Book IV.
Chap. 1.
Frederick battered with the Popes force, and un∣dermined with his fraud, leaveth Palestine, and returneth into Italy.
THus the Christian affairs in Palestine were in good case and possibility of improvement.* 1.1 But the Pope knew he should catch no fish if the waters were thus clear:* 1.2 Wherefore he stirred up John Bren, Fredericks father in law (guesse whether his plots ran not low when he used such dregs) to raise a rebellion in Italy against him.
His Holinesse spread a false report of purpose, that Frederick was dead. Who would think there were so much substance in a shadow! This vain rumour wrought reall effects, strengthening Fredericks foes with hopes, and staggering his friends with fear and uncertainties. Bren striking the iron whilest it was hot, wonne many places from the Emperour: And though Time soon after was delivered of her daughter Truth, yet the confu∣tation came too late, to shut the door when the steed was stoln; the Pope having attained his ends, and served his turn already.
A jubile of liberty was proclaimed to all the Emperours sub∣jects, and they dispensed with from the Pope for their alle∣geance to him. Milan, and many other cities in Italy, formerly Imperiall, danced at this musick, made a foot-cloth of their Masters livery, and from this time dated themselves Free-States. Here was brave gleaning, where all ranne away with whole