Nevves from Pernassus The politicall touchstone, taken from Mount Pernassus: whereon the governments of the greatest monarchies of the world are touched.

CHAP. 7. Almansor, sometime King of the Moores, encountring with the Kingdome of Naples, they relate one to another the miseries they sustayne by the oppression of the Spanyards. (Book 7)

THe famous King of Moores, Almansor; he that ma∣ny yeares togither raigned in Spayne over the no∣ble Realme of Granada, met yesterday with the Kingdome of Naples, and falling in talke with him, after he had for a good space observed the chayne, which the sayd Kingdome of Naples wore fastned about his legge, he told him, that the manufacture thereof being Moresco, he verily thought that he had many times scene, and hand∣led it some where els; and a litle while after with a shew of great marvayle he affirmed, that he knew it well; and how it was the very same, wherewith all both he, and the Moorish Kings his Predecessors had for the space of seven hundreth yeares held many Kings of Spayne in ser∣vitude; and therefore he earnstely entreated him, to let him vnderstand, how, by whom, and when he was chay∣ned in that manner. A very good eye, and an excellent memory hast thou, Almansor; (answered then the King∣dome of Naples) for this vnlucky chayne, which thou seest about my legge, was brought out of Spaine by Gon∣salvo Corduba, called the great Captaine, and therefore it is very likely to be the same thou speakest of. And now it is an hundreth yeares, since first I found my selfe in the miserable servitude, wherein thou beholdest me, and from

which I know not whither ever I shall be freed; for in re∣gard of the mighty power, whereunto I see the sorces of the Spaniards arrived, having vtterly lost all hope of assi∣stance, that may be expected from men, I know, that my ancient libertie standeth wholly in the poewrfull hand of God, who had need to renew in me the miracles of the Red-Sea, if my deliverance shall follow. The yeares (replyed Almansor) confront well; for a litle before the time of thy servitude, the Spanyards vndid this my chayne from about the legge of the Kingdome of Granada, where withall afterwards they bound thee. But let it not dis∣please thee, O Kingdome of Naples, to declare vnto me, how it could come to passe, that the Spanyards should make themselues Masters of such a Kingdome as thou art, so potent, and so farre distant from their Forces. By fraud Almansor, (sayd the Neapolitan Kingdome) did the Spanyards get into Italy, for by open force they had never beene able to make such notable acquests; and as thou saydest well, so disproportionable to their Forces, which vvere so farre off. But heare, and vvonder at the large and grosse con∣science of a King of Spayne in matters of State, although he vsed much art to seeme vnto foolish men a very Saint; for thou shalt come vnto the knowledge of a Tragedy, according to the rules of my Christian Religion, most vvicked and cruell; but according to the termes of mo∣derne Policie, the most advised, that ever any Nation re∣presented vpon the Stage of the vvorld. Alfonso my King, to his vtter, and my chiefest ruine, gaue Isabella his Niece (for from this vnhappy marriage did my displan∣tation take beginning) to Iohn Galeazzo, Duke of Milan for vvife. The minortie first, and then the vnspeakeable silly weakenesse of so infortunate a Prince incouraged

Lodovico Sforza to vsurpe the State vpon his Nephew; Alfonso, as it behoved him, sought to hinder that Tyran∣ny; vvhere of Lodovico being aware, and knowing, that without the ruine of my Kings, it vvas not possible for him to arriue vnto the end of his most injust desire, he fell into that resolution, vvhich afterwards both to him∣selfe, to me, and to all the Princes of Italy proved so fa∣tall, of drawing the French into Italy, to the conquest of me. My Kings to defend themselues from such mighty enemies, called to their ayde that holy soule of Ferdinand King of Aragon their Cousin, who shewed himselfe so kind a kinsman, and such a faithfull friend, that in stead of chasing avvay the French enemies, he divided me with them; and to shew himselfe compleat, a little after this vnhappy division, he entred into warres against the French, and having overcome them, he forced them to returne full of shame, and losse into their countrey; vvhereupon the good King Ferdinand without any scruple at all of con∣science became my absolute Lord; and then it was, that he fastned this chayne about my legge, which thou re∣membrest to be the manufacture, and worke of thy Na∣tion. And I do not thinke, that in all the Chronicles of the Saracens, Moores, or Turks, vvhich it is likely thou hast read, there was ever a more vvicked treachery recorded, done by a King, that desired to be reputed a man of a good conscience, and of an holy disposition; and that a litle before had receiued of the Apostolicke Sea that glo∣rious title of the most Catholike King. Truly (replyed Almansor) in the Chronicles, which thou hast named of my Nation, many foule actions cōmitted by divers Prin∣ces out of ambition to raigne, may be read, but this which thou hast recounted of Ferdinand goeth beyond them

all. But if thou, O Almansor, (sayd the Kingdome of Naples) diddest with thy Nation keepe the Kingdome of Granada, chayned so many hundreth yeares, vvhat course tooke the Spanyards for to free him? That Vnion of the Kingdomes of Castile and Aragon (replyed Almansor) which followed vpon the marriage between Ferdinand and Isabella, occasioned the libertie of the Kingdome of Gra∣nada: a most vnhappy Vnion, the which, no lesse then I haue done, and continually still doe, the greatest Po∣tentates of Europe, haue lamented, doe lament, and perpe∣tually with vnfained teares vvill lament; as that, which is the true and onely roote, from vvhence are sprung all those greatest subversions of States, which vnto this day haue beene seene in many partes of Europe, but more re∣markeably in Italy. And beleeue me, Neapolitan King∣dome, that even till now might I haue raigned happily in Spayne, if this pestiferous Vnion had not overthrowen my greatnesse; for the many jealousies that raigned be∣tweene the Castilians and Aragonians, were my inexpugna∣ble Cittadels, which would haue maintayned my raigne here for ever. Withall assure thy self, O Kingdome of Naples, that the aydes which the Popes gaue to Ferdinand, and Queene Isabella, greatly accelerated my taking in. Peace, peace, Almansor (said then the Neapolitan Kingdom) for after thou wert chaced out of Spayne by the ambitious Spanish Nation, the Popes vndervvent such miseries, that it may be truly sayd, how with ready mony they bought those extreame calamities, wherewithall afterwards they encountred; for though the Sea Apostolicall were well contented to see the Moores driven out of Spaine, yet that satisfaction was much dissasted with my servitude, which followed presently vpon it, the Popes having ne∣ver

had any thing in greater feare, then that I should fall into the hands of a mighty Prince, vvho might make them liue in those perpetuall jealousies, vvherein finding themselues drowned even vp to the very eyes, many of them, and particularly those, that haue a greater know∣ledge of things of the vvorld, do not alwayes make quiet sleepes. A cleare testimony of the truth which I speake, was the lamentable and wicked sacke of Rome, perpetrated by the Spanyards a litle after my servitude; with which in∣gratitude they payd the Apostolicke Sea for all they were debtors vnto it, aswell for the remission of the Tribute of Naples, as for the other succors, which they received in the vvarre of Granada. A calamitie, that having past the termes of most grievous miseries, hath in such man∣ner opened the eyes even of men of the drowsiest vnder∣standing, that every one cōmeth clearely to know, what it is to vnchayne the Lyon out of a zeale of pietie; for the Spanyards no sooner saw themselues freed from the impediment of the Moores of Granada, but that through the ambition, which they shewed in desiring to cōmand over the whole Vniverse, not onely in Italy, but through∣out all Europe, most important jealousies of State, and most grievous interests of Religion discovered them∣selues, in so much, that I haue often heard it discoursed by men of most vnderstanding in affayres of the vvorld, how peradventure it would haue beene lesse prejudiciall for many Princes of Europe, that thou haddest raigned still in Granada, then that the Spanyards should haue passed in∣to Italy, to acquire such important States, as at this day they possesse there.

Hereunto may be added the prejudices both publike and priuate, which my ruine hath brought, and conti∣nually

doth bring vnto the Italian Princes, and more particularly to the Popes, because the Kings of Spayne had no sooner fastned this Chayne about my legge, but presently they began to aspire vnto the Dominion of all Italy; and the quicklier to arriue thereunto, they knew very excellently how to interesse themselves in the dif∣ferences, which at that time depended betweene the Princes of Italy, and the French, about the possession of the Dutchy of Milan, wherein that top of man, Charles the fifth, carried himselfe in such sort, that hee made himselfe to bee knowen the worthy Nephew of his Grandfather by the Mothers side: for having with the Forces of the Italian Princes, chased the French out of Italy, instead of restoring the Sforzi to the State, as it was agreed betwixt him, and the confederate Princes, with the fraud of a thousand Turkish quarrels pickt of purpose, which he well knew how to invent against the Sforzi, he made himselfe absolute Master of that so im∣portant a Dutchy. Stay, Kingdome of Naples; and ma∣king a point here, (sayd Almansor) satisfie me in this: see∣ing the noble State of Milan was fallen into the hands of the Spanyards, what hindred them from running preci∣pitously to the acquisition of all Italy? and seeing thy servitude doth manifest vnto the world, that the aydes and succours of Princes, serue more for the benefite of him that giveth them, then for the profit of him that receiveth them, why would not the Italian Princes rather suffer, that Milan should be vnder the Dominion of the French, then by receiving ayde from the Spanyards, runne the danger of letting that Dutchy, (beeing so important a member of Italy) fall into the hands, as thou saydest it did, of the Kings of Spayne? The power of the Kings of

France (answered the Neapolitan Kingdome) defendeth that remnant of Liberty which remaineth in Italy, from the ambition of Spaine: for those glorious Kings out of the interest of their greatnesse will not endure, that the Dominion of all Italy should fall into the power of the ambitious Spanish Nation, which cannot extinguish the ardent thirst they have of commanding, neither with the Conquest of all the new World discovered by them, nor with so great a part which they possesse in the old.

Besides, the Italian Princes, who know the great perill (wherein they finde they are) of a dangerous and mise∣rable servitude, have so vnited themselves together, that although they be many in number, yet make they but one Body; and the Spaniards, who haue vsed, and doe vse all possible devises to dis-unite them, evidently perceive, that they wash a Black-Moore.

But touching the State of Milan, thou must know, how it was iudged more secure for the publike Liberty of Italy, that that Dutchy should fall into the power of the Spaniards, then that it should remaine in the hands of the French; who for that they were ioyning to Italy, when therein they should possesse any little part, there would haue beene manifest danger, that they would haue made themselves absolute Lords of the whole: but in the Spanyards it would fall out cleane contrary; for their For∣ces, albeit very great, are notwithstanding so farre off, that by so long a tract of sea, they could with much diffi∣culty transport out of Spayne into Italy Forces, that were able to maintaine the acquests they had made, not that they could be sufficient to subdue the whole.

Thou speakest the truth, (sayd then Almansor) but goe on, and declare vnto me the prejudices, which thy fal∣ling

into the hands of the Spaniards brought vnto the Popes. Know then, (replyed the Kingdome of Naples) that whereas before, the Popes were the terror of my Kings, now it happeneth to bee cleane otherwise; for they liue in a very great agony, lest the Vnion of Milan with Naples should one day follow; to which marke, they obserue, the Spanyards haue directed the scope of all their thoughts; vvhereupon the Spanyards, whose proper na∣ture it is to make good vse of the feare, vvhereinto they see they haue put the Princes their neighbours, haue ar∣rogated vnto themselves such authority in the Court of Rome, that they vaunt they are the true arbitrators of all the most important matters, vvhich there are handled. Moreover, when the Kings of Naples were not Kings of Spayne, the Popes with every litle menace of denying the investiture, obtayned of my Kings, Principalities, Dut∣chyes, Earldomes, and other great States in gift, buying their friendships also with mariages, and many other sortes of liberalitie; but now, the feare being ceased, if the Popes vvil make their kinred great with titles of im∣portant States, they must be glad to buy them with their ready mony, and the advised Kings of Spayne, besides the pretious Gold of entreaties, which at any hand they will bee sure shall precede for a first payment, sell them vnto them thoroughly sawced. Important interests, and grie∣vous disorders are these (sayd Almansor) vvhich thou hast recounted vnto me; but how cometh it that thou, King∣dome of Naples, which art the Magazine of Silkes, the Granary of Italy, shouldest goe so ragged, and be so leane? Seeing the Spanyards, that come naked out of Spayne [an∣swered the Kingdome of Naples] after they haue beene three or foure dayes in my house, will needs cover them∣selves

all over with gold, it is no marvaile if I be spoyled, to clothe so many Raggedemuffins: besides, if thou sawest the rapacitie of the Vice-roys, that to recover them selves are sent vnto me, or if thou knewest the rapines of Secretaryes, of thousand Officers, and other Courtiers, which they bring along with them, all thirsty of my bloud, thou wouldest greatly marvayle, how it were pos∣sible, I should satiare the raging, and greedy swallow of so many hunger-starved wretches. As for the litle flesh thou seest on my back, the Spanyards affirme, that in the booke of a certaine Florentine, who hath given rules of the cruell moderne Policie, they find written, that being a Kingdome conquered, after the manner of those horses vvhich are kept only for races, I ought to be maintayned low in the flesh.

I but (sayd Almansor then) the Milanesi how are they entreated? They also (replyed the Kingdome of Naples) are bathed with the water, wherewithall thou seest mee so wet; only this difference is betwixt vs, that in Milan are droppes, in my house, flouds. The true occasion of the diversitie of these entreatings is the quality of the Lombards dispositions, most vnlike to my Neapolitans: for the Nobilitie of the State of Milan are naturally phan∣tasticall, free, resolute, and farre from that vice so proper to my Neapolitans, of flattery, and affectation; but so bold and hardy, that they dare say, how if one only Cremonese spirit had beene found amongst my Neapolitan Barons, it would haue hindered that same forced donatiue, that hath brought me to eate Bread and Onyons; the which, although with great words, it hath beene often deman∣ded by the Spanyards in Milan, they haue beene as resolu∣tely answered, that they should take care to liue: Besides,

the confining of the Grisons, of the Duke of Savoy, and Venetians, are the cause, that the Kings of Spayne proceed with more diseretion in Milan: for when the Popes ma∣naged Armes, I my selfe also was for their occasion great∣ly respected. But soft, Almansor, yonder commeth my most capitall enemy Don Pedro de Toledo, wherefore I pray thee withdraw a litle; for at any hand I would not haue him take notice, that I lament my disgraces heere vvith thee; and for this onely, vvere it for nothing els, may I tearme my servitude most wretched, in that I am forced to call this miserable state, where∣in thou seest me, the happy gol∣den Age.