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 Commonweale of Venice.

THE COMMONWEALE [ A] OF VENICE. [ B]

The Contents.

1 DEscription of the citie of Venice. 2. The number of the Castels, Townes, and Estates subiect to the Seigneurie of Venice. 3. Bressia. 4. Verona. 5. Ber∣gamo, Vicence, Creme, &c. 6. Friuli and her Townes, among others, A••ui∣lea built by the Romans. 7. Istria, and the chiefe townes of this Peninsula. 8. Corcyria, now calied Corfo••: The scituation of these Islands, and the confines: The length and [ C] bredth: and when it was made subiect to the Venetians. 9. Cephalonia, the circuit, townes, and ports. 10. Zante, the scituation and circuit. 11. The Island of Crete, the length, bredth, circuit, and scituation: the ports, riuers, and mountaines: contayning in old time a hundred townes, for the which it was called by the Auncients, Hecatompolis. 12. Bountie of the ayre of the Marqui∣sat of Treuise, and the chiefer••uers. Verona abounding in oyle, wine, fruit, and fine wooll. Oliues of Bergamo. Excellent wines of Friuli. Physicall hearbes of Istria. 13. Corsou, abounding in ho∣nie, wax, oyle, salt pits, oranges, lymons: and the fountaines of Cardachie. 14. Cand••e, aboun∣ding in m••lmsey, milke, honte, cypres: infected with Phalanges, which are venimous Spiders. 15. Description of a beast in Candie called Boue-estain, like vnto the Stagge in swistnesse: and how it is taken. 16. Fishers the first inhabitants of Venice, and Riualto. 17. Venetians of a graue [ D] disposition, and louers of libertie. 18. They of Crete in old time held the best Archers of the world. Inuenters of the Pyrricke dance, continued among the Peasants vnto this day. Their laws practised throughout all Greece. 19. Of the graue humor of the Venetians of this age, their great iudgement in affaires, their industrie in arts, magnificent, politicke, and greedie: The Veron••is, studious and faithfull: The Padouans inconstant: The Vicentins reuengefull: and the Candio••s lyers. 20. Of the reuenews of the Common••weale of Venice, and what it may amount vnto yerely. 21. Extraordinarie meanes of exa••tions, to entertaine armies, and to releeue the State. 22. Of certaine means to get money for the Seigneurie. 23. Of the Forts which are in all the Venetians Estate. 24. Of the Cernides, which are souldiers appointed for the defence of their Forts. 25. What their horse and foot be. 26. Of their sea forces, and gallies at sea: Of the admirable arse∣nall [ E] of Venice, and of the great number of gallies, canon, and workmen which labour ther•• continu∣ally. 27. Gouern••ment of this Seigneurie, and first of the duke and his power. 28. Of the Coun∣cell of ten, and the Senat which they call the Pregadi, and whereon they treat. 29. The Common-weale of Venice paralelled with the Roman State. 30. The defects and imperfections of this Seig∣neurie. 31. Religion of the Greekes: Shismetickes tollerated in the Island of Corfou and Ca••••••••. 32. A catalogue of the dukes of Venice, their liues and most remarkable actions.

THe Commonweale of Venice, for the greatnesse, nobilitie, riches, goodly palaces, scituation, and other good parts, is admirable among all the townes of Europe; the scituation thereof being so commond••∣ous for all things, as it may be held rather a diuine than a humane [ F] worke. And although that many Commonweales haue exceeded it in greatnesse of empire, in multitudes of people and in State, yet the••e was neuer any towne so strangely scituated, nor so securely.

[ A] The citie of Venice is built in the most inward part of the gulfe of the Adriaticke sea, [ I] in the middest of the lakes of salt water, hauing the said Adriaticke sea vpon the East, which runs in length fiue hundred and fiftie miles. Betwixt the sea & the said lakes there is a hanke or causey, which they call Lido, made by nature, to defend the Islands which lie i•• ••his lake against the furie of the sea: this causey is fiue and thirtie miles long, and be•••• like a bow, being open in fiue places, some say seuen, as well for the passage of ships a••••••kes, as to keepe the lakes full of water. The entrie is not free but for small barkes, Ih•••• of burthen are forced to lie at anchor vntill they may be brought in by skilfull pi∣lo•••• who know the passages, which change dayly. In the middest of these lakes (made as [ B] well by many riuers which are neere, as by the sea water which enters continually by those ports) was that noble citie of Venice built, where there were sixtie little Islands one ne••••e vnto another, diuided by the water. The first beginning thereof was in the time of ••••••tila, who comming into Italie with a great armie, spoiled all the townes of the firme land, so as the auncient Venetians, Padouans, and others, searing the furie of those bar∣barons Huns, retired themselues with their wiues and families into those Islands, where∣a•• the Padouans began to build them dwelling at Riuoalto; and this was the first foun∣d••••on of the citie of Venice, which first beginning some write was about the four hun∣d•••• and fiftieth yeare of our saluation: since which time it hath beene augmented and g••••••ne to that greatnesse which we see at this day: neither hath it for the space of one [ C] t••o••sand and two hundred yeres endured any violence or force of war; the which hath not happened to any other towne or citie, notwithstanding that the wealth and riches thereof might inuite barbarous nations to seeke the spoile of it.

T•••• Venetians do hold in Lombardie and in the Marquisat, besides Venice, six towns [ II] whi••h are great, rich, and very populous, besides many goodly places and castles. The townes are Bergamo, Crema, Bressia, Verona, Vicenze, & Padoua: the other places are Bassan, Castelfranc in the marquisat, and others which I omit to auoid tediousnesse. To∣wards the North, they are maisters in a manner of all Friuli and Istria, which is the last pro••••nce of Italie of that side. They do commaund almost all the shoare and Island of Dalmatia, and Sclauonia, where there are some good townes, as Zara and Catarro.

[ D] They do also enioy in the mouth of the Adriaticke sea, the Island of Corfou, and the Islands of Cefalonia, Zante, Cerigo, and Lucerigo: and in the Archipellago the Island of Zarra; and beyond these Islands that of Candie: and these are all the Estates which are subiect to the seigneurie of Venice.

Beessia is the second towne of Lombardie, it is very auncient, and built as some write [ III] by the Cenomannie, who descending into Gaule expelled the auncient Tuscans. It hath had many Lords, and about the yeare 1421 it was made subiect to Philip Maria Viscont duke of Milan, vnto whom they yeelded vpon certaine conditions: but the citisens be∣ing oppressed by him, they gaue themselues to the seigneurie of Venice, vnder whom they haue continued vnto this day. It is very populous, and the jurisdiction is great, good, [ E] and fertile, yeelding all kinds of corne, wine, and all fruits: they haue also mines of yron and copper which yeelds them great profit. There are in this jurisdiction many good pla∣ces and valleis of importance. Among the places subiect to this Estate, they giue the prize to Asola, and Salo vpon the lake of Garde; among the valleis to Valmonica, which is fif∣tie miles long and full of Inhabitants: it containes also the lakes of Iseeand Idre.

Verona is a great towne and very pleasing, beautified with goodly buildings, and in∣habited [ IIII] by ciuile people. Amongst which buildings is the auncient and stately Cathe∣drall Church of S. Anastatius, and that great Amphitheatre built by L. V. Flaminius. The territorie is fruitful, and yeelds corne, wine, oyle, and other fruits with aboundance of fine wooll. There is no great difference betwixt Verona and Padoua touching the [ F] ••ircuit of their walls, but Verona hath twice as many people as Padoua, and for this cause the Venetians are very carefull to entertaine the vniuersitie of Padoua for the prosessi∣on of all arts, to the end it may be the better inhabited.

Bergamo, Vicence, Cr••ma, and Treuiso differ little touching the number of inhabi∣ta••••s, and are equall to Modena which hath a particular Duke: but Vicence hath a great [ V]

territorie, that of Creme is but small, and Bergamo is of a reasonable great extent. [ A]

Friuli lies betwixt the riuer of Liuence, Istria, the Alpes, and the Gulfe of Venice: it [ VI] begins with the Alpes, which decreasing by little and litle ends in goodly plaines. In this countrie is the riuer of Liuence, the which for that it is too neere the sea, falling from the Alpes hath no time to stay her violent course. Vpon this riuer are the Castles of Con∣tean, Sacile, and Lamotte. Vpon the riuer of Lemon which passeth also through the countrie are the townes of Concorde, and Port Gruare. Vpon that of Tagliamento, are the places of Latisare, and Spilimbergue; and not far off S. Daniell and Osoppe. Vpon the riuer of Natison is the towne of Ciuidal d' Austria which is good and rich: then vp∣on the riuer of Lisonce the townes of Gradisca, and Goritia, places subiect to the prin∣ces [ B] of Austria: next it is the mouth of Timaue, and beyond it Trieste, a towne which giues the name vnto the next gulfe. The chiefe of Friuli was Aquilea, a great towne, as the remainders do yet witnesse: it was built in that place by the Romanes to keepe the passage of the Alpes (which are not so sleepe there as in other places) against the Barba∣rians, enemies to the quiet of Italie: It was rased by Attila, so as this let being taken away, the Herules, Huns, and Lombards past at their ease, and of late daies the Turkes. At this day Aquilea seemes rather a village than any thing else: yet it retaines still the Patriarchs Church, famous for the memorie of S. Marke, and for the power of the auncient Patri∣archs which haue remained there. This seat was transported to Grada by reason of the frequent incursions of the Barbarians vnder Pope Pelagius. But the Venetians hauing [ C] many yeares after obtained a bishop, the dignitie of Patriarch was in the end transpor∣ted from the Church of Grada to Venice vnder Pope Nicholas, and Aquilea enioyed the title: but for that the aire of the towne is vnwholesome, the gouernment of Friuli and of all that belongs vnto it was reduced to Vdena, a towne which hath fiue miles in circuit, and containes about sixteene thousand soules.

Istria begins at the riuer of Risan or Formion, and extends vnto S. Vit, or as some others [ VII] write vnto Arsia, which is about two hundred miles. The best townes of this Peninsula are scituated vpon little Islands, as Raulgno and Iustinopoli: the rest are Pican, Vmague, Citanoua, Patenze, and Pola which in the time of Strabo was the bounds of Italie. The Venetians who desire to people it, giue vnto them that will go and inhabit there, a cer∣taine [ D] quantitie of land, with diuers exemptions and freedomes. In the middest of the countrie there are not any places of importance.

Corcyria (a famous Island by the records of the ancients) is that which at this day they [ VIII] call Corfou, lying in the Ionicke sea or gulfe of Venice, looking towards Calabria in Italie, and being neere to Epirus or Albania towards the North, it being not aboue an Italian mile from the land on that side which lies neere to thtown of Butrinte: whereas this Island is sixtie Italian miles from the towne of Otranto which is opposit vnto it. This Island hath beene subiect to all them that haue commanded at sea, vntill the yere of our Lord 1382, whenas they of Corfou seeing themselues exposed to the iniuries of all the world, gaue themselues vnto the Venetians, who haue defended them many times [ E] against the furie of the Turkes, and haue so fortified that Island, as it seemes impossible to be taken. It is much more long than broad, and it is made like vnto a halfe Moone or semi-circle, hauing two points, whereof the one which lookes towards the East is called the Cape of Leuchim, neere vnto the which, and in the same scituation in the gulfe, is another point called Cape Blanke; the other lookes towards the North and is called S. Catherins, at the which is the port of Cassope; and the third which is in the middest of the Island, is the point of S. Sydere, whereas the towne of Corfou stands; not far from the which is S. Nicholas point, hauing right against it the Island of S. Vite, and that of Candilonissi. The length of the Island is from the point of Leuchim to the port of Cas∣sope, being foure and fiftie Italian miles: the breadth is to be taken from the Castle of S. Ange, which is about foure and twentie miles: it hath in circuit about eightie miles, yet [ F] some in former times haue giuen it three hundred. It is diuided into four quarters, which the Venetians call bayliwickes or gouernments, whereof the first which lies towards the East is called Leuchim, that of the West Laguire, the third is the bayliwicke of the

[ A] middest, and the fourth carries the name or title of Loros. The towne of Corfou is the chiefe of this Island, and of others adiacent which are subiect to the Venetians command. There is also in the Island of Corfou another towne, which they now call Pagiopoli, or Palopoli. The port of the towne of Corfou is verie great, and able to receiue many ships. There are also the ports of Cassope, S. Sydere, Tymon, Guni, Spile, and Euripe; but those of Sydere and Tymon are dangerous to come into. In this Island in old time liued Al••••ous king of the Pheacians, and Nausicas his daughter, who enioyed those goodly gardens where of Homer speakes.

Cephalonia hath a hundred Italian miles in circuit, and it lyes not farre from the con∣tinent [ IX] [ B] of Albania, towards Acarnanio; vpon the East lies the Island of Ithacus, now cal∣led Val de Compare; vpon the South that of Zante; vpon the West Sicile; and towards the North the countrie of Epyrus. This Island had in former times foure townes, of which there are no markes remaining. At this day there is the port of Guiscard, and in it the towne of Petilia, or Polaqui. There is also the townes of Sydre and Vardan, and the port of Sydre lookes towards the South.

Zante, sometimes called Zacynthum, lies right against the gulfe of Corinthe, now cal∣led [ X] Lepante, hauing some sixtie miles in circuit.

The Island of Creta or of Gandie, hath in length from East to West about 60 French [ XI] leagues, and not aboue 16 leagues in bredth: It is about 120 leagues in circuit, going [ C] about by sea. Vpon the West it hath the Adriaticke sea; to the North that which carries the name of the Cretishe sea; to the South the Lybick; and to the East the Carpathie••, as Ptolomey describes it. It was famous in old time, for that it had a hundred townes, and therefore the Greeke poet called it Hecatompolis. The scituation is more Easterly than that of the countrie of Morea, lying betwixt the countries of Attica, and that of Cyrene in Africke, being but two dayes journey by sea from either prouince. At this day, accor∣ding to Belonus, there are but three towns of note in this Island, that is, Candie, in old time Matium, the chiefe of this Island, whereof it takes the name; then Canea, sometimes Ci∣don; and Rhetynno. It hath a port which is not verie commodious, but those of Canea and Candie are verie safe. In this Island are the riuers of Melipotame, Scasin, Cladile, Epi∣cidome, [ D] Giffo, & Diuotro, towards the North; Populiar towards the West; and Lymens to the South. The mountaines of note are Ida, called by the inhabitants Philoriti; Luci, which Plinie calls Cadussi, & at this day Madure; and Dicte, which they call Sethie. This Island seemes to be made to command all Greece for that it lies not farre from Pelopo∣nesus, and may command all the sea towards Greece. It was sold to the Venetians by the Marquis of Montferrat in the yeare 1194.

¶ The Qualitie.

THe Marquisat of Treuiso hath a good ayre, and temperat, the fields are pleasing, and [ E] yeeld good store of wheat and other graine, and of all sorts of fruit, but it abounds [ XIL] chiefely in wine. They find some mettals, and they haue good store of cattell. The chiefe riuers of this countrie are Piae, Brente, Bacgilio, Tesin, Adde, Oglio, and Adige. The val∣ley of Valdemonica is full of mynes of yron. As for Verona, the aire is verie holesome, the soyle is in many places barren, and there is neuer any aboundance of wheat: but it yeelds great store of oyle, and excellent wine, and fruits of all sorts: and there is also aboun∣dance of fine wooll. Neere vnto it is the lake of Benac, full of all kinds of fish. There is a very high mountain aboue the towne, famous for the hearbes which grow there. Neere vnto the towne of Bergamo, the countrie is rough and stonie, and barren towards the North, by reason of the mountaines, but in other places there wants not any thing that is [ F] necessary for the nourishment of man, yet there grows no wine by reason of the coldnesse. But in the neighbour valleys, subiect to this towne, they haue great store of oliues, and in some places reasonable good wine, but no great store. About Crema there is good store of corne, wine, and fruits, excellent waters, and aboundance of fish. The territorie of Treuiso is pleasing, fat, and fertile. As for Friuli, it yeelds excellent wine, and plentie,

but no store of wheat, or any other thing: it is subiect to the great change of ayre, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 [ A] winds. Istria is hillie, but not rough, and abounds in wine, oyle, wheat and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Among other mountaines, there is one which they call the Great, with a goo••y foun∣taine vpon the top of it, whereas they find the best physicall simples that can be desired; for which cause, the physicians of forraine countries go to gather them, or to obserue them. Pole hath a bad ayre, like vnto the greatest part of Istria: towards the sea they make great store of salt, and they haue aboundance of fish in the sea, by reason of the ma∣ny Islands and gulfes.

[ XIII] The Island of Corfou is hillie, and the countrie stonie towards the South: but there are also more riuers and brookes than in other places, as Penize, Mesongi, Euripe, and [ B] Potami: towards the North it is plaine, there is onely one mountaine which runnes into the sea, vpon the top whereof is Castle-Nouo. There is a fountaine neere to P••lopoli, called Cardachie, which hath so plentifull a spring, as it doth not onely furnish them of Corsou (whose water is grosse and vnholesome, and therefore they fetch it in barkes) but the gallies and great ships come also to water there. Neere vnto the same place are the goodliest saltpits of all the countrie, from whence they of the countrie draw salt to pay their impost to the Seigneurie of Venice. But vpon the strait of the gulfe of this Pro∣montorie of Pagiopoli, neere vnto a place called Negrotalassi, is a little gulse, in the which is as it were a great keepe of the best fish in the Mediterranean sea: and moreo∣uer, during winter there is aboundance of wild-foule. It beares great store of Orange [ C] and Lymon trees, with such like. Corfou abounds also in honie and wax. The wine that growes there is good and plentifull, but aboue all they commend the oyle of Cor∣fou, by reason of the singular bountie: Finally this Island doth yeeld sufficient of corne and fruit. They haue neither Wolues nor Beares to offend their flockes; but they haue store of other beasts good to eat, which the inhabitants vse to hunt.

In the Island of Cephalonia, there is neither riuer, brooke, nor fountaine of fresh wa∣ter, so as when their tame cattell would drinke, they gape both euening and morning to receiue the dew. Some write, and among others Herodotus, that in the Island of Zante there were fountaines which with the water did vomit forth pitch in great aboundance. There is scarce any thing else that is worthie the noting. [ D]

[ XIIII] The Island of Candie although it be hillie, yet it hath many valleys that are fruitfull, and yeeld much, for that they are watred with many fountaines, brookes, and riuers. Moreouer, there is aboundance of excellent wine which they of the countrie ••••ll Malm∣sie. They haue store of milke and honie, and sufficient of flesh: so as t••e Auncients did willingly call it the Happie Island. There growes the goodliest Cypres trees that can be seene, and all other kinds of timber fit for the building of ships, the which yeelds great profit to the Seigneurie of Venice. There is not any hurtfull or venimous beasts, except Phalanges, which are like vnto Spiders, but in Candie they are not daungerous.

[ XV] It abounds also in wild goats, fallow Deere, and Ysards or Chamois, but there are few wilde Boares vnlesse it be about Canea. There are also Boucks-estaine, called by the La∣tins Ibex; they haue long hornes like vnto a wild goat, and are not much bigger, yet [ E] they haue as much flesh as a Stagge, the haire is fallow and short, but they carrie a great blacke beard. Sometimes they take them when they are verie little, to breed them vp among their troupes of goats, and to haue of the race, as well for the beautie, as for the tast of the flesh. His hornes are verie great, in respect of the bodie; but he is so nimble as he out-runnes any Stagge, neither can the dogges follow him by the sent, for that he will wind the huntsmen aboue a hundred paces off, so as when they would take him they tie tame goats vpon the passages of the mountaine, where the Boue-estaine smelling them, he goes vnto them, and staying there, the huntsmen haue opportunitie to strike him: but if the wound be not mortall, although the dart be poysoned and remaines in [ F] his bodie, yet he cures himselfe eating the hearbe which the Simplists cal Dictamum, the which is good against poyson, as Dioscorides saith, for that the onely sent of it kills Ser∣pents and other venimous beasts.

[ A] ¶ The Manners of the Auncients.

THe first that liued about Venice (according to the opinion of some) were fishermen, [ XVI] who liued only of such fish as they could take. Afterwards they began to build some houses, especially at Riualto; and this towne began to florish by the ruine of the townes of Aquilea, Concorde, Alcina, Padoua, Mont Oppiterge, Heraclea, Aquilin, Grada, Ca∣p••eola, and Laureota, at the comming of Attila in the yeare 456, or as others write 450, and the inhabitants haue retained the diuers humours and manners of all these places. [ B] Finally, the citisens of Venice haue been alwaies graue and desirous by all meanes to pre∣serue their libertie.

As for the other places of the marquisat of Treuiso and Friuli they haue imbraced [ XVII] them that haue beene maisters, but especially the factions which haue raigned through∣out Italie.

The Island of Candie did florish in former times, whenas her king did hold all Greece [ XVIII] in awe. The Cretois were held the best archers in the world: they inuented the Pytricke dance in the time of their king Cydon. They were all armed whenas they daunced; and it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 been so continued in this Island, as the Pesants daunce on holie daies in the hot∣test time of Sommer, not caring for any shadow, and with their armes, that is to say, a [ C] how, a sheafe of arrows, & a sword, as if without it they could haue no good grace in dan∣cing. The most famous nations among the Grecians haue taken their laws from the Can∣diots, as Plato doth witnesse, especially the Lacedemonians tooke their practise from them. They had one which did enioine that all their children should be bred vp in pub∣licke, to the end that the poore hauing the like breeding to the rich, they should haue no cause to enuie them; and it was also ordained by the lawes, that to inure their children not to feare any thing, but to beare all things with patience, they should be accustomed to armes; and to make them contemne heat, cold, hunger, and thirst, they should carrie a bow and arrowes in dauncing, and their apparrell should be fit for warre. All the Can∣diots were forced to marrie being of age, and then they were dismist from the compa∣nie [ D] of young men. They did not presently conduct their wiues home to their houses, but they attended vntill they were able to manage the affaires of a ho••should, and kinsfolks married indifferently one with another. There was a law, that if the brother did marry his sister he should make her a dowrie of halfe his patrimonie. To rauish a maid was more esteemed than if he had obtained his desire with her free consent. In the end the Can∣diots leauing their auncient discipline became pirats, hauing beene alwaies powerfull at sea, and had carried themselues so valiantly, as they had vanquished them of Attica, and led armies fortunatly into Sicilie.

¶ The Manners at this day.

[ E] THe Venetians shew a great grauitie in their actions, but they are very seuere where [ XIX] they commaund, yea sometimes with excesse: they speake little being at the table, and they are no good horsemen, for that they liue in a citie where this exercise is little practised, for that the chiefest voiages & cumbats of the Venetian gentlemen are by sea. Their spirits are not (most commonly) so actiue as the rest of the Italians: but they haue great judgements, and preuaile whenas they giue themselues to any science: within this citie there are many excellent and rare men in all arts and sciences. They suffer Iewes and Gretians to liue there in their religion without any molestation. To conclude, they say that the Venetians are stately, craftie, and greedie; the Veronois studious, and faith∣full; [ F] they of Padoua fierie, and they of Vicence desirous of reuenge. Moreouer they say that the Venetians bring siluer to the war, they of Treuiso swords, that the Bressans are fit to make trenches, the Venetians to furnish an armie to sea, they of Padoua to ma∣nage horses, and they of Bergamo to lay ambushes. They say also touching the women, that they of Crema are deceitfull, they of Vicence constant, they of Venice insolent, and

carrie themselues like princesses, they of Verona gratious, they of Bressia diligent, they of Treuiso iealous, and they of Bergamo subtile, and that there are many men which speake ill. Padoua hath good souldiers, Vicence many Earles, and Bressia inhabitants which are not charitable to the poore. They of Friuli are fierie, sodaine, alwaies watch∣full, and wonderfull industrious, hauing an actiue spirit, and very subtile. The inhabi∣tants of Istria are neither long liued, nor of great courage.

The inhabitants of Candie are by nature apt and ready to doe euill: the auncients gaue them the title of lyars: they are subtile and couetous, and do hardly endure labour, nether do they learn any art or science perfectly. It is true that at this day, as Belonus saith, they do practise from their youth (according to their auncient custome) to shoote, wher∣in they excel euen the Turkes themselues; and they are actiue and valiant at sea as much [ B] as they haue beene in former times.

¶ The Riches.

[ XX] THe seigneurie of Venice doth draw yearely in time of peace from the Estates which are subiect vnto it, two millions of gold, after the manner that followeth. They re∣ceiue from the townes of Italie eight hundred thousand crownes, of which Bergamo and Bressia pay aboue three hundred thousand. They draw out of Venice seuen hundred thousand crownes, of diuers imposts and customes, for that of wine alone is rented at a [ C] hundred and thirtie thousand crownes yearely. They raise money also of diuers tenths and taxes imposed vpon the gentlemen and citisens. And the other fiue hundred thou∣sand riseth of the salt which is made vpon those places which are along the sea, and of the customes, imposts, and ayds which the sea townes pay vnto the seigneurie. And some say that they did draw fiue hundred thousand crowns from the realme of Cypres, which some hold they leuie of their subiects by another meanes.

These be the reuenues of this commonweale, which is subiect to the accidents of other Estates of Christendome, that is to say, they consume in a manner all this money in their ordinarie charges, for the entertaining of souldiers, armies at sea, in the for∣tification of townes and castells, and in the fees of magistrats and officers of the citie: [ D] by reason whereof some thinke they haue nothing remaining, and if they had it should go towards the payment of their old debts which they haue run into: so as they con∣clude that their ordinarie reuenues are all spent, or the greatest part, in their ordinarie charges during the time of peace. But we doe not therefore thinke that this common-weale is not powerfull, for that princes and communalties which ha•••• most meanes to make mony extraordinarily, haue greatest power: but this Estate hath sufficient means, and it may leuie more with lesse feare and danger, than other Christian princes can do of their subiects. For whenas any war falls vpon this seigneurie, or that they are forced to arme extraordinarily, although they haue no war, as when the Turke leuies some great armie, they haue recourse vnto extraordinarie meanes which are many and diuers, and [ E] yet they may be reduced vnto three.

The first, is to raise the tenths which are alreadie imposed vpon gentlemen and bour∣gesses, [ XXI] who haue lands and reuenues, and this is done by augmenting the number, that is, wheras they payd before but once a yeare, to make them to pay twice or thrice, accor∣ding to the wil of the Senat: & in like manner whenas they double the taxes, which the seigneurie causeth merchants to pay according to the value of their merchandise, which is almost the tenth part of their gaine, and these things are also paid by the gentlemen and richest citisens. We may also include herein another tax which the people pay when∣as they arme extraordinarily: for that in all their armies they are bound to entertaine a certaine number of men. [ F]

Whenas then they haue recourse vnto this first meanes, they doe it easily, for that all pay it willingly, and doe freely assist their countrie. But if this su••t••ceth not, they flie vn∣to the second, which, is that gentlemen serue for a certaine time in their offices without any fee: and moreouer they ordaine the chiefe honours which are accustomed to be gi∣uen

[ A] to gentlemen best deseruing, shall be sold; but not in perpetuitie, not to him that will giue most, for rather than to giue it to an vnworthie person, they will bestow it vpon him that offers least, for that he is of greater valour and more merit: by the like meanes in the warre which the Christian princes made against the Venetians in the league of Cam∣bray, they did raise aboue fiue hundred thousand crownes.

Another meanes to make money is also practised by this Commonweale, the which [ XXII] they call D••post or pledge of the Councell, whenas for money they declare young men that are vnder age, capable to come into the Councell, and to obtaine offices.

The third meanes to draw money, is whenas the Commonweale vpon some great ne∣cessitie [ B] is forced to borrow of priuat men, the which if they may not haue willingly, they will force them vnto it, selling the citisens goods and lands, if necessitie requires: the which being put in practise, breeds no tumult as among other people, nor any generall mu••inie. As for example, if the Senat had resolued that the third part of all citisens goods should be sold, of which sale there should be a summe made, and the Commonweale should acknowledge her selfe debtor to these priuat men, to whom (according to the d••cree of the Senat) she did bind her selfe to repay the money after the warre was ended, and so much by the yeare, that is to say, two for the hundred, and so they pay it in thirtie ye••res; and after this manner the Commonweale doth pay her old debts, the which is called profit of the old Mount; or else she payes fiue for the hundred yearely, and this is [ C] called the new Mount, and the Mount of Subsidie. And these interests are payed by the Commonweale for debts which are not so old as the first, or else she payes more, & binds her selfe to pay the principall in a short time, and this is called the newest Mount, when it hath beene payed: and all debts which are payed in fiue and twentie or thirtie yeares, when as they haue no warre (the which they auoid all they can) are easily satisfied.

They haue also beene accustomed to take money vpon exchange, and to giue eight in the hundred to them that would lend, and this was onely for eighteene yeares. Moreo∣uer they haue made many Lotteries of lands belonging to the publicke, where they haue drawne by blankes publickly in the presence of the chiese Senators.

These are the meanes which the Seigneurie hath vsed to leuie money in their former [ D] wares, and whereof they may yet make vse at their pleasures. They may also increase their customes of merchandise as the Senat shall decree.

To conclude, the State of Venice hath meanes to leuie money without any discon∣tent of the gentlemen, citisens, or people: for in their great necessities, the prince, & many gentlemen, and bourgesses, haue freely g••uen great store of treasure to the Common-weale; and some haue giuen their wiues jewells, considering that the Commonweale being afflicted had more need of helpe than their wiues had of ornaments. And no•• only priuat men of Venice haue giuen mony to the Commonweale, but also the towns which are subiect vnto her, haue releeued her with great summes of money, besides the taxes where with they are charged. The reason is, for that they loue the mild gouernment of [ E] this Commonweale, and also their justice which is inuiolably obserued, as well to poore as rich. And therefore they haue rightly said in Venice, That it imports not whither the publicke haue any great store of treasure, so as priuat men be rich, as they are; for that (as we haue said) the Commonweale may easily make vse of their goods.

We must therefore conclude, that it is no easie thing to know what treasure the citie of Venice hath in her coffers. Let vs now see what the forces of this Commonweale are, seeing we haue discoursed at large of her wealth.

¶ The Forces:

[ F] THis Seigneurie hath for her chiefe end, not to be wronged, and to carrie her selfe as [ XXIII] she may haue no subiect of seare: For this cause she hath and doth make many forts for the sa••etie of this Estate. And as for these forts (speaking in generall) there is no prince that hath any more important and perfect, for that they haue great and good rampiers, with deepe and spacious diches: and there are some Towers exceeding strong, as Tre∣uiso,

Lignago, and Crema; some others are so great in circuit, as they cannot be besie∣ged [ A] but by a royall armie as Padoua, and Verona: others haue their cittadells and sorts which commaund them in such sort, as they may easily be releeued; as we see at Bressia, Bergamo, and Verona, which hath two castles, the one vpon the other. The castles of the Marquisat reduced into sorts are Orcinoues, Assola in the territorie of Bressia, Pesqui∣era, and Li••nago, but aboue all, we must admire Noua Palma, of a round forme, with nine Bastians, whose streets answer directly vnto a place which is in the middest of the towne, which they hold impregnable. They haue also in Lombardie the Polesine of Ro∣uigue, where there are many places which are made defensible. In Friuli there is not any strong castle but that of Marran, seated amongst pooles and marishes neere vnto the sea, [ B] but exceeding strong, for that it is in a manner diuided from the firme land except of one side, which may be easily defended by few men. There is also the castle of O••••ppe vp∣on a verie high mountaine, which hinders the passage of any armie into Italie, and by any other they cannot bring the canon. As for the towne Vdena, it is not verie strong for that the ground is not fit to be for••••fied. In Istria, they haue no good place, but the cape of Istria. Vpon the snore and Islands of Dalmatia and Sclauonia, there are some townes with forts, as Zara, and Catarro: but the townes of Dalmatia haue not any need of for∣tification, for that they cannot march into the countrie with any armie by land, but to make incursions of smal importance, and the reason is, for that the mountaines are rough, and the passages verie narrow. [ C]

In the Island of Corfou there is an excellent fort, which is as it were the key or port to enter into the gulfe, so as with small forces they may hinder the entrie of the greatest armie.

In the Island of Candie, the towne whereof this Island takes the name, and Canea, are exceeding strong, both by art and scituation: but Rethymo and Scitia cannot be tear∣med strong but in regard of their scituation: and in the to••ne of Candie, there is a good arcenall of gallies.

[ XXIIII] For the defence of these towns and forts, this Seigneurie doth make vse of their owne subiects: and in Lombardie they traine vp about fiue and twentie thousand men, which they call Cernides, for that of all the jurisdictions and countries which are subiect to this [ D] State, those are chosen which are held most fit to beare armes; and these are all footmen, of whom they make diuers priuat musters: but for the most part these are peasants which are not verie fit to fight in an open field, not to keepe their rankes. And therefore the Seigneurie whenas they will raise a compleat armie to go to field, they doe entertayne them that dwell in those townes which are subiect vnto them, and also strangers who are no lesse valiant than the rest. The Italian footmen are couragious, actiue, and fit for skir∣mishes, or to giue an assault: yet their order is not so strong and good as the Germans, by reason whereof this Seigneurie hath in former times had, as well of their owne sub∣iects as of straungers, about fifteene or twentie thousand men. And for the foresaid rea∣sons they doe giue pay vnto certaine Cantons of the Suisses and Grisons, so as their foot∣men of their armies of all sorts may amount to fiue and thirtie thousand men, more or [ E] lesse, according to the necessitie of their affaires: the rest of the footmen are imployed for the guard of townes, and the seruice of their gallies. The footmen haue three crownes for their entertainement euerie fiue and fortie dayes: when they are imployed, and in great necessities, they rise to fiue crownes a moneth.

[ XXV] As for their horsemen, the Seigneurie doth entertaine as well for their guard, as repu∣tation, six hundred men at armes well chosen: euerie one of which was accustomed to haue three horse, but at this day they keepe but two, which must be faire and beautiful: euerie one of these hath for his yearely entertainment one hundred and twentie duckats, and they are for the most part gentlemen of the townes of Lombardie, which are subiect to this State: and although they haue no race of horses, yet may this number be augmen∣ted [ F] to a thousand or fifteene hundred.

This State in like maner was accustomed to entertaine in Lombardie, about one thou∣••and light horse, but they haue left off to make this superfluous expence, for that they

[ A] might alwaies easily furnish themselues with good numbers, or they might imploy the Stradiots of Dalmatia and other places, who are fit to cut off the enemies victualls, and to charge an armie in the reare. These men are very expert and ready, and if they be broken they will easily ioine againe together, and recouer their rankes. They may draw out of Dalmatia and other Islands about three thousands of these souldiers, and neere as many light horse out of the townes of Italie. In their armies at firme land this seig••eury doth for the most part vse a stranger for their Generall, & therfore they haue many times entertained absolute Lords, as Marquises and Dukes, whom they pay and recompence bountifully for their paines: for they cannot endure to haue any of their seigneurie to [ B] be a chiefe commander. And if they know that any gentleman of Venice affects the war, and followes the court of other princes, they call him presently home to his house, de∣s••ring rather in their wars at land to haue a stranger for their Generall than one of their owne State, and to imploy an armie of strangers, rather than their owne subiects: but yet they are accustomed to send with their Generall (as it were companions) two gentle∣men of their commonweale, men famous for their merits, with the title of Prouiditori or generall Pourueiers without whose consent the Generall may not fight nor vnder∣take any action of importance. And although it may seeme to breed many inconueni∣encies to see a Pourueier commaund a Generall, a citisen strangers, and one that vnder∣stands nothing in war, him that hath beene bred vp in it; yet by this meanes they auoid [ C] other dangers which are of no lesse importance, wherinto the commonweale hath fallen whenas they haue imployed their owne subiects and forces.

To treat of their warlicke preparation for the sea, as of the thing which is of grea∣test [ XXVI] importance, I will speak first of the beginning, to the end it may be the better vnder∣stood: I say therefore that it is no other thing but that admirable Arcenall of Venice, the which is not only very great, but also the fairest and the best furnished with all war like necessaries that is this day in the world. It stands in a corner of the citie, & so neere vnto the sea, as it doth not seeme to be diuided but to be a part of it; the which makes it to seeme greater in the opinion of such as doe behold it. It is enuironed with good walls, but without any rampires, for that it cannot be battered; and we may say, that it stands in [ D] an Island, for that it is compassed about with a channell, the which we may otherwise call the fort of Venice.

There are many times two hundred gallies in this Arcenall, besides others at sea, the which haue beene accustomed to be fortie in number: and there are also twentie great gallies, the which in regard of the lesser may be called men at armes, for that they are neither so light nor so fit to row as the rest: but they worke a greater effect in a sea fight hauing a good wind, and they are able to charge one hundred small gallies: they make their armies inuincible, being of greater seruice than ships of war, for that besides their failes, they may vse their oares. There is in this Arcenall so many meanes to arme an infi∣nit number of men, as it is an admirable thing to ••ce, and there is such aboundance of [ E] ordnance, not only sufficient for so many gallies, with offensi••e and defensiue armes for the souldiers and marriners, but also there is such store of all other things, as this Arce∣nall might furnish priuat ships, forts, and armies at land whenas necessitie requires.

As for timber to make new gallies there is great abundance, not so much for the quan∣titie and greatnesse of the woods which the seigneurie hath neere vnto the sea, as for the care they haue throughout all this Estate to preserue their oakes, the which are easily transported to Venice by sea, and by the riuers which fall into the sea neere vnto this citie.

But to speake in a word what may be conceiued of the Arcenal, I say that in the whole world the like is not to be found, nor better furnished with good workemen, which are to [ F] the number of three hundred, who labour continually and with such diligence as it is admirable, so as there hath beene seene in lesse than ten daies thirtie gallies fully armed and made readie to fight, and we may coniecture that in a short time they are able to arme them all. They imploy much money in this Arcenall, in the which they make none but great and small gallies, with some brigantins, for that priuat men hauing great ships,

the commonweale makes not any, but may vse them when they haue n••ed. They want [ A] no men to row in their galleis, for that all their sea townes, and those of the firme Land with the citie of Venice do furnish what they want, and as for souldiers, they imploy those men which they call Cernides. The Captaines and Commaunders of galleis are for the most part gentlemen of Venice, whose number is very great; so as euery galley besides the Commaunder hath two Venetian gentlemen to exercise them in the disci∣pline of the sea. They haue no want of any thing but biscuit, especially when it is deere: yet they make good prouision, hauing many great storehouses, in the which they keepe ••boundance of wheat, and other corne, and also of biscuit.

For the guard and safetie of the gulfe of Venice, and the Islands of the Ionian sea, they [ B] entertaine continually an armie of fiue and thirtie or fortie gallies with a Prouiditor or Pourueior, and a Captaine of the gulfe; and this doth cost the State yeare••y fiue thou∣sand duckats, accounting the biscuit. These galleis not onely secure the sea from pirats, but are also a meanes to breed vp many gentlemen in their armies at sea, although they haue no war of any great importance: and moreouer this doth purchase great reputa∣tion vnto the seigneurie.

Whensoeuer the Turke armes, they do in like manner increase the number of their galleys, and then they make a Generall of their armie, whose name is so much esteemed by the Turkes, as they dare not come neere the gulfe, much lesse the citie of Venice. But notwithstanding that this guard be strong, yet is it not able to secure all vess••ls which [ C] saile through this gulfe, for that the lesser which keepe neere vnto the coast of Dalmatia are spoiled by a certaine kind of pirats called Vscoques, who retire to Segne and Fleuue, places belonging to the house of Austria: and these men come with certain armed banks and molest the smaller ships in such sort as the seigneurie is forced to entertaine a cap∣taine at sea with fiue galliots, who hath no other charge but to root out this race; and al∣though the expence be great, yet the profit is not small to punish a number of theeues.

It is no difficult thing to conceiue what number of ships and galleis the segneurie may set forth, for that wanting neither timber, armes, men nor money, they may arme what they please: and although for a long time there hath not beene seene at sea aboue one hundred galleis, and few ships, yet be that will looke into former times, shall find that two [ D] or three hundred yeares since, the seigneurie had not so great forces; and yet they did arme two hundred ships or galleys for the conquest of the holie Land, and as many for that of Constantinople, whenas the Venetians went thither with the French.

Wherefore if necessitie did presse the Venetians, we must thinke that at this day when∣as they abound more in wealth, and are more mightie in subiects, hauing also an Arcenal better furnished than euer; they are not only able to set forth the like number of vessels, but also to exceed it; and if they do it not, the reason is for that they would not hazard so many in one action: and although they be inferiour to the Turkes in number, yet are they not in power, and it is most certaine that if they were set vpon by the Turkes gal∣leis, they would not feare to fight with them, and for this cause the Turkes durft neuer [ E] charge them.

¶ The Government.

[ XXVII] LEt vs come now to discourse of the order by the which this goodly seigneurie hath beene so long time gouerned, and how it hath continued longer than any other which hath come to our knowledge; and after what manner it hath preserued it selfe, amiddest such warrs and combustions, so as it seemes her subiects, in resp••••t of others, enioy a golden age, liuing in tranquilitie and peace, and encreasing dayly in prosperitie and wealth: the which I hold doth proceed chiefely from the will of God, who hath a [ F] particular care of this commonweale, and moreouer we cannot deny but it growes by a well ordred gouernment instituted by wise men, who in former ages might haue bin held for morall Philosophers. Although this commonweale be gouerned by gentlemen, and not by the people, yet can we not say that it is a gouernment of many, nor of few; and

[ A] although it hath a prince or duke, that it is the gouernement of one alone: but it is com∣posed of all the three kinds of gou••rnements, out of which they haue made one that is perfect.

This Commonweale hath one head, who represents the Maiestie of the empire in his roabs, his grauity, and reputation, and he is called Duke or Captaine; by whom it seemes all the rest are led, to see his attire, and the outward carriage of an absolute prince: of whose election we will speake hereafter, and of his power.

For the gouernment and preseruation of this flourishing Estate,* 1.1 they haue made a great Councel, which doth consist of an assemblie of all the gentlemen of Venice, so as euerie [ B] one which hath past the age of fiue and twentie yeares, may enter into this Councel, and giue his voyce, but he must first proue his age by the oath of his father or mother (if they be aliue) or else by his neerest kinsmen; and he must also proue by the testimonie of two witnesses that he is borne a gentleman. They haue also a law by the which those gentle∣men that haue past the age of twentie yeares may be admitted to come into the Coun∣cell, being allowed by the suffrages of the prince and Senat. The number of gentlemen that may lawfully enter into this Councel, is about two thousand fiue hundred. But for that many are continually imployed abroad for the seruice of the State, and some being busied about other affaires, there doe neuer assemble aboue one thousand six hundred, and these meet once euerie weeke, that is to say, on the Sonday morning, and vpon euerie [ C] feast day in the morning, whereas they chuse the magistrats, and distribute the gouerne∣ments of the Commonweale with a wonderfull order. I will for beare to set downe the manner of their sitting in Councell, and of the election of magistrats by lots, fearing to be tootedious, and it may be not pleasing; I will onely make mention of the Councels and chiefe officers of this State.

One of the chiefe members of the Commonweale is the Councell of the Pregadi, for [ XXVIII] that in it they treat and determine of all matters of greatest importance.* 1.2 They are so cal∣led (according to the opinion of some) for that they were in old time assembled by the publique officers, and as it were intreat••d by them to come and giue their aduice touch∣ing the affaires of the Commonweale. The Councell of the Pregadi consists of one [ D] hundred and twentie, besides the which, there are others which may enter into this Councell, and giue their voyces, as the Duke, the Six Councellors, the Councel of Ten, the Auogadori, and all the Procurators of S. Marke, with diuers other officers, who ha∣uing past the time of their charge, may enter presently into the Councell of the Pre∣gadi, and enioy the same priuiledges. There are other inferiour magistrats which may enter into this Councell, yet they haue no voyces, but this honour is done them to vn∣derstand the affaires of the Commonweale, to make them to be the more esteemed.

They haue beene accustomed during the necessities of the Commonweale, to graunt a priuiledge to enter into the Councell of the Pregadi, to such as had assisted the Com∣monweale with a certaine summe of money, the law prefixing a certaine time how long [ E] they should enjoy this honour, but they could not giue their voyces. This Councell can∣not determine nor conclude of any businesse, vnlesse there be foure Councellors present, and that there be sixtie in the whole number which giue their suffrages.

Next to the Councell of the Pregadi, is the Colledge,* 1.3 which is the third member of the Commonweale, and of great reputation. This Colledge doth chiefely consist of three magistrats, which are the great Sages or wisemen, the Sages of the firme land, and the Sages of the sea, and it containes sixteen gentlemen; the great Sages are six in num∣ber, and either of the other two fiue. Moreouer, it is composed of the Seigneurie, that is to say of the Prince, of the six Councellors, and three heads or Presidents of the fortie. [ F] The Sages of the sea haue charge of those matters which belong vnto the sea, both for peace, warre, and other affaires. The Sages of the firme land treat of matters of the land belonging to warre, or peace; and their chiefe charge is, to see what numbers of souldi∣ers are entertained by the Commonweale. The grand Sages haue a care both of the one and the other, and their chiefe charge is of warre and peace, with other matters of the like consequence. The Colledge assembles euerie morning two houres after Sun rising.

And you must vnderstand, that whensoeuer we say the Colledge, it is meant by the as∣semblie [ A] of the aforesaid three magistrats, with the Duke, Councellors, and the three pre∣sidents of the fortie; whereas they read all letters receiued since their last assemblie, giue audience to Embassadours, if any demaund it, and dispatch all matters belonging to the three Magistrats.

* 1.4The supreame magistrat of the citie is called Duke: his authoritie in the beginning was great, but it hath bin since moderated. And to the end euerie thing may be plainly vnderstood, whenas the Duke is dead, the six Councellors, with the three Presidents of the fortie, enter the palace, whereas the eldest Councellor carries himselfe as Vice Duke: and for this cause he doth mannage certaine businesse which belongs vnto the Dukes of∣fice. [ B] All dispatches sent by this Seigneurie, are written in the name of the Gouernou••s: who neuer go out of the palace, vntill that a new Duke be created. The palace gates are shut, and a little guard set at the wicket, more for an auncient custome than for any necessarie occasion, for that the citie is no more troubled for the death of the prince, than it would be for any priuat gentleman. It is true, that the magistrats assemble not to doe justice vntill there be a new Duke created: the which the law hath ordained, for that the gentlemen being busied about this creation, haue no leasure to attend affaires. They cause the dead bodie of the Duke, being attired in his ducall roabs, to be brought into a low chamber, called the Hall of Pioueghi: whereas it remaines three dayes, and there are twentie gentlemen attired in scarlet appointed to attend it, when it is brought downe in∣to [ C] the Hall, and there they sit about it during the said three dayes. After which his fu∣neralls are made, with that pompe and magnificence that is requisit for so great a digni∣tie. The day after, the great Councell assembles, whereas the great Chancellour giues them to vnderstand, that before they begin the creation of a future Duke, they should chuse the fiue Correctors, and three Inquisitors. The office of the Inquisitor is to exa∣mine the life and actions of the deceased duke, and to search if he hath obserued the laws: and finding that he hath e••red in any thing, they are bound to accuse him: and all the punishment which he had deserued, must fall vpon his heires; but they are onely pecuni∣arie fines. The office of the Correctors is to consider if it be needfull to bring in any new law, to be obserued by the new prince, or correct any errour which hath been discouered [ D] in the gouernement of the last Duke. After all this, they proceed to the election of a new Duke, the manner whereof I omit for breuities sake.

* 1.5The supreame markes of the Venetian empire, are setled in the Dukes person, for that he seemes to be absolute lord in the Commonweale. But notwithstanding that he en∣ioyeth this great dignitie, yet hath he not full power in any thing: for that he may not determine of any thing without the presence of his Councellors, which are six, and they are alwaies chosen of the most honourable gentlemen of the city, according to the great∣nesse and dignitie of the place. These six Councellors sit with the Duke and dispatch all affaires, especially priuat and particular, as to giue audience, to read publique letters, grant priuiledges, and such like: in which the Duke cannot do any thing without the presence [ E] of foure Councellors. And when the duke is not with them, they may dispatch affaires, as they shall thinke good.

* 1.6The Councell of Ten is a member of the Commonweale, of verie great importance, whose authoritie is like vnto that of the Pregadi, ouer the whole citie, for that it may treat of all affaires of State, and is not subiect to any greater power. It is true, that they doe not practise this authoritie but in cases of great importance, which were impossible to preuent by other meanes: as to determine of a warre, to conclude a peace, to mannage a businesse secretly, and such like: the which if they were treated of in the assemblie▪ and af∣terwards consulted of in the Councell of the Pregadi (as they ought to be) happily they should not be managed with such secrecie and speed as the time required. When as they [ F] are to deliberat of any great matter which concernes the State of the whole citie, the Councell of Ten, with the Prince, and his six Councellors assemble onely: and this is simply called the Councell of Ten.

* 1.7The office of Procurator of S. Marke is of great reputation; for that this dignitie like

[ A] vnto the dukes continues for life, and ••euer ends but with death. There was n••uer any gentleman of reputation in this citie but had this dignitie, and but few dukes since this magistrat was erected, but was first a Procurator. In old time there was but one Procu∣rator instituted to haue the charge of the Temple of S. Marke, and of the treasures ther∣of: afterwards Sebastian Ziant hauing at his death left great foundations to the Church, there was another created for the managing of that which he had left, and so from time to time they haue beene augmented, so as in the yeare 1423 they came to the number of nine, whereof three had the charge of S. Markes Church, and of the treasures: three had the care of such goods as were left by them that dwelt of the one side of Canal∣grande, [ B] and the other three had the like charge of the goods which were left on the other side of Canal-grande. But in the yeare 1509 the commonweale was forced to create fix more, and to grant this honour to such as did lend a certaine summe of mony. They haue also authoritie to force heires to performe the will of the dead. They weare ducall ••rna∣ments, and go before all magistrats.

The Auogadori, or Tribunes of the commons, are places of great importance,* 1.8 and numbred among the chiefe. The authoritie of this magistrat is great, for that it is neces∣sarie in all consultations there be at the least one of the Auogadori, whereof there be three: they haue the care and charge to see the lawes and priuiledges obserued. There are infinit other officers and magistrats in the ci••ie of Venice, the which to auoid ••edi∣ousnesse [ C] I forbeare to describe in particular, referring the curious reader to them that haue written whole volumes of this subiect.

We may hereby obseru•• that the seigneurie of Venice is meerely Aristocratical, distri∣buting the chiefe honors, dignities, and offices to the gentlemen of Venice; and the lesser which haue no power, vnto the common people: & yet to content them, the seigneurie hath left them the office of Chauncellor, which is one of the worthiest and most honou∣rable within the citie, being also continued for life: and moreouer they haue the offices of Secretaries of Estate, which is also very honourable.

The duke although he seemes to be a prince, yet is he nothing but the first gentleman of Venice, and hath but the conclusion, when there is question of voices in what bodie [ D] or colledge soeuer he be. At Venice, the decrees of magistrats bind euery one in parti∣cular, for the jurisdicton of euery magistrat: but the colledge or councell of ten is aboue particular magistrats, and the senat is aboue the ten; and the great councell (which is the assemblie of al the gentlemen of Venice that are of age) holds the soueraigntie aboue the senat; so as if the ten be diuided, they call the councell of the sages, which make two and thirtie, and if they cannot agree, they assemble the senat: but if the matter concerns high points of maiestie, the great councell meets. By these three colledges or bodies, all their lawes and statutes are made: and ordinarie affaires of Estate are dispatched by the seuen, which they cal the seigneurie.

Finally there is a wonderfull equalitie worthie of much commendation in this citie, [ E] whereas they respect neither poore not rich, gentlemen nor common people, who (as I haue said) haue some share in this commonweale, enioying many offices which are very beneficiall vnto them; whereby the people are very much affected vnto the nobilitie, and shew themselues very humble, and the gentlemen are their protector••, fa••ou••••••g them in all their necessi••ies, and aduancing them to honours, whereof they are ca••••ble. This seigneurie hath gr••at regard to pouertie, for the which they prouide by all good meanes, wherby they make poore m••serable wretches, I wil not say subiect but sl••••es to them; for that the commonweale doth spend much money to keepe downe the price of bread, and other things necessarie for the life of man. It is therefore no wonder, if the people do willingly and without grudging beare all the burthens during the necessi∣ties [ F] of the commonweale.

The people of other townes subiect vnto this Estate, are in like manner very faithfull; for that he which goes to gouerne them, hath no other end but to do justice to euery man, and to assist the townes which are vnder his charge; for in doing so, at his returne he obtaines greater honours, but if he gouerne himselfe otherwise, he is punished, and no

more imploied: there is another reason why these people loue the Venetian gouern∣ment, [ A] for that they are not charged with insupportable customes and imposts, as some miserable townes are by tyrants.

[ XXIX] If we shall compare this commonweale with others which haue gon before it (yet not speaking of their greatnesse and forces, but onely of their manner and forme of go∣uernment and good lawes) we shall find how much it doth in this point exceed all others: for that we may say those haue beene gouerned by men that were greedy of spoile and bloud, and this hath beene guided by the creator of all things, and found out and framed by Philosophers, with a perfect composition. I cannot find a better example and argu∣ment hereof, than the commonweale of Rome, which hauing in a manner made subiect [ B] all the world, yet could not maintaine her owne libertie aboue seuen hundred yeares: whereas this being enuironed by so many powerfull enemies which haue still sought her ruine, hauing not any neighbour prince for a faithfull friend, hath beene able for the space of one thousand and two hundred yeares and more to maintaine her libertie, yea and to resist the huge and fearefull forces of the great Turke, and in former times of all Christian princes. I know not (to speake the truth) what power is able at this day to vanquish and ruine it, if that discord (the only meanes to vndermine it) creeps not into this commonweale; but there are many graue and wise councellors which watch conti∣nually to preuent it: and although it seemes to some that for the great wickednesse which is committed dayly within the citie of Venice, she cannot long auoid her totall [ C] ruine and subuersion, yet others know that besides the magistrat who doth his best en∣deauour to reforme all disorders, there are many deuout persons whose prayers would stay this desolation.

Seeing that we haue related the perfections of this commonweale, it shall not be im∣pertinent to set downe her defects in particular, although they be of no great moment.

[ XXX] The first (and it may be the greatest) is that they hold so great a countrie and so popu∣lous (for the feeding wherof they haue need of victualls from other nations) that if they had not the sea open by the which they bring great store of graine to Venice, their coun∣tries should be in continuall want of bread, which would be very troublesome to their subiects. For this onely reason they do so much esteeme a peace with the Turke, where∣by [ D] there is much corne brought to Venice from countries that are subiect vnto him, and for this reason also they doe so much respect the king of Spaine, who doth oftentimes giue them leaue to transport graine from Sicilie and Pouillia.

The second defect is, that they imploy none but Italian footmen, although it be cer∣taine that they haue lost much of their auncient reputation, the which hath happened by the diuersitie of fighting; so as in their battallions they are much inferiour to the Suisses and Germanes: wherefore this commonweale should haue good numbers of Suisses and Germanes in their armies, by which meanes their footmen should be better esteemed.

The third is, that they make not any one of their subiects, but a stranger Generall of [ E] their armie, whereby they subiect themselues to the discretion of another. Moreouer they are forced to spend much vpon their forts, for that men finding dayly new deuices to assaile, it is necessarie to change them from time to time; wherein they haue many times beene at great charge, the which hath much hindered the happinesse of this com∣monweale.

But these defects are not all past remedie, and for this cause those wise Senators haue a continuall care to preuent all inconueniences, and haue no other desseigne but to pre∣serue the State in peace and libertie. Without doubt they are not like to haue any trou∣bles and combustions among themselues, for they neuer suffer any priuat quarrell to grow among them, but they presently pacifie it, either by loue, or by the authori∣tie of the soueraigne councell of ten. Moreouer there is not any citisen or gentleman [ F] that doth attaine to any such reputation, degree, or wealth, as he may hope to make him∣selfe a tyrant, but they liue louingly together in great peace and concord.

[ A] ¶ The Religion.

THe Venetians are firme Romish Catholickes, as all their subiects be which remain [ XXXI] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Italie: but the inhabitants of the Island of Corfou follow the religion of the G••••••••n Schismatickes, wherin this commonweale doth not impeach them, fearing least this people should grow into a mutinie, and be wearie of their commaund, and so inuite their enemies to attempt something, and yet the seigneurie hath curbed them by a fort and a garrison which it entertaines there, so as they that would raise any troubles or [ B] combustion, should hardly effect their desseignes. They are after the like manner in Can∣die, ••hereas the people do wonderfully hate the name and religion of the Latins: It is true that some of them are affected to the Romish Church, and are freed from schisme, wherein the rest persist.

¶ The Dukes and Princes of the Commonweale of Venice: and the most re∣markable things which past during either of their gouernments.

1. [ C] PAVLVS ANAFESTVS was the first prince of the people, chosen in Hera∣clea, [ XXXII] in the yeare 697, a man of singular justice. He sware in the hands of Christo∣pher Patriarch of Grada, to gouerne according to the laws, and to haue no regard but to the publique good. He pacified their differences with Luitprand king of the Lombards, and made a league with king Aripert. He forced the Equilins, who had rebelled, to obedi∣ence, as well by his authoritie, as by armes, and increased their reuenues. He gouerned twentie yeares, six moneths, and eight daies.

2. MARCEL TEGALIAN, of the same place of Heraclea, was chosen to succeed him, by the common consent of the people. He was deuout, affable, & modest, but not so care∣full of the gouernement as his predecessor. The Patriarchship of Grada was transferred [ D] to Aquilea in his time, by Luitprand, and there growing great warres, by reason of the two Bishops, he medled not, but died, hauing bin duke nine yeares, and one and twentie daies.

3. HORTEE HIPPATE, surnamed Vrse, a nobleman of Heraclea, purchased great reputation by his worthie exploits. Paule the Exarke or gouernou•• of Rauenna had re∣course vnto him, the Grecian armie being defeated, and siege layed before Rauenna, by Luitprand. He recouered Rauenna, tooke the kings nephew prisoner, s••ew the duke of Vincence, and restored the Exarke to his rights. He supprest them of Aquilea, who troub∣led the publique quiet, and he incouraged the youth to armes. He was slaine by reason of the discentions of the Iesulains, hauing bin prince eleuen yeares, and fiue moneths.

After the death of this third duke, in the yeare 737, they made an assemblie, in the which [ E] it was decreed and concluded, That they should not chuse any duke for six yeares, and that they should create a maister of the souldiers which should be annuall: the which continued fiue yeres, for in the yeare 742, they proceeded to the election of a duke, since which t••me the Commonweale of Venice hath alwayes had dukes vnto this day. The first which was chosen in this office, ••as Dominic Leon; the second Felix Cornicula; the third Theodat sonne to Vrse, 〈…〉〈…〉 f••om banishment, and was continued the yeare after, but he died before his time expi••ed; the four••h Iulian Cepare, who was subrogated in his place; the fift was Ciane Fabritiatie, who had his eyes p••t out, an•• was dismissed.

4. THEODAT HIPRATE sonne to Vrse, was declared duke, fiue yeres after the death of his father: during the which, the people were gouerned by a maister of the souldiers, [ F] who leauing Heraclea, came to Malamocco. There he was first created, and limited the consines with As••olfo king of the Lombards. He was slaine by Galla a citisen of Mala∣mocco, in the thirteenth yeare of his principalitie.

5. GALLA of Malamocco, a wicked and seditious man, carrying himselfe as protector of the publique libertie, was created in the place of Theodat: but his wickednes being dis∣couered,

and that he sought to make himselfe absolute lord, which was the re•••••••• why [ A] he had sl••ine Theodat, the people put out his eyes, and within one yeare tooke from him the gouernement which he had vsurped.

6. DOMINICO MONEGARIA of Malamocco, was set in the place of G••lia. The people to restraine the dukes authoritie, made choyce of two Tribunes yearely: but he being a bold & an insolent man, sought to tyrrannize ouer the people, who being inc••n∣sed, put out his eyes, the fist yeare of his principalitie.

7. MAVRICE GALBAIA, a gentleman of Heraclea, was chosen to this dignitie for his wisedome, justice, and wealth. He made his sonne duke with him, and they gouerned together. In his time, the Church of Grada being molested, he sent an embassadour to [ B] Pope Stephen to reconcile the difference. The Bishopricke of S. Peter of Castel-Oliuolo was erected, and he died, hauing gouerned three and twentie yeares.

8. IOHN GALBAIA hauing bin duke nine yeres with his father, gouerned the com∣monweale alone nine yeares. After which time he made Maurice his sonne companion of his principalitie: but both of them being of bad life, and insupportable, for that they had slain Iohn Patriarch of Grada, casting him from the top of a high Tower, Fortunatu••, the Patriarchs successor, made a conspiracie against them, wherupon a new duke was chosen, whereat they being amazed, the father fled into France, and the sonne to Mantoua in the sixteenth yeare.

9. OBELERIVS, being chosen prince by them of the intelligence of Fortunatus, took [ C] his brother Beat for companion, and Valentine their third brother was also associated by them vnto this dignitie. It is to be noted, that of these three, Beat is put in the ranke of dukes, in the Councell hall at Venice, for that Obelerius had persuaded Pepin king of Ita∣lie to make warre against the Venetians, and that Beat had defended the Commonweale, hauing raigned fiue yeares.

10. ANGE PARTITIATIVS, hauing carried himselfe valiantly in the war against Pepin, was chosen duke, the people being retired to Realto. He was founder of the dukes palace, in the place where that now stands which was built since. The diuision of the em∣pire being made in his time, the Venetians were left at libertie. The citie was diuided in∣to Sestiers, or parts. The Pregadi, and the Fortie for criminall causes was instituted. He [ D] gouerned eighteene yeares.

11. IVSTINIAN PARTITIATIVS, hauing been ••ssociated in the dignitie, by his father, was after his death confirmed by the people. He called home Iohn his brother from Constantinople, and tooke him for companion. He augmented the peoples autho∣ritie, and releeued Michael emperour of Constantinople, against the Sarrazins The bodie of S. Marke was in his time brought from Alexandria, and taken for their protector; and the Church which is at this day, was consecrated to his honour. He died the second yere.

12. IOHN PARTITIATIVS, brother to Iustinian, remained in the dignitie, and did much augment the Church of S. Marke, which he caused to be serued by a good number of priests, establishing the Primicerio. He caused the head of Obelerius to be cut off, whom [ E] he had besieged in the Island of Curtia: He ruined Malamocco, the people hauing re∣belled, and held Obelerius partie. He made war against the Narantins, whom he subdued. In the end, there was a conspiracie made against him, and being surprised by his e••emies, neere vnto S. Peters Church, going to heare Masse, they stript him of his ducall orna∣ments, and confined him to Grada, hauing shauen his beard, the eight yeare of his princi∣palitie, where he became a Monke, and died.

13. PETER TRADONIC of Pola hauing carried himselfe to the peoples content in the war against Pepin, was chosen duke. He did associat Iohn his sonne, and they gaue suc∣cours to the Emperour of Constantinople, who caused Theodosius Patritius to entreat them. He was made Protospataire of the Empire, to whose succour he sent sixtie gallies. Lewis the second granted him many priuiledges: and in the end he was slaine by a sediti∣on, [ F] the seuen and twentieth yeare.

14. VRSE PARTITIATIVS hauing pacified the sedition, was made duke. The Turks hauing spoiled Dalmatia euen vnto Grada, were deseated by him, and Iohn his sonne who

[ A] was his associat. The Emperor Basilius honoured him much for this action, and made him Protospataire of the Empire. He gouerned seuenteene yeres.

15. IOHN PARTITIATIVS sonne to Vrse, hauing beene confirmed in his dignitie, tooke and burnt Comachia, and spoiled Rauenna to be reuenged of the earle of Co∣ma••hia, who had taken his brother Badoaire prisoner, and wounded him to the death. Gr••wing sickely, he caused the Church of S. Cornelius, and S. Cypri••n to be built at Ma∣lamocco, and hauing gouerned fiue yeares and six moneths, he renounced the dignitie.

16. PETER CANDIAN was chosen after the voluntarie demission of his predecessor: he was valiant and expert in armes, yet very deuout. He went in person with ten galleys [ B] against the Narantins: fighting valiantly against them, in his second enterprise he was slai••. He gouerned but fiue moneths.

DOMINICKE TRIBVN is put in the ranke of dukes by some, others that haue not so curiously lookt into the historie haue omitted him, hauing beene duke but three moneths and thirteene daies. There is nothing memorable in his time but a certaine pri∣uiledge granted to Chioggia.

17. PETER surnamed Tribun, sonne to Dominic being chosen duke, obtained of Guyon emperor and king of Italie, a confirmation of the auncient priuiledges. The barbarous H••••s came into Italie and burnt Heraclea, Cape d'Arger, and Chioggia. This prince defeated them with much honour: and this was the third time that strangers would haue [ C] vsurped this Estate. He gouerned foure and twentie yeares.

18. VRSE BADOAIRE was called Partitiatius, and was the first which changed his name. He sent Peter his sonne to Constantinople, who was made Protospataire. In the yeare 920 he obtained of Radolph emperour and king of Italie, the confirmation of the auncient authoritie of the Venetians to coyne money. He gaue himselfe wholy to pie∣ti••, and in the twentieth yeare he renounced the dignitie to become a Monke, and liued religiously.

19. PETER CANDIAN the second, was a valiant man, and made war against Lanterio marquis of Istria, who hindred the Venetians trafficke, whom he subdued, and conque∣red the people of Capo d'Istria. He vanquished Albert sonne to Berengarius the empe∣ror, [ D] who hauing seised vpon Rauenna, stopt the passage of the Venetian ships. In his time the maidens that were apt for mar••iage were stolne away by the Triestains, and re∣couered againe. He gouerned seuen yeares.

20. PETER BADOAIRE sonne to Vrse was redeemed by him from the Sclauonians. He did rule but two yeares and seuen moneths, alwaies in peace, which he made shew to loue much. The Emperor Berengarius did him many fauours for his merits.

21. PETER CANDIAN the third, sonne to the second Candian, did associat his sonne Peter to the dignitie: he armed three and thirtie vessells twice against the Narantins: at the second time he made a peace with them. His sonne being blamed by him for his bad behauiour, reuolted against him and the commonweale. The people would haue slaine [ E] him, but he was sent into exile, where ioining with Guyon sonne to Berengarius, annoied the commonweale, the which did much trouble his father; so as he died in the fifteenth yeare.

22. PETER CANDIAN the fourth, being called from banishment (notwithstanding that the people had taken an oath neuer to receiue him) was made prince with great ap∣plause. He wrought so with Pope Iohn the twelfth, as the ••••••hop of Grada was made Patriarch, and Metropolitan of all the Venetian Estate, and of Istria. The Emperor Otho granted him many honourable priuiledges. He ruined Vderze, and was slain•• in a sediti∣on of the people, hauing gouerned twentie yeres.

23. PETER VRSEOLA was a very deuout man, and chosen by the people against his [ F] will. He went often disguised to visit the poore and hospitalls: he pacefied the discenti∣ons of the Venetians with them of C••po d'Istria, who yeelded themselues tributaries. He went with Beato Romualdo of Rauenna to liue a religious life: hauing gouerned two yeres, two moneths, and twentie daies.

24. VITAL CANDIAN sonne to Peter the third, made a league with the Emperour

Otho. He fell sicke in the beginning of his charge; so as hauing made a vow to become a [ A] Monke if he recouered his health, he performed it, hauing gouerned a yere or therabouts.

25 TRIEVNE MEME was very rich, but no man of State. In his time there were great discentions betwixt the families of the Morosins and Caloprins, by reason whereof there were great murthers committed. He held the Morosins faction, which made the rest retire to Verona, to the Emperor Otho. He gaue the Island of S. George to the Abbot Morosin, and renounced the principalitie the twelfth yeare, to become a Monke.

26 PETER VRSEOLA the second, was a politicke man, who dealt so with the Em∣perors Basilius and Alexius, as the Venetians were freed from customes. Otho the Empe∣ror being at Verona did him the honour, among other things, to christen his sonne. He [ B] was the first that did enlarge their confines by sea, getting many places in Istria and Dal∣matia. Hauing finished the church and palace he died, the eighteenth yeare of his prin∣cipalitie.

27 OTHO VRSEOLA hauing gouerned a while with Peter his father, was confirmed in the dignitie at the age of eighteene yeares: he won such reputation, as Geisca king of Hongarie gaue him a sister of his to wife. He vanquished them of Istria which had rebel∣led, and went in person into Dalmatia to the enterprise against Cresmur. In the end they that enuied his glorie conspired against him, who hauing shauen off his beard, he was confined into Greece the seuenteeth yeare.

28 PETER CENTRANIC or BARBOLAN succeeded Otho: but not able to pacifie [ C] the discentions, as well for the mutinies of the citisens, as of their neighbours, was for∣ced to quit the dignitie, and to become a Monke. Orso Patriarch of Grado, brother to Otho, who was retired to Constantinople, was constituted attending his returne. He con∣tinued about a yere in the palace, and left the principalitie, hearing newes of Othos death. Dominic Vrseola sought to vsurpe the dignitie, but he was expelled by the people the next day, and died at Rauenna.

29 DOMINIC FLABENIC was chosen during his exile by the faction of those who had expelled Dominic Vrseola: in his time in the yere 1040 there was a National councel called touching ecclesiasticall orders. He brought the State in ielousie of the familie of the Vrseoli, and sought to supplant it. He gouerned ten yeres, foure moneths, and twelue [ D] daies.

30 DOMINIC CONTAREN was verie pleasing vnto the people: He pacified Dalmatia, which had beene much afflicted by the rebellion of Zara: he fauoured the Normans against Robert king of Pouillia. The discord which was betwixt the Common-weale, and Pepo patriarch of Aquilea was pacified by him. He caused the monasterie of S. Nicholas vpon Lido to be built, and died in the eight and twentieth yeare.

31 DOMINIC SILVI•• going to the funerall of his predecessor, was in the midst there of saluted duke by the acclamations of the people, and purchased such reputation, as Nicephor•••• emperour of Constantinople gaue him his sister in marriage. By her per∣suasion he made war against the abouenamed Robert, and at the first won an honourable [ E] victorie, seising vpon Duras. The second time he foug•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much disaduantage, whereby his credit was blemished. He first of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Church of S. Marke with marble, and caused it to be wrought after t•••• ••osaicke fashion: He died the thirteenth yeare.

32 VITALIS FALE•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being made duke, did presently obtaine of the emperor Alexius the souera•••••••• of Dalmatia, and Croatia, Henrie, successour to the empire, did him great 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and being come vpon deuotion to Venice, he christened his daughter. The 〈…〉〈…〉 Proprio was instituted in his time, and the worke of S. Markes Church 〈◊〉〈◊〉. He gouerned twelue yeares.

33 VITALIS MICHAELI, by his valour at sea did much extend the limits of the com∣monweale. [ F] He made warre in the East by the persuation of Pope Vrbin the second, to con∣quer the Holie land, with other Christian Princes. The Island of Smirne, Suria, and Hie∣••••••alem were taken from the Insidels. He died the sixt yeare.

34 ORD••LAFIVS FAL••RIYS, sonne to Vitalis, assisted king Baldwin against the

••••••idels in the conquest of the Holie land, and they had such successe, as they diuided the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betwixt them, throughout all the realme of India. In the eight yeare of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Malamocco was in a manner all burnt and drowned, which made them to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Bishops See to Chioggia. He went in person to the warre against Zara, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and hauing won the victorie, he returned the second time, where he died 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the fifteenth yeare of his principalitie.

••OMINIC MICHAELI, being made duke, for his great reputation and merits, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (by the meanes of Pope Calixtus) to succour the Christians in the Holie land, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••undred saile, causing the Infidells to raise the siege from before Ioppa. He tooke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which he gaue to Vanmond Patriarch of Hierusalem. Emanuel the emperour made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against him, from whom he tooke Chio, Rhodes, Samos, Metellin, and Istre. He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the principalitie the thirteenth yeare.

••ETER POLANVS, sonne in law to Michaeli, was a verie wise man, so as he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chosen Arbitrator betwixt Conrade and Emanuel, emperours. He made warre against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Pisa and Pidoua, whom he vanquished. He did arme against the duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••auour of the foresaid Emanuel, from whom he recouered many possessions taken 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he empire. Somesay, that it was his sonne which won those battailes, and that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being fallen sicke, returned, and died the eighteenth yeare.

••OMINIC MOROSINI clensed the gulfe of certaine Pirats of Ancona, whose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Guiscard was taken and hanged. He besieged Pola, the which he tooke, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which townes had rebelled in Istria. He made a league with William king of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from whom he obtained many exemptions for the traffique of merchants. Zara 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Metropolitan at his instance, and he caused Dominic the ninth his sonne to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 earle. He beautified the citie of Venice with buildings, and began the Tower 〈…〉〈…〉. He died, seuen yeares, and fiue moneths after his election,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 MICHAELI the second, subdued the Tarentins, who had rebelled the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: he committed Vlricke patriarch of Aquilea to prison, with twelue Chanoins. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hundred dayes he put one hundred galleys and twentie ships to sea, against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Emanuel. The familie of the Iustiniani, was in his time reduced to one onely, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was •• Monke, whom he drew out of a Monasterie, by the Popes consent, and gaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his daughter in marriage. There happened a great plague in his time, whereof the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 imputing the fault vnto him, he was wounded, and died, hauing gouerned 〈◊〉〈◊〉 yeares, and seuen and twentie dayes.

••EBASTIAN ZIANI was the first that was chosen by ten electors. In his time 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was a great Schisme in the Church, by reason of the emperour Frederic Barbarousse, 〈…〉〈…〉 Alexander the third abandon the holie See, Octauian hauing beene made 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Alexander retired to Venice, where hauing serued long in the Monasterie of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he was in the end knowne and taken forth by the Prince and Seigneurie. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made warre against the Venetians vpon this occasion. Octauian his sonne was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 who was the meanes of a reconciliation, that his father came to Venice to kisse the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seet: In requitall whereof, he obtained many priuiledges, and died in the fift 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his gouernment.

AVRIA MARIPIERE was the first duke that was chosen by the fortie which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••reated to that end, after the death of Ziani. They gaue him six Councellours to 〈…〉〈…〉 his resolutions. He conquered Zara, which had rebelled the fourth time: He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 succours to the Christians against the Sarrazins, which had vsurped the Holie land 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eight yeares after that Baldwin had deliuered it. Ptolemaide was recouered, and 〈…〉〈…〉 successour to Emanuel the emperour, deliuered many Venetian merchants. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••nounced the principalitie the foureteenth yeare, to become a religious man.

HE••RIE DANDVLO was also chosen by the fortie. They of Zara were againe 〈…〉〈…〉, and Pola subdued. In his time Constantinople was taken, with the empire 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ast, wherein he assisted the French Princes and Barons. He died the thirteenth 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ being Generall of all the Christian armies.

••••TER ZIANI sonne to Sebastian was made duke some time after the death of

Dandulo, the Correctors being then instituted. In his time there came Embassadours [ A] from Athens, and Achaia, to submit themselues to the obedience of the Commonweale. Candie was peopled by a Colonie of Venetian gentlemen. He married Constance, daughter to Tancred king of Sicile. In the end, he renounced the principalitie, hauing gouerned foure and twentie yeares.

43. IAMES TEPVLI was made duke by lot, in concurrence of Renieri Candolo, who had as many voyces as he. Candie rebelled, and the seditious were punished. Zara, which had shaken off the yoke, was made subiect againe. There was warre against the Fetrarois, and against Ezzelin, who had seised vpon Padoua. In the end, he quit the principalitie the twentieth yeare, and died soone after. [ B]

44. MARIN MOROSINI, was made duke by the fortie, by reason of the precedent concurrence. In his time there was another Colonie of gentlemen sent into Candie, who built Canea. He made warre against Ezzelin that besieged Mantoua: who through rage and despight flew twelue thousand Padouans which he had in his armie. He died the fourth yeare of his principalitie.

45. RENIERI ZENO being Podesta at Firma, was chosen duke, and sent for with foure galleys. Vnder him the Commonweale obtayned a famous victorie against them of Genoua; but the joy was short, for that Michaell Paleologus expelled the French and the Venetians out of Constantinople, being assisted by the Geneuo is forces, fiftie eight yeares after the taking of the citie. They of Genoua were defeated againe: and hauing [ C] gouerned sixteene yeares he died.

46. LAVRENCE TEPVLI was made duke, in remembrance of the victorie which he won of the Geneuois at Tyre. He made a noble alliance for two of his sons, with two strange ladies, the which was afterwards forbidden by a law. Ceruia made it ••e••fe sub∣iect to the Commonweale, and the Bolonians were defeated. He gouerned seuen yeres and fiue and twentie dayes.

47. IAMES CONTARIN at the age of eightie yeres, of Procurator of S. Marke was made duke. The law against bastards was published, and they excluded from all pub∣lique charges. There grew certaine rebellions in Istria, and by them of Genoua, which were pacified. In the end, for his great age, he renounced the dignitie, by the aduice of [ D] the Senat, hauing gouerned foure yeares, and six moneths.

48. DANDVLO was chosen, being absent. The citie in his time was much afflicted with waters, and earthquakes. He made warre in Istria against the Patriarch of Aquilea, and the Earle of Goritia. At the instance of Pope Nicholas he did succour the Archbishop of Tripoli with fiue and twentie galleys. He died the seuenth moneth after the eight yeare of his gouernement.

49. PETER GRADONIC, a valiant man, freed the Commonweale from two great daungers, the one by reason of a great disgrace which happened in a battaile against them of Genoua, and the other for the conspiracie of Baiamonte, whom he supprest be∣ing in armes vpon S. Markes place. It was ordayned, that the gentlemen should haue [ E] the gouernement, and the Councell of Ten was instituted. Hauing gouerned two and twentie yeares and nine moneths, he died.

50. MARIN GEORGE was so good as they surnamed him the Holie. Venice was al∣wayes excommunicated in his time, by reason of the taking of Ferrara. Zara rebelled the sixt time, and they had much trouble to bring them to their dueties. He built the monasterie of S. Dominic, and died eightie one yeres old, hauing gouerned ten moneths and ten dayes.

51. IOHN SOVRANCE had the honour to recouer Zara, and other places, distracted in his predecessors time. Negropent was recouered, and warre was made against them of Genoua. The excommunication was taken away at Venice, by the meanes of Francis [ F] Dandulo, who cast himselfe at the Popes feet with an yron chaine about his necke. The number of the Procurators of S. Marke was augmented vnto six. He gouerned sixteene yeares, and six moneths.

52. FRANCIS DANDVLO, who had so much humbled himselfe for his countrie, was

••••••••nced to the highest dignitie. They of Pola and Valese submitted themselues to the ••••••••nweale, the which bred a war against the Patriarch of Aquilea. Padoua was ta∣•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Albert Scaliger, and Treuiso with the countrie remained to the commonweale. 〈…〉〈…〉 into league with the Christian princes against the Turke, and in his time there 〈…〉〈…〉 threescore Embassadors at Venice. He gouerned ten yeres, and ten moneths.

•••• ••ARTOLOMEVV GRADONIC, Procurator of S. Marke, was made duke being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and six yeares old, by the c••ssion of Andrew Dandulo. In his time happened (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••eleeue) that great myracle of S. Marke, S. George, and S. Nicholas, who deliuered Ve∣••••••om a great and iminent innundation. Candie rebelled, and the rebells were se∣•••••••• punished. There fel a great dearth in the citie, which bred a discontentment in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And he dyed the fourth yeare.

•••• ANDREVV DANDVLO who had quit the place to Gradonic, caused the dearth to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hauing sent for corne into Sicilie. He obtained of the king of Babilon free trafficke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••gypt. Zara rebelled the seuenth time, and was suppressed. A war was made against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Genoua, and the citie was afflicted with two great accidents, the one an Earth∣•••••••• and the other the plague. He gouerned twelue yeares wanting some moneths.

•••• MARIN FALERIVS was chosen being Embassador at Rome. Hauing receiued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from certaine priuat men, the which not being reuenged, according to his de∣•••••••• resolued, being fourescore yeares old, to make himselfe absolute Lord. The con∣•••••••• being discouered by Nicholas Lyon, he had his head cut off in the palace: and it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••reed that in the place of his Pourtrait should be written, This is the place of Ma∣••••••••rius, who for his haynous offence lost his head. He was duke ten moneths.

•••• ••••HN GRADONIC surnamed Naso, had an excellent wit & a bad face. The war 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ewed against the Geneuois, which ended with a peace. He had war also against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Hongarie for Dalmatia. Treuiso was besieged in his time, and he went thi∣•••••••• ••erson. He gouerned one yeare, three moneths, and fourteene daies.

•••• ••••HN DAVPHIN was chosen duke, being in Treuiso for defence therof against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Hongarie. The Senat sent to demaund free passage for him, which being re∣••••••••, he fallied forth with two hundred horse in spight of the enemie, whither the Se∣••••••••ame to receiue him: within a short time he ended this war, and recouered Conilian, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Asola. He made a peace for the soueraigntie of Dalmatia, and died the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fortieth yeare of his age, hauing gouerned four yeres, two moneths, and eleuen 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

•••• ••••AVRENCE CELSE vpon a false bruit of a victorie against the Geneuois, was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 luke in concurrence of Peter Gradonic, Leonard Dandulo, and Marke Cornaro. Candie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and they had great difficultie to recouer it, whereupon they made a Tourney, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 publicke feast vpon S. Markes place. He died two daies after the fourth yeare of his ••••••palitie.

•••• MARKE CORNARO a very learned and a wise man, sent into Candie, which had 〈◊〉〈◊〉, where there grew cruell warrs, the Pope giuing full indulgence to them that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 go. The rebells being seuerely punished, the commonweale presented a certaine ••••••ber of gallies to Pope Vrbin the fist. He gouerned two yeares, fiue moneths, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and twentie daies.

••••. ANDREVV CONTARIN fled into the countrie of Padoua for feare of being ••••••sen duke, as presaging the ruine which should happen in his time to the Common∣••••ale. First there was a war made by them of Trieste, and afterwards by Carrara, for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Padoua, the which was such as Chioggia being taken, the citie of Venice was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••xtreame daunger: but in the end he went in person against the enemies, defeated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and recouered Chioggia. He dyed hauing gouerned fifteene yeres, four moneths, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fifteene daies.

••••. MICHAEL MORESINI, was a man full of all wisdome and learning. Some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his time the Island of Tenedos was taken, and not in his predecessours. There 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diuers lawes made, and among others, it was ordained that murtherers which were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should afterwards loose their heads. He ruled but foure moneths, and fiue dayes,

and died seuentie and foure yeares old.

62. ANTHONIE VENIERI, a rigorous obseruor of justice, causing his owne sonne to be banished, for that he had lightly offended the familie of a gentleman of Venice. He made a league with Galeazze Visconte, against Carara, from whom he tooke Padoua. He succoured the Emperor Emanuell against the Turke, and did ayd Sigismond king of Hon∣garie, who came afterwards to the Empire. S. Markes place and that of Realte were much beautified in his time. He died hauing ruled eighteene yeares wanting one moneth, and three daies.

63. MICHAELL STENO had the dignitie of Procurator of S. Marke, with that of duke. There was a famous battaile woon against the Geneuois: Carara was vanquished [ B] the last time, and Padoua and Verona taken. They of Vincentia yeelded to the common-weale, to free themselues from his tyrannie. Ladislaus king of Hongarie in like manner Iest Zara. He died hauing gouerned thirteene yeares, and three daies.

64. THOMAS MOCENIGO was first of all Generall of the gulfe. He embraced peace to the end the citisens might trafficke. Vd••na came vnder the obedience of this State, with the countrie of Friuli, by the meanes of the Seigniours of Sauorgnani, who were made gentlemen of Venice. The Florintins had succours giuen them against the duke of Milan. He ruled ten yeares, and three moneths.

65. FRANCIS FOSCARIN did much suppresse the duke of Milan, who began to sease vpon the libertie of Italie: Brescia, Bergamo, & other towns of Lombardie were gotten [ C] among which were Loda and Parma, and Rauenna in Romagnia: he had great successe at sea, and in Morea. The Senat did succour the Emperour Paleologus against the Turkes, who vsurped Constantinople in the yeare 1453. He was chosen Arbitrator by the duke of Milan, in certaine controuersies of neighbourhood. The king of Datia was made a gentleman of Venice. Then the duke for his great weakenesse was dismissed, hauing go∣uerned foure and thirtie yeare, and six moneths.

66. PASCHAL MALIFIERE being Procurator of S. Marke, was chosen duke in the place of Foscarin, who died two daies after his dismission. There was a law made that from that time no duke should be deposed. In his time printing was brought into Venice. The Arcenall was much enlarged, and he entertained the people in peace, during four yeres, [ D] six moneths, and fiue daies that he gouerned.

67. CHRISTOPHER MO••O was also of a Procurator of S. Marke made duke He enter∣tained peace for a time, but in the second yeare of his gouernment, the Turke growne proud by the taking of Constantinople, declared wa•• against the Venetians. They made a league with Pope Pius the second, and the duke of Bourgondie, but the Pope dying they were left alone and maintained the warrs twentie yeares. He died hauing raigned nine yeares, and six moneths.

68. NICHOLAS TRONI was fortunate, for in his time the affaires of the common-weale succeeded well against the Turke. Peter Mocenigo General in the Archipelago, ha∣uing ioined with the Pope, the king of Naples, & them of Rhodes, drew together eighty [ E] and fiue gallies, and tooke Satalia, a citie of Panfilia. He made also a league with the king of Persia against the Turke. Iames king of Cypres comming to Venice married K••∣therine Cornara the adopted daughter of S. Marke. He gouerned one yere, eight moneths, and fiue daies.

69. NICHOLAS MARCEL Procurator of S. Marke, after certaine lawes made by the Correctors, was chosen duke. In his time there was a conspiracie in Cypres, to make the realme fall into the hands of Ferdinand king of Naples. Peter Mocenigo went thither with a great armie, pacified all, and punished the rebells seuerly. Scutarie was besieged by the Turke, and valiantly defended by Antonio Loredano. This duke gouerned one yeare, four moneths, and seuenteene daies. [ F]

70. PETER MOCENIGO was chosen duke in remembrance of his braue exploits. Lepanto was besieged in his time by the Turkes, and valiantly defended by Antonio Lore∣••••••••. They carried their armes against the Island of Stalamene, and the said Loredano his valour to defend it. The daughter of king Ferdinand came to Venice with the Cardinall

[ A] her brother, where they were royally entertained. This prince caused a certaine coyne to h•• made which he called by his name, and he gouerned but one yeare, two moneths, and nine daies.

71. ANDREVV VENDRAMINE, was vnfortunat in his gouernement, for the Ve∣n•••••• armie was twice put to rout by the Turkes: once neere vnto Croya in Albania; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••he second time in the countrie of Friuli. In his person he had this happinesse, That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a goodly stature, he had a most beautifull wife, and goodly children, whom he ••••ed by marriages to the best Families. He gouerned one yeare, and eight moneths.

72. IOHN MOCENIGO, brother to Peter Mocenigo, hauing continued the warre [ B] a••••••nst the Turke, in the end he made a peace with him, vpon condition, that he should 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scutari and Stipula to haue libertie of traffique, and that they might keep a baylife 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••onstantinople. He made warre against Ferdinand king of Naples, at the request of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sixtus the fourth, which was the cause of the long warre of the league. In the end, ••••••••ce was made, the Commonweale hauing gotten Rouigo and Polesan. The citie was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deformed by fire and plague; and this prince died hauing gouerned seuen yeares, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 six moneths.

73. MARKE BARBADIC (the plague being ceased) repayred the palace which the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 burnt. He had a maxime different from all other Princes, to know how to par∣••••••••d forget the priuat iniuries which had beene done him, and to reuenge them se∣•••••• [ C] which had beene committed against the State. The great Turke sent a particular ••••••••ssadour vnto him, to congratulat his election. He gouerned but nine moneths.

74. AVGVSTINE BARBADIC opposed himselfe against Charles the eight the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 king, whenas he made warre against the house of Arragon, for the realme of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which he conquered. The Turke tooke Lepante, Modene, and Corone, from the Commonweale. The realme of Cypres was vnder the protection of the Senat, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Katherine brought to Venice. The office of Health was created by reason of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The duke gouerned fifteene yeares and one and twentie dayes.

75. LEONARD LOREDAN indured a cruell warre against the greates Princes of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, a league being made at Cambray betwixt the emperor Maximilian, the French [ D] 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him of Naples, the dukes of Sauoy, Ferrara and Mantoua, persuaded thereunto by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iulio the second. All the Venetians Estate vpon the firme land was taken, except 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but in the end it was recouered. He liued in the principalitie nineteene yeares, eight moneths, and twentie dayes.

76. ANTHONIE GRIMANI, being Generall in a famous ouerthrow, was there∣up••••ut from his charge of Procurator of S. Marke, and confined to Cherses. He brake his punishment, and retired to Rome to the Cardinall his sonne, where he did so many ••ood offices, as he was not only restored to his dignitie of Procurator, but also made duke being eightie two yeres old. He gouerned but one yeare, ten moneths, and two dayes.

77. ANDREVV GRITTI carrying away the greatest part of the glorie for the reco∣verie [ E] of Padoua, was in great esteeme. He preuailed so with the French king, where he was a prisoner, as his maiestie allied himselfe with the Commonweale, and that Verona and Brescia were recouered. He carried himselfe with great liking of the Senat during the warres betwixt the emperour Charles the fift, and Francis the first, and also against Soli∣••••••. He gouerned fifteene yeares, seuen moneths, and eight dayes.

78. PETER LAVDE continued the defence of the commonweale against the Turke, with whom in the end he made a peace, the which he maintained and enioyed during the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betwixt the abouenamed Charles and Francis. He gouerned six yeares, and eight ••••yes.

79. FRANCIS DONAT, making vse of the peace, beautified the citie with many [ F] ••oodly buildings, and among others, with that of the Palace. He sent to succour the em∣p••••our against certaine rebells in Germanie. The princes of Guise being come to Ve∣•••••••• in his time, were royally entertained there, according to their dignitie. He gouerned se•••• yeares, and six moneths.

80. MARK•• ANTHONIE TREVISAN, a man wholly giuen to deuotion, had a

care to haue the Commonweale flourish in riches, and good manners, he laboured by his [ A] good example, that vice should not creepe in as it doth by too long a peace. He gouer∣ned one yeare, lacking three dayes.

81. FRANCIS VIVIER could so gouerne the Commonweale, as notwithstan∣ding that in his time the Turke made warre against Pouillia, and the French king in Tus∣canie, yet the Queene of Poland was royally entertayned at Venice. He gouerned two yeares, one moneth, and twentie dayes.

82. LAVRENCE PRIOLI was solicited by the Pope to make warre against the emperour, but being a friend to the Commonweale he would not offend him, and did mediate a peace. In his time a peace was made betwixt France and Spaine. Charles the [ B] fift died. This prince gouerned three yeares, eleuen moneths, and eight dayes.

83. IEROSME PRIOLI, brother to the precedent duke, enioyed great honours which Pope Pius the fourth did vnto the Commonweale, whom he fauoured much, hea∣••ing her embassadours in the place of audience for kings. In his time the Councell of Trent was concluded, whether he sent for embassadours Nicholas de Ponte, and Mathew Dandolo. The Commonweale did christen the duke of Sauoys sonne, borne of Margue∣ri••e of France. He died, hauing gouerned eight yeares, two moneths, and foure dayes.

84. PETER LOREDAN, for the concurrence of two others, was chosen beyond all mens hope, or his owne. The Arsenall was burnt in his time, and there was a great dearth of all things. Selim, successor to Soliman, thereupon tooke an occasion to breake [ C] with the Commonweale, from whom he demaunded the realme of Cypres, and made warre vpon this subiect. He gouerned foure yeares, fiue moneths, and eight dayes.

85. LEVVIS MOCENIGO, the warre being kindled against the Turke, lost the realme of Cypres, Nicosya hauing beene taken, and Famagosta yeelded. The Common-weale made a league with Pope Pius the fift, and Philip king of Spaine, so as their forces being joyned together, they obtayned a famous victorie of the Turkes, in the yere 1571. Some two yeares after, Henrie the third, the French king, past by Venice, where he was royally entertayned and fea••ted. This prince died, hauing raigned seuen yeares.

86. SEBASTIAN VENIERI was chosen by a common consent, with so great ap∣plause, as certaine Turkes came to kisse his feet. There were fiue Correctors of the lawes [ D] created, for the ordering of palace businesses. The citie was freed from a cruell plague, af∣ter a vow made to build vp the Redeemers Church. The palace was set on fire, and recei∣ued much harme. This prince did not gouerne a whole yeare

87. NICHOLAS DE PONT was created duke, he was verie learned in all arts, whereof he had made publique profession in Venice. He past through all the honors wher∣with the Commonweale may gratifie her citisens. The Seminarie of S. Marke was insti∣tuted by him. Gertaine princes of Iappon being arriued at Venice, were receiued with great fauour. He caused the bridge of Canareggio to be built; and gouerned seuen yeres, nine moneths, and thirteene dayes.

88. PASCALL CIGOGNE, Procuratour of S. Marke, was chosen as he was at [ E] Church hearing Masse. In his time there was great warres betwixt France and Spaine for Piedmont: and betwixt the emperour and the Turke for Hongarie. He caused the towne of Palma to be built vpon the confines of Friuli, and a new fort in the Island of Cesalonia. He had the honour of that admirable bridge of Realte, which he caused to be built: and he gouerned about ten yeares.

89. MARIN GRIMANI, Procurator of S. Marke, was so pleasing vnto the people, as on the day of his election they made extraordinarie signes of joy, the which were con∣tinued for many dayes after. The second yeare of his principalitie, he caused the duchesse his wife to be crowned in triumph, to whom Pope Clement the eight sent a Rose of gold. In his time there was great joy for the peace concluded betwixt the French king, and the [ F] king of Spaine. The Pope comming to Ferrara, which did belong vnto the Church, Cardinall Aldobrandin passing to Venice, was most honourably entertayned there, with other Cardinalls. There was so great a swelling of water in the fift yeare of his princi∣palitie, as the Gondoles and Barkes went vpon S. Markes place, as in the lake. He

〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the great griefe of all the people, hauing gouerned ten yeares, and eight mo∣••••••••.

90. ••••ONARD DONATI hauing for his merits, singular wisdome, and dexteritie in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of affaires, past through all the honours which the commonweale may giue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom she finds faithfull, was set in the place of Grimani the tenth of Ianua∣••••••. He had beene sent Embassadour to Constantinople, towards Mahomet, newly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Empire of the East, to performe the accustomed complements in name of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••mmonweale. He is so practised in affaires, and hath so happie a memorie in a soule 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be religiously zelous to the common good, as the Senat refers more to him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••hey haue done to any of his predecessors. The Senat hath beene excommunicated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time by Pope Paul the fift, for certaine pretentions of the holy See, and it may be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••hat he carried himselfe like an immouable rocke for the defence of the State against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ightnings: so as two of the principal pillars of Christendome threatned ruine, had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most Christian Henry the fourth, the French king, imbraced these two pillars, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them vp, to set them straight, by the meanes of his Embassadours, who haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a triumphant arch to the immortalitie of his glorie. This prince who enioies ••••••ppinesse of peace, doth continually acknowledge the loue and particular affecti∣••••••ich he beares vnto France.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Great Coun∣cell.
• * 1.2

  Pregadi.
• * 1.3

  The Colledge.
• * 1.4

  The Duke.
• * 1.5

  Six Councel∣lors.
• * 1.6

  Co••ncell of Ten.
• * 1.7

  Procurator of S. Marke▪
• * 1.8

  Auogador••.