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 second Booke of the seuenth Decad. [ 20]

VLVZZALI determineth to assaill Don Iohn ere hee should come to the fleet. Difficulties made by those of the Christian Nauy to meet with Don Iohn to free him from that incounter. Don Iohn with the Spanish forces comes to Corfoù. The resolution of the Confederate Captaines. Vluzzali resolues not to fight with the Confederats. Those of the league resolue to assaill the towne and Castle of Modon. The Confederate [ 30] fleet staies in the Hauen of Nauarin. Nauarin is beseeged. The Confederates raise their campe from before Nauarin, and determine to returne into the West. Vluzzali after the retreat of the Christian fleet returneth to Constantinople. Don Iohn returnes to Naples, and Collonna goeth into Spain. The Venetians complaine to te Pope of the meane proceeding of the Spanish fleet. The State of Dalmatia during the warre. A fort builded by the Turkes at Catharr a is raized by the Venetians. Conference of peace with the Venetian Bayly at Con∣stantinople. Peace or warre is propounded in the councell of Tenne. The Prin∣ces [ 40] of Christendome hauing intelligence of the Venetians practises of peace with the Turke goe about by their offers to interrupt it. Of what efficacy the or ation of Prince Mocenigo was concerning that subiect. The causes mouing the Senate to condescend to peace. Peace is made betwixt the Venetians and Turkes. And lastly the Articles thereof.

[ 50]

[ 10] The second Booke of the seuenth Decade of the History of Uenice.

WHILEST the Christian fleete remained at Cerigo, it had in∣telligence that Vluzzali had taken one of our F•…•…egats which had acquainted him how that Don Iohn was comming to the fleete, where-vpon hee prepared to meete him. Colonna and [ 20] Gly Andrada being moued at these newes, propounded, that all other matters being laid aside, they were to depart thence with the greatest number of Gallies to meet with Don Iohn and free him from that danger. This councell was reiected by the Venetian Captaines, saying, that to eschew an vncertaine danger, they exposed the fleet, and all the force of the confederats to a manifest perill; seeing that the great vessells could not saile from Cerigo by reason of a contrary winde, nor yet remaine there in safety, the Gallies being reduced to a smaler number with sundry other alegations, which were not alowed by Colonna nor Andrada: for they thought that they might safely carry away an hundred Gallies with them to Zant, and at one time [ 30] secure Don Iohns arriuall, and yet send the great vessells to Candy which was an easie matter to be done, they saying that this was the best adui•…•…e for the easie con∣uention of the confederate fleet.

Whilest this important businesse was vnresolued, a Fregat opportunely ar∣riued from Don Iohn aduertizing them that hee could not depart from Messina till the first of August. Though this newes did cleere the former difficulties among the Captaines, yet did it not wipe out discontent from their mindes: for they like-wise vnderstood, that Don Iohn had no meaning when he should arriue to go farre with his Gallies, but by letters expresly commanded the Admirall•…•…, to come and meete him; which by reason of contrary winds especially, they being to carry [ 40] along with them so many great vessells, could not be done without much losse of time, danger and distast to those Islanders subiect to the Venetians, forsaking them at such a time when the enemy was so strong at Sea and at their doores. Not-with-standing, they generally resolued to obey Don Iohns command: but it being an impossibillity to carry the great vessells with them, they determined first to leaue them safely in Candy, and from thence to direct their course to Zant. Ne∣uer-the-lesse this resolution was not afterwards affected, by reason of new intelli∣gence of the enemies fleet, which was descried not farre from the Cape of Malea, which verily perswaded them that they were going to intercept D. Iohn, whervpon the Christian fleet dislodged, and went to the arme of Meina from whence Vluz∣zali [ 50] was newly departed. From thence being fauored with a faire South-East wind, within three daies they arriued at Zant, where contrary to their hope not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Don Iohn but receiuing a new commandement to come to him to Cephalonia, they were enforced to leaue the great vessells there, though in great danger to bee taken by the enemies, who vpon the least inckling thereof would

not haue failed to returne to seaze on them: which being likely to happen, some of the cheefe of the Spanish fleet were of opinion, that seeing it was an hard mat∣ter to secure them, to send backe to haue them burnt; But Generall Foscarin de∣testing this councell, sent the Prouidator Quirini thither with fiue and twenty Gailies to saf•…•…-conduct them to the fleet.

From Cephalonia they went to Corfoù, whither Don Iohn was come on the ninth of August with fifty fiue Gallies, thirty three shippes, and fifteene thousand foot-men, who though at first he could hardly dissemble his discontent, for that they had not waited his comming, but had like to haue inforced him for want of sufficient forces to haue gone alone into the leuant, and to remayne idle at Cor∣foù, [ 10] to the derogation (as he said) of his reputation and greatnesse, was neuer-the∣lesse at last content to forget what was past, and seemed very carefull and desirous to enterprize any honorable or important action, for the profit and seruice of the league, much amplifiing it in words, because it was publikely reported thorow the army, thnt he came but onely for a shew, and not with intent or commission to exploit any thing, and that he had euer vsed delaies and excuses, eschewing all occasions of assailing the enemy, or of imploying him-selfe in any certaine en∣terprize; which suspitions did dayly more and more encrease, all men perceiuing, after so many delaies, that he referred all resolutions to the arriuall of the Duke of Sessa and his Gallies from Spaine. But the Venetians told him that their forces [ 20] there, were more then sufficient, for, vnited, they amounted to the number of a hundred ninty foure Gallies, eight Galleasses, besides forty fiue ships, to weet thirty Spanish and fifteene Venetians. All these Vessells before their departure from the Gomenisses were drawne into forme of battaile: The three Generalls lay in the maine with 62. Gallies; the Marquis Santa Cruz conducted the right wing, and the Prouidator Souranza the left, and in each wing were fifty two Gallies: Petro Iustiniano Generall of Malta commanded the vantgard with sixe Galeasses, Iuan de Cardona and Nicolo Donato led the rereward with twenty two Gallies: Don Rodrigo de Mendoca, and Adriano Bragadino had charge of the shippes, determining neuer-the-lesse to carry them to Zant, and there to [ 30] leaue them, intending to vse some of them for the transportation of victu∣all and munition. In this order the fleete departed from Paxu on the eleuenth of September, vncertaine as yet what course to hold, vnlese it were to set forwards to incounter with the enemy, who, by their Gallies sent to discouer, were reported to li•…•… at Modon and Nauarine, diuided and in great want of all necessaries, espe∣tially of men, most of whome were dead, and gone away, wherevpon they remai∣ned safely there till the arriuall of new supplies.

These newes did greatly reioyce the whole fleet: thinking that a fit occasion was offered to ouerthrow the enemies, presuming that the Turkes hauing inteligence of the conuention of the Confederate fleet, much superior to theirs in [ 40] strength, would according to their custome returne to Constantinople to winter in the streight, hauing gotten honor by twice confronting the Christian Nauy, and making shew to fight. Some of Don Iohns Councellors did afterwards make vse of these reasons to impaire the credit of their former intelligence, confirmed by many euident signes: where vpon by giuing too great authority to those men, their departure was delaied, to the great preiudice of the enterprize, and yet euery man consest, that the onely hope of happinesse consisted in the spee∣dy execution thereof, not giuing the enemies any time to flie or vnite them∣selues because a suddaine and vnlook't for assault would more terrifie and disor∣der them.

The Captaines then presently determined to set forward, and sayling on their [ 50] course vndescryed from Zant, to fall sodainely on the Isle Sapienza, seated be∣twixt Nauarin and Modon, to shutte vp the enemies passage, and keepe them from helping one another. But the execution of this deseigne was

so long delaied, and the fleet went so slowly for ward, as when by day breake it should haue beene at Sapienza it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come to Prodaua, where being dis∣cried by those of the Castle of Nauarin, the Turkes that were their had time to retire in safety to Modon, passing along in the view of our Nauie, which seeing them come forth, and doubting that Vluzzali would offer them battaile, ordred all their squadrons, and after some small stay, our vant-gard set forward, and com∣ming neere to the enemies, discharged their ordnance vpon them, to draw them to fight: but the Turkes hauing noe such intent, and finding no aduantage, retired vnder the protection of the Castle of Modon. After the enemies retreat ther arose [ 10] great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and difficulties among the Captaines concerning, their proceeding, thinking it a dangerous and impossible matter to enter into the Channell of Modon to fight with the enemies fleet, the entrance whereof, narrow of it selfe, was flanqued with great store of ordnance, where vpon the Generall knowing that the enemy could not be enforced to fight, determined to retire to Sapienza and to enter the Hauen, the two wings being gone afore. Vluzzali perceiuing the Confederates retreate, came forth with fifty Galleis to assaile our Vantgard which lag'd behind; but so soone as Don Iohn espied him, giuing signall to the fight hee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his prowes towards the enemies: Vluzzali who came not forth to fight, perceauing our battailes ranged, on a sodaine returned from whence hee came doing it very adui•…•…edly, as well because night approached, as by reason of a [ 20] great fogge that arose, which enforced our men to keepe aloofe to sea ward, the shores on both sides belonging to the enemy.

The next morrow the sea being calme, the Confederate fleet went to the Gulph of Coron to take in water at the mouth of the riuer Pamisus, some foure miles from Coron, and to conuoy those that went for water (it being in the enemies country,) they landed certaine foote-men, conducted by Francisco Andriana campe Maister, to intercept whome, and for the gard of Coron Vluzzali had sent thither a thousand fiue hundred Ianizars, and two hundred horse, with whom they often 〈◊〉〈◊〉, among whome the valor and prowesse of Charles of Lor∣raine Duke of Mayenne, did shew it selfe, who at that time accompanied with di∣uers [ 30] French Gentlemen was in the army as a Voluntary.

Our men hauing warred returned to the Gallies, and before their departure bestowed certaine cannon shot vpon the forte of Coron, and sailing neere to the Isle of Cuprare passed along in the enemies view, diuided into three battaillons one after another, because the place was very narrow, and came a∣gaine to the South-East side of Sapienza, comming to an anko•…•… right ouer against Modon. But all men perceiuing that to tarry long in that place, hoping to draw the enemies forth to fight, was but lost time, and very dangerous, the Venetian Generall made a proposition to land tenne thousand foote, to seaze on the hill at the point of the Channell, from whence it was most likely to annoy the enemy [ 40] for that the place was weakely garded, which would not be defended by Vluzzali; who would not vnman his Gallies for feare of greater danger, the enemy being so neere him.

The Spaniards reiected this proposition, saying, that they ought not to weaken the fleet by vnshipping such multitudes, espetially the enimy bing so neere, where∣vpon Foscare•…•… perceiuing all his propositions to be crost, and considering that ere long the fleet would be dissolued without any notable exploit, resolued, that in a matter of so great consequence, where hope of good successe was greater then the danger, to hazard the entring of the Channell of Modon, and thereto assail the enemies: this being by him like-wise propounded, hee offered to expose him∣selfe [ 50] formost to the danger, and to leade the way to others: though at first all men allowed this and some straue to haue the honor of the first charge, yet it tooke none effect so as the fleet without doing ought at al departed thence and went in∣to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and spatious Hauen of Nauarin, free from the danger of the Castle

shot, seated on an high place farre from thence: our men lying there, the enemies fleet was as it were beseeged beneath Modon, so as it could not returne to Con∣stantinople, but indured much scarcity, and was in danger of shipwrack, and that which was worse, it could not come forth but our men might at their pleasure fight with it.

The Turkes in the meane time sent diuers Harquebusiers that knew the wayes, who comming vp by the mountaines neere to Nauarin, attempted to anoy and hinder our men from taking in water. Heerevppon wee landed fiue thousand foot vnder the command of Paul Iordano Vrsino, who repulsing the enemies se∣cured the Contrey, whereby matters were brought to such a passe, as there was [ 10] no doubt made but that the Victory would ere long fall to the Confederates: This was rumord ouer Christendome, and al men reioyced thereat, not as a thing hoped for, but already effected. In the end, the enterprize vppon Nauarin was propounded: but considering afterwards that if it should succeed prosperously, it would not greatly profit the common cause, they turned to that of Modon, on whose conquest depended their cheefe hope; because that the enemies fleet bee∣ing driuen from thence could not auoid fight: therefore they determined to as∣saile the Towne & Castle of Modon, assaulting it at one time by land and sea, and to the end that the soldiers which lay in the shippes might bee imployed in that enterprize, Giouan Moceniga was presently sent vnto Zant to fetch them to [ 20] the fleet.

In the meane time Ioseffo Bonello the Florentine made an engin, by ioyning foure Gallies together, on which were planted tenne Cannons, fortified with Pa∣rapets, wherewith to approach and batter the Castle of Modon, and at the same time to secure the passage of the other Gallies, which beeing by this engin defen∣ded from the enemies ordnance, might enter the Channell and come to the as∣sault. But so soone as it was finished, they perceiued many defaults in it, which made it vnseruiceable: for first, they could not guide it on the water, next, the∣waight of the burthen and ordnance was likely to sinke it, neither could they make it ankorable by reason of the Seas great depth: but the greatest difficulty [ 30] was to bring it to the place appointed, whether it was to bee towed by the Gal lies, which beeing not able to make way, were exposed to the mercy of the ene∣mies ordnance, planted at the mouth of the Channell, which would easily haue sunke them: so that dispairing of the seruiceablenesse thereof, and hauing intelli∣gence that the Beglarbey of Grecia was comming thither with a thousand horse to frustrate their deseigne, they gaue ouer the worke.

That which most tormented the Venetians, and frustrated their hope, was a ru∣mor spred through the fleet that the Spaniards victuals would not long hold out, who said, that in regard thereof, it behooued them to prouide for their departure and beeing desirous to leaue some token of victory behind them, which might en∣courage [ 40] the inhabitants of Morea, and put them in hope of better successe, they determined to beseege Nauarin, so often before propounded, and still reiected, in regard of the small reward of the conquest.

The Castle of Nauarin in old time called Pila, is seated on a mountaine toppe, which extending towards the South-east, makes the Hauen like to a semicircle, and is stronger by situation, then art: This, the Turkes carefully garded, for the commodiousnesse of the hauen, lying in the very hart of Morea. There are two wayes leading to the Castle, that on the left hand, is not farre from the Sea, the other behind it towards the firme land, lies by a lake not farre from thence, and is very narrow and hidden. [ 50]

The Prince of Parma had charge of this enterprize, who landing two thousand Spanish and Italian foot and tenne peeces of battery, took the open, and plaine way to cut off supplies from the enemies: but he either neglected or knew not the other narrow secret way: Iuan di 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Morett•…•… the Calabrois went

afterwards to make good the passage: but they were on a suddaine assailed by great number of enemies, and with great difficulty came off.

By this meanes aboue two thousand Turkes came to releeue the Castle, who beeing maisters of that narrow passage, did at their pleasures, not onely put in what supplies they thought good, but had leisure to seaze on certaine high places, commanding the wayes, from whence with their small shotte they still annoyed our men, busied in planting the Ordnance, lying open also at the same time to the Castles shot, so that in three dayes they could hardly plant two Canons, and the danger more and more increased, the soldiers wanting rampiers to defend them∣selues; and the enemies numbers still augmented, with whom to their owne great [ 10] disaduantage they were daily enforced to skirmish. This did greatly trouble the confederate Generals, who knew, that to quit the enterprise, would blemish their reputation, and to continue the siege, would not much auaile them; but their greatest difficulty was want of bread, which Don Iohn and his faction dayly ampli∣fying, said, That of necessity they were to depart.

And yet it seemed strange and incredible to most men, that the Spanish Nauy comming lately from Sicily with so many ships, which is the Magazin or Gra∣nary of Italy, should in so short time want bread: or if it were true, that scarcity might easily haue beene supplied, by sending to Tarento for certaine vessels la∣den with Bisket, which the Spaniards themselues reported they had left there. [ 20]

The Venetian Generall, that he might cut of all occasion of the Spaniards de∣parture, offered Don Iohn part of his owne Store, earnestly entreating him to accept his offer, telling him that the rest of his Nauie might bee easily supplyed by those vessels before mentioned. It is not certainly knowne why the Spaniard refused this curtesie, who stopped their eares against all reasonable perswasions which might delay their departure: which they onely intending, discamped from before Nauarin, leauing a safe and open way for Vluzzali to conduct his fleete to Constantinople, and the Honor to bee accounted a skillfull and valiant Captaine. Yet Don Iohn did what he could to cause Generall Foscarin and the Venetians to consent and be well pleased with his departure, assuring him of his earnest desire [ 30] to purchase honor and reputation, whereof Fortune had bereft him, by taking from him the meanes to fight with the enemy; yet, if by the way he did chance to meet with those ships of supplies, he would then willingly embrace any occasion whatsoeuer, to doe some notable seruice to the league, ere hee returned with his fleet into the West: and that though he now wanted opportunity, hee hoped the next yeare to recompence that, which necessity had enforced him to loose.

The Venetian Generall perceiuing his resolution, consented therevnto, be∣cause hee would not giue an occasion to the enemies to thinke that the league was broken, as also for that hee knew himselfe alone too weake to attempt any great matter. Yet, when our men thought least of it, they were more likely then [ 40] euer, to giue the enemy battaile: for at the very instant, when the confederats were vpon departure, they had intelligence that a Spanish ship come from Cor∣fou, was in fight with certaine Turkish Galleys, not farre from Sapienza, where∣vpon all things beeing put in order, the fleete speedily left the Hauen of Nauarin, to rescue the shippe, and to fight with the enemies. Ere our men could get out of the Hauen Vluzzali with three score of his Gallyes, came forth of the channell of Modon, to rescue those that were in fight, and to secure others which hee had sent to scoure the seas. So soone as Don Iohn saw Vluzzali, hee commanded the Prouidator Souranza, to meete him with a certaine number of Galleys, to hinder his comming on any farther, & the Marquis of Santa Cruz, [ 50] and the Prouidator Canalis with their Squadrons, to charge the enemies with fiue and twenty Galleys, who discrying our fleete, left the ship, and betooke themselues to flight.

When Vluzzali saw the Prouidator comming towards him he made a stand, but at last turning his prowes, without any farther delay, he retired vnder the Castle of Modon, being still pursued by our Gallies, who beeing come neere to the towne, bestowed diuers Cannon bullets on it.

The Gallies, which fought with the shippe, beeing light and able to make way, escaped with ease, one excepted, commanded by the Sanzach of Mitelene, ne∣phew to the famous Barbarossa, who fighting longer then any of the rest, and his slaues in hope of liberty rowing slowly, was taken by the Marquis of Sancta Crux: but night approaching, they gaue ouer farther pursute.

Then D. Iohn sounded the retreat and commanded eùery one to returne into [ 10] the hauen of Nauarin, beeing vnwilling to leaue the engin behind, that the ene∣mies might not terme his departure a flight: then the greater vessells beeing forth of the Hauen, and a faire southeast wind blowing he willed them presently to saile to Zant, and himselfe the next morning directed his course thither with the whole fleet, being so desirous to returne home as going a neerer way through the Channell of Giscarda, contrary to the aduise of the skilfullest Marriners, who councelled him to goe to Cephalonia, he escaped a great danger neere to the Gulph of Larta, and there lost one of the Popes Gallies, which was broken to peeces vpon the Rocks of Paxu. [ 20]

Vluzzali after the Confederates departure, freed from all hinderances in his iourney, did without any order put to Sea and came vnto the Cape of Mal•…•…a, where by reason of a contrary northerne wind he was enforced to continue cer∣taine dayes: but in the end hauing a faire Gale, he sailed to Constantinople with an hundred Gallies, where he was with all honour entertained, the Turkes openly term ing themselues Conquerors, for that they had defended Morea and their o∣ther territories, dared (as they said) the Christians oftentimes to battaile, & lastly driuen them forth of their dominions, secured the Sea, and made it nauigable.

The Confederates in the meane time arriued at Corfou the twentith day of October, who though their fleet were augmented with thirteene Gallies, and certaine shipps loden with wheat brought by the Duke of Sessa and Iohn Andrew [ 30] Doria, did neuerthelesse continue their former difficulties, and delayes: for diuers enterprizes were daily propounded in the Councel, without any resolution at al, and among others that of Saint Maura, wherevnto D. Iohn▪ seemed to incline: but the Duke of Sessa by his authority dasht it, saying that the time of yeare was vnfit to beseege townes, or to be at Sea with fleets in an enemies Contrey. The Spaniards in this manner reiected all enterprizes, determining to returne into the west after that the Confederates Fleetes had beene vnited for the space of fifty dayes.

D. Iohn first went to Messina and there lest part of his Gallies he carried the rest to Naples where he dismissed his Italian footmen, and sent the Spaniards and Al∣maines [ 40] to Garrison. Collonna by the Kings commandement went into Spaine; to yeeld an account to his Maiesty of mataers past, and with him to consult on the next yeares war, where he so wisely and nobly behaued himselfe as he got much honor and reputation. The Gallies of the Pope, King of Spaine, and Venetians, remained idle at Corfou, lying rigg'd all winter, that they might be ready at the spring to set forward against the enemies.

This was the successe of the yeare 1572. nothing answerable to the great hope which all men had conceiued of abating the pride and insolency of the Ottoman Empire, wherevppon so soone as the Confederates were gone home the inha∣bitants of Morea who had made insurrections in the Christians behalfe, and ex∣pected [ 50] the successe of the fleet, hauing neither forces in the field, nor strong pla∣ces for defense, running into the mountaines for feare of the Turkish violence, were enforced to yeeld themselues to their mercy, and againe to submit their necks vnder the yoake of a cruel bondage, which they could neuer since shake off.

The Venetians made great complaints to the Pope of the Spaniards delaies, and slow resolutions, but especially of their vnseasonable departure from before Nauarin: they were made by a sollemne Ambassade; sent, according to their custome, to offer their obedience to his Holinesse in the States name. The Pope in their behalfe presently sent Giouan Claudio Gonzaga his Chamberlaine to D. Iohn, to perswade him to tarry there where he was and to expect a Commission from Spaine to returne to winter in the Leuant, the Pope hoping easily to ob∣taine so much of the King of Spaine, seeing that the troubles of Flanders were brought to some good passe: wherevppon his Holinesse did expresly send the Lord of Lansan into Spaine, whose labour was fruitlesse, for the Catholick King, [ 10] hauing already flatly answered the Popes and Venetians Ambassadors, that hee would no more send his fleet so farre from home, would by no meanes alter his resolution, and D. Iohn, not-with-standing the Popes entreaties, well ac∣quainted with the Kings pleasure, pursued his iourney into the West.

In the meane time Generall Venieri, old and sickely, by reason of his former trauailes, obtaining leaue of the Senate, returned to Venice, with same and glory great numbers of Senators going to meet him with the Bucentauro as farre as Saint Anthonies Church, which is the very farthest part of the Citty, where hee was honorably entertained and welcomed according vnto his merrit. [ 20]

During the enterprizes in the Leuant, Dalmatia was not altogether freed from warre: for though there was no forme of an army there, yet the Turkish Ca∣uallery, of the neighbor Gouernments, wasted and spoiled the Cuntrey doing much hurt to the Venetians subiects, wherevppon the Stradiots and foot troops of the Garrisons did often sally to stop their incursions: yet the Turkes and Ve∣netians were of one opinion, that to make any great warre in Dalmatia would not bee to much purpose, the Turkes fearing if they should send any great Army into that Prouince, they might giue the Emperor occasion of suspi∣tion, and cause him to embrace the Confederates party, and to make warre in Hungary. [ 30]

The Venetians of the other side bending all their deseignes on the Leuant, thought that the successe of the affaires of Dalmatia and Albania depended wholly on the warre, knowing very well they could doe little good there, by rea∣son of the strong Garrisons which the enemy ordinarily kept in those Contries: as also for that they hauing, by the industry of Lodouico Grimani, and Iulio Pompeio, wonne the towne of Macarsca of some importance, by reason of the trade of Marchants, and fortefied it, had beene within a while after enforced to abandon the same, beeing to weake to defend it against such huge numbers of enemies. The like successe had the conquest of the fort of Clissa.

Neuerthelesse the Turks omitted no opportunity to anoy the Venetians: and [ 40] being not then strong enough to take Citties, they inuented other meanes to hurt them as that enterprize vpon the Citty of Catharra, which they resolued to get by long seege, keeping victualls from it by land did testifie: They often like∣wise atttempted to shut them from the passage to the Sea, by building a fort at the mouth of the Channell, but the Venetians did still hinder their worke, till the arriuall of a Turkish Sanzach with great forces, who finished it within three miles of Castel-nouo. The Senate aduertized thereof, and mooued with the dan∣ger, threatning the Citty of Catarra, wrote to Generall Foscarini that he should send forces to raze that fort. He, though it were in the midst of winter, did neuer∣thelesse send the Prouidator Souranza thither with two and twenty Gallies and [ 50] six Galeasses, with whom went Paulo Vrsino, Pompeo Collonna, Moretta the Cala∣brois and other famous Captaines with 4000. foot, with whom Nicholo Suriana Captaine of the Gulph ioyned by the way with foure Gallies. All these vessells arriuing at Ianissa, they landed the soldiers; part of them went with Pompeo Colonna

to seaze on a hill not far off, to stop the passage of those which should come from Castelnouo to releeue the Fort, and the rest went with Nicholo Gambara, to a cer∣taine place neere at hand, whither some companies of soldiers of the Garrison of Catarra were to come, with other forces assembled by Zacharia Salmone Pro∣uidator of the Citty: After this Souranza entring the Channell with 18. of his best Gallies, his Squadron going formost, passed along beyond the fort, from whence though they made many shot vppon the fleet, yet did they no great hurt to it, which went and lay in a safe and commodious place to batter it by land and Sea.

It was 150 paces square euery way, without any flankers, but so built, as [ 10] on the one side it battered the Gallies entring into the Channel, and on the other plaid vppon them beeing entred, it was well prouided with ordnance, and mand with two hundred soldiers. The Venetians resolued to batter it at one time by land and sea. The morrow after their arriuall early by day breake they beganne their battery, and within a while the soldiers went to the assault with ladders, which the enemies for a time defended, but beeing at last enforced to quit the place, the Venetians tooke it.

There were found in it diuers small peeces of ordnance and 18. great peeces, which the Prouidator presently sent to Venice, and by a mine ouerthrew the fort to the foundations, which beeing speedily done, and leauing a sufficient Garrison [ 20] in Cattarra, hee returned with his Gallies to Corfou where the fleet remained. Diuers consultations were made at Rome that winter, concerning preparations for warre against the next Summer, knowing what time they had giuen the ene∣mies to repaire their losse receiued at the battell of Lepanto: therfore they conclu∣ded to augment the Confederates force, to the number of 300. Gallies & 60000. footmen: there was likewise a proposition made to send a hundred Gallies betimes into the Leuant, not staying till all the fleet were vnited, which should be at Sea before the enemies, who as it was reported, did intend to keepe all supplies from Candy, and to wast the Venetians Sea-coasts: But all these propositions vanisht into aire. [ 30]

The Venetians, not meaning wholly to depend on fortune, did speedily place strong Garrisons in the Castles and forts of the Island, and sent many foot-com∣panies thither, in the meane time earnestly soliciting the Pope to augment the force of the league, and that it would please him to assist them with certaine summes of money toward their great expense, putting him in mind how that his Predecessors, had in former times vpon lesse occasion giuen leaue to sell Church∣possessions. His Holinesse not altogether granting their demands, did permit 100000. Ducats belonging vnto the tenthes of the Clergie vnder their Dominions.

At the same time diuers Conferences had beene held at Constantinople con∣cerning [ 40] peace: for the Turkes hauing intelligence of the vniting of the Christian fleet, and doubting the successe of warre, had oftentimes motioned peace to the Venetian Baily there: the Visier Bascha seemed then, more then euer, desirous of it, whose authority and reputation had beene much augmented since the battell; wherevpon contrary to the opinion of others, he disswaded the great Lord from warre. He thought it then a fit time to motion it, whilst Selim danted with the vn∣lookt for losse of the battaile seemed to incline to peace: and that the Venetians likwise vpon some aduantage might wish for it.

This inclination of Mahomet once knowne, the people, who by reason of the discomodities of war did greatly desire it, bruted it abroad ouer the Citty, that [ 50] the force of the Confederate Princes was great: These rumors being entertained as true and worthy credit, by those who wisht for peace, and beeing related to Selim, induced him to permit it for to bee motioned vnto the Baily Mahomet

therevpon, began freely to conferre with him, making vse therein of the helpe of Ori•…•…bey the chiefe Dragoman, and Rabi Salomon a Iewish Phisition, who beeing familiar in the house of the Visier Bascha, were often imployed in affaires of great importance.

The Bayly hauing aduertised the Senate heereof, it seemed not greatly to like of the motion, desiring rather to continue warre; prouoked therevnto on hope of better successe, making account that their late victory would giue greater re∣putation to the Confederate forces: Yet when they considered how many no∣table opportunities they had lost, and spent much time vnprofitably, they were willing to change their opinions, and wi•…•…h new resolution to lend an eare to these [ 10] motions of peace, the better to secure their owne, exposed to the vncertaine euents of fortune. This was propounded in the Councell of Tenne, that it might with more secrecy and greater speed bee effected.

In this Councell the Senators were at first of various opinions. For many of them were possest with their former hotte inclination to warre, by reason of the promises of Christian Princes, who doubting this treaty, did then more then euer, promise to assist the league: Wherevpon Lorenzo de Priuli sent Ambassa∣dor into Spaine insteed of Leonardo Donato, Secretary Perez, and Doctor Velasco, who at that time managed the most important affaires of that Court, visited him more then ordinary, making such impression in the new Ambassador, as them∣selues [ 20] desired, and vsed all their skill to perswade him, that their King had euer stood affected to the league, and at that instant more resolute then euer to pursue the warre, affirming that his Maiesty had written to his officers in Italy, to make speedy preparations, and to auoyde the long delayes of the precedent yeare: and that Don Iohn on the other side had promised to ioyne with the Venetians, with the onely force of Italy, not tarrying for that of Spaine. The Emperor likewise, who by no offers could till then be diuerted from his resolution, suspecting only that the Venetians had an intent to make peace with the Turke, told the Venetian Ambassador resident in his Court, that he would ioyne with the league. These new offers caused the Venetians to proceed slowly in the treaty of peace already [ 30] propounded, but Prince Mocenigo, euer inclining more to peace then to the league, assembling on a time the Councell of Ten, spake to them in this manner.

When at first we determined to take armes for our own defence, and with a ge∣nerous courage imbraced warre against Selim, I do not thinke it was done with in∣tent to continue it long, but onely to make proofe of fortune, to manifest the va∣lour of our own Common-wealth, the strength of Christian Princes, and to pur∣chace to our owne State and all Christendome greater safety against the power of that insolent common enemy. It is certaine that war is ordained for peace, and that the end of our dangerous trauailes is quiet and safety. I now suppose that ex∣perience of matters hapned at that time, may more then sufficiently instruct vs [ 40] what our condition will be, if wee continue warre any longer, what end wee may hope thereof, and what recompence for so great expences, & trauailes. The first yeare, vainly presuming to ioyne our force with strangers, for the releefe of the Kingdome of Cyprus, we lost the famous citty of Nicosia: neuerthelesse without declining from our former resolution, wee continued our warlike preparations, drawne to it by hope of entring into a strict confederacy with Christian Princes, thereby to recouer our late losse. God, miraculously gaue vs such a victorie ouer our enemies, as wee could not haue desired a greater; and yet I know not by what fault or misfortune of our owne, the citty of Famagosta was taken, and we enfor∣ced to quit the entire possession of that kingdome, to the vanquished enemy: but [ 50] the ioy and contentation of winning the battaile, tooke from vs the feeling of a greater and more certaine losse: Wherevpon with like speed and earnestnesse, we made great preparations the third yeare, augmented our Army, and spared for no cost▪ Wee may now perceiue what good all this hath done vs.

Our Galleys haue beene a long time idle at Corfou, expecting the Confederate supplies: and then when we hoped most, that all difficulties being taken away, our forces would ioyne, & set forwards against the enemy, we were enforced to leaue our Islands as their prey, & to call home our fleet, with greater blemish to our re∣putation, & expence of lost time, then the vniting of our forces would haue pro∣fited vs: and lastly, when fortune hath offered vs many vnhoped for faire occasi∣ons, to ouer-throw our enemies, wee haue beene constrained to omit them, beeing forsaken by our friends, who vnseasonably dislodged from the Hauen of Nauarin, with no honorable, but a very preiudicious resolution. But what need [ 10] I to rehearse things so lately done? Wee are reduced to such extremity, as wee are not able alone to maintaine warre against the Turkes, and wee know by ex∣perience, that the company of others, who should ayde and assist vs, is rather a burthen and impediment to vs: at first, it promiseth much, but afterwards it growes cold, and in deed, doth rather encrease, then diuert our dangers. Wee were perswaded that there would not onely be a sure correspondency, betwixt the Pope, Catholick King and vs, but that the confederacie of these three Poten∣tates, would haue incited all other Christian Princes to take armes with vs against the common enemy, especially after that notable victory, which all men thought would haue procured the Turkes finall ruine, but beeing now confirmed by [ 20] sundry proofes wee may perceiue, that this opinion was rather conceiued accor∣ding to our owne desire, then the certainty of the matter.

Shall wee still then continue in the same error, and ground the conseruation of the State, and the whole fortune of our affaires, on vncertaine foundations, and hopes which haue so often deceiued vs? Questionlesse, it was a generous resolution, not to grant the insolent demands of Selim, constantly to maintaine the cause of Christendome, in no sort to degenerate from our Ancestors, who haue euer brauely pursued those enterprises, by which they hoped to purchase greatnesse and glory to their Common-wealth▪ but now, when wee haue cou∣ragiously taken armes, and with fortunate successe wonne the battaile, hoping [ 30] for greater matters, (I know not by what disaster) wee can reape no fruite thereof, and in fighting wee hazard all, and by winning gaine nothing: to con∣tinue still the same deseignes and dangers without any profit, after that the op∣portunity, which together with the victory offered it selfe for the execution of some great enterprise, hath already escaped vs, will bee rather thought obsti∣nate rashnesse, then any zeale to Christian piety, or desire of true honour.

If wee consider the quality of our forces and State, wee shall easily perceiue, that there is nothing more hurtfull or ill beseeming it, then to draw the warre out in length. Because that our affaires doe still impaire, the leagues forces depending on sundry councels, and many times on contrary respects, and al∣though [ 40] they are great, doe neuerthelesse become vaine and vnprofitable: and then the discommodity of maintaining them for our part, is very great, by reason of the excessiue expences wee are to bee at for want of men, and especially Row∣ers. Most part of whom the late warre hath exhaust, not to bee supplyed but with great cost, and vncertaine whether with any: But if wee shall view our owne estate, in a true, not flattering glasse, wee shall discerne it to bee rather great then strong, at least not equiualent to such an enemy. An other maine consi∣deration, is the distraction and remotenesse of our territory, neerer danger then succour, requiring diuerse Armies to secure so diuerse places. How then is it probable continuance of this warrre shall not more weaken vs, then the ene∣my? prosecution of the late victory in deed gaue vs some hope, for so wee [ 50] might haue dispatcht it? But how this opportunity is lost, and the effects of loo∣sing it ate, experience doth teach vs. Now our hope is fledde to the enemy. Can then any man doubt, but that wee should welcome peace offering hir selfe to vs?

Since we cannot protect our State by warre, why should we not by peace; wee know that the Bascha Mahomet, alwaies inclining to amity, hath vsed their late ouerthrowes as inducements to draw his master to entertaine milder conditions. Yf we now reiect his offer, he may perhaps reiect vs heereafter. Who could haue immagined that the Turks out of the wracks and ashes of their last Fleet, could so sodainly haue raised another, and with it not only secure themselues, but in∣uade vs? what cleerer demonstration can we haue of their Potency, or more insal∣lible prediction of the warres euent? if after ouerthrow they could doe all this, what might we expect after victory? I would entreat those which stand for war [ 10] to satisfie me if domestick occasions imploy the aid of Spaine at home, or any priuate respect diuert it to Affrick, our props then failing, how are wee able of our selues to stand? Dependance vppon others may make vs neglect our owne strength, and when danger is at our doore, it will bee to late to call for helpe from Spaine, Portugall or Germany: or for them to preuent those Mischeefs which wee already suffer.

These infirmities the enemy discouering, he will grow more insolent, and bee so farre from offering that he will not accept any conditions of peace. It is pollicy therefore, my noble Lords, since we haue not reaped the fruit of victory, to pro∣uide that we vndergoe not the calamities of ouerthrow, that the expence of so [ 20] much blood, time and treasure, may purchace safety, hough not conquest. Wee must not to confidently rely vppon the hazard of battaile, whose euent is euer vncertaine, som-times not greatly profitable. Let vs rather trust to the cleernesse of reason then blindnesse of fortune, alwayes an enemy to great actions. Peace may perhaps set open some fairer breach to warre heereafter. The world can make no dishonourable construction heereof, nor our Consederates condemne vs, but themselues, wee hauing alwaies beene as foreward in the warre as they backward. Who can tax vs beeing neglected by others if we secure our selues? We follow but the president of the Spaniards, and end the warre as they shunne it. Nay one of the Catholick Kings cheefe Councelors hath made our Apologie heerein, who suspecting this treaty, affirmed, his maister had no cause to censure [ 30] ill, if the Venetians without violating his, entertained the Turkes freind∣ship vpon honorable termes. If this peace should soone breake, yet we should get breath; a thing necessary to the weaker and wearied party: All things vnder the Moone are infected with her mutability, mens councells and actions altring like themselues.

Let vs then imbrace this meanes of our safety; God in whose protection this State hath euer beene, hath vsed this scourge of war to discipline, not wound vs, and will at his leisure open some vnexpected way of farther happinesse.

The Princes speech together with his authority was of great force: wherevp∣on the Senate sent presently a new commission to the Baily to reuiue the treaty [ 40] of peace with ample power to conclude it on the aboue mentioned conditions. The great & sundry difficulties arising about the renewing of the fleet did much farther this resolution, in respect of the great numbers that were dead: the like did newes from Flanders, where by reason of new rebellions, and aid, which the Germaines were ready to send them, all places were in vprore, in regard whereof the Spaniards had turned all their deseignes thither: moreouer, the Senate at the same time had intelligence that a Chiaus from Constantinople arriued at the Emperors Court, whom, (though it was afterward knowne that his comming was Concerning Moldauia) they suspected came to craue passage for the Turkish army which was said to be comming into Frioul.

These aduertizements did coole their heate who were yet willing to continue the league, so as with generall consent euery one inclined to the treaty of peace: The Bishop of Aix, Ambassador for the French King, was presently accquainted with this determination, he was lately returned from Constantinople to Venice,

where he receiued a new Commission from his King, to returne to the great Lords Porte, and in his name to further this treaty, wherevnto his Maister had often aduised the Venetians to hearken.

The Bayly hauing intelligence of the Senates determination, was commanded so soone as the French Ambassador should arriue at Constantinople, to conferre with him concerning the treaty of peace, and as occasion should bee offered, to make vse of his Kings mediation and authority. The Turke in the meane time hauing notice, that the Bishop was to returne to Constantinople, presently sus∣pected that hee brought new conditions of peace more aduantagious for them, wherevpon, their former treaties with the Baily were by little and little neglected, [ 10] cunningly going about to temporize, concealing their owne intentions. This delay did greatly preiudice the businesse: for they who for their owne particular interest, were desirous to hinder it, alleadged sundry difficulties, especially to Se∣lim, telling him that all things were ready; that it was neither profitable nor ho∣norable at that time, to speake of any accord; whereby the state of the treaty grew euery day from bad to worse, the Turkes propounding very vnreasonable conditions, thereby manifesting how carelesse they were of peace: Therefore they committed the Bayly to straighter keeping, muring vp the windows of his house, placing strong guards about it, handling him very roughly, thinking thereby to [ 20] enforce him to reueale his latest and most secret Commission, or else, the treaty of peace being broken, to hinder him from aduertising the Senate of their war∣like prouisions; or rather, (which is most likely to bee true) to barre his confe∣rence with the Bishop, thinking by this meanes more easily to draw from the French Ambassador, ignorant of what was past, the new conditions which they supposed hee brought with him. So soone as the Bishop arriued, they confer'd with him, and found that he had no other then a generall Commission: but the Visier Basha suspecting that the French for their owne particular interest, would haue an hand in this treaty, & by this good office, bind the Turkes to fauour and assist the Duke of Aniou, the French Kings brother, in the election to the crowne of Poland, would in no sort vse him as an instrument, but effect it by the former [ 30] meanes and mediation of those whom hee had first imployed, namely O∣rimber and Salomon, therefore he renued his treaty with the Bayly, and after sundry propositions and answeres from both sides, peace at last was concluded about mid March, whereby confirming all articles contained in the old Com∣mission, sauing that the castle of Siponto, which the Venetians yet held, should be surrendred to the Turkes.

As for other townes of Albania and Sclauonia with their confines and territo∣ries possest before the warre, should remaine vnto those, who then held them: that all marchants goods should bee restored on both sides; and that the Vene∣tians beside should be bound for three yeares space, to send an 100000. Ducats [ 40] yearely to Constantinople, which the Turkes for their owne greatnesse and re∣putation made most account of. Peace in this sort beeing concluded and signed by Selim, the Bayly dispatched his sonne Francesco to Venice, who arriued there on the fifteenth of Aprill, where it was presently published.

The end of the second Booke of the seuenth Decade.

Notes

• Vluzzali de∣termineth to assai•…•…ls D. Iohn.
• •…•… proposition made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wit•…•… & secur•…•… D. Iohn.
• Difficultie•…•… arising about the meeting of Don Iohn.
• Quirini sale conducts the great vessels to the fleet.
• The number of the confede∣rate fleet.
• The order of the Confede∣rates fleet.
• The Confede∣rates error.
• The enemies 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Mo∣don.
• Ul•…•…zzali in∣•…•… not to fight.
• Charles of Lor∣raine Duke of Mayen in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fleete.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Turkish fleet.
• A vayne and vnprofitable engin
• The situation of the Castle of Nauarine.
• The Turkes comming to re∣leeue t•…•…e castle doe much anoy the Christians.
• The Confede∣rats discamp•…•… from before Nauarin.
• Don Iohns excuses.
• Tluzzali re∣turnes to Con∣stantinople.
• The Cousede rate fleet coms to Corfou.
• The Spaniards desirous to re∣turne into the west.
• Don Iohn goes to Naples.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to paine.
• The Venetians complaine to the Pope.
• Venieri his ho•…•… noroble enter∣tainment and welcome at Uenice.
• 〈…〉〈…〉
• The Turkes build a fort against Cata∣rin.
• The Uenetians take the sort.
• They ruine it by a myne.
• Motion of Peace at Con∣stantinople with the Vene tian Baily.
• The Senate at first makes no great account of peace.
• Peace is pro∣pounded in the Councell of Tenne.
• The Spaniards conference with the Ve∣netian Am∣bassador.
• The Emperor seekes to hin∣der peace.
• Prince Moce∣nigo his orati∣on to the coun∣cell of Tenne.
• The Senates resolution to peace.
• Causes moouing the Senate to imbrace peace.
• The Bishop of Aix Ambassa∣dor for the French King at Constanti∣nople.
• The Turkes deale roughly with the Ve∣netian Bayly.
• Peace conclu∣ded betwixt the Turkes & Venetians.
• Articles of peace.