The history of the government of Venice wherein the policies, councils, magistrates, and laws of that state are fully related, and the use of the balloting box exactly described : written in the year 1675 / by the sieur Amelott de la Houssaie ...

REMARKS UPON Certain Words AND PROPER NAMES Imployed in this HISTORY.

I Have not put these Remarks in the Margin, because I must have repeated the same thing every time the same word was mentioned: Besides the Margin would not have contained all the Passages and Remarks, of which some are long, but very necessary for the Illustration and clearing of several obscure places in this Book.

Andre Contarini, Duke of Venice. In the Cloi∣ster of the Augustins in Venice, his Tomb is to be seen, with his Epitaph in Latine Verse, and this Inscription in Prose, Me nulla tacebit aetas, cum Januenses profligaverim, Clodiámque (that is Chiozza) receperim, & a maximis periculis

Patriam liberaverim. No Age but will mention me, I having defeated the Genoeses, reduced Clo∣dia, (or Chiozza) and delivered my Countrey from very great Dangers.

Andre Strozzi. This Gentleman had so ingra∣tiated with the People of Florence by selling them Corn at an under-rate, that one day he assembled above 4000 men, with whom he marched to force the Gates of the Senators Palace, de∣signing by seizing upon them to have constrained them to proclaim him Lord of Florence. Ma∣chiavel, lib. 2. of his History.

These Largesses from private Persons have in all Ages and Commonwealths been suspected. Wit∣ness Agesiaus, who was by the Ephori condem∣ned in a great fine for having sent an Ox to every Senator: The State of Sparta apprehending it an artifice to cajole the Senate, and debauch them by his Bounty.

Antonio Foscarini. This Gentleman was of a Gentle, Courteous, and Insinuating disposition; his life was exemplary, a great distributer of Alms, and for that was highly esteemed by the People, and adored by the Monks, who selling their Shells to him at a dear rate, cried him up every-where for a Saint: by which means he became odious, and suspected by the Senate, who to compleat his Saintship thought nothing wanting to him but the Crown of Martyr∣dom.

Antonio Venieri, Duke of Venice. Matina in his Elogy on the said Duke, tells us he made an example of his Son. Brutus (says he) Man∣liusque Romanae severitatis exempla, in Antonio Venerio revixere. . . . . . Totius Domus, quae unici Filii capite nitebatur, ruinam, sicco spectavit oculo. Qui in Matronae famam se injurium prebuerat, vincu∣lis

mancipatum, publico pudori victimam adolevit. Brutus and Manlius, two great Examples of the Roman soverity, revived in Antonio Venieri. . . . . With dry eyes be beheld the ruin of his whole Family, which depended upon the life of his only Son, who having offended against the Honour of a La∣dy, was by his order clapped in Chains, and made a Sacrifice to the publick dishonour.

Aristocracy, is when the Government rests in the hands of the Principal Citizens. There are two sorts of Aristocracies, one where the No∣bility only Govern by right of their Birth, and such are the Governments of Venice, Genoa, and Luca, in all which it is sufficient to be born a Gentle∣man to have a share in the Civil Administration. Whereas in the other kind of Aristocracie, all is carried by Election and Merit, as in Lacede∣mon where nothing but Virtue was regarded. The Latine Historians seem to describe these two Aristocracies by the Words Primores, and Opti∣mates. Primores are the Nobles, and in that sence Tacitus tells us, Cunctas Nationes & Ʋrbes, Po∣pulus, aut Primores, aut singuli Regunt. Ann. 4. But Optimates implys the Government of Per∣sons chosen and called to Office upon conside∣ration of Merit, without respect to their Ex∣traction. The Senate of Seleucia was composed of both, as Tacitus observes, Trecenti opibus aut sapientia delecti ut Senatus: Opibus denoting the Rich or Noble, and Sapientia the Worthy, and and men of experience.

Avogador. I do not think fit to call this Offi∣cer an Advocat-General, because the name of Avogador sounds well enough, as also because it has a certain propriety in it, and ought not to be changed: Besides, those who have been at Venice, or have any notion of their Magi∣strates,

will better understand the word Avo∣gador than Advocate-General, which many Peo∣ple would take to be different, nor would the Avogador be known to a Venetian under any other Name.

Bajamont Tiepole. This Gentleman being un∣able to suffer the election of Peter Gradenigue, to the rejection of his Father whom the Populace had proclaimed Duke, resolved, with the Quirins Badoers, Baroces, and other families dissatisfied with the late Reformation of the Government, to kill the Duke and the Senate. But on the day appointed for execution of their Design there arose so furious a Tempest, one would have thought Heaven it self had been angry, and put Nature in Arms against so horrid a Plot; for the Conspirators being frighted (as is ordinary in such undertakings) fled and dispersed as not thinking themselves safe in their own Countrey. In the Rialto there is still to be seen the Relicks of the Palace belonging to the Quirins, which they have now turned into a Shambles. And in St. Augustins (which is the Parish of Bajamont,) there is a marble Pillar with an account of the Condemnation of that Nobleman inscribed, which Stigmatizes the Conspirators with the brand of perpetual Infamy. The Senat every year visits the Church of St. Vito the 15 of June, and the Duke treats the Embassadors and Senat in memory of their deliverance.

Barnabotes, are the Nobles of the Parish of St. Barnaby, which for the greatest part are in∣digent and poor, so that to anger a Nobleman heartily, you need no more than to call him Barnabote.

Bartelmi d' Alviane was General of the Vene∣tian Infantry at the Battle of Ghiarra-d' Adda,

where he was taken Prisoner by Monsieur de Vandenesse, Brother to the Mareschal de la Pa∣lipe: he was chief cause of the loss of that Battle by his precipitation, fighting contrary to the opinion of the Count de Petilane the Gene∣ralissimo, whose advice was to protract. Machi∣avel speaking of the said Fight, tells us that the Ʋenetians, Non harianno perso la Giornata de Vaila, se fusinoti secondando i Francesi al manco dieci Giorni, ma il furore d'Alviano, trovo un maggior furore. They had not lost the Battle of Vaila, had they followed the perswasion of the French and pro∣tracted but ten days. But Alviane's heat was over∣matched by a greater. But afterwards he reco∣vered his Honour at the Battle of Marignan, where he did very good service for Francis I. who in recompence permitted him to bear in his Escutcheon the Armes of France.

Battel de Vaila. Historians call this Battle by several names: some call it the Battle of Ghiarra d' Adda, others of Caravas, others of Aignadel, and others of Rivolto or Ripalto; but 'tis the same Battle called by the names of several pla∣ces adjacent in the same Canton. Questa fu (says Guichardin lib. 8.) la Giornata famosa di Ghiarra d'Adda O come altri la Chiamano, di Vaila, fatta il 14 di Maggio, . . . . . Il Renado il di seguente a Carravagio, e batte con l' Artiglieria la Fortezza, la quale in spatio d'un di se dette libramente. This was (Guichard. l. 8.) the famous Battle of Ghiarra d'Adda, or as some others will have it, the Battle of Vaila, fought the 14 of May, . . . . . The next day the King removed to Caravaggio, and battered the Castle with his Cannon in such manner, that in a days time it surrendered. And this gave occasion to confound the Battle of Vaila, with the taking of Caravas, which happened but the day after.

Leander Albertus in his description of Venice has these words, Omnes prope modum Orbis Chri∣stiani Principes societatem contraxerant adversus Venetos, quos cum Ludovicus XII. memorabili apud Ripaltam pugna caecidisset, Imperium eorum exuere Bergamum, Brixia, Cremona, Verona, Vi∣centia, Patavium, &c. Most of the Christian Prin∣ces of the World confederated against the Venetians, who being beaten by Lewis XII. in the memorable Fight at Ripalta, the Towns Bergamo, Bressia, Cremona, Verona, Vicentia, and Padua, revolted, Cardinal Contarini in his lib. 5. of that Common∣wealth has these, Cum omnes Christiani Principes conspirassent in perniciem & exitium nominis Ve∣neti, fususque noster exercitus fuisset a Ludovico Gallorum Rege juxta Cassanum oppidum agri Cre∣monensis. When all the Princes of Christendom conspired the ruine and destruction of the Veneti∣ans, and our Army was defeated by Lewis King of France, in the Territory of Cremona.

Machiavel, lib. 3. of his Discourses c. 31. says, speaking of the Venetians, Dipoi che hebbero una miza rotta a Vaila dal Re di Francia, Perderono tutto lo stato loro. After the Venetians were de∣feated at Vaila, by the King of France, they lost most of their Government. And again lib. del Princi. c. 12. Come intervenne dipoi a Vaila, dove in una Giornata perderono quello che in Otto Cento anni con tante fatiche averano acquistatato. As it hap∣pened afterwards at Vaila, where in one day they lost what in Eight hundred years they had gained with so much difficulty and trouble.

Monsieur Bayard, c. 29 of his History speaks of this Battle, as fought 14 Maii, 1509, in the Village of Aignadel two days after the taking of the Town of Rivolto, by all which it appears that those were not different Battles as some People imagine.

Battail de Fornove. Guichardin lib. 2. of his History speaks thus of this Battle, In modo si For∣zarono i Venetiani d'attribuarsi questa Gloria, che per Commandemento publico sine fice per tutto do∣minio loro, fuochi, & altri segni d'allegrezza. Ne seguitarono nel tempo avenire piu negligemente l'e∣sempio Publico, i Privati, per che nel sepolera di Marchione Trivisano nella chiesa de Frati Minori furono scritte queste parole, Che su l'fiume del Taro Combatte con Carlo Re di Francio prosperamente. And in his Epitaph are these words, Melchior Trivisano, qui cum Carolo Franc. Rege ad Tarrum prospere conflixit. Et Nondimeno, (says the same Author) il Consentimente Ʋniversale aggudico la Palma a Franchesi, perche scacciarono gl'Inimici dal fiume, & per che resto loro libero il passare innani, che era la contentione per la quale procedui era la Combat∣tere. So careful were the Venetians to appropriate to themselves the Honour of that day, that by pub∣lick Command Bonefires were made, and other ex∣pressions of Joy. Nor afterwards were particular persons less diligent in following the Example of the Publick, for on the Tomb of the Marquiss Trevisan in the Chappel of the Minor Friars, were written these words, Who upon the River Faro fought succesfully against the King of France. And upon his Epitaph, Melchior Trevisan, who beat the King of France's Army near the Taro. Ne∣vertheless (says the same Author) Ʋniversal con∣sent gave the Victory to the French, because they forced the Enemy from the River, and opened their Passage, which was the great end of their fighting. And thus the Venetians flatter them∣selves by robbing their Enemies of their just re∣putation.

F. Benoist General of the Cordeliers. Fra. Be∣netto ando dal Re di Ungheria, e divotestamente

lo supplico, stando sempre Zenochiado, che gli pia∣cesse in opere di misericordia per sua Benignita, voler far pace col Commun di Venetia, e simil∣mente in dur Genovesi, & il Seignior di Padoa, con il Patriarch del Friul in Pace con loro, accio che le Sangue de Christiani non si spandi aggi∣ungendo, Noi siamo pronti de far quello che voi volette. To which the King of Hungary Replied, Carissime Domine, Jo non intendo di far Pace con Venetiani, se non prima lascianc quello che devono lasciare de Raison. Frier Bennet addressed him∣self to the King of Hungary, and with great de∣votion upon his Knees begged of him, that in his Princely Benignity and Compassion he would please to be Reconciled to the Venetians, and be instrumental in making their Peace with the Ge∣noeses, the Patriarch of Friul, and the Lord of Padua, whereby much Christian Blood would be spared; (adding these words) and we are ready with chearfulness to receive your Commands. The King of Hungary replied, My Resolution is never to come to Terms with the Venetians, till they restore what in reason they are bound. This I took out of an old Manuscript lent me in Ve∣nice.

Bouches Ouvertes, are the Marble heads about the Galleries of St. Mark, whose mouths are made open to receive the Billets and Memori∣als of Accusers. They call this Denuncie Secrete, or the Secret Discovery, and there is one for every Crime.

Boucicault. The Venetians having advice that the Mareschal de Boucicault Governour of Genoa had taken the Town of Barut in Syria, not∣withstanding by private intelligence they were assured he was marched against the Saracens, they attended till he came back, and gave him

Battle betwixt the Isles of Sapienza and Modon, pretending that when they sacked Barut, the French and the Genoeses had plundered the Ma∣gazines of the Venetians. However he fought them with Eleven pittiful Galleys, though they were more than Thirty: after which Charles Zen their General having boasted of this Victory, the Mareschal gave him the lye in a Letter, and challenged Duke Michael Sten, and the Ge∣neral, but they were too wise to fight with him twice. Hist. de Mar. de Boucicault. 1404.

Broglio, is a close Alley in the Palace of St. Mark where the Nobles meet to make their Parties, and therefore it is called Far Brog∣lio.

Bucentaure, is a kind of Galion in which the Senate of Venice pass when they go to marry the Sea.

Carmignole. The Venetians accused him of In∣telligence with the Duke of Milan, and of be∣traying the Publick Cause at the Siege of Cre∣mona, where-as they pretend he suffered him∣self to be beaten: but 'twas but a German trick, because they had no mind to keep him any lon∣ger, and yet feared to dismiss him lest he should take Arms with the Enemy. Machiavel in c 12. of his Prince, speaks of him thus, Vetutolo Vir∣tuosissimo, battuto che hebbero sotto l'suo Governo il Duca di Milano, e cognoscendo dall' altera parte come Egli era freddo nella Guerra, giudicorono non potere vincere piu con lui, perche non voleva; ne poteano licentiarto, per non perdere cio che avevano acquistato. Onde che furono necessitati per assicurarsi, d'ammaezarlo. Finding him a great General, un∣der whose conduct they had overcome the Duke of Milan; but finding him afterwards cool, and not prosecuting the War with his former vigor, they

concluded nothing more was to be done by him, be∣cause he himself had no mind to it, nor durst they venture to Cashier him, lest they should lose what they had got: whereupon as the only means to se∣cure themselves, they were forced to make him away. However after they had caused him to be killed, they made a solemn and magnificent Funeral for him, and Buried him in the great Church of the Cordeliers

Case Vecchie, are the ancient Families in Venice, who if we may believe themselves, flourished before the very foundation of their State, whose first Magistracy was executed by them. The Families are the Badoers, the Bragadins, the Contarins, the Cornari, the Dandoles, the Falier's, the Gradenigues, the Justinians, the Memmes, cal∣led formerly Monegares, the Michiels, the Mo∣rosins, the Sannutes or Candians, and the Tiepoles. There are other Families put in the rank of the Case Vecchi, because they follow them next, as the Belegnies, the Delfins, who reckon them∣selves a branch of the Gradenigues; the Quirins, the Sagredes, the Sorances, and the Zens, or Zenon.

Chevalier, or as they will have it Cavalieri, is a Title proper to such Noblemen as have been Embassadors with Kings, from whom they re∣ceive a Chain and this Honour at their Audi∣ence of Congé. I say with Kings, because Em∣bassadors to Dukes have not that Prerogative. These Chevaliers in the Town wear a Black Stole edged with a Gold Galoon; they have a Girdle about their Wasts, with gilt Buckles. Upon any great Ceremony their Stole is of Cloth of Gold, from whence they are called Chevalieri della Stolo d'Oro: and their quality is expressed in all Publick Acts by putting a K after their names, as Andrea Contareno, K.

Christofle More. In the year 1469, this Duke

arriving at Ancona, Pope Pius II. sent five Car∣dinals three miles into the Sea to meet and re∣ceive him. The Popes Galleys strook when they approached the Venetian Squadron; and saluted them with several peeces of Cannon. The Duke was complemented in the name of the Pope, and harangued by the Magistrates of the Town, where Bonefires were made in all the Publick Places. The same Night which was the 12th of August the Pope died, and the 15th of the same Month the Duke introduced by two Cardinals, and at∣tended by two more, was carried to Audience in the Sacred Colledg, where he took his place next to the Dean which is the usual Place for Kings. Relat. M. S. dell' andata del Doge Chr. Moro, in Ancona.

Colonnes de la Palace S. Marc. are two great Pillars of Marble, betwixt which their Criminals are Executed; from hence comes their Proverb, Guardarti dall' inter Columnio. The Nobles are so superstitious in this point, that for a World they would not pass betwixt those Pillars, be∣lieving if they did, they should certainly die there; and this Whimsey of theirs is grounded upon what happened in that case to Duke Ma∣rin Falier, who coming to Venice after his e∣lection because the Waters were high, not being able to pass under the Pont du Canal de S. Marc, he Landed betwixt those two Columnes, and came afterwards to be unfortunate; but though it might be a presage, it could not be the cause of his misfortunes.

Corne Ducale, is a Bonnet with a point roun∣ded behind: Sansovin gives the reason why the Duke pulls it not off, in these termes, La Re∣publica (says he) Mostra con questo, che e l'au∣torita del Doge limitata, e che non puo dispo∣nere del dominio a suo piacere. The Commonwealth

intimates thereby, that the Doges Authority is li∣mited, and that he cannot dispose of it as he plea∣ses.

Democracie, is a Popular Government, as in Hol∣land, and Swizzerland. There is a sort of De∣mocracie called Ochlocratie, when the meaner sort of People have more Power than the substantial Citizens. The Government of Venice under their Consuls and Tribunes, was rather an Ochlocratie than a Democratie, because the Populace had the greatest share in it: and from thence proceeded all those disorders and altercations in their As∣semblies, in which many times after they had baul'd and huffed a good while one against ano∣ther, they fell at length to Cuffs, a common thing among those kind of People; so that it might rather have been called Chirocratie, all things be∣ing managed by Violence and Tumult. But from the Election of Duke Sebastian Ziani, to the Dukeship of Peter Gradenigue the Government of Venice was Democratical, with a mixture of Och∣locratie; for the Mechanicks had part in it, as appears by the speech of Marc. Quirin speaking to Duke Gradenigue, where he has these words, Questo dose spento da Spirito Diabolico, ha vo-giu serrar el Mazor Consiglio, e privar qualunque bon Citadin de poter pervenir alla prerogativa de No∣bile Veneto; donde che Convien seguir un pessimo fatto, che cosi come tutti li Cittadini, Grandi, Me∣diocri, & Infimi sono state sempre prontissimi di metter la vita per la Republica nostra, cosi es∣sendo stati esclusi, sevedera in loro male contentezza, &c. This devilish Spirit has prevailed so far, as to shut up the Grand Council, and deprive the substantial Citizens of capacity to arrive at the Prerogative of Noble Venetians; a thing of very ill consequence, for by this means the Greatest,

the Middle sort, and the Populace, all of them ready to lay down their lives for our Country, finding themselves excluded, nothing but dissatisfaction and discontent will be found in them. By Grandi he means the Nobles, by Mediocri the Citizens, and by Infimi the Populace. In my judgment it is clear, but if any desires to be satisfied fur∣ther, let them read 5 Chap. du squitinio della li∣berta Venetia; out of which I have taken those words.

Doria, General for the Genoeses. The M. S. History of Venice that I quoted before, gives us an Answer of this General's to a Secretary of Venice in these terms; Jo non son stato mandato qui dal mio Commun per aver di voi ne del vo∣stro Commun Misericordia alcuna; Anzi jo ho Commission da Quello, deprivarvi del tutto della vostra Citta, come ho fatto de questa (meaning the Town of Chiozza) e con piu strage, non per∣donando ad alcun de voi la vita, di tal modo che mai piu per alcuno tempo questo nome Venetian sia per alcuna banda visto ne mentionato. Pero ri∣tornate a Venetia con si vostri Prigioni (for the Venetian Envoy had brought him six or seven Prisoners from the Senat) che jo non li voglio, perche non passera troppi Giorni che noi veniremo in Venetia, e questi e d'altri a mal vostro grado traremo fuor di Prigion, & cosi detto voltoli le spalle. I am not sent hither to have Compassion either of you, or your Government: My Commission is rather to dispossess you of your own City as I have done of this, and with so much severity am I to pro∣ceed against you, that I am neither to spare any of your lives, nor to suffer the very name of Venice to be mentioned hereafter: Return therefore with your Prisoners (for the Senat of Venice had sent him six or seven Prisoners) I will have none of

them, being resolved e're many days pass, to be in Venice my self, and in spight of your teeth to de∣liver them, and all the rest that are there; and having said so, he turned his back upon him and departed. This Answer gives us to understand the greatness of the Animosity betwixt the Ve∣netians and Genoeses, and the hopes the Genoeses had to have been Masters of Venice in few days, as doubtless they would have been, had not Ge∣neral Doria been slain at the Battle of Chiozza, which put a new face upon their Affairs.

The Name of Doria has been always fatal to the Venetians. In the year 1284, Hubert Do∣ria defeated their Fleet, and took their General Morosini Prisoner, with all the most considerable Nobility of Pisa. In the year 1298, Lamba Doria having found their Fleet at Curzole in Dalma∣tia, burned 67 Galleys, took 8, and 7000 Pri∣soners with their General Dandolo. Pagan Doria obtained great Victories over them, one 1352, near Constantinople, where he took 48 of the 89 Galleys that made up their Fleet: and the other defeat he gave them was 1354 near the Island Sapienza, in which he took and carried off with him 36 Galleys, their General, and 5000 Prisoners. In 1379 Lucian Doria gained the Battle of Pola in Istria against Victor Pisani the Vene∣tian General, taking from him 15 Galleys and 2400 Prisoners. Not long after, this Victory was followed by another, that is, by the taking of the Cities of Carolo, Grada, and Chiozza by Peter Doria, of whom I have spoken before. And last of all, Andreas Doria General of the Emperours Galleys made it appear, that he inhe∣rited the indignation of his Ancestors and Coun∣trey-men, not being to be perswaded to ingage at Perveso in the Archipelago against Barbarossa,

though earnestly tempted by the Popes General, and the Venetian General Vincent Capet had o∣pened a way to the Victory, by already sinking several of the Turkish Galleys, so that the crosness and aversion of Doria frustrated the designs of the League, and lost them a fair opportunity of vanquishing those Infidels.

Dragon Borguese. Pope Paul V. being of the House of Borguese, bore Azure, a Dragon Or, with an Eagle Sables in chief.

Ducales, so they call all the Letters Patents of the Senat, because they always begin with the Dukes name in this form, N. . . . . Dei Gratia, Dux Venetiarum, &c. Ʋniversis & singulis Recto∣ribus & Representantibus nostris quibuscunque dilectis salutem & dilectionis affectum: and then all the rest is in Italian to the Date, which is com∣monly in Latin. Datum in nostro Ducali, die, &c. The Superscription of the Ducals directed to the Provincial Magistrates is likewise Latin, in these words, Nobili & sapienti viro N. . . . . Praetori Nostro Carissimo.

Eloge of the Venetians in the Royal Hall of the Vatican: it runs thus, Alexander Papa III Fre∣derici Imper. iram & impetum, fugiens abdidit se Venetiis. Cognitum, & a Senatu perhonorifice susceptum, Ottone Imp. Filio Navali praelio a Ve∣netis victo, Captoque, Fredericus, Pace facta sup∣plex adorat, fidem & obedientiam pollicitus. Ita Pontifici sua dignit as Venetae Reip. beneficio re∣stituta. Pope Alexander flying from the force and indignation of the Emperour Frederick III. abscon∣ded in Venice; being discovered and treated ho∣norably by the Senat, upon a Victory obtained by the Venetians at Sea, in which Otho the Emperours Son was overcome and taken Prisoner, Frederick was not only forced to a Peace, but upon his Knees

promised obedience and fidelity to his Holiness for the future, so that the Pope was restored to his dignity, by the Beneficence and Generosity of the Ve∣netian Commonwealth. Anno 1577. Cardinal Baronius in his 12 Tome would perswade us, that the Restitution of Alexander III. by the Venetians was a Fable. Ʋrban VIII. was of the same opi∣nion, or at least pretended to be so, when he caused the same Elogy to be expunged, which expunction was the more offensive to the Ve∣netians, because it was a step towards the re∣moving them out of the said Sale Royale, as they had removed the Elogy: For if Alexander III. had not been restored by them, by consequence it would follow the Title by which the State of Venice injoyed all its Royal Preheminences was false, and the Pope might degrade it from the rank it held among the Crowns. The Procura∣tor Nani in his History of Venice, lib. 10. says, All' auviso che ni pervenne in Venetia, furono gle animi indicibilmente Commosi, e nelle consulte de Senatori si ponderava con gravi riflessi . . . . Alcuni se dolevano che denegasse Urbano di Riconoscere quel merito della Republica alla quale i suoi Pre∣decessori non avevano sdegnato di confessarsi tenati . . . . . Confessavano tutti non poter piu la Repub∣lica inviar Ambasciatori a venerare in quella sala, vicario di Christo, fin tanto che restassero sospese, e sipuo diri condannate le di Lei piu illustre Memorie. Ʋpon the news of it at Venice it is not to be ex∣pressed how much their minds were disturbed, and in the Senat it was highly resented, . . . . Some com∣plained very sharply that Urban should refuse to own that Service, which his Predecessors had not disdained to confess. . . . . . Others declared the Com∣monwealth could not with honour send Embassadors to pay their reverence to Christ's Viccar in that

Hall, whilst their merits were suspected, and the memory of them condemned.

E'pee, is the Sword carried in their Ceremo∣nies before the Senat; the Nobleman who car∣ries it, is always one of those who are named to go as Rectors into the Provinces.

Francis Carraro was a great Lord, who being brought Prisoner to Venice, threw himself at the Doges Feet, and begged his Pardon in these words, Peccavi Domine, miserere mei. I have offended, Sir, I beseech you forgive me. But the Venetians being never excellent at forgiving, the Duke returned him this Answer, Voi trovarete da noi quella misericordia che le tradimenti e scelerita vostre meritano. We will shew you such Mercy as your treasons and wickedness deserves: and then reproached him by the benefits his Family had received from the Venetians. To which Carraro only replied, Non e lecito al servo respondere al suo Seigniore. It is not lawful for a Servant to reply upon his Master. Hist. M. S. de Ven. The Venetians had given to his Father the Seigniory of Padua after they had driven out the Seigniors Albovin, and Mastin de l'Escale. In the year 1404, Francis usurped the Principality of Verona from Guillaume de l'Escale, who poisoned him, of which the Senat of Venice took advantage, and his Crime having made him odious to all people, they made that a pretence to invade him, and take away his Territories. This Noble∣man Francis Corraro had put himself under the Protection of France, and done Homage to that King for the Towns of Padua and Verona, to the Mareschal de Boucicault at Genoa, which extream∣ly incensed the Venetians against him.

Francisco Foscaro Duke of Venice, his Epitaph describes him speaking in these terms, Accipite

Cives Francisci Foscari vestri Ducis imaginem—Maxima Bella pro vestra salute & dignitate, Terra Marique per annos plusquam triginta gessi, summa felicitate confeci. Labantem suffulsi Italiae libertatem: Brixiam. Bergamum, Ravennam, Cremam, Imperio adjunxi vestro, &c. Accept good Citizens, this Mo∣nument of the General Francisco Foscari—Great Wars for your safety and honour, both at Land and Sea for above thirty years I not only managed, but finished with success. Your tottering Liberty I sustained, and added to your Empire Bressia, Bergamo, Ravenna, Crema, &c. Yet all these Services and great Actions did not hinder the Venetians from depo∣sing him, and putting another in his place before he died, of which he was too passionatly sensible to live many days after: so that his Funeral had this extraordinary, to be honoured with the pre∣sence of another Duke, a thing seldom known in Venice.

Francisco Morosini was accused by the Avo∣gador Antonio Corraro of having surrendered Can∣dia without Order from the Senat, and of ha∣ving made a dishonourable Peace that he called in his speech Pace mostruosa conclusa senz' autori∣ta, sentita con amarezza, Pace senza cantare, Te Deum. An abominable Peace, concluded without Authority, and received without Joy: a Peace un∣capable of a Te Deum. By virtue of which the said Avogador moved that he might be suspen∣ded from the Procuratorship till he had cleared himself of his Charge. But Morosini was defen∣ded by the Chevalier John Sagredi, and the Se∣nator Michael Foscharini. Sagrede in an Oration in his behalf, said, That Corraro imitated the Gentiles, who Sacrificed to their Gods innocent Victims for the Graces they received from them, for being honoured with the Office of an Avogador,

he, in acknowledgment, would Sacrifice an innocent Citizen, who with his Sword in his hand had de∣fended his Country for the space of 26 years. That it was hard to suspend him his Procuratorship now, after he had possessed it peaceably 14 Months. That he should have opposed himself against the re∣solution of the Grand-Council when it was given him; But having consented then to his election, it was unjust to dispossess him now, before he was convicted a Criminal. Concluding with the Ex∣ample of the Jews, who never medled with the Garment of Jesus Christ till after he was Cru∣cified. Eli Ebrei (said he) volsero serbare gli ordini della giustitia; Lo condussero inanzi a Giu∣dici, lo presentacono a Caifus & a Pilato; e vero che lo spoglianno della Veste, e se la divisero, ma non gliela levarono, si non doppo Crocefisso. The Jews observing the due methods of Justice, carried him into the Judgment Hall, presented him before Caiphas and Pilat, and though they stripped him, and divided his Garment, they did not do it till after he was Crucified. Corraro replying in the next Counsil, flew out into such invectives against Sagredi, that he called him Poisoned-tongue, tel∣ling him he was like the Roman Orator who was esteemed more Eloquent than Honest, Prosperiore Eloquentiae quam Morum fama. Tac. Ann. 4. which had like to have put all the great Families into Parties, and the whole Commonwealth into a flame, had not the Senat with great dexterity nipt their Animosity in the Bud, by Commanding the Avo∣gador to desist in his Prosecution. For there is nothing the Senat fears more than dissension a∣mong the Nobility, as being perswaded the Neigh∣bouring Princes would propagate it with design to oppress both parties in the conclusion, as it

happened to the Seleucians and the Rhodians, Ʋbi dissensore (says Tacitus) accitus in partem, adursus omnes valescit. Besides this, there is an example of the Veronois, now subject to the Venetian, who lost their liberty by a Quarrel betwixt the Mon∣ticoli, and the Crescences, who were Gibilnes, and against S. Boniface who was a Guelfe.

Ghiarra d'Adda is a Country in Milan, be∣twixt the Rivers Adda and Serio, and the Moun∣tains of Bergamo. Paul Merula calls it Insula Fulcheria, because it resembles an Isle. It was delivered to the Venetians upon a League into which they entred against Lewis XII.

Gradisque is a place of importance in Sclavo∣nia, that was for some time in possession of the Venetians, but since returned to the Emperour, the Venetians have oft attempted to retake it, upon pretence of driving the Corsairs out of the Gulf.

Interdicts de Venice. The Commonwealth of Venice has been five times Interdicted. First upon score of the Church of St. Geminian, which they had pulled down without the Popes permission, to inlarge the Place Saint Marc. I could not understand the precise time, but 'tis certain for that reason the Senat goes every year the next Sunday after Easter to visit the said Church, which they have rebuilt at the end of the Palace, re∣newing every time their promise to rebuild it in the ancient place, but that is only a formality.

Their next Excommunication was for Invading Ferrara, which Pope Clement V. would have had; and to take off this Excommunication, Francis Dandoli the Venetian Embassador, threw himself at the Popes Feet, loaden with Chains and Irons like a Thief and a Slave, by which means he

prevailed for their Absolution. This shews how much they formerly apprehended the censures of the Church. But the Venetians now-a-days are not so tender, since they have considered that the Popes make use of their Spiritual Arms upon Temporal occasions, a thing that of late years have rendered their censures very con∣temptible. Haec poena, ex quo Romani Pontifices dirarum prodigi fuere, minus virium habuit, Pap. Masson. Besides the Venetian is now better in∣structed in the force of the Ecclesiastical Laws, and of the independance of the Temporal Power.

Their third Excommunication was by Sixtus IV. who grown jealous of their proceedings, was forced to Excommunicate them, and joyn with the other Princes of Italy, to make them give over the Siege of Ferrara.

Julius II. Excommunicated them the fourth time to compel them to the restitution of Ri∣mini and Faenza to the Church, and it answered his design.

Their last Excommunication was by Paul V. in the year 1605, upon the Imprisonment of two Ecclesiasticks, and for some Edicts of their Se∣nat, which he pretended were contrary to the liberty and immunities of the Church; but it was done with so little success and satisfaction, that since that time the Popes have been very cautious of renewing those kind of quarrels, as serving only to insense the Princes against them, and lessen their Veneration for the Court of Rome.

Lion Venetien, Venice bears Azure, a Lion se∣dant aile d'Or, holding an open Book Argent in his Foot, the Lion is Sedant, to shew the

Venetians are peaceable and deliberative, sitting being the posture of Men in Council, as also to signify they know how to prevail by address and cunning, as well as Fighting, like the Romans, of whom it was said, Romanus sedendo vincit. It has Wings, to imitate its promptitude and rea∣diness to execute what is maturely deliberated. Upon discourse about the Wings of the Lion, an Embassador from the Emperour asked Where those Winged-Lions were to be found? The Doge replied, In the same Countrey where the Eagle with two heads is to be found. The Lion has in its Paw an open Book, with this Inscription, Pax tibi Marce Evangelista meus, to declare that the State of Venice prefers Peace before War, and, according to the Emperour Justinian's Precept, is armed with good Laws, which are the true Arms of Peace. But in time of War the Book is shut, because then the Laws are without Au∣thority, and silent, Inter Arma silent Leges. And the Lion in the other Paw holds a naked Sword, as the Simbole of War.

Maria de Gonzague. The Chevalier Ange Cor∣raro in his M. S. of France, speaks thus of this Princess. Tengono per indubitabile tutti i ministri che la Principessa fissa nell' impressione che 'l Duchi∣no non debba vivere lungamente habbi procurato dall Imperatore il nome di Duchessa, per far passo all Conseguimento dell investitura in se de' feudi, etiandio ad Esclusione di Guastalla, ma con segreta promissa, venendo il caso della morte del Duca, d'accasarsi coll' Infante Ferdinando. Negotio, che se travesse effecto, all' Italia tutta, ma piu alla se∣renita vostra riuscerebbe di pregiudicio ben grave per li stati di essa trala Germania e Mantoua in∣interposte. Onde sara effetto della prudenza in∣seperabile

di questo Augustissimo Senat l'applicar, ben fisso l'occhio, e col riflesso, il remedio alle no∣vita che potissero andar insurgendo. It is unquesti∣onably believed by all the Ministers, that the Prin∣cess taking a fancy the young Duke could not live long, had obtained of the Emperour the Title of Dutchess, in order to investiture afterwards, even to the Exclusion of Guastalo, But with private in∣gagement if the said Duke died, to marry the In∣fante Ferdinando: A thing of great consequence to all Italy if it had succeeded, but of more than or∣dinary prejudice to your serenity, in respect of your Territories betwixt Germany and Mantua: where∣fore it will be an effect of the Wisdom inseparable from this August Senat, to apply such solemn re∣medy as may prevent the ill Consequences which are like to ensue.

Marin Falier. This Duke being unable to ob∣tain Justice against Michael Sten who had De∣bauched his Wife, or at least one of his Daugh∣ters, resolved to revenge himself by Murdering the Principal Nobles, and oppressing the Common Liberty. But one of the Conspirators named Ber∣trand Pelizare discovered his design to the In∣quisitors of State, who the same day caused his Head to be chopt off in the very first year of his Regency. Every year there is a General Pro∣cession made about the Place Saint Mark, the 16 of April being St. Isidor's-day, in memory of their deliverance. In the Hall of the Grand Coun∣cil, where hang all the Pictures of the Dukes, with their Names, there is only a Black Board for this Duke with these four words, Locus Ma∣rini Falieri Decapitati. He was the third Duke of his Family: the other two were Vital and Ordelafe, the first of which received Investure of

the Provinces of Dalmatia and Croatia from A∣lexis the Emperour of Constantinople: the other was killed with a Lance in a Fight at Zara in Dalmatia. Since the said Marin, they have al∣vvays depressed that Family vvhich before vvas one of the most Illustrious, not only in Venice, but in all Italy, where it was allied to most of the Princes.

Monarchy is a Government by a single Person, as in France, Spain, Portugal, &c.

Oligarchy is a Form of Government in the pos∣session of a few: The Commonwealth of Sparta vvas Oligarchick, because the Senat consisted but of thirty men, viz. two Kings and twenty eight Se∣nators, to whom afterwards were added five E∣phori. Aristotle, Isocrates, and Plutarch confound often times the names of Aristocracy and Oligar∣chy. Isocrates ad Nicod. calls the Lacedemonians Oligarchical, whereas Aristotle and Plutarch say they were Aristocratical, and Plato says, Nega∣re eam esse Optimatum administrationem, omnino absurdum. lib. 4. de leg. But in strictness an Oligar∣chy is an imperfect Aristocracy; so that when an Aristocracy is reduced to a small number, 'tis a sign of its corruption and defect, and is a step to Monarchy, as Tacitus observes, Ann. 5. Paucorum dominatio Regiae libidini proprior est.

Orso participatio, Grand Escuier of Constanti∣nople. This Office has been injoyed by five Dukes of Venice, who in that quality were the second Persons in the Eastern Empire. Peter Gradenigue the twelfth Duke, was the first of them who received that Honour from the Emperour Michel. Classe 60 triremium (says Leander Albertus in his description of Venice) Michaelem Imp. Con∣stantinop. adversus Saracenos Apuleam infestan∣tes

juvit, eoque Proto-spatarius ab eo dictus, qui tum temporis secundus ab Imperatore Grecae cen∣sebatur honor. With a Fleet of 60 Galleys (says Leander) he assisted Michael Emperour of Con∣stantinople against the Saracens who infested A∣pulia, and was therefore by the said Emperour called Proto-spatharcus, which in those days was esteemed the next Honour to the Emperour of Greece. His Successor Orso Participatio was con∣tinued in his place by the Emperour Basil, as the same Author reports. The three other Dukes honoured with this Dignity were Peter Tribun, Ʋrse Badoer, and Peter Candien, the second of that name.

Parte. The Venetians call Parte the Arrests and Decrees of their Councils. Thus they say Parte del Gran Consiglio; Parte del Senato; Parte del Consiglio Dieci. And to say a thing was re∣solved in Council, we must say Fu presa la Parte.

Pipin King of Italy. Pope Leo in his Elogies of the Dukes of Venice, ingeniously acknowledges the Victory King Pipin had over the Venetians, how partial soever he be for their Glory; speaking of Obclere Duke of Venice, and his Brothers, Ab his Caroli, Pipini{que} agmina ad Patriae sunt vo∣cata excidia. . . . . . Heraclea obruta, Matamancum & Albiola dedita, populata Clodia, & nisi Mumi∣na obstitissent, ipsa foret deleta Civitas, (that is Venice) Acerrimae pugnae locum Orphanum appel∣lant Rivum, quasi patre se liberisque viduatam tunc Patria. By these were the Troops of Charles and of Pipin called in, even to the destruction of their own Country. . . . . Heraclea was demolished, Ma∣tamancum and Albiola lost, Clodia plundered, and had not the Gods opposed, Venice it self had

been ruined. The place of this unhappy Battle was upon the River Orphanus, called so, because the Venetians seemed at that time to be left like Orphans, without either Parents or Children. By which it appears that Venice remained as an Orphan after the great losses it sustained in that War, which the People revenged afterwards upon the Duke and his Fa∣mily. Sabellicus has not spoke his opinion there∣upon, lest he should have displeased the Venetians had he said what he knew. His words are Adeo varie res traditur a Venetarum scriptoribus, ut quid potissimum sequar difficile se discernere. So va∣riously is this Action imparted by the Venetian Writers, 'tis not easy to be desided whom I am to believe. The Author of the Squitinio della liberta Veneta has found out the true cause why the Venetians would rob King Pipin of so famous a Victory, Accortesi (says he) che attribuendo la Vittoria a Pipino, la Liberta sempre perpetuata andava di male: si accordarono poco a poco di dire tutti ad una voce che loro furono Vittoriosi, e Pipino perdente. When they considered, (says he) that by attributing the Victory to King Pipin, it would re∣flect upon their Liberty, which as they pretended had been perpetual without interruption, they unani∣mously agreed with one voice to affirm the Victory was theirs, and Pipin defeated.

Podesta is a Lombard word taken from the Latin, and is as much as Potestatem habens.

Proveditor. In French he would be called Pro∣viseur, but because the Italian word is easily un∣derstood, and to be found every day in the Ga∣zette, I have not thought fit to change it any more than the Sopra-Proveditor, who is the same with a Sur-Intendant.

Quarantie. I know it is no French word, and

'tis possible to call it Quarantine might be better'; I say possibly, because 'tis an equivocal word, and signifies forty men, or forty days. But that which gave me most confidence to call it so, was because I heard it called Quarantie by persons who under∣stood all the delicacies of the French Tongue.

Rectori is a name common to a Podestat, or Captain at Arms. They are promiscuously called Rettori, because they govern the Cities under the dominion of that State, together, but each with separate Jurisdiction: and 'tis in this sence they say Andar in Reggimento.

Regates, are the Courses or Combats of their Boats upon the Grand Canal for a Prize, not un∣like the Carrousels. These Contests were insti∣tuted first by Duke John Surance to accustom the Common People to fight at Sea. Ʋt Cives doceret Maritimis assuescere Bellis, ludicras insti∣tuit Naumachias. Matina.

Rois de Sparta. There were always two Kings in Sparta, one, of the elder Branch of Euristenides or Agides: The other of the Branch of Proclides, or Euripontides who were of the younger House. Mos est, (sais Probus in Agesilao) a majoribus Lacedemoniis traditus, ut duos haberent semper Reges ex duabus Familiis Proclis, & Euristinis . . . . Harum ex altera in alterius locum fieri non lice∣bat. Itaque uterque suum retinebat Ordinem. It was a custom derived to them from their Ancestors to have at the same time two Kings, of two par∣ticular Families, the Proclis, and the Euristinis. . . . . And it being unlawful to transpose one into anothers place, each retained his own proper order. The Emu∣lation betwixt these two Kings kept them con∣stantly within the bounds of their Duty, as is observed by Plato 3. de Legib, Dens (says he) opi∣nos

aliquis de vobis curam gerens, geminam vobis Regum Progericem ex una stirpe producens ad mo∣derationem eorum potestatem retraxit. Some God (says he) having more than ordinary care of you, provided you a double Race of Kings out of one Stock, and thereby reduced their Power to mode∣ration.

Sebastian Ziani. To this Doge it was Pope A∣lexander III. gave the Silver Trumpets, the Pa∣rasol, the Folding-Chair, the Cushions, the Ban∣ners, and the White-Wax carried before the Senat in their Publick Ceremonies; as also he gave him permission to Seal his Ducals with Lead, as the Court of Rome does, Ʋt Veneti Senatus gravitatem praedicaret, says Matina, in Seb. Ci∣ano.

Serenita is a Title the Venetians give their Doge to distinguish him from other Noble men, and they think that a greater Title than Highness.

Superscription of Letters from the Senat of Venice, to the Duke of Savoy, is always Latin, and in these Terms, Illustrissimo & Excellentissimo Principi N. . . . .sabaudiae Duci dignissimo, filio no∣stro Carissimo. But the Duke of Savoy pretends they should give him the Title of Serenissimo, as they do the Title of Altezza in the middle of their Letters. And for this reason the Duke of Venice never himself receives the Credentials of the Venetian Embassadors, but causes them to be received and opened by the Secretary, with∣out looking upon the Superscription,

Title of Most Christian given by the Popes to the Republick of Venice. Honorius, dignissimo ti∣tulo & merito quidem, Venetam Rempublicam Christianissimam nominat, utpote que relictis Schis∣maticis, Romanae Ecclesiae adhaesisset. Quo amples∣simo

titulo gloriosa, Terra Mari{que} feliciter domi∣nium propagavit. Honorius justly calls the Re∣publick of Venice by the Honourable title of Most Christian, because renouncing the Schismaticks, She stuck close to the Church of Rome: under which honourable Compellation, She performed many brave things, and inlarged his Dominion both at Land and Sea. Baron. Tom. 8. Ann. 630. Pius II. con∣firmed it to them, by this Benediction in a full Consistory. Benedicti sint Filii nostri Veneti, Bene∣dicat Deus Christianissimam Rempubl. & Senatum eorum adjuvet, eisque adversus Turkas praestet Victo∣riam. God Bless our good Sons the Venetians, God bless their Most Christian Commonwealth, God bless their Senat, and give them Victory against the Turks.

Thomas Moccineguo. This Duke before his death called into his Chamber the principal Senators of Venice, and desired each of them to tell him upon whom they pitched for his Successor. The greatest part named Francis Foscaro, the Person of all, to whom the said Thomas had most a∣version, because he knew him strongly inclined to make War upon the Continent. Upon which Consideration he told them, Sapete Seigniori quan∣to odio glorioso, per amor della Patria jo habbi conceputo contro di questo soggetto circa l'interpren∣der la Guerra. Vi tornerible piu a conto d'atten∣dere alla Conservatione di cio che avete conquistato nel Mar, che procurar di piantare in Terra le Palme. Ma prego Seignior Iddio sia propitio ed a voi edalla vostra Republica. Know Gentlemen, my Love to my Countrey has made me always a∣verse to enterprizes of War at Land, It will turn better to account if you apply to the conservation of what you have gained at Sea, and not think of

planting Lawrels on Shore: but I beseebh God to be Propitious both to you and your Government. And these were his last words. But the Venetians interpreted this grave advice to be only jealousy against Foscaro, as the Romans did of Augustus when he advised them not to think of extending the Bounds of their Dominion. Tac. Ann. 1.

Turks. The Venetians began their first War with the Turks about the year 1340, and their first Captain General that Commanded against them, was Peter Zen, Created under the Dogeship of Francis Dandole, Surnamed the Dogg; and he defeated them in the Syrian Sea. Since then they have had several Wars, but three more un∣fortunate to the Venetians than the rest; for they lost three several Kingdoms by them.

The first was the War of Negropont, under Duke Christopher Morus, and their General Ni∣cholas Canal; upon whom the loss of that Island was charged, because he brought no Succour to Paul Erizze in time. This Paul Erizze, the Go∣vernor of the said Isle, was the Person whom Mahomet caused to be sawed a-pieces in the mid∣dle; with this pretence, That though he promised not to meddle with his Head, he did not promise not to meddle with his Wast. This War lasted six∣teen years.

The second was the War with Cyprus, under the Dukes Peter Loredan, and Lewis Moccenigue. This whole Island was taken by Mustapha Bassa General to Selymus, who caused the Valiant Marc-Antonio Bragadin to be flea'd alive, and the Head of Seignior Astor de Baillon to be cut off.

The third War was that of Candia, the most Famous of all that ever the Venetians maintain'd.

It continued from the year 1645 to 1669, when the Capital City was surrendred by General Fran∣cis Morosini, under the Dogeship of Dominick Con∣tarino.

Victor Amedee. The Procurator Nani in his 9th. Book, speaks of him thus, Il Duca Vittorio Amedeo di Savoia per non condescendere nelle forme di fresco introdotte co' Cardinali, assunse titelo di Redi Cipro con poca approvatione del Mondo; Ch' Egli doppo ceduto con Pignarolo il decoro, (which words shew how much the surrendting of Pigne∣rolo went to their heart,) che gli portava la Cura di custodire l' Porta d' Italia, si fregiasse di titoli di quel Regno, con grave disgusto de Venetiani, che l'avevano per molti anni legitamente goduto, e che porlandone querele alle Corti de Principi dell' Euro∣pa, si di chiarono disobligati da qualcun{que} corris∣pondenza co Savoiardi. Victor Amedeus Duke of Savoy, not to condescend in certain forms lately in∣troduced with the Cardinals, took upon him the Ti∣tle of King of Cyprus, with little approbation of the World: That having lost with the Town of Pig∣nerol, the Honour he bore by having the Key of all Italy in his custody; to reprize himself, he assumed the Title of that Kingdom, to the great disgust and prejudice of the Venetians, who had for many years peaceably enjoyed it; and carrying their Complaints to the Courts of most Princes of Europe, the Vene∣tian declared themselves free, and disoblig'd from all further Correspondence with the said Duke. Upon which occasion, it will not be amiss if we a little consider the Title of both Parties to the Kingdom of Cyprus.

The Venetian derives his Title from a Conces∣sion and Renunciation made to him by Katherine Cornaro Wife to King James, and Heir to James

his Son. And again, from an investiture obtained by the Senat from the Sultan of Egypt; and they held it from the year 1510 when Katherine died, to rhe year 1570 when the Turk took it from them.

The Duke of Savoy on the other side grounds his Title from the donation of Charlot only Daughter of John King of Cyprus, to the Nephew Charles Duke of Savoy, alledging That Lewis of Savoy, Husband to Charlot, had been owned as Heir apparent to the Crown; and in that capacity had received an Oath of Fidelity from all the great Officers of that Kingdom at the Celebration of his Marriage. That the Ʋsurpation of James (who was a Bastard) could not prejudice the Title of Charlot the lawful Heir, and that by Consequence the Title of the Venetian subsisting upon a violent Ʋsurpation, and, which is worse, a Parricide, (it be∣ing certain the said Bastard poisoned his Father,) they could not, nor ought not to be in better condition than the Ʋsurper from whom they pretended. But when the Duke of Savoy published his Manifesto, the Venetians Sword being the longer, they re∣turned only this Verse of Scripture in answer, Coelum Coeli Domino, Terram autem dedit filiis homi∣num. By which Argument all Usurpations would stand good, and the weakest be always oppressed. In a word, 'tis one of their old Tenents, That God has left the Earth in such manner to the Sons of Men, that all Countreys belong to him vvho can catch them; Sicut Coelum diis, ita Terras Ge∣neri mortalium datas, Tac. Ann. 13. And that all Princes ought to accommodate their Justice to their povver. Id in sumr••a fortura, aequus, quod validius, Tac. Ann. 15. A 〈…〉〈…〉 vvhich the Turk has taken out, at 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉. Again the

course they took to invest themselves vvith the Kingdom of Cyprus, vvas singular, and odd. The Senat first Adopted James Son of Queen Kathe∣rine, making him a Noble Venetian; and after his death, they caused themselves to be reciprocally Adopted by Queen Katherine, to qualify them to inherit from both, from the one as a Son of St. Marc, and from the other as a Daughter and Mo∣ther of their State; Daughter by Birth, and Mo∣ther by Adopting the Senat her Son. A neat inven∣tion to entitle themselves to a Kingdom. But to return to Victor Amedeus.

Mal consigliato (says Catarin Belegne in a M. S. of his Embassy into Savoy) ne suoi consigli Vittorio Amadeo in rilapar Pinarolo alla Francia, in fingere clandestinamente l'accordo di Chierasco, & imporre a se stesso, & all' Italia tutta nuove catene. Vittor Amedeus was very ill-advised to deliver Pignerol to the French; to make that Claudestine Capitula∣tion at Chierasca; and to put new Chains upon all Italy and himself. And a fevv leaves after: In Concambio di Pinarolo e suo finaggio, del passaggio libera della Riviera di Cluson, assiene con tutti le valli che danno mano alla Provincia di Delfinato, & impongono all' Italia un durissimo giogo. From vvhence it may easily be gathered hovv glad the Venetians are of the Neighbourhood of the French; who (as the Venetians themselves say) will either be Masters or Enemies to every body that is near them.

Vital Michaeli II. Duke of Venice, vvas assas∣sinated in his passage to St. Zechariah, a Mona∣stery of Venetian Gentlevvomen, in visiting of vvhich Monastery Peter Gradenigue I. vvas killed before. Jannot speaks of the assassination of Vi∣tal, in these vvords. Publicum aerarium ob assidua

bella gesta contra Graecorum Imp. Emanuelem cum exhaustum esset, ea quae dicuntur a nobis Im∣praestita primus excogitavit. . . . . . Quae res tantam invidiam Duci apud multos conflavit, ut ipso resur∣rectionis Dominicae die confossus fuerit in itinere ad D. Zachariae. The Publick Treasury, by reason of their long Wars against Emanuel Emperor of Greece, being utterly exhaust; to supply it, he was the first who invented the way of Loans, which Crea∣ted him so much envy, that even on an Easter-day he was slain as he was going to the Monastery of St. Zecharies. From vvhence some people conclude the Sovereignty of the said Duke, as the same Author observes. Ipse (says he) totam invidiam Culpam{que} sustinuit, ex commodatis pecuniis uni fibi conflatam, propterea quod omnia virsabantur in sua potestate. All the odium contracted by borrowing of Money, was laid upon him, because he had the whole management of Affairs. Matina in his Elo∣gy of Sebastian Ziani, vvho immediately suc∣ceeded Vital, acknovvledges the Sovereignty of the precedent Dukes, in these vvords: Sebastianus potentiae solem, in plura Magistratum sydera est partitus. For if he vvere the first vvho divided the povver of the Government, vvith his Ma∣gistrates; it follovvs clearly, that before that di∣vision, the said Povver vvas intirely in the hands of the Duke.

It remains now that to these Remarks I add only one Article touching the Re∣ception of Royal Embassadors at Venice, to serve as an Explication to what I have already said in the Chapter of the Colledg.

WHen an Embassador has set the day for his publick Entry, the Senat to re∣ceive him, appoints a Chevalier of the Golden Stole, who commonly has been himself Embassador in the Court of the said Embassador's Master.

This Chevalier attended by 60 Senators goes to meet the said Embassador at the Church of the Abbey de S. Esprit, where he Complements him in the name of the Senat. After which, he puts the Embassador into a Gondolo richly fur∣nished, and conducts him to his Palace, followed by all the Noble-men, who in their several Gon∣dolo's give precedence to the several Attendants of the Embassador, though they be even in Li∣veries

Entring into the Palace the Chevalier keeps himself on the Left-hand of the Embassador, who at his going out gives him the Right, as all Servants do to the Senators. The next morning the same Company come again to his Palace, and he receives them on the middle of the Stairs, giving the Right-hand to the Chevalier, as all

his Officers do to the rest of the Senators. But when the Embassadors goes out, he takes the the Right-hand again, and his Equipage of the Senators, and in that Order marches to his Au∣dience in the Colledg.

When he enters, he Salutes the Assembly three times. The first when he comes in the Door, the Second in the middle of the Hall, and the third when he comes up to the Seat where the Senators are set. Every Salutation consists of three Bows, one to the Duke and Councellors, and two to the Sages of the two sides; that is to say, to the Sages-Grans on the Right-hand, and the Sages de Terra & des Orders on the Left-hand. After this he takes his place on the Right-hand of the Doge, to whom he Presents his Credentials, which are read aloud afterwards by one of the Secretaries. His Credentials being read, the Embassador delivers his Message with the Doors open, to which having received the Doges Answer, he returns to his Palace in the same Order he came, and when the Chevalier and his Senators have paid him their last Com∣plement, he conducts them back to their Boats, and gives him the upper hand.

The Popes Nuntio is received in the same manner as the Royal Embassadors, but with this difference, that the Patriarch of Venice, and the Primicier of St. Mark visit him at the S. Esprit, and the Primicier attends him with his Canons at the Ceremony of his Entry: Besides the Nuntio never gives the hand to the Chevalier neither coming in nor going out.

The Patriarch makes his first and last visit to Embassadors in his Hood and Rochet, with the

Patriarchal Cross carried before him by his chief Almoner.

The Popes Nuntio does the same. Monsieur Trotti who was Nuntio in my time at Venice, would have brought in a new Custom, by wa∣ving in his last Visit to the French Embassador his habit of Ceremony, per non dar (as his Se∣cretary said) disgusti a Nissuno: That he might disgust no body, which in plain English was, that he might not own the Rights of France, to the prejudice of Spain where he was born. But Monsieur de St. André spoiled the Plot of that Triumvirat, that is to say of the Nuntio, the Marquess de la Fuente Embassador of Spain, and the Abbot Federici Secretary to the Empe∣rour, who joyntly imployed all their Skill to impose upon his Prudence, and if possible, re∣venge themselves for the honourable advantage he gained upon them in the Jesuits Church.

FINIS.