The history of Levvis the eleuenth VVith the most memorable accidents which happened in Europe during the two and twenty yeares of his raigne. Enricht with many obseruations which serue as commentaries. Diuided into eleuen bookes. Written in French by P. Mathieu historiographer to the French King. And translated into English by Edvv: Grimeston Sergeant at Armes

THE HISTORY of LEVVIS the XI. (Book 4)

THE FOVRTH BOOKE. (Book 4)

PARIS was all in Feasts and Ioy for the happie successe of the Kings affaires, who had so wisely pacified the windes which threatened his ship with shipwracke, but much more for the dis∣charge which he made of certaine souldiers and impositions which the people found insupporta∣ble. a 1.1 These publike ioyes were doubled by the Queenes entrie into Paris.* 1.2 She went by Bote to our Ladies church, past to the Celistins, and so to the Tournelles. She was accompa∣nied by the Duke Amé her Brother, and the Lady Bonna of Sauoy her Sister, married to Iohn Galeas Duke of Milan. The Historie of these times, as curious to represent the order of Feasts that were made, as that of Battels,b 1.3 as if the knowledge of the one gaue as great proofe of sufficiencie as the other, reports the magnificence, and addes that in the house of Iohn Dauuet the first President they had made foure bathes (they were alwaies acknowledged among the delights) for the Queene and for the Ladies. Her indisposition and that of the time would not suffer her to bathe. One of the bathes was for the Ladies of Bourbon and Sauoy, the other for the Daughter of the Lord of Monglat, married to the sonne of Nicho∣las Balue, brother to the Bishop of Eureux, and Perrete of Chalon a Bourgesse of Paris. This woman is particularly named in diuers places of the Historie, and here shee hath her share in the delights and pleasures of the bathes.

The Duke of Sauoy procured libertie for his Brother Philip, whom the King married vnto Margarete the third Daughter of Charles Duke of Bourbon, and of Agnes of Bourgundie, but the content of his libertie was not of such force in his remembrance as the distast of his imprisonment, the apprehension whereof made him to follow the humors of Charles Duke of Bourgundy against

the King. Amé dyed three or foure yeares after in the Towne of Orleans of a Flix.c 1.4

But whilest that France enioyed this quiet, which the King had purchased in dispersing these terrible windes, her auncient friends felt the storme, and yet she had no meanes to relieue them, for that she would not open the wound which began now to close vp, nor fauour the examples of rebellion against a lawfull Prince.

They of Liege not thinking the warre should last so little be∣twixt the King and the house of Bourgundy,* 1.5 had done all acts of hostilitie against the Duke of Bourgundies subiects, preferring al∣waies their owne interestd 1.6 before a strangers. The King had pro∣mised them two hundred men at Armes, euery one hauing three horses at the least, to spoile the country of Henault, and not to treat any peace without comprehending them.

Vpon this assurance, and a presumption, that their towne was impregnablee 1.7 and themselues inuincible, they sent a Herald to Bruxells, to proclaime warre against the Earle of Charolois, and threaten him with fire and bloud. In his absence the Duke receiued and read the letters, and then deliuered them againe vnto the He∣rald, saying, that his Sonne was in France, and that he should car∣rie them vnto him if he list. Hee returned to Liege, from whence he was presently dispatcht with the like letters against the Duke himselfe, and all his Allies.

These threats were sodainly followed by the effects, they entred into the Dukes Contry, with all kinds of outrages and inhumani∣ties. To commend this Prince or to speak well of the house of Bour∣gondy,* 1.8 were crimes which could not be expiated but by death. The poore peasants were slaine like sheepe, for no other reason but for that they are his friends and cannot like of the rage of these wolues. The Duke armes, and by his commandement the Dukes of Cleues and Gueldres, The Earles of Nassau and Horne, with the Marquis of Roselin. They presse these snailes in such sort as they dare not put forth their hornes of Rebellion, and keepe themselues within their walles with repentance that they had so soone gone to field vppon hope that the King (who had then another taske in hand) would assist them, and that they should not want meanes nor cou∣rage to defend their liberty.f 1.9

They of Dinan, subiecte vnto Liege were no lesse mad against the Duke vpon the newes which ranne, and which was as soone be∣leeued as receiued, that the Earle of Charolois had beene defeated at Montleherry. They made an Image very like vnto the Earle, and carry it with great shoutes and cries neere vnto the walles of Bo∣uinnes,* 1.10 where they set vp a Gibbet and hang it thereon, calling him whom it did represent, Traitor, Vi••laine, and Bastard. The veriest rascall made the greatest noise. They made also another image for the Duke the which they did set vppon a high peece of wood, cry∣ng out See heere the seat of that great tond your Duke. An act which cannot bee too seuerely punished by iustice, nor remitted by re∣pentance

vppon hope of amendement.g 1.11

This furious mockery against the Prince, was followed by all kindes of cruelty against his subiects of Bouines, who thinking to aduize these madmen to returne vnto their duties, they first sent the Herald of their towne to perswade them, and then a little boy with letters signed. They cut off the head of the first, and ••are the second in peices. O inconstant people! what is there cruell and barbarous but thou committest in thy fury?h 1.12

The Duke (although hee were exceeding old) thought that he could not dye honorably vnlesse he were reuenged of the ingra∣titude and rebellion of Dinan.* 1.13 He caused himselfe to be carried thi∣ther in a litter, leading an army of 28000. horse and a great number of foot, he takes the towne, ruines it and casts 800. of the Inhabi∣tants into the riuer of Meuzei 1.14 and they which did not end their mi∣series now in dying remained to dye daily,k 1.15 beeing nothing beholding to them that meet••ng them suffered them to liue.

The Liegeois apprehending the like vsage yeelded vnto the Duke, hauing made shew that they would giue him battell,* 1.16 they gaue him fifty hostages for assurance of the fealty which they promised, and sixe hundred thousand Florins of the Rhin, paiable in sixe yeares.

This warre ended, the Duke of Bourgondy ended that of his life, and changed it into an eternall peace,* 1.17 in the 72. yeare of his age, the 48. of his raigne, the 15. of Iuly in the yeare 1497.l 1.18 Hee left his house in the height of felicity, ritch in alliances, honour, friendes, and reputation, gold in his coffers, and iron to defend it.m 1.19 It was not an estate gotten by hazard, and increased by iniustice:n 1.20 It had the foundation of them in the Realme of France, the continuance seemed immortall.* 1.21 But Architectors dye, and the buildings re∣maine. This greatnes did not passe the fourth Male, it was disinem∣bred into many peeces, the cheefe fell to the house of Austria. He had three wiues, Michelle of France, daughter to King Charles the sixth, Bonna of Arthois, daughter to Phillip Earle of Eu, and Isa∣bella of Portugall, mother to Prince Charles, in marrying of whom he setled his thoughts for marriage, and tooke for his motto, Autre N'auray, but he did not forbeare the exercise of his loues, so as his iniust intemperance begat eight sonnes and foure daughters.

This Prince was valiant and hardy, wherof he made good proofe in that great and troublesome warre, which he vndertooke against France, the which continued 82. yeares without respite or truce. A warre which made mountaines of dead Carcasses, and riuers of bloud in France, into the which he said he had entred against his mind, desiring rather to imploy his armes against Infidels, as he did in the holy League,o 1.22 to succour Hungary against Amurath.

He made it knowne by his deuice of many fufills or irons to strike fire, fastened to a flint which cast forth flames, whereby hee would say that his humor was addicted to mildnes and to peace, if they did not force him to warre, as the fufill retaines his flame if hee bee not toucht, But doth presently thrust it forth when it is strooke. He liued in such credit and authoritie among the soueraigne Powers of Europe, that although he carried not the title of a King, yet hee marcht equall with the greatest Kings, and if hee had would might haue had his estates erected to a Kingdome. When as Pope Eu∣genius the fourth saw that most Christian Princes were banded a∣gainst him, hee fled vnto the Duke of Bourgundies protection and presented vnto him the miraculous Host which is in the holy chap∣pell at Dijon.

A good Prince beloued of his subiects,* 1.23 whom hee did not in∣treat according to the power which he had ouer themp 1.24 respected of strangers with whom he could liue, but blamed to haue been the Instrument of the cruell Tragedies which had beene acted vppon the Theater of France. He iustified his Armes by the reuenge of his fathers death, slaine by Charles the seuenth, being Dauphin, vp∣on the bridge of Monstreau Faut Yonne. But hee did not re∣uenge it vpon the Ladie Michelleq 1.25 his wife, Sister to Charles, nei∣ther did he loue her lesse, hauing no intent that innocencie should be mingled with the memory of the offence.

Charles succeeded him, if the children retaine the complexions of them that haue put them into the world,* 1.26 as the graine which is cast naked into the earth, doth notwithstanding bring forth the straw, stalke, and eare from whence it came. This Prince beeing borne of Philip and Isabell of Portugall must needs be of a fantastick temper. The Father was hardie, the Mother distrustfull, they wondred how shee could beare him nine monethes in her wombe, seeing the humor of this Prince could not rest one houre in a place.

Princes desire to beginr 1.27 their raigne by some famous action wherein their is both hardines and good fortune, they will that all they doe in the beginning may be a president, for they iudge of the issue by the entrie.* 1.28 Hee thought that of all the townes in Flan∣ders there was not any one where hee was so beloued as in Gand, and therefore he would begin the entrie and visiting of his Townes there, assuring himselfe that hee should be receiued there with so great proofes of affection and obedience, as it would bee a les∣son for all the rest to frame themselues to the like dutie. For the people doe wonderfully desire the first view of their Princes,s 1.29 and the Prince should desire that his subiects fly not from him like a wild

beast which comes out of his den, but that they fly before him, as before some goodly light.

Hee knew not that to demand wisedome of a multitude, is to seeke it of a mad mant 1.30: He had forgotten the prouerbe of the hu∣mor of them of Gand, that they loue their Princes Sonne well, but not their Prince. Whilest that Philip liued, Charles was their Sunne rising, but the same day that the Sonne entred into the Fa∣thers place, hee found the change of their affections. Their obedi∣ence was but at discretionu 1.31 and they thought that he could not hurt them vnlesse they would endure it.

Being deceiued in his conceit hee entred the Towne of Gand,* 1.32 he found the gates open, but their hearts shut to his commande∣ments, neither did they stay long to let him know it. Duke Phil••p had made warre against them two yeares, and in the end they were forced to receiue conditions, which they held very hard, and withall an imposition vpon the Corne for the charges.* 1.33 The receit was made in a little house called the Toll-house. The most seditious who would eate their bread with all libertie,x 1.34 goe not to the Duke to demaund abolition of this impost, but vnder coulour of a pro∣cession which they made the day after his entrie they take the case with the bones and relikes of a Saint of their deuotion, come to this house and strike the case against it, saying that the Sainty 1.35, to cut off a great circuit of the Procession would passe through the house, wherewith in an instant they ruined it to the ground. The rest of the mutines were in Armes in the market place to fauour the passage of this Saint and to oppose against any one that would hinder it.

The Duke aduertised of this tumult comes to a house whose window did open vnto the place,* 1.36 where he spake vnto these mu∣tyns, and commanded them to carrie the relikes of their Saint vnto the Church. Some take it vp to carrie it away, and others hinder it. Hee desires to know what they would haue, and not any one dares speake alone,a 1.37 but altogether. They were but confused complaints and insolent answeres, demanding Iustice a∣gainst some priuate men, as in these Commotions there is alwaies some one charged to be the cause of the publike miseries. He pro∣mised to doe them Iustice, commanding them to disarme and to retire. But they grow obstinate, and continue their eight dayes, at the end whereof they present themselues vnto the Duke demanding that all which the Duke his Father had taken from them might bee restored, which was the threescore and twelue banners of their trades, and the renewing of their priuiledges.

To refuse this was to hazard himselfe to their furie, and they let the Duke vnderstand that whether hee would or no, the Coun∣cels were taken, beeing resolued to take that which they deman∣ded,

for hee had no sooner spoken the word to grant themb 1.38 their banners,* 1.39 but at the same instant they saw them planted on the mar∣ket place. Thus the Towne of Gand, from whence the Duke would draw examples of fidelitie and obedience, seemed to the rest for a mirrour of reuolt and sedition, for seeing that the Gantois had sped well with this boldnes, many other Townes did the like, and slew some of the Dukes Officers, who was forced for the time to seeme to be ignorantc 1.40 of that which these mutyns had done, who deserued to bee intreated with such rigour, as they should haue nothing remaining free, but the sights of their repentance.

With the like wisedome and dexteritie as the King had diuided the forces of the Princes that were in league against him,* 1.41d 1.42 he labors now to breake their intelligences. He sets such good gards vppon the passages, as the Duke of Brittanie is forced to cause such as he sends to the Duke of Bourgundy to passe first into England and then to Calice. In this great circuit, before their aduertisements be giuen, the Councels be vnited, the occasions lost, and the mischiefes without remedie. He hath his eyes open on euery side, as he is seuere 1.43 to punish crimes when they are committed, so is he vigilant to breake conspiracies before they bee made. Hee re∣solues to plague them one after an other, and to let them know that he repents soone or late that attempts against one that is more mighty.

The Duke of Normandie beeing retired into Brittanie bare and naked, was sufficiently punished with the Councels of his youth. The Duke of Brittanie held himselfe too weake to support him against so mightie a brother, the Deputies which he had sent vnto the King to intreat him & to moue him to pittie, had brought nothing back but that they saw much discontentment in the King for that his brother demanded a portion with his sword in his hand. The King who was then towards Mont S^t. Michael sent an Armie of fiftie thousand men into Brittanie.* 1.44 As the Duke of Alençon had giuen passage vnto the Brittans so his Sonne the Earle of Perch yeelds the same towne of Alen••con vnto the French, whereat Mon∣sieur was so offended, as hee called him the right Sonne of his Father.f 1.45

Brittanie was ouerrunne aboue thirty leagues compasse. The Duke of Brittanie coniured the Duke of Bourgundy to succour him, but he could not doe it, beeing ingaged with the Liegeois, who rather tired with warre then vanquished, had made a new re∣uolt, and spoiled Liny, vpon the assurance the King had giuen them of his protection. He had sent them foure hundred lances vnder the command of the Earle of Dammartin, of Salezard, of Conyhen,* 1.46 and Vignoles, and six thousand Archers. The Constable of S^t. Paul came and ioined with them with some troupes.

They played the madde men and did not consider the danger their hostages were in, whom they had giuen for the assurance of their obedience and fidelitie. The Duke held a Councell whether

he should put them to death.* 1.47 The question require good deli∣beration, for if he had beene constant in his first resolution they were vndone. And therefore in such difficulties a Prince should neuer be present to make his opiniong 1.48 knowne, to the end it may not be followed as a Decree, and that such as will contradict it may doe it freely. The Marshall of Bourgundy and the Signior of Contay, concluded to haue them put to death, grounding their opinion vpon this reason, that so strange a reuolt should bee extraordinarily reuenged, that these Mutyns were vnworthy of the Princes Clemencie, and that the bonds whereby they contained such wilde spirits in their duties, must be taken in the terror of pu∣nishments, h 1.49 and Armes.

The Innocencie of the Hostages found fauour in the opinions of the Earle of S^t Paul, and the Sig^r of Imbercourt, who detested this crueltie against the poore Bourgesses which had willingly sa∣crificed themselues for the publike, perswaded the Duke to take God of his side; this reason was sufficient, and words were super∣fluous to oppose against it. But in these occasions, whereas all is disputable, it is good that the Prince haue more then one or two of his Councell, to the end that wandring opinions may bee set right by others, for men are no Angelsi 1.50 without passion, they bring them with them in all their Actions, and sometimes ha∣tred or enuie, feare or hope; the waywardnes and indisposition of the person are as it were the moulds and formes of Councels. Besides there are many which doe not speake but after others.

The mildest and most iust opinion was followed, and the Hostages sent back to Liege, being aduised not to meddle in the contagion of the infidelitie of others, and to tell them that if they abused their Princes clemencie, they should feele his rigour. One of the assistantsk 1.51 at this Councel foretold the death of the Sig^r of Co••tay within a yeare,* 1.52 for that hee had concluded the death of the Hostage, and it was true.

In the meane time the Duke of Brittanie cryed out for succors. The Duke of Bourgundy sent vnto the King to intreat him to cease that warre, and to consider that the Duke of Brittanies cause was his. The King to pay him with the same reason, sent him word that if hee would leaue the protection of his brother and the Duke of Brittanie, hee would abandon the Liegeois. The Constable of St. Paul, and la Balue carried this message, to whom the Duke an∣swered, that he could not abandon his friends. Nor we ours, replied the Constable, you choose not, but take all, you will neither haue vs succour our friends, nor make warre against our enemies. Well, said the Duke going to horse, the Liegeois are in field, I haue proclaimed warre

l 1.53 against them with a naked sword and a flaming torch, I will fight with them before three daies passe, if I loose the battell you may doe as you please, but if I winne it, you shall leaue the Brittons in peace.

The Duke besieged Saintron,* 1.54 the Leigois beeing 30000. came to succour the besieged, and lodge in a great Village enuironed with a marish a mile from the Dukes Armie, there they are charged and repulsed euen vnto their trenches with the shot of Arrowes and Canon, but when they that assailed had no more arrowes, the Lie∣geois recouered courage, charged them with their pikes, and in an instant slew fiue hundred, and made the rest to wauer betwixt flight and amazement.

The Duke seeing his foreward turne their backes, caused the Archers of the battell to aduance, by whom the Leigeois were beaten and slaine to the number of nine thousand. A number ac∣cording to the truth, not to flatterie and passion, which some∣times makes Gyants of Dwarfesm 1.55. The rest retired to Liege, and if there had not been a Moore betwixt them and the Dukes horse-men,* 1.56 yeelded to the Dukes discretion, deliuering ten men to his Iustice. Whose heads saued the rest, and serued for an exam∣ple against their rebellion: He did the like to Tongres which yeelded vpon the same condition, and in this decimationn 1.57 some of those hostages were found which he had sent home.

Hee presented himselfe before Liege,* 1.58 one of the mightiest and best peopled townes of the countrie. The Dukes presence made some resolue to trust vnto his clemencie, and others to feare his Iustice. Three hundred of the most apparent of the Citie are sent in their shirts, bare-footed and bare-headed to craue pardon for the rest, submitting the Towne vnto his discretion, without any other reseruation then from fire and spoile.

The Duke who knew that a multitude is sooner vanquished by mildnes then by crueltie,o 1.59 granted what they desired, but when as he sent Imbercourt to enter into it, he found refusall and iniutious words at the gates, for the inhabitants were not yet well resolued, and feared that the Duke, whom they had so offended, would not keepe his word, and that the Towne should bee subiect to the mi∣series of fire and spoile. He past the night in great perplexities, and had much adoe to haue his life and the patience of this peo∣ple continue vntill day. Still these mad men came like violent waues vpon his lodging to cut all them in peeces that were with∣in it, and did negotiate this accord. Imbercourt busied them with offers of new conditions, vpon which they entred into new confe∣rences, p 1.60 and then suddenly they runne out of their Towne-house

to the walles, euaporating in iniuries and villanies the heate of their phrensie against their Prince. Their rage being rather tired then past, about two of the clocke after midnight they were con∣tent to yeeld, so as they might bee assured from fire and spoile.

Imbercourt assures them that the composition should bee obser∣ued: vpon this assurance they receiue Imbercourt who seazed vpon the gates,* 1.61 and set gards there. The Duke enters in triumph, they beate downe twenty fadomes of the wall to make a breach, the Towers beaten downe, the walles opened in diuers places, new lawes, new Impositions and a new world. Thatq 1.62 goodly statue set vp in the publike place as a marke of libertie was transported to Bruges for a fatall memory of this desolation, which happened on S. Martins day. 1467. vpon which were grauen these Verses.

Desine sublimes vultus attollere in auras, Disce meo casu perpetuum esse nihil: Nobilitatis ego Leodis venerabile signum Gentis et in victae gloria nuper eram. Sum modo spectaculum ridentis turpe popelli Et testor Caroli me cecidisse manu.

They of Gand became wise at the cost of them of Liege,* 1.63 and passing from a forced obedience to a voluntarier 1.64 they found the yoake more easie. The Duke entred there with great pompe, and the Gantois acknowledging their fault, went as farre as Bruxelles to meete him, presenting vnto him the seuenty two Banners of the trades for the which they had made that famous mutinie after the death of Duke Philip, and which had beene formerly taken from them: they submitted their priuiledges to his discretion, payed 30000. Florins to the Duke, and 6000. to them that were about him, neither had they so good an issue of their reuolt as in the time of Arteuelle. ^s Yet their priuiledges were confirmed, ex∣cept that which they call of the Law, by the which of six and twen∣tie Aldermen they had the election of two and twentie, and the Duke of foure onely; which caused such ordinarie mutinies and reuolts in the Towne, calling none to publike charges but such as were of this furious and mutinous humor, who held the hearts of the Citizens so diuided, as one should sooner haue ioined toge∣ther the peeces of a broken Christall, then the designes of their mindes. He sent the Banners to Bullen vpon the sea, to accompa∣nie those which his father had caused to bee layed there in remem∣brance of the like rebellion.

Hee made his entrie into Gand armed and victorious.* 1.65 The Kings Embassadors came thither vnto him, to intreat him not to meddle with the affaires of Brittanie nor Normandie: winter was spend in these conferences, but the King not able to temporize any longer, nor to giue time vnto his enemies to ioyne together, en∣ters into Brittany, and takes Chantoce, with Ancenis. The Duke

of Bourgundy aduanced to S. Quentin to succour his Allies.* 1.66 The King held them so short as he made them resolue to treat with him, and laying aside their interest,t 1.67 he drawes from them a renoncia∣tion of all Alliance with the Duke of Bourgundy. Hee would not haue it said that he was armed to doe nothing, for one enemie hee makes three. He was wonderfully incensed against the King, who alwaies prepared him such bankets, and was discontented with the Dukes of Normandie and Brittanie, who had made an accord without him, terming them faint-hearted and without iudgement. The King made him cease his Armes for sixscore thousand crownes which he gaue him, the which he did accept the more willingly, for that hee desired to enioy in quiet the first contents of his marriage with the Lady Margaretu 1.68 of Yorke Sister to King Edward, who was come to Bruges.

The King sent Cardinal Balue and Taneguy of Chastell vnto him, to haue his consent vnto an interuiew, thinking that if hee might speake with him, hee would wholly draw him from the Protection of the D. of Brittanie, with whom he was discontented, and would not regard that of the Duke of Normandie which was more hurt∣full then profitable vnto him.

The Duke tooke no taste in this enteruiew, beeing (as he said) well aduertised that the King had sent his Embassadors to them of Liege to sollicite them to a new reuolt, Balue and du Chastell let the Duke vnderstand that the Liegeois had been so handled the last yeare, as it was incredible they would fall into the like miseries, and if they had any such desire, this enteruiew of the two Princes would make them desist. Which reason made the Duke consent to receiue the King at Peronne. As soone as Cardinall Balue and du Chastell had acquainted the King with the Dukes resolution, hee set forward to meete him, and parted from Noion vppon a letter which the Duke wrote vnto him with his owne hand, for the as∣surance of his comming,* 1.69 stay and returne. An error which was seconded with many errors,x 1.70 and an error of an ill setled iudge∣ment, and one of the most remarkable of the life and conduct of this Prince. He went to se a Prince whom he had newly offended, what could hee hope for but to see himselfe forced to repayre this wrong? He had sent men to Liege to make it reuolt, hee should haue giuen ouer this practise, and consider that if it did succeed, Peronne should bee an infallible prison to him, from whence hee should neuer be freed vntill he had done reason vnto the Duke, to the blemish of his courage and honor.y 1.71

If this consideration were not able to stay his voyage, yet it should haue bound him to seeke for other assurances then in words and paper;* 1.72 and remember that he himselfe had not much regarded that which hee had promised at Constans, that they might yeeld him the like measure, and that there is nothing so light as an oath, when as the breach thereof presents some priuate commoditie. z 1.73 Moreouer hee had no child, and committed his life vnto a Prince,

whose Ambition would haue confounded heauen and earth to raigne, hee gaue it in guard to him who would ruine his estate, holding it more commendable to be rash then a coward.a 1.74

It is the second error which he committed in the conduct of his owne safety for hee had trusted the Princes that were in league against him,* 1.75 comming to parle with them at Bois de Vincennes, who desired to seaze vpon the royall authoritie, and to gouerne France at their owne pleasures. Hee went thither without any gards,b 1.76 being accompanied by the Duke of Bourbon, the Car∣dinall his Brother, the Cardinall of Balue, the Earle of S. Paul and the Gouernor of Roussillon. The Duke receiued him without the towne, and conducted him to the lodging which he had caused to bee prepared for him. Presently after arriued the Bishop of Geneua, the Earle of Bresse, the Earle of Romont, all three bre∣thren to the Duke of Sauoy, the Marshall of Bourgundy, the Seig^r of Lau, Poncet of Riuiere, and the Sieg^r of Vrfe, all carrying S^t Andrewes Crosse, and in their hearts some apprehension of wrong.c 1.77 The King being aduertised hereof grew very distrustfull, and had his thoughts troubled and confounded with repentance, d 1.78 for that he had not better considered of his voiage. He sent to in∣treat the Duke to lodge him in the Castle, for that all these Noble men that were come did not conceale it that they were his ene∣mies. The Duke was glad that the King had made choise of the lodging which he durst not haue giuen him,* 1.79 and intreated him not to doubt any thing.

The two Princes gaue order to their Councelse 1.80 to consi∣der of the meanes to end their quarrels. They renewed the Treatie of Conflans, wherevnto some few things were added in regard of the Duke. But Monsieurs condition grew better, for in exchange of the Duchie of Normandie he had. Champagne and Bry with all the rights, and the Duke of Brittaine entred into the Treatie as an Allie.

Matters standing vppon these termes, newes came vnto the Duke that the Kings Embassadors had made them of Liege re∣uolt, f 1.81 that they had seazed vpon the Towne of Tongres, impriso∣soned their Bishop, Cousin germaine to the Duke, and slaine fif∣teene or sixteene of his Chanons and seruants. The Duke cau∣sed the gates of the Town and Castle to be shut, fayning that some one had taken a Casket of Iewels: he fortified his guards about the Castle, and told some of his trustie seruants that the King was come thither to deceiue and betray him.* 1.82 Hee was so transpor∣ted with Choller, as if the first to whom he reported these newes would haue cast oyle into the fire,g 1.83 and had not rather quencht then kindled the wood, he had resolued to doe what he had said against the King. But there were not any but Phil. de Com. and two groomes of his chamber, who did not aggrauate any thing.

If neuer King of France hath seene the image of feare but vpon the front of his enemie, it now presents it selfe in the eyes of Le∣wis, who stood amazed in a sad mediation of his error, complai∣ning his misfortune with that of Charlesh 1.84 the simple being lodged at the foot of the Tower where he had beene imprisoned. He made some offer to pacifie the Duke, and to giue hostage to procure such satisfaction from the Liegeois as was fit.

He had friends in the Dukes Councell,i 1.85 and casting twelue or fifteene thousand Crownes among them,* 1.86 he was by that meanes aduertised of the Resolutions which were taken: wherof the mildest and most moderate were not pleasing vnto him. The first opinion was that they should keep promise with him, so as he would declare himselfe an enemy to them of Liege. The second that being offen∣ded as he was, it was dangerous to giue him liberty, to reuenge himselfe, The third that they should send for the Duke his brother, and the other Princes to consult what was to be done. In the end they past by this straight, that he was constrained (and it is the greatest violence that may be done vnto a King) to consent vnto a a warre against them of Liege, who had relyed vppon his pro∣tection.

The Duke continued three dayes in great alterations, and past the third night in such disquietnes as he did not vncloath himselfe, but lay downe vppon his bed, then rising sodainly he would walke and talke to Phillip de Commines, his Chamberlaine, whose integri∣ty and moderation did serue to calme those violent stormes that troubled his soule. He was wholly French,k 1.87 and from that time some thought he resolued to retire himselfe into France. But it is not credible that there was any trechery in him. The vptightnes and sincerity of his writings frees him from suspition. If he had been ble∣mished with infidelity & ingratitude, vices which dissolue al humane society,l 1.88 the King had not trusted him with so many great and im∣portant affaires.

The Duke went early in the morning vnto the Castell to the King who was already aduertised of what he would say vnto him, and had time to thinke of his answer, and to fit it not so much vnto reason as to necessity,m 1.89 and aboue all to carry so euen a countenance, as the Duke should not discouer that he had any ill game, or that he had a∣ny apprehension to loose, for if he had thought that hee had made him affraid, he would haue done him a mischeefen 1.90 all together.

The Duke was accompanied by the Lordes of Crequy, Charny, and la Roche. He could not by the humility of his wordes, so well

dissemble his proud and threatning gesture,* 1.91 but the trembling of his voice discouered the motion and storme which choller caused in his heart: •• And then there is no great reason in humble wordes and respectiue countenances when as the effects are contrary, and that the inferior braues the superior,o 1.92 He demanded of him if he would hold the treaty and come to Liege, to help to reuenge him and the Bishop of Liege his kinsman of the Liegeois who by reason of his comming were reuolted. The King granted it, the Peace was sworne vppon Charlemaignes crosse, and the whole towne was full of ioy for this accord: the 12. of October 1468.* 1.93 Oliuer de la March reports this otherwise then Phillip de Commines. The King (saith he) was not well assured, but as soone as he saw the Duke enter into his Chamber, he could not conceale his feare, but said vnto the Duke Brother, I am not safe in your house, and in your Country; and the Duke answered, yes sir, and so safe, as if I should set an arrow come towards you, I would put my self•• before you to preserue you. And the King said vnto him, I thank you, for your good will, and will goe where I haue promised you, but I pray you let the peace be presently sworne, betwixt vs. Then they brought the Arme of St. Leu, and the King of France sware the peace betwixt him and the Duke of Bourgondy and the Duke of Bourgondy sware the said peace, and promised to keepe and entertaine it with and against all men. The next day they parted and came to Cambrayp 1.94 and entred in∣to the Contry of Liege in the beginning of winter. The King had no forces but his scottish garde, and 300. men at armes. The Duke held a Counsell in the sight of Liege, what he should do. Some were of opinion that he should send back part of his Army, for his forces were too great against a demantled towne, which could not be relee∣ued, seing the King was with him. He gaue no credit to this Counsell and it succeeded well, for he could not be too strong hauing a migh∣ty King by himq 1.95 and being in danger to loose all if he had been too weake distrust was auailable.

The Duke commanded the Marshall of Bourgondy who led the foreward,* 1.96 to lodge with in the Citty, either with their wills or by force. The Pope had a Nuncio within the Citty, to end the Contro∣uersies which were in a manner perpetuall betwixt the Bishop and the people, who changing his power and forgetting his duty, vp∣pon a designe to haue this Bishoprick, exhorted the inhabitants to defend themselues, and caused them to make a sally with such fury, as they that were without had no hope to enter but victors.* 1.97 This Sally was so vnfortunate, as he repented him of his Councell, and apprehending the danger, gets out of the towne and flies away, but he was stayed by the Dukes men, who promised to them that had taken him to make their profit, vsing no speech to him. But whilst they contended for their shares in his ransome, they came vnto the Duke being at Table, who blamed that in publique which he had commended in secret,* 1.98 declaring the prize not good: and causing the Bishop to come vnto him, ••he honored him and caused all his goods to be restored, leauing repentance vnto the rest, who had

not done that without brute which they should haue dones 1.99 before they asked leaue.

The marshall of Bourgondy and I••bercourt winne the suburbs and march directly to the Towne-gate, which stayed not vntill that necessity should force the Inhabitants to demand a peace in mourning gownes,t 1.100 vpon their first approch the Deputies present themselues to Parle,* 1.101 but hope and desire of spoile would not giue them hearing. Night surprised the assailants before they were lod∣ged, and doth so disorder them as they know not whether to goe, but calling one another in confusion, they gaue courage to the be∣sieged to make a Salley.u 1.102 They arme some for feare, others with∣out feare,* 1.103 and issue out vppon them by diuers places, for their walles being razed the yeare before, gaue them passage, where they slew seauen or eight hundred. Foure Can••ons discharged against the gate along the great street, crye quittance, and keep them from comming forth, who through fauour of this first Sally had a great desire.

Yet for all this they that were come forth would not retire into the Towne, but barricadoed themselues, or as Phillip de Commines saith, insconsed themselues with wagons which they had wonne, and remained there vntill day. Iohn de vilettex 1.104 the sole Comman∣der of the people was hurt and slaine. The suburb was kept by the Marshall of Bourgondy, who had committed a grosse error, hauing giuen no better order for his lodgingy 1.105 a principall part of the du∣ty of a good Captaine. The Prince of Orange was hurt there, and in this action the History giues him the glorious surname of a man of vertue, as it commends the valour of the Lordes of Lau and Vr∣fe, and reprocheth the contempt of honor to aboue two thousand men, who vnder fauour of this night had sacrifized their safeties and honors to flight.

This first defeat aflicted the Duke, and hee would not that the King should haue knowne it, if he could haue concealed it amidst so many passions and diuers Interests.* 1.106 Beleeuing that the brute was greater then the losse, he went himselfe to tell it him. The King was very glad, but this ioy was more grounded vppon discretion then iustice, for if the Dukes designes had not prospered, the King had had cause to repent him, and therefore he did apply his spirit to the motions of the Dukes, approuing that it is a hard seruitude for a great man to force himselfe to the humors of his inferiour.

He was aduised to goe and refresh his foreward, plunged in the mire, besieged with hunger and benummed with cold. The Duke sent 300. horse with some victualls to refresh them that were ready to faint,z 1.107 hauing not eaten of two dayes. Hee came also and lod∣lodged

in the midst of the suburbe, and the King in a farme halfe a mile off.

This first night about midnight there was a hot alarme although it were in the heart of a very sharp winter. The King shewed him∣selfe vnto the Towne as soone as the Duke,* 1.108 and they were amazed at his diligence, the name of King and his presence put the Duke out of countenance.a 1.109 The Adamant hath no vertue neer vnto the Diamond, the King would not seeme other then a King, he takes the word and commands what should be done.b 1.110 No other but he in so sodaine an accident could haue assured the amazed, and that with such iudgement, courage and maiesty, as they saw he knew well that hee was borne to that end, and that in such occasions the best blowes are drawn•• from the head.c 1.111 Some cryed they are heere, others said they come by such a port, the night made all doubtfull, and aug••ented the amazement. The King commanded the Constable to goe directly to such a place with such men as hee had, for (said he) if they come, that is their way. But they saw not any one, the King retired to his quarter, and the Duke to his.

The next day the King came and lodged in a house neere to that of the Dukes,* 1.112 who fell into such a distrust of this neighbourhood, as hee lodged 300.d 1.113 men at Armes, and the best of all his troupes in a barne betwixt them, hauing passages made in diuers places to issue forth.

The Liegeois fore-seeing that they could not auoid their ruine, resolue to incounter and meet with Death, to fell their liues as deere as they could, and to surprise the two Princes in their owne lodgings whither they might goe of an euen ground, for although they were both great Captaines, yet had they not cared to intrench themselues.e 1.114 The Liegeois had no head, they tooke hazard and dispaire for their guides, and therewith the maisters of the two lod∣gings where the King and Duke were, their intent being to surprize them, and to kill them, or to lead them into the Towne before their men should be able to releeue them.

The night, which is alwaies contrary to these incounters,f 1.115 was fauorable to them as assaylants. The order was, that sixe hundred of their best Soldiers should goe out by the walls,* 1.116 and about mid∣night march directly to the lodgings of these two Princes, without any stay, and kill the Sentinells. And that at the same instant the people should sally forth by the Port, with the most fearefull cryesg 1.117 they could make, to giue courage to the execution of this designe.* 1.118

They goe forth by the breaches of the walles about ten of the clocke, they take and kill most of the Sentinels, but in steed of go∣ing directly where they were commanded, as they might haue done without any resistance, they stay at a pauillion whereas the

Duke of Alençon was lodged, behinde the Dukes lodging, and at the barne which was betwixt the Kings and the Dukes.h 1.119 With∣out all doubt, saith Phil. de Commines, if they had not stayed in these two places, but had followed those two posts which were their guides, they had slaine the King and the Duke of Bourgundy, and defeated the rest of the Armie.

The Duke who resolued to giue a generall assault the next day, had commanded all his men to disarme and refresh them∣selues, and hee himselfe had put off his Cuirasse, which hee had not done since his arriuall, so sweet and easie great toilesi 1.120 are in great enterprises. The noise which they had made at the Duke of Alençons pauilion made many to arme,k 1.121 yet notwithstanding the gate and windowes of the Dukes lodging were assailed with great violence.

In this attempt they vse great Art, some crying, God saue the King, others, God saue the Duke, and many, God saue the King and kill, to put the two Princes in distrust, their people into confusion and to kill one another. Cries which caused more feare in the Duke then the danger was great, and his seruants knew not to what partie the King stood affected. The two hostes which led them were slaine at the first,* 1.122 the King came not forth, the Scot∣tishmen foughtl 1.123 valiantly at his feete, and made bucklers of their bodies, against this inraged multitude, and not knowing any one, slew as many Bourgonians as Leigeois.m 1.124 The people which should haue issued forth by the gate, were kept in, and the rest were cut in peeces, the King and the Duke talked together beeing amazed at their rashnes, and finding that if they had beene led their designe had proceeded farther, and that they had to deale with men that were more powerfull by despaire then by conduct.

They retired, the Duke hauing an intent to giue an assault, & the King to be present at it,* 1.125 notwithstanding that the Duke per∣swaded him to retire to Namur vntill that the Towne were taken. The King answered them that spake vnto him, that although hee doubted of the euent, for that the number of the people was great, beeing prest by two powerfull and violent motions, des∣paire, and boldnes, and had alreadie made knowne how deerely they would sell their liues,n 1.126 yet he would be present with the rest, and had no reason to goe to Namur. He might haue safely reti∣red, for he had a hundred Archers, a good number of Gentlemen, and three hundred men at Armes. Yet for more danger then hee apprehended hee would not haue made one dishonourable step. The respect of his honouro 1.127 and that great desire of glo∣rie

(the onely Obiect of great spirits) was more deere vnto him then his life.

About eight of the clocke on Sunday morning being the 30. of October 1468. the signe for the assault was giuen the inhabi∣tants hauing no thought that they would trouble their rest on Sun∣day, p 1.128 (a day by the scrupulous of that time held vnfortunate to fight in) and moreouer much tired, for that euery day they had beene in gard, and now they were gone to dinner. They were surprised without any resistance, euery man sauing himselfe either in the Forrest of Ardennes, or in Churches, he that escaped the fury of the sword, fell into that of cold and hunger, and all tryed that in vaineq 1.129 men keep the Citie if God take not the care.

The Duke being master of the Citie came and conducted the King vnto the Pallace. This prince fitting his words vnto the time and to the Dukes humors, commended his victorie, and spake to all that past of the Dukes valour and good conduct, who tooke a wonderfull delight to haue a King for a Panegyrist. The Towne was reduced to that estate as it might serue to posteritie for an ex∣ample not of conseruation,* 1.130 but of extreame miserie. The gates and walles were ouerthrowne, the ditches filled vp, the priuiled∣ges reuoked, the lawes changed, and all the Churches (except the Cathedrall) spoiled. The Duke caused it to bee kept by some of his houshold, against the souldiers, who sought to force the two doores. A strange thing to see churchesr 1.131 in daunger among Christians, whose impieties are such as euen the most Barbarous Nations doe abhorre them, for they haue alwaies respected holy places, but it was so peruerse and corrupted an age, as there were men without soules, and soules without religion.

The Duke not able to restraine this furie slew a souldiour to make the rest dislodge, all was reduced to a vast and fearefull wil∣dernes. The Duke repented himselfe of the cruelties which had been committed in the furie of the Sacke, and offered for an expi∣ation the S^t. George wherewith S^t. Lamberts church in Liege is at this day adorned. The King, fiue daies after the desolation of a countrey which relyed vpon the succors of his power, and which stumbled into seruitude, for it could not goe straight in libertie, s 1.132 tooke leaue of the Duke, and told him, that if he had any more cause to vse him that he should not spare him, but if all were done, he desired to goe to Paris to haue their Treatie verified, yet hoping to meet againe the next Summer in Bourgundy. I will said he,* 1.133 that wee remaine a month together to make good cheere.t 1.134 The forme and manner of his words did much help the matter, for he deliuered them with an open countenance, and a heart which seemed free,

which did binde the Duke to please him. An Act of incompara∣ble wisedome, to fit his words and actions for the necessitie of the time and place wherein he was, and humilitie in these actions doth no wrong vnto a great Prince,u 1.135 which knoweth there is no other meanes to continue with spirits that are insolent of their fortunes, but dissembling.

The Duke also knowing the humor of this Prince, murmured still,* 1.136 & made his distrust knowne, he did consider that bonds of pro∣mises made by men which cannot say they are in libertie are light, that force hath no power to prescribe a force sufficiently noted in the solemne words of the oath wherevnto they desired the King should consent, that in case of contrauention to the Treatie, all his subiects should retire from his obedience, and adhere to the Earle of Charolois. And therefore he would that before the kings departure, their Treatie should be read and read againe, and all the points expoundedx 1.137 and that vpon all hee declared his intention. Aduise my Lord if there bee any thing whereof you repent,y 1.138 it is at your choise to doe it or leaue it. I desire to adde one Article in fauour of the Lords of Lau, Vrfet, and Poncet of Riuiere, that they may bee resto∣stored to their lands and offices, I am content, replyed the King, so as the Earle of Neuers and the Lord of Croui may bee also restored. The Duke, who bare a deadly hatred to these two, spake no more of the rest, and the King declared that he would obserue the Treatie.z 1.139

Hee had so great a desire to be farre off, as to make no stay of his departure, he made no show of discontent. Hee concealed his griefe so cunningly as it was impossible to iudge that hee felt any. The Duke vsed some complements to excuse himselfe for that hee had drawne him to the warre of Liege.* 1.140 He had need of very ar∣tificiall pouldersa 1.141 to make this sauce pleasing, the gilding tooke not away the bitternes of these pilles. Hee did accompanie him a mile; at their farewell, and imbracings, the King to shew his affe∣ction and trust,* 1.142 said vnto him; Sir if my Brother which is in Britta∣nie were not contented with the portion which I giue him for your sake, what would you haue me doe: The Duke answered, if hee will not accept it, I referre my selfe to you two, and care not so as he be satisfied. These words beeing spoken somewhat roughly were well conside∣red by the King, who from that time resolued not to lodge his Brother in Normandie too neere to England, nor in Champagne too neere to Bourgundy.

The Duke continued the rigour of warre vpon the country of Franchemont,* 1.143 leauing the Towne of Liege on fire,b 1.144 not ex∣cepting any thing but Churches and the houses of such as atten∣ded the diuine seruice.c 1.145 They respected the Temples after they had offended him who was worshipped there, by all sorts of im∣pieties. Whilest that the souldiers warmed themselues at this

fire, the rest endured incredible cold in the Mountaines of Franche∣mont, whereas the wine being frozen in the hogs-heads,* 1.146 it was cut in peeces with Axes, and carried away in hats and baskets without decrease. Oliuer de la March writes that the Dukes ty∣san was frozen in siluer flagons, and that the force was so great as they brake.

At the same time the death of the King of Albania was spred ouer all Europe.* 1.147 Lewis was much grieued, for that hee alone stayed the Turkes furie, who were cruell scourges to punish the disorders of that depraued Age. He was the yongest Sonne of nine children to Iohn Castriotd 1.148, who commanded at Croy the chiefe Towne of Albania: who gaue him with his Brethren to A∣murath to assure the faith of his promises, beeing forced to yeeld vnder the yoke of that command.

Amurath,* 1.149 the Nabuchodonosore 1.150 of the Israelites, made them all be circumcised and change their names, George was called Scan∣derbeg, that is to say Alexander Lord: and as Alexander he began betimes to make such proofes of his valourf 1.151 as euery man thoght that his militarie toyles, would make him worthy of that name, that he would end more Battels in effect then the Princes of his time had seene painted,g 1.152 that he would winne more victories then others had encountred dangers. He was Sangiac, the first dignitie next vnto a Basha, then was he sent into diuers expeditions, and knowne to be the sole authour of all the good successe which hap∣pened in Greece, Asia, and Hungarie, there being nothing in the Art of warre, but in the end came to his knowledge.

But this great valour had almost vndone him. Amurath ap∣prehended it to haue such a Prince neere him; and the enemies of his courage, but more of his hopes, said that he nourisht a do∣mestick enemie, to weaken his intentions, and disappoint his intel∣ligences. He put his Brethren to death, beeing resolued to make him runne the like fortune, if he had not made it knowne by his ca∣riage that he had no other thought nor passion but that of his ser∣uice, and that his Fatherh 1.153 and his Brethren did reuiue in the affe∣ction which he bare vnto him.* 1.154 And when as Amurath, to sound him, had offered him the crowne of Albania, he said, that he prefer∣red the honour of his seruice, before all the Scepters and Empires of the world, and that he felt his hand fitter for a sword, then his head for a Crowne.

This answere pleased Amurath,* 1.155 but it freed him not from all his feares which the greatnes of his spirit imprinted in his soule, as often as he returned from any exploits of war, which were more admirable then imitable. Wherefore hauing resolued to make warre against George Lord of Misiai 1.156 he made him Generall of his Armie, as well for that he had not any one more capable, as also to

be rid of him, thinking that being forward and fierie by nature, hee would thrust himselfe into dangers, from which he should not free himselfe, for his braue and generous Captaine, like an other Cato k 1.157 would see all himselfe, and had no other aduantage in militarie labours, then to haue the honor to command them, and to be the first to execute them. But as often as hee went, so often did An∣drinopolis see him returne laden with honor and victories. A re∣markeable worke of Gods prouidence, to preserue this braue cou∣rage for his seruice.

At length Scanderbeg,* 1.158 who had alwaies the heart of a Christian and an Albanois, being wearie to liue in the continuall disquiet∣tings of so many distrusts and conspiracies to kill him, resolues to quit Amurath,m 1.159 whereupon hee ioined with Huniades Prince of Transiluania,* 1.160 and with him defeates the Basha of Romania, who had fourescore thousand men: he caused his Secretarie to be ta∣ken, and setting a dagger to his throat, forced him to write let∣ters to the Gouernor of Croy, carrying a commandement in A∣muraths name to consigne the place vnto him.

The Gouernor of Croy obayed and receiued Scanderbeg,* 1.161 all the Infidels were put to the sword, and the Christians preserued, and such as would become Christians. He besieged the other pla∣ces of Albania, and in few daies with much paine and no money, he recouered his forefathers estate, and made the black Eaglen 1.162 with two heads to be seene in all places.

Hitherto hee had fought for himselfe, now he fights for Chri∣stendome. Ladislaus King of Hungary and Poland intreats him to assist him against Amurath, hee was hindred by Huniadeso 1.163 Des∣pote of Transiluania, neither did the cause of the warre seeme iust, for it brake a peace solemnely sworne with Amurath.* 1.164 It was decided in the valley of Varna on the limits of Misia, or Segoria, vppon the Euxin Sea within foure dayes iourney of Andrynopolis, to the di∣shonour of the Christians, who were put to flight, but the triumph cost Amurath so many men as his ioy was turned to repentance.

If hee made some triumph, Scanderbeg reapt the pro∣fit, for seeing that hee had retired his forces, hee went to field, p 1.165 and made such sharpe warres as the Turke wrote vnto him, ra∣ther to stay his exploites, then to threaten him with reuenge, and yet his Letters were full of reproches and pride,* 1.166 the or∣dinarie Passion of an incensed spirit. Hee sweares that if hee will returne vnto him hee will forget all his offences past, for that hee is more mindfull of the seruices hee hath done him, then of his ingratitude: hee offers to leaue him the Towne of Croy, and the Lands which his Father held, vpon conditi∣on that hee should yeeld vp all the other Townes of Albania and Misia.

These letters were receiued with that contempt they deserued. q 1.167 Scanderbeg thinking that Amuraths feare who grew old, and bro∣ken, had made him to write them, hauing a desire to leaue his Em∣pire in some safety,* 1.168 yet he made him an answer, and after that hee had told him that he should remember the good which he had re∣ceiued from him, if the numbring did not renew the remembrance of a greater number of ills he concluded with these wordes. Such fortune as it shall please God to giue vs we will beare: In the meane time we aske no councell of the ennemy of that we intend to doe, neither do we sue for peace of you, but hope with the helpe of Godr 1.169 to haue victory ouer you. Within a while after he was victorious, ouerthrew great armies which Amurath sent into Epirus, the first led by the Basha Ferise, and the other two by Mustapha.

He wonne the Battell of Drinon against the Venetians,* 1.170 and vsed this victory so well, as the Venetians to make him raise the seege from before Dayne,s 1.171 which was in their protection, yeelded that he should haue a part of the Country of Scutarii which was very commodious for him.

Amurath besieged Sfetigarde where as Scanderberg flew in sin∣gle Combate,* 1.172 Ferise Basha Generall of the Army, yet it was taken and presently besieged againe by Scanderbeg, but he was forced to raise the siege,t 1.173 being aduertised that Amurath came into Epirus with Mahomet his sonne to besiege Croy.

After that his Artillery was cast, the Towne battered, many as∣saults giuen & maintained, and the ruines of the Assaylants blowne vp and laid open, Amurath, tired with the tediousnesse of the siege, offers to retire and to leaue Albania vnto Scanderbeg, with the title of a Realme, so as he would do him homage and pay tibute, Scan∣derbeg, who held himselfe nothing inferiour to the Emperor, as long as hee was more powerfullu 1.174 then hee in the iustice of his armes, found these offers so contrary to the honour of his religion, as he re∣iected them couragiously, saying that hee would neuer indure that the name of an Albanois should be defamed with such a blemish, no not if Amurath would giue him halfe his Empire.* 1.175 This answer with the little likelihood there was to vanquish the obstinacy of the besieged, did so aflict Amurath as he dyed, complaining of his hard fortunex 1.176 that after he had giuen subiect to all the world to speake of his triumphes against the Grecians and Hungarians, hee saw himselfe now forced to yeeld vp his soule before the walles, halfe ruined, of a petty Castle,y 1.177 in the view of an enemy which had been his slaue.

The memory of Amurath past away with his teares. Mahomet suc∣ceeded him, and whilst he studies somthing worthy the beginning of his Empire, Scanderbeg labours to fortefie Croyy 1.178 and to repaire her ruines, but Mahomet gaue him no long liberty to do it, for he presently sent Acmat his Basha to visite him with an Army of 12000 horse. If the number had beene greater it had not serued but to in∣crease the number of the dead or prisoners, for Scanderbeg hauing taken the Generall prisoner,z 1.179 a maxime which hee held for the first of military stratagems,* 1.180 the defeat of the rest was not difficult.

He attempted the siege of Sfetigarde, and after that of Belgrad, the one and other expedition brought him no profit but repentance, and notwithstanding that he had the worst, yet he sold Mahomet his victory so deere as he was forced to say that his Army had nothing but the name of triumph.* 1.181 He turned his forces towards Constan∣tinople where he made the victory horrible, by all kindes of Brutish and barbarous inhumanities, which caused the most stayed and modest spirits to bee amazeda 1.182 at so visible a testimony of the fa∣uour of heauen against those whom the eternall Iustice had chosen to repaire the ruines. The long patience of the Almighty, and his sufferance of the wicked hath forced many to murmure against his prouidence, that he doth not cast those roddes into the fire where∣with he hath scourged his children.b 1.183

The Conquest of Constantinople made him resolue to ruine E∣pirus, but Mahomet sped so ill,* 1.184 & was so often beaten, as he sought a peace or truce of Scanderbeg, during the which, past the troubles of Naples betwixt the French and the Arragonois. The Venetians wronged by this Accord, presse them to breake with Mahomet, the warre is renewed, they fight to maintaine the Christian liberty,c 1.185 and to auoid the Turkish seruitude. Mahomet sent Baillaban, to whom he promised the Crowne of Epirus,d 1.186 so as he could make a∣way Scanderbeg.

He made foure voyages and was as often beaten, the number giuing place to valour.* 1.187 But in the end Scanderbeg seeing that Croy could not hold any longer against so mighty an enemy, and that Albania was all couered with troupes of Infidels, he went away in a disguised habit to demand succors of the Pope.

Paul the second had no great pitty to see these sad and mourne∣full relickes of so many Princes, and of so many heads of Macedon and of all Greece, nor of the common necessity, and eminent perill of Christendome. The Venetians apprehended it more sencibly, and gaue some succours to Scanderberg, with the which and that which he drew from his Allies of Epyrus, Macedonie, Sclauonia, and Dalmatia, which might make about 13000. and foure hundred good men, he returned into Albania and freed Croy, before which Baillaban was slaine.

Mahomet sent Allibey and Arabey thither with 20000. Turkes, he had profited little there if deathe 1.188 iealous of Scanderbegs glory had not surprized him by a sicknes not daining to assaile him in armes. In this indisposition hee assembled his Captaines and recommen∣ded his sonne vnto them,* 1.189 whom hee would haue conducted into Pouillia vntill he came to age, leauing him vnder the Venetians, gouernment: And for his last wordes he said vnto him. That if he were good he gaue him a Realme most firme and stable, if otherwise very weake and feeble. yeelding vp his last groanes the 17. of Ianuary, 1467. he gaue an amazement to his enemies.

This Prince with small forces defeated great Armies, who be∣side the good qualities of the mind, for Iudgement, Conduct, and Councell,f 1.190 had an admirable strength, of body, comparable on∣ly to that of the ancient Champions,* 1.191 Biton,g 1.192 Fusius Saluius, Serui∣lius. Talking with Ieams Picenin Generall of the Duke of Calabrias Army, he did lift him aboue his head, like a child of sixe yeares old. He had a Cimiterre with the which he had done miraculous deedes as cutting of the head of a Boare at a blow, and of a wild Bul, which was famous for the ruines it had done in the Country, hauing hurt and slaine many that assayled it. This dexterity, force, and agility of body continued all his life, and exerciseh 1.193 made it in the begin∣ning of his age in a manner equall to that it had beene in the prime of his youth.

After the siege of Croy they presented vnto him in chaines, Iouy∣ma and Hedert the Brother and Nephew of Baillaban, this represen∣ting vnto him the cruelties which they had committed vppon his subiects, put him into such choller, as hauing not the patience to attend any other hand, he cut them both asunder by the wast at one blow. He punished them with the like paine that their Prince did punish Christians.i 1.194

During the Truce he had with Mahomet, he sent him this Cy∣meterre for that he desired to see it, hauing heard say that with it he cut any armes asunder. The strongest armes of his Country would trye if it were true, and finding not the vertue which was as∣cribed vnto it, he sent it back againe disdainefully, thanking him for a thing which he held to haue beene better. Scanderbeg answe∣red. The vertue of my sword depends of mine owne arme, which I cannot send him, for that I reserue it against mine enemies.

It was an increase of glory and reputation to the common weale of Venice to see Kings and Realmes vnder their charge. But at that time they did an act of prouidencek 1.195 which shewes that wisedome hath long held the helme of that Estate. They did adopt for daugh∣ter of the common-weale the heyre of Marc Cornare, and married her to the King of Cypres, after whose death and of the after-birth his sonne, she was acknowledged for Queene, and made present of

her Crowne vnto the Venetians, her fathers by adoption.

From this action followed two diuers effects, the one of great ioy to the Venetians, the other of extreame afliction to Charlotte of Sa∣uoy the French Queene, who by this act saw her Brother as it were exiled from Cipres, and seperated from the Queene his wife. The History is long and tragicall, but thus in breefe.

By the like accidents that other realmes haue beene made deso∣late, the Crowne of Cipres fell from the house of Lusignan,l 1.196 in the which it had long remained. A Fratricide was the cause, for Iames of Lusignan hauing put his brother to death to raigne alone, added other violences to this cruelty, which made him odious to the peo∣ple, and forced the Genouois to arme against him,* 1.197 to reuenge an in∣iury done vnto certaine Marchants of their Common-weale. Hee was dispossest of the Crowne, his brothers Children restored to the Realme, and he himselfe carried prisoner to Genoua, where he had one sonne who was King of Cipres,m 1.198 and this sonne one daugh∣ter, whom he left sole heire to the Crowne. She was married to Lewis of Sauoy, sonne to Lewis Duke of Sauoy, and to Anne of Cypres Sister to King Iohn.

Lewis imbarked at Venice to passe into Cipres, to take possession of his wife and Realme. Iames base sonne to King Iohn, Bishop of Nicosia, past into Egipt to haue succours from the Soldan of Egipt who made him to be proclaimed King of Cypres,* 1.199 prepared a great Fleet at Sea to goe into Cypres, and wrote in these termes to King Lewis. Thou art come out of the Westerne parts, to possesse another mans Realme in the East, and to spoile the heire of his iust inheritance, wh••ch is in thee a foolish enterprise. The Iland of Cypres is tributary vnto me, and it belongs to me to dispose, assure thy selfe if thou dost not dislodge presently thou shalt dye by the sword of Egipt. If thou hast a desire to car∣ry away thy wife, I am content, vpon condition that thou dost not attend a second Summons. This barbarous letter deserued no other answer but by the sword,n 1.200 but Iustice being forced to yeeld vnto tirrany, King Lewis by the meanes of the great maister of Rhodes, let him vnderstand that by the Christian lawes the Realme did be long vn∣to the lawful daughter, that the Bastard was excluded, and that they pretended not to change any thing of the rights which he had ouer the Crowne of Cypres as Protector.o 1.201 This reason had pacified him, being resolued to quit the Protection of the Bastard. But Ma∣homet sent him word, that it was a thing worthy of his greatnes, and profitable to their common religion to restore this Prince to his Estates, exhorting him to remember the iniuries which they of that Nation, and those of Lewis his house had done vnto the Ma∣hometans, protesting that if hee had a desire to haue peace with Christians, he should be sure to haue warre with him.

The assistance which the Souldan of Egypt gaue vnto the Ba∣stard, was the cause that he was presently acknowledged by them who could not oppose against his power. He cōmanded ouer their bodies more then their hearts, which being full of feare, were al∣so

so of wishes and desires of his death who made them feare.p 1.202 Lewis was forced to quit the field, and to retyre himselfe into the Ca∣stle of Cerines, where he was besieged by the Bastard, who seeing it impossible to take this place, and that all the Princes of Chri∣stendome were offended at this vsurpation, he sent his Embassadors ••ope Pius the second to yeeld him obedience, and to beseech him to hold him in the ranke of Catholike Kings. The Pope would not see them, but sent them away with bitter words.

Hereupon Lewis saw himselfe forced to retire to the Duke his Father,* 1.203 and the Queene Charlotte to Rome to seeke succors, but the diuisions of Italy hindred that which they desired, and stayed her there during the time of Pius the second; of Paul the second, and of Sixtus the fourth, and Lewis remained at Ripaille. Pope Pius the secondq 1.204 said, that hee had beene chased out of Cypres, for that his father had failed of his promise at the as∣sembly at Mantoua for the holy warre, and that the same Lewis his Sonne being then neere vnto Mantoua, and hauing not vouchsa∣fed to see him, and demand his blessing; hee had saied by predi∣ction vnto the Embassadors of Sauoy, that it would happen his Sonne would loose the Realme of Cypres, for a punishment of that the father did, and that one day hee would demand those suc∣cors in vaine from others, which his father had denied vnto the Church. The Bastard seeing himselfe in quiet possession of the Crowne of Cypres, remembred that Marc Cornaro, a Gentleman of Venice, had assisted him in his necessitie, with ships,r 1.205 money, and Councell,* 1.206 and had giuen him meanes to goe vnto the Soul∣dan of Egypt, hee resolued to marry his Daughter named Ca∣therine, whom the Senate of Venice after the death of Marc Cornaro her Father, had adopted as their Daughter. The ma∣riage was treated with the consent of the Siegneurie, who gaue her a great dowrie: this marriage was made in the yeare 1466.

Iames King of Cypres fell sicke of a bloudy Flix,, and seeing that his cure was desperate, hee had not the trouble which great Princes as well as priuate men haue when they die, to know to whom hee should recommend his realme, hauing the Senate of Venice wholly at his deuotion, but it troubled him what his suc∣cessor should be, which was yet in the mothers wombe.s 1.207 Mocenigo assured him that neither the Venetians forces nor his priuate ser∣uice should neuer faile him. After his death Charlotte demanded succors of the Venetians, the Duke answered that the Siegneu∣rie was bound to defend her who was her adopted Daughter, and that King Iames had instituted her heyre with the fruit in her womb: That moreouer he wondred that she vnderstood not that rights of Realmes were debated rather by Armes then by Lawes, t 1.208 and that the Realme of Cypres had not been solely to her, but also to the Geneuois, who at that time held a great part.

The widdow of King Iames was presently troubled with new Combustions within the Realme. A Bishop of the house of the

Gotholans,* 1.209 who had great authoritie and credit in the Iland, be∣ing Embassador to Ferdinand King of Naples; when as King Iames dyed, propounded to marry the Bastard of the deceased King of Cypres. Many were of his partie, but the wiser sort were contented to passe these rockes with open eyes and deafeeares. u 1.210 They saw the ruines whereinto they did runne, and did not giue eare to the promises & inchantments that were made them. The designe of marriage tooke effect,x 1.211 but that of the royalty was preuented by the Venetians, who sent Mocenigo thither. The courage of the conspirators quailed, their iudgement failed them at his arriuall, their last refuge was flight. The soueraigne Autho∣ritie remained peaceably in the Queene, who in acknowledge∣ment of the succours she had receiued from Venice,* 1.212 presented Mocenigo with a Target richly wrought, and a standard of the same.

Shee was brought in bed of a Sonne who dyed at the end of the yeare. By this death shee remained Queene alone vnder the Protection and defence of the Siegneurie of Venice. Ferdinand King of Naples seeing that his first designe did not succeed for the marriage of the Bastard, hee sought the Queene widdow for his Sonne, imploying in this Treatie Riccius Marineus a Nea∣politaine,* 1.213 a very deere friend to the deceased King, and Tri∣stan Cybellet a Cypriot who had a Sister attending on the Queene. The Generall of the Venetians Armie beeing aduertised of their practises, and what they intended, caused them to bee stayed, and sent them presently to Venice.y 1.214

George Cornaro, Brother to the Queene was sent into Cypresi, to assist his Sister and to dispose her to free her selfe from trou∣bles and the Realme from danger, in retiring her selfe to Venice, and leauing the Crowne to the Gouernment of the Siegneurie. She who had beene bred vp after a royall manner;* 1.215 and who knew the great difference that was betwixt a Venetians life and that of a Soueraigne Princesse found this proposition very strange, and the Venetians ambition vniust to desire to haue Kings and Realmes vn∣der their protectionz 1.216. But when her Brother let her vnderstand that if the Siegneurie of Venice did abandon her protection, as it might doe if shee did not follow her Councels, shee was in dan∣ger to become a prey vnto the Turke, and to serue as a triumph and spectacle to the people of Constantinople: That shee should not relye vpon Christian Princes, who would all loue the Iland and the Realme rather then her selfe, and she should beleeue that they, courting her Crowne rather then her fayre eyes, she were to blame if she did not preferre a quiet life and safe abode before an vncer∣taine Royaltie, an assured rest before honor, which was but winde, and a title which was but a vapor.

To perswade her, the Historie saith, that to the reasons of feare and danger, he added those of vanitie, adorned with stuffes of im∣mortall glorie. What greater honor, these are the wordes of G. Cor∣naro, and what a nobler commendation can you leave of your selfe here∣after.

then to haue giuen so goodly a realme vnto youra 1.217 country? and that they write in the Historie of Venice, that Catherine Cornaro hath honored and augmented the Venetians Estate with the Realme of Cypres. Then he represented vnto her the danger and infallible dis∣grace of her house,b 1.218 if shee did not grant it vnto the common∣weale, for that euerie one would thinke shee had beene diuerted by her Brother in whom she had great confidence.

These words entred into the Queenes heart and framed a re∣solution to goe to Venice and to make a present of her Crowne vnto the Siegneurie.* 1.219 The Standard of S^t Marc was set vp in the Market of Famagosto, and the Realme of Cypres became a Pro∣uince to Venice.c 1.220 The Queene made her entrie into Venice in the Bucentaure,* 1.221 being honored by the Senators and the great Dames of the Citie. The Councell of ten presented vnto her ten pounds waight of gold, and appointed fifty for her entertainment in the Castle of Azolle vpon the hils of Treuisan.

Thus the Common-weale of Venice purchased a rich Crowne without any paine, imploying nothing but her wisedome, with the which shee hath alwaies preferred easie conquests, before the most glorious, if they were without hazard. It is a curious ob∣seruation that the Estates doe commonly retaine the humour of their first founders. The Citie of Rome hath been alwaies possest with an ambitious desire to raigne, for that her founder was full of it, who not content to haue recouered the Realme of Numitor his Grandfather, cast his eyes presently vpon Alba, and vppon the small Estates which hindred the extention of this first com∣mand. d 1.222 So as the first profession was Armes, which hath not been discontinued by posteritie being desirous of glorie and command. It seemed that all other vertue except militarie had been defended. Contrariwise the founders of the Common-weale of Venice were men which had no such ambitious thoughts, but loued peace and quiet, who being afflicted with the long calamities of Italy and the inundation of the barbarians, had cast themselues into these Fens of the Adriatike sea, & seazed vpon many small Ilands which were caled Venetie, they liued there a time, contenting them with an assu∣red rest in a place which nature made inexpugnable,e 1.223 & which hath alwaies braued the attempts of the mightiest Princes of the world.

This first inclination not to arme but for their owne defence, hath made them contemne Armes, and hath made them more carefull to maintaine themselues in peace, then to inlarge their Empire. Who so will consider of their first enterprises shall finde them limitted with a desire onely to maintaine and defend them∣selues. f 1.224 Their first warres against the French were onely for the de∣fence of their liberty, when as Pepin K. of France past the mountains to subdue the Lombards, & when as the Huns came like a violent floud vpon Italy, only the commonweale of Venice opposed it selfe like a rampar against these furious inundations, and it is no won∣der if beeing forced to resist such furious attempts shee had noe

meanes to thinke of other Conquests. Iealousie for the command of the Sea, held it long in quarrell with the Genouois. And as in her first beginning she had no care but to fortifie herselfe at Sea against the iniuries of the firme land, so all her Conquests haue beene by Sea. An error and negligence which some that haue come after haue better consideredg 1.225 & haue thought that this Common∣weale had begun too late to inlarge it selfe vpon the maine land, & to make profit of her neighbours ruynes. The two principall inten∣tions which shee hath had for the greatnes of her estate, to main∣taine her selfe free, and to become ritch, haue succeeded, for the one she hath alwayes maintained her selfe strong at Sea, there beeing no other meanes to anoy her, and she hath continued her traffick, without the which she could not continue, & this goodly flower of liberty had been withered by the idlenes of her subiects. The indu∣stry of marchandize should bee no lesse honorable vnto them then tillages to the old Senators of Rome, & both the one and the other in their labours and trafficke haue produced famous examples of publike vertues. We must giue vnto Venice the glory of the best gouernment of all the Estates of the world, the forme and order of her politick gonernment is in all parts so well disposed, and obser∣ued, as this Common weale (amidst so many diuers accidents of good fortune and bad) was neuer troubled with any discord or do∣mestick diuision, which haue aflicted Aristocraticall Estates, and driuen gouernours of Common-weales into such feares and di∣strusts, as the Pallace where they haue assembled to resolue of pub∣lique affaires, hath beene often dishonored with the losse of their liues, or liberties.h 1.226 Inevitable stormes in estates, which depend not of the power of one alone, whereas the lesser are alwaies kept vnder by the greater, and the poore cannot long indure the felicity of the ritch, who so will keepe the poore people in such obedience must after the example of Rome allow them a share in the estate.i 1.227 The Venetians haue made them subiect by meanes very pleasing vnto them, they haue in a manner the best part of the liberty, and their pleasures are not limited but by excesse, they do their affaires quietly, and the Senate hath all the care to maintaine them in liber∣ty and rest. The greatest disdaine not them that are meaner, they contract Allyances together, and do not restraine them from cer∣taine publique charges. There is a great temper betwixt Aristocra∣tia and Democratia: For the Gouerment retayning little of the one and much of the other, is freed from disorders and corruptions which haue alwaies troubled ciuill tranquillity.

FINIS.

Notes

• a 1.1

  On Saturday the third of August 1465. the King remit∣ted the fourth peny of the wine to the eight, & tooke away all impositions ex∣cept of Marchā∣dise of the six farmes in grosse
• * 1.2

  Queenes entry into Paris.
• b 1.3

  Paul Aemi∣lius obserued a wonderfull or∣der and disposi∣tion in feasts, saying, that there was the like suff••ciencie of Iudgement to know how to order a Battell fearefull to the enemies, and a feast p••easing to friends, for the one and the o∣ther d••pend of good iudgment, to know how to order things. Plut.
• c 1.4

  Ame the third dyed at Orleans about the end of Iune 1471. he left 2. sonnes Phi∣lebert and Charles vn∣der the gouer∣ment of the Lady Yoland of France, Si∣ster to Lewis the eleuenth.
• * 1.5

  Liege Re∣uolts a∣gainst the Duke of Bourgondy
• d 1.6

  Hee that knowes well how much his owne interests concernes him, will neuer haue it march after another mans.
• e 1.7

  The people do alwaies pre∣sume of their forces with an ouer-weening and rashnesse. The Iuhabi∣tants of Nouo∣garde the chief Citty of Russia said bragging∣ly, Men can do nothing a∣gainst God nor vs, but Iohn Basileus K. of Muscouy made them to change that language. Crant lib. 13. Vand. cap. 15.
• * 1.8

  Army of the Duke of Bour∣gondy a∣gainst the Liegeois.
• f 1.9

  Liberty doth animate mens mindes, and fill their harts with courage & valour, that defend it. In the famous Battels of Mil∣tiades, Leoni∣des, and The▪ mistocles for the liberty of Greece, the nomber hath yeelded vnto Courage.
• * 1.10

  Indignities and Inso∣lencies of people r••∣nolted.
• g 1.11

  In these cō∣motions there is nothing b••t fury, no cou∣rage nor va∣lour. Certatim vt quisque a∣nimi ignauus, procax est ore T••cit. Hist. lib. 2.
• h 1.12

  Men would not kill aspicks nor vipers if they might bee tamed & made harmelesse, when there is no hope of a∣mendment Clemency is in∣iurious, and Iustice alwaies necessary, whereas the publique is wrongd crimes whose Impuni∣ty draw on o∣thers are irre∣missible.
• * 1.13

  The Duke bu••eegeth Dinā, takes it and ru∣ines it.
• i 1.14

  A Prince should neuer dissemble an o∣pen rebellion, for hee that doth not punish a rebell in such sort as he may no more rebell, must be held to haue little witte and lesse courage.
• k 1.15

  The misera∣ble man is be∣holding vnto death, it frees him from mise∣ries. Tamber∣lan slew as many lepers as he found, that they might haue an end of their miseries, and infect no more by their cōtagion. Cal∣condile. For the same reason Dracula Prince of Valachia shut a great troupe of Beggers into a ••arne, and set it on fire, hauing made them all drunke. Bonsin. Lib. 3.
• * 1.16

  Liegeois giue 50. Hostages.
• * 1.17

  Death of Duke Phi∣lippe.
• l 1.18

  Phil. de Commines saith that the Liegeois gaue 300. Hostages, the number was but 50. whereof 32. were of Liege, sixe of Sainctron, or St. Trid, sixe of ••ongres, and sixe of Hesselt.
• m 1.19

  It is nothing to haue gold if they haue not Armes to keepe it. Craesus shewed his treasure to Solon, who seeing it to be of an infini••e valew, demanded where was the iron and steele to keepe that gold.
• n 1.20

  There are some estates which haue beene begun by hazard, and augmented by iniustice.
• * 1.21

  Greatnes of his house.
• o 1.22

  Iulian Caesarin Cordinall of St. Ange and Legat to the Pope with Ladiflans be∣ing at Buda, made a new league among the Christians to ruine the Ot∣toman name, in∣to the which he had drowne Pope Eugemus the 4. The duke of Bourgundy, the Venetiant and the Gene∣••••ois.
• * 1.23

  His bounty courage & moderatiō.
• p 1.24

  The greater a Princes power is, the more his liberty should be restrained. The more mighty a Prince is ouer his subiects the more mighty his subiects make thēselues against him.
• q 1.25

  The iniury of kinsfolks to the wife is some∣times reuenged by the husband vpon his wife. The D. of Bour∣gundy loued not his lesse, not∣withstanding that the sight of the Sister did for three yeares together reuiu•• the iniury of the Brother.
• * 1.26

  Humor and disposition of Charles his sonne.
• r 1.27

  Princes which enter newly in∣to a realm must think that their reputation de∣pends of the be∣ginning. They must giue them selues to such high and emi∣nent Actions, as they may settle a beleefe in their neigh∣bours that they are not onely capable of the fortune which they haue found, and which they hold, but they haue wisedome and courage to aug∣ment it with anything that time and occasion shall offer.
• * 1.28

  His entrie into Gand.
• s 1.29

  The peoples hearts are filled with incredible ioy at the sight of their Prince. The law••s haue held it fit to moderate the expences which the excesse of ioy doth breed in such occasions. Si Sacros vultus inhiantibus forte popuilis inferimus, hoc sine immodico pretio nunciari exipique sancimus. L. 1. C. Publicae Letitiae. Lib. 12.
• t 1.30

  To demaund wisedome of a multitude, is to seek gouernmēt in a mad man▪ In the common weal of Athens wise men pro∣pounded, and fooles determi∣ned.
• u 1.31

  Inconstancie which is com∣mon to people, is more remark∣able in them of Gand for the many mu••inies & reuolts they haue made a∣gainst their Princes.
• * 1.32

  Custome of the Gun∣tois.
• * 1.33

  Sedition cloaked by Religion.
• x 1.34

  A multitude neuer remaines long in an estate which seemes vniust & intol∣lerable vnto them, W••ere there is no will there can be no bond. That which is done by force lasteth no longer then the present ne∣cessitie Haud credi potest vllum populū in ea conditi∣one cuius cum peniteat diu∣tius quam ne∣cesse sit mansu∣rum. Tit. Liu.
• y 1.35

  People haue often couered the causes of their mutinies with some res∣pect of religion.
• * 1.36

  The Duke comes to heare of the sedition.
• a 1.37

  In the cōmo∣tion of a people if there be not one head that leades them, there is not any one that dayes answere, when the people of Rome rety••ed to the holy mountaine, the Senate sent to know the cause of this retreat. Not any one had the courage to answere: and Tit. Liu. saith, That they wanted not matter of an∣swere, but they wanted one to make the answers.
• b 1.38

  They must somtimes grant vnto the people that which ••hey desire as they doe vnto chil∣drē 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cry, & to mad men which rage. But w••en a se∣ditiō is pacified they take away iustly, which they had allo∣wed vniustly.
• * 1.39

  He is forced to grant them what he will take away.
• c 1.40

  It is a graci∣ous kind of par∣doning not to take knowledge of an offence.
• * 1.41

  The King separates the heads of the league.
• d 1.42

  It is an act of great prouidēce in a Prince to breake off the communication & intelligence which may bee betwixt tow personages which are migh¦ty, & of turbu∣lent spirits.
• e 1.43

  They must punish crimes when they are committed, and hinder conspi∣racies in the breeding.
• * 1.44

  The King sends an Armie into Brittanie.
• f 1.45

  Infidelitie is so odious, as it makes the Actions of the children which are borne of them which haue beene at∣tained to bee suspected, and suspi••ions in o∣thers are crimes in them.
• * 1.46

  Leigeois supported by the king.
• * 1.47

  Consultati∣on to put the Hosta∣ges of Liege to death.
• g 1.48

  When as a Prince will do•• any thing by Councell, hee should not bee here, for his pres••nce hin∣••ders the liberty of their opini∣ons, especially when the que∣stion is of the death of any one accused. Ti∣berius would not that Dru∣sus his Sonne should giue his opinion first in Lepidus cause a••cused of trea∣son. So when Piso was com∣māded to speak his opinion tou∣ching Granius Marcellus, be∣ing accused to haue set his Sta∣tue higher then the Emperours. He said (direct∣ing his speech vnto the Empe∣ror, And you Sir in what•• rank will you giue your opinion, for if you speak last I feare my opi∣nion will be cō∣trarie to yours. Quo loco cen∣sebis Caesar, si primus habe∣bo quod se∣quar si post omnes, vereor ne imprudens dissentiam.
• h 1.49

  ••There are crimes as disea∣eases which re∣quire violent and extraordi∣narie cures. It is not good al∣waies to vse to great mildnes in the peoples folly and mad∣nes. Dennis of Syracusa scorned at that sh••me, saying that the chaines of demands wherewith Estates were bound, are the terror of punishments & Armes.
• i 1.50

  There somtimes escape from the wisest absurd and i••considerate opinions, and therefore the Councell of one ••lone is dangerous, the which must consist of diuers heads. For the spirits of men haue their seasons as wel as their bodies, and the wisest man liuing is not alwaies wise.
• k 1.51

  The Sig^r of Co••tay was reputed a wise and discrect Knight, they had neuer noted cr••e••tie nor indiscretion in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and yet hee was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for this cruell Councell, and his death they imputed to a iust iudgement of heauen, according to Phil. of Commines.
• * 1.52

  Death of the Sig^r of Contay.
• l 1.53

  The Heraulds which proclai∣med this war, carried in the right hand a na∣ked sword, and in the other a flaming torch, a fearefull threat of fire & bloud
• * 1.54

  Siege of Saintron.
• m 1.55

  The true number of the dead in a battel is seldome set down, the vi∣ctors make ••t greater, & the vanquished les∣ser, and many as Phil. de Cō∣mines saith, to flatter Princes, for one slaine number a hun∣dred. The num∣ber of the dead in the Battell of Marignan was neuer truely knowne. The Fr••ch said that they had cut halfe the Suis∣ses Army in pie∣ces which was of 25000. men. The Suisses say that being re∣turned into their countrey they found but 5000. wanting and that the French had lost more. Grade∣nic saith, that in al there were 22000. Iustin numbers aboue 15000. Suisses, and Guichar∣din as many. A varietie which proceeds eyther from error or passion.
• * 1.56

  Saintron yeelds to discretion.
• n 1.57

  Decimation was inuented to punish a mul∣titude in such sort, as the fear might seeme generall to all the Offenders, and the punishment to a small number: all felt it not but euery man feared it.
• * 1.58

  Leige yeelds & demands pardon.
• o 1.59

  Nothing is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by force. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 makes ••em wilde, P••••icles woon the people by the eyes and eares, and the belly by Playes, Comedies, and Feasts.
• p 1.60

  In tumultuarie Commotions of a multitude, you must rather seeke to win time then to contradict and contest. Wise men haue fit occasions to diuert and breake these furi∣••us waues.
• * 1.61

  Walles of Liege bea∣ten downe.
• q 1.62

  A speedy reso∣lution to that which cannot be auoided mo∣lifies the paine, and to obay vo∣luntarily is to take away that which is rough & troublesome in seruitude.
• * 1.63

  Gantois profit by them of Liege.
• r 1.64

  The Earle of Flanders ha∣uing besieged Gand, and re∣fused to take them to mercie, if they came not all ioyntly toge∣ther barefooted in their shirts to demand it, made thē resolu to sally out vpō him: fiue thou∣sand beeing led by Philip of Artauelle de∣••eated 40000. men, and en∣tred pel-mel with them into Bruges. The Earle was hid∣den in a poore womans garret and led out of the Towne in a disguised habit.
• * 1.65

  Entry of the D. of Bu••••∣gundy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gand.
• * 1.66

  Treatie of the Duke of Berrie and Brittanie.
• t 1.67

  It is certaine there is not any one of whome we may not ob∣taine what wee desire, if he bee not thereby in∣teressed howso∣euer the publike be interessed.
• u 1.68

  Margaret Daughter to Rich: of York & Sister to the K. of England was married to Duke Charles in Iuly 1468. Shee made her entry into Bru∣ges beeing con∣ducted by six Knights, A∣dolphe of Cleues, Iames of Luxemburg, Anthony Ba∣stard of Bour∣gundy, Peter of Baufremont Earle of Char∣ny, Philip Pot and Philip of Creuecoeur.
• * 1.69

  Error which the K. could not repaire but with danger.
• x 1.70

  In errors of importance the first step disor∣ders all. It is more easie not to enter then to get forth. One error followes an other, and that of iudge∣mēt brings that of the heart.
• y 1.71

  It is a disho∣nour to bee for∣ced to disauow his own thoghts and intentions. The K. had sent men to trouble the D. at Liege, hee had done it through indis∣cretion, now he is forced to pa∣cifie it, and to stay the busines more then hee thought to ad∣uance it.
• * 1.72

  Two errors the K. com∣mitted in the assu∣rance of his person.
• z 1.73

  The desire of profit, of reuēge or pleasure, is the ram which ouerthrowes an oth. Neither of the three doth moderate the paine. The di∣uine is vndoub∣ted misery to periures, and that of the world is shame.
• a 1.74

  The rashnet of a priuat man may be excused when it hath no traine: The life of Sparta depends not vp∣on that of Ca∣licratidas, but that of a prince which is the spirit that giues life and motion to an estate, is alwaies blamed
• * 1.75

  He comes to Peronne to the Duke
• b 1.76

  It is dange∣rous to trust the faith of a prince who hath been an enemy, hee beeing the wea∣ker. Tosime blames Valeriā of indiscretion, who went to Sapor with a small troope.
• c 1.77

  The King had kept the Earle of Bresse & the Signior of Lau in prison, and he had taken Pi∣••••ll from the Marshall of Bourgundy.
• d 1.78

  There is not any thing more vnworthy wher¦into a Prince may fall then repentance, e∣specially in er∣rors which may not bee twice committed.
• * 1.79

  He is lod∣ged in the Castle.
• e 1.80

  Princes which haue any cōtro∣uersies, should referre them to their Councels, to auoide the bitternes and ••eat wherein to contention may draw them.
• f 1.81

  The Leigeois in this reuolt made more hast then the King expected, for his designes were not yet well digested, and he held them not so able.
• * 1.82

  The K. in a manner a prisoner.
• g 1.83

  The first motions of Princes in their choller, passe speedily to resolutions of reuenge whē they incounter men that com∣fort and incou∣rage them.
• h 1.84

  Hubert E. of Vermandoi•• caused Charles the simple to dye in prison. King Lewis his sonne to re∣uenge this in∣iury called an assembly of the Princes and chiefe noble∣men, and pro∣pounded this question which he seemed to receiue from the K. of En∣gland, to haue his aduice: What punish∣ment that far∣mer descrued who hauing in∣uited his mai∣ster to come vnto his house had put him to death. All con∣cluded that the crime was pu∣nishable, and Hubert said that hee ought to be hanged, You shall bee (said the King) you haue con∣demned your selfe. And hee had noe sooner spokē the word but hee was hanged.
• i 1.85

  The aduice of that which was done in the D. coun∣sell, came as it was said from Phil. de Commines.
• * 1.86

  And he himselfe writes after this manner. The King had some friend which aduertised him that he should haue no harme if he did yeeld vnto those two points, but if he did otherwise, hee thrust himselfe into very great danger.
• k 1.87

  Philip de Commines became a Partisan to the King, who drew him into France, gaue him the signory of Argenton in Poictou, and the Seneshalship of the same Country.
• l 1.88

  All the greatest re∣proches are comprehended in these two wordes, Ingrate and trecherous. Nihil aeque Concordiam humani generis dissociat et distrahit quam hoc ingratitudinis vitium. Sen.
• m 1.89

  Amazement should neuer bee seene on a Princes forehead. He should be maister of his wordes, but much more of his countenance, for his lookes do often contradict them, and betray the secrets of the heart.
• n 1.90

  Many times a bad designe begun is not ended; when as he that doth it thinkes that he is not discouered. And it is a maxime grounded more vpon experience then Conscience in such occasi∣ons, not to do so much, or to do more.
• * 1.91

  The Duke coniures the King to go to Liege
• o 1.92

  To what end s••rues respect and humility of wordes, if the action be proud? The day when K. Iohn w•••• taken at the battell of Poict••ers, the prince of Wales serued his ma∣iesty at supper bareheaded. The King in∣treated him to sit downe. It belongs not to the subiect answered the Prince and yet hee held him prisoner.
• * 1.93

  1468.
• p 1.94

  Notwith∣standing their speeches vnto the Duke of Bourgōdy that hee should be blamed to break the assu∣rance which he had promised the King, hee still answered. Hee hath pro∣mised me, and hee shall hold it, I will make no Consci∣ence to force him. Peter of Goux his Chā∣cellor, was one of those which counselled him not to off••nd the King. Oli. de la March.
• q 1.95

  It was ne∣uer a w••se and aduised resolu∣tion to hazard all his fortune and not all his forces.
• * 1.96

  Siege of Liege.
• * 1.97

  Clearchus made a sally & put all his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in battell, then he commanded the gates to be shut and the keyes to be cast ouer the wall, to take all hope of entry from the Soldiers, vntill they had lost or wenne.
• * 1.98

  Popes Non cio set at li∣berty.
• s 1.99

  There are some things to be done before they aske if they shall doe them. It is the answer which Pompey, sup∣ping with An∣thony in a ship made vnto an officer, who told him that he had a good opportunity to be reuenged of them, and that if hee would ther should not one remaine.
• t 1.100

  Although the Athenians had no reputation of great cou∣rage, yet they neuer deman∣ded any accord but in mour∣ning robes prest with extreame necessity.
• * 1.101

  The besee∣ged de∣mand a Parle.
• u 1.102

  Hee that chargeth first by night hath the aduantage for it is al∣waies•• presu∣med that he is the stronger•• flight doth cō∣monly follow amazement. The night hath no shame.
• * 1.103

  Sallie made by them of Liege.
• x 1.104

  In sallies the Commander should alwaies stand firme to maintaine the besieged in their duties by his presence, and to fauour their retreat, hauing a care that being re∣pulst the enemy doth not enter pel mel with them. When as they of Liege had lost their head in the first sally, their defence was desperate.
• y 1.105

  The first duty of a good Captaine is to know how to lodge his men. For this only respect Hanibal in the iudgement of Phirrhus, was the first Captaine of Greece next to Alexander.
• * 1.106

  The Dukes troupes ill intreated in the sub∣urbs.
• z 1.107

  A famished soldier hath neither courage nor force to fight. It was a great negligence in the Dukes Captaines to haue ingaged the soldiers so neere the enemy, and not prouide to make them eat. Asdruball lost his men against Scipio by this defect. Vliffes blames Achilles for that hee would lead his men to the warre before they had eaten.
• * 1.108

  Alarum gi∣uen and the King goes to horse.
• a 1.109

  The Duke saith Phil. de Commines, held not soe good a counte∣nance, as many men wisht, for that the King was present & tooke the word and authority of Command.
• b 1.110

  It is an act of a great Cap∣taine in acci∣dents not fore∣scene to reduce things speedily into order.
• c 1.111

  In war they do not fight on∣ly with the force of Soldi∣ers, but with the Art and wisedome of the Generall.
• * 1.112

  The King and Duke lodged to∣gether.
• d 1.113

  This change of lodging and these appro∣ches do strang∣ly disquiet the Duke. He fea∣red that the King would cast himselfe into the towne, which had re∣lyed vppon his protection, and that hee had some designe a¦gainst him, at the least that he should in∣tend to retire before the Li••∣geois were sub∣dued and puni∣shed.
• e 1.114

  A remarka∣ble fault in 2. great Captains to haue no trē∣ches at the siege of Liege, being doubtful long and diffi∣cult.
• f 1.115

  All Incoun∣ters and Com∣bats by night, should bee a∣uoided. Caesar did not vndertake any thing to execute it by night, and Anthony said that if the Ports of Cremona were open, yet would be not enter but by day.
• * 1.116

  Sally of the Liegeois.
• g 1.117

  Cries are profitable in fighting, not in marching, by the cries they haue often iudged of the issue of Battells, as they were more or lesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉. An vnequall and faint crye hauing pauses, hath often discouered feare, saith Tit Liu.
• * 1.118

  The King and Duke of Bour∣gondy in danger to be taken or ••laine.
• h 1.119

  This error for the trenches put the two Princes in dan∣ger to be slaine, they be necessa∣ry to hinder the sally of them within, and the succours that come from a∣broad.
• i 1.120

  The heads of an army should be more harde∣ned and labori∣ous then others. Alexander marched often on foote in the head of his Ar∣mie, but as Cy∣rus Father saith, trauels must not bee measured a like in the bodies of them that com∣mand, and of their souldiors, neither are they so grieuous to the one as to the other, for that honor maks them more easie vnto a cōman∣der, for that he knows wel that what hee does shal come to the knowledge of of al the world. Zenop. in Cy∣roped.
• k 1.121

  To execute a great designe which requires diligence, they must neuer stay vpon any occa∣sion, vnlesse it be an inui••cible necessitie, by their turning to Alensons Pa∣uillion, they gaue an Alarū & awake those whom they had surprised sleeping.
• * 1.122

  Valor & fi∣delity of the Scotish∣men.
• l 1.123

  This was a new recommendation of the Scottishmens fidelitie. An Act which may be compared to that of the Romans which enuironed Crassus, saying, that neuer any Parthians Arrow should touch his person, vntill they had first slaine them one after an other. Plut.
• m 1.124

  Night will not suffer them to distinguish friends from enemies. The blows are for the most part vaine & without incounter, & the most valiant slain by the most fearfull. Tit. Liu.
• * 1.125

  The K will be at the assault.
• n 1.126

  When as a multitude begins to know that matters are reduced to these termes as nothing cā happen but misery, they assure thēselues in dangers, they change their boldnes into fury, & their hopes into despaire.
• o 1.127

  There is not any great courage but starts at this word Honor. A Prince must go into all places where his reputation is ingaged. The King saith Phil. de Com. where it cōcer∣ned his honour would not bee blamed of co∣w••dise.
• p 1.128

  The Earle of Montfort, who was caled Iohn the valiant, D. of Brittany, sent to intreate the Earle of Blois his enenmy, to re∣ferre the Battel which hee ment to giue him, vn∣til the next day, for that it was Sunday, & St. Michels feast, and it was one of those dayes, on the which the Countesse of Blois his wife had forbidden him to fight, but the Earle of Blois would not beleeue any of them, and was slain there. This hapened in the yeare 1364.
• q 1.129

  King Ferdi∣nand going out of Naples with Don Frederic, the Queene his Grandmother, the Princesse Ioan his daugh∣ter, and imbar∣ked in the Gal∣leys to recouer the Iland of Is∣chia, which the Ancients called Enaria, thirty miles from Na∣ples, had no o∣ther words in his mouth but this Verse of Dauid saying, That Sentinels and gards a∣uaile not, if God keep not the Citie.
• * 1.130

  Ruine and desolation of the Lie∣geois
• r 1.131

  Seeing that God ought to be feared and worshipped in all places, that which belongs vnto his seruice should also hee religiously respected euen in the Armies. Zenophon saith, that Agesylaus would not allow them to touch any Temples in the enemies country.
• s 1.132

  Liberty is to be desired, when as they that will not be subiect to haue meanes to liue free, but as Plato saith Epist. 8. Many haue fallen into seruitude, for that they could not vse their libertie vvell.
• * 1.133

  The King desires to returne to Paris.
• t 1.134

  Princes as all other men are by nature subiect to passions and alterations, and not able to endure the toyle of the body and minde long without tiring, and haue need of some rest and recreation. It is that which K. Lewis the eleuenth in this place cals good cheere.
• u 1.135

  Humilitie a∣bates nothing of a princes great∣nes, for either hee that hum∣bles himselfe is inferior, and then it becomes him well, or superior but brought to such a straight, as he is forced to bēd & if he escapes, he greeues not at his humility, although that doe him good who hath in∣treated him with pride and arrogancy.
• * 1.136

  Treatie made with∣out liberty bindes not.
• x 1.137

  In Treaties of peace they must vnderstand one an other well. Al words must be made plaine, and those that are comprehen∣ded or excluded expressed.
• y 1.138

  A breach in the obseruation of forced pro∣mises is not dis∣honorable, and hee wants force that obserues them.
• z 1.139

  In Treaties which are made by equals im∣pertinent de∣mands are cho∣ked with the like demands.
• * 1.140

  Excuses of the Duke.
• a 1.141

  Words of ex∣cuse and com∣plements in ac∣tions which cā∣not be excused, are like spices and sauce of a delicat taste to meate which is tainted.
• * 1.142

  Words of the K. at his departure.
• * 1.143

  Warre in Franchi∣m••nt.
• b 1.144

  The Duke ap∣pointed three thousand foote to burne the Town of Liege, and to desend the Churches. It was fired thrice, in three seuerall quarters. They reserued three hundred houses for the Priests, with whom many inhabitants lodged. Phil. de Com.
• c 1.145

  Impiety respects sacred things after that liberty hath profaned them. Fab. Maximus hauing spoyled Tarentum and made it desolate, with all kindes of cruelties. When his Secretary came to aske him. What shall we doe with our enemies Gods, he answered, let vs leaue the angry Gods vnto the Taren∣tins Plut. in Fabio.
• * 1.146

  Sharpe Winter▪
• * 1.147

  Death of the King of Albania.
• d 1.148

  Voysane daughter to the King of the Tri∣b••le•• a part of Macedonie, & Bulgaria, ha∣uing conceiued George Ca∣striote, drempt that shee was deliuered of a serpent, of such greatnes as he spred ouer all Epirus.
• * 1.149

  George Ca∣striot cir∣cumcised & caled Scan∣berbeg.
• e 1.150

  God hath v∣sed the power of infidels to pu∣nish his people, and by diuers meanes he hath giuen them po∣wer to trouble them. He raised Nabuchodo∣nosor to ruine the Israelits, & therefore lere∣mie calls him his seruants, al∣though he were most cruell.
• f 1.151

  Scanderbeg was instructed in all the exer∣cises of war be∣fore the force of his body could shew what his courage was. He also learned the Turkish, Scla∣monian, Arabiā, Greeke & Ita∣lian tongues.
• g 1.152

  When Cice∣ro spake of Pō∣pey, he said that he had brought more battels to a happy end, thē others had read in Histories, & conquered more Prouinces then any one before him had concei∣ued in his wi∣shes, that hee had triumphed almost as many times, as he had followed the warre yeares.
• h 1.153

  After the death of Iohn father to Scanderbeg, Amurath seazed vpon the Realme of Epirus, and put a garrison into Croy. Scanderbeg dissembled the griefe of his fathers death, the taking of his estate & the murther of his Brethren & so from that time he resolued to pull that Crowne from Amurath.
• * 1.154

  Amurath puts Scan∣derbegs bre∣thren to death.
• * 1.155

  He grovves fearfull of his valour.
• i 1.156

  Mi∣sia is commonly called by the Turke Segoria, and comprehends Seruia, Bosnia, Russia, and the Prince is called Despote of Seruia.
• k 1.157

  Cato as Tit. Liu. saith wold be euery where and execute e∣uery thing in person, sparing himselfe no more then the least of his sol∣diors, hauing no other aduan∣tage ouer them but the honour of his comman∣dements.
• * 1.158

  Scanderbeg leaues the Turke.
• m 1.159

  Scāderbegs retreat was in the year 1444. hee conferred with Huniades of his enterprise that vnder a coulour of ma∣king warre a∣gainst him hee might retire on his side.
• * 1.160

  He ioynes with Iohn Huniades.
• * 1.161

  Entrie of Scanderbeg into Croy.
• n 1.162

  The house of Scanderbeg caried an Eagle sables in a field gules. When as the people of Albania, saw them in his Ex∣signes, & Stan∣dards, they pre∣sently renewed the ancient af∣fection they bare vnto their Princes.
• o 1.163

  Iohn Des∣pote of Transil∣uania, other∣wise called Huniades, be∣ing discōtented with the King of Hungary, for that certaine places in Seruiae which had bin granted him in reward of his vertue were de∣tained from him, refused passage to Scā∣derbeg to ioin with the Chri∣stian Army.
• * 1.164

  Battell of Varna.
• p 1.165

  These say that Amurath hauing escaped this danger grew more sad then he had been accustomed and being blamed by his followers he answered, I would not win after this manner. Amurath caused a pillar to be set whereas the Battell was giuen, with an inscription of the victory, and at this day the heapes of dead mens bones are to bee seene, which shew that the slaughter had been wonderfull.
• * 1.166

  Letters frō Amurath to Scanderbeg.
• q 1.167

  The letters beginne after this manner, Amurath and Ottoman So∣ueraigne of the Turks and Emperour of the East, sends no salutations to Scander∣beg his in∣grateful nurs∣child. He saith that he knowes not what wordes to vse to him for that hee doth not merit any good for his ingrati∣tude, and a rough & sharp speech would make his arro∣gant nature more insolent.
• * 1.168

  Scanderbegs answer.
• r 1.169

  A Christian Prince should not referre any thing to for∣tune, but to the prouidence of God, who is the only cause of all causes & guids al things after his will, the moouable by their moti∣ons, the immo∣ueable by their firmenesse the voluntary by their liberty, and the reaso∣nable by their will.
• * 1.170

  Battall of Drinon in Dalmatia
• s 1.171

  Dayne is a little Towne planted vppon a high hill, as in a manner all those of Epirus bee, yet the soile of it is fat and the aire good and hol∣some, they haue store of Venison and bees, and all kindes of trees and fruites.
• * 1.172

  Seege of Sfetigarde.
• t 1.173

  This dislodging was very dishonorable for Amurath, and very glorious for Scanderbeg, who was honored much for it by christian Princes, namely by Pope Nicholas the fift, and Ladislaus King of Hungary.
• u 1.174

  Cato reduced to that extremity in Vtica as his friendes aduised him to make an Accord with Caesar. It is for them, said he, to sue that are vanquished, as for me, I will hold my selfe inuinsible, as long as I am stronger in right then Caesar.
• * 1.175

  Death of Amurath before Croy.
• x 1.176

  Among the precepts, which be left to Mahomet his sonne, he did often reitterate these wordes with aboundance of teares. That he should neuer contemne an enemy not knowing any thing in all his life whereof he did repent him, and should repent in the other world, but that he had contemned Scandebeg.
• y 1.177

  Croy the cheefe Towne of Albania is scituated vp∣pon the top of a mountaine in a manner vn∣accessible of e∣uery side.
• y 1.178

  Croy the cheefe Towne of Albania is scituated vp∣pon the top of a mountaine in a manner vn∣accessible of e∣uery side.
• z 1.179

  They say that Scanderbeg had it in parti∣cular in all his incounters and military acti∣ons, alwaies to begin his first stratagems of victory with the death of the head, saing, That the head should be first cut off, and the rest of the body will fall alone, and that he knew no kind of li∣uing creature, that could suruiue the head beeing taken off.
• * 1.180

  Mahomets Army in Hungary
• * 1.181

  Constanti∣nople taken
• a 1.182

  If the Infi∣dels prosper, if they raise thē∣selues vpon the ruines of Chri∣stians, yet may wee not mur∣mure against the eternall prouidence, Stay humane rashnes, it is not lawfull to pierce into the secrets of Gods Iudgments, nor to define when, how, nor how long it is fit the wicked should florish.
• b 1.183

  The stay of the wickeds pu∣nishment doth wrong vnto Gods Iustice. Deus sua sibi patientia de∣trahit plures enim Dominum idcirco non credunt quia seeulo iratum tam diu nesciunt. Tertul. de pacientiae▪
• * 1.184

  Warre re∣newed in Albania.
• c 1.185

  All war saith Polybius lib. 11. is made either to preserue liberty, or for feare of falling into seruitude.
• d 1.186

  A pittifull atte∣ration of things, to see a Prince who had lately come into Europe with a mighty army, and had refused a short truce unto the Emperor of the Turkes to be now forced in his old yeares to abandon his Country, and to goe farre to see••e for succors, be∣ing alwaies ac∣companied by Langey Arch-Bishop of Du∣rras.
• * 1.187

  Scanderbeg demands succors of the Pope.
• e 1.188

  Scanderbeg being ready to take from the Turkes the towne of Val∣mes lately built by Mahomet, and being come to Lissa,, he fell into a violent feuer.
• * 1.189

  Sicknes & death of Scanderbeg.
• f 1.190

  The Turkes came running about Croy, some horsemen went out of the towne by Scā∣derbegs com∣mandemēt the enemy think∣ing he had been there in person grew amazed and fledde through the mountaines al∣though they were 15000. horse and left the booty they had taken frō the Scutariens.
• * 1.191

  Force and dexterity o•• Scanderbeg.
• g 1.192

  Biton car∣ried a great Bull vppon his shoulders. Pau∣••anias. Fusius Saluius went lustily vp a ladder with 200. pounds waight in his hands, 200. at his feet, and as much vpon his shoulders. Plinie. Serui∣lius did sight 23. times body to body, and was alwaies Victor. Plut.
• h 1.193

  Exercise doth continue the dexterity and disposition of the body long, Philopemen of whom Plutarch speakes, was nimble in his age by great exercise.
• i 1.194

  Mahomet made one man die as it were of two deathes, he made them to be cut off by the wast at a blow, of tentimes it happened that hee dyed of two deathes, for Chalcondile saith, you might see either part liue long after the blow.
• k 1.195

  Prouidence is one of the most appa∣rant effect, of wisdome. Pru∣dents postu∣mus dicere prouidentes.
• l 1.196

  Iames of Lu∣signam King of Cypres put Pe∣ter his brother to death, and being told him that the Geno∣uois were en∣tred into his Pallace with armes, & had some designe vpon his person hee put many innocent Mar∣chants to death a cruelty which made the Sig∣nory of Geno∣ua to arme a∣gainst him. Bo∣lius writes the History at large.
• * 1.197

  Cruelty makes the Princes of Lusignan o∣dious.
• m 1.198

  King Iames of Lusignan had one sonne named Iohn or Iames who was K. of Cy∣pres, and Anne married to Le∣wis Duke of Sauoy, sonne to Amidee, Iohn had one daugh∣ter named Charlotte, who was first married to Iohn King of Portugall, and after his death to Lewis of Sauoy.
• * 1.199

  Letters of the Souldā to the King of Cipres.
• n 1.200

  Perswasions are vnprofita∣ble when as Iustice is infe∣riour to force.
• o 1.201

  After that the Christians affaires were ruined in Soria and the East, the Kings of Cypres of the house of Lusig∣nan put them∣selues vnder the protection of the Souldiers of Egypt.
• p 1.202

  Feare is a bad gard for them that com∣mand. For they that feare stu∣die still how they may be rid of him that keepes them in feare, Quem metuunt ode∣runt, quē quis∣que odiit pe∣riisque expedit
• * 1.203

  King and Queene of Cypres dri∣uen out of their owne Realme.
• q 1.204

  It was t••oght that Lewis D. of Saucy had some secret spleene against Pope Pius the second, for that he had been Se∣cretarie to his father when he was but in base condition, and had abandoned him to follow Eugenius his enemie.
• r 1.205

  Good deedes neuer dye in great courages, others forget the good & re∣member the ill. Quid autem est eo miseri∣us, cui benefi∣cia excidunt, herēt iniuriae. Sen.
• * 1.206

  Catherine Carnaro, a∣dopted by the Vene∣tians.
• s 1.207

  Princes haue no lesse need then mean per∣sons of strong consolations, to help them to de∣part the world, & to leaue their affaires in some safety.
• t 1.208

  In former times whē they haue demanded of conquerors of Prouinces, the titles of their Cōquests, some haue she∣wed them their Canons, and o∣thers their swords.
• * 1.209

  Tumults in Cypres.
• u 1.210

  There are some things which are good to be seene, but dangerous to be harkened vnto.
• x 1.211

  The Cipriòts seazed vpon the Kings Palace, and made his base daughter, beeing but six yeares old, sure to King Ferdi∣nands base son; and gaue him the title of Prince of Ga∣lilee.
• * 1.212

  Presents of the Queene of Cypres to Moce∣nigo.
• * 1.213

  Ferdinand K. of Naples seeke the al∣liance of the Queene of Cypres.
• y 1.214

  Tristan fea∣ring some more shameful death poisoned him∣self with a Dia∣mond which he swalowed drin∣king salt water after it.
• * 1.215

  Queene of Cypres ex∣horted by her brother to goe to Venice.
• z 1.216

  The highest degree of great∣nes and glorie whereunto a po∣pular or an Ari∣strocraticall E∣state may come vnto, is to haue Kings vnder their Dominá∣tion. The Ro∣mans did not disposses Kings of the Realmes they had con∣quered, & Ta∣citus giues the reason, v thabe∣rent instru∣menta Serui∣tutis & Reges.
• a 1.217

  That spirit is weake which thinkes there are any reasons forcible enough to perswade it to quit acrown.
• b 1.218

  Councels how pure soeuer they be doe still sauour of the passions & pri∣uate interest of them that giue them.
• * 1.219

  Resolution of the Q. of Cypres.
• c 1.220

  Catherine Cornaro Q of Cypres receiued honorably into Venice by the Duke Augu∣stin Barbari∣co. Shee entred into the Bucen∣taure, a honour which neuer had been done to any Veneti∣an woman.
• * 1.221

  Entry of the Queene of Cypres in∣to Venice.
• d 1.222

  The Estate of Rome increased sodainly as Po∣libius obserues. The Romanes hauing once gotten the com∣mand of all I∣taly, in a short time they made all the world subiect. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Polib. Lib. 7.
• e 1.223

  The scituation of Venice is by nature inexpug∣nable, she is gar∣ded without walles or garri∣son, and hath a∣lone for so ma∣ny ages remai∣ned vnuiolated.
• f 1.224

  The Art of war saith Car∣dinal Cōtarin, hath been bani∣shed out of the Cōmonweale of Venice, but it hath bin done insēsibly within these two hun∣dred yeares, for before they haue been very war like especi∣ally against the Genouois. By this contempt of the Art of warre, they are constrained to imploy forrain forces, & they choose not a Captaine amōg thē. The which they doe, least that priuate mē hauing for∣ces vnder their cōmand, should attempt some∣thing against the state.
• g 1.225

  Francis Foscarin Duke of Venice, was wont to say Che non po∣tea la Repub∣lica crescere molto di potenze, se non hauesse nell imprese di Terra im∣piegate le sue forze: la qua∣le cosa perche nō haue a pri∣ma fatts, pero era stata mol∣to ritardata, et impedita quella gran∣dezza, alla quale, se tale consiglio ha∣uesse preso piu per tempo, po teua cami∣nare felice∣mente.
• h 1.226

  After that they of Mile∣tum had expel∣led their ty∣rants, they set∣led an Aristo∣craticall Estate but the people did still muti••e against this kind of Gouernment, and the great men did still liue in such feare as they could not hold a Councell in safety but in shippes. The Lords of Samos were murthered by the people when they were in counsell.
• i 1.227

  The gouernment of Rome was diuided betwixt the Consulls, Senate and people, with such a conformity of their duties and common Offices, as neuer common weale was better instituted. The power of the one was bridled and restrayned by that of the other. Nulla efferre se pars supra caeteras valet, nequie impoten∣ter superbire, omnia quippe in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 statu manent, cum aliorum cehibiatur impetus, aliine in se quoque insur∣gatur perpeuo metuunt.