooke the towne and Castle of Valfenieres, held by Antonio Maria of Saint Seuerin, wherevpon Galeas with his army retired into A∣non, dispairing to execute any notable matter.

The Duke returning to Ast, an occasion beeing offered to take Nouara, would not omit it, and hauing concluded with those that offered to giue him entrance he crossed the Po by night at the bridge of Stura, and with his forces, without any resistance, was receiued into the Citty by them: from thence he sent part of his Cauallery to make incursions as farre as Vigeua. The Castle of Nouara still held out for Lodouico, but the Duke of Orleance to assure his conquest, resolued to take it; whervpon, on the fifth day after, it promised to yeeld (which it did) if it were not reieeued within 24. houres.

The Venetians hauing intelligence that Lodouico was inuaded, and that the [ 20] French made incursions into his Contrey, did freely giue their consent that he should call back some of those companies which he had sent into the Parme∣san, and besides that, sent him foure hundred Stradiots. By these new forces neere to Nouara, the Duke of Orleance his farther passage was stopt, who retired with all his forces thither.

Now after some controuersie with the Florentines concerning the restitution of their Forts, the Kings vantgard led by the Marshall of Gie went to Pontrema. In the meane time the Confederate Army was spedily assembled neere to Parma in number two thousand fiue hundred men at armes, 8000. foot and 2000. light horse called stradiots, most of whom were Albaneses, and of the neighbor [ 30] Prouinces to Grecia, brought by the Venetians into Italy. Francesco Gonzaga the young Marquis of Mantoa was Generall of the Venetian troopes, whose valour surmounted his yeares, and with him two principall Senators, Luca Pisani and Melchior Treuisan, as Prouidators The Count Gaiazza commanded Lodouicos troopes, Francisco Bernardino Viscount beeing ioyned in Commission with him.

All the Confederate Captaines consulted whether they should encampe at Fornouo, a small Village at the foot of the hill, and it was concluded because the place was very straight, and peraduenture likewise to giue the enemy meanes to descend into the plaine, that they would lodge in the Abbey of Guiaruola, three [ 40] miles from Fornouo, wherby the French Vantgard came thither sooner then the rest of the army, which conducted the ordnance, vneasie to bee brought o∣uer that steepy Appenine hill.

The Marshall de Gie being come thus foreward, sent a trumpet to the Confe∣derate Army, in his Kings name to craue passage, who without offence to any man, and taking victualls at a reasonable price, was desirous to passe on and returne into France. The Confederates consulting vpon an answer for the Mar∣shalls trumpet, the Captaines opinions were different, in the end they concluded to send to Milan, where the Duke and Confederate Ambassadors lay, to know their pleasures. But the matter being delayed, the Captaines sent back the Trum∣pet [ 50] without any certain resolution, determining to assaile and charge the French as they passed.

The King at last ioyning with his Vantgard, did with his whole army the next day following lodge at Fornouo. The French, who till then had marched with

great boldnesse and assurance, making no account of the Italians armes, so soone as at their going downe the hill they discouered the enemies army with infinite numbers of tents and pauilions, and considering their resolution to fight, began a little to abate their former heate, and would haue beene well pleased, so that th•…•… Italians would haue suffered them to passe. The King enforced to imbrace new Councell commanded the Lord of Argenton to send atrumpet to the Veneti∣an Prouidators, to let them vnderstand that he desired to conferre with them for the publique good: They accepted the parley in some fit place betwixt both Armies: but the King, altring his purpose, would not attend the issue of this parley. [ 10]

The two armies were quartered within three miles of one another along the Turo, which is rather a torrent then a riuer, which running betwixt two little hills doth in a manner enuiron them. On one of those hills was the Confederate ar∣my lodged on the right hand towards the riuer bankes, they had fortefied them∣selues with Dikes and Rampiers well flanked with ordnance, and the French were of necessity to go that way to Ast, nothing but the riuer beeing betwixt the enemies and them.

All that night was very tedious to the French, both in regard of the Stradiots continuall alarmes, as for a suddaine shower of raine, entermingled with fearefull thunder and lightening, Which they interpreted as a presage of some si∣nister [ 20] fortune. In the morning by day breake, the French army began to crosse the riuer, the ordnance going first, followed by the Vantgard, wherin were three hundred and fifty Lances, Iohn Iames Triuulcio with his company of an hundred Lances, and 3000. Suisses, to whom the King added three hundred archers and some crosbowes on horse-back of his guards whom he caused to march on foot, for hee supposed that the enemy would turne his cheese forces vppon it. The battaile followed the vantgard, in middest whereof was the Kings person, armed at all points, mounted on a gallant courser, and the Lord Tremouille neere him with his authority and Councell to gouerne that part of the army. Next followed the rereward conducted by the Earle of Foix, and behind it the [ 30] baggage.

So soone as the two armies began to mooue, the light horse on both sides skirmished, the ordnance flew from both parts, and the Italians, prepared for the battaile, extended their Squadrons on the riuer bankes. The French marched on notwithstanding, so as their Vantgard was already led to the right side of the enemies Campe, when the Marquis of Mantua crossed the riuer at the back of the French rereward, with a Squadron of 600. men at armes, a great troope of Stradiots, and other light horse, and 5000. foot, hauing commanded Antonio of Montfeltre to be ready with his troopes when he should be sent for to refresh the first battaillon, and the light Cauallery to giue in in flanke vpon the enemies so [ 40] soone as the fight should bee begun, and the rest of the Stradiots to crosse the Riuer and to fall vpon the French baggage which was left alone. The Count Ga∣iazza on the other part crossed the Turo with 400. men at armes, to releeue him when need should be, and for the guard of the Campe, two companies of men at armes and a thousand foot were left behind.

But the King perceiuing that contrary to his expectation the whole burthen lighted on the rere-ward, turned his back to the Vantgard, and drew neere to the Rere with the battaile, and came with such speed, one squadr on before another, as himselfe was at the front among those that fought brauest. And though the Marquis assault was braue and furious, the French did as brauely answer him, [ 50] throwing themselues pell mell among the Squadrons. It is certaine that at first the Italians valour was very excellent, beeing encouraged by the Marquis, vvho attended by a gallant troope of braue yong Gentlemen, omitted nothing belong∣ing to a valliant Captaine. The French did likewise valiantly repulse this first

charge, yet being pressed by multitudes, began to stagger, the King himselfe be∣ing in danger, who though hee had not many of his owne soldiers about him, did valiantly defend himselfe, the goodnesse and firecenesse of his horse dooing him better seruice then the ayde of his people, and then hee made a vow to Saint Denis and Saint Martin, that if hee might safely passe into Piedmont, he would at his returne into France, with great gifts goe and visit their Churches, the one beeing neere Paris, and the other in the Citty of Tours. These vowes made, hee began to fight with greater courage then before, till his soldiers that were next him, beeing incited by his danger, did all of them with their owne liues, runne to saue the Kings, and repulse the Italians, whither the battaile that stayed behinde, [ 10] arriuing in time, and giuing in furiously vpon the enemies flanques, stayed their furie: in this charge Rodolfo Gonzaga, Vnckle to the Marquis of Mantua, a very famous Captaine, hurt in the face with a sword as he lifted vp his Beuer, and fall∣ing from his horsse, was miserably trode to death by the horse, and could not bee saued.

The battaile thus changing by sundry accidents, and no aduantage on eyther side appearing, made all men more and more to wonder vnto whom the victory would incline: The French were enflamed by the presence and danger of their King, and because they were in a place where they could hope for no safety but in victory. The Italians on the other side were incited by a couetous desire of rich [ 20] booty: so that Fortunes power beeing, (as all men know) very great in humaine actions, especially in affaires of warre, where the least error doth often times transport the victory to those that were almost vanquished, did at that time very cleerly demonstrate it. For the Stradiots, sent to assaile the French bagage, be∣gan to spoile, and to driue away the Mules, and other wagons beyond the Riuer. Their fellowes appointed to charge the French in flanke, perceiuing that others returned loden with spoile, incited by the selfe same desire of gaine, fell vpon the bagage, and by their example, others both horse and foote left their files, and went from the battaile to doe the like. By this meanes the Italians wanting their lookt for fresh supplyes, and the number of those that fought still decreasing, no∣thing [ 30] did so much incourage them, as the valor of the Marquis, who fighting valiantly did still abide the enemies furie, incouraging his owne soldiers, who much weakned by the departure of their fellowes that went to spoile, and their enemies on euery side pressing in vpon them, and no longer able to resist, were enforced to flye, and to attempt to repasse the riuer, which beeing swelled by the former nights raine, and by a great shower of hayle which fell during the fight, they could hardly doe. The French followed them very fiercely euen to the Riuer, killing all those that fled, taking no prisoners at all.

Whilest they fought so valiantly on that side of the Army, the French Vant∣gard, gainst which Count Gajazza brought part of his Cauallery, presented it [ 40] selfe in battaile, with such furie, as the Italians, daunted, because they were not se∣conded, did of themselues fall into disorder, and fled to the body of their Army which was on the farther side of the riuer, wherevpon the Marshall de Gié would not pursue them any farther, some afterwards, reputing it to wisedome and dis∣cretion, others to cowardize. The Marquis of Mantua passed the Riuer in the best and closest order he could, where he found his troopes so disordered, as euery man with his booty thought on nothing but meanes how to escape; but his pre∣sence and authority, stayed that confusion.

The King with his troopes comming to his Vantgard, which had not stird, de∣manded [ 50] his Captaines aduise, whether hee should sodainly crosse the Riuer, and assaile the enemies in their Campe, but their opinions beeing various, and also the troopes which had fought, wearied, they resolued to take vp their lodging: and for that night, they lodged on the hill, in the village called Medezana, a mile from the place where they fought.

Such was the end of the battaile betwixt the French and the Italians neere the Riuer Tarro, where of the French side dyed scarce two hundred, but of Italians more then three hundred men at armes, and as many others as amounted to three thousand men, in regard of which number of dead so disproportionable, the vic∣torie was attributed to the French, though the Venetians challenge to themselues the glory of the day, because that their campe and baggage remained whole and entire, whereas the French on the contrary, lost much of theirs, and among others, some of the Kings rich stuffe: Wherevpon, by publick Decree, ouer all the territories vnder their obedience, and especially at Venice, bonefiers and other signes of ioy were made. The day following, the King remained in the same vil∣lage, [ 10] and by means of the Lord of Argenton, who parlied with the enemies, truce was granted till night.

The next morning before day, the King with his Army dislodged, sounding neither d•…•…um nor trumpet, the better to conceale his departure; and all that day he was not pursued by the Confederate Army, by reason that the Taro was ex∣ceedingly swelled, and could not that day be foorded. Sanseuerine whose selfe and soldiers had not fought in that battaile, made an offer to the Marquis and Prouidators, that if they would giue him a troope of light horse to cut off the taile of the Kings army, hee by his incursions would amuze the French, so long, [ 20] till their Army might ouer-take them. His demand granted, hee departed from the Campe with two thousand fiue hundred horse, and by reason of the swelling of the Riuer, tooke a longer way, so as that day hee did not ouer-take the Kings troopes: but so soone as hee drew neere them, hee serued rather for a guide to conduct them to Ast, then a disturber of their iourney: so, as it seemed that his request to the Marquis and Prouidators, was onely to accompany and safe con∣duct the King. His intent was afterwards knowne to bee such, by Lodouicos com∣mandement, who when Bernardo Contaren would haue giuen in vpon the Kings reregard, could not bee suffered so to doe.

So soone as the waters were downe, the Marquis pursued the Kings Army, [ 30] which hee not beeing able to ouer-take, sent sixe hundred horse after it, to cut off the taile and to keepe it in continuall alarum, who returned to him loden with booty. The French at last comming neere to Alexandria, tooke the higher way towards the mounts, where the Riuer Tanare is most shallow, and in eight dayes march, without losse of men or other encombrances, came before the wals of Ast, where after the King was entred hee caused his Armie to bee lodged in the field.

The Campe of the league which had followed him into the Tortonois, beeing no more able to annoy him, ioyned with Lodouicos Sforzas forces before Noua∣ra. The Kings retreat beeing knowne at Venice, the Senate commanded generall Precessions, and publick prayers to bee made, to giue God thankes for that by his [ 40] retreat the Citty was freed from the danger which threatned it.

The end of the fourth Booke of the fourth Decade.

[ 50]

The Contents of the fifth Booke of [ 10] the fourth Decad.

THe Venetians at Genoa arme by Sea against the French, and take Rapalla in the Realme of Naples. Lodouico and the Confederates besiege Nouara. Peace concluded betwixt King Charles and the Confederates, the King returnes into France. The Neapolitans reuolt from the French, & bring Ferdinand into Naples. A Generall rebellion ouer the whole kingdome [ 20] against the French. The Pisans giue themselues to the Venetians. The Vene∣tians ayde Ferdinand, hee giuing them three Citties in Puglia. The Vene∣tians resoluing to defend Pisa against the Florentines, send ayde thether. King Charles determineth to returne into Italy, and makes great preparati∣on for it. The Duke of Montpensier, besieged in Attella, is through want of victuals enforced to Capitulate, and quit the Realme of Naples. The death of Duke Montpensier and other great Captaines. King Ferdinands death. The pursutes of Lodouico and the other Confederates to haue Pisa restored [ 30] to the Florentines. The death of Charles the eight French King. Lewis Duke of Orleans, French King. Coruin, sonne to the King of Hungarie, made a Gentleman of Venice. Caesar Borgia, sonne to Pope Alexander, quitts his Cardinalls Hatte, and is made by King Lewis Duke of Valenti∣nois. Lodouico procureth the Turkish fleete to inuade the Venetians. League betwixt Lewis the French King and the Venetians. The French King sends an Army into Italy, vnder the command of Iohn Iames Tri∣uulce. [ 40] And lastly, the taking of Caruagio by the Venetians.

The fifth Booke of the fourth Decade, [ 10] of the History of Uenice.

THE Venetians, aduertised that King Charles at his departure from Naples, had sent diuerse vessels to make incursions into the riuer of Genoa (as hath beene said) sent one of their Cittizens to Genoa with money to rigge certaine great Ar∣gozies. Lodouica Sforza had likewise giuen order to arme a certaine number of Galleys, so as together they prepared a fleete, the which departing from Genoa, did by night land [ 20] seauen hundred footmen, which without any difficulty tooke the towne and ca∣stle of Rapalla, seazed on by the French at their arriuall: Then meeting at sea with the French fleet, it assailed and defeated it, the Admirall thereof being taken, and foure French Ensignes, which the Geneuois sent to Lodouico Sforza, who presently gaue two of them to the Venetian Ambassador, resident with him, say∣ing that he did present them to the honor and merit of the Venetian common∣wealth. The Marquis of Mantua in the meane time beeing at Clastegia, follow∣ing King Charles his Army, requested by Lodouico, and commanded by the Se∣nates decree, sent two thousand foote in Garrison to Tortona and Alexandria. Then he intreated the Senate to send two Senators, who as Prouidators should manage the warre with him: wherevpon Luca Zeno, and Andrea Venieri were ap∣pointed, [ 30] who comming to the Army, went all together to the siege of Nouarra, which Lodouico with a mighty Army did streightly besiege. The Venetians sent so great aide, as scarce any enterprize can be remembred, wherein they spent more money, so that in a short space, there were three thousand men at armes, three thousand Almaine horse, fiue thousand Italian foot, and ten thousand Lanceque∣nets, in the confederate campe.

The Venetian Senate was not onely carefull to send forces to this siege, but the more to incourage their soldiers, had from Lieutenant of the Army made the Marquis of Mantua Captaine Generall thereof, the better to honor his courage and valour manifested at the battaile of Fornouo: and with a very gracious exam∣ple, [ 40] had not only augmented their pay who had valiantly behaued them-selues, but giuen pensions and sundry recompences to the children of those that were slaine in the battaile, and dowries to their daughters.

The seege still continuing before Nouara, those of the towne were in great want of victualls, by reason of the great number of soldiers and Contrey people that were in it, nor could the King, who lay at Ast, releeue it, for want of men: and though the Duke of Orleance, when hee was made acquainted with the dearth, did put forth all vnprofitable eaters, yet this remedy was to no purpose: The French made many attempts by night to victuall it, but beeing still discoue∣red, [ 50] they were enforced to retire without effecting it, and often times with great losse of their men.

The King then, out of hope to raise the siege in any time, and dayly importu∣ned by the Duke of Orleans, who was in great want, determined to hearken vn∣to peace. But the difficulty to obtaine it was very great, in regard of the iealozie

and distrust betwixt the King and Duke of Milan: yet it was motioned by an vn∣expected meanes. For the Lady Marques of Mont-ferate beeing dead, the King wishing well to that State, sent the Lord of Argenton to Cassall, to consult with her subiects concerning the profit and commodity of a young sonne shee had left behind hir. The Marquis of Mantuas Steward came thither likewise in his Maisters name to bewaile her death. They two entred so farre into discourse of peace, as the Lord of Argenton, by the perswasion of this Steward, did write ther∣of to the Venetian Prouidators, who inclining therevnto, acquainted the Duke of Milans Captaines with it, who with one consent, sent to intreate the King which lay at Ver•…•…eill, to appoint some of his officers to meete them in some fit place [ 10] where they might conferre together. The King allowing it, the Commissioners on both sides met betwixt Bolgare and Camarian, where after sundry difficulties alleadged on both parts, peace at last was concluded and signed by the King, which was no sooner sworne to by the Duke of Milan, but the King made hast to returne into France. And in this manner about the end of October 1495. hee re∣passed the mounts.

The Venetians were displeased with Lodouico, for that without the aduise and consent of all the Confederates hee had made peace with King Charles, seeing that they hauing beene often intreated by the King, and him, to hearken there∣vnto, had euer answered, that they would doe nothing but by the consent of all [ 20] the Confederates: so that now they perceiued it was a dangerous matter to trust him, and therefore they would no longer bee in league with so perfidi∣ous a man.

Lodouico was much troubled with these newes, and perceiuing that the Vene∣tians were no more his friends, gaue secret commandement to all his Garrisons, by which the Venetian Campe was to passe, to guard the passages, and especially the Riuers, and to shutte vp all the boates, to stay their departure against his will. This beeing knowne to the Prouidators, they were much amazed, in regard they were to passe many great riuers: and conferring heerevpon with Bernardo Conta∣ren, not knowing what to resolue on, hee offered to poinard Lodouico in open [ 30] counsell, saying, That hee once dead, no man would stirre. The Councell of Ten at Venice, beeing acquainted with this proposition, wrote back, that by no meanes hee should doe so, for it would much blemish the Venetians reputation; but onely temporize with him till they were forth of his territories, which they did, whervpon, Nouarra surrendred, they ledde their army which in a maner they cassed to Crema, and from thence went to Mantua, and so to Venice.

But to returne to that which was done at the same time in the Realme of Na∣ples, where warre was managed as well as in Lombardy. So soone as Ferdinand had intelligence of King Charles his departure from Naples, (beeing then in Si∣cill) attended by the Spaniards who were come thither by Sea, he landed in Ca∣labria, [ 40] to whom many Contrey people presently ranne, and within a while after the Citty of Regium yeelded to him, the Castle hauing still held out for him. At the same time likewise the Venetian fleete was descried not farre from the shore of Puglia, whereof Antonio Grimani, a man of great authority in the State, was Generall, who comming neere to Monopoli a Citty in Puglia, landed the Stra∣diots and certaine foot companies, then by land and sea, gaue an assault to the Cit∣ty, which was taken by force, wherevpon the Castle soone yeelded: This fleete likewise tooke the Citty of Pulignana by composition.

Ferdinand in the meane time with many vessels, but few soldiers, leauing Sicily, hauing besides the loue and fauour of the people of the Realme of Naples, [ 50] who longed for him, came to the flattes of Salerno: and on a sodaine, Saler∣no, Melphi and la Caua erected his banners. Afterwards hee houered two whole dayes before the Citty of Naples, expecting some popular commotion

in the Citty (which had been promised) but it was in vaine, for the French tooke good order there for that time, so that the third day after Ferdinand dispayring of any good successe, made to Sea, determining to returne to Ischia.

The Cittizens of Naples, who had resolued to deliuer the towne to Ferdinand, (their plot being halfe discouered), determined to make a vertue of necessity, and to win or loose all, according to this resolution secretly sent a small boate to call back Ferdinand, intreating him to land all, or part of his forces to giue incourage∣ment to those that intended to rise in his behalfe. Vpon this aduertizement, Ferdi∣nand returned againe before Naples, and then landed, a mile from the Citty; which the Duke Montpensier perceiuing sallied forth of Naples with all his [ 10] forces to hinder his landing. The Neopolitans then taking hold on occasion, presently tooke armes, and at the first ringing of the Toxin or larum bell, made good the gates, and began euery where to cry Ferdinand, Ferdinand. The French amazed at this suddaine tumult, thinking it dangerous to abide betwixt the rebel∣lious Citty and the enemies, determined to returne to Naples, but they were enforced to fetch a great compasse, to come to the Gate neere Castelnouo, for that through which they came forth was seazed on by the Neopolitans. Ferdi∣nand in the meane time entred the Citty on horseback, where, to the peoples in∣credible ioy, he rode vp and downe. The French entring at the Gate next the Castle, did their best to get into the heart of the Citty, but their attempts were [ 20] vayne, for at euery streetes end they found resistance, and night approaching they retired into the Castle, to gether with the Duke of Montpensier, Yues of Alegre a famous Captaine, Antonio Prince of Salerne, and many other French and Italian Captaines of note. Those of Capua, Auersa, the Fort Montdragon, and other townes neere adioyning, and the greatest part of the Kingdome did the like. Those of Gayetta going about to follow their example were with great slaughter preuented by the French Garrison, who in heate of blood sackt the Cit∣ty. The Venetian Senate hauing intelligence that Ferdinand had recouered the Citty of Naples, wrote to Antonio Grimani that he should no more assault any towne of the Kingdome in the Venetians name, but to remaine at Monopoli to [ 30] know their farther pleasure. The Pope vnderstanding that the Venetian fleet was idle, intreated the Senate that it might saile to Naples to aid Ferdinand: this was granted, and Antonio Grimani leauing 100. light horse and two Gallies for the gard of Monopoli, went to Tarentum which held out against Ferdinand. But Grimani being there aflicted with a flix, sent twenty Gallies to Ferdinand, vnder the command of Contaren the Prouidator, and himselfe, with the rest of the fleet (for he had in the meane time receiued new supplies) directed his course to Cor∣fou. At the same time, the Florentines being desirous by all meanes to recouer Pisa, and the Pisans being to weake to resist, sent secret messengers to the Vene∣tian Senate, to intreat them to receiue their Citty into their protection, and to [ 40] hold it for a member of their state. At first the Senate found the matter to be of such importance, as they made no great hast either to refuse or accept it: yet at last some Senators beganne to tast this offer, and to harken vnto it, as they who with the deseignes and hopes embraced the entire Monarchie of Italy, for ob∣taining whereof, they supposed that the Signory of Pisa would greatly auaile them, in regard that their antient vnion with other Potentates was broken, and most of those who were wont to resist them, weakened: as also, because that Cit∣ty would giue them sure footing in Tuscany, and extend their bounds as farre as the lower sea: and therefore concluded to accept it as an offer sent from God. This opinion being approued by the greatest part of the Senate, the businesse [ 50] was consulted on by the councell of Tenne, that the resolution of it might bee kept more secret, whose opinions being various, the matter was put off till some other time.

Lodouico likewise was greedy to impatronize this Citty, and therevpon seemed

very ready vnder-hand to aid the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against the Florentines, whom he enter∣tained with sundry practises.

The Pope mooued by Ferdinands intreaties, wrote at the same time to the Venetians, to send part of their Army returned from the seege of Nouara, to aid Ferdinand to driue the French forth of the Realme of Naples, promising that Ferdinand should engage certaine sea townes to them, till they were satisfied for their expence in that warre. The Senate not fully resolued to send the Army to the King, commanded Bernarao Contaren to go before to Rauenna, with 600. light horse, to the end that if they should determine to send it, he might be so farre onwards on his way. This beeing vnderstood at Rome, the businesse was prolon∣ged, [ 10] for Cardinall Ascanio, brother to Lodouico, made a proposition that the Ve∣netians should assist the King in that warre, and yet haue no townes engaged to them.

Ferdinands Ambassadors, that came to Venice to make an accord, following the Cardinalls aduice; demanded the army, but offered no pawne. The Senate knowing that this was Lodouicoes practise, who enuied their greatnesse, did on a sudaine dismisse the Ambassadors, not suffering them to remain a moment in the Citty. The Ambassadors spent many dayes to pacifie the Senate, and notwith∣standing that they promised that Ferdinand should deliuer three of his best Cit∣ties, with their territories, vnto them, namely Trani, Brundusium and O•…•…ranto, [ 20] they would hardly agree to it, had not the Confederate Ambassadors, there pre∣sent, interceded for them, whereuppon a new league was made, by which the Venetians, hauing first receiued the three townes, were obliged, speedily to send 600. men at armes and 3000. foot to Ferdinand: and the Treasorer to the State did deliuer to Ferdinands Ambassadors. 150. pounds of gold by way of loane, with diuers other conditions, which the Pope approoued and ratified, as one ha∣uing interest in the Realme of Naples.

The League thus made, Commissioners were sent to Ferdinand to receiue the three townes, and messengers to the Marquis of Mantoua▪ to will him without delay to lead his troopes into the Realme of Naples. These things thus concluded [ 30] and diuulged, caused diuers townes in the Kingdome, which the French held, pre∣sently to yeeld to Ferdinand; the like did the two Castles in Naples. King Charles after his returne into France sent the Lord of Argenton to Venice to tell the Se∣nate, that hee accounted their State to be comprehended in the accord made with Lodouico, because their Generals & Prouidators were present at it, in which regard, he intreated the Senate to surrender Monopoli to him which their Army had taken from his subiects, and that they would no more assist Ferdinand: The Venetians sent him back without satisfying his Kings demands. Charles raised a new army, determining to send it by Sea to the releefe of Caietta, vnder the Conduct of the Duke of Orleans, who crauing to be excused from that iourney, [ 40] the army was dissolued, and the determination to releeue those in the Kingdome of Naples, vanished into ayre.

Lodouico, hauing intelligence of what-soeuer was done in France, and now no more fearing the French, was aduertised by letters from his frends of the Pisans request made to the Venetians, whervppon hee intreated the Senate to re∣ceiue him as an associate in the defense and protection of Pisa, because that the Florentines were leagued with King Charles, and him-selfe had taken their Ambassador in his owne Dominions which was going into France. [ 50]

This businesse, sundry times debated in the Senate, it was at last concluded by the generall consent of the Ambassadors, that Pisa should bee defended at the common charge of the Pope, Venetians, and Duke of Milan, and that two thousand foot should bee leuyed at Genoa by the Venetians, to bee sent to Pisa.

Herevpon the Florentines raised 6000. foot, and with the ordnance sent them to Pisa before the enemies forces were assembled, hoping to take the cittie. But comming neere to the gates, those within the towne made a salley, and after a fu∣rious charge vpon the enemy, defeated and put them to route, and tooke their ordnance. Not long after, Paulo Vitelli the Romane, a valiant and braue Captaine, forsooke the Pisans, and went to Florence, where beeing honorably entertained and made Generall of their Army, hee marched with 10000. foote against the Pisans, and at his arriuall lodged in the Citties suburbes, from whence the townes∣men did beate and repulse him: but the Florentines winning them againe, were enforced to quit them, and to giue ouer the siege, to defend their owne confines [ 10] against Pietro de Medicis, who was said to be comming with great forces against the citty of Florence, accompanied by this kinsmen the Vrsini.

The Venetians in the meane time leuied fiue hundred foote at Genoa, whom they sent to Pisa, the like did Lodouico: The Florentines hauing vsed all their cun∣ning to take the Cittadell of Pisa, as well by meanes of the King, as money; the gouernour thereof, prouoked by his owne inclination to the French, that were in Pisa, or by secret Commissions from the Lord of Ligni, whose Lieutenant hee was, or else beeing enamored on a young maiden of Pisa (for it is not likely that money alone would haue preuailed with him, seeing hee might haue receiued a greater summe of the Florentines) was very loath to yeeld vp the Castle, but [ 20] in the end beeing enforced by the Kings frequent commandements and threat∣nings, hee surrendred it to the Pisans, hauing first receiued twenty thousand Du∣cats of them, whereof twelue thousand fell to his owne share, and eight thou∣sand for the soldiors that were in it.

The Pisans running in heapes to the Cittadell, razed it downe to the ground: But because they found themselues too weake to resist the Florentines, they sent to craue ayde at one time of the Pope, Emperor, Venetians, Duke of Milan, Geneuois, Seinoi•…•…, and Lukeses: but they were most earnest with the Venetians and Duke of Milan, on whom they relyed more then on any other, because hee had prouoked them to rebell, and had speedily releeued them. But the Duke, [ 30] though hee extreamly desired it, did neuerthelesse doubt whither hee should ac∣cept it or no, fearing least the other confederates should take it ill, by whose councell the treaty of the State of Pisa had bin begun, as a matter common to them all, and standing in need of them, hee durst not openly declare himselfe vntill the King were wholy forth of Italy: But the Pisans then grew cold, hoping to bee releeued by the Venetians, who without sparing for any cost did bounti∣fully supply them with all things: wherevpon they betooke themselues to their protection, and were receiued by the Senate, after long cont•…•…station among the Senators.

The Venetians at the same time had taken Astor, Lord of Faenza into their [ 40] pay, and accepted the protection of his state, which was very fit for to bridle the Florentines, Bologneses, and all the rest of Romagnia. To these particular aides of the Venetians other supplies from the Confederates were ioyned, for the Pope, Venetians, and Duke of Milan sent certaine companies of men at armes, paid in common, to the ayde of Ferdinand. In the meane time Antonio Grimani beeing enforced by his indisposition of body to retire from Corfou to Venice, Melchior Treuisan was in his steed sent as Generall to the fleet, who going to Corfou with certaine Galleys, did presently saile into Puglia, and from thence into Calabria, where hee vnited himselfe with the rest of the Venetian vessels, and with them en∣forced diuerse townes to yeeld to Ferdinand. [ 50]

Whilest the whole kingdome of Naples was filled with warre and troubles, King Charles hauing vnderstood the losse of the two Castles in Naples, through want of supplies, began a new to bend his thoughts on the affaires of Italy, and to determine to goe thither againe in person: This desire dayly increasing in him,

wherevnto diuers great Lords both French and strangers prouoked him. Therefore his councell concluded, that Triuu•…•…cio, who not long before was come forth of Italy to his Court, should returne in post to Ast, as Lieutenant to the King, and with him eight hundred Launces, two thousand Swisses, and two thousand French foot; that the Duke of Orleance should ere long follow him with greater forces, and the King last of all with all prouisions: moreouer, that thirty ships in the hauens of Prouence, where thirty Gallies & Gallions were to be armed, should saile through the Ocean with supplies of men, victualls, munition and money into the Realme of Naples, and that in the meane time, whilest the fleet was making ready, certaine vessels well manned and victualled should bee [ 10] sent thither.

The rumor of these preparations in France diuulged in Italy, did much trou∣ble the Confederates, especially Lodouico Sforza, who was the first to be exposed to the enemies fury, but most of all when hee vnderstood that the King had dis∣missed his Agents with sharpe and bitter speeches. He sent Ambassadors to the Emperor, to draw him into Italy, and others to Venice to request the Venetians to contribute towards this expence, to preuent this common danger, and to send certaine troupes to Alexandria to make head against the French. The Venetians freely offered to send forces to Alexandria; but they were not so willing to giue their consent for the Emperors passage, who was no great friend to their State, [ 20] yet fearing least Lodouico, whom they knew to bee fearefull and timorous, should fully reconcile himselfe to the French King, they agreed to send Ambassadors to the Emperor to the same end. And standing in doubt of the Florentines, they sent word to Giouan Bentiuole to make warre vpon them with such forces as the Confederates should furnish him on the frontier towards the Bolognese; pro∣mising him that they should bee at the same time inuaded by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Pi∣sans: yet though Bentiuole promised so to doe, his meaning was cleane contrary. But the French affaires beeing prolonged by the Cardinall of Saint Malo, who, besides the superintendency of the treasure, managed all matters, did so delay the execution of things, already resolued vpon, as one accident more happened, [ 30] which had almost wholly diuerted them. For when euery man thought that the King would haue gonne into Italy, he determined a iourney to Paris (according to the custome of ancient Kings) before his departure forth of France to take his leaue of Saint Denis, and likewise of Saint Martin, passing by Tours, promising within a month to returne to Lions to pursue his iourney into Italy. The aduise of his Lords, nor vrgent intreaties and teares of the Italians, could not alter this determination. The Duke of Orleance, Cardinall of Saint Malo, and the whole councell remained at Lyons to hasten the prouisions, and the King went to Tours, where the Queene lay.

The affaires of Naples were in the meane time brought to great extremity, [ 40] where the fortune of the French began openly to decline, being at one time assai∣led with infinite difficulties▪ want of money, victuals, the peoples hatred, captains discord, and souldiers disobedience, many of whom forsooke the campe, some willingly, others on necessity. On the contrary, Ferdinands army, re-enforced with men, victuals and money, did still attend the French, and were continually at their backes. But that which did most ruine them, was the Lord D' Aubignis sicknesse, which caused diuers to forsake him, and to goe to the Duke Mo•…•…tpen∣sier his army: Calabria by that meanes being vnfurnished of men, so as Gonsaluo that was come thither, tooke diuers townes in that Prouince, and obtained a [ 50] gallant victory there, whereby his forces beeing augmented, hee determined to ioyne with Ferdinands campe before Atella, where Duke Montpensier lay with diuers other Barons and great Lords, both French and Italians, which followed the French Kings party.

By Gonsaluos comming to the campe, the beseeged were more streightly

inclosed, the towne being wholly enuironed, both by the Arragoneses, Venetians and Spaniards, so as no victuals could enter into it, especially in regard of the Stradiots and Venetians who scoured the country: neither could they goe forth to forrage as they were wont, so that beeing depriued of all commodities, they were brought to such extremity, as they could not get water from the Riuer, ei∣ther for themselues or horse.

Beeing then oppressed with so many miseries, they craued a safe-conduct, which was granted them, wherevpon, the Lord of Persi, Barthelmeo Aluiana and a Swisse captaine were sent to capitulate with Ferdinand, with whom they thus agreed. That there should be truce for thirty daies: That in the meane time the [ 10] said accord should bee shewed to King Charles. That none of the beseeged should goe forth of Atella, and that the Arragonois should daily giue them competent victuals. If they were not releeued in that time, hee should leaue Atella, and whatsoeuer else was vnder his command in the Realme of Naples, to∣gether with all the ordnance. That the souldiers might depart with their liues and baggage, with permission to returne home into France either by sea or land. That the Vrsini and other Italian souldiers might with their companies depart forth of the Realme whither soeuer they pleased. The truce expired Duke Montpensier came forth, with all the French, Swisse, and the Vrsini, and was con∣ducted by the Marquis of Mantua and his light horse in safety to Baja, where [ 20] finding no vessels ready to imbarke themselues they quartered betwixt Baja, and Pozzuolo, where by reason of the bad aire and other discommodities, they grew sicke, and the Duke Montpensier and great numbers of his people died, so that of fiue thousand, fiue hundred hardly returned into France.

After the taking of Atella, Ferdinand diuided his army into sundry parts, for the recouery of the rest of the kingdome. Hee sent Don Frederico of Arragon his vncle, and Prospero Colonna before Caietta: Fabricio Colonna into Abruzzo, and himselfe went and encamped before Salerno, where he made an accord with the Princes of Besignano and Salerno. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 returned into Calabria, which for the most part was held by the French, where although the Lord Aubigni [ 30] made some resistance, yet at last being coopt vp in Gropoli, hauing lost Manfre∣donia and certaine other townes, and despayring of all aide, he consented to leaue Calabria, and was suffered to returne by land into France.

Thus, no other townes holding out in the whole Kingdome but Tarentum and Caietta, it seemed that Ferdinand had attained the height of his desires, when comming to Somma a towne seated at the foote of Mount Vesuua, to vi∣sit the Queene his wife, he fell grieuously sicke, and was carried to Naples where within a while after he died: but before his death, he commanded the Bishop of Theanas head, whom he kept in prison, to be cut off, and fearing that they would not obey him by reason of his sicknesse, he caused the head to bee brought into [ 40] his Chamber and with beholding it was satisfied. His vncle Frederick com∣ming in hast from Caietta to Naples with Melchior Tre•…•…isan, was by the Prin∣ces of the Realme saluted King, his Nephew dying without children. This Prince beloued of all men for his meekenesse labored to reconcile to himselfe all those who in any sort had fauored the French, and freely restored their castles to them. In this manner winning the peoples hearts, the warre against the French in the Realme of Naples was almost ended, for the city of Tarentum, oppressed with famine, did with her castles yeeld to the Venetians, which beseeged it by sea, who presently deliuered it to Frederick. Those of Caietta within a while after, did the like; and by this meanes the French lost the Realme of Naples. [ 50] But this notwithstanding, warre was not ended in Italy by reason of Pisa, in which the Venetians had placed foure hundred men at armes, seuen hundred light horse, and two thousand foot, against the Florentines. They went moreouer with the Emperour Maximillian to beseege Liuorne, where their enterprise

succeeding badly, they were enforced to discampe, and from thence, the Empe∣ror returned with speed into Germany, with small honour to the Imperiall dig∣nity, wherevpon he was contemned ouer all Italy.

King Charles likewise being dispited with his losse and infamy, determined to assaile Genoa, presuming vpon Baptist a Fregosa his party. The Pope on the o∣ther side, desirous to possesse the Vrsins States, the chiefe of that family beeing imprisoned at Naples, did in open consistory declare Virginio and the rest tray∣tors, and confiscated their lands. This did no whit please the Venetians, who were very desirous to winne the loue of that family, and draw them to their ser∣uice: yet not daring to contradict the Pope, they were vnwilling at that time [ 10] to allienate him from them: for notwithstanding Lodouicos flatteries, hee could not but with griefe endure to let Pisa, which hee had pursued with such labour, fall to their share; wherevpon hee caused the Pope, and the Ambassadors to the Kings of Spaine (who were iealous of the Venetians greatnesse) to pro∣pound the drawing of the Florentines into the league by restoring Pisa vnto them, seeing by other meanes they could not bee induced to it. The Venetian Ambassador with great earnestnesse oppugning this proposition, the motion was dasht, for feare of loosing the Venetians friendship.

But the hope of King Charles his returne into Italy beeing wholly lost, and most of the Italians that held his party otherwise imployed, Lodouico hereby [ 20] encouraged, did daily more and more discouer his hatred towards the Veneti∣ans concerning Pisa, inciting the Pope, and Kings of Spaine with greater effi∣cacy to reuiue the motion of the restitution thereof: Herevnto he drew the Flo∣rentines, who to that end sent their Ambassadors to Rome.

This treaty was continued there many daies where the Pope and Ambassa∣dours of the King of Spaine, Duke of Milan, and King of Naples, did openly vrge the Venetian Ambassadour to this restitution, thereby to ioyne the Flo∣rentines to their party against the French, to the end that all seeds of discord being rooted out, no man might againe haue any cause to call the French in∣to Italy. [ 30]

But the Senate contradicting all this, and sufficiently perceiuing from whom this earnest motion proceeded, answered by the same Ambassadour, that it was a very daungerous matter to deliuer that City to the Florentines, whose mindes were strictly vnited with the French, and that the surrendring of Pisa would not diuert their inclination: and also that thereby the fidelity of all the Confederates would be called in question, who had taken vpon them to protect the Pisans, especially the Venetians, who when others did shut their pursses had freely opened theirs, and to defend them had spared for no cost or labour, where∣vpon it would bee great dishonour to them to leaue them then and to falsifie their promise. Now whilest this businesse was treated betwixt the Confede∣rates, [ 40] a sodaine accident happened in France, begetting sundry and different effects in mens mindes. It was the death of King Charles, who on the seuenth day of Aprill died at Amboise, of an Apoplexie as hee stood looking on some of his Courtiers that plaied at tennis; and because hee died without children, the crowne of France descended to Lewis Duke of Orleance, the next Prince of the bloud, as heire male. Italy by King Charles his death was somewhat freed from feare: for no man supposed that King Lewis the twelfth comming new∣ly to the crowne, would at the beginning of his reigne make warre in Italy: But the same right to the Realme of Naples (hee being French King) belonged as well to him as to his Predecessor, and beside that, the Dutchy of Milan which [ 50] was his owne by succession from his Grandmother Valentine.

After his Coronation, hee desired nothing so much, as to conquer that Dutchy: and though from his infancy hee had euer carried that minde, yet his successe at Nouara had much inkindled him, together with his hatred to

Lodouico Sforza, by reason of his insolent carriage towards him when hee was at Ast. And for an introduction to his deseigne, he did not onely intitle himselfe King of France, Naples, Ierusalem, both the Sicilies, but likewise Duke of Milan: This was as a summons to Frederick and Lodouico. Hee wrote letters full of friendly congratulation to the Pope, Venetians and Florentines concerning his comming to the crowne.

These three seemed to bee highly pleased with those letters, being desirous to aduance and reuenge themselues: Lodouico neuerthelesse, though he knew that he had to doe with a rougher enemy, feeding himselfe with hope, as Frederick of Arragon likewise did, that the new King would not so intend the affaires [ 10] of Italy, did still oppose himselfe against the Venetians concerning Pisa, his ha∣tred to them making him forget his owne future danger.

The Venetians notwithstanding his opposition chose three Ambassadors to goe and congratulate the King for his comming to the crowne, and by way of excuse to tell him, that the onely suspition (and not without cause) which they had of King Charles, least after the conquest of the Realme of Naples, he should haue attempted that of all Italy, had enforced them to take armes against him: The Pope for the same purpose sent a Nuncio into France, beeing desi∣rous to inuest his sonne Caesar, then Cardinall, with temporall greatnesse. The Florentines likewise, according vnto their antient custome to the crowne [ 20] of France, sent Ambassadours thither: Wherevnto they were earnestly so∣licited by Lodouico, who by their meanes thought to frustrate the Venetians practizes for Pisa, and also to mediate some accord betwixt himselfe and the King.

The King did very louingly entertaine all these Ambassadours, and gaue them audience, concluding nothing till hee had first secured the Realme of France by new leagues with the Princes his neighbours. The Florentines in the meane time still pursuing their deseigne against the Pisans, their forces which lay Pontadera, hauing intelligence that certaine troupes gonne forth of Pisa, returned home-wards with great booty, went to intercept them, and [ 30] meeting them, did put them to rout: but fifty men at armes of the Pisans com∣ming on a sodaine to reskew their fellowes, the Florentines were put to flight, many of their footmen slaine, many captaines taken prisoners, with the greatest part of their cauallery.

During these troubles in Tuscany, the Venetians reputation was euery where so augmented, as Coruin, sonne to Mathias King of Hungary, se•…•…t an Ambassadour to the Senate to certifie it that hee was very desirous to make a perpetuall league of friendship with them, and to bee receiued into the num∣ber of the Venetian Gentlemen: This, propounded to the great Councell, was freely graunted. [ 40]

Lodouico in the meane time fearing that the Venetians by reason of that defeate of the Florentines, would grow so great as it would bee an hard mat∣ter to repulse them forth of Tuscany, offered to releeue the Florentines: and to the same end was desirous to know what prouisions were necessary, not one∣ly for defense, but to execute the enterprize of Pisa. For though at first hee did not determine openly for to releeue the Florentines, but onely to aide and succor them secretly with money; yet, beeing transported with choller and disdaine, vsing insolent and threatning speeches against the Venetians; hee resolued openly for to declare himselfe their friend: And therefore hauing first denied passage to their people, which went to Pisa, and enforced [ 50] them to goe through the Duke of Ferrara's country, hee caused the Empe∣rour to declare himselfe their enemy, and procured the Pope to promise the Florentines to send them an hundred men at armes, and three Gallies, vn∣der the commaund of Captaine Villamarini, who should keepe all victualls

from entring into Pisa by sea, yet afterwards delaying to send them he did at last openly refuse it, fearing by fauoring them, to offend the Venetians, with whom he was desirous to ioyne.

Moreouer, Lodouico did draw Giouan Bentiuole with the State of Bolognia to his part, and caused the Florentines to take his sonne Alessandro into their pay, together with Octaniano de Riare Lord of Imola and Furli, with an hundred and fifty men at armes. He did in like manner cause the Lukeses to promise, neuer more to fauour the Pisans.

The Florentines hauing in vaine attempted to draw the Geneuois and Sie∣nois to their side, went into the field vnder the command of Paulo Vitelli their [ 10] General. The Pisans vnderstanding that the Florentines were abroad, raised their campe from before Ponte di Succo, and went to Cascina: where Vitelli placing an Ambuscado, assailed them, and slew many Stradiots, and tooke Franco their captaine prisoner with an hundred horse: In this manner did the Florentines an∣noy the city of Pisa, hauing taken diuers townes round about it, when they re∣ceiued some likely aduertizement from the Duke of Ferrara and others, that the Venetians would be content to harken vnto peace, prouided that they would proceed in the treaty, not as with their equals, but superiors. They then sent Ambassadors to Venice, to sound their meaning. Guido Antonio Vespuc•…•…, and Bernardo Rucelli two of the honorablest Citizens went thither, who after kinde [ 20] entertainment, beeing introduced to the Senate, after long disputation, concer∣ning meanes to satisfie both parties, neither the Venetians for Florentine Am∣bassadors would propound any, referring themselues to the Spanish Ambassa∣dor, who incited them to this accord: But the Venetians distasting his opinion, the Florentines returned back without any satisfaction.

This treaty broken, the Venetians on the one side, and Florentines on the o∣ther, beganne to strengthen their party with new leagues and treaties, the one with the Sienois, and the other with Pietro de Medicis and the Lord of Faonza, Lodouico still shewing himselfe very much affected to the Florentines.

The Venetians hope from Syen•…•…a and Perousa being by this meanes frustrate, [ 30] did by the assistance of Pietro de Medicis attempt to releeue Pisa, on Romagni∣as side, but in vaine. In the meane time Paulo Vitelli, Generall to the Floren∣tines, tooke the towne and castle of Librafa•…•…ta: whereat the Venetians being in∣censed, sought againe to draw the Marquis of Mantua to their pay, whom not long before they had dismissed (he leauing them by meanes of Al•…•…iana) the Flo∣rentines army being turned from Pisa, but so, as the whole burthen of warre fell vpon the Venetians, who wisely procured meanes of agreement: For although the Florentine Ambassadors departed from Venice, hopelesse of any accord, yet at Ferrara a new treaty of composition was made, propounded by the Duke, at the Venetians intreaty. [ 40]

During these troubles in Italy by reason of Pisa the new French King made preparations against the next yeere to inuade the Dutchy of Milan, where he hoped to haue the Venetians on his side, who mortally hating Lodouico, did particularly negociate with him; so did the Pope, who sent his sonne (which had cast of his Cardinals hat) into France, in secular habit, to carry a dispensation to the King to repudiate his wife Ioan•…•…, and to marry his Predecessors widdow. Caesar Borgia came to the French Court in great pompe, where the King very ho∣norably entertained him, giuing him a company of an hundred men at armes, a yeerely pention of 20000. French pounds, and made him Duke of Valence in Daulphine. Then desirous to pursue his iourney into Italy, hee made peace [ 50] with all Princes his neighbours, and especially with the Kings of Spaine, who presently called home not only all their Ambassadors from Italy (hee with the Pope excepted) but Gonsaluo with all his forces: The King likewise made an a∣greement with the Emperor, vnto whom, for his sonne the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sake hee

promised to surrender the townes in Artois. Hee did moreouer confirme the peace made by his predecessor with the King of England.

Whilest the Senate was busied in prouiding for the releefe of Pisa, newes came to Venice that the Turke prepared a great fleet, which caused them to send an Ambassador to him: for they were afraide that hee was offended with them because that toward the end of the precedent summer, Nicolo Priuli, Pro∣uidator of their fleet had on the Aegean Sea sunke a great ship belonging to one of his Bashas which first assailed the Prouidator. Zancani, whom the Senate sent, being come to Constantinople, had notice of the great numbers of vessels which the Turke had caused to be armed: The great Lord curteously entertai∣ned [ 10] him shewing no signe of discontent: He determined to assaile the Venetians whilest they should be busied in Lombardy with making head against Lodouicos forces, who had promised to inuade them in those parts.

Zancani intreating him to renew the league with the Signory, hee the better to deceiue him, granted it, giuing him the Articles of the league written in Latin. Now their law saith, that they are not bound to performe any thing vnlesse it be written in their owne language. Zancani aduertized thereof by Andre Gritti, a Venetian Gentleman, skilfull in the Turkish lawes and customes, and for his bounty and other good parts beloued of that nation, hauing dwelt a long time at Constantinople, was by him in some sort put in hope to haue them written [ 20] in the Turkish tongue, but not obtayning his desire, Zancani returned with the Articles in Latin, concealing what Gritti had told him, because his iourney should not be thought vaine.

Now the French King so soone as he had made peace with his neighbour Princes, and in his absence secured his Realme, made a Confederacy with the Venetians (not mentioning Pisa as he•…•… had done at the beginning) wherein it was concluded that at the same time as he with a mighty army should inuade the Dutchy of Milan, they on the other side from their frontiers should doe the like, and the Dutchy being wor•…•…▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the country of Gyradade should remaine to the Venetians, on this condition, that after this conquest they should [ 30] be bound to defend the King for a certaine time, with certaine number of horse and foot, the King being bound to do the like for Cremona and what soeuer they possessed in Lombardy. This contract was so secretly made, as Lodouico, nor yet the Pope who was very inward with the King, could (but very late) haue any certaine knowledge thereof.

The King, not mentioning Pisa, did afterwards propound conditions to the Florentines farre different from the former; wherevpon they resolued to rely on the Duke of Milan, by whose assistance their affaires prospered in the Casen∣tine territory, where they were Lords, their enemies hauing beene inforced to abandon the townes by reason of great difficulties. [ 40]

Lodouico who neuer imagined that the Venetians would haue leagued them∣selues with the French King, who was greater nad more potent then they, and least of all change his neighbourhood for that of the French, was wonderfully danted when he vnderstood that the league betwixt the King and Venetians was resolued, hee not knowing the particularities thereof. Hee was then ready to send Francesco of Sanseuerine with great forces to aide the Florentines, but hee detained them, vpon intelligence that Triuulcio leauied souldiers neere Ast. Hee likewise thought that if the accord betwixt the Venetians and Florentines should take effect, they would peraduenture moderate their indignation concei∣ued against him, and forsake the French King. Herein hee imployed Hercules [ 50] D'Aeste Duke of Ferrara his father in law, and by forcible reasons enforced the Florentines in some sort to condescend to the Venetians desire, sending them word that if they did not agree, he should be constrained for feare of the French King, to call home those forces he had sent to aide them.

Hercules the better to effect it came in person to Venice, whither Lodouico sent his Agents, and from the Florentins Giou•…•…n Baptista R•…•…dolfi, and Pa•…•…ic Antonio Soderini, two of the wisest and chiefest Citizens came thither: all which, after long disputation concerning the meanes to be obserued in that accord, made an absolute compromise for eigh•…•… daies, in the person of Hercules Duke of Ferrara, who hauing well considered the matter, did on the sixth of Aprill prouounce his sentence. But the Venetians, not satisfied therewith, in regard of the small consi∣deration had of their expences in warre; nor yet the Pisans, who obtained no∣thing but a seruile kind of liberty, contrary to the intention of most of the Vene∣tian nobility; nor the Florentines, who thought themselues ouer burthened, for [ 10] that they were to repay part of their expenses who had vniustly molested them, it tooke none effect, notwithstanding that the Venetians and Florentines had sig∣ned and ratified it, because that the Pisans determined to endure all extremity rather then to returne vnder the Florentines command; being there vnto secret∣ly incited by the Geneaois, Lukeses, and by Pandolfo Petrucci. And so soone as they vnderstood the tenure of the sentence, being wonderfully incensed against the Venetians, they tooke the gard of the Cities fortes, and gates, from their souldi∣ers, and would not longer suffer them to lodge in the City. The Florentines, des∣payring by this accord to obtaine Pisa, resolued to win it by force. King Lewis in the meane time commanded his forces to march into Italy, his army consisted [ 20] of 1600. Launces, 5000. Swisses, 4000. Gascons, and 4000. out of the other parts of France, whereof Giouan Iacomo Triuulcio was made Generall: This army comming before the fort of Arazza, seated on the riuer Tana•…•…e, took it in a short space, notwithstanding that there were fiue hundred footmen in it: from thence it went to Anon, a little towne betwixt Ast and Alexandria vpon the same Ri∣uer, which beeing battered in foure seuerall places, was in two daies taken by force, notwithstanding that the Duke of Milan some few monthes before had well fortified it, and placed seuen hundred men in Garrison there. The King came after as farre as Lyons, intending to passe the mounts, from whence he sent an Ambassador to Venice, for to accompany the Venetian army whether soe∣uer [ 30] it marched; to which so soone as it was ready, Melch•…•…or Treu•…•…san, and Marc Antonio Morosini were sent as Prouidators: And the Senate presented this French Ambassador, with a gallant horse ritchly caparisond, a pauillon for the field, and two pounds of gold.

The Venetians hauing intelligence of Triuulcio his good successe, caused their army to march, consisting of seuen thousand horse, and as many foot, which vn∣der the command of Aluiana, hauing crossed the Oglio, and entred the enemy country, did in a short space take diuers townes and castles; and comming be∣fore Carauagia, the chiefe City of the country, tooke it by force, with other townes neere the Riuer Adda. [ 40]

The end of the fifth Booke of the fourth Decade.

The Contents of the sixth Booke of the [ 10] fourth Decade.

LOdouico is troubled with the newes of the league be∣twixt the French King and Venetians against him. Alexandria is taken by the French. The Milaneses re∣uolt, and Triuulcio entreth Milan for the King. The Venetians take Cremona. King Lewis comes to Milan. [ 20] The Venetians fleet against Bajazeth. It sustaines great hurt by fire. The Turke takes Lepanto. Lodouico is receiued into Milan by the disloyalty of the Inhabitants. Lodouico, going forth of Nouara, is ta∣ken by the French and sent prisoner into France. The Venetians great warre with Bajazeth. The Venetians through want of winde at sea lose the battaile. The Turke takes Modon. Coron and the fort of Iunca are yeelded to the Turke on composition. Naples in Morea, beseeged by the Turke, is brauely de∣fended. The Isle of Samothrace yeeldeth to the Venetians. They take the City [ 30] of Cephalonia. Confederacy betwixt Ladislaus King of Hungary and the Venetians against the Turke: Peace betwixt the Venetians and Turke: The Portugals traffick to Calicut for spices: The castles of Moua and Faenza are re-deliuered to the Venetians: The Pope complaines against the Venetians in regard of the Cities of Romagnia: And lastly, are set downe the Venetians Ambassadors inuectiue to the Emperour Maximillian and French King a∣gainst the Pope.

[ 40]

The sixth Booke of the fourth Decade, [ 10] of the History of Uenice.

THese newes did greatly afflict Lodouico Sforza, putting him in feare of his State: who lost (as it often happeneth in sodaine Aduersities) both courage and councell, flying to bootlesse and vnprofitable remedies.

He sent an Ambassador to Venice to vse some meanes to [ 20] pacifie the Senate. This Ambassador comming first to Fer∣rara, Duke Hercules sent one of his Gentlemen before to the Senate with Lodoui∣cos letters, intreating them to suffer his Ambassador to come thither: The con∣tents of his letters were, that himselfe and his brother Ascanio sent an Ambassa∣dor to them on great and important affaires, requesting them to giue him audi∣ence. The Senate hauing read both their letters, commanded the Ferrarois pre∣sently to leaue the City, and gaue Lodouicos letters to the French Ambassador.

At the same time Frederick King of Naples did by his Ambassador acquaint the Senate with his desire to send fiue hundred horse to Lodouicos aide. The Se∣nate told the Ambassador, that hee should make his King this answer; That the Cauallery he intended to send to the Duke of Milan would doe him small good, [ 30] he hauing need of farre greater forces; and that if he should send him any, they would take it as a wrong done to themselues: adding, that there was no man li∣uing who had receiued more fauors and benefits of them, then hee; which he had requited with ingratefull iniuries: That the time was now come when God was his enemy, whom hee had so often offended by his disloyalty and periury, and that therefore his King should doe much better to leaue him to him selfe.

In the end, Lodouico, frustrate of all hope, made meanes to the people of Milan, who extreamely hated him for his great exactions: and hauing assembled them, he did acquit and release part of his imposts to them, and therevnto added very [ 40] earnest speeches to winne their loues, which were heard with more atten∣tion then profit: that done, hee enroled all those in the City that were able to beare armes.

The Venetian army in the meane time still preuailed, and after the taking of the towne and •…•…astle of Carauagia, crossed the Riuer Adda, on a bridge of boats, and made incursions as farre as Lodi. The French army on the other side beseeg∣ed Alexandria, where Galleas, Lodouicos sonne in law, lay with twelue hundred men at armes, twelue hundred light horse and three thousand foot, who the third night after the seege, acquainting none of his captains with his intent, but only Maluezza, did secretly flie from Alexandria to Milan, with certaine light∣horse. [ 50] His departure knowne in the city, as many as tarried behind beganne, in tumultuous manner, some to flie, others to hide themselues: wherevpon the French army entring it by day breake, did not only ransacke the souldiers, but sack't the whole city.

The taking of Alexandria caused those of Placentia to send their Commi∣ssioners to Triuulcio with their Cities keyes; the like did those of Pauia, and all other townes round about. There was the like confusion at Milan as in other places, where the foot companies demanding pay, Lodouico sent them to his cheefe Treasurer, who giuing them no satisfaction was by them wounded and left for dead.

This accident did so terrifie Lodouico, as he sent his children to Coma, toge∣ther his with mistris, (for his wife was dead) Cardinall Ascanio his brother, and Cardinal Sanseuerine brother to Galeas, and from thence into Germany, himselfe resoluing ere long to goe thither. The Milaneses perceiuing Lodouico to de∣strust [ 10] his owne forces, made an assembly in their towne-house, where they appoin∣ted foure of the chiefe among them to take order for their affaires. These com∣ming to Lodouico told him that they were resolued to yeeld to the French King seeing that in distrust he had sent his children and family forth of the City: So soone as he heard this, he caused pay to be giuen to fiue hundred light-horse and with teares in his eyes, departed with them and Galeas of Sanseuerin his sonne in law towards Germany. He was scarce gonne forth of the castle, when Count Gayazza came to him, and the better to collour his disloyalty told him, that he now thought himselfe freed from the martiall oth which he had made him, see∣ing that he abandoned his State, and that he was now at liberty to goe whether [ 20] it pleased him; and at the very instant not tarrying for an answer, went his way to serue the French King, with the same company which he had leauied and en∣tertained at Lodouicos cost. Before his departure from Milan, hee left Bernardin de Corte of Pauia, whom he had brought vp of a child, to gard the castle, whereof he was then Gouernor, with three thousand footmen, vnder captaines whom he greatly trusted, with prouision of victuals, munition, and money sufficient to de∣fend it for a long time, preferring this man before his brother Ascanio, who had offered to take that charge vpon him.

Foure daies after his departure Triuulcio, sent for by the Milaneses, entred the City, where he was receiued with great ioy, reseruing the capitulations till the [ 30] Kings comming; all other townes of the Dutchy which yet held out, yeelded on a sodaine. The Venetians comming nere Cremona, the townesmen sent to en∣treate them to grant them some respit to consider vpon their yeelding. This granted, they sent to Triuulcio, to request him to receiue them for the King, for they abhorted the Venetians gouernment but answered, that by agreement made betwixt the King and them, that city was theirs, the chiefest Citizens, with the Bishop and Clergy, went to the Gates and there receiuing the Prouidators, placed them vnder a Canopy, and in this manner accompanied them through the City to their lodging, where they intreated the Venetians to free them from the taxes and impositions where with Lodouico had opprest them, the which was [ 40] presently granted.

There is in that City, a very strong castle which being well furnished with all necessaries, it was a hard matter to take it. Antonio Battaglione was Gouernor there, vnto whom Lodouico had committed the guard of that place. The next day the Prouidators sent to him, willing him to yeeld vp the castle to the Vene∣tian State: at first he made refusall, but after sundry messages too and fro, the Prouidators•…•…ntred it by meanes of an hundred and fifty pounds of gold, which they paied him, some in hand, and the rest by promise, with letters of a Venetian Gentlemans place, and an house in Venice, and an other in the country neere to Padua with diuers other lands. [ 50]

The same day that the Venetians entred the castle of Cremona, Triuulcio did the like into that of Milan, which was yeelded vnto him by Berdardino de Corte, with al Lodouicos and Galleas ritch mouables in recompence of a certaine summe of money, a company of an hundred Launces, and a perpetuall pension.

Cremona obeying the Venetians, the Senate sent two Presidents thither to gouerne it, and to doe iustice, Dominico Treuisan, and Nicola Foscarin•…•… were sent thither: and beside these, two Ambassadors were chosen, and all foure of them appointed to goe to Milan to receiue the King, and in the States name to con∣gratulate his new conquest; so soone as he should ariue there.

The King receiuing newes at Lyons of such fortunate successe his expectatio∣on, rode presently in post to Milan, where receiued with in credible ioy, hee granted to the people, vnreasonable in their demands, exemption from diuers t•…•…xes, but not from all, as they vainely presumed, and gaue great rewards to ma∣ny Milanese Gentlemen, and among others to Triuulcio, vnto whom he gaue [ 10] Vigeua and other townes, in acknowledgement of his desert. All the Poten∣tates of Italy went thither to him (King Frederick excepted) some personally and some by Ambassadors, some to congratulate his happy successe, and others to cleere themselues from imputation of inclyning to Lodouico Sforza more then to him, and others likewise to secure their owne euer after. The King gently re∣ceiued them all, and compounded with them all, but after different manner, ac∣cording to the diuersity of the conditions, and greatnesse of the profit he expec∣ted from them. But whilest these things were done in Lombardy, the Senate ha∣uing intelligence that Bajazeth armed by sea and land, made Antonio Grimany Generall of their Naual army, commanding him speedily to depart. [ 20]

He vnwilling to prolong his iourney for want of money, their treasure bee∣ing much wasted by continuall warre, lent the State foure score pounds of gold to pay the marriners and other officers of the fleet, and promised to car∣ry as much with him to Corfou and other places to supply the fleets want when need should be.

Those of Corfou vpon intelligence that the Turkish fleet was vnder saile, and that the State was not able in a short space to set forth a Nauy able to resist it offered men and money to arme three score vessels, prouided that the Senate would furnish them with bread and ordnance. The Senate willingly accepted this offer, and command a florin of gold to be giuen to euery man which should [ 30] enter into those vessels.

The Gouernor of Zara aduertized the Senate that two thousand Turkish horse were entred on their confines, and had taken great numbers of the country peo∣ple, still continuing their incusions. The arriuall of the Turkish cauallery on the Zaratin made the Venetians thinke that they would not at that time beseege Rhodes. Wherevpon, they forthwith made two Prouidators, namely, Francesco Cicogna for Morea and Romania, and Andrea Loredano for Corfou: and beside these, Andres Zancani was with forces sent into Frioull, because they had intelli∣gence that the Turke determined to come thither.

In the meane time, the Turkish fleet came forth of the Streight, consisting of [ 40] more then two hundred three score and tenne saile, and beeing come neere Negrepont, directed it course towards Romagnia, the great Lord being there in person, who before his departure from Andrinople, commanded all the Ve∣netians which were in Constantinople to bee imprisoned, and amongst others Andrè Gritti (before mentioned) who was more streighty looked to then any o∣ther, for that in loue to his Country, he had by letters written in caractery aduer∣tized the Gouernor of Lepanto of al the Turks proceedings against his country, which had like to haue cost him his life. Grimani hauing speedily assembled all the vessels which were in the Islands neere adioyning, made vp the number of forty six Gallies, seuenteene great marchant ships, and forty other lesser ones, [ 50] with as many brigantines and light vessels, and anchoring at Modon, had an eye on euery side vpon the Turke.

Hauing intelligence that the enemy was comming to seeke him, hee sailed

with all his nauy towards the Isle of Sapienza opposite to Modon: and there embarrailed his fleete, and hauing giuen order for all matters necessary for fight himselfe went somewhat forward with foure Gallies, the Turkish fleet being not farre from thence, which with the winde hee might haue assailed at his plea∣sure: yet he deferred the fight and returned backe to Modon: where after that the Turke had in a few daies made two or three seuerall brauadoes, Grimani ordered his fleete, resoluing to fight with him, when at the very instant Andrea Loretano with eleauen Brigantines and foure great ships arriued; hee came to Grimani and told him that hee was come to doe seruice to the State, intre•…•…∣ting him to commaund what hee would haue him doe. Hee was a valliant [ 10] Gentleman, and skilfull marriner, and at his arriuall the whole fleete made great signes of ioy. The Generall placed him in one of the great ships.

Albano Armerico commanded an other great shippe, who in open Coun∣cell was enioyned by the Generall to assaile the enemies biggest ship, which he performed, and Loretan an other, who grapled with it to fight more conue∣niently: and in the bickering wild fire was throwne into the enemies ship which beeing on fire, was by the winde carried amongst the Venetians and fie∣red them: This accident did more hurt to the Venetians then Turkes, be∣cause that they did easily saue their men with other small vessels, but our men [ 20] could not bee reskewed in time, so that they all perrished, some few excep∣ted with Tomaso Duodo recouered in his long boate, Albano was saued by the Turkes.

Grimani wonderfully troubled with this losse, sounded the retreate, and with∣out any farther fight retired to the Isle of Podroma: the Turkish fleet for a time remained in the selfe same place where it had fought. Albano, brought to Constantinople was solicited by Bajazeth to turne Turke, which he boldly refu∣sing to doe, was sawed a sunder in the middle and so constantly died.

The French King, solicited by the great Master of Rhodes (whether it was reported the Turke would come) to releeue him, dispatched two and twenty Gallies, which beeing rigged in Prouence sailed towards Rhodes. But that Is∣land [ 30] needing no supplies as then, they did by the Kings command ioyne with the Venetian fleet. The Venetians and French comming to Zant, resolued to assaile the Turkish fleet which lay at Tornes: but drawing neere it, perceiuing that the enemies vessels lay with their poopes to land ward, and their prowes towards the sea, filled sixe small vnseruiceable vessels with reedes and other combustible matter mingled with wilde fire, and sent them before the winde vpon the enemies fleet, but it succeeded not according to their hope. And Grimani in the meane time omitted a second opportunity to fight with, and vanquish the enemy, wherevpon, an other being sent into his place, and him∣selfe cited to Venice, he was committed to the examination of the Councell de [ 40] Pregati. The Turkish fleet went forward to Lepanto, whither the Emperour was already come, and by the arriuall of his vessels hauing beguirt the towne by sea and land, those within it despayring of releefe, and wanting all necessaries, yeelded. These newes did greatly trouble the Venetians, and augmented their hatred toward Grimani, euery man saying, if he had done his duty, the enemies fleet would haue beene defeated.

The Turkish Cauallery on the other side, scouring the confines of Zara, en∣tred Frioull to spoile and wast, and finding the country not defended, spoiled and burned all places as farre as Liuenza, where they tooke many prisoners: vp∣on these newes Zancani with great forces was sent to the frontiers. [ 50]

Seuen thousand of the enemies horse came in troupes through very badde waies into Histria, and then crossing the Riuer Liuenza, came and encamped nere vnto Gradisca, where Zancani lay, determining if hee came into the field to

fight with him. But the enemies Generall perceiuing that he meant not to come forth, sent two thousand horse to wast and spoile the Cuntry, whom hee com∣manded to make no long stay.

These disperfing themselues ouer that goodly Contrey, tooke many prisoners burning and wasting many Contrey houses, both on the Treuisan and Paduan territories. Three hundred Albanese horse fallied forth of Vdina, and defeated some hundred of the Turkes, if Zancani with his forces had done the like, the Turke would haue receiued a great ouerthrow, but he would not suffer any one to goe forth of the Towne: whereof, accused at Venice, hee was sent for thither [ 10] as a prisoner, and by a Decree of Senate confind for foure yeares to Padua.

On such termes stood the Venetian State at home and abroad, when Cesar Borgia with the King and Senates forces, went into Romagnia to beseege cer∣taine townes which of right did belong to the Church, & being conquered Pope Alexander gaue them to his sonne.

This Borgia, was a Cardinall (as hath beene sayd) and casting off his robe and Hatte of Cardinall, married a wife in France. Hee comming before Imo∣la and Furli, after some assaults enforced the inhabitants to yeeld; but the Castles which were very strong held out longer, especially that of Furli, for the other yeelded sooner. [ 20]

The Senate in the meane time to secure their owne territories during the warre in Romagnia, sent three thousand foot, and two thousand horse to Rauen∣na, vnder Aluianaes command, to distribute them through the territories of the Confederates neere adioyning, with two prouidators, Francesco Capello and Christophoro Moro, the one for Arimini, and the other for Faenza: So soone as Borgia had taken the Castle of Furli, Gionan Sforza Lord of Pessa•…•…e, knowing that Borgia hated him, fearing least he would come and assaile him, was desirous to commit himselfe and State to the Venetians protection. The Senate answe∣red that they would neuer defend one that had been so great an enemy to them: for he had concealed the Ambassador which Lodouico sent to the Turke against the State of Venice, and furthered his passage: The like had hee done by the [ 30] Turkes messenger sent to Lodouico, whom he entertained in his house, and cau∣sed him secretly to be conducted to Milan, himselfe likewise hauing often acquain∣ted the Turke with the occurrents in Venice.

Borgia deferred his punishment till some other time, because Triuulcio was in∣forced to call back those troopes which hee had lent him, by reason of some tu∣mults feared in Milan, in regard of Lodouicos arriual, who had brought some smal aid forth of Germany, with which, and by their assistance who distasted the French, he hoped to recouer what he had lost. The Senate presently commanded their forces, both horse and foot, to passe into the Cremonese, leuied three thou∣sand Suisses, and appointed Pietro Marsello and Christophoro Moro prouidators in [ 40] that warre.

Lodouico comming at the same time to Coma, tooke it without strokes: for the French within it fearing to be shut in betwixt the Inhabitants, and Lodouicos troopes, went their way. Hee sent his brother Ascanio before to Milan, from whence the King, not long before, was gone home into France; hauing left a strong Garrison in the Citty, and Triuulcio his Gouernour Generall in the Dut∣chy: but the Lombards not so well rewa•…•…ded by the King as they had expected, prooued false to him & refused to obey Triuulcio, who was cheefe of the Guelph faction, for the Gibeline party was very strong in the Citty: wherevpon, the most [ 50] of the Nobllity and people, desirous of innouation, wisht for Lodouicos returne, and openly proclaimed his name, and so soone as they heard of the losse of Co∣ma, and that Ascanio was not farre from Milan, the people rose, and the cheefe of the Gibelline faction, began to tumult: so as Triuulcio was glad to retire to the Castle: and the night following from thence to Nouara.

The morrow after Cardinall Ascanio entred Milan, Lodouico followed him, who by this meanes recouered it as easily as it was lost; Pauia and Parma presently ecchoed his name: Lodi and Placentia would haue done the like, had not the Venetian companies by their arriuall preuented it. The Senate aduertised of this reuolt, determined to send a man of worth to command the Castle of Cre∣mona. Lodouico in the meane time, desirous to haue the Senate his friend, made sute that Ascanio his brother might send the Bishop of Cremona to Venice, to offer them his seruice: but it was in vaine, for the Senate resolued not to quitte the French Kings confederacy. The Genois refused to obey him, and the Flo∣rentines contemned him. [ 10]

The King in the meane time hauing intelligence of the rebellion of Milan, v∣sed great speed and sent the Lord Trimouille into Italy with six hundred lances, leuied great numbers of Suisses, and appoynted the Cardinall of Ambois his Lieuetenant Generall beyond the mounts, who comming to Ast, had in short space assembled one thousand fiue hundred lances, ten thousand Suisse, and 6000. French vnder the command of the Lords Trimouille, Trivulcio and Ligni.

Lodouico before these supplies came from France, went and beseeged Nouara, which hee tooke▪ but not the Castle. The French Army assembled at Mortara drew neere him, and did cut off his victualls: then both sides falling to blowes, [ 20] Lodouico was enforced to retire into the Citty; where the Suisses mutined for want of pay; hee being not able to pacifie them. They told him that they would sodenly depart home into their country; wherevpon hee earnestly entreated them to safe-conduct him to some secure place, which they denying did at last consent that hee should march amongst them disguised like one of their foot∣men, and in this maner marching amiddest their troopes was by them discouered to those that sought after him, who presently apprehended him as the Kings prisoner and sent him into France to the tower of Loches,

His brother Ascanio followed him, who taken by the Venetians and carried to Venice was deliuered to the King and sent into France, where hee was more ho∣norably and with greater curtesie entertayned then his brother, for hee was sent [ 30] prisoner to the great tower of Bourges, where the same King had beene impri∣soned two whole yeares: yet afterwards hee was enlarged, but this brother dyed in prison.

Now to returne to the Turks. After the taking of Lepanto, the Senate despatcht Lodouico Manenti, Secretary to the Councell of ten, to Bajazeth, to complaine for that hee had without cause inuaded them by sea, and had contrary to the trea∣ty of peace made not long before with him in the Signories name by Andrew Zancani their Ambassador, and to entreate him to enlarge the Venetian Mar∣chants, which by his commandement at the beginning of the warre had beene imprisoned. That it might likewise please him to surrender Lepanto vnto them, [ 40] which hee vniustly had taken from them. And lastly if hee would grant none of these, yet at least to renue the League with them.

Two things moued the Senate to send this Ambassage; the one, because some that were very inward with the great Lord, had written to them, that if they sent an Ambassador to Constantinople, they might be reconciled to his fauour: the second, for that they considered how chargeable it would bee for them, if they should bee enforced to set forth a new Army against him, their treasure both publick and particular beeing exhausted. Whereby all their attempts would proue vaine and vnprofitable against so mighty an enemy.

Manenti ariuing at Constantinople, all his demandes were crost: for the [ 50] Turke answered, that if the Venetians were desirous of peace with him, they should deliuer vnto him, Modon, Coron, and Naples, three Citties which they held in Morea, and pay vnto him as his tributaries an hundred pound in gould yearely: otherwise hee protested to make warre vppon them.

with this answer Manenti returned. But because at Manenti his departure from Venice, there was a report, that great numbers of Turkish horse were come into Albania: the Senate fearing least the desire to spoile the Country of Frioul, might draw them thither, as the precedent yeare, appointed Pietro Doria, and An∣gelo Barozzi Prouidators, who taking along with them the Gouernor of Vdina and others of the Country should consult together about repairing and forti∣fying the townes and wayes necessary and fit to repulse the enemy; giuing them for assistants Aluiana with his light horse, and Gurlin of Rauenna with two thou∣sand foote. Pietro Marcello likewise one of the Prouidators of the Army in Lom∣bardy, was commanded to carry forces into Frioul, but the Turkes came not thi∣ther [ 10] at that time, because their Emperour called home their Generall to Constantinople.

This report againe reuiued about Midsommer, that the Turkish army was in field to waste the Venetians confines, Count Petillan with a great part of the for∣ces, and Giouan Baptista Caracciola Colonell of the States Fantery, did by the Se∣nates command march into Frioull, where all the inhabitants of the plaines re∣tired with their goods to the Castles and strong Townes: yet the enemies came not thither, eyther for that they had intelligence▪ that the townes were fortified, or else beeing imployed by their Emperor in the warre of Peloponessus.

Manenti was newly returned to Venice, when the Senate fearing to loose the [ 20] Isle of Corfou, sent Angelo Quirini and Lodouico Canalis, with a hundred foote to gard the two fortes of the Island which are seated on two Promontaries neere one another, and not farre from the Citty, beeing so small, as they needed no greater forces to defend them. Newes was afterwards brought that the Turkish fleete which had wintered at Lepanto much increased, determined to saile into Morea (their Emperor beeing with them in person) to take those townes which hee had demanded of Manenti.

Herevpon the Senate commanded ten great Galleys, and foure great ships to bee made ready vnder the command of Iacomo Venieri, with a particular Cap∣taine to euery vessell, whose pay was augmented, the better to incite them to goe [ 30] the voyage. Rowers were sent for from the firme land, and money giuen to pay the fleete, diuerse Brigantines and other lesser vessels apt for warre, were rig'd to attend vpon the fleete. Melchior Treuisan which lay not farre from Cephalonia, to keepe out all Turkish ayde, beeing assured of the enemies deseigne, made spee∣dy meanes to send men, victuals and ordnance from Candy to Naples, because all men thought that the Turke would make his first attempt there: hee likewise sent victuals to Modon.

The Modonois hauing wasted the countrey round about their Citty, and burnt the houses, because the enemy should not make vse of them, builded a Forte neere to the Hauen, to keepe the enemies vessels from the walls, leauing but a [ 40] little space at the entrie of the hauen, for one ship to come in at once. Melchior Treuisan beeing come to Zant, sent for the whole fleete thither, consisting of seuenty vessels, both Galleys and ships of burthen: but that of the Turke in num∣ber more then two hundred, comming to the confines of Naples, had sent part of the cauallery before by land to scoure as far as the city. The horse within the town to the number of one thousand fiue hundred, made a sally vpon the enemies, and in a manner defeated them all. Therevpon, the enemy leauing Naples went to Modon, from whence hee sent forces to besiege Iunca, which is a Castle seated on a hill with a hauen beneath it some ten mile from Modon. Those within it hauing beene newly supplyed with men and victuals by Ieronimo Contaren the [ 50] Prouidator did brauely repulse the enemies, so as despairing to take it, they re∣turned to their fleet. In the meane time Melchior Treuisan fell sick and dyed neere to Cephalonia, wherevpon by a Generall consent, Contaren the Prouidator was chosen to command the Army, till the Senate had otherwise prouided.

The Turke came and assailed the Burrow of Modon, and with his Canon did beat downe a great part of the wall, those within it being out of hope to defend the breach carried away all their goods into the Citty, and abandoned it. The ene∣my entred it, and hoping ere long to become Lord of all, did without intermissi∣on batter the walles of the Citty.

Whilest this siege lasted, Contaren left Zant, determining if it were possible to releeue Modon, or at least to annoy the enemies fleete, whose great ships lay neere Sapienza, and the Galleys and other lesser vessels in the Hauen of Iunca: So soone as the Venetian descried them, hee resolued to fight with them, and ordering his fleete, did brauely set forward. The Turke seeing them to come on, [ 10] receiued them with an hundred Galleys, the fight was sharpe and cruell, victory inclining to the Venetians, so as the Turkes were once ready to make towards the shore and flie. But the misfortune was, that whilest they fought the winde slackned, whereby the shippes of burthen could neither goe backward nor for∣ward, and part of the Galleys durst not come vp to them: the Turkes seeing this, tooke courage and renued the fight for three houres space, till night, one great Venetian Galley was sunke, and an other taken, but all her men slaine, who alone had fought all night with the enemy. Contarens Galley beeing shotte thorow both sides, and a great leake in her, himselfe leapt into an other and retired to Zant, to trim his vessels which were much bruzed. [ 20]

The Senate hauing notice of Treuisans sicknesse and death, chose Benedetto Pesare to succeed him, who receiuing money to pay the Army, departed from Venice three dayes after his election. Contaren hauing trim'd his Galleys, resol∣ued to releeue Modon, fearing least the besieged dispairing of helpe should yeeld to the enemy: Hee chose fiue Galleys out of the whole fleete, which hee loded with all necessaries: yet before their departure, hee thought good to ad∣uertise the besieged thereof, that they might bee ready to receiue supplies. To this end hee sent a valiant and couragious fellow in a Frigate with tenne Oares: Hee at noone dayes passed thorow the enemies fleete, euen in their view, and entred Modon, dooing his message. [ 30]

The next day Contaren with the whole fleete, sayled towards Modon, and beeing in sight of the enemy, hee called for the Captaines of those fiue Galleys, intreating them valiantly to releeue the besieged, foure of them with great difficulty passing thorow the middest of the enemies, entred the Hauen; the fifth, slower then the rest, perceiuing diuerse of the enemy Galleys to come vp towards her, returned to the fleet.

The Modonois greatly cheered, ranne presently to the Hauen to receiue those supplies and to carry them into the Citty, and they were so earnest in it, as those on the other side of the Citty which were on the walls forsooke their guard, and ranne thither likewise, so as the walls were bared of defence; which [ 40] the enemy perceiuing, and loth to let slippe so faire an occasion, reared Lad∣ders, and entred the Citty, killing some few that resisted. This being knowne, the Townesmen and Soldiers ranne vppon them, and fought valiantly with them a long time in the middest of the Citty, killing great numbers of them. But the multitude of enemies still increasing, and all the streetes stopt, the Christians were in a manner all cut in peeces. Those which escaped the slaugh∣ter, fired the Citty, and with it burnt themselues and goods.

In this manner was the Citty of Modon taken: The Venetian Magistrate beeing tyed in chaines, was by the Turkes command carried to Iunca, to bee seene of the Captaine of the Castle, and all those within it, who thervpon yeelded, [ 50] their liues and goods saued. As the Venetian fleet returned towards Zant, an hor∣rible tempest arose, which dispersed them into sundry farre Islands, euen to Candie, their masts, rudders and tacklings beeing all broken in peices. Modon

taken, the Turke sent one of his Baschas and part of his fleet to Coron, who told them that if vppon honorable composition the would yeeld before he besee∣ged them, he would vse them curreously, otherwise, if they stayed till the Canon were planted, he would put them all to the sword. They terrified with the desaster of the Modonois, without respect to the Magistrates or Captaines, who had pre∣pared all thinges for defence, did vpon very profitable conditions receiue the Bascha into their walls.

The Turke supposing to take Naples in the same manner, and as soone as hee had done Coron, sent part of his army to their Confines, and sent thither with [ 10] his Captaines, euen to the Citty gates, Paul Contaren a Venetian Gentleman that was married in Coron, and well knowne in those Cuntryes, who after Coron was taken, the Turke tooke along with him to this end, to perswade the Neapo∣litans to yeeld. He conferring with those in the Citty concerning their yeelding, and standing vppon the edge of the Dike right ouer against the Gate, did on a suddaine and vnperceiued spur his horse, and leaping into the Dike presently en∣tred the Citty. The Neapolitans both by his aduice, and being willing of them∣selues, did very valiantly repulse all the enemies attempts; and did moreouer as occasion was offerred, make very fortunate sallies. And the Turke sending for his whole army thither, thereby thinking to terrifie them, they despised all his threa∣tenings, [ 20] and brauely defended themselues.

In the meane time, Pesare comming to Corfou, and from thence to Zant, tar∣ried there, till the fleet, dispersed by tempest, was revnited. The Vessells trimmed and made ready, there were 18. great Gallies and 25. lesser ones, and 20. shipps well rigde and armed; with these hee determined to seeke the enemies fleet and fight with it. But the Tuke hauing intelligence of his comming to Zant comman∣ded his Baschas to raise the Seege, and to carry back the fleet to Constantinople, and himselfe, with his whole army departed from thence the next day. Pesare at the same time sent a Fregate to Naples to view the enemy fleet: but perceiuing they were gon, he sailed to Legina, which the Turke had taken during the seege of Na∣ples, where landing his soldiers, hee tooke the Fort, and slew all the Turkes within [ 30] it, reseruing the Captaine for his prisoner, and restored the Island to the Veneti∣an State. From thence he went to Mittilyn, where he did the like, giuing the spoile to his soldiers and marriners. The next day he sailed to Tenedos which he burnt downe to the ground. And finding the enemies fleet, which fled at the mouth of the Straight, he gaue in vppon their taile, and tooke diuers vessells and many pri∣soners, whom, vpon Gibets set vp on the two shores that diuide the confines of Europe and Asia he hanged; and afterwards spoiled and wasted the Contrey with fire and sword.

From thence he directed his course to the Isle of Samothrace, where vnderstan∣ding that the Islanders obeyed the Turke on constraint, he sent Lodouico Canalis [ 40] to them, to know if they would yeeld to the Venetians: they willingly accepted the offer, and he promised to giue them a Venetian Gentleman for Gouernour, vnto whom for his entertainment they offered to giue the tenth part of their reuenues.

Then after that he had taken and sackt Carista, hee returned with his fleet to Na∣ples loden with spoile: and hauing there made a reuiew of his forces, hee did by his bounty highly please and content his soldiers. And vpon intelligence that the King of Spaines fleet, commanded by Gonsaluo Ferdinandes, came to aid the Venetians and was at Zant, hee sailed thitherward, and passing along by Iunca, he caused Charles Contarens head to be cut off vpon the Prow of his Galley, who [ 50] commanding that Castle for the Signory, which was exceeding strong, both by nature and art, had yeelded it to the enemy vppon the first summons, not beeing enforced by a seege.

Beeing come to Zante, hee there found Gonsaluo, with whom and the Spanish Captaines that were with him, hauing consulted vpon the affaires of warre, by their aduise and consent of the Prouidators, hee determined to goe and be∣siege Modon: But because they wanted store of vessels, they sent all their workemen to Cephalonia (which a bounds in woods and Forrests,) to cut downcitees.

Whilest some were busied in cutting of wood, because they would not loose time, they resolued to besiege the towne of Cephalonia, because the Turkes should not say that two fleetes vnited, durst not assaile them. This thus re∣solued, Pesare and Gonsaluo, caused Ordnance to bee brought from the shippes [ 10] to batter the walls; and giuing euery man his charge, they were desirous to make tryall of the valour of those within the tower, who were in number three hundred.

The same day as they would haue begun the battery, there fell such store of raine, as they were enforced to deferre it till some other time. The weather at last beeing faire, the Ordnance was planted against the walls, where after a breach made, an assault was giuen; but the enemies did with all sorts of wea∣pons so valiantly desend themselues, as the towne could not bee taken, so as our men were enforced to retire, and great numbers of them hurt. The Ge∣neralls thus repulsed, raised a mount higher then the enemies fortifications, from [ 20] which they might easily see whatsoeuer was done in the citty: and then gaue an other furious assault, where the Venetians and Spaniards so brauely behaued themselues, as they constrained the Turkes to retire into the Forte, who within a while after yeelded to Gonsaluo, fearing the Venetians indignation whom they had so often deluded and offended.

During the siege of Cephalonia, the Castle of Iunca returned to the Vene∣tians, by meanes of one called Demetrius of Modon, who practised it with an Albanese, a friend of his, which was of the garde of the Castle: where killing fiftie Turkes that lay there in garrison, and enforcing the rest to leape ouer the walles, they became Maisters of the place, whether Pesare presently sent [ 30] Ieronimo Pisani, the Prouidator with forces, and after him Siluestro Troni for Iudge. In this manner in a short space they tooke Cephalonia and Iunca. Gonsaluo who had already made warre at sea many moneths, percei∣uing that Pesare deferred the siege of Modon till some other fitte time, and that the enemies had strongly fortified it since the recouery of Iunca, re∣turned into Sicely. Pesare presented him with fiue hundred peeces of Malmsey, and seuenty thousand weight of sweet meates of all sorts, which the Senate had sent him from Venice.

Pesare, aduertised that the enemy had made certaine Galleys at Preueze, and that some of them were already lanched, sayled thether with foure∣teene [ 40] well armed Galleys, and drew them thence, notwithstanding all the ene∣mies resistance, and directed his course to Corfou, there to trimme his vessels, and to review his fleete. The Senate in the meane time recompenced those who had well deserued in that warre, as well those that were liuing, as their heires that were dead. The Precedent yeare, the state had sent an Ambassador to Ladislaus King of Hungary, to mooue him to warre vpon the Turke, who after a long discourse, did in the Senates name make a league and confederacie with him, by which the King was bound, to make warre on the Turke with his whole force, and the Venetians to giue the King yearely, at three distinct times, three thousand pounds of gold. The Pope would needs make one in this [ 50] treatie of peace, and sent a Cardinall thither for his Legate, promising for three yeares space, to giue foure hundred pounds of gold yearely to the same King. Pesare hauing repaired his fleete, determined to burne the Turkish

Galleis at the mouth of the riuer Bojan: but this enterprize tooke none effect because that the Turkes had inteligence of it, who fearing the like danger as at Pre•…•…ese, with-drew their vessels fourteene miles vp the riuer from sea. The Turke at the same time recouered the Castle of Iunca.

Pesari returning to Corfou had inteligence that the enemies Galleis vppon the riuer Bojan would shortly come forth, hee sent certaine of his Galleis thither to keepe them in; himselfe in the meane time with the rest of the fleet consisting of fiue and twenty Gallies returned into Morea, where from the confines of Coron, hee laded his Gallies with great numbers of men, women and young children, carrying them into Cephalonia desolute of inhabitants. From thence [ 10] hee returned to Corfou, expecting the French King, and King of Portugalls fleet.

Whilest these things were done abroade, Prince Augustino Barbadico dyed at home, hauiuing gouerned the Common-wealth fifteene yeare: and in his place, according to the vsuall manner, Leonardo Loredano, a man wise and noble, was chosen.

[illustration]

LEONARDO LOREDANO [ 20] the 75. Duke.

[ 30]

AT the first great Councell held after he was made Prince, Benedetto Pesare, Captaine General of the fleet, was made [ 40] Procurator of Saint Marke in steed of Philippo Troni, who was newly dead. In his time the French Fleet went to ayde the Venetians against the Turke, the like did that of Portugall, according to both those Kings promises, but they came not both at one time, nor to one place, for that of Portugall went to Corfou, and the French to Zant, and yet neither the one or other did any great seruice to the State, which hauing long time mainetained warre against the Turke, alone of it selfe, and in the company of the King of Hungary, did at last make peace when it least thought thereof. [ 50]

For those beeing redeemed, who at the beginning of the warre were impriso∣ned at Constantinople, Andre Gritti was one of the number▪ who returning to Venice, was by his Contrey-men kindly welcomed home. He brought letters to the Senate from Achmet, one of Baziazets cheefe Captaines, which contained,

that if they were desirous to end the warre they should send one to Con∣stantinople to treat of the conditions of peace, and that hee would bee their freind.

The Senate vppon these letters sent word to Pesare to dissolue the fleet, twen∣ty Gallies excepted which he should keepe with him, and wrote to Ladislaus King of Hungary, (sending him Achmets letters) that they determined to send an A∣gent to Constantinople, intreating him to doe the like, to the end peace might be made with more honor. Ladislaus vnderstanding the Senates determination did highly commend it, and promised to grant what they demanded: But the King prolonged the matter, because if the Senate made peace with the Turke, [ 10] vnles there were som new agreement betwixt them, he should be depriued of the yearly sum which the Signory gaue him: wherevpon the Venetian Ambassadors that were in Hungary fearing to prolong the treaty with the Turke, granted that the three thousand pounds of gold which they paid him yearely towards the war, should (if peace were made) be reduced to three hundred pounds of gold so long as Baiazet liued.

In the mean time Baiazeth made peace with the Sophi, & therby finding himselfe more fit to continue warre against the Venetians, grew haughty, and told Ach∣met that he would not haue peace with the Venetians, except they would rede∣liuer the Isle of Saint Maur which not long before they had taken from him. The [ 20] Senate aduertized thereof by Achmets letters written to Gritti, and sent by an expresse messenger, vnwilling any longer to consume them selues in expence by continuing the warre, quitted that Island to Baiazeth, and made peace with him, reseruing the Isle of Cephalonia to them selues, in old time called Leucadia.

The Venetians were much troubled for that the King of Portugall forestalling their traffick, had appropriated vnto himselfe the trade for spices, which their ves∣sels and Marchants bringing from Alexandria, did with meruailous profit vent into all places of Christendome: For the Portugalls going by Sea into those re∣mote partes, and in the Indian Sea insinuating themselues into the friendship of [ 30] the Kings of Calicut, and other lands their neighbors, haue gotten to themselues the Commerce for spices which the Alexandrian Marchants before were wont to haue: and bringing them home into Portugall, send them by sea into those places whether the Venetians vsed to trade.

But to returne to the Peace, the Senate commanded thankes to bee giuen to God: and three pounds of gold to be distributed to the Preists. Baiazeth sent an ambassador vnto whom the Prince should sweare to obserue the peace, as he had done to the Venetian Ambassador.

At the same time Lewis the French King, sent Iohn Lascaris of Constantino∣ple his Ambassador to the Venetians to request them to renew the league and [ 40] Confederacy betwixt them: for he being inforced to make warre vppon Gon∣saluo Lieftenant Generall to the King of Spaine, who had defeated his Army in Calabria, was desirous to haue the Venetians take armes in his behalfe: and to induce them therevnto propounded many faire conditions, but they refused to renew the Confederacy and also his offers, saying that they were satisfied with the old one. Pope Alexander in the meane time supping in a Garden neere to the Vatican with the Duke Valentinois his sonne, was on a sodaine carried thence for dead to his Pallace, whither his sonne was likewise carried sick like the father, and the day following, the Pope dyed, black and swelled and very vgly: very eui∣dent signes of poyson, but the Duke his sonne, by reason of his youth, and pre∣sently [ 50] taking diuers counterpoisons escaped, but was aflicted with a long and greeuous disease. At the same time, Benedeto Pesare Generall of the Venetian fleet, beeing ready to returne from Corfou to Venice fell sick of a Quotidian and there dyed.

In the place of the deceassed Pope, Cardinall Picolhuomini of Syena was cho∣sen, a man Noble and for his other qualities not vnworthy such a dignity, who to reuiue the memory of his Vnckle Pius Secundus, intituled him selfe Pius the third: But the 26 day after his election he died, wherevpon the Cardinall of Saint Peter ad Vincula, mighty in reputation and wealth was chosen in his stead, and was called Iulius Secundus; this did highly please the venetians: They presently ap∣pointed eight Senators to go as Ambassadors to him to congratulate his electi∣on, Antonio Iustiniano being one of them. At their arriuall in Rome, being brought to the Popes presence, hee louingly entertained, and embraced them, saying; that he was much bound to the state of Venice, and that he would deny [ 10] them nothing in his power: Then entring into discourse concerning Duke Va∣lentinois, Iustinian told him, all men thought that his Holinesse would aide and assist him: that he was desirous to haue the Townes and Castles which he held in Romagnia to bee taken from him.

This saying of his did highly content the Venetian Senate, which aspired to the peaceable possession of the whole dominion of Romagnia, and had presently after Pope Alexanders death sent forces to Rauenna, with which the Citty of Cesenna was on a sodaine in a night assaulted: but the people valliantly defen∣ding it, they were enforced to retire to Rauenna, being come thither without or∣dnance: [ 20] yet this could not discourage them, but they espied all occasions to get footing in that Prouince; not long after a faire occasion was offered, by meanes of a controuersie betwixt Dyonisius the noble, and the Fauentines, who were de∣sirous to repeale the Manfredi: This did Dyonisius contradict, and in despite sent for the Venetians, vnto whome hee gaue the Castle of Val de Lamone which hee kept, in which the Venetians placed a strong Garrison, they did the like in the castle of Faenza, which the Captaine, corrupted with mony, deliuered vnto them.

They did like wise hold Forlimpopolj and Rimini by the peoples consent, re∣compencing Pandolfo Malateste in an other Prouince: then they went and be∣seeged Faenza, because that the Fauentines, nothing terrified with the losse of their Castle, which, seated in a low place, they had diuided from the Citty by a [ 30] deepe ditch, made valliant resistance, as well for their loue towards the Manfredi, as prouoked there▪ vnto by the Florentines, who feared nothing more, then to suf∣fer Faenza to be the Venetians: And to these ends imployed the aid and credit of Cardinall Francisco Sonderini their country▪man, to make the new Pope grow iealous of the Venetians, who one day talking with his Holinesse told him that the Venetians did already possesse the Castle of Faenza, and all places neere the Citty, the which they shortly hoped to winne; not so much to take from the Valentinois that which he vniustly possessed by vsurpation, as to appropriate it to them selues. And that their custome was, neuer to restore any thing they held: That Faenza being a territory belonging to the Church, the Pope could doe [ 40] no lesse then to take it into his owne Protection.

The Venetians being aduertized of this discourse of the Cardinall, Iustinian went to the Pope to excuse the state, and to entreat him not to giue credit to their enemies tales: and after a long discourse there-vpon made, the Pope re∣plied, that hee had neuer beleeued any thing against them, being well assured of their loue and friendship toward him, as they of his: But for that which concer∣ned Valentinois state, he could haue wished that what-so-euer did belong to the Church might haue first beene surrendred vp, with this answer the Ambassador tooke his leaue.

The Venetians notwithstanding all this continued the seege of Faenza, and [ 50] beginning their battery, the beseeged, dispairing of all aid, yeelded, the venetians hauing agreed to giue Astor a small pention to liue by. They could as easily haue taken Imo•…•…a and Furli: but they determined as then to passe on no farther, because they would not incense the Pope: where vpon they sent their forces to Garrison,

hauing beside Faenza and Rimini taken diuers townes in Romagnia. At the same time Andre Gritti returned from his Ambassade of Constantinople, where hee had confirmed certaine Articles of Peace with the Turke, to the profit of the Sig∣nory. Not long after, Iustinian acquainted the Senate that the Pope had giuen the Valentinois leaue to goe and recouer his State. These newes caused them to write to the Prouidators that were in Romagnia, to vse meanes to take whatsoe∣uer might be for the profit of the State, from Duke Valentinois: by meanes wher∣of Tossignans and Meldola two strong townes, did vpon the first summons yeeld to the Venetians.

The Pope much incensed against them for this manner of proceeding, sent [ 10] Angelo Bishop of Tiuolito Venice, to reprehend them for that they had taken Faenza and Rimini which belonged to the Church, which he craued to haue sur∣rendred to him, intreating them likewise to aid him to recouer the rest, he being resolued to leaue the Valentinois nothing, yet he would haue whatsoeuer should bee taken, to bee restored to the right owners. The Senate, displeased with the Popes demands, answered. that they did neuer expect this from him, in regard of their long friendship confirmed by many reciprocall good offices, especially, because they knew he had no interest therein: that they had imbraced the offered occasion to seaze on Faenza and the rest, those townes being not possest by the Church, which in open Consistory had disclaimed all her right therein and trans∣ferred [ 20] it to Duke Valentinois: As also, for that the precedent Popes did neuer possesse those terrritories, but from time to time, had giuen them to new Tenants without any other acknowledgement of superiority then the rent, which they offered presently to pay. Lastly they besought him, that being Pope he would con∣tinew towards the Venetian Signory the same friendship which he had euer born them being Cardinall, and that in so doing he might make vse of their men, force and meanes as themselues.

Such was the Senates answer to the Bishop of Triuoli the Popes Nuncio. But the Pope continuing his resolution, and knowing his owne forces to weake to inuade them, sayd, that he would craue the aid and assistance of forraine Prin∣ces. [ 30] Iustinian did put him in mind that the Signory of Venice had done nothing but by his councell and aduice being Cardinall; wherevnto he replied, let them first surrender Tossignan which belongs to the territory of Imola to me, and then afterwards I may chance to do somewhat concerning Faenza and Rimini; heere∣of Iustinian aduertised the Senate, who whilst they were assembled to determine thereof the Bishop of Triuoli arriued with letters from the Pope, whereby hee tooke from them all hope of agreement with him, vnlesse they did deliuer vnto him those Townes they had taken, saying, that to those ends, hee would implore the aid of God and men, threatening, if they did it not; to doe his worst against them. [ 40]

The Senators were greatly troubled and incensed with these letters, but more against the Bishop then Pope, whom they thought had incensed his Holinesse a∣gainst them. This discontent was accompanied by an other: for the Pope had sent an Ambassador to the French King by whom complaining of the Venetians, he craued aid and assistance against them, requesting him to enter into league and Confederacy with himselfe, and Maximilian, called to be a third man) against them. This being knowne at Venice, the Senate presently sent Ambassadors to those two Princes, to let them vnderstand that the Signory had taken nothing from the Pope, but only Faenza and Rimini from a wicked man, fearing least the Florentines, their enemies by reason of Pisa, should seaze on them as they had [ 50] determined, hauing already sent forces thither: That they had recompenced those that kept them, giuing them other Townes in exchange. That those two Citties with their dependances were wont to bee giuen to new Tenants, before Va∣lentinois had them; and the Senate demanding them in that nature, the

Church could lay no claime to them, so as they payed the vsuall Rent, but on the contrary ought to bee content there-with, because they could not fall into the hands of any, that were better able to defend and keepe them then the Venetians: That the Pope had beene the Author and motiue of the Signo∣ries taking of Romagnia from Valentinois, and now changing his opinion did causelesse seeke all meanes to expulse them thence. And therefore the State of Venice did earnestly intreat King Lewis, nor for that regard to infringe the league made with them; and Maximilian in like manner, that he would rather aide and assist the Signory, as a good friend and neighbour, in so iust and reasonable a matter, then the Pope who craued a thing wholy vnreasonable. [ 10]

These remonstrances being kindly entertained by both these Princes, they pro∣mised to debate the matter with his Holinesse. This answer did in some sort satis∣fie the Senat. Count Petellan at the same time, being on great promises entreated by diuers Kings and Princes to serue them, would neuer for-sake the Signory. In acknowledgement whereof, the state of Venice made him Generall of their Army for three yeares, with a yearely annuity of fiue hundred pounds of gold.

[ 20]

The end of the sixth Booke of the fourth Decade of the History of Uenice.

FINIS.

Notes

• Comparison be∣twixt the Ro∣mans and Ue∣netians.
• The description of the Isle of Rhodes.
• Ottoman besie∣geth Rhodes.
• Ottoman takes Otranto.
• The death of Ottoman.
• The Coritan Prince flies into Germanie.
• The cause of the warre of Fer∣rara.
• The Duke of Ferara declares himselfe an ene∣mie to the Ve∣netians.
• The opinion of those disswading warre.
• Their answere that craued war
• Warre is resolued against the Duke of Ferrara.
• Two Venetian fleets.
• The description of Lombardie.
• The originall and spring of the Riuer Po, with •…•…er course.
• From whence the Po tooke her name.
• Fascinada.
• The Ferrarois a∣bandon Trccenta
• Castelnouo yeel∣deth to the Ve∣netians.
• The Venetians besiege Ficarol∣les.
• Hadria is taken.
• Comachia veel∣deth to the Ve∣netians.
• Cast peeces cal∣led Bases.
• Some of the ene∣mies are defea∣ted in an Island.
• The Venetians are put to rout, and their enter∣prise made fru∣stra•…•…e.
• A fearefull as∣sault by night.
• The Venetians take Ficarolles.
• Great mortality in the Venetians campe.
• The noblest hou∣ses of Rome.
• The greatnesse of the Ursini.
• Alphonso aided by the Colonessi and Sauelli be∣siegeth the Pope
• A cruell fight betwixt Alphonso Duke of Calab•…•…ia and Roberto of Arimini Gene∣nerall to the Venetians.
• The death of Roberto of Ari∣mini.
• The defeate of the Ferrarois.
• The venetian armie crosseth the Po.
• A parke neare to Ferrara.
• The venetians build a bridge vpon the Po, •…•…eere to Ferrara
• Sanseuerino in battell before Ferrata.
• The Ferraroi•…•… complaints.
• Pope Sixtus withdrawes him∣selfe from the venetians friendship.
• The Venetians answere to the Pope.
• He excommuni∣cateth the Ve∣netians.
• The state of the Rossians of Par∣ma yeeldeth to Lodowick.
• Two of Sanseue∣rins sonnes flie to the enemie.
• Sanscuerino's A∣pologie to the Se∣nate, with their gracious accep∣tation.
• Alphonsos great progression.
• The Mantuan goes to the Con∣sederates A•…•…mie.
• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Lor rain returns into France.
• The enemie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• The enemies take the Isle of Lissa.
• A subtill 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Vi•…•…re.
• The enemie re∣tires from Cors•…•…
• The Ma•…•… discontented lea∣•…•… the armie.
• The Venetians come to Stellata
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 d Es•…•…e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the re∣liefe of S•…•….
• The death of Gi∣•…•… H•…•….
• Alphonso taketh Carpinetta.
• The situation of Valegia.
• Alphonso vpon the Ueronois.
• Sanseuerino co•…•… meth to Valegia.
• Alphonso takes Azzola.
• Par•…•… of the dukes pallace burnt.
• Diuers expostu∣lations vpon the yeelding of Az∣zola.
• Hercules plain∣tiue Letters to Alphonso his bro∣ther.
• Sanseuerins speed.
• Alphonso•…•…s •…•…x∣clamations.
• Sanseuerino's magnifi•…•…nt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Venice.
• The Senat•…•… compen•…•…th 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Russians of Parma.
• Sanseuerino comes to the new Orges.
• The tower Tri∣stania taken.
• The Venetians c•…•…aue a generall Councell.
• The Uenetians receiue new sup∣plies.
• The arrogant brag of Porco.
• The Venetians besiege Gallipolis
• The death of Generall Mar∣cello.
• Gallipolis taken.
• Alphonsos Armie at Quintiana.
• The Venetians take Calice.
• Alphonso takes Metela.
• A motion of peace.
• The Venetians are put to rout.
• Peace concluded with the Vene∣tians.
• Condition of peace.
• How much the Venetians spent in this warre.
• The Dukes pal∣lace is reedified
• A great plague at Venice.
• The Venetian gallies are assai∣led by Pirates.
• Lisbone a Cittie of Portugall.
• League betwixt the venetians and kings of Portugall. The cause of this league.
• Sanseuerino aideth Pope Innocent.
• Sanseuerino re∣couereth Ponte∣nomentana.
• Peace betwixt the Pope and Ferdinand.
• Sanseuerino dis∣po•…•…sed of his forces.
• The venetians loyaltie.
• Maximilian is chosen king of the Romanes.
• 〈…〉〈…〉.
• Ambassade into Portugall.
• Great prosperity of the venetia•…•…▪ State.
• The Princes in∣struction to his children on his death-bed.
• The ceremonie at the Princes funerals.
• A league be∣twixt the Pope and venetians.
• The originall of the Rheticke warre.
• The law of Na∣tions violated.
• The Almaines besiege Rouero.
• Pietro Diede, and Ieronimo Marcello Pro∣uidators.
• Ronero yeelded to the Almaines on composition▪
• The Venetians intreat old San∣seuerino to be their Generall.
• Sauorgnane de∣feats the Al∣maines.
• The Venetians are defeated.
• Sanseuerino's resolution.
• Luca Pisani his opinion on San∣seuerino his de∣signe.
• The siege of Trent is resol∣ued.
• The Venetians in amaze.
• The death of old Sanseuerine the noble Venetian General.
• The Venetians are wholly put to rout.
• A generous act of Guido Maria de Rossis.
• A bloudy victory to the Almanes.
• The Castle of Ar∣ques taken and burnt.
• The Venetians refuse th•…•… Ar∣ticles of peace.
• Peace concluded betwixt Sigis∣mond and the venetians.
• The venetians send a fleet to guard Cyprus.
• What moued the Senate to desire the Realme of Cyprus.
• The Senate send George Cornari into Cyprus.
• The Queene re∣suseth her bro∣thers request.
• Cornari his replie.
• The Queenes answere.
• The reception of the Queene of Cyprus at Ve∣nice.
• A new magi∣strate sent by the Senate into Af∣fricke.
• Contention be∣tw•…•…xt the Em∣perour Frede∣ricke and Ma∣thias king of Hungarie.
• The inuention of Harquebuses.
• A decree for the exercise of youth
• An extreame frost at Uenice.
• A law carefully obserued by the Uenetians.
• Great iustice of the Venetians.
• The death of Lorenzo de Me∣dicis.
• Charles the eight French king, sends an Am∣bassadour to Venice.
• The Venetians answere.
• Lodouico Sforza sends Ambassa∣dors into France to king Charles.
• Antonio Prince of Salern in∣cites king Charles to this iourney.
• What moued the French Lords to perswade the king to this iour∣ney.
• Lodouicos feare.
• He sends ano∣ther Ambassade into France.
• The death of Ferdinand king of Naples.
• Alphonsos re∣quest to the Ue∣netians.
• The Senate write to Lodoui∣co in Alphonsos behalfe.
• Philip de Co∣mines, Ambassa∣dor for king Charles at Ve∣nice.
• The Venetians answere to Phi∣lip de Comines.
• League betwixt Pope Alexander and Alphonso king of Naples.
• The Venetians fleet in Sclauo∣nia.
• The Florentines craue councell of the Veneti•…•…s.
• The Senates answere.
• King Charles de∣parts toward I∣taly.
• The King by rea∣son of his sick∣nesse, stayed at Ast.
• The number of the Kings Army.
• The King visits Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan.
• The Dutchesse in teares fals down at the Kings feete.
• His answere to the Dutchesse.
• The death of Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan.
• Lodouico vsurps the title and Armes of Duke of Milan.
• Lorenzo and Giouan de Me∣dicis persuade the French King to go to Florence.
• The first resolu∣•…•… changed.
• The Kings vantgard at Pontrema.
• Finizana ta∣ken and sackt by the French.
• Serezzana and Serezanella two strong places.
• The Floren∣tines in al∣larme.
• The resolution of Pietro de Medicis.
• The Articles of agreement.
• Pietro de Me∣dicis flies from Florence.
• The Medici are declared enemies to their country.
• The King giues liberty to the Pisans.
• Aubigni with his troupes makes head against Ferdi∣nand.
• Bertinora ta∣ken.
• The Venetians send Ambassa∣dors to the King.
• Acord sworne betwixt the •…•… King and Flo∣rentines.
• Ferdinand goes fourth of Rome at one gate, and the French King enters at an other.
• Acord betwixt the Pope and French King.
• Alphonso in •…•… loue to his son Ferdinand de∣poseth himself.
• The King comes to Veli∣tra Cardinall Bor∣gia flies from the King by night.
• M•…•…nt-fortino taken by the Kings army.
• Ferdinand en∣campeth at Saint Ger∣mains.
• Baserctreat of Ferdinands army.
• Ferdinandis denied en∣trance into Naples but with his owne family.
• Capua yeelded to the French.
• Ferdinand flies from Na∣ples.
• Virginio Vrsin and Count Pe∣tillan taken by the French.
• King Charles receiued into Naples.
• King Charles writes to the Uenetians.
• A Nauall army comes from Spaine to Li∣uorne.
• The Spa∣nish Ambas∣sadors speech to the Ve∣netians.
• The two Cas∣tles of Naples yeelded to King Charles.
• The fort of Gayetta yeel∣ded to the King.
• A league made by sundry great Princes against the French.
• Philip de Co∣mines King Charles his Ambassador at Venice, daun∣ted with the newes of the league.
• The Princes answer to Comines.
• King Charles his resolution.
• Guilbert of Bourbon Vice∣roy of Naples.
• King Charles is crowned King of Naples
• King Charles sends a messen∣ger to Uenice.
• The Princes answer to him.
• The Popes inconstancie.
• Great prepara∣tions made by the Venetians and Lodouico Sforza.
• The Duke of Orleance ta∣keth Valfeni∣eres.
• The French take the towne and Castle of Nouara.
• The number of the Confede∣rate Army.
• The King lod∣geth at Forno∣uo.
• The two ar∣mies neere to one another.
• The French army crosseth the Turo.
• The order of the Kings ar∣•…•….
• The Marquis of Mantu •…•… his order to assaile the King.
• King Charles his •…•…alour.
• His vow.
• The King res∣cued by the battaile.
• The French vantgard dis∣ordereth the enemy.
• The King de∣termineth to assaile the ene∣mies in their Campe.
• Sanseuerin his offers.
• The small effect thereof.
• The King ar∣r•…•…neth at Ast.
• The Venetians arme certaine vessels at Ge∣noa against the French.
• The Venetian flette takes Rapalla.
• The French nauall army is defeated.
• The number of the Army be∣fore Nauara.
• The King re∣solues to hear∣ken vnto peace.
• A motion of peace made at Casall.
• The Venetians are displeased with Lodouico.
• A bold enter∣prise of Ber∣nardo Conta∣ren.
• The Venetians take Monopoli.
• Tee Neapoli∣tans re•…•…ult i•…•… fauour of Fer∣dinand.
• A Generall reuolt made oaer the whole King∣dome
• The Pisans commit them∣selues to the Veneti•…•…ns
• The Uenetians 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an ac 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Fer∣•…•… Am∣bassadors.
• The Venetians send aid to Ferdinand.
• King Charles sends an Am∣bassador to Ue∣nice.
• The resolution for the defence of Pisa.
• The Venetians and Lodouico send ayde to Pisa.
• The Pisans raze their Cit∣tadell.
• And craue aid of sundry Princes.
• The Venetians protect the Pisans.
• Resolution of the Kings councell or his iourney into Italy.
• Lodouico send•…•… euery where to get force•…•… to secure himselfe from the French.
• The Uenetian•…•… ioyne with Lo∣douico.
• The King tak•…•…s his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Saints▪ Denis and Martin.
• Ferdinand doth streightly beseege At•…•…lla.
• At•…•…lla enfor∣ced to capitu∣late.
• Montpensier his death.
• Aubigni is en∣forced to leaue Calabria to re∣turne into France.
• A great desire of reuenge.
• Tarentum and Cai•…•…tia yeeld to Frederick.
• The Venetians hold Pisa.
• King Charles resolueth to af∣saile Genoa.
• Lodouicos pra∣•…•… against the Venetians.
• Lodouicos prac∣tises against the Venetians.
• The Senates answer to this motion.
• The death of Charles the eight, French King.
• Lewis Duke of Orleance French King.
• The Uenetians send Ambassa∣dors to the French King.
• Incounter be∣twixt the Flo∣rentines and Pisans.
• Lodouico o∣•…•… declares himselfe for the Floren∣tines.
• His practi•…•…es against the Ve∣netians.
• New treatie: on both sides.
• The Floren∣tines take Li∣•…•….
• Caesar B•…•…rgla the Popes son is made Duke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Valencia by the French King.
• Lodouico in∣cites the Turke against the Uene•…•…ians.
• League be∣twixt the French and Venetians.
• Capitulation of the league.
• Lodouico a∣mazed at the league, goes a∣bout to diuert the Venetians from it.
• The Floren∣tines resoluti∣on conce•…•…ning Pisa.
• The French Kings army 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into I∣taly vnder Triuulcio his command.
• The number of the Venetian army.
• The Venetians refuse to giue auaience to Lodouicos Am∣bassador.
• Lodouico de∣termineth to flie into Ger∣many.
• Count Gayazza takes the Kings part.
• Millan re∣ceiues Triu•…•…l∣cio for the King.
• Cremona ye•…•…l∣deth to the Venetians.
• The castle of Cremona yeel∣deth to the Uenetians, vpon recom∣pence.
• The castle of Milan doth the like to Triuulcio for money.
• King Lewis comes in post to Milan.
• All the Prin∣ces of Italy come to him to Milan.
• The Venetians send a fleet a∣gainst the Turkes.
• The Turke on the z•…•…ratin 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪
• A•…•…drea Gritti imp•…•…isoned. The number of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fleet.
• The two fleets nere together.
• The Venetian fl•…•…et hurt by fire.
• Turkish cruel∣ty.
• G•…•…imani los•…•…th his place of Generall.
• Lepanto yeeld∣eth to the Turke.
• Zancani con∣fined •…•…o Padu•…•…
• Lodouico re∣•…•…urnes with forces out of Gema•…•…y.
• Lodouico reco∣uereth▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• Lodouico en∣treth Milan by the disloially of the Inhabi∣tants.
• The King sends an army to recouer Mi∣lan.
• Lodouico is ta∣ken prisoner by the French and sent aw•…•…y into France.
• Lodouico Ma∣nenti sent to the great Turk
• The cause which mooued the Venetians to send Ma∣nenti.
• The Turke an∣swer to Ma∣nenti.
• The Venetians take order for the defence of Frioul.
• Supplies sent to Corfou.
• The deseigne of the Turkish fleete.
• Those of Mo∣don fortifie against the Turke.
• Melchior Tre∣uisan his death.
• Pesare Gene∣rall of the Venetian fleet.
• Supplies enter into Modon.
• The Turke takes Modon.
• The Castle of Iunca yeelded to the Turk•…•….
• Coron yeelds to the Turke on composition.
• A braue and bold deed of Paul Contaren
• The Turkish army before Naples.
• The Turke dis∣campeth from before Naples.
• The Uenetians take the Isle of Legina.
• They recouer Mitelyn.
• Pesare assails the enemy fleet
• Samothrace yeelded to the Venetians.
• Charles Conta∣ren beheaded▪
• Coron yeelds to the Turke on composition.
• Cephalonia yeelds to Gon∣saluo.
• Iunca returnes to the Vene∣tians.
• League be∣twixt the Ve∣netians and King of Hun∣gary against the Turke.
• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…unca.
• The French & Portugal fleets aid the Vene∣tians against the Turke.
• A new agree∣ment with the King of Hun∣gary.
• Peace betwixt the Venetians and Turke.
• The Portugals trade for spice.
• The Venetians refuse to re∣ew the league with King Le∣wis.
• The death of Pope Alexan∣der.
• Pius Terti•…•… Pope dies▪
• Iulius Secun∣dus Pope.
• The Venetian•…•… send Ambassa▪ dors to Pope Iulius.
• The Castles of Valdelamona and Faenza, yeelded to the Venetians.
• The Pope a∣gainst the Ve▪ netians▪
• The Popes answer to the Venetian 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ bassad•…•….
• Faenza yeelded.
• Tossig•…•…rua and Meldola yeel∣ded.
• The Pope re∣•…•…kes the Ve∣ne•…•…ians.
• Their answer
• The Bisoap of Tiuoli comes againe to Ve∣nice from the Popei
• The Uenetians send Ambassa∣dors to the Emperor Mix∣imillan and the French King.