The estates, empires, & principallities of the world Represented by ye description of countries, maners of inhabitants, riches of prouinces, forces, gouernment, religion; and the princes that haue gouerned in euery estate. With the begin[n]ing of all militarie and religious orders. Translated out of French by Edw: Grimstone, sargeant at armes.

The Common-weale of Genoua.

[ A] THE COMMON-VVEALE [] OF GENOVA.

The Contents.

1 DEscription and diuision of Liguria, and of the countrie of Genoua; with the chiefe townes thereof. 2. Scituation of the citie of Genoua, and the circuit; with their power at Sea. 3. The change of many Lords, gouerned by Earles, then by Dukes. 4. Of the towne of Sauona. 5. Of the Island of Corsica, the bignesse, circuit, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: the parts, with the townes and castles. 6. Liguria and the countrie of Genoua, hillie, [ C] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Precipices, abounding in Oliue Lemon and Orange Trees. 7. The Island of Corsica 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in H••nie, Wax, Rossen, Oyle, Figges, Box, Alume, Christall, and Corrall. 8. Of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••f Petra Pola, whose waters are hot, sulphurie, and physicall. 9. Of the wild Hens of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gallinaria. 10. Ligurians in old time great pyrats, and the brutish behauiour of them 〈…〉〈…〉 The Geneuois and Ligurians at this day quicke witted and subtile, proud, factious, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trafficke. 11. The inhabitants of Corsica sauage, and full of reuenge. 12. The reuenues 〈…〉〈…〉 of Genoua, and wherein it consists. 13. What places of strength belong to the 〈…〉〈…〉 ••enoua, and the gallies which they entertaine at Sea. 14. The forme of their gouerne∣•••••••• ••f the Councell of foure hundred, and of the Pettie Councell of one hundred gentlemen. Of the election of the Duke, the chiefe of the State, his ornaments and authoritie. 16. Of the [ D] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gouernours, and of their office. 17. Of the Podestate for strangers, and his iurisdiction. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the soueraigne Sindi••s, and their power. 19. Of the Rota, whereas they treat of ciuile 〈◊〉〈◊〉 20. Of the authoritie and office of Consulls. 21. Of the beginning of the office of S. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the great priuiledges. 22. Of the Protectors of the office of S. George: and the 〈…〉〈…〉 them. 23 Of the office of foure and fortie, and the cause of their creation. 24. Of the ••••chbishopricke of Genoua, and the Bishops that are his Suffragans.

[] LIguria lyes betwixt the riuers of Var and Magra, and hath vpon the [ I] West part for bounds the Alpes, which diuide Prouence from Ita∣lie; vpon the East Tuscanie; vpon the South the Ligustick Sea, which extends about one hundred and sixtie miles; and vpon the North the Appennin Hills, and a great part of Lombardie of this side the riuer of Po. It is properly called Liguria, beyond Po, to di∣stinguish it from Liguria, on this side Po, which is Montferrat. At 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they call it the riuer or coast of Genoua, of the name of the first towne of Ligu∣••••••. Th•• riuer, coast, or countrie of Genoua it is diuided into East and West, hauing in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of it Genoua for the chiefe and Metropolitan citie. The East part, is that which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from Port de Luna vnto Genoua, and the Westerne part, is that which doth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from Genoua vnto Monaco. The places of most importance of this countrie, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••hich are to be regarded, besides Nizze, and Villefranche (which belongs to the [] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Sauoy, and Monaco to the king of Spaine, the which he bought of late yeares 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he lord which enioyed it, as some say, for one hundred thousand crownes) there is 〈…〉〈…〉 a good towne, Arbengue, Cure, Finall, a famous marquisat, so called of the 〈…〉〈…〉 of the ayre, Nola with a reasonable good port, and Sauona: and neere vnto 〈…〉〈…〉 Appenin Hills begin to rise, and extending themselues along the Sea vnto

the towne of Bobbia begins to bend towards the North, and diuiding Italie t••rough [ A] the middest, it goes to the tow••e of Ascoliin Pouillia. There it diuides it selfe into two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or braunches, the one end•• with the mountaine of S. Ange, in old time called Gargane; and the other makes two branches, neere vnto Venose, whereof the one runs into the land of Bari, and the other into the countrie of Calabri••. But returning vnto the Seacoast we find Genoua, the chiefe towne of Liguria, the which commands ouer most part of this countrie, as also of the Island of Gallinaria, which is neere vnto it, with the Island of Corsica.

[ II] Genoua is a verie ancient towne, built (as some say) by Giano Genio Prisco king of Ita∣lie, and from him tooke the name: others write by Ianus the sonne of Saturne, and by [ B] others, the which I leaue as vncertaine. It was subiect to the Romans, and was rui••ed by Mago the sonne of Haniball the Carthaginian, and repaired againe by Lucretius Surius, by commaundement of the Senat. It was in good esteeme two hundred and ninetie yeares before the comming of Christ, as doth appeare by a Table of Brasse, which was found of late in the valley of Pozzenere, and is set in S. Laurence Church, where it is written in ancient letters, That vnder the Consulship of Lucius Cecilius, and of Quintus Manutius, the Senat of Rome sent Iudges to decide the suit, which was depending be∣twixt the Victures and the Geneuois, by reason of the neighbour valleys: and for that the execution of the sentence, and the freeing of prisoners which were detained, should be made at Genoua; it may be conceiued that in those dayes it was in some estimation. [ C]

This noble citie of Genoua, stands vpon the shore of the Ligusticke Sea, hauing aspa∣tious and goodly port, which being opposit to Africke lookes towards the South, as the towne doth also, hauing on the backe of it the North. Part of it stands vpon the decli∣ning of a hill, and part in a plaine, and betwixt two valleys, being six miles in circuit. There are a great number of inhabitants and stately Palaces, especially along the Sea shore, so as there can be nothing more pleasant and beautifull to behold: and this is the reason why they call it Genoua the proud. Round about this citie there are goodly gar∣dens and pleasant villages. In some places there are palaces and houses better built and set forth than in Genoua it selfe, as at Albano, Bisagni, Misagno, Marasi, Maltade, Bal∣chena, Castelletto, Carbonaro, Minuta, Montegallo, with an infinit number of others. [ D]

This towne hath beene alwaies in reputation, and held for one of the keyes of Italie, by reason of the scituation. It hath in former times beene very powerfull at sea, so as her citisens haue woon famous victories, and haue extended the bounds of their dominions vnto the riuer of Don or Tanais: for they conquered the towne of Theodosia, which they now call Caffa, in the Taurique Chersonese; and moreouer they made subiect to their power, the Islands of Cipres, Lesbos, and Chio, with the towne of Pera in Thrace. [ III] They were in the beginning subiect to the Romanes (as I haue said) vntill the yeare of grace 600, or as some write 660, whenas Rotares king of the Lombards tooke it, and spoi∣led it: afterwards, it was recouered by Charlemaigne, who had taken Desideriu•• king of the Lombards at Pauia, and then they were subiect to Pepin sonne to Charlema••gne, [ E] who was made king of Italie, and to his descendants, by whom they were gouerned for the space of one hundred yeares, appointing gouernors, whom they called Earles. And whenas the Sarrazins entred into the Island of Corsica and tooke possession thereof, Ademar Gouernor, or Earle of Genoua, armed forth a fleet of galleis and other war∣like vessells, and went to succour them of this Island; who meeting with the Sarrazins fleet at Sea, incountred it valiantly, and defeated it, though he himselfe was slaine. Yet notwithstanding the Geneuois seised vpon the Island, and carried away thirteene of the enemies ships to Genoua: since which time Corsica hath beene alwaies subiect to this Estate. Matters succeeded well vntill the yeare 935, which was a very vnfortunat yeare for this citie, for that (Bereng••rius the third vsurping the name of the Romane Empire, [ F] and Stephen the seuenth, being Pope of Rome) the Sarrazins being confederat with the Carthagenians, and comming into Italie, they tooke and sacked Genoua, where hauing slaine many cruelly, in the end they carried away all the young children they could find, and past into Affricke, leauing the citie wholly abandoned and without inhabitants. But

[ A] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Andrew Dandolo who was then duke of Venice writes) within a short time, all the said ••••i••dren were brought backe againe: since which time it hath encreased much, as well •••• p••ople as in goodly buildings, and in po••er at Sea, where they commaunded for a 〈…〉〈…〉, keeping pi••ats from theeuing at their pleasure. After Charlemaigne and his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they endured much by the tyrannie of their own citisens, and were sometimes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to receiue strangers to be their Lords, and by their ciuile discentions they lost all 〈…〉〈…〉 which they had at sea. This citie hath been diuersly gouerned, first by foure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 created by the people, for one yeare, and then by six: and in the yere 130 they 〈…〉〈…〉 three Consulls, and foureteene men for ciuile affaires. In the yeare 1142, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made choise of ten Consulls to gouerne the common weale for a yeare. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they created a Pretor, who with the Consulls should haue a care of the citie, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was in the time of Frederic B••rbarossa, who commanded them to make this choise, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the other cities of Italie. In the yeare 1257, there was a captaine of the people cho∣•••••• ••nd made a companion to the Pretor, the which continued six yeares; after which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••aue all the authoritie vnto the Pretor. Thus they continued with diuers changes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he yere 1318, whenas the people gaue themselues to Pope Iohn the two and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••nd to Robert king of Naples, by whom they were gouerned vnto the yeare 1335, 〈…〉〈…〉 which time (the hatred and factions growne betwixt the citisens) the families of 〈…〉〈…〉, and Dorij, were expelled the citie: and so their ciuile discords increasing, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thought it fit to create a new magistrat, who might be perpetuall, to see by this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if they might pacifie the combustions of the citie, an•• preserue it: whereupon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ade choise of Simon Bocca Negra, and named him duke, in the yeare 1339, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 continued with many mutinies and alterations of the subiects, vntill that 〈…〉〈…〉 of the Guelphes and Gibellins began, so as the Guelphes were forced to 〈…〉〈…〉 aid from Charles the seuenth the French king, who sent a French gouernor vnto 〈…〉〈…〉 he behauing himselfe insolently thirteene yeres, and going to Milan, thinking 〈…〉〈…〉 at his returne to Genoua, he was shut out of the gates and lost his gouernment 〈…〉〈…〉 1403. After which the citisens d••d chuse Iohn Maria Viseon••a duke of Milan, 〈…〉〈…〉 Protector, who sent Theodor Paleologo marquis of Mon••ferrat, to be his Lieu∣••••••••••••, who gouerned the citie foure yeres: but Iohn Maria being slaine, the citisens 〈◊〉〈◊〉 duke: within six yeares after they called Philip Maria Anglo duke of Milan, to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Protector, vnder whose protection they liued fifteene yeares, with great 〈…〉〈…〉 in the end the citisens disdaining that he had so honourably receiued Alphonso 〈…〉〈…〉 Arragon and Naples, with the noblemen and barons their prisoners, and 〈…〉〈…〉 them at libertie without their priuitie, they gathered together, & created eight 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the libertie: who within a while after being dismissed, they made a duke, 〈…〉〈…〉 1436. In the yeare 1450, Peter of Campo Fregoso being duke, and ••is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnpleasing to the citisens, they ••orced him to flie, by the fauour of Charl•••• ••he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king, vnder whose protection the citie remained, vntill the yeare 1461, whenas 〈…〉〈…〉 hauing expelled the French, made choise of a new duke: but the French king 〈◊〉〈◊〉 incensed, sent an armie to Genoua, which forced them to returne vnder his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Yet afterwards they tooke armes against the French, seeking to take Castelletto, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he French had fortified for king Charles, but finding themselues too weake, they 〈…〉〈…〉 ayd from Francis Sforce duke of Milan, who sent them good succours, by which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••xpelled the French. Whereupon the Geneuois to shew themselues tha••kfull to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sent foure and twentie Embassadors to Milan, to present him the scepter, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••eyes, and seale of the citie, and cho•• him for their Lord in the yeare 1464, the 〈…〉〈…〉 and his successours eni••ied foureteene yeares. Then the citisens taking armes 〈…〉〈…〉 Iohn Galeazzo, they recouered Castellette, and expelled the garrison, creating a 〈…〉〈…〉 But in the yere 1488, the citisens sent an Embassage to Milan to the said duke 〈…〉〈…〉, and did present vnto him the standard of S. George, the keyes of the citie, 〈…〉〈…〉 seale, swearing obedience & fealtie vnto him: after whi••h the duke created Iohn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Adorno gouernour of Genoua: and so the Geneuois remained subiect to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 G••leazzo, and to Lodoui•• Sforce eleuen yeares, vntill the comming of Lewis the

twelfth, the French king, who expelled Lodouicke Sforce out of the duchie of Milan, in [ A] the yere 1499: and then the Geneuois gaue themselues to the French king, whom they obeyed eight yeares. In the yeare 1507, the people taking armes, and expelling the nobi∣litie, created a duke, called Paulo de Noui, a dier of cloth, an auncient, and an honest man, who although he refused much to accept of this office, yet they forced him to vnder∣goe it, and so they rebelled from the French king; to whom all the nobilitie went to craue ayd, that they might returne into their countrie.

The French king came to Genoua with a great armie, and forced the people to obe∣dience, restoring the gentlemen, and cutting off the head of P••ulo their duke: and to the end he might keepe Genoua vnder obedience, he caused a fort to be built vpon the [ B] port, calling it La Briglia, saying, that he would so bridle that vntamed horse, as herea••∣ter he should not kicke against his rider; yet within few yeares after, it was ruined by the citisens. In the yeare 1512, the French being expelled Italie, by the meanes of Pope Iulio the second, and the Venetians; the Geneuois recouering their libertie, created Iohn Fre∣gosa duke of Genoua, yet afterwards Lewis the French king sending an armie into Ita∣lie, it returned vnder his obedience, but continued not long, the French being de∣feated at Nouara. In the yeare 1513, Octauio Fregosa was made duke of Genoua, with the consent of the people. At the comming of Francis the French king in the yeare 1515, he gaue ouer his office, and made an accord with king Francis, and remained gouernour of the citie, in the kings name, and so continued seuen yeares, vntill the yeare 1522, when∣as [ C] the French being expelled Italie, Prospero Colonna, Generall of the league made betwixt Pope Leo the tenth, the Emperour Charles the fift, and the Florentines, came and tooke Genoua with the gouernor Octauio Fregosa, giuing the towne in sacke vnto the souldiers for three daies. After all this, in the yeare 1527, Francis the French king being in league with Pope Clement the seuenth, the Venetians, Florentines, and others, to expel the Em∣perors forces out of Italie, the king sending Monsieur de Lantrecht with fortie thousand men by land, and Andrew Doria with a fleet by sea, they besieged Genoua, & forced it to submit it selfe vnder the French kings obedience, who presently sent Theodor Triaulze to be gouernor. The next yeare the citisens sent an honorable Embassage to the king, in∣treating him that he would be pleased, that the citie might enioy her auncient libertie, [ D] the which being granted, they made choyce of eight citisens, with a duke to gouerne the citie, since which time they haue enioyed their libertie. And thus I haue briefely related vnto you, the seuerall and tumultuous gouernements of this citie.

[ IIII] Sauone is also an auncient towne in Liguria, the which (according vnto some) was i•• old time called Sabatia or Sabate. It is one thousand fiue hundred paces in circuit, and hath stately buildings. It hath beene vnder the power of diuers lords, as the Geneuois, Visconts, and the Sforces dukes of Milan, and also of the French, and of themselues; but now they obey the Geneuois. There are come three Popes out of this town, that is, Gre∣gorie the seuenth, Iulio the second, and Sixtus the fourth.

Passing the riuer which they call of the East, behind it lies Capo de Monte, Porto Fino, [ E] and Ripalle with his gulfe, and beyond it Chiuari, Sestri, and Leuanto, which are reaso∣nable good places. Next there is a little gulfe, which is nothing but a port, with the places of Portouenere and Spetie, and beyond it Lerice. They doe also hold Heresane, which is a strong place frontiring vpon the Florentins: and of this place depends the ci∣tie [ V] of Vingtimille and Piene, with many villages, castells, and Boroughs. Corsica is the least of three Islands which joyne vpon Italie, whereof the two others are Sicile and Sar∣dinia. The Greekes did call it Cymos, or Cyrne, of a s••nne of Hercules, and some haue held, it was that which Ouide calleth Teraphne. It hath for bound•• vpon the West and North the Ligusticke Sea, vpon the East the Tyrrhene and Ionian Seas, and vpon the South the straight of Sea which is betwixt it and Sardina: For it hath vpon the North [ F] the Cape of Corse, and lookes towards Portouenere, from the which it is sixtie miles, and not one hundred and twentie, as some haue written, it is from Sardinia sixtie stades (as Strabo writes) which make seuen miles and a halfe: others say, a Germane league, which may be gone in an houre. Leander sets ten Italian miles, and others nineteene the

[ A] which cannot be. But Mercator, who hath made a more exact computation than any other, sets but six miles. Strabo makes this Island to be one hundred and sixtie miles long, but without doubt, it is but 120. Plinie hath made it sixtie miles broad; and Stra∣bo seuentie, the which is true. The circuit (according vnto Plinie) is three hundred twen∣tie two miles, and according vnto some, three hundred and fiue, and to others three hun∣dred and ninetie, but the truth is, it is just three hundred twentie and fiue miles. It is in the fift climat, and doth hold the twelfth and thirteenth paralells, and the longest day in Sommer is scarce fifteene houres.

This Island was first held by the Tyrrheniens or Tuscains, then by the Carthagenians [ B] from whom it was taken by the Romans, who enioyed it vntill they were expelled by the Sa••••azins; and they were dispossessed by the Geneuois, and these by the Pisans, and in the end they were vnder the Popes obedience: but last of all, they returned vnder the sub∣iection of the Geneuois, whom they now obey.

This Island is diuided at this day into foure parts, that is to say, the exterior part, and the inward part, the countrie that is on this side the mountaines, and that which lies be∣yond the mountaines. That part which lookes to the Sun rising, is called the interior part, and that which is opposit, the exterior. That part which is neerest vnto Italie, is called of this side the mountaines; and that which looks towards Sardinia beyond the mountains. Yet the inhabitants call one another on this side, or beyond the mountains, according to [ C] their dwellings.

Plinie saith, That there were three and thirtie towns in this Island, the which hath also bin ••oted by Martian Capella.. But Strabo writes, That they were no townes, but castles, and doth number onely foure townes in his time, amongst the which there were two co∣lonies; the one called Mariana, of Marius; and the other Aueria, sent by Scylla. But at this day, there is in a maner but one towne, called La Bastie, neere vnto the Sea, the which is but a smal one: vpon the farthest part of Corsica, which lookes towards Sardinia, there is a castle called Boniface, sometimes named the port of Siracusa, where there is a good hauen. Some yeares since, the Gen••uois sent a colonie of their owne nation to inhabit there, who built a little towne neere vnto Boniface, vpon a port of the sea, which they call [ D] Portouecchio, that is to say, the old Port, about halfe a dayes journey from Boniface. As for Aleria it is three German leagues or thereabouts from Bastie: but it is ruined at this day, and is inhabited onely by shepheards. The bishopricke hath been transported to Ba∣stie: as for Ajazze, notwithstanding that the Corsicans doe make some esteeme of it, yet it is no great matter. This Island hauing been held for a time by the French, was restored againe to the Geneuois by the peace made in the yeare 1559, betwixt the French king of Spaine.

¶ The Qualitie.

THe country of Liguria is for the most part rough and hillie, whereas there is nothing [ E] in a manner to be seene, but rocks and precipices, which leaue verie strait and narrow [ VI] passages neere vnto the sea, and as Strabo saith, it was in old time verie bar••en, and had nothing worth the relating, but that within (where there is nothing in a manner but hils, forrests, and precip••ces) there were verie huge trees, as there are at this day, which they imployed to make shipping, with the which they did robbe and spoyle to the strait of Gibraltar. But now the land is better manured, yeelding great store of verie good wine, for in the countrie which is neere vnto the towne of Tabia, they make wine, which yeelds nothing to the malmsie of Candie, the which they call wine of Apian; there is also in Li∣guria great store of oyle, so as some yeares it yeelds 20000 barrels. Neere vnto the town [ F] of S. Remie there is great store of Citrone trees, Oranges, Palmes, Lemons, & other fruit trees. All that is neere Andoria is full of vines. Finally, the whole countrie of Liguria is verie pleasant, by reason of the Citrons, Oliues, Oranges, & other trees, which they haue planted. But all the grace and beautie of the riuer of Genoua is gathered together, and compact in a little place neere vnto the towne, which they call Nerui: for this place hath the best and the most temperat ayre that can be desired, such varietie of flowers, as it is

impossible to see any thing that is more delightfull, and such diuersitie of fruits, as it [ A] seemes an earthly paradise, so as this place knows no other season but the Spring and the Autumne, which doe neuer abandon it. The onely want of this countrie, is corne and flesh, yet that little which they haue is exceeding good.

[ VII] As for Corsica, it is at this day full of Forrests, euen in the heart of the countrie, so as it is not very fit for tillage, and beares little wheat, or any other graine, but in some pla∣ces whereas the countrie is bare, and fatned with certaine riuers and waters: yet the soyle doth yeeld verie good fruits, with excellent and delicat wines. This Island abounds in honie, wax, rossen, and in like manner oyle and figges. There growes great store of box, as Plinie and Diodorus write, and there are also many venimous trees, from which if the [ B] bees sucke any thing, they make their honie verie bitter. It breeds strong horses, and ful of courage, and verie great hounds, as also a kind of Ramme, which Plinie calls Musmo, and the inhabitants Muffolt, the which hath haire like a goat, in stead of wooll. They doe also find Alume, and mynes of yron in the countie of Niobe. There are Salt-pits in like manner, which they commonly call Reya, neere vnto the port of S. Florent. And neere vnto Niobe, there are deepe valleys, the which are continually couered with snow, vnder the which they say, there is much Christall. They find Corrall in the Sea betwixt Corsica and Sardinia, neere vnto S. Boniface.

[ VIII] There are also hot sulphurie waters, which they commonly call the bathes of Pietra Pola, the which are good for scabbes, and for sinews that be shruncke, and in other pla∣ces [ C] there are many waters both hot and cold, medicinable for diuers diseases. The three chiefe riuers are Galum, Liamon, and Tauignan, whose currents fall directly into the Sea.

[ IX] In the Island of Gallinaria, there are many hens, the which are not much vnlike ours, yet they are of a certaine sauage kind, for that they neuer lay their egges, nor hatch their chickens in houses, but onely in woods.

¶ The Manners of the Auncient.

[ X] THe inhabitants of Liguria, were in old time held to be great Pirats at Sea, by which [ D] meanes they went and sought for all things which they needed: and moreouer, they were wont to exchange the tymber of their great trees, for oyle, wine, and other necessa∣ries, for most part of the time they liued of milke and sheepes flesh, and of a drinke made with water and barley. Some Authors haue held, that this nation was discended from certaine Grecians; at the least, it is the opinion of Strabo: but Thucidides thinkes, that they are come from the Sicilians. Flores makes mention of the Ligurians, who hid themselues in holes and caues of the mountaines, as the Ossubes, Deciat and Buriat, say the like. This countrie hath in old time bred many great Captaines.

As for the Corsicans, Strabo saith, That whenas the Roman Captaines made any roads into this Island, bringing great numbers of slaues to Rome, they did admire these Barba∣rians, [ E] who were altogether sauage, and were more like beasts than men: for either they did seeke and hunt after death by all possible means, or else they tyred their maisters with their impatience and little wit, who were grieued to haue so imployed their money, al∣though they cost verie little.

¶ The Manners at this day.

AT this day, the Geneuois and Ligurians haue shaken off all their brutishnesse, where∣unto they were giuen, and are growne verie industrious, quicke witted, and subtile, the which they shew in their affaires, and in the great trafficke which they vse, whereas [ F] they manage their businesse so well, as the greatest part of them are rich. They oppose them selues willingly to great dangers, for gaine, and make greater ships than any other that go to sea. They haue good knowledge to manage the affaires of their Commonweal exceeding well, and yet they are hautie and verie factious, stil desiring innouasions: so as

[ A] one comming to tell king Francis, that the Geneuois would giue themselues vnto him, he answered sodenly, that he would none of them, and that he gaue them vnto all the di∣uills, their resolutios were so inconstant. They are for the most part tal, & of a pleasing as∣pect. They liue in their priuat houses miserably; but when there is question or any charge of shew, they are sumptuous, or rather excessiue. They haue many good souldiers, and good captaines among them, as we may obserue in the house of Doria, & in the marquis Sp••••••l••, one of the most confident, vigilant, and most aduised commaunders of our time. They are also valiant at Sea, and vnderstand trafficke exceeding well.

As for the Corsicanes, they are nothing so ciuile nor nea•• as the Italians; they are [ XI] [ B] wonderfull cruel, and retaine that still which Caesar did write of them in that regard: but they are good souldiers, and very couragious; and whenas this nation should haue no other great captaine but the Marshall of Ornano (as in effect it is all the honour of this nation) yet shal it be for euer glorious in this consideration. Finally, they are so full of re∣uenge, as the Italians haue a common prouerbe which saith, That they must neuer trust a Corsicane, neither aliue nor dead, for that as soone as any one is slaine, presently all his kinsmen meet to kill him, if it be possible, that slew him: and notwithstanding that they make some accord, yet there is no great trust in it, for that he may be surprised when he dreames least of it; so as the best course is to looke well to himselfe, and not to make any strict league of amitie with reconciled enemies. When the Corsicanes come into a [ C] strange countrie, they are carefull ••o helpe one another, and they say that they are of good houses, and of qualitie, & yet for the most part when they come out of their Island they are rude, and very ill apparelled, notwithstanding they seeke to furnish themselues as well as may be, before they shew themselues. Some are much bettered, conuersing with other nations, as in effect, I haue seene some very ciuile; but the number of them is very small. There are few of them that affect learning, or that haue beene bred vp vnto it, yet they admire it in others. But before I make an end of this part, I thinke it fit to set downe what they commonly say in Italie of the Geneuois: they say, that they are igno∣rant in matters of councell, and that they intreat their guests modestly, but they take no great delight to entertaine them: that they liue of lettices: that they are very neat in [ D] their apparrell: and as touching the trade of merchandise, they say, that they are won∣derfull patient, and that they haue alwaies been pirats, base, miserable, enuious, and gree∣die: and as for the women of Genoua, they hold them to be very lasciuious.

¶ The Riches.

THey carry great store of citrons, oranges, lymons, and oyle, from the riuer or coun∣trie [ XII] of Genoua into all the parts of Italie and other prouinces, which yeeld great profit to the Geneuois. The Corsicanes ca••rie wine to Rome, where it is much esteemed, for the which they receiue great summes of money. Finally, the Geneuois are wholy [ E] giuen to exchange, and to a certaine kind of gaine, the which is profitable to priuat men, but nothing beneficiall to the common weale: for the ordinarie reuenue of the towne, is not aboue thirtie thousand crownes, the which they raise vpon euery fire, as a kind of rent. As for the reuenue of the common-weale, it consists in customes, imposts, and other rights, and it is imployed in the expences of the pallace, for that the other townes of the seigneurie pay the wages of their officers and guards. And this reuenue, which may amount to foure hundred thousand crownes, is ingaged and assigned to the Mount of S. George, which doth gouerne it discreetly, and diuides vnto those that haue an inte∣rest in the Mount, and it makes a stocke for the necessities of the common-weale. They [ F] draw so great wealth from Spaine, as there is not any citie in Italie whereas priuat men are so rich. Many haue had for payment, or for assurance of the credit which they haue giuen, important Estates, both in Spaine and the realme of Naples. We may easily guesse at the wealth of the Geneuois, by the disbursments of the money which the mar∣quis Spinola hath made, wherewith he hath paied the armie in the Low Countries: for it is well known, that his mother hath gone often vnto the exchange, demanding to whom

her sonne was indebted, to the end she might pay it, notwithstanding that the summes [ A] were very great, as may be easily coniectured. The king of Spaine is so indebted to the Geneuois, as they say, that in the yeare 1600 they did reckon vpon the place, that this king ought them eighteene millions. We may then easily guesse whereunto this summe is now come, if they haue continued their accompts according to the course of the place.

As for the common-weale, it cannot be said what they do draw cleerely from those countries which they hold; and many thinke that it is not rich, & that if there happen any extraordinarie affaires, priuat men desirous to maintaine it, would supply her wants, for that they haue little, or no publicke treasure at Genoua, hauing no treasurie full of gold [ B] and siluer, as that of Venice. That which makes them lesse carefull thereof, is the assu∣rance which they haue of the king of Spaines protection, who is in effect their maister, and drawes from them good summes in his necessitie, the which he will repay when the humour takes him, for otherwise they shall neuer get it.

¶ The Forces:

[ XIII] THe seigneurie of Genoua cannot be said to be very strong in Italie, in regard of places: for as for their chiefe towne, it hath good walls, and store of ordnance, but yet not able to make any long resistance. But it holds it selfe to be strong, as I haue said, [ C] being vnder the protection of the king of Spaine. As for Corsica, they make account of Bastie as of a strong place, and also of Ajazze, and of the Castell of S. Boniface. This seigneurie doth commonly entertain certaine companies of Corsicans within Genoua, for the guard of the citie, and in Corsica, Geneuois, who are put into garrison in the best places. And besides that, there are certaine companies of light horse, who run along the coast to hinder the surprises and spoiles of the Turkes, who notwithstanding do of∣ten carrie away many people to Alger, or to some other places in Africke: so as we must make no great account of the Geneuois forces but at sea, where they are yet sufficiently strong, hauing their support, the which might faile them, if he himselfe were ingaged in any great action. They do commonly entertaine foure galle is for the guard of the riuer [ D] of Genoua: moreouer by their auncient ordinances, they should alwaies haue fiue and twentie galleis in the arcenall, readie to be armed vpon any occasion. There are within the seigneurie ten thousand valiant men readie to arme at any need, and vpon the two ri∣uers many expert mariners.

¶ The Gouernment.

[ XIIII] THe State of Genoua hauing beene much tormented by their factions and partiali∣ties, and alwaies in armes, the families expelling one another, and sometimes the noblemen being maisters, and sometimes the people, one partie fauoring the Adornes, [ E] and another the Fregoses: in the end they recouered the libertie which they now enioy: for Genoua being vnder the subiection of the French, and Andrew Doria quitting the seruice of king Francis, whose Admirall he was, freed himselfe and his countrie from ser∣uitude in the yeare 1528, wherein he shewed a noble resolution: for that hauing meanes to seize vpon this Estate, and being intreated, and as it were forced by his friends, who had power to commaund him, he did chuse rather to leaue it at libertie, with as much glorie to future ages, as any one could merit that had beene so rare a president. For the which the Geneuois did worthily erect a statue vnto him for a perpetuall glorie and me∣morie of this fact.

The citie with this new reformation tooke the forme of gouernment, which they now [ F] hold. They made a description of all the rich families, as well noble as popular, which had six houses open in the citie of Genoua, & the account being made, they found eight and twentie of this sort. All the rest which were of any note, but had not six houses open, were ioined to the number of eight and twenty families: so as the gouernment remained

[ A] in the hands of the eight and twentie families, with the title of Gentlemen, excluding the rest of the people, yet giuing libertie that they might yearely add ten vnto this bodie, which might be made gentlemen, either for their wealth or vertue. The chiefe families are these: the Centurioni, Lomelini, Spinoli, Doria, Palla••icini, Cibi, Iustiniani, Ternari, Sau∣li, Ar••••ri, Marini, Catanei, Seluaggi, Negri, Grilli, Promontori, Imperiali, Negroni, Vsodamar, Pi••••lli, Calui, Frenchi, Itaboni, Freschi, &c.

Of the whole bodie of these families they made a Councell of foure hundred persons yearely, who with the duke and the gouernours haue the rule of the Common-weale. This Counsell chuseth the duke and the eight gouernours, and these gouernours haue [ B] charge of the State during two yeares. This Councell treats of affaires of importance, and that which concernes the good of the Seigneurie, and the duke with the gouernours are particularly called the Seigneurie: but if they be to treat of any matters which be not of so great importance, & yet of some consideration, the Seigneurie vseth a Pettie Coun∣cell, which consists of one hundred gentlemen chosen by the Seigneurie, and these are ta∣ken out of the bodie of foure hundred.

The duke is the head of the Common weale, and hath the titles and honours due vn∣to [ XV] him. It is an auncient dignitie in this citie, and he that is created continues in this Estate two yeares, and dwells in the publicke palace, during the time of his principalitie, and hath for his guard fiue hundred Germans, representing herein the forme of an abso∣lute [ C] Prince. When he is chosen duke, he is attired two dayes together with his Ducall ornaments, after which he carries all the time of his magistracie another habit, but yet of crymson veluet or sattin, and sometimes of purple his authoritie is verie great, for that he alone may propound any thing to the Councell or Senat, the which no other Senator may doe: by reason whereof, whosoeuer will propound a law, or any other thing, to the Common-weale, he must of force informe the duke, and passe through his hands.

The maner of chusing the duke is thus: The third of Ianuarie the Senat assembles with the Pettie Councell, without the presence of the precedent duke, for that hauing ended the time of two yeares, he returnes the first of Ianuarie vnto his house, and there remains as a priuat person, and Procurator of the Common-weale for his life. The Pettie Coun∣cell [ D] with the Senat chuse eight and twentie gentlemen, one out of euerie familie, who are called vnto the Palace as soone as they are chosen, and then are shut vp into a place a∣part: These with the Senators (who by reason of their age, or for the contumacie of the familie, are incapable to be dukes) chuse eighteene men amongst them, one of a familie, who make election with the other eight and twentie, the which being called and shut vp with the said Senators, giue their suffrages, who shall be propounded vnto the Great Councell for duke. But you must obserue, that they cannot propound vnto the Great Councell aboue foure persons, and it is necessarie that in the election of these, two third parts of the eight and twentie must agree among themselues, with the partie of the Senators: And this action being e••ded, before they depart they chuse other eight and [ E] twentie, one out of euerie familie, who returne and giue their voyces with them touch∣ing the foresaid foure, and they may take the two third parts for their election, and put one or more in the place of them that are not allowed, so as they be of the Senat. This being done, the Councell assembles, and they propound the foure men that are chosen by the electors, and he that hath most balots or suffrages remaines duke.

There are eight gouernors which sit vpon the same forme with the duke, as his Coun∣cellors. [ XVI] Their office continues two yeare, and they with the duke haue the name of the Seigneurie. They gouerne the Common-weale, and yet alone they cannot resolue of any thing which concernes the publicke interest, or is of great importance, but they must of force assemble the great Councell. These gouernours are chosen two at a time euerie [ F] six moneths. Their election is made after this manner: They assemble the Pe••tie Coun∣cell with the Senat and duke; these make choyce of eight and twentie, one of a familie, who being chosen with the Senat and duke, do sometimes propound twelue, sometimes fourteene vnto the great Councell, who by the pluralitie of their voyces make choyce of one of them at a time. The next day they obserue the like order, to make choyce of the se∣cond,

that is to say, the Pettie Councell chuse other eight and twentie, and these eight [ A] and twentie performe the rest, as hath been said.

Euerie one of the said eight gouernours, after the time that his office is expired re∣maines protector of S. George for two yeares: so as in the Colledge of procurators, you shall alwayes see the eight which haue gouerned the Common-weale, and all these enter into the Senat with the duke and the eight gouernours, deliberating of matters of importance; and these gouernours haue the charge of all the Estate, and two of them remaine in the Palace with the duke, and the other six in their houses, and they are chan∣ged alternatiuely, two euerie three moneths. Of the Procurators there are some for life, and these haue beene dukes; and some are onely for two yeares, that is to say, they [ B] that haue beene gouernours: These haue the charge of the publicke affaires, touch∣ing the reuenues, and such like matters: and they are men of great esteeme and good reputation.

[ XVII] All the said magistrats attend onely the gouernement of the Common-weale: as for matters of justice and judgement, speaking first of crimes, they haue commonly a pote∣state, who is a straunger and a Doctor, to whom they giue good entertainement. This Potestate remains in a palace neere vnto the duke, he takes knowledge and giues judge∣ment vpon all crimes: but he cannot execute his sentence, if it doth inflict death, without the consent of the Senat. There are moreouer two other strange Doctors, whereof the one is called Iudge of the malefices or crimes, and the other Fiscall: and with the ayd of [ C] these two Iudges, the Potestat draws the processe of offenders, and doth such like things. Besides, the Potestat hath his lieutenant, who hath care of ciuile causes which concerne onely the execution.

There is an office of seuen men, called Extraordinarie, who represent in a manner the Princes person, for that it is imployed in the conduct of the Common weale. Their charge is, to prolong and cut off suits, and to giue tutors to Pupils; and if it happen that the kinsmen be at suit among themselues, or that a poore man pleads against a rich, they doe commonly appoint what magistrats they thinke good to heare them that plead. Their office continues six moneths, and is of great dignitie.

[ XVIII] There is also a magistrat of fiue men, called Soueraigne Syndics, whose authoritie is [ D] to sensure both the duke and gouernours, when their charge is expired. They doe the like with the other magistrats of the Common-weale and they haue authoritie to punish the duke and gouernours if they find they haue erred, whose time of gouernement being expired, there is a proclamation made by order from the Syndics, that if any man will say any thing against the duke, or the gouernours, he shall come before them; and for this cause, the duke and gouernours remaine eight dayes subiect to the Syndication, which being past, they either punish them if they find they haue offended, or else they giue them an attestation of their innocencie, with the which afterwards they make them Procurators, the which they cannot be without this ••••tent or certificat. Moreouer, they call before them many magistrats of the Common-weale: and finally, the greatnesse of [ E] this offices is such, as the Common-weale made choyce of prince Andrew Doria, forone of their first Syndics: and they haue their place with the Senat, and in the palace neere vnto the duke.

[ XIX] And for that we haue formerly spoken of criminall matters, we will now say something of ciuile. You must therefore vnderstand, that the Common-weale doth giue wages vnto fiue Doctors straungers euerie two yeare, and this bodie of fiue is called the Rota. These Doctors take knowledge of ciuile causes, and remaine in the dukes Palace, and all matters are pleaded before them, according to the ordinarie course of the imperiall lawes, and the judiciall order, ordayned by the citie, which liues after the auncient manner.

[ XX] As for the matters which concerne arts, there are Censors, who prouide that all sel∣lers, [ F] and all such as liue vpon their trades, shall haue just weights and measures, according vnto the lawes; and they also prouide for their heads, who are called Consulls, and cho∣sen among the tradesmen. These Consulls haue authoritie in matters which concerne

[ A] their arts and trades; and among other consulls, they of the trade of silke, haue great power ouer their men; so as they haue authoritie to giue the Strappado, to banish, and to send vnto the gallies, and to appoint other punishments for such as shall offend.

There are fortie captaines in the citie of Genoua, chosen from among the gentlemen, who are changed euery yeare. Euery one of these hath one hundred men vnder his charge, which in all make foure thousand, and these the common-weale doth imploy vp∣on any occasion; for they guard the citie when there is any doubt, and when the seig∣neurie goes abroad, these fortie captaines attend on them, being all attired in veluet, which is the ornament of the seigneurie. Moreouer all the men of the citie and suburbes, [ B] which are fit to carry armes, are inrolled, from the age of twentie yeares, vnto sixtie, and ranked vnder captaines, being bound to be readie with their armes, when occasion re∣quires. The common-weale hath continually a general who hath the ouersight of armes, to imploy them vpon all occurrents, and in time of war.

The office and magistrat of S. George (noble amongst all others in this citie) was insti∣tuted [ XXI] in the yere 1407: it hath for a long time preserued this common-weale, which ha∣uing no naturall riches, for that the qualitie of the countrie will not beare it, hath notwithstanding had men of subtile wits, and great judgements, to find a forme and meanes to haue money for the enterprises and necessities of this common-weale. Where∣fore in times past, they that gouerned the publicke affaires, tooke mony from priuat per∣sons, [ C] sometimes willingly, and sometimes by constraint. It is true that in respect of the money which priuat men disbursed, the publicke men gaue them for profit, seuen, eight, nine, and ten in the hundred, according to the diuersitie of times, to the end that such men should receiue no losse for this seruice which they did vnto the common-weale. And to incite them to lend more willingly, they gaue them assurance for their money vpon the publicke reuenues, selling (as for example) to some the rights and jurisdictions of the customes of graine, to some others the impost of wine and such like, and this con∣tract betwixt the publicke & the priuat, was called among them Compera or Purchase, as if priuat men had bought (for Comprar signifies to buy) the rights of the common-weale, and it was ordained that whosoeuer should lend one hundred pounds, should be [ D] said to haue a place in the Compera, and he that should lend two hundred, two, and so the rest; so as these purchases did multiplie greatly, and there were some which were called purchases of the Chapter, some others of S. Paul, and others of the Sunne, and euery one of these was gouerned particularly by diuers citisens, who had the charge to pay the money due vnto lenders iustly, and to keepe the accompts betwixt them and the common weale. But by reason of the great number of purchases made euen by forraine nations, and the multitude of gouernors, there followed much confusion; so as the seigneurie resolued that all purchases should be reduced to one, called the pur∣chase of S. George, and that it should be gouerned yearely by citisens, who should pro∣uide and giue order that reason should be done vnto lenders, and hence grew the begin∣ning [ E] of the office of S. George.

And for that they knew that the said office gouerned the foresaid matters with wis∣dome & justice, & that the common-weale was full of affaires, the number of places in∣creased greatly; so as the common-weale alienating her rents, the charge of this office grew dayly greater, making diuers places & communalties subiect to their gouernment. By reason wherof this office obtained many priuiledges, first of the seigneury, then of ma∣ny Popes, Emperors, & Lords which haue commanded the citie of Genoua: so as the of∣fice of S. George, although that it depends of the publicke, and of the seigneurie of Ge∣noua, and of them which gouerne the palace, yet is it not subiect vnto the seigneurie; but all they that are admitted to the seigneurie, or to the gouernment of the towne, sweare [ F] to preserue the priuiledges of the magistrat of S. George, and to maintaine it. And for that naturally things haue weake beginnings, the which in time grow perfect; this ma∣gistrat is better ordered and gouerned now, than it was in the beginning. It doth not pay a certaine summe vnto lenders, in regard of the profit and interest, but more or lesse, according to the proportion of his reuenues, and the occasions which he hath to lay out,

and disburse for the preseruation of things which concern his charge, & as the customes [ A] and other reuenues assigned vnto lenders, do profit.

Moreouer, it hath gotten a great commaund, with many goodly reuenues, the which it had not in the beginning. Since which they haue made new lawes and orders; so as it is much more powerfull, touching the expedition of causes, the punishment of offen∣dors, and the manner of gouerning the people which are subiect vnto it. And he that shal duely consider all things, shall see that by reason of this magistrat the bodie of the citie containes in a manner two communalties, the one great, and the other lesse: the great is gouerned by the palace, and comprehends the whole citie: the lesse is gouerned by the Mount of S. George onely, touching the foresaid matters, and containes all the len∣ders. [ B] The great is subiect to changes and alterations, and hath beene many times violent∣ly gouerned: but the lesse hath alwaies beene free, firme and vnder her citisens.

[ XXII] There are eight gouernors which they call protectors ouer this office, or Mount of S. George: they continue a yere in their charge, and there are 4 of them chosen euery six moneths out of the whole number of lenders, be they of the countrie, or strangers, yet vnto a certaine summe, and they are made after this manner: They draw eightie men out of the number of the creditors by lots, who being assembled, as soone as they haue bin drawne, they put the said eightie againe into a box, of the which they draw foure and thirtie by lots, the which being shut vp together, may not depart before they haue cho∣sen the eight protectors, and he that is chosen must haue sixteene ballots or voices before [ C] he passe.

[ XXIII] In the yeare 1444 they created another office of eight men, which they call the office of fortie and foure by reason of the yeare in which it was created. The cause of the cre∣ation of these eight men was, for that the office was so increased in the space of eight and thirtie yeares; as the eight protectors could not end and determine the businesse which fell out in one yeare, by reason where••eof they had a remainder of profits and reuenues in diuers sorts, wherefore, to the end they might settle some order for these remainders, which are in effect the substance and riches of the office, the creditors thought it neces∣sarie to create certaine men who should haue the charge of the said matters, hauing a care that all might be for the profit of the magistrat of S. George, and giuing order that [ D] all might be managed secretly, to take away all occasion from tyrannous Lords of do∣ing ill: and after this sort they made the eight citisens, of the which they change two yerely, and their charge is to gather together, and to gouerne that which remaines yere∣ly of the reuenues which the eight protectors haue managed.

This Magistrat, or Mont of S. George is Lord of the Island of Corsica, whither they send yearely a Gouernor, a Leiutenant, a Iudge, and other officers. The like they doe in Heresana, which is a place strong of Castells and Forts frontiring vpon the Florentines, and at Vingtimille a very auncient citie, and to many villages, castells, and boroughs, and also to Tierze and Piene, whither also they send captaines, presidents, and officers. This Mont of S. George is very rich in treasure, armes, and councell, and hath neuer failed to [ E] releeue the common-weale in her necessitie.

This hath beene the estate and gouernment of this citie euer since that prince An∣drew Doria freed it from the subiection of the French in the yeare 1528, as hath beene said. But since they haue beene in danger to fall into a new seruitude, at the least into great combustions: for in the yeare 154•• (some write 49) Iohn Augustin Earle of Flisco, a young man, bold, and ••loquent, sought to make himselfe perpetuall duke of Genoua, and it subiect to the French. Vpon the fift of Ianuarie the said yeare, he had seized vpon a port, and had defeated & spoiled the sea armie of prince Doria, and staine Iohn Doria his nephew: and thus being in his conceit a victor, seeking to leape from one galley to an∣other being armed, and in the night, he fel into the sea and was drowned, and so his am∣bitious [ F] desseigne went to smoake, and the citie remained in peace vnder the protection of the Emperor Charles the fift.

In the yeare 1574 there fell out a new tumult and combustion in the common-weale; for being molested with their accustomed ciuile discentions, the citie was that yeare di∣uided

[ A] into two factions of old and new; the old being the chiefe cause of this trouble, who, not content to haue the greatest part of the gouern••ment, hated the new, and dis∣dained (notwithstanding that the new, both for antiquitie of nobilitie, and for their me∣rits, were euerie way equall) that they should be allied vnto them. The which did much discontent Mathew Senaregue, a citisen of great authoritie, and at that time Chancellor, and chiefe Secretarie of the State, and ch••efe of the faction of the new; who by his sin∣gula•• wisedome did often lay before them, both in their publicke and priuat Councells, how vnfit and vnseemely it was to liue in one citie diuided into factions and partiali∣ties, shewing by good and liuely reasons, how much better it were for euerie one in par∣ticular, [ B] and more profitable for the Common-weale in generall, to liue and conuerse to∣gether equally, and to be of one will. But Senaregue being not able to persuade the faction of the old to this conformitie, nor to diuert them from their obstinacie: they estranged themselues the more from the companie of the new, and were so incensed against him, as he was many times in daunger of his life: and their hatred was the greater, for that he had in a manner the whole gouernement of the State. But Senaregue opposing himselfe with great judgement against all their pernitious dessignes, moued chiefely with a gene∣rous disdaine, he imployed himselfe in such sort, as the partie of the new, hauing taken the charge of the gouernement, expelled in a manner all the old and forced them to re∣tire out of the countrie, seeking to take armes against the new. This combustion might [ C] well haue ruined the Common-weale, if Senaregue foreseeing the great daunger, and pre∣ferring the publicke good before all priuat affection, how just soeuer, had not by his au∣thoritie supprest the power of his faction: drawing the emperour, the king of Spain, but especially Pope Gregorie, to deale in those affaires, so as his Holinesse doing what he could possibly to pacifie the discentions of the citie. In the end, the furie of armes ceased. Se∣naregue hauing therein shewed an admirable integritie and judgement: who by a gene∣rall consent being sent embassadour to Rome, preserued the greatnesse and reputation of his partie, pacifying wisely the two factions, which were mightie, and able not onely to haue ruined their owne countrie, but to haue filled all Italie with combustions, war, and confusions, whereof his Holinesse did giue a most honourable testimonie, writing the [ D] actions of Senare gue to the duke and Procurators of the Common-weale of Genoua.

¶ The Religion, and maters of the Church.

THe Geneuois, and Corsicans, are all Romish Catholickes. Genoua is an Archbi∣shopricke, [ XXIIII] which hath vnder it the Bishopricks of Luna, now called Sarazana, of Bo∣bia, Aprum or Brunac, of Metene or Maran, of Accia or Amprun, of Noli, and Alben∣gue, and in Corsica the Bishopricke of Nebia.

In Corsica there are the Bishoprickes of Mariana, Nebia, Ajasse, Aleria, and Ciuita, wher••of some are vnder the Archbishopricke of Piza.