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 Contents of the seuenth Booke of the fourth Decade.

THe Emperor entreateth the Venetians to deliuer the Cities of Faenza and Riminy to the Pope. Lewis the French King maketh the same request to them. The Emperor craues leaue of the Venetians to passe in armes thorow their state to Rome to his Cornonation, which they deny. Iohn Paul Baillon restoreth Perugia with her territory to the Pope. Bolognia is yeelded in the same manner to the Pope by the Bentiuolies. The King comes into Italy, by reason of the reuolt of Genoa. The Pope doth greatly suspect and distrust the French King. Enteruiew of the Kings of France and Arragon at Sauona. The Emperour performeth bad offices in Germany toward the French King. How the report of the Emperours comming downe into Italy did trouble the Venetians. The Emperour commeth into Italy, and returneth sodainely into Germany. The Almains are defeated in the vale of Cadora. The Venetians take the town of Goritia. The conclusion of the truce betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians did breed some discontent betwixt the King and them. Confederacy sworne at Cambray against the Venetians, by the Pope, the Emperor Maximil∣lian, and the Kings of France and Arragon. The Venetians make great war∣like preparations against this confederacy. The Pope casteth aterrible excom∣munication on the Venetians. The Kings army and that of the Venetians very neere together. The Venetians are defeated by the French in the Countrey of Giradade. The great progression of the French army ouer Italy after the Battaile. All Romagnia in a manner is yeelded to the Pope. Lastly the Veneti∣ans resoluing to quit the firme land, doe leaue Padua, Verona, and all the other, Cities appointed to the Emperor.

The seuenth Booke of the fourth Decad of [ 10] the History of Uenice.

MAXIMILLIAN, forgetting the promise which he first made to the Venetians to debate their cause before the Pope, sent two Ambassadors to Venice to entreate them to yeeld Faenza & Ry∣miny to him. That it belonged to him to make that request, as Protector of Holy Church and of whatsoeuer apperteined therevnto. If they thought it an vnreasonable matter, they should referre it to arbitrement: That he would labour to cause the Pope to con∣descend [ 20] therevnto; and that if they would choose him for their vmpier, he would willingly accept thereof, and would giue sentence according to equity. The Senats answer with that of the Great Coūcel to these Ambassadors was, (hauing reiterated all that which their Ambassadors had first of all declared to the Empe∣ror from the Senate) that their right to those lands being so plaine and euident, they would not put it to compromise. Vpon this answere one of the Ambassa∣dors departed from Venice to Rome, the other stayed there, whose expences were defraied by the State.

In the meane time a league and confederacy was made betweene the Emperor Maximillian and the French King, after long strife and disputation of their Am∣bassadors. [ 30] This league being concluded, King Lewis sent againe Iohn Lascaris of Constantinople his Ambassador to Venice, to entreate them to seeke all pos∣sible meanes of agreement with the Pope: for that being done, they were deter∣mined to ioyne altogether against the Turke. He added that his King had sworn league and friendship with Maximillian, not to hurt any man, but only for the safety and preseruation of each others State.

The Senate, who had already decreed that the Ambassadour should haue a pound weight of gold giuen him euery month towards his expences, made an∣swere, that they had omitted nothing, either by entreaty or promises to giue the Pope satisfaction, hauing not long before made him this offer, that al-be-it Pope [ 40] Alexander had giuen Faenza and the other lands to the Valentinois free from all conditions, they were content neuerthelesse to hold Faenza and Riminy of the Church, on what conditions and rent it pleased, promising to make true payment euery yeere, but this would not be accepted of: That they were exceeding glad that two such great Princes, had conuerted their hatred and contention into a sound and firme league & friendship. But because it was specified in the contract betwixt King Lewis and them, that neither of them two might make alliance with any other Prince whatsoeuer, without the consent of his fellow, they did willingly desire to know, why his King had not first aduertized them thereof.

At this demand the Ambassador made some little pawse, then he answered that [ 50] he knew nothing of it: yet neuerthelesse it was mentioned in the treaty, that each of them might within foure months space name a fellow whom he would, where∣vpon it was lawfull for his King to name the Signory of Venice.

The Ambassadors answere did not greatly content the Senate, and could not

hinder them from suspecting this league contracted without their knowledge. Wherevpon they thought it most expedient to trie if they could appease the Pope, vnto whom, certaine months before, they had offered to deliuer vnto him Riminy, and withall that which they had possessed in Romagnia since Pope Alex∣ander his death, prouided that he would be content, that they might still retaine Faenza with her Territory. This was for feare of the French King, and like∣wise because the Emperour, at the Popes request, had sent an Ambassadour vn∣to them, to will them to make restitution of the lands belonging to the Church, as hath beene said.

But the Pope hauing giuen them this resolute answere, that he would not in [ 10] any sort consent to the with-holding of one onely towre: and threatning them to recouer yet before he died Rauenna, and Ceruia, which they possessed as wrongfully as they did Faenza, they passed on no farther at that time. But their feare being encreased, by reason, of this new confederacy betwixt the Emperour and the French King, they offered by the meanes of the Duke of Vrbin, a friend to both sides, to deliuer vp all that which they possessed (the appurtenances of Faen∣za and Riminy excepted) if the Pope would giue admittance to their Ambassa∣dors to come and make the oth of obedience, wherevnto in time before he would not consent. The Pope inclined to this proposition made by the Duke of Vrbin (though vnwillingly) in regard he had so highly threatned them, for hee perceiued [ 20] the affaires betwixt the Emperor and the French King to be drawne out at length, and that in the meane time those of Furli, Imola, and Cesenna, did indure many discommodities.

Vpon this consent, that which they had offered being re-deliuered, the Senate sent their Ambassadors, who after they had protested obedience with the ac∣customed ceremonies, they brought home with them to Venice no signe where∣by it might be perceiued that he was become any whit the milder. In the meane space the Pope perceiuing well enough that without the French Kings aide he could not hurt the Venetians, and that he could not as yet induce him to make warre vpon them, to the end his Popedome should not be spent vnproffitably or [ 30] without honour, he turned his thoughts else-where, and entreated the French King to helpe him to reduce vnder the Churches obedience the Cities of Bo∣lognia and Perugia, the which in all ages did belong to the Sea of Rome, and were possessed, the one by Iohn Paul Baillon, and the other by Iohn Bentiuogle whose predecessors hauing vsurped them, were become absolute Lords thereof.

The Popes request was very pleasing to the King, because thereby hee might finde meanes to keepe his friendship, from which he was in some sort estranged, in regard of the Kings alliance with the Venetians, which did much trouble him. Wherevpon because he would not disapoint him, he offered him all aide and suc∣cour: and the Pope on the other side gaue him the breefes of Cardinal∣ship [ 40] for the Bishops of Achy, and Bayeux, with authority to dispose of the benifices of the Dutchy of Milan. The execution of this enterprise was delaied, by reason of the iourney which Maximillian desired to make into Italy with his army, to receiue his Imperiall crowne at Rome, wherein he being desirous not to be hindred by the Venetians, hee sent foure Ambassadors to acquaint them with his intent, and to intreate them to grant a passage for him and his army like∣wise, assuring them that he would passe thorough their territories without distur∣bing them in any sort, being desirous likewise to vnite himselfe with them.

The Venetians hauing a long time consulted therevpon, made him a pleasant answere: for after they had giuen him to vnderstand how much they desired to [ 50] conforme themselues to his will, they councelled him to come into Italy without armes, especially comming for so peaceable a matter which was pleasing to all men, where on the contrary comming in armes, Italy desparing for so many ca∣lamities which it had susteined, would rise, determining to take armes, and not to

lay open a way to new troubles: and that the French King might doe the like for assurance of the state of Millan.

The determination of Maximillian caused the Pope to defetre his enterprize till an other time, being perswaded therevnto by the King, who was vrged of his promise about that businesse, least they by reason of that accident of Italy should rise in armes: as also because he feared to prouoke the Venetians, who had sent him word, that they would take armes for the defence of Bolognia, if the Pope did not first giue ouer to them the rights to Faenza which did belong to the Church.

But the Pope being by nature sodaine and impatient, would not temporize, but sought all meanes to effect his purpose after a furious manner. And without [ 10] staying for any other resolution, he departed from Rome with fiue hundred men at armes, where fortune did so fauour him, as Iohn Paul Baillon, by the Duke of Vrbins perswasion, went to him to Oruietta, where he was receiued into fauour, hauing wholly referred himselfe to the Popes discretion and deliuered into his hands the castles of Perugia and the territory therevnto belonging, into which he afterwards entred. Then marching towards Bolognia, being attended on by six hundred French Launces, and three thousand footmen of the Kings forces, he went by the way of the mountaine, because he would not come vpon the territo∣ry of Riminy which the Venerians held, and being come to Cesenna, he com∣manded Bentiuoli to depart from Bolognia on paine of most greeuous censures [ 20] both spirituall and temporall.

The Bentiuoles had made great preparations for their owne defence, but all their hope was turned to dispaire, so soone as they heard of the French-mens arri∣uall in the Popes army, and much more when the Lord of Chaumont, who con∣ducted them, did tell them the same day that he arriued at Castel-nouo on the Bo∣lognians territory, that the King being willing to obserue whatsoeuer he was tied vnto, by the capitulations of the protection, did meane to continue him in the possession of his goods, so that he would leaue the Gouernment of the City to the Church. At these words Bentiuoli and his children, who before, with great threat∣nings had published euery where that they would defend themselues, being who∣ly [ 30] discouraged made answere that they would altogether referre themselues to his arbitrement, beseeching him by all meanes to mediate tollerable conditions. Vpon this answere the Lord of Chaumont being come within three miles nere to Bolognia, delt so with the Pope, as he gaue him leaue safely to depart from Bo∣lognia with his wife and children, and to dwelin what place of the Dutchy of Mi∣lan he pleased, permitting him to sell and carry away with him all his mouables, and to enioy the immouables which he possessed with iust title.

The Bentiuoles being departed, the people of Bolognia sent their Ambassa∣dors to the Pope for to giue him the entire gouernment of their City. At the same time the King of Arragon being imbarked at Barcelona came along by the [ 40] coast of Prouence to Genoa; and from thence keeping close by the land continu∣ing his iourney he entred into the Hauen of Gayetta. Then being conducted to Naples, he was receiued with great magnificence. Ambassadors from all places of Italy came thither with speed, and among others from Venice, whither George Pi∣sani and Marc Dandulo were sent to congratulate and honour so great a Prince.

The Pope likewise, notwithstanding that he was displeased for that he had not▪ sent to offer his obedience as the manner was, sent a Nuntio to him to in∣cite him against the Venetians, thinking that for the recouery of the Hauens of Apuglia, which the Venetians held, he had wished their ouerthrow: And the Venetians on the contrary did still study to keepe his friendship. [ 50]

Soone after King Lewis came into Italy, by reason of the rebellion of Genoa, the Venetians sent Dominico Trenisano, and Paul Pisa•…•…i their Ambassadors to him to congratulate his arriuall, who came to Milan, whether the king came so soone as he had recouered Genoa.

The Pope being at Bolognia, had solicited the King to come into Italy that they might conferre together, wherevnto the King did incline, albeit the Popes intents were against the Venetians, whom he hated in regard of the Cities of Romagnia which they possessed. But when he vnderstood that the King determined to take armes in fauour of the Gentlemen against the people of Genoa (because the strife betwixt the Gentlemen and the Commons had beene cause of the rebellion) he was much discontented thereat▪ because he had euer fauored the people against the Nobility, and he perswaded the King as much as in him lay to absteine from armes, alleaging that it might kindle some fire in Italy, which would hinder the warre which they had decreed against the Venetians. To the which, perceiuing [ 10] the King would not agree, being transported with choller, he gaue out on a so∣daine at the beginning of the yeere 1507. contrary to al mens expectation, that he would returne to Rome, saying that the a•…•…e of Bolognia did not agree with his health•…•… wherevpon the King was troubled, not knowing what to thinke, be∣cause he interrupted that which himselfe had •…•…raued, and did all he could to alter his determination. But the Kings earnest instance to change his minde did en∣crease the Popes suspition, which hee had conceiued that the King would keepe him still there, where they might meet together at one selfe same place, which did so much the more confirme him in his determination, wherein being obstinate, he departed from Bolognia about the latter end of February, being not able to dis∣semble [ 20] the disdaine which he had conceiued of the King.

By this wrath, the hatred which he did beare to the Venetians being in some sort mittigated, hee determined to passe by the City of Faenza, new quarrels arising euery houre betwixt the King and him, in regard of the Bentinoles, whom he would haue the King to expell from the Dutchy of Milan, albeit by his owne consent they were permitted to abide there, in such sort as nothing could appease him, complayning greeuously of the King: and being thereby prouoked, he did by his Nu•…•…tios and by a Breefe, giue the Emperour, and the Electors to the Em∣pire, to vnderstand, that the French Kings preparations for his passage into Italy, with a mighty army, vnder pretence to appease the sedition of Genoa, was in ef∣fect [ 30] to oppresse the state of the Church, and to vsurpe the Imperiall dignity.

The Venetians likewise fearing the Kings comming into Italy with so great an army, did giue the like aduertizement? Maximillian being desirous of nouel∣ty, hauing receiued these aduertizements, held an Imperiall Diet in the City of Constance where all the Barons, Princes and Common-wealths of Germany be∣ing assembled, he did in such sort agrauate the matter against the French King by his oration, as the mindes of all those that were there present, were meruei∣lously mooued, where he exhibited the Popes and Venetians letters of aduer∣tizement.

The French King hauing intelligence of the whole matter, did on a sodaine [ 40] cassier his army, to take away the cause of such a suspition, and would himselfe haue repassed the mounts, had not the desire which he had to speake with the King of Arragon staied him, who was preparing for his returne into Spaine, and leauing Naples came directly to Sauona, where he had appointed to conferre with the French King, who for that cause was come from Millan to attend him there: where Fernand with the Queene his wife being arriued, all distrusts be∣ing laied aside on both parts, with infinite numbers of reciprocall embrasings they had diuers long and secret conferences betwixt themselues, and by that which fell out afterward, it was apparent, that they promised a perpetuall league of friend∣ship one with the other, and that Ferdinand should vse meanes to reconcile the [ 50] Emperour and the French King, to the end that all of them being vnited toge∣ther, they might afterward shew themselues open enemies to the Venetians.

The two Kings departed from Sauona the fourth day after their arriuall, with the same shewes of loue and friendship. The one went by sea to Barcelona, and

the other by land returned into France, leauing the other affaires of Italy at the same stay. King Lewis in the meane time perceiuing that the Diet of Constance continued, where Maximillian had so highly animated all the German Princes a∣gainst him, he sent vnder-hand certaine men of purpose to Constance, who should not be publikely knowne, but dealing secretly, should worke meanes▪ by the hid∣den fauour of the Princes his friends, to appease the mindes of the rest, excusing those slanders which were imposed vpon him, by the euidence of the effects, see∣ing that after the reduction of Genoa to his obedience, he had on a sodaine cassie∣•…•…ed his army, and returned with all possible speed into France, to take away all suspition that he would attempt nothing against the Church, nor against the [ 10] title of the sacred Empire▪ and with these iustifications they wrought meanes to appease the Germans armes, by the force of gold which they so highly loue.

These things did greatly trouble the French Kings minde, who was altogether vncertaine of the Venetians meanings, who would not openly discouer them∣selues but had euer held matters in suspense. The Dyet of Constance beeing ended it was there concluded, after sundry disputations, that Maximillian should haue for his passage into Italy eight thousand horse, and two and twenty thou∣sand footmen; paled by the Country for sixe monthes, and sixe score thousand Florins of the Rhyne for the expence of the Artillery, and other ordinary charges. Vpon the report of these newes the Venetians were greatly perplexed in their [ 20] mindes as well as others, because they knew not whereon to resolue, in regard of the great meanes which euery one of them vsed to winne them to his side. The Emperour at the beginning sent three Ambassadors of great place to them▪ to intreat them to giue him passage thorow their territories, and to make a more strict alliance with him, wherein should be mentioned, that they should be parti∣cipants of the reward of the victory. The French King on the other side, did not cease by his Ambassadors, and by that of Venice, which was resident with him, to doe all he might to induce them to oppose themselues by armes against the Em∣perors comming, as hurtfull to either of them, offering them for this purpose all his forces, and to continue for euer their confederate. [ 30]

The Venetians, who could haue beene well contented to haue liued at quiet as Newters, perceiued themselues to be in such sort pressed by the Emperor, as they were of necessity either to refuse it, or to grant him passage. For they feared, that by their refusall they should be troubled first, and by granting it, they should ensring their confederacy with the King: And yet neuerthelesse, each of the Se∣nators did affirme that it was necessary openly to adhere to one of the sides, but they knew not to which, and after great diuersity of opinions, the remembrance at last of the Emperors continuall inclination, to recouer the Cities which they possessed, which he pretended to belong to the Empire, or to the house of Austria did most preuaile. [ 40]

They made answere then to the Ambassadors, that their determination was to grant him passage comming without an army, and to stop it if he came in armes; saying that necessity enforced them so to doe, in regard of their confederacy with the French King, by which they were bound to assist him in the defence of the Dutchy of Millan, with a certaine number of men specified therein.

Maximillian being frustrate of his hope to haue the Venetians on his side, was incombred with other doubts which did wholy delay the effect of his deseignes. For first of all; That foundation whereon he chiefly builded, that the Cities and Potentates of Italy, fearing his name and army, would come to composition, and would furnish him with sufficient summes of money, did daily decay: Then the [ 50] conclusions of the Diet of Constance vanished into ayre; when they perceiued the great preparations of the French King, and the new resolution of the Ve∣netians.

The Pope likewise, who would not shew himselfe more affectionate to the one

side then the other, did refuse the demand he made that it might be lawfull for him to take a hundred thousand ducats which were leauied in Germany for the warre against the Turkes and were kept in the same Prouince, and were not to be con∣uerted to any other vse without the leaue of the Sea of Rome: Yet neuerthelesse in the middest of all these difficulties, he forgate nothing which might nourish the report of his comming downe, in such sort as all those who stood in awe of him made mighty prouisions in diuers places, but they were vncertaine, with what forces, at what time, and from whence he would come.

The French King had prouided for the Dutchy of Milan, and for the frontiers of Burgondy: And had besides sent Iohn Iames Triuncle with foure hundred French [ 10] Launces, and foure thousand footmen to Verona to the Venetians aide, who had sent the Earle of Petillan to Rouero, with foure hundred men at armes, and store of foot-forces, to the end there to keepe backe those which should come by Trent, and Bartholmew Aluiana into the Friul with eight hundred men at armes.

The Emperour at the beginning of the yeere 1508. was desirous to put in ex∣ecution the reports which had beene spred abroad of his comming downe, and sent an Herald to Verona to summon the inhabitants to prouide lodging for himselfe, and for foure thousand horse which he brought with him, going to Rome to take the Imperiall crowne. The Gouernor of the City, by the aduice of the Senate, with whom the matter was communicated at Venice, made him an∣swere, [ 20] that for his coronation which he mentioned he needed not so many men at armes and such store of Artillery.

Maximillian vpon this answer being already come to Trent departed thence in a morning before day with fifteene hundred horse, and foure thousand foot∣men, not of those which had beene graunted him at Constance, but of those of his Court, and of his owne state, and tooke the way of the mountaines towards Vin∣cenza. And the Marquis of Brandenbourge marched at the same time towards Rouero with fiue hundred horse and two thousand foot-men, but he returned the next day, not being able to obtaine any passage. The Emperour by the way of the mountaines being come within twelue miles of Vincenza, and hauing taken [ 30] the territory of the seuen Commons, did on a sodaine returne towards Bolsane which is a towne farther of from the confines of Italy then Trent, whereat all men did greatly wonder.

This did awake the Venetians courage, did incite them to leauy diuers foot-troupes, and to make great preparations, vrging the French King to doe the like. They chose two Prouidatori, Andre Griti & George Cornare, one of whom went towards the Rheticke, and the other into Friull. Aluiana was commanded speedily into Friul where George Cornare the Prouidator already was, because foure hundred of Maximillians horse and fiue thousand of his footmen being come thither and entred into the vale of Cadora, had taken the Burrough and [ 40] the Castle.

Aluiana hauing passed the mountaines full of snow, came in two daies neere to Cadora, where tarrying for his footmen that came after him; hee seized on a passage, which was not kept by the Germans, by which men en∣ter into that valley. The comming of Aluiana did encourage those of the Country who did affect the Venetians, who sodainely did possesse the other passages of the valey, by which the enemies were to retire. The Germans perceiuing themselues to bee shutte in, and that no hope of safety was left them but in their armes, they came with great furie to assaile Aluiana, who did brauely receiue them, the fight lasted certaine houres with great fer∣uency, [ 50] but at the last the Germans, being not able to resist the numbers nor pro∣wesse of their enemies, were defeated, and aboue a thousand of them laie dead on the place, with diuers of them taken prisoners: of the Venetians verie few died.

Before this exploite of warre, the Emperor had sent Luke de Renaldis his Am∣bassador to Venice, to entreat the Senators to grant him passage thorow their territories, as hee had often-times before requested them, that hee might goe to Rome, saying that his King would come armed for feare of his enemies▪ Neuer∣thelesse hee did assure the Signory of Venice, that hee and his would passe with∣out dooing wrong to any of their subiects, or else that hee would passe without Armes, prouided that the common-wealth would giue him hostages for the assu∣rance of his passage. To that, Prince Loredano answered,

that Maximillian was not ignorant, how that the Common-wealth had euer beene a friend to him and to his father the Emperor Frederick, and that it was not well done of him in coun∣terchange, [ 10] to vse all hostile actions against them, as to rauage and spoile their countrey, to take their townes and castles by force, whereof they had iust cause to complaine, and to call God to witnesse, whether they had deserued it at his hands: neuerthelesse hee would propound the demand to the Senate, and according to the same, he would giue him answer.

And because Cornare had written to the Senate, that Aluiana was in great hope, and would, in a manner, bee bound, that the enemies should in short space recompence the wrongs and spoiles which they had committed, the Senate was of opinion to deferre the answering of Maximillians Ambassadors, till such time as they had newes from Friul. And so soone as they heard from thence, they [ 20] answered the Ambassador as they had done in times before, without making any mention of the defeate of the Almains, and caused him to bee accompanied tho∣row the Rhetike countrey, to the end he should receiue no out-rage.

Aluiana after the taking of the castle of Cadora would not stand still in so faire away, but pursuing his good fortune, recouered Portonanoue, then Cremousa seated on a high hill, and from thence went and encamped before Gorithia, which is at the foote of the Alpes, strong by situation, and well fortified, and which hath a castle of difficult accesse. But hauing planted his Artillery before the towne, hee tooke it the fourth day after by composition, by reason that they within wanted Armor, water, and victuals. The Captaine of the castle yeelded vp the place in [ 30] few dayes after, receiuing foure thousand Ducats. The Venetians made diuerse fortifications there, to serue in time to come against the Turkes, to stop their pas∣sage ouer the riuer Lisona.

Aluiana after the taking of Gorithia, went to besiege Thryeste, and tooke it with the Castle likewise, which being seated on the Gulphe of Venice, was very com∣modious to them for their traffick: wherevpon the Venetians beeing puffed vp with their prosperous successe, determined to follow the course of the victory▪ and to make warre on Maximillian, by entring farther into his countrey: But Do∣minico Morosino, Procurator of Saint Marke, a man of foure-score and ten yeares of age, wise and aduised, began to speake and to entreate the Senate, not to suffer [ 40] any farther attempts to bee made, saying

That Germany was not pleased that Maximillian made warre on the common-wealth, when as hee might freely liue at peace: that it was also to bee feared, that the same Germany would take it in euill part, and would resent it, if any farther roads were made into their countrey, for they would not suffer their Imperiall dignity to be so abased and contemned. That the offence which he had committed against the common-wealth was not great, for which neuerthelesse thorow the goodnesse of God, he had made a wor∣thy satisfaction, all his souldiers hauing beene cut in peeces in Friul, Cadora, and Portonanoue beeing recouered, and wee haue lost nothing on the Verona territory, nor receiued any disgrace. And heerewith beeing satisfied without [ 50] passing on any farther, we shall receiue great profit by our cessation from Armes, and especially the friendship and good-will of the whole German Nation, of whom wee receiue infinite commodities, as well for the trade of merchandize, whereby our customes are encreased, as for all other matters concerning proui∣sion

of victuals. That it was indeed a glorious matter to vanquish a mans ene∣mies in warre, and to augment their owne bounds and confines: But that it was more glorious to •…•…ame and vanquish a mans owne passions and himselfe▪ that the euents of warre depended commonly on fortune, who is variable and inconstant: But Councells proceeding from mature deliberation and from wisdome are firme and stable and do proffit much more then those which issue from furious rashnesse.

The good old man hauing vttered this speech, the heate of those who craued warre was in some sort cooled, and therfore they concluded nothing for that pre∣sent, but said only they would consider of it at more leisure. But Maximilian con∣tinuing [ 10] the warre in the confines beneath Verona, and raising forces in diuers places of the Friull against them, heerby abusing their loue, warre was resolued against him on the fourth of Aprill. This resolution of the Senate was on a so∣dain sent not only to Gr•…•…tle & Cornare Prouidatory, but likewise to Ieronimo Conta∣ren who was Prouidator in Histria with certaine Galleis, to the end that each of them should enuade whatsoeuer they found to belong to Maximilian, either on the firme land or at Sea. According to this commandement Cornare, and Aluiana, pursuing their victory tooke Protonoue, then Fume which is a Citty of Sclauo∣nia, which they burnt: and passing ouet the Alpes they tooke Possonia seated on the marches of Hungary▪ This was done in the Friul, whilst not farre from Trent [ 20] the Germaine Army which was come to Calliana did assaile three thousand Ve∣netian footmen, who beeing well fortefied on the hill of Bretonic fled thence neuerthelesse so soone as they descried the enemies, whervppon the Germans deriding their cowardize, did raze the fortifications which they had made on the hill, burning the houses and then went back to Calliana▪

But this great army of Maximilian, within a short space came to nothing, by reason of a contention of small importance which arose about the paiment of the Grisons, who mutining therefore did spoile the victualls of the Campe: by meanes whereof all things being in disorder, and all the Grisons being departed, the residue of the Army, who were about seuen thousand men, were enforced to [ 30] retire. The Venetians then made incursions on the neighbor Villages, and came and assailed La Pietra, six miles from Trent: but those of Trent comming to their reskew the Venetian companies retired, and went to ass•…•…ile the Fort of Creste, which is a place of importance, which yeelded before the supplies from Trent a∣riued, which caused the Almaines to re-assemble their foot forces, and to returne with a thousand horses and six thousand Lansquenets to Calliana which is dis∣tant from La Pietra a crosbow shotte.

The Venetians returned to beseege this Castle of La Pietra with foure thou∣sand horse and sixteene thousand foote, determining to batter it with sixteene pieces of Ordinance: The two armies were within a mile one of another, each of [ 40] them hauing the Castle before them. But the Venetians hauing lost diuers of their men there, with two peices of ordinance which the Almaines tooke from them in a salley, thinking it lost time to tarry there any longer, seeing they could not enforce the enemies to fight they went to Rouero, and the Almains to Trent, the most parte of whom within a while after disbanded.

Mazimilian, who during these warlike exploits had runne vp and downe from place to place to be releiued with men and money, perceiuing all men to forsake him, after the defeat of his forces at Cadora, sent a Gentleman of his to Venice to craue truce for three monethes: but the Senate contemned it, and would not grant any for lesse then a whole yeare, not without the knowledge and consent [ 50] of the French King: Maximilian being the more danted for the losse of Tryeste, and other places of the Sea-coast, did solicite the Bishop of Trent to inuite (as of himselfe) the Venetians to truce, thinking by that meanes the sooner to purchase Peace. The Venetians made answer; That it lay not in their power: but that he

ought to mooue the French King.

For this purpose Commissioners were appointed to meet and conferre toge∣ther, for Maximilians part, the Bishop or Trent, and Serentano the Emperors Secretary: for the French King, Triuulce, and Iacomo Galfredo President of Millan, and for the Venetians, Zacharie Contarene, a particular Ambassador deputed for that businesse. Conferring together they easily condiscended to all conditions sauing that the Frenchmen would haue a generall truce, and that all the confe∣derates of either of them, as well out of Italy as within should be therein compri∣zed, and especially the Duke of Guelders, wherevnto Maximilians Agents would not consent, because their maister had determined to ruine that Duke, saying [ 10] that in the treaty there was nothing mentioned but the warres of Italy, and that nothing ought to be entermingled therewith but that which concerned Italy. The Venetians did all they might to content the French King, but perceiuing the Al∣maines to be obstinate in that businesse they resolued for their part to accept of truce in the same manner as they had concluded it, beeing desirous to free them∣selues from such a warre, which lighted wholly on their dominions; and notwith∣standing the protestation of the French Kings Commissioners, that a mutuall en∣terprise ought not to be finished but in common, the Venetians went on, and con∣cluded the truce on the twentith of Aprill, the which was speedily ratified by the Emperour and the Venetians, by meanes whereof the warrs ceased betwixt them, [ 20] and diuers did hope that Italy thereby should for a time enioye Peace and quiet.

Armes beeing layd a side, Aluiana and Cornare returned to Venice where they were receiued with great pompe, and in a manner triumphall: The French King hauing intelligence that the truce was concluded and signed, shewed signes of discontent, and complained to Antonio Condelmerio Ambassador for the Veneti∣ans in his Court, saying that he had not deserued of the Seigneiury of Venice that without staying for his answer and consent they had granted truce to Maxi∣milian: That he did not greatly care if the confederates of Italy were comprized therein, prouided that the Duke of Guelders might be assured in his state, whom he much affected, and yet neuerthelesse the Signory had made his desire frus∣trate, [ 30] wherein he did hope to be assisted and furthered: And yet he had an hundred thousand crownes ready to employ in his ayde, and that he would not endure that any wrong should be done to him by the fault of his confederates.

The King hauing vttered these words in choller did repent him of it, and fei∣ning to forget all matters, he beganne to entertaine him with more pleasing dis∣course; namely when the Ambassador had excused the common-wealth, and told him that the Senate euer had a principall regard to maintaine him in the Dutchy of Millan, to the end that whilest the truce lasted hee might not be molested in that State. The King gaue him then some hope that he would ratifie the truce, but in himselfe he beganne to thinke on all meanes how to be reuenged. [ 40]

The Emperor on the other side not digesting the brauadoes which the Vene∣tians had offered him, and being desirous to resent the wrongs which he had re∣ceiued, because he had no hope to draw any more aid from the Germaine Prin∣ces, made shew that he had a will to vnite himselfe with the French King against the Venetians, as the only remedy to recouer his honor and lost states. The Pope likewise prouoked the King against them, because, besides the old hatred which he did beare to them, he thought that the Bandetti of Furli, who dwelt at Faenza, had by their meanes made some attempt on that Citty.

The King calling to minde (besides his new displeasure for the truce) all the wronges which he thought they had done him in his warres of Naples, and bee∣ing [ 50] desirous to snatch forth of their handes Cremona and other townes which had beene a long time possessed by the Dukes of Millan; had the same inclination like to the Emperor. wherefore the better to bring it to passe, they began betwixt thēselues to ha•…•…ken to the contentiō betwixt the Arch-duke, & the D. of Geldres,

and for that purpose they chose the Citty of Cambray for their place of confe∣rence. Whether from the Emperor came the Lady Marguerit his daughter, Re∣gent of the Low Countreys, and Mathew Langy the Secretary, and for the French King the Cardinall of Amboise, who vnder coulour of treating a peace betwixt the Arch-duke and the Duke of Guelders (as they gaue it forth) to the end that the true cause might not be knowne to the Venetians, they concluded a perpetu∣all peace and confederacy, betwixt the Pope, the Emperor, the French King, and the King of Arragon, against the Venetians, each of them to recouer those things which they held from them.

The new confederacie beeing thus concluded, the Cardinall of Amboise de∣parted [ 10] from Cambray, the Bishop of Paris, and the Count of Carpy went to the Emperor from the French King, for the ratification of the peace, who did soone ratifie and confirme it by oath, the like did the French King, and when it was af∣terwards brought to the King of Arragon, albeit he had some doubt in his mind, yet neuerthelesse he did forth with ratifie it with the same solemnities: But the Pope made more difficulty in the matter, beeing on the one side swayed by a de∣sire to recouer the citties of Romagnia, and with his hatred to the Venetians, and on the other side, his feare of the French Kings forces did greatly mooue him: As also for that he thought it a dangerous matter for himselfe, if the Em∣perour by recouering from the Venetians the places which they held, and which [ 20] did belong to the Empire, should grow too great in Italy. To preuent this incon∣uenience, hee thought it more commodious to seeke to recouer his townes by a more gentle way then by warre.

To this purpose then hee laboured by all meanes to induce the Venetians to yeeld vp Riminy and Faenza to him, declaring to them that the great dangers which threatned them by the combination of so many Princes, would bee much greater if hee vnited himselfe with them in this confederacy, For hee could not choose but pursue them both with spirituall and temporall Armes; Hee caused in secret this remonstrance to bee made by a Greeke called Constantine Comniato to Iohn Badoario Ambassador for the Signiory of Venice to the Sea Apostolick, for [ 30] this confederacie was not yet diuulged. The Ambassador gaue speedy notice thereof to the Senate, who had an ynkling of it from else-where, and were de∣termined by no meanes to quit those townes, as they aduertised the Ambassador according to the discourse made to him by Constantine.

Now it was told them that they might easily cause Maximillian to change his minde, and distract him from the alliance with the French King, in regard of the antient enmity betwixt them: they secretly sent Iohn Peter Stella, Secretary to the Senate, to Maximillian, who had often-times beene with him, and was very well knowne to the Emperour, to the end hee might finde meanes to reconcile him to the Senate. This man beeing too hasty in the execution of his desseigne, and not [ 40] hauing well considered on the meanes, and discouering himselfe to the Empe∣rors domestick seruants, King Lewis his Ambassadors, who were with Maximilli∣an, had knowledge of his comming, whereby hee did no good to the common∣wealth. George Pisan likewise comming to Rome, by the Senates commandement, to treate with the Pope, his iourney was to no purpose.

The Senate despairing of peace, made leuies of men and horse, and decreed to enrole the greatest number of men at armes and light horse that they could raise, among whom were diuerse Stradiots, and a great number of footmen, they commanded likewise for resistance at Sea, if King Lewis should come to assaile them, fifteene Galleis to bee armed. They likewise dispatched André Badoario to [ 50] the King of England to purchase him for their friend.

In the meane time Lascaris King Lewis Ambassador at Venice was dismissed, the like was done to Condelmare, who was their Ambassador in France, vnto whom from the King was presented a chaine of gold, the which he refused, saying;

That he would not receiue any present from a King, that was their enemie and so departed. Carsode, in like manner who was Agent at Milan departed thence: within a while after supplies came to the Senate, of a thousand light horse, and fiue thou∣sand strangers foote-men, a thousand Archers from Candy, and another thousand armed at all sortes from the Country of Albania. They did after-wards with speed fortifie the Castle of Cremona, and furnisht it withall things necessary for a long seege: As also all there Townes, and Castles neere thervnto, of which forti∣fications the Count Petillan had expresse charge, who comming one day meanely accompanied to Bergamo, to see what was done there, those of Milan hauing no∣tice thereof by their spies, two hundred horse sallied forth of Milan, in the night, [ 10] euery horse man hauing a huquebusier behind him, who hauing crost the riuer Adda, hid themselues in the wood, to surprize him, which they might easily haue done, he not mistrusting it. But the Gouernor of Bergamo, being aduertized by peasants of the country of the Ambuscado, sent sodainly after the Earle who was already departed, and so saued him from that danger. The Senate hauing notice of the French-mens Ambuscado to surprize the Earle, accounted the warre to be denounced, where-vpon they chose Andrew Gritti and George Cornare for Bro∣uidators, who in the time of the Rhetick war, had the same command. The Pope who had deferred to ratifie the confederacy, till the very last day assigned for the ratification▪ did confirme it, but with expresse declaration that hee would [ 20] not execute any hostile act against the Venetians, till the French King did begin the warre. This was about the latter end of the yeare 1508. When as the league beeing ratified, by all the confederates, the French King beegan to make very great preparations, and beeing come to Lyons, hee caused his com∣panies to march towards the Mounts; and sixe thousand Swisses, whome hee had in a readinesse, prepared them-selues to come downe at the same-time into Italy.

The Venetians on the other side with great courage made preparations (as hath beene said:) but considering afterward how all Christendome in a manner were in armes against them, they desirous to trie by all meanes possible if they could [ 30] dissolue that Vnion, repenting for that they had not separated the Pope from the other, the which they might haue done by the onely yeelding vp of Faenza vnto him. They would haue renewed their former treaties, both with the Emperour, and the King of Spaine: but it was in vaine with all three of them: for the Pope could no more accept of that he had desired: the Catholike King had no meanes to diuert the rest, and the Emperor did so abhorre them, as he would not vouchsafe to looke vpon their Ambassador: wherevpon they conuerted all their thoughts to defence, and to wage (as hath beene said) great numbers of horse and foote, and to arme diuers vessells as well to keepe the sea, as the Lake of La Garde, the riuer Po, and other Neighbour places. [ 40]

Sondry prodegies which did happen did greatly terrifie them: First they lost a barke within the which were ten thousand Ducats, sent by the Senate to Rauen∣na, which was drownd: then lightning fell on the Castle of Bressia: after that, the place where the Charters of the Common-wealth were kept, fell wholy downe to the ground, and fier tooke either by chance, or by the secret malice of some in their Arcenall in the same place where their salt peeter lay, where it burnt twelue Galleis, and a very great quantity of Munition which did much amaze them, be∣cause it presaged nothing but mishap. They made preparations then cheefely on that side, whereby the French King was to come, which was towards the Giradade, crossing the riuer Adda, neere to Cassiana, and therefore they assem∣bled [ 50] their army at Pontuico, on the riuer Oglio: the Earle of Petillan was made Generall thereof, Bartilmeo Aluiana was Gouernor, and George Cornare and Andre Gritt•…•… aboue named were prouidatory.

These men being assembled to determine after what manner the warre should

be managed, the opinions were different betwixt the generall and the gouernor: This man was of opinion to make the seate of the war in the enemies country, ra∣ther then in their owne, and to goe and assaill the Dutchy of Milan, before the French King should passe the Mounts: The other, who for his long experience, would not heare tell of tempting fortune, was of a contrary opinion, and coun∣selled, that contemning the losse of the countrey of Gyradade, they should en∣campe neere to the Citty of Orci, as in times past other great Captaines had done in the warres betwixt the Venetians and the Milanois. The Senate reiected both these counsells; that of Aluiana as to bold, and that of the Generall as ouer fearefull: wherevpon they determined, that the army should draw neare to the [ 10] riuer Adda, because they would not leaue the Gyradad in prey to the enemies, with the Senates expresse commandement, not to fight with the enemy but vpon great hope or vrgent necessity.

The French King hauing passed the Mounts with an intent to fight, sent his Herald to Venice, to denounce warre; and in passing by Cremona to doe the like to the Venetian Magistrates. The Lord of Chaumont beganne the first motion of the warre on the fifteenth of Aprill, crossing by a foord the riuer Adda, neere to Calciana, with three thousand horse; and passed ouer by boate six thousand footemen and the Artillery after-wards, marching directly to the towne of Treui, which being beseeged and battered, yeelded: wherevpon Iustinian Morosin, Vite∣li [ 20] de citto de Castello, and Vincenzo de Nalde, who were within it, and with them an hundred light horse, and about a thousand footemen remained prisoners, the Sradiots saued them-selues by flight. Vpon report of the taking of this place, diuers neighbour-townes did like-wise yeeld. The Lord of Chaumont did soone after with all his forces repasse the riuer Adda. The Marquis of Mantua came with his forcas to Casal-Major, which forthwith yeelded. Rocalatin like-wise hauing on a bridge of boates passed the riuer Adda, where it entreth into the Po, came and made incursions on the Cremonois, with an 150. Lances & 3000. foote∣men, the like also did they of the Garrison of Loda. The peasants likewise of the Mountainy of Briança made incursions as farre as Bergamo. After these first [ 30] attempts of warre, the Pope for his part began by spirituall armes, for hee publi∣shed a terrible Bull, in forme of a Monitory against them, specyfing al the vsurpa∣tions made by the Venetians on the Churches lands, and the authority which they attributed to them-selues to the preiudice thereof: whereby he admonished them to yeeld vp within foure and twenty daies next following the Churches townes which they possessed, with the reuenew receiued by them euer since they enioyed them, vpon paine, in case of disobedience of incurring censures, and interdicti∣ons, not onely for the Citty of Venice, but likewise for all the townes vnder their obedience: declaring all those to be excōmunicate, who should in any sort detaine them, guing power to all men in all places, to seaze on their goods and to make [ 40] slaues of their persons. The Senate kept this Monitory close from the people, for feare least they should haue mutined, and threw in an appeall to the next Gene∣ral councel, which was carried and fixed on the Churches of Rome, by vnknown persons. At the very same time, in a manner, King Lewis his Herald came to Ve∣nice, who in his Kings name in open Senate did denounce the warre already be∣gunne for diuers occasions which he declared in their presence. The Duke by the aduice of the Senate, answered, seeing that the French King did denounce warre, contrary to their aliance with him, the which they had neuer violated, they would with their forces, and with the iustice of their cause seeke to defend them-selues▪

After this answer, they gaue order to their army, the which being assembled [ 50] at Pontuico, to the number of two thousand men at armes, three thousand light horse and stradiots, fifteene thousand footemen chosen forth of all Italy, and fif∣teene thousand other choice footemen of their own teritories, with great quanti∣ty of Artillery, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 came to Fontanella, which is within sixe miles of Loda, a place

very commodious for the reliefe of Cremona, Crema, Carauagia & Bergamo, Citties vnder their obedience. And because they had a fit time to recouer Treui, by reason that the Kings Armie was not yet assembled, the Senate was of opini∣on to assaile it. The ordnance beeing planted, which made great execution, those within it did yeeld the next day following, on condition that the souldiers liues should bee saued, who were disarmed, the Captaines to bee prisoners, and the towne to be vsed at their discretion.

The King was at Milan, who departed thence▪ so soone as hee vnderstood that that towne was battered, for to releeue it, and came and passed ouer the riuer of Adda on three bridges made of boates, neere to Cassiana, with his whole Ar∣mie, [ 10] the enemie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stopping him, who hauing entred Treui, busied them∣selues in pillaging the towne, from whence the Captaines could not with-draw their souldiers, neither by entreaties nor threatnings, vntill that Aluiana in a •…•…age caused the towne to be set on fire, to make them to depart thence. But it was too late▪ for the French were wholy come ouer the riuer.

The King so soone as hee had passed ouer the Riuer, came and lodged within little more then a mile of the Venetians campe, who beeing encamped in a place strong both by sit•…•… and arte, the King could not assaile them but with great disad∣uantage. The matter was debated, where some of the Kings councell were of opi∣nion to draw out the warre in length, expecting the Emperors comming downe, [ 20] for then the Venetians should bee enforced to come to a battle, not being able to looke to so many places at once. But the King was of a contrary opinion, as well for feare least the Emperour would come too late, as for the desire which hee had, being there in person with all the forces of his kingdome, that he might with∣out an others helpe finish that warre by a glorious victory. The armies in the meane time did not stirre, but remained incamped, the one before the other, for the space of a day, with sundry skirmishes betwixt the light horse on either side. The next day the King marched towards Riuolta, to prouoke the enemies to come thether, that hee might fight with them, but they did not sti•…•…re, shewing thereby that they had no meaning to fight; The Artillery being brought before [ 30] Riuolta, the Fort within a few houres was taken by assault, wherein the King with his whole armie lodged the same night.

The King wondering at the enemies proceedings, the which to himselfe he ne∣uerthelesse commended, resolued to depart thence, & to come into a place where he might cut off their victuals which came to them from Cremona and Crema, thinking that the want of victuals would breake their determination: wherefore hauing staid one day at Riuolta he dislodged and burnt it, and tooke the way of Vailla and Paudina, the very next night, because that either of these places were in the way by which victuals came to the enemy.

The Venetians did very well perceiue the Kings meaning, and how they were [ 40] of necessity to remooue: but the Count Petillan would haue them to tarry till the next day, and Aluiana would haue them instantly to depart▪ to the end to preuent them; the which was done. There were two waies to go to the places aboue men∣tioned, the one lower, & farther neer to the riuer, with crooked turnings, by which the kings armie marched, which was said to consist of more then two thousand lances, six thousand Swisses, and twelue thousand foot, as well French as Italians, with great store of Artillery, and Pioners: the other farther off from the riuer, and the shorter way, the which led directly for the passage of the Venetiā army, wher∣in were 2000. men at armes, more then 20000. foot, and great numbers of light horse, some Italians, and some Albaneses: there beeing nothing betwixt the two [ 50] armies but bushes & shrubs, which hindred either army from seeing one another.

The two armies marching in this manner, the French vantgard conducted by Charles of Amboise, & the Venetians rereward conducted by Aluiana, encountred one another. Aluiana not thinking to fight that day, did not march in good order.

But perceiuing himselfe to bee so neere the enemy, and in such a place as hee was enforced to fight, aduertised the Count Petillan, who went with the Vantgard, of his necessity, crauing his ayde. The Earle sent him word to march on still and to eschew the fight, according to the Senates determination. Aluiana in the meane time placed his footmen with sixe peeces of Ordinance on a little rising: and then assailed the enemies with such force and fury, as hee enforced them to giue back: but the Armies battaile, wherein the Kings person was, comming forward: the chance of the Dice soone turned, albeit Aluiana for his luckie beginning had promised to him-selfe the victory: who running vp and downe, now heere, now there, encouraged his soldiers: They fought on all sides with great fury. The [ 10] French were on fire by their Kings presence, who not sparing himselfe, was expo∣sed to all dangers, and did not cease where need was to command and encourage his souldiors. The Venetians on the other side full of valour, by reason of their first good successe, did fight brauely: But at the last, after long fight, and the Vene∣tians loosing rather their strength then their courage, not turning their backs to the enemies, they fell downe in a manner all dead vppon the place, and chiefly the footemen, some of whom affirmed that there were eight thousand of them slaine there. Barthelmew Aluiana was taken prisoner, who beeing hurt in the eye, with his face all bloudy, was brought to the Kings Pauillion.

Such end had the battaile of Gyradade, which was fought on the fourteenth [ 20] of May, in the yeere 1509. The King in memory heereof caused a chappell to bee builded on the place of battaile, which hee called Saint Maries of the Victory: then because hee would not loose his opportunity, hee came to Carauagia, which yeelded vpon composition, and foure and twenty-houres af∣ter, the Castle, on no condition, hauing beene beaten with the Artillery. Bergamo did the like the next day, and the Castle a day after. From thence hee marched towards Bressia, which by the councell of the Gambares, did cast off the Ve∣netian yoake, and yeelded to the King; and the Castle two dayes after did the like, on condition that all that were within it might depart, (the Venetian Gen∣tlemen excepted) because the King would not haue them comprized in the com∣position [ 30] of townes, not for hatred that he did beare to them, but in hope to draw great summes of money from them.

The newes of the battailes losse, and of the kings progression after that, did af∣flict Venice with such griefe and vniuersall feare, as it is scarce credible, so great it was. For from all parts of the citty, people ranne to the publick Pallace with great cryes and pittifull lamentations, where the Senators knew not on what to resolue, their Councell beeing dulled by dispaire; so weake were their remedies. At the last taking courage, they determined to vse meanes to bee reconciled in any sort whatsoeuer with the Emperor and the Catholick King, not mentio∣ning the French King, because they did as much distrust his hatred, as they were [ 40] fearefull of his Armes.

The Senate then did write to Dominico Grimani, and to Marco Cornare, sonne to the Prouidator, both of them beeing Cardinalls at Rome, to promise and offer to the Pope, in the Senates name, that the Citties which hee demanded in Romagnia should bee yeelded vnto him, by meanes whereof they besought him not to abandon the common-wealth to the pleasure and dispose of barbarous people, such as the French-men were, who if they should once become mai∣sters of all Lombardy, the Popes them-selues should not bee safe in Rome.

They likewise decreed, that Antonio Iustiniano (who being chosen Prouidator for Cremona, was ready to go thither) should directly go to the Emperor Maximilli∣an, [ 50] & conclude a peace with him, if it were possible on any terms whatsoeuer. That the Senate was ready to deliuer to him Thryeste, Portonoue, and the other lands which they had taken from him the yeare before, and that the Signory would ac∣knowledge to hold of him whatsoeuer it possessed in Frioul, in Lombardy, and in

the country called old Venice. So weake and vncertaine were their remedies, as if one of these two did not helpe to repulse the audatiousnesse of the French, they had not any sure meanes left to stay them.

Neuerthelesse, makeing a vertue of necessity, they consulted for their defence how to prouide mony to wage new companies, for those which remaind aliue after the defeate were bereft of strength and courage. They determined like∣wise to augment their army by sea, whereof Andre Treuisan was Generall with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gallies to oppose against that of the enemies which was preparing at Ge∣noa. But the French Kings sodaine speed did preuent al their Councells, vnto whom, since the reduction of Bressia, Cremona was yeelded (the Castle expected [ 10] which the Venetians yet held). Pisquetona did the like: then hee marched to∣wards Piscara to take the Castle, for the towne was yeelded: And as they began to batter it, the Swisses and Gascons made a furious entry by small ouctru•…•…es in the walls, and slew all those that were within it, except the Captaine and his sonne who were Venetian Gentlemen, who were both by the Kings commandement hanged on the Castles battlements, to the end by that example to moue those of the Castle of Cremona, not obstynately to make defence, nor to hold out till the very last.

The King in this manner, in lesse then fifteene dayes after the victory, had re∣couered [ 20] (the Castle of Cremona excepted) all that which did belong to him, according to the diuision which had beene made at Cambray. The Pope had enuaded the Citties of Romagnia, with foure hundred men at armes, foure hun∣dred light horse, and eight thousand foote-men, and with the Duke of Ferrara his ordnance, vnder the command of Francisco Maria de la Rouera his Nephew, Sonne to his brother Iohn, who with that army scoured from Cesenna to Ceruia, then tooke the towne of Sauarolla, betwixt Imola and Faenza, and that of Bre siquella with the Castle, and all the other townes of the Faentyne territory.

The Burrow of Russi, strong both by nature and art, after the Kings victory did yeeld to the Pope on composition, the like did the Citty of Faenza, which being [ 30] vnfurnished of Venetian soldiars, and at her owne command, did promise to ac∣knowledge the Pope for her Lord, if it were not releeued within fifteene daies, which was not done. Rauenna did the like, so soone as the army of the Church drew neare (the Castle excepted.) In such sort as the Pope conquered more by the fame of the French Kings victory, then by his owne army, the Vene∣tians possessing no more in Romagnia but the Castle of Rauenna, new enemies shewing them-selues dayly against them, euer since the defeate of their army.

The Duke of Ferrara on a sodayne shewed him-selfe, who till then had abstai∣ned, and hauing expelled the Visdoma from Ferrara (a magistrate which the Ve∣netians kept there) hee did forcibly without any let at all recouer the Pollesin of Rouigo. The townes of Azole and Lunate yeelded to the Marquis of Mantua, which the Venetians had in former time taken from Iohn Francisco Gonzaga his great Grand-father. Christofero Frangipane held Pisinia and Diuinia in Histria. The Duke of Brunswic with his forces, ent•…•…ing Friull by the Emperors com∣mand, tooke Feltre and Bellone Thryeste likewise and the other townes vpon his arriuall did returne to the Emperors obedience. The Earles of Sodron seazed on certaine Castles and Villages which lay neere them: the like did the Bishop of Trent who tooke Riua di Trente, and Agresta.

The Venetians being brought to all extremity determined to quit the Signo∣ry [ 50] of the firme land, to the end to auoide so many enemies, hoping that good fortune one day returning, they might easily recouer it. Beeing contented then onely to retaine the salt waters, all their care was to fortyfie their Citty with men, victualls, and munition, and they sent Mandates

to the Magistrates and Officers of Padua, Verona, and other Citties allotted to Maximillian, that they should sodenly depart thence, leauing them to the power of the people.

During these atchiuements, Antonio Iustinian who had beene sent to the Em∣peror, beeing admitted to his presence in publike audience, did speake with very great submission, but it was in vaine, for hee would doe nothing without the French King. The Venetian Cardinalls likewise, who besought the Pope to ab∣solue solue the Monitorie, seeing they had offered to make restitution of the townes within the space of foure and twenty dayes, could obteine nothing: For the Pope answered, That they had not obeyed, because they did offer it with limited [ 10] conditions, not mentioning the profits which they had receiued by them. The Senate sent likewise into Puglia to yeeld vp the hauens to the King of Arragon, who being certaine to obtaine them with ease, had sent a small fleete from Spain, the which had already taken possession of diuerse places belonging to those Cit∣ties, and Sea hauens.

In this manner were the affaires of the Venetian common-wealth throwne head-long downe all hopes failing them. Those of Verona would yeeld to the King, seeing the Venetians had forsaken them, but hee would not receiue them, meaning faithfully and wholy to obserue the capitulations made with the Empe∣ror, seeing hee had conquered all that which did belong to himselfe, and he com∣manded [ 20] the Ambassadors of the Veronois to present the Keyes of their Cittie to the Emperours Ambassadors, who were in his Army, the like did they of Padua and Vincenza.

This determination of the French King, not to passe with his Atmie beyond his limits, gaue some beginning of hope and safety to the Venetians, concerning whom the mindes of all Italians were diuersly mooued: Some were highly pleased with their misery & calamity, and said, That with great ambition they had sought to subiect all Italy to themselues, by meanes whereof they had made their name very odious. Others considering more iudiciously, how vnseemly a thing it would be for all Italy to be brought vnder the bondage of strangers, did infinitely la∣ment [ 30] the disaster of that Citty, the antient seat of liberty, and which more then any other had vpheld the common glory and renowne of all Italy.

This compassion began to touch the Popes heart, who fearing the power of the Emperor and the French Kinge desired to diuert their thoughtes from any more oppressinge it by intangling them in affaires. Therfore he resolued (but se∣cretly) to hinder as much as hee could, that the miseries of that Signory should goe on no farther, and did willingly receiue the letters with Denis Loredan wrote vnto him, requesting that it might please him, to receiue sixe Ambassadors which the Signory would send vnto him of the principall Senators, most humbly to entreare him to pardon and absolue them. The letters were read in open consi∣story, [ 40] where their petition beeing propounded, the Pope consented to admit them, notwithstanding that the Ambassadors of the Emperour, and the French King sought to hinder it, alledging that by the league of Cambray, he was bound to pursue them with spirituall and temporall Armes, vntill that each of the con∣federates had recouered that which did belong to him, and that the Emperour had not yet recouered all. Hee answered them, That the ancient custome of the Church was not to shew it selfe obdurate to those, who repenting of their faults did craue pardon, but that hee would not absolue them, before they had giuen satisfaction to euery one.

This reception of the Pope did encrease their hope, with the newes they [ 50] heard from Treuiso, which beeing forsaken by the magistrates, and by the Vene∣tian companies, as others were, Leonardo of Dressina banished from Vincenza, beeing come thither without forces to take possession thereof for the Emperor, they in the city mutined, and began with a generall voyce to cry S. Marke: pro∣testing

that they would acknowledge none other Lord, and a fellow that was a shomaker named Marke beeing their leader, he carried with great shoutes and concourse of people the Venetians banners into the market place, and hauing driuen thence Dressina, they placed souldiers in their City, and speedily fortified it with victuals, and all other necessaries, the hors-men which were within it scouring the country round about.

The end of the seuenth Booke of the fourth Decade.

[ 10] [ 20]

Notes

• The Emperor Maximillians Ambassador come to Venice in the Popes behalfe.
• The Senates answer to the Ambassadors.
• A league be∣twixt the Em∣peror Maxi∣millian and Lewis the French King.
• King Lewis his Ambassa∣dor at Venice.
• The Senates answer to the Ambassador.
• The Venetians resolution.
• The Popes an∣swer to the Ve∣netians offers.
• Agreement be∣twixt the Pope and the Vene∣tians.
• The Popes re∣quest to the French King.
• The Emperors request to the Venetians.
• The Venetians answer to the Emperor.
• Iohn Paul Bail∣lon, yeeldeth vp Porugia and her territory to the Pope.
• The Pope threatncth th•…•… Bentiuo•…•…es
• The Bentiuoles being discou∣raged, submit to the Pope.▪
• Bolognia yeel∣ded to the Pope.
• The King of Arragon com∣meth into the Realme of Na∣ples.
• Lewis the French King commeth in•…•… Italy.
• The great ha∣tred which the Pope did beare to the Veneti∣ans.
• 1507.
• A strang suspi∣tion of the Pope concer∣ning the King.
• The false re∣ports which the Pope threw abroad against the king.
• Enteruiew of king of France and Arragon at Sauona.
• Aduertize∣ments to the Princes of Germany to cleere the suspition of the French King.
• VVhat was concluded in the Dyet at Constance.
• The Venetians greatly per∣plexed.
• The Venetians resolute an∣swer to the Emperors am∣bassadors.
• The Emperor finde to him∣selfe frustrate of his hopes.
• The Pope refu∣seth the Em∣perors request.
• The great pre∣parations of King Lewis & the Venetians to stop the Em∣perors passage.
• The Emperor summons those of Verona to g•…•…ue him passag.
• The Emperor commeth to∣wards Vincen∣za and on a so∣daine retur∣neth into Ger∣many.
• The Venetians great prepara∣tions.
• The Almains defeated in the vale of Cadora.
• The Emperor reiteraeteth his Am•…•…assadio the Venetians for passage.
• The Senates answer to the Emperors Am∣bassador.
• Aluiana his exploits in Friul.
• An old man's speech to the Senate.
• warrs resolued against Maxi∣milian.
• Flight of the Venetian Gar∣rison
• Maximilians Army desolued for a small oc∣casion.
• The Castle of Creste yeelded to the Veneti∣ans.
• The Venetians retire from be∣fore the Fort of la Pietra.
• The Venetians refuse to grant Maximilian truce for three yeares▪
• Iarring be∣twixt the Com missioners as∣sembled about the truce▪
• Truce be∣twixt the Em∣perour and the Venetians.
• The French King complai∣neth of the truce.
• The French King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bleth.
• What was practised vn∣der hand a∣gain ct the Ve∣netians.
• Confederacy of the Pope, Emperor, French King, and King of Arragon, a∣gainst the Ue∣netians.
• The Confede∣racy ratified by the Empe∣ror and the two Kings.
• The difficulty which the Pope made to ratifie the consedera∣cie.
• The Popes se∣cret menaces to the Veneti∣ans.
• The Venetians secret practises with Maximil∣ian.
• The Venetians great prepara∣tions for their defence.
• Ambuscado 〈◊〉〈◊〉 surprise the Count Petillan
• The Pope ra∣tifieth the treaty of Ca•…•…∣bray.
• The Venetians attempt in vaine to be re∣conciled to the Pope, and the Emperor.
• The Venetians are astonished at sondry bad presages▪
• The Venetians army on the entry of the country of Gi∣radade.
• Sondry opini∣ons of the Ve∣netian Cap∣taines.
• The Lord of Chaumont General of the Kings army.
• The French take Treui.
• Casal-Maior yeelded.
• The Popes ter∣rible monitory against the Venetians,
• The Duke of Venice his an∣swere to the French Kings Herald.
• The Venetians Armie at Foutane lla.
• The Venetians recouer Treui.
• The Kings Armie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very neer to that of the Venetians.
• Sundry opini∣ons in the Kings Armie.
• The Kings resolution to enforce the enemies to fight.
• The number of the Kings Armie.
• The number of the Venetians Army.
• The Kings Armie and that of the Venetians, fight suriously one with an other.
• The Venetians lose the battle of Gyradade.
• The King tak∣e to Carauagia.
• Bressia yeeld∣eth to the king.
• How the Vene∣tians were daunted at the report of the battails losse.
• The Venetians offer to the Pope.
• The Venetians seeke to be re∣conciled to the Emperor.
• The great pro∣gression of the French army.
• Al Romagnia ye•…•…ldeth to the Pope vpon the same onely of the Kings victory.
• The Duke of Terrara de∣clares him▪selfe against the Ue∣netians. The Marquis of Mantua doth the like. The Emperors army vnder the Duke of Brunswic.
• The Venetians quit Padua Verona, and ther places of the firme land.
• The Venetians obtaine no∣thing of the Pope nor Em∣peror.
• Hope giuen to the Venetians.
• The Pope be∣ing mooued with pitty, takes compas∣sion on the Venetians.
• Treuiso co•…•…∣tinueth obe∣dient to the Venetians.