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 tenth Booke of the [ 10] fourth Decade.

[ 20]

THe City of Bressia taken by the Venetians is rescued by Gaston of Foix, by meanes of the Castle which held out still for the French. Bergamo by the example of Bressia expelleth the French. The defeate of Iohn Paul Baillon and Meleager of Furli by Gaston of Foix. The imprisonment of Andrew Gritti and An∣tonio Iustiniano. Truce betwixt the Emperour [ 30] and the Venetians by meanes of the Pope. Rauenna beseeged by Gaston of Foix. The Battaile of Rauenna wherein the French were victors. The death of Gaston of Foix slaine by the Spaniards, after the battaile was wonne. In what perplexity the Pope was after the French mens victory. The Swisses come downe into the territory of Verona, with their great hate to King Lewis, and vpon what occasion. The Champaine Country of Milan is forsaken, for to keepe the Cities from the Swisses. Milan, with all the Cities, almost, of the Dutchy, is redeliuered to the confederates. The City [ 40] of Genoa reuolteth from the King. League and confederacie betwixt the Pope, and the Emperour. Maximillian Sforza is restored to the Dutchy of Milan. The death of Pope Iulius the Second. A league con∣cluded betwixt King Lewis and the Venetians. The Election of Pope Leo the Tenth of the family of Medicis. King Lewis his great prepara∣tions for the warre of Italy. The Venetians take Cremona. The whole Dutchy of Milan in trouble and tumult in the behalfe of the French. The French make re-entry into all the state of Milan, two townes excepted. The [ 50] Swisses resolution to make warre on King Lewis. They come downe to Nouara.

The Swisses comming forth of Nouara in the night obtaine the victory a∣gainst the French. The French are driuen forth of the whole Dutchy of Milan. And lastly the taking and dismantling of Legnaga by the Vene∣tians.

[ 10]

The tenth Booke of the fourth Decad of the History of Venice. [ 20]

THe army being dislodged from before Bolognia, Gaston of Foix hauing left there three hundred Launces, and foure thousand foot for the garde thereof, came with great speed to the re∣liefe of the Castle of Bressia, for the Venetians tooke the Ci∣ty the same day that hee entred into Bolognia. For Count Lodouico Auogare a Bressian Gentleman, being wearied with the arrogancy and indiscretion of the French, hauing written to the councell of the Tenne, That if they would send their army to Bressia, he would finde meanes [ 30] to raise some tumult there, during which hee would by night open a gate for them, by which their forces might easily enter, and seize vpon the city. This mat∣ter was for certaine daies debated in the councell of Tenne, and then by them re∣ferred to the great councell, to the end it might be maturely determined, whe∣ther Count Lodowickes offer ought to be entertained or refused. After diuers and sundry opinions it was concluded to accept it, the matter being commanded to be kept secret: then they acquainted the Prouidator Gritti therewith, enioy∣ning him to march speedily with his troupes towards Bressia, and to march at the very houre, and to the gate which Count Lodowick should send him instructi∣ons for. [ 40]

Gritti vpon this commandment crossed the Riuer Adice at Albera, then that of Mincia, at the mill of La Volta, and comming to Monteclaro with three hun∣dred men at armes, thirteene hundred light-horse; and three thousand foote; he encamped that night at Castagnetta, fiue miles from Bressia, from whence he on a sodaine sent his light-horse to scoure euen to the gates. But the enterprise being discouered by a wife of one of the complices, who aduertized the Gouer∣thereof, of whom she was enamored; and by that meanes the towne being care∣fully guarded, Gritti thought it not fit to passe on any farther, wherevpon Count Lodowicke not being staied by the French, came with his sonne forth of the City. Andre Gritti being returned neere to Montagnane, from whence he first came, [ 50] left a sufficient gard for the bridge which hee had made ouer the Riuer Adicé, to the end to assure the passage, if he should happen to returne againe, as it after∣wards fell out. For within a while after being recalled, he crossed the Riuer with two Cannons and foure falconets, and returned to his quarter at Castagnetta.

Count Lodowick on the other side being accompanied with very great num∣bers of the people of the valeys of Eutropia & Sabina, whō he had caused to rise, was come within a mile of Bressia. And al-be-it they within the City did not yet make shew of fauouring the enterprise, yet neuerthelesse Gritti perceiuing, that he had greater forces then at the former time, he resolued to haue it by force: And beeing come with all those peasants, he assailed it in three seuerall pla∣ces, two of which had good successe, namely at the Gate of Piles where Auo∣gare fought, & at the gate of La Garzulo, where the souldiers entred at the iron grate, by which the riuer of the same name entreth into the city, notwithstan∣ding all the attempts and resistance of the French, who perceiuing the ene∣mies [ 10] to bee entred, and that the Bressans did rise in their behalfe, they re∣tired to the Castle, with the Lord of Luda their Gouernour, loosing their horse and baggage.

Bressia being taken all the townes along the Lake of La Garde, did driue a∣way the French, and yeelded to the Venetians: Bergamo did the like soone after (the two castles excepted) the one of which standeth in the middest of the city, and the other halfe a mile off. It was thought that if at Venice (where the ioy was incredible) they had forth▪with prouided that which Andre Gritti did so∣dainely write for, namely to send souldiers, and artillery which he had need of to win the castle of Bressia, they had made greater progression, or at least the victory [ 20] would haue beene more assured.

But during these exploits, Gaston of Foix being aduertized of what had pas∣sed at Bressia, did speedily march thither, who hauing passed the Po at Stellata, did so one crosse the riuer Mincia at the bridge of Molino, then he came and lodg∣ed at Nogera on the Veronois, and the day following at Pontpesara, and at Treuilla, where hauing intelligence that Iohn Paul Baillon was come with three hundred men at armes, foure hundred light horse, and twelue hundred foote to lodge at the Island of Escalla, hee ranne speedily thither with three hun∣dred Launces and seuen hundred Archers, the residue of the army, who could [ 30] not march so speedily, comming after, and finding him to bee gone, they fol∣lowed him hastily and ouertooke him, as he was at the point of the passing a foord of the riuer Adicé.

Iohn Paul Baillon hauing descried him a farre off, thinking it to be nothing else but part of the forces of Verona, did embattaile his souldiers and tarried for him. Both fides ioyning, fought valiantly for more then an houres space: but the Ve∣netians fortune beganne to decline by the arriuall of the residue of the army which came in file, and notwithstanding that they disordered them, they neuer∣thelesse rallied themselues diuers times, vntill being no longer able to resist the greatnumbers, they betooke themselues to flight; wherevpon Iohn Paul passed [ 40] the riuer safely, but diuers of his people were drowned.

The morrow after, Gaston of Foix did likewise put Meleager of Furli to rout, whom he incountred as he conducted certaine Venetian light horse, then hee came and encamped in the suburbes of Bressia, and without any delay at all hee sent to assaile the Monastery of Saint Fridiana, which stood halfe way off from the hill vnder which he was lodged, and hauing assaulted it, hee draue thence those which garded it, and turned with his army to the other side of the towne, that hee might be the nearer to the castle. The next morning by day breake, hauing cho∣sen out of the whole army, foure hundred men at armes well armed, and six thou∣sand foot, and going vp on that side nere to the Gate of Pises, he entred without [ 50] any resistance into the first wall of the castle, where after he had for a while cau∣sed his souldiers to test and refresh themselues, he did incourage them with faire speeches, and promises of an inestimable booty. That being said, he marched foreward. But at the comming forth of the Castle he found certaine footmen, who with the Artillery thought to haue staied him, but their attempt was

in vaine, for hauing put them to flight, he came downe furiously vpon the voide place where captaine Burlettes palace stood, where the Venetian forces being close ioyned together, did attend him with great boldnesse: and there ioyning, they fought furiously on either side for a long time, the one fighting for their owne safety, and the others for glory, and for desire of the spoile and sack of so rich a City.

The Venetians at the last, hauing brauely defended themselues were driuen from the place. For the French being victors, did by force driue their enemies before them in all places, not going to pillage▪ vntill they were wholy become Masters of the city, following the command of Gaston of Foix who had so en∣ioyned [ 10] them before their comming downe. Of the French side there died many foot, and some number of men at armes, but more then eight thousand of the e∣nemies were slaine, and great numbers of them taken prisoners, amongst whom were Andre Gritti and Antonio Iustiniano with many others. Count Lodowicke Auogare and a sonne of his being taken among the rest were beheaded in the pub∣like place of execution.

Gaston of Foix preserued the honour of the Nuns, but their goods were pilla∣ged, and those who had retired into their Couents and other Churches, were the captaines booties. In this manner fel the City of Bressia into extreame misery, which in dignity and nobility did not giue place to any other of Lombardy, and [ 20] which did for wealth surpasse all the rest, (excepted Milan). It was sackt seuen whole daies together. The newes of this reprisal being come to Venice did greatly trouble the whole City, who thought they should be no more able to enterprise any thing, condemning chiefly the small speed that was made to send necessary forces and munition to the Prouidator Gritti, the which was cause of that losse. The Senate forthwith consulted about the repairing of their army, sent to leauy two thousand foot in Candy, and a great number of Stradiots in Al∣bania. Two hundred pound weight of gold was sent to the viceroy of Naples, as had beene promised. The foot which were not at Bressia, and the horse-men which escaped, together with those who were stript and disarmed came to Vincenza. [ 30] Instinian and Gritti were sent prisoners to Milan.

The Pope vnderstanding that the French had recouered Bressia, councelled and perswaded, euen with threats, that they should accord with the Emperour. And certaine commissioners beeing assembled for that purpose, perceiuing the great difficulties which were made in the treaty of peace, it was propounded to make truce for a while in the meane time, during which they might with more ease deliberate on the Articles of peace and other reasonable conditions.

According to this aduice, truce was concluded at Rome in the Popes pre∣sence betwixt the commissioners, on condition that the Senate should at two pai∣ments giue foure hundred pound of gold to Maximillian, to the which were [ 40] one hundred pound more added, to cause the Emperor to ratifie this agreement, the whole amounting to fiue hundred pounds of gold.

Gaston of Foix after the recouery of Bressia, hauing giuen order for his af∣faires, (for Bergamo which had rebelled, and all the other townes neere adioy∣ning had recalled the French) and refreshed his army which was wearied with so great and long trauaill, determined to goe and incounter with the confederates army, according to the commandement which hee had receiued from the King, which did expresly import, that with the greatest speed hee could, hee should march against them, whom h•…•…e heard to bee verie weake, and therefore he promised himselfe the victory, and being victorious, he should be∣seege [ 50] Rome and the Pope without any respect, to the end to free himself of so ma∣ny dangers which did threaten him: and for the diminution of his enuy, & encrease of his owne iustifications, he would haue that enterprise to be made in the name

of the councel of Pisa, which should depute a Legate to goe to the army.

Gaston of Foix departed from Bressia, and came to Finall, there for to gather to∣gether all the companies which were in Italy (those excepted who remained for the gard of the Cities) and from thence he went to Saint Georges on the Bolog∣nois, where there came to him three thousand Gascons, a thousand Pioners, and a thousand Picards which were newly sent him, being al choice soldiers. These be∣ing arriued, he found that he had with him fiue thousand Lanfequenets, fiue thou∣sand Gascons, and eight thousand, as well Italians as French, with one thousand sixe hundred launces. The Duke of Ferrara was to ioyne with him, with a hun∣dred men at armes, two hundred light horse and a great quantity of excellent [ 10] munition, because the Generall had left his at Finall, in regard of the bad waies. The Cardinall of Saint Seuerine being deputed Legate by the councell came likewise to the army.

Gaston of Foix marching in this equipage did burne with desire to meete the enemy and to fight with him, as well to satisfie the King as for his owne valour and prowesse: his meaning neuerthelesse was not to assaile him rashly, but only to trie if by approching nere to him he would cheerefully come to the battaile, in any place where the quallity of the sytuation might make them equall.

The enemies had an other intent, who thought it not safe for them to fight in an equall place, at least wise before the six thousand Swisses whom they [ 20] expected were arriued: as also for that the King of Arragon had commanded them to abstaine as much as they could from fight, for diuers considerations by him alleaged.

The two armies did often change places, marching continually nere toge∣ther in good order, the artillery going before and their faces turned towards the enemies, as if euery houre they were to beginne the fight. Gaston receiued a new commandment from the King to hasten the battaile. Wherevnto his King was incited so soone as he vnderstood the truce made betwixt the Emperour and the Venetians. But Gaston perceiuing that hee did winne nothing by coasting the enemies in this manner, in regard of the commodiousnesse of the [ 30] Cities of Romagnia, whether they still retired, determined to beseege Rauenna wherein Marke Antony Colonna lay for the Pope with fifteene hundred foot, and fiue hundred horse, thinking that the enemies would not suffer such a city to be lost before their faces, and by that meanes occasion might be offered to fight with them in an equall place. He came and lodged betwixt Contignola, and Grana•…•…olla, then at Rassi, hauing driuen them thence who kept it, and from thence the day following he came and encamped nere to the walles of Rauenna betwixt the two Riuers; namely, Ronca, and Mo•…•…tona betwixt which the towne is seated. He possessed the space which is betwixt the one and other riuer.

The next day he caused his ordnance to be planted, and by all meanes hasted [ 40] the battery, that he might come to the assault before the enemies (whom he knew were remooued) should arriue, as well for to get the towne, as in regard of his great want of victuals, by reason of the Venetian vessels which lay at Fiquerolles, and at the mouth of the Channel which falleth into the Po, which stopped those that came both from Lombardy and Ferrara.

This was the reason why he resolued to giue the assault the same day, al-be∣it he knew that there was no reasonable breach made, and that he could not en∣ter but by ladders: those likewise which were sent thither, being out of hope to force the Citty: and perceiuing themselues to be greatly hindred by a Culue∣ryne, hauing fought for the space of three houres, retired with the losse of [ 50] three hundred foote, and of certaine men 〈◊〉〈◊〉 armes, and as many in a man∣ner were hurt. But the retreat was no soon•…•… made, but they descried the con∣federates armie co•…•…ming to the relee•…•…e of the Towne, the which marched along the riuers side.

So soone as the French had discouered them, they arose in armes and placed themselues vnder their enseignes, hauing in great hast with drawne their ordi∣nance from before their walles, the which they turned towards the enemies: who imagining onely by the shew of their army, that Ramenna was suffi•…•…iently relee∣ued, thinking that the French durst not assaile it they being so neere, they encam∣ped within three miles of Rauenna, at a place called Moulinachia, which they forth-with fortified, with as deepe a trench as the shortnesse of the time would permit them. The French were long in councell, to know what was to bee done, either to assaill the Citty, or the enemies. In the end after diuers and sundry o∣pinions, they resolued to goe and assaile the enemy, so soone as it was day. Which [ 10] Gaston of Foix gladly approuing, hee caused the same night a bridge to bee cast ouer the Ronca, and to li•…•…ell the causeis on all sides, to make the waies easie. There by day breake, being Easter day, hee prepared to march against the enemies; and hauing encouraged his soldiors, with a more eloqu•…•…, then Martiall oration hee enforced the enemies by the shot of his ordnance, to come forth of their tren∣ches, and to ioyne fight with him, where the con•…•…ederates were so delt with, for the space of six 〈◊〉〈◊〉, •…•…hat the fight lasted, as not being able to make any more resistance, they turned their backes, and among others the Viceroy and Caranagio were the formost, carrying away with them, a squadron in a manner whole and vnbroken: so as the French remained masters of the field. [ 20]

But because the Spanish Infantery made a soft retreate, and in god order, Gas∣ton of Foix was desirous to breake them, and going furiously to assaill them with a squadron of horse, hee was on a sodaine enuironed by the enemies, and being beaten from his horse, was slaine by the push of a pi•…•…e, thrust into his flanke. The Lord of Lau•…•…rec lay by him, in a manner dead, being wounded in twenty places, but being brought to Ferrara, he was there healed.

The Generalls death caused the Spaniards to escape without any empedi∣ment, the residew of their army being dispersed and put to flight, and their ba∣gage, enseignes and artillery taken. The prisoners were the Popet Legat, Fabri∣cio Colo•…•…, Pedro of Naua•…•…e, the Marquis of Palu, Bito•…•…o, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ with ma∣ny [ 30] other Barrons, and great Lords. The brute was that there died on both sides, eighteene thousand men, one third part French, and the two thirds of the con∣federats. But the losse of the victorious was greater, without comparison, by reason of the death of the Generall, of •…•…s of Alegre, •…•…ters French Gentle∣men and Almaine Captaines, to whose valour the victory was partly ascribed.

The victors beeing returned to their Campe, those of the Citty sent word that they would yeeld, but whilest they c•…•…pitulated, the Lan•…•…equentes, & Gascons perceiuing the walls to be carelessely kept, did enter it at the breach which was made before the bataile, and •…•…ade cruell spoyle, for despight of the losse which [ 40] they had sustayned in the battaile: but they could not take the Castle, whether Marke Antony C•…•…llonna was •…•…tyled, which hee afterward yeelded, vpon condi∣tion •…•…o haue their goods and liues saued.

The Venetians hauing newes of this losse, sent word to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whome they kept in pay with a thousand foote in Flamin•…•…, to gard, and defend the lands of the Church. The Vi•…•…y neuer •…•…aid till hee came to A•…•…coha, where hee vsed meanes to renew his army, promis•…•…g to him selfe, that beeing ioyned with the Swisses, hee would easily driue the French forth of •…•…taly, so as e∣uery one would employ him-selfe in that busienesse. The Venet•…•…ns beeing aduertised of his inten•…•…, sent to comfort him for his losse and to offer him al [ 50] ayde and releefe by Anto•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉, who brought him a good summe of mony from the Senate, the li•…•…e also did King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 A•…•…ssador which lay at Venice.

The French Army being daunted with the death of their Generall, remained within 4. miles of Rauenna, attempting nothing, expecting the kings pleasure. In the meane space newes being brought to Rone, of the losse of the battaile, all the Cardinalls came forth-with to the Pope, earnestly entreating him to accept of peace with the French King, the which they assured him hee might obtaine, on honest conditions, they seeing no other remedy for all these daungers, but peace onely. The Ambassadors of the King of Arragon, and the Signury of Ve∣nice insisted on the contrary, giuing him to vnderstand that matters were not so desperate, nor the army so much decayed, but that it might easily bee restored in short space, without any greate expence, with many other very pertinent reasons, [ 10] to induce the Pope to their opinion. But he continewed in very great doubt; for on the one side, hatred and disdaine against the French did possesse him, and on the other, feare, and danger. Wherevpon hee answered the Cardinalls that he would make peace with the French King, and yet it was not with that resolution, which might giue any certaine hope: and last of all when as Iulius of Medicis a Knight of Malta, who was after-wards pope, came to him from the Cardinall of Medicis, and had fully informed him, how greatly the French were weakened, by their Generalls death, and of diuers other particularities of the French army, which did much recomfort him; And bringing him into the Consistory, he cau∣sed him to rehearse the selfe same things to the Cardinalls, who neuerthelesse [ 20] did perseuer in their desire of peace, the which though in words hee made shew (to please them) to accept of, hee had neuerthelesse resolued not to graunt, but vpon the last extremity, and rather to leaue Rome, hoping that his cause would bee maintayned by the armes of Christian Princes.

But so soone as hee vnderstood that the Lord of La Palisse, who commanded the French army, after the death of Gaston of Foix, was called into the Dutchy of Milan by the Generall of Normandy, for feare of the Swisses comming, and that he was with the army departed out of Ro•…•…gina, he found him-selfe freed of the doubt and feare which hee was in, concerning the affaires of Rome, where∣by hee was more then before confirmed in his obstinacy, albeit the Legate of [ 30] the councell •…•…arried still in Romagnia, with three hundred lances, three hundred light horse, six thousand foote, and eight peeces of ordnance.

Now the Pope beeing greatly confirmed by that which hath beene already said, and by the great hopes which the King of Arragon gaue him, so soone as bee had intelligence of the losse of the battaile of Rauenna, promising to send him Gonsaluo the great Captaine into Italy with new supplies and likewise by the commission which the King of England had sent to the Cardinall of Yorke, to enter into the league, hee did openly reiect peace, and pronounced in open Consistory a Monitory, against the French King, if hee did not release the Cardinall of Medicis, whome hee kept prisoner in Milan, where hee was [ 40] honorably vsed.

The Swisses in the meane time, who stood badly affected to the French King, and did wonderfully hate him, beeing assembled at Coire, a city of the Grisons there antient confederats, marched from thence to Trent, (the Emperour to collour the matter with the King, saying that hee could not stoppe their passage, in regard of the antient confederacy which he had with them.)

From Trent they came vpon the Verona Territory, where the Venetians army expected them, who together with the Pope did contribute for their pay, They were in number more then sixe thousand, though no more were demaunded: For the hatred which they did heare to the French King was [ 50] so greate, as contrary to their custome, they did p•…•…tiently endure al difficulties, and namely, they ca•…•… from home hauing receiued only one florin of Ryne a peece: wheras in time before they would not march for the Kings seruice, vnlesse they

had beene promised many paies and their Captains presented with sondry guifts.

La Palisse comming first of all with the Army to Pontoglio to stop their pas∣sage, thinking that they would come that way into Italy, perceiuing afterward their meaning to be otherwise, came and incamped at Chastillon of the stirrop, not being assured whether they would come downe into the Dutchy of Millan or els march towards Ferrara. It was certainely thought that they would haue held on the way towards Ferrara according to the Popes directions, had not a let∣ter which the Lord of La Palisse sent to the General of Normandy, been in•…•…ercep∣ted by mishap, the which fell into the hands of the Venetian Stradiots; by which he sent him word how his affaires stood and that it would be a hard matter to re∣sist [ 10] them, if they should turne towards the Dutchy of Millan. This letter made them change their determination, and caused the Cardinall of Syon, the chiefe motiue of this warre, with the Captaines, to resolue to enterprise that which their enemies most feared (as was perceiued by that letter). Therefore they came to Villafranca to ioyne with the Venetian army, vnder the command of Iohn Paul Bailon, which was of foure hundred men at armes, eight hundred light horse, and sixe thousand foote with peeces of Ordnance, as well for battery, as for the field.

La Palisse, who in all had not aboue seauen thousand foote and a thousand lances, did with the Captaines determine wholy to forsake the field, and to looke [ 20] to the defence of the townes of most importance, till such time as those great nombers of Suisses should be wasted, or else some fresh supplies might come to them from France to make head against them. Wherevpon he did put into Bres∣sia two thousand foote, one hundred and fiftie lances and a hundred men at armes of the Florentines: into Crema fiftie lances and a thousand foote, and into Bergamo, a thousand foote, and a hundred Florentine men at armes; he brought the residew of the army to Pontuico, which consisted of six hundred lan∣ces, two thousand French foot, and foure thousand Lansquenets. But the next day letters came from the Emperour, who commanded the Lansquenets forthwith to abandon the French Kings seruice: they not daring to disobey, de∣parted [ 30] the very same day, because they were all his subiects.

La Palisse despayring (by reason of the Lansquenets departure) of beeing able a∣ny longer to defend the Dutchy of Milan, did in great hast retire to Pisquetona. The Venetians in the meane time hauing already taken Valegia and Piscara, did still with that Army winne the Contrey as they went along. Those of Cremona being wholly forsaken did yeeld to the Cardinall of Syon and gaue him a good somme of money, to the end that the Suisses should not enter into their Citty. The like did Carauagio and Soncino, wherein the Cardinall of Syon placed his owne people in Garrison, in steed of deliuering it to the Venetians, as it was men∣tioned in the treaty of the League. All other townes neere to the riuer Adda did [ 40] yeeld to the Venetians, the like did Bergamo with her territory, by reason that La Palisse, had recalled his companies which lay there to ioyne them to the army.

La Palisse forsooke Pisquetona, and went and crossed the Riuer Adda, hoping to keepe the enemies from passing the riuer if the footmen which they made ac∣count to leauy had arriued▪ But through want of money to pay them, none were raised, wherevpon he retired to Saint Angello, and the day following to Pauia, determining to stay there. But after that Triuulcio came thither to him, and had shewed him the vanity of his opinion, and how that it was impossible to hould back so great a ruine, seeing there were no footmen in the Army, nor meanes to wage new, as well for the shortnesse of the time, as for that there was no money [ 50] to pay them, he went and made a bridge ouer the Po, at a place where it is most narrow, to the end that the companies might more commodiously passe holding on their way towards Ast.

So soone as the French had passed the Riuer Adda, Loda yeelded to the confe∣derates

who being come to Pauia, beganne to batter the Castle. The French like-wise did soone abandon it, and came to the stone bridge, which is ouer the riuer The∣sin, fearing least it should be surprised, hauing but that place alone, whereby to escape from Pauia. All the French men, with certaine Lancequenets, who were not departed with the rest, being come forth of Pauia, the Citt•…•… promised to pay a great summe of mony to auoyde the sack thereof, Milan had already done the like, compounding for a great summe, and all other townes, (Bi essia and Coma excepted) did with great desire doe the same.

All matters were gouerned in the name of the holy league (for so all men cal∣led it,) and all the profit fell to the Swisses, which caused many more of that na∣tion [ 10] to come downe into Lombardy, and to vnite them-selues with the first. In this change, Parma and Placentia were giuen to the Pope. The Swisses •…•…eazed on Lucarna and the Grisons on Voltolina and Chiauenna, Iano Fregossa, by the Venetians aide, in whose army he serued, went to Genoa, and so handled the mat∣ter, as the French gouernor being expelled, it reuolted and created him Duke.

In the like manner all the townes and Castles of Romagnia did returne to the Pope. Bolognia like-wise yeelded to his officers, after the Bentiuoles being de∣priued of all hope, had forsaken it. The Cardinall of Medicis had already before then escaped, by meanes of some stirre which hapned of purpose, as hee entred into a boate at the passage of the Po, wherevpon hee was taken from the French [ 20] who kept him, who intended flight rather then resistance. The Senate in the meane time, being desirous to recouer Bressia and Coma, solicited the Cardinall of Syon to come with his troupes and their army to beseege those townes, who making no hast, beeing loth to encrease the Venetians greatnesse, came in the end and encamped before Bressia, neere to Saint Iohns gate, battering at one time both the towne and Castle, whether the Viceroy came to them with the Spanish army. The Lord of Aubigni who was within it, perceiuing that in the end he could not choose but deliuer it, thought it best to yeeld it, together with the Castle, ra∣ther to the Viceroy then to the Venetians, compounding with him, that all [ 30] the souldiors within should depart with liues and goods. The French that were at Legnaga followed the same councell. Crema did other-wise which was be∣seeged by Ranze de la Cere, with a part of the Venetians forces, vnto whome, Bene∣dict Cribario (being corrupted by guifts, and vpon promise to be made a gentle∣man of Venice) did yeeld the towne by the consent of the Lord De Duras gouer∣nor of the Castle, the which he would not doe to Octanian Sforza, Bishop of Lodi; for & in the name of the future Duke Maximilian Sforza, being come thither for that purpose, with foure thousand Swisses In these interims, the Bishop of Gurcia as Lieutenant to the Emperor went to Rome, who being receiued with all honor they beganne to treat of the establishment of the common businesse, and how to [ 40] root out particular strife and contentions, to the end that Italy being vnited to∣gether might resist the French King: and the hardest matter of all this was, the agreement so often treated of betwixt the Emperor and the Venetians: For the Bishoppe of Gurcia demanded to haue Verona and Vincenza, to remaine to the Emperor, and the other townes to the Venetians, for which they should present∣ly pay to Maximilian two hundred thousand florins of the Rhyne, and thirty thou sand for euer after, yearely, in manner of rent. The Venetians would not pay rent for those townes, which they had enioyed for so many yeares, as belonging vnto them, nor consent to giue mony, and much lesse to deliuer Vincenza, for diuers reasons by them alleadged. The Pope did what he could to attone them, now in∣citing [ 50] the Venetians, then entreating them, & sometimes threatning. The King of Arragons Ambassadors did all they could; the like also did the Swisses. In the end the Bishop of Gurcia persisting in his demand, and the Venetians in their refu∣sall, as well of Vincenza as of the summe of mony, the Pope forsooke them, pro∣testing to their Ambassadors that he should be enforced to pursue their Republick

with spirituall and temporall armes, and made a league with the Emperor, to the end that he might alow of the Councell of Lateran, and disallow the Conuenticle of Pisa. The Spanish Ambassador would not enter into that League, saying; that he had no commission so to doe from his King.

The consederacy being contracted, the Bishop of Gurcia at the next Session of the councell of Lareran, did in the Emperours name adhere to the Councel, where he affirmed in the presence of all men, that the Emperour had neuer consen∣ted to the Conuenticle of Pisa, reiecting all those who had vsed his name. This being doone, the Bishop of Gurcia tooke his leaue, that he might be with Maxi∣milian Sforza at such time as he should take possession of the Dutchy of Millan [ 10] the which he did After his entry, the Viceroy went and beseeged the fort of Tresa vpon the riuer Adda, which was yeelded vnto him vpon condition that they within it might depart with their goods.

The confederacy made at Rome, had not wholly broken off the hope of a∣greement betweene the Emperour and the Venetians, and therfore the Pope sent Iacomo Stafilea Auditor of the Rote to Venice, to entreat the Senate to agree with Maximilian, and to enter into the league, saying; That to his great gree•…•…e he had forsaken them, the which, many taking in bad part, Said that they were assured that it would cause them to enter into League with the French, and by that meanes to recall them a new into Italy; but that he for his part did so much presume on [ 20] them, as he knew they would neuer do it: and in regard of these matters beeing troubled with sondry thoughtes, he fell sick, and his health dayly empairing, not being able to eate or sleepe, he deceassed the two and twentith day of February in the yeare 1513.

Now the Venetians hauing determined before the Popes death to contract League and alliance with the French, according to the motion made by King Lewis to Andrew Gritti, prisoner at that time in France, they resolued (the matter hauing a long time been debated in councell) to send one of purpose into France to treat of this businesse with the King: and to this end they named Lodouico Pie∣tro Secretary of the Councell of Tenne. [ 30]

Hee beeing departed from Venice, and onward on his way, they had newes of the Popes death: but for all that they did not call him back, not knowing who should be his successor, and least of all what his affection towards them might be.

The Secretary beeing come into France, the King did enlarge Andre Gritti, and did forthwith conclude the league with him on condition that Cremona and the contrey of Giradade should belong to the state of Milan, and that the Venetians should haue Bressia, Bergamo and Crema, (the King making ouer all his right to them, which he could pretend to those Citties:) That they should be bound to aide one another; and to hazard together one selfe same fortune, vntill the King should recouer the whole state of Milan: and that likewise the Republicke should [ 40] be restored to the entier possession of whatsoeuer it did enioy on the firme land: And lastly that al prisoners on either side should be set at liberty, and the fugitiues restored to their goods and contrey.

In the meane time, after the Popes death, the Cardinalls entred quietly into the Conclaue, and did the seauenth day following with a generall consent choose for Pope, Iohn, Cardinall of the title of Saint Mary in Dominica, of the most illustrious family of Medicis, of seauen & thirty years of age, which was a strange matter, and contrary to the custome: He tooke vpon him the name of Leo the tenth. This election was pleasing to all men, and cheefely to the Venetians, who did euer greatly affect that family: by reason whereof, the Senate did hope easily [ 50] to draw him with them into this league, confederacy and alliance. But Leo hauing obtained the Pontificall dignity, found himselfe to bee assailed with sondry thoughts, reuoluing in his minde diuers matters, as well belonging to warre as to peace.

His antient habit and manner of life from his youth, did excite him to embrace peace and quietnesse, especially now when he saw him-selfe established in the su∣preame dignity: so as the n•…•…e of warre, in regard of dangers past was displeasing and odious to him: And on the other side, hee found no great safety in peace, in the middest of armes, and confusion of all things, as also, because the memory of his predecessor, who by armes had much encreased the de•…•…aines of the Church, did prouoke him to warre. But by taking armes, hee knew not to which side hee should rather incline: For the returne of the French into Italy did not like him, in regard of the wrongs and greeuances which he in particular had receiued by them, and his predecessor like-wise, and which did still threaten him, in regard of [ 10] the councell of Pisa, which was transferred to Lyons. On the other side, the French; confederate with the Venetians, did in such sort daily encrease, in strength and reputation, as hee knew not by what meanes▪ to oppose himselfe against such warlike attempts.

Leo then being thus troubled with sundry thoughts, did oftentimes change his determination. At the beginning of his papacy, he sent a breefe to all Chris∣tian Princes, exhorting them to peace, and vnity: and the more easily to induce them there vnto, hee determined not to shew him-selfe more affected to one side then to another. Yet neuerthelesse, perceiuing at the same-time that there was no greate hope of peace, he beganne to prouoke the Venetians, against the [ 20] French, vsing meanes to perswade them to league them-selues with him selfe, the Florentines, the Swisses, and the Duke of Milan, for the liberty of Italy. The Venetians would not consent to his proposition, thinking it to bee a∣gainst reason to abandon for vaine hopes, an alliance already made with the French; and also for that considering matters more iudiciously, they percea∣ued that at the first hee promised some apparent liberty: but that dangers did still encrease, and that they went about to throw all Italy head-long into perpetu∣all bondage.

With these discourses did the Venetians maintayne their opinion, soliciting the French King in the meane time to make the greatest hast hee could with [ 30] his army into Italy, to surprise the townes, before they were man'd with gar∣risons, putting him in mind, that the victory of an enterprise, dependeth cheefely on speed. The French King beeing moued by these remonstrances, did wholy bend his actions to this warre, and to cut off all lets that might hinder him there∣in, he made truce for one whole yeare with Fernand, King of Arragon, onely for that which concerned matters forth of Italy.

And as for the English, whome hee vnderstood were making great pre∣parations for their comming into France, hee made no great reckoning thereof, hoping in short space to driue Sforza from the state of Milan, and to returne victorious with his Army into France, time enough to resist their [ 40] attempts.

Now the Rendezuous for all the Kings troupes was at Suza, from thence to march with ease into Italy, vnder the conduct of the Lord of La Tremo∣uille, albeit the warre was managed by Iohn Iames▪Trivulce, a man of great repute, for his excellent skill in martiall discipline. The report was that there were twenty thousand soldiours in the Kings Army. The Ve∣netians had for their parts eight thousand foot-men, twelue hundred men at armes, and fiue hundred light horse, with greate store of munition and ord∣nance: Dominico Contaren, and Andre Loredan were prouidators of the army and Bartilmeo Aluiana Generall in the Count Pettillans sted, who was [ 50] deceased.

Hee beeing come to the Army, which lay on the bankes of Adice, sent to the Senate to know if hee should passe on farther whilst the enemies were vnprouided of all aide and succour, and their townes without garrisons.

The Senate beeing assembled therevpon, after •…•…undry opinions, decreed, that their Armie should not passe the Po, nor Adda, referring the rest to the pleasure and discretion of their General, according as he should think it fit. For the Senate had as yet receiued no certaine newes, whether the French Armie had passed the Alpes, wherevpon they thought it not discretion to abandon their state to the enemies mercy, or to send their Army into any place, from whence, (if matters should fall out vnfortunately) they should not bee able to with∣draw it.

But Aluiana beeing full of courage, and desirous to exploite some gallant [ 10] enterprise, if occasion should fitly serue, resolued without delay t•…•… passe ouer, and first of all tooke his way directly towards Verona, hoping for to winne it. Pandolfo Malateste commanded for the Emperour in one of the Fortes of the Citty: Hee with certaine of the Townsmen, had practised to giue him entrance: But the next day, fiue hundred Lansquenets entred Verona by the Riuer Adicé, and the matter beeing discouered, Aluiana perceiuing that the Citty could not bee easily forced, and that it would aske much time to besiege it, did on a sodaine march towards Cremona, and by the way made him-selfe maister of Valegia, and of the Forte of Piscara two strong and commodious places for the Venetians, in respect of their situation. [ 20]

Vpon report of Aluiana his comming, a great tumult was raised in Cremona: those which were of the contrary faction, forsooke the towne, and the others without contradiction did receiue Aluiana into the citty, who being entred, he did sodainly disarme Caesar Fieramosca, who lay there in garrison with three hundred horse, and fiue hundred foot of the Duke of Milans. Hee needed not to spend any time for the recouery of the castle, by reason it was euer held for the French King: Wherevpon hee forth with erected the French Kings banner, saying; That hee did receiue the Citty, for, and in the name of the French King, for whom Theodore Triuulce his Ambassador was there present in the Venetian Armie. Hee went afterwards to Pisquetona, Sonzino, Lodi, and other places neere [ 30] adioyning, hauing already, by the change of Cremona, erected the French Kings Banners.

But on the Verona and Vincentine territories, the Venetians affaires were differently managed. For so soone as Aluiana was departed with his Armie, Rocandolphe Captaine of the Lansquenets, and Frederick Gonsaluo of Bossola comming forth of Verona with sixe hundred horse, and two thousand foote, went to Saint Boniface, where Aluiana had left vnder the command of Sigismond Cauallo, and Iohn Fortino, three hundred light horse, and six hundred foote: who beeing scattered heere and there, vpon newes of the enemies comming, fled to Colognia, and were so neerely pursued by the Lansquenets, who entered the towne by force, as they were all taken prisoners, and the towne beeing sacked and [ 40] burnt, they returned to Verona laden with spoile.

The enemies for this exploit waxing more prowd and insolent, foure thou∣sand foote, and fiue hundred horse, sallied forth of Verona for to assaile Vincen∣za: whereof Iohn Paull Manfron, the Citties Gouernour, hauing intelligence, hee caused great numbers of peasants on a sodaine to enter into the Citty, and did so carefully prouide for the rest, as the enemies hope beeing frustrate, ha∣uing spoyled the countrey round about, they were enforced to returne to Verona.

But during these exploites on the Veronois and Vincentine territories, the [ 50] whole Dutchie of Milan was in vprore and Armes: There was no Towne, Vil∣lage, not Castle, but did rise and take armes vpon the comming of the Veneti∣an Armie, vpon the report that was spredde, that the French had passed the Alpes: for albeit that the people of Milan, wearied with the French gouernment;

had desired the returne of the Sforzas their antient Lords: yet neuer•…•…helesse, hauing not by their returne obtained the liberty and freedome which they hoped for, but on the contrary all discommodities and charges, they changed their mindes, and desired the returne of the French. Many likewise, enemies to the quiet of other poore banished men, or mooued by the diuersity of factions, did fauour the French. In regarde whereof the Earle of Man•…•…oc, sonne to Iohn Iames Triuulce, riding vp and downe the Champaine countrey of the Dutchy of Mi∣lan, to stirre them vp to commotions, found it no hard matter to make them to reuolt and to take armes.

Maximillian Sforza beeing daunted thereat, not knowing whereon to resolue, [ 10] perceiuing all things to tend to his ruine, thought it most expedient for his safe∣ty and escape, and for the tryall of his latest fortune, to retire with certaine horse to Nouara, where he vnderstood some Suisses were arriued, resoluing there to tarry for the rest, who in great numbers were comming down for the defence of his state.

Those of Milan, seeing them-selues to bee without garrison, and with∣out a Captaine, that their well fortified Castle held for the French, and that the Venetians Army did approach, some of them beeing stirred vp with hope o•…•… better fortune, others with feare and distrust; thought it fit to yeeld to the French, and to that end, to send an Ambassador to the Venetian Generall; who hauing [ 20] made a bridge ouer the Adda, threatned that hee would shortly bee with them. The French on the other side, (with whom Andrè Gritti was in quality of Am∣bassador for the Signory) entred Italy tooke diuerse townes and castles, some by assault, and others by a voluntary redition: so as the state of Milan beeing en∣uaded by two mighty armies, French and Venetian, was in short space reduced vnder the French gouernment: Two Citties onely held out for Maximillian, Nouara, and Coma.

The Venetians, for these so fortunate attempts, did promise to them-selues a glorious end of this warre: for their armie had gotten such reputation by the the taking of Cremona, as Ranze de Cera going with a troope of Soldiers to re∣couer [ 30] Bressia, it was yeelded vnto him vpon the first summons; by reason that the Spanish Soldiers, who lay there in garrison, beeing frighted at his com∣ming, retired into the Castle. There was but one onely thing which could cut off the hope which all men had conceiued of the victory, and that was the com∣ming downe of the Suisses. For the common report was, that the Suisses had with such affection entertained the protection and safegard of Duke Maximili∣ans state, as it was certainly thought that they would omit nothing which might further the conseruation thereof.

This Nation was at the same time very famous for their exact obseruation of martiall discipline, and they could by no meanes swallow the contempt and dis∣grace [ 40] wherein King Lewis held them, at such time as hee sent to renew the league with them (as hath beene said) hauing more esteemed a little ouer-plus of mo∣ney, then their friendship; as also because the desire of gaine did prouoke them therevnto, hauing seene their fellowes to returne home from other warres victors and loden with wealth.

Now these Suisses hauing assembled their generall Councell, did all with one consent resolue to make warre on the French, and they proceeded therein with such earnestnesse, as the most of them, contrary to their custome, en∣rolled themselues for very small pay, diuerse also without any pay at all, and in a short time after, they leuyed a great Army, both of horse and foote, [ 50] which beganne to come downe into the Dutchie of Milan, one company after an other.

The newes of their comming downe, did at the first amaze the French,

in regard of the recent remembrance of matters brauely executed by them: But when they considered that they brought no cauallery with them, nor victualls, artillery, nor ought else fit for such an enterprise, they thought it best not to en∣force such enemies, who came rather to steale then to fight, being so vnprouided of all warlike necessaries, as they assured themselues that their Army would short∣ly dissolue it selfe, as it had done at other times, and would returne home againe, by reason of the want of all things.

The French therefore contemning them in this manner, hauing left a strong garrison in Alexandria, came and encamped before Nouara. Their intent was to trye if they could winne those Suisses by money, rather then by force, and to [ 10] practise with them for money to deliuer Maxmillian Sforza into their hands, as the same nation had done by his Father Lodouico Sforza in the same place. And if this should not fall out, they thought it no hard matter to take that Towne, the winning whereof, as they thought, would bee the ending of the warre.

But the wise and well experienced Captaines did deride these designes and vaine imaginations, and did blame the French, who insteed of assailing the Spa∣nish Armie, and breaking it, which they might easily haue done, did busie them∣selues in besieging Nouara, and employing all their forces there, which was di∣rectly against Gritti his aduise, who did many times put the French Captaines in [ 20] minde of the fault which they committed, in not first of all assailing the Spani∣niards, who seemed to bee the enemies chiefe prop. In regarde whereof the Se∣nate thinking it fitte to bee done, had commanded their Generall to make a bridge ouer Adda, causing it to bee giuen forth, that hee would presently with the whole Army passe ouer and ioyne with the French, to the end that the Spa∣niards, beeing mooued by this report, might not alone abstaine from ayding the Suisses, but thinking how to escape, might bee enforced to returne to Naples. But the French trifling the time vainely before Nouara, brake all these sound de∣terminations, and found them-selues to bee entangled with many difficulties: be∣cause the rumor dayly encreased, that of a certaine great ayde was comming to the besieged, the which did make their enterprise more difficult: And as their [ 30] discamping from thence, would greatly blemish their reputation, and encrease the enemies boldnesse, euen so their long stay there was dangerous and vnprofi∣table. And therefore diuerse Captaines were of opinion to retire from those boggy places, and to goe into the Champaigne countrey, where their caualle∣ry, wherein their chiefe hope consisted, might bee employed and shew their va∣lour, councelling to goe and meete the enemies, promising vnto them-selues to obtaine the victory with ease, they comming so vnfurnished of all warlike preparations.

But the authority and opinion of Triuulcio did most preuaile, who thought it not fit to hazard the whole, on the vncertaine euent of a battaile, but by altering [ 40] their forme of warre, to retire two miles off from the Citty, neere to the Riuer Mora, to the end that being safely encamped, they might cut off the enemies vic∣tuals, and enforce them thereby to yeeld. The Campe being gone thus farre from the citty, certaine troopes of Suisses entred it without any empediment, where they were receiued with great ioy: and not loosing one minute of time, Captaine Motir, one of the chiefe of the bands, called them all into the market place of Nouara, where after he had encouraged them with most vehement speeches, hee resolued with them by a generall consent, to depart about midnight, and on a so∣daine, by the fauour of the night, to goe and assaile the French Campe, where∣vpon hee commanded them to goe to rest, and to refresh their bodies, and to bee ready when the drumme should call them.

This nation did neuer make a more bold and braue attempt, being a few against many, without horse and Artillery, against an Armie excellently well prouided of all necessaries. About midnight then they sallied with great fury forth

of Nouara, on the sixt day of Iune, in the yeare 1513. They were about ten•…•… thousand men, who were disposed and ordered in such manner, as seauen thou∣sand were appointed to assaile the ordnance, about which the Lansquenets were lodged, and the residue should march with their long pikes against the men at armes.

The French being come into that place, hauing continued the remainder of the day, and a part of the night in armes, betooke themselues heere and there to sleep (according to the report of the spies at Nouara) not doubting that any such ac∣cident would so soone befall them, hauing in no sort fortified their Campe. The tumult and confusion was very great vpon the Sentinels report of the enemies [ 10] comming. The Artillery began to play with great fury vpon those who came to assayle it, and did greatly hurt them. Triuulcio was lodged in the middest of the battaile, because Trimouille sought in the right wing, and Robert de la Marche on the left, each of them exhorting the Souldiers to doe well. The men at Armes did readily put them-selues in battaile, and the Lansquenets, who were followed by the other footmen, did on a sodaine place themselues in order. The Suisses notwithstanding that many of their fellowes fell downe dead round about them, did neuerthelesse, with marueilous boldnesse, marche forward vp∣on the ordnance, not •…•…esteeming present death, nor were danted at the death of those that fel downe at their feete, vntill that comming vnto the Artillerie, [ 20] the Lansquenets and they did charge one another with incredible fury, fighting with great rage, and yet neuer brake their order. All in generall did fight with great courage (the men at armes excepted) who stood still and did nothing, no perswasions, commandements, nor entreaties of the Lords, Triuulce and Trimouille beeing able to preuaile with them: beeing so affrighted, as they had no courage to charge the enemie, who stood before them, and the Suisses were well pleased with their standing still, and for that they came not on to the ayde of the footmen.

At the l•…•…st, the great boldnesse and valour of the Suisses, carryed it away, who hauing brauely wonne the ordnance, did turne it vpon the French whom they put to rout, the footmen as well as the men at armes doing nothing worthy of [ 30] prase. This is the famous battaile of Nouara, where they fought for the space of two houres, with great losse on both sides, but most of all on the French, which did afterward bring great calamity on the Venetians.

By this defeate of the French a great alteration followed in Italy, chiefly in those matters which concerned the Venetians. Gritti who was in the French ar∣my was likewise one that accompanied them in the flight, who beeing by no rea∣son able to perswade them to tarry at Alexandria or in Piedmont and not blot their reputation with so base and shamefull a flight, perceiuing their Armie to bee wholy broken, and knowing that hee could in so sort aduance the seruice of the Common-wealth, went to Sauona, and from thence to Genoa, then to [ 40] Luca, and so at last he came to Venice.

This victory caused Milan, with other townes which had openly shewed them-selues for the French, to send to begge pardon, which was granted them, on condition to paye the Suisses, vnto whom by right was due, not onely the profit, but the glory of the victory, purchased by their valour and bloud.

The Viceroy, who till then had still kept the Spaniards in their garrisons, and not shewed himselfe against the French nor Venetians, following the victors fortune, did on a sodaine crosse the Po, and marched towards Cremona (where [ 50] he knew the Venetian army lay) to assaile it. Wherof Aluiana hauing intelligence and how that in other places the people began to rise against them & the French, in Maximillians behalfe, attempting to cut off victuals and passage from them,

determined to leaue those confines, and to draw his Armie in safety from thence; the which the Senate vpon the report of the battailes losse, had commanded him to doe: but yet neuerthelesse, to retire in such manner, as his retreat might not sa∣uor of a manifest flight, least it should discourage his owne soldiers, and cause the enemies to become more audacious.

Aluiana being departed, and Cremona left naked of Souldiers, the Spaniard did forth▪with seaze on it, and wholy sackt it, because it had giuen entrance to the Venetian Army. Then sending ayde to Maximillian Sforza to Nouara, and to Octauian Fregosa at Genoa, against the Adorni, he brought the residue of his Ar∣my towards the Venetians confines, hauing crossed the riuer Adda, where with∣out [ 10] any difficulty hee tooke the Citties of Bressia and Bergamo. These Citties were taken in the Emperors name, and rated at certaine great summes of money, which being rigourously leuied, were destributed among the Spanish Soldiers.

Aluiana in the meane time, with all his forces remaining on the Veronois, be∣ing much discontented to see the great deseignes which hee had proiected to bee snacht forth of his hands, resolued on a great and difficult enterprise: for hauing wonne the towne of Legnaga, he left Iohn Paul Baillon at the siege of the Castle, with twelue hundred foot, and himselfe went speedily with the residue of the Ar∣mie to assaile Verona, to trye if hee could take it on the sodaine. Baillon hauing [ 20] made a breach in the forte of Legnaga, gaue a furious assault to it, and notwith∣standing the Spaniards resistance, it was taken by force, for which hee was greatly esteemed by the Senate.

This place beeing taken, was not able to beekept without a strong garrison, wherefore they resolued to dismantle and forsake it. Aluiana on the other side, being come before Verona, did assaile it on the weakest side neere to Saint Max∣ims gate, where hauing planted his ordnance, hee did with great fury batter the Tower of the gate, and the wall thereto adioyning, expecting in the meane time when any tumult would be raised in the Citty; and hauing beaten downe to the ground forty fathome of the wall, with the tower which fell downe likewise, hee gaue it a fierce assault. But three hundred horse, and three thousand Lansquenets [ 30] beeing in Verona, it was valiantly defended, by reason that the breach was very high on the townes side, which made the descent very vneasie. Which Aluiana perceiuing, and that the Veronois did in no sort stirre, contrary to his hope, he did with great speed retire his footmen and artillery from before the walls, as wholy despairing of the Victory, and returned the very same day to his quarter, from whence he came in the morning, hauing in that assault lost aboue two hundred of his soldiers.

In this exploit there was nothing worthy of praise, but his great speed, be∣cause he had done that in one day, which other Captains were scarce accustomed to doe in three or foure. After that, hee spoiled the Countrey, trying whether for [ 40] feare thereof he could enforce the Veronois to come to any agreement.

The end of the tenth Booke of the fourth Decade.

Notes

• Gaston of Foix releeues the Castle of Bres∣sia.
• Andre Griul re•…•…ireth.
• The Venetians returning to the assault of Bressia, enter the City.
• Bergamo ex∣pelleth the Frinch.
• The speed of Gaston of Foix.
• Iohn Paul Bail∣lon is broken and defcated by Gaston of Foi•…•….
• Gaston of Foix defeateth Me∣leager of Fur∣li.
• Gaston of Foix bauing entred the Castle of Bressia march∣eth to the res∣•…•…ue of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• The French af∣ter a long fight became masters of the City.
• André Gritti and Antonio Iustiniano ta∣ken prisoners. Count Lodo∣wick Auogare beheaded.
• The losse of Bressia troub∣leth the Vene∣tians.
• Truce agreed on betwixt the Emperor and the Venetian•…•…
• The number of Gaston of Foix his army.
• Gaston of Foix his great de∣sire to fight.
• Gaston of Foix beseegeth Ra∣uenna.
• The reso•…•…ue to assaile the ene∣my and not the Citty.
• The French are victors in the battaile of Rauenna.
• Goston of Foix is slaine by the Spaniards.
• Rauenna taken and spoiled by the French.
• VVhat asto∣nish nent the losse of the ba∣ta•…•…le brought to Rome.
• The Popes per∣plexity.
• The Pope will by no meanes haue peace with the French.
• The Cardinall of Medicis prisoner at Milan.
• The Swisses •…•…atred to the French King.
• The Suisses take the way towards the Dutchy of Milan.
• La Palisse for∣saketh the field, and gar∣deth the towns
• The Lanceque∣nets forsake the French King.
• The Venetians great progres∣sion in the company of the Suisses.
• Triuultio com∣ming to the Army is of opi∣nion to aban∣don the Dut∣chy of Milan.
• Genoa reuol∣teth from the King.
• Legnaga yeel∣ded.
• The treaty be∣twixt the Em∣peror and the Venetians handled.
• Difficulties concerning the agreement.
• League be∣twixt the Pope and the Empe∣ror.
• Maximillian Sforza in pos∣session of the Dutchy of Milan.
• The death o•…•… Pope Iulius the second.
• A motion of agreem•…•…t be∣twixt the French King and the Uene∣tians.
• The league concluded be∣twixt the King and the Vene∣tians.
• The Articles of the League.
• The election of Pope Leo the tenth.
• The new Pope is t•…•…ssed with sondry thoughts
• The Venetians constancy in mai•…•…tayning their▪ alliance.
• The King pre∣pareth •…•…or his returne into Italy.
• The number of the French Army.
• The number of the Ventian Army.
• The enterprise on Uerona discouered.
• The Venetians take Valegia and P•…•…scara.
• The Venetians take Cre•…•…a.
• The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 descate some of the Uenetian •…•…orces.
• The Lansque∣•…•…ets enterprise vpon Vincenza broken.
• All the Dutch•…•… of Milan i•…•… •…•…proare.
• Maximillian Sfoorza reti∣reth to Nouara
• Milan reduced to the French gouernment
• Br•…•…ssia yeelded.
• The Suisses Protectors of of the State of Milan.
• The Suisses discontent make warre on the French king.
• The French besiege Nouara in vaine.
• The French retire from before Nouara.
• The resolution of the Suisses.
• The Suisses sa•…•…ly fo•…•…to to fight with the French.
• The French Campe in feare and confusion at the Suisses 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• The Suisses great boldnesse
• The Suisses victory at No∣•…•….
• The whole Dut•…•…hy of Mil∣lan yeeldeth to 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Cremona ta∣ken and sack•…•… by the Spani∣ards.
• Legnaga taken and dismant∣mantled by the Venetians.
• The Venetians besiege & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Verona.
• Aluiana rai∣sing his siege, spoileth the Countrey.