The fifth book of The works of Francis Rabelais, M.D., contaning the heroic deeds and sayings of the great Pantagruel to which is added the Pantagruelian prognostication, Rabelais's letters, and several other pieces by that author / done out of French by P.M.

LETTERS Written by FRANCIS RABELAIS, M.D. During his stay in ITALY, In the Year 1536.

LETTER I. To my Lord Bishop of Maillezais.

My Lord,

I Writ to you at large on the Nine and twentieth of November, and sent you some Naples-grain for your Sallads, of every sort that is eaten on this side, except Pimpernell, which then I could not procure. I have sent you no great quan∣tity at present, because it had been too much for the Courier at one time; but if you please to have more, either for your Gardens, or to dispose of otherwise, I will send it you upon notice. I had writ∣ten to you before, and sent to you the four Signatures concerning the Benefices of

Friar Dom. Philip, obtain'd in the name of those whom you had set down in the In∣structions you gave me. I have not re∣ceiv'd since any Letter from you that men∣tions the receipt of the aforesaid Signatures. I receiv'd only one dated from l' Ermenaud, when my Lady d'Estissac came thither, in which you let me know that you had re∣ceiv'd two Pacquets from me; one from Ferrara, t'other from this City, with the Cypher which I writ to you: But for ought I understand, you had not yet receiv'd the Pacquet where the Signatures were inclos'd. I can now give you an account, that my Bu∣siness has been granted and dispatch'd bet∣ter, and with more certainty, than I cou'd have wish'd; and I have had therein the assistance and advice of Worthy men. Par∣ticularly of the Cardinal de Genutiis, who is Judge of the Palace, and of the Cardinal Simonetta, who was Auditor of the Cham∣ber, a very knowing man, and well vers'd in such matters. The Pope was of opinion that I shou'd proceed in my Bus'ness per ca∣meram: The above-mention'd Cardinals were of a mind, that it shou'd be by the Court of Contradicts: Because, that in foro contentioso, it cannot be revocable in France, and Quae per contradictoria transiguntur tran∣seunt in rem judicatam; quae autem per Came∣ram, & impugnari p••ssunt, & in judicium ve∣niunt. Those things which are transacted by

Contradictories, pass as determin'd; but those things which are done by the Chamber, may be call'd into question, and tri'd over again.

Upon the whole I have nothing more to do, than to take up the Bulls sub plumbo.

My Lord Cardinal du Bellay, as likewise my Lord Bishop of Mascon, have assur'd me that the Charges shall be remitted me, tho the Pope by old custom remits nothing except of what is dispatch'd per cameram. There will remain to be paid, only the Referendaries, Proctors, and other such like Scriblers and Blotters of Parchment. If my Money falls short, I will recommend my self to your Lordship's Alms; for I don't think to leave this Place till the Em∣peror goes.

He is at present at Naples, whence, as he has written to the Pope, he will part on the Sixth of January. This Town is already full of Spaniards: And he has sent an Extraordinary Embassadour to the Pope besides him who constantly resides at this Court to give him notice of his coming. The Pope leaves him half the Palace, and all the Borough of St. Peter for his Retinue, and has order'd three thousand Beds to be prepar'd, according to the Roman Custom, that is to say, with Quilts: For the City has been unprovided of 'em ever since it was sack'd by the Lanskenets. He has got together as much Hay, Straw, Oats, Spelt-Corn

and Barly as he could find, and of Wine as much as is arriv'd in ripâ: I fancy he'll be at no small charge, which can't be very easy to him in this his great Poverty, so appa∣rent in him, more than in any Pope for these Three hundred years past. The Romans have not yet resolv'd, how to behave them∣selves upon this occasion, and have had many meetings, by order of the Senators, Conservators and Governor: but they can't agree in their Opinions. The Empe∣ror has declar'd to 'em by his said Embassador, that he does not design his people shall be enter∣tain'd at free-cost, but as the Pope shall think fit to entertain 'em, which does the more sensibly touch the Pope: For he understands well enough, that by this saying the Emperor means to see, how and with what affection he will treat him and his People.

The Holy Father has sent two Legats to him by the choice of the Consistory, to wit, Cardinal of Siena, and Cardinal Cesarini. Since which, the Cardinals Salviat•• and Rodolph, are also gone to him, and with them my Lord de Saintes. I understand 'tis about the Af∣fair of Florence, and concerning the Diffe∣rence between the Duke Alexander de Me∣dicis and Philip Str••ssi, whose Estate, which is considerable, the Duke had a mind to confiscate. Next to the Fourques of Aus∣bourg in Germany, he is counted the richest Merchant in Christendom; and the Duke

has set People here to poison or kill him whatever came on't. Being advertis'd of this Attempt, he obtain'd of the Pope to go arm'd. And he commonly went at∣tended with thirty Soldiers arm'd at all Points. The said Duke of Florence having notice (I suppose) that Strossi, with the above-mention'd Cardinals, was gone to the Emperor, and that he offer'd to the Emperor Four hundred thousand Ducats, only to give Commissions to People who might inform against the Tyranny and baseness of the said Duke, left Florence, constituted Cardinal Ciho his Governor, and came to this City the morrow after Christmas-day, the twenty third hour, enter∣ing at St. Peter's Gate, follow'd by fifty light Horse, in white Armour, with Lances, and about a hundred Harquebusiers. The rest of his Train was but little, and in no very good order. And no soul went to receive him, but the Emperor's Embassa∣dor, who met him at the same gate. As soon as he was in Town he came to the Palace, and had a short Audience of the Pope. And had Lodgings in St. George's Palace. The next morning he went away attended as before.

Eight days since, news came to this Town, and his Holiness has receiv'd Let∣ters from divers parts, that the Sophy, King of Persia, has defeated the Army of the

Turks. Yesterday night arriv'd here the Ne∣phew of Monsieur de Vely, the King's Embas∣sador to the Emperor, who assur'd my Lord Cardinal du Bellay, that the thing was really true: And that this has been the greatest slaughter that has been heard of these Four hundred years: For above Forty thousand Horse were kill'd on the Turk's side.

Consider what a number of Foot sell there! As likewise on the Sophy's side. For, among People that do not willingly fly, Non solet esse incruenta Victoria. The Vi∣ctory does not use to be without blood.

The principal Defeat was near a little Town call'd Coni, not far distant from the great City of Tauris,, for which the Sophi and the Turk contend; the other Action was near a place call'd Betelis. The man∣ner was thus, The Turks had divided their Army, and one part was sent to take Coni; of which the Sophi having intelligence, he, with his whole Army, rush'd upon this se∣parated part before they could stand upon their guard.

See here the effect of ill Counsel, in dividing his Army before he had gotten the Victory The French can give a good account of this, when the Duke of Albany drew out the Strength and Flower of the Camp before Pavia. Upon the News of this Rout and Defeat, Barbarossa is retir'd to Constantinople to secure the Countrey, and says by his good gods,

That this is nothing considering the migh∣ty Power of the Turk. But the Emperor is eas'd of the fear that he had of the Turk's coming into Sicily, as he had threaten'd at the beginning of the Spring. And this may give repose to Christendom for some conside∣rable time; and those who would lay Tithes upon the Church, eo pretextu, that they would fortify themselves against the approach of the Turk, are but ill furnish'd with demonstrative Arguments.

LETTER II.

My Lord,

I Have received Letters from Monsieur de Sainct Cerdos, dated from Dijon, in which he tells me of a Process that he has depending in this Court of Rome. I dare not answer him, without running the hazard of incurring a great deal of displea∣sure. But I understand he has the greatest right in the World, and that he suffers a manifest injury; and that he ought to come hither in person. For there is no such Affair, how equitable soever, that is not lost for want of a man's own solliciting in it; especially when he has a strong party, who can overawe with Threats those that sollicit for him. The want of a Cypher prevents my writing to

you more at large. But it troubles me to see so much as I do, particularly, being sensible of the great kindness you have for him; and likewise because he has of a long time lov'd and favour'd me. In my opinion Monsieur de Basilac, Conseiller (one of the Judges Assistants) in the Parliament of Tholouse, came hither this Winter on a less occasion, and is older and more infirm than he, and yet has had a quick dispatch to his content.

LETTER III.

My Lord,

THE Duke of Ferrara, who went to the Emperor at Naples, return'd hi∣ther this morning. I know not yet how he has determin'd matters relating to the investiture and homage of his Lands. But I understand he is come back not well sa∣tisfi'd with the Emperor. I fear he will be forc'd to empty his Coffers of those Crowns his Father left him, and that the Pope and Emperor will fleece him at plea∣sure; considering also that it was above six months before he refus'd to espouse the King's Interest, notwithstanding all the Emperor's Remonstrances and Threats. My Lord Bishop of Limoges, who was the

King's Embassador at Ferrara, seeing the said Duke without acquainting him with his Design was retir'd to the Emperor, is return'd to France. 'Tis fear'd that * 1.1 My Lady Renée will receive no little displea∣sure by it: The Duke having remov'd Ma∣dam de Soubise her Governess, and order'd her to be serv'd by Italians, which don't look well.

LETTER IV.

My Lord,

THree days since arriv'd here a Post from Monsieur de Crissé, who brings an Ac∣count that some of the Lord Rance's men, who went to the relief of Geneva, were de∣feated by a Party of the Duke of Savoy's. With him came a Courier from Savoy, who brought the News of it to the Emperor. This may unhappily prove SEMINARIUM FUTURI BELLI, the cause of an ensu∣ing War. For these little wilful Broils draw after them great Battels, which is demonstrable from Ancient History, as well Greek and Roman as French, as appears by the Battel at Vireton.

LETTER V.

My Lord,

ABout fifteen days since, Andrew Doria, who went with Stores to those who hold the Gouletta near Tunis for the Empe∣ror, as likewise to supply them with Water. (for the Arabians of the Countrey make continual war upon them, and they dare not stir out of their Garison,) is arriv'd at Naples, where he staid not above three days with the Emperor, since when, he is sail'd hence with Nine and twenty Galleys. 'Tis said, in quest of Judeo and Cacciadiavolo, who have burnt a great deal of the Coun∣trey of Sardinia and Minorca. The Grand Master of Rhodes, who was born in Pied∣mont, is lately dead; in whose room the Commandeur of Forton between Montauban and Tholouse, is chosen.

LETTER VI.

My Lord,

I Here send you a Book of Prognosticati∣ons, which busies this whole Town, 'Tis intitl'd, De eversione Europae, of the overturning of Europe. For my part, I give

no credit at all to it. But Rome was never seen so wholly given over to Vanities and Prophecies, as it is at present. I am apt to think the reason is, because Mobile muta∣tur semper cum principe vulgus. The Giddy multitude always change with the Prince. I have also send you an Almanack for the en∣suing Year 1536. I send you besides, the Copy of a Brief which his Holiness has lately decreed for the arrival of the Empe∣ror: As likewise the Emperor's Entry into Messina and Naples, and the Funeral Ora∣tion at the Interment of the deceas'd Duke of Milan.

My Lord, I humbly recommend my self to your good favour, praying to our Lord for your good health and long life.

Rome, Dec. 30. 1536.

LETTER VII. To the Lord de Maillezais.

My Lord,

I Have receiv'd the Letterrs you were pleas'd to write to me, dated the se∣cond of December: By which I understand that my two Pacquets are come to your

hands; one of the Eighteenth, the other of the Two and twentieth of October, with the four Signatures which I sent you. I writ since to you more at large, on the Nine and twentieth of November, and Thirtieth of December. By this time, I believe, you have receiv'd the said Pac∣quets. For Mr. Michael Parmentier, Book∣seller, living at the Arms of Basil, writ to me the fifth of this Instant, that he had re∣ceiv'd and sent them to Poitiers. You may assure your self, that the Pacquets which I shall send you will be safely deliver'd at Lions; for I put them into the great seal'd Pacquet, which is for the King's Affairs, and when the Courier comes to Lions, he is dispatch'd by the Governor; then his Secretary, who is much my Friend, takes the Pacquet which I superscribe on the first Sheet, to the aforesaid Michael Parmentier. Afterwards there is no difficulty, unless from Lions to Poitiers, which is the reason that obliges me to set an extraordinary Postage upon it, that the greater care may be taken of it by the Messengers at Poitiers, in hopes to get a Spill by it. For my part, I constantly encourage this same Parmentier with some small Presents, which I send him of Novelties on this side, or to his Wife, that he may be the more diligent to engage Merchants or Messengers at Poi∣tiers to deliver the Pacquets to your Lord∣ship.

And I very much approve of the advice which you gave me in your Letter, that I should not trust them to the hands of the Banquiers, for fear they should be pick'd and broke op••n. I think 'twill not be amiss, the first time you write to me, especially, if it be business of Consequence, that you write a Line to the said Parmen∣tier, and inclose a piece of Gold to him in your Letter, in consideration of the Care he takes to send your Pacquets to me, and mine to you. A small matter sometimes highly obliges honest Men, and makes 'em more diligent for the time to come, when the Case requires a speedy dispatch.

LETTER VIII.

My Lord,

I Have not as yet presented your Letters to my Lord Bishop de Saintes, for he is not yet return'd from Naples, whither he went with the Cardinals Salviati and Rodolph. He will return in two days; then I will give him your Letters, and desire an Answer of 'em, which I will send you by the first Courier that goes hence. I understand their Affairs have not had that success with the Emperor which they hop'd for: And that the Emperor had po∣sitively

answer'd, That at their Request and Instance, as likewise, at the late Pope Cle∣ment's, he had created Alexander de Medi∣cis Duke of the Territories of Florence and Pisa, which he never thought to do, nor would have done: Meanwhile to depose him, would be the trick of some Stage-player, which do's and undo's the same thing. However, that they should resolve to acknowledge him as their Duke and Lord, and obey him as his Vassals and Sub∣jects, and be sure they did so. As to the Complaints they made against the said Duke, he would take Cognizance of them when he came to Florence.

For he designs after some stay at Rome, to pass through Sienna, and thence to Flo∣rence, to Bolonia, to Milan, and Genoa. Thus the aforesaid Cardinals, together with the Bishop of Xaintes, Strossy, and some others, return'd, re infectâ, [as wise as they went.]

The Thirteenth of this Month, came back hither the Cardinals of Sienna and Caesarini, who had been Elected by the Pope, and the whole College, Legates to the Emperor. They have so negoti∣ated the Matter, that the Emperor has deferr'd his coming hither to the latter end of February. If I had as many Crowns, as the Pope would give days of Pardon, Pro∣prio motu, de lenitudine potestatis; Of his

own free Will, out of the Lenity of his Power, and other such like favourable Cir∣cumstances, to any one that could defer it for five or six years to come, I should be richer than ever was Jacques Coeur. Here are great Preparations made in this City for his Reception; and a new way is made by the Pope's Command, by which he is to make his Entry; that is, through St. Sebastian's Gate, towards Champ-doli, Templum pacis, the Temple of Peace, and the Amphitheatre, and he is to pass under the Ancient Triumphal Arches of Constan∣tine and Titus, of Numetianus, and others. Then on one side of St. Mark's Palace, by Campo de Fiore, and by the Palace Farnese, where the Pope us'd to Reside, then by the Banks, and below St. Angelo's Castle. To make and level which way, above Two hundred Houses, and three or four Churches, are pull'd down to the Ground, which most People take for an ill Omen. On the day of the Conversion of St. Paul, his Holiness went to St. Paul's to hear Mass, and made a Feast to all the Cardinals. After Dinner he return'd passing through the abovemention'd way, and lodg'd at St. George's Palace. But 'tis a sad sight to be∣hold the Ruins of the demolish'd Houses that are not paid for, nor have the Landlords any recompense made 'em.

To day arriv'd here the Venetian Embas∣sadors, four brave old gray-headed Gen∣tlemen, who are going to the Emperor at Naples. The Pope has sent all his Family before 'em; His Bed chambermen, Cham∣berlains, Janisaries, Lanskenets; and the Cardinals have sent their Mules in Pontifi∣calibus.

Likewise, the 7th of this Month, the Embassadors of Sienna were introduc'd in good order, and after they had made their Speech in open Consistory, and that the Pope had answer'd 'em in fine Latin, they suddenly parted for Naples. I believe Embassadors will be sent for all Parts of Italy to the Emperor, and he knows well enough how to play his Game, to get Mo∣ney out of 'em, as it has been discover'd about ten days since. But I am not yet fully acquainted with the Subtilty which ('tis said) he made use of at Naples; hereafter I may give you an account of it.

The Prince of Piedmont, the Duke of Savoy's Eldest Son, dy'd at Naples fifteen days ago; the Emperor order'd him a ve∣ry honourable Interment, at which he assi∣sted in Person.

The King of Portugal, six days since, commanded his Embassador at Rome, that immediately upon receipt of his Letter, he should return to him in Portugal, which he did the same hour, and came ready Boot∣ed

and Spurr'd to take his leave of the Most Reverend the Lord Cardinal du Bellay. Two days after, was kill'd near the Bridge of St. Angelo, in open day, a Portuguese Gentleman, who sollicited here for the whole Body of the Jews that were baptiz'd under King Emanuel, and have been since molested by the present King of Portugal, that he might succeed to their Estates when they dy'd. That King has also ex∣acted several things of them against the Edict and Ordinance of the King Emanuel. I doubt we shall hear of some Sedition in Portugal.

LETTER IX.

My Lord,

IN the last Pacquet I sent you, I gave you an account, that part of the Turk's Army was defeated by the Sophy, near Be∣telis. The Turk did not very long delay his Revenge; for two Months after, he fell upon the Sophy with the greatest Fury ima∣ginable; and after having put to Fire and Sword, a great part of the Country of Mesopotamia, he has driven back the Sophy on the other side of Mount Taurus. In the mean time, he causes a great number of Gallies to be built upon the River Tanais,

by which they may come to Constantino∣ple. Barbarossa is still at Constantinople to secure the Country, and has left several Garrisons at Bona and Algiers, lest the Em∣peror should by chance Attack him. I have sent you his Picture, drawn by the Life; as also the Map of Tunis, and of the Sea-port-towns adjacent. The Lanskenets, whom the Emperor sent into the Dutchy of Milan to keep the strong Places, are all drown'd and lost at Sea, to the number of fifteen hundred, in one of the biggest and stoutest Ships belonging to the Genoeses, and it was near to a Port belonging to the Commonwealth of Lucca, call'd Lerza. The occasion was; because they be∣ing weary of the Sea, and desirous to get ashoar, which they could not for the Tempest and Stress of Weather, ima∣gin'd that the Pilot of the Ship would still keep them off at Sea, longer than he need∣ed: For which cause they kill'd him, with some other of the Officers of the said Ship, after whose Death the Ship remain'd without a Commander; and instead of ta∣king in their Sails, the Lanskenets hoisted them, as being unpractic'd in Sea-affairs, and in this Confusion they perish'd within a stone's throw of the aforesaid Port.

My Lord, I understand that my Lord Bishop de l' Avaur, who was the King's Embassador at Venice, has had his Audi∣ence

of Leave, and is returning to France. The Bishop of Rhodez goes in his place, and is now at Lyons with all his Retinue ready to go, when the King has given him his Instructions.

My Lord, I humbly recommend my self to your Favour, praying to our Lord, to give you a long Life in good Health.

Rome, Jan. 28. 1536.

Your most humble Servant, Francis Rabelais.

LETTER X.

My Lord,

I Writ to you at large all the News I could learn, the 28th of January last past, by a Gentleman, Servant to Monsieur de Montreuil, call'd Tremeliere, who return'd from Naples, where he had bought some Horses of that Kingdom for his Lord, and was returning to him with all speed. The same day I receiv'd the Pacquet that you were pleas'd to send me from Legugé, da∣ted the 10th of the said Month, in which you may see the method I have taken for the delivery of your Letters, by which they are safely and suddenly brought to me here. Your said Letters and Pacquet,

were deliver'd at the Arms of Basil, on the one and twentieth of the same Month, the eight and twentieth they were deliver'd to me here. And to en∣courage at Lyons, (for that's the Point and principal Place) the Bookseller at the Arms of Basil to be diligent in this Affair, I repeat what I writ to you in my afore∣mention'd Pacquet, if you chance to write to me about any thing of Consequence: That it is my advice, that on the first oc∣casion of writing to me, you write a word or two to him in a Letter, in which be pleas'd to inclose some Gold-crowns, or some other piece of old Gold, as a Royal, an Angel or Salutation, in consideration of the pains and care he takes of them, so small a matter will more and more endear him to your Service.

Now, to Answer your Letters, I have diligently search'd the Registers of the Pa∣lace, since the time that you commanded me, that is, the year 1529, 1530, and 1531, to see if Dom. Phillippe's Act of Re∣signation to his Nephew were to be found, and have given the Clerks of the Register two Gold-crowns, which is but a small re∣compence for the great and tedious Trou∣ble in it. In short, they have found no∣thing of it, nor ever heard news of his Procurations; wherefore I doubt there is some foul play in his Case, or the Instru∣ctions

you writ to me were not sufficient to find 'em. And that I may be more cer∣tifi'd in it, you should tell me, cujus Dio∣cesis, of what Diocess the said Friar Dom. Phillippe was, and if you have heard no∣thing to give more light in the matter, as if it was pure & simpliciter, or causâ permu∣tationis.

LETTER XI.

My Lord,

WHat I writ to you of my Lord Car∣dinal du Bellay's Answer, when I presented him your Letters, ought not to displease your Lordship. My Lord of Mascon has sent you an Account of the whole Matter, and we are not yet like to have a Legate in France. 'Tis certain, that the King has presented the Cardinal of Lorrain to the Pope. But I believe, that the Cardinal du B••llay will endeavour by all means possible to get it for hims••lf. The old Proverb is true▪ which says, Nemo sibi secundus. And I shrewdly suspect by certain signs that I see, that my Lord Car∣dinal du B••llay will engage the Pope on his behalf, and thus be made acceptable to the King. Nevertheless be not uneasy, if his

Answer be a little ambiguous in your con∣cern.

LETTER XII.

My Lord,

THe Grains which I sent you, I can assure you, are the best of Naples, of the same which his Holiness has caus'd to be sow'd in his Privy-Garden of Bel∣veder. There are no other kinds of Sal∣lads on this side but those of Nasidord and Arroussa, but those of Legugé seem to me altogether as good, and somewhat more sweet and grateful to the Stomach, and particularly better for you; for those of Naples, in my opinion, are too hot and tough.

As for the Season for sowing 'em, you must caution your Gardeners not to sow 'em altogether so early as they do on this side, for it is not warm Weather so soon with you as here. They may very well sow your Sallads twice a year, that is to say, in Lent, and in November; and they may sow the white Cardes or Thistles in Au∣gust and September; the Melons, Pompions, and the others in March; fencing them for some days with Mats, and a thin Layer of Horse-dung, not altogether rotten, when

they fear it will freeze. Many other Grains besides are sold here, as Alexandria Gilli∣flowers, Matronal-Violets, and Shrubs, with which they refresh their Chambers in the Summer, call'd Belvedere, and other Physical Herbs. But this would be more for my Lady d'Estissac's turn. If you please to have of all sorts, I will send them you without fail. But I am forc'd to have re∣course again to your Alms; for the Thirty Crowns which you order'd to be paid me here, are almost gone, yet I have con∣verted none of them to any ill use, nor for eating, for I Eat and Drink at my Lord Car∣dinal du Bellay's, or at my Lord of Masc••n's. But a great deal of Money goes away in these silly Postage of Letters, Chamber∣rent, and wearing Apparel, tho I am as frugal as I can be. If you will be pleased to send me a Bill of Exchange, I hope I shall make use of it wholly to your Service, and not remain ungrateful. I see in this City a thousand pretty cheap things, which are brought from Cyprus, Candia, and Con∣stantinople. If you think fit, I will send what I think fittest of them to you and my Lady d'Estissac. The Carriage from hence to Lyons will cost nothing.

Thanks be to God I have made an end of my business, and it has cost me no more than the taking out of the Bulls, his Holiness having, of his own good Na∣ture,

given me the Composition. And I believe you will find the Proceedings right enough, and that I have obtain'd nothing by them, but what is just and lawful. But I have been oblig'd to advise very much with able Counsel, that every thing might be according to due form; and I dare modestly tell you, that I have in a manner hardly made use of my Lord Car∣dinal du Bellay, or my Lord Embassador, tho out of their kindness, they not only offer'd me their own good Word and Favour, but absolutely to make use of the King's Name.

LETTER XIII.

My Lord,

I Have not as yet presented your first Letters to the Bishop of Saintes, for he is not yet return'd from Naples, whither he went as I writ to you before. He is expected here within these three days: Then I will give him your second, and intreat an Answer of it. I understand, that neither he, nor the Cardinals Sal∣viati, and Rodolph, nor Phillip Stozzi with his Money, have done any thing with the Emperor in their Affair, tho they were willing to pay him a Million of Gold up∣on

the Nail, in the Name of all the Fo∣reigners and Exiles of Florence, also to finish la Rocca [the Fortress] begun at Florence, to maintain a sufficient Gari∣son in it for ever in the Name of the Em∣peror, and to pay him yearly an Hundred thousand Ducates, provided and upon Condition he restor'd them to their former Goods, Lands, and Liberty.

On the contrary, the Duke of Florence was most honourably receiv'd by him at his arrival, the Emperor went out before him, and, Post manus oscula, he order'd him to be attended to the Castle of Capua in the same Town, where his Natural Daughter has an Apartment; she is affianc'd to the said Duke of Florence, by the Prince of Salerne, Viceroy of Naples, the Marquiss de Vast, the Duke D'Alva, and other Principal Lords of his Court. He held discourse with her as long as he staid, Kiss'd her, and Supp'd with her; afterwards the a∣bove-mention'd Cardinals, the Bishop of Xaintes and Strozzi never left solliciting The Emperor has put them off for a final Resolution to his coming to that Town, to the Rocca, which is a place of prodigious Strength, that the Duke has built at Florence. Over the Portico he has caus'd an Eagle to be painted with Wings as large as the Sails of the Wind-mills of Mirebalais, thereby declaring and insinu∣ating,

that he holds of no body but the Emperor. And in fine, he has so cunningly carried on his Tyranny, that the Florentines have declar'd before the Emperor, nomine Communitatis [in the Name of the Com∣monalty] that they will have no other Lord but him. 'Tis certain, that he has severely punish'd the Foreigners and Exiles. A Pasquil has been lately set up, wherein 'tis said,

To Strozzi,

Pugna pro patriâ. [Fight for thy Country.]

To Alezander Duke of Florence,

Datum serva. [What's given thee, keep.]

To the Emperor,

Quae nocitura tenes quamvis fint chara relinque. Quit what will hurt thee, tho 'tis ne'r so dear.

To the King,

Quod potes id tenta. Dare what thou canst.

To the Cardinals Salviati and Rodolph,

Hos brevitas sensus fecit conjungere bines. Pure want of Sense unites these Blocks, As petty Tradesmen joyn their Stocks.

LETTER XIV.

My Lord,

I Writ to you, that the Duke of Ferrara is return'd from Naples, and retir'd to Ferrara. Her Highness, the Lady Renee, is brought to Bed of a Daughter; she had another fine Daughter before, between Six and Seven years of Age, and a little Son of Three years old. He could not agree with the Pope, because he demand∣ed an excessive Sum of Money for the In∣vestiture of his Lands. Notwithstanding, he had abated fifty thousand Crowns for the love of the said Lady, and this by the Solicitations of my Lords the Cardinals du Bellay and Mascon, still to increase the Con∣jugal Affection of the said Duke towards her. This was the occasion of Lyon Ja∣met's coming to this Town, and they only differ'd for Fifteen thousand Crowns; but they could not agree, because the Pope would have him acknowledg, that he held and possess'd all his Lands intirely in see of the Apostolical See, which the other would not. For he would acknowledg no more than his deceas'd Father had acknow∣ledg'd, and what the Emperor had ad∣judg'd at Bolonia, by a Decree in the time of the deceas'd Pope Clement.

Thus he departed, re infectâ, [without doing any thing,] and went to the Em∣peror, who promis'd him at his coming, that he would easily make the Pope con∣sent, and come to the Point contain'd in his said Decree; and that he should go home, leaving an Embassador with him, to solli∣cite the Affair when he came on this side, and that he should not pay the Sum alrea∣dy agreed upon, before he heard further from him. The Craft lies here, that the Emperor wants Money, and seeks it on all hands, and Taxes all the world he can, and borrows it from all Parts. When he comes hither, he will demand some of the Pope, 'tis a plain case. For he will represent to him, That he has made all these Wars against the Turk and Barberossa, to secure Italy and the Pope, and that he must of necessity contribute to it. The Pope will answer, That he has no Money, and will ma∣nifestly prove his Poverty to him. Then the Emperor without disbursing any thing, will demand the Duke of Ferrara's of him, which he knows he may command at a word, and this is the Mystery of the Matter. Yet 'tis not certain whether things will be manag'd thus or no.

LETTER XV.

My Lord,

YOu ask whether the Lord Pietro Lu∣dovico, is the Pope's Legitimate Son or Bastard; be assur'd, the Pope was ne∣ver married, which is as much as to say, that the aforesaid Gentleman is certainly a Bastard; The Pope had a very beauti∣ful Sister. There is to be seen to this day, at the Palace in that Apartment where the Summists reside, built by Pope Alexander, an Image of our Lady, which ('tis said) was drawn after that Gentle∣woman: She was married to a Gentleman, Cousin to the Lord Rance, who being in the War, in the Expedition of Naples, the said Pope Alexander * * *: Now the Lord Rance having certain knowledg of the thing, gave notice of it to his Cousin, Telling him, that be ought not to suffer such a wrong done to their Family by a Spanish Pope; and that if he would endure it, he himself would not. In short, her Husband kill'd her; for which Fact the present Pope griev'd: And to asswage his Sorrow, Alexander made him a Cardinal, be∣ing yet but very young, and bestow'd seve∣ral other Marks of his favour upon him.

At that time the Pope kept a Roman La∣dy della Casa Ruffina, and by her had a

Daughter who was married to the Lord Bauge, Count of Sancta Fiore, who died in this Town since I came hither. By her he has had one of the two little Cardinals (who is called the Cardinal of Sancta Fiore.) The Pope likewise had a Son, who is the said Pietro Ludovico, concerning whom you in∣quire, who has married the Daughter of the Count de Cervelle, on whom he has got a whole Houseful of Children, and among others the little Cardinalicule Farnese, who was made Vice-chancellour by the death of the late Cardinal de Medicis. By what is said you may judge, why the Pope did not very well love the Lord Rance, and vice versâ, [on the other side] the Lord Rance put no great confidence in him: Whence arises a great quarrel between my Lord John-Paul de Cere, Son to the said Lord Rance, and the abovenamed Petro Lu∣divico, for he is resolved to revenge the death of his Aunt.

But he is quit of it on the part of the said Lord Rance, for he di'd the Eleventh day of this Month, going a Hunting, in which he extremely delighted, old as he was. The occasion was this, He had got some Turkish Horses from the Fairs of Ra∣cana, and as he was hunting on one of them that was very tender-mouth'd, it fell, tumbl'd over him, and bruis'd him with the Saddle-bow so severely, that he

did not live above half an hour after the fall. This was a great loss to the French, for the King in him has lost a good Servant for his Affairs in Italy: 'Tis rightly said, that the Lord John-Paul his Son will be no less hereafter. But it will be a long time e're he gets such Experience in feats of Arms, or so great a Reputation among the Commanders and Soldiers, as the late brave man had. I wish with all my heart that my Lord d'Estissac, by his death, had the County of Pon∣toise; For, 'tis said, it brings a good Re∣venue.

To assist at the Funeral, and to comfort the Marchioness his Wife, my Lord Cardi∣nal has sent to Ceres, near Twenty miles from this Town, my Lord de Rambouillet and the Abbot of St. Nicaise, who was a near Kinsman to the deceased (I believe you have seen him at Court) he is a little man, all life, who was call'd the Arch∣deacon of the Ursins; Besides, he has sent some others of his Prothonotaries; which likewise my Lord of Mascon has done.

LETTER XVI.

My Lord,

I Defer to my next to give you more at large the News concerning the Empe∣ror; for his Design is not yet perfectly discovered. He is still at Naples, but is expected here by the end of this Month. Great preparations are made for his com∣ing, and abundance of Triumphal Arches. His four Harbingers have been a good while here in Town; two of them Spani∣ards, one Burgundian, and the fourth a Flemming.

'Tis great pity to see the Ruins of the Churches, Palaces and Houses which the Pope has caused to be demolished and pul∣led down to make and level him a way. For the Charges of his Reception he has laid a Tax on the College of Cardinals, on those who have Places at Court, and the Artificers of the Town as much as the very Aquarols. The Town is already full of Foreigners.

On the Fifth of this Month the Cardi∣nal of Trent (Tridentinus) arrived, being sent here by the Emperor. His Train is very numerous, and more sumptuous than the Pope's. He had with him above a hun∣dred Germans all drest alike; their Gowns

were Red, with a Yellow Galloon; and on their right Sleeve was embroydered a Wheat-sheave ti'd close, and round it was written ƲNITAS.

I hear he is much for Peace, and recon∣ciling all the Christian Princes. He eagerly desires a General Council, whatever is done in other matters. I was present when he said to my Lord Cardinal du Bellay: His Holiness, the Cardinals, Bishops and Prelates of the Church are against a Council, and will by no means hear any thing of it, though they are pressed by Secular Princes on that Subject; but I see the Time at hand when the Prelates of the Church shall be reduced to demand a Council, and the Laity will not hearken to it. This will be when the Latter have taken from the Church all the Wealth and Patrimony which they had gi∣ven, while Ecclesiastics by the means of frequent Councils maintained Peace and Ʋnity among the Laity.

Andrew Doria came to this Town on the Third of this Month in no very good Equi∣page. No manner of particular respect was shewn him at his Arrival, save only that the Lord Pietro Ludovico conducted him as far as the Palace of the Cardinal Camerlingo, who is a Genoese, of the House of Spinola. The next day he saluted the Pope, and the day after went away for Genoa, on the Emperor's behalf, to inform

himself underhand concerning the Disposi∣tions of the French about the War.

We have had here a positive Account of the Old Queen of England's Death; and they add, That the Princess her Daughter lies very ill.

However, The Bull that was to be issued out against the King of England to excom∣municate him, and to interdict and proscribe his Kindom, did not pass at the Consistory, because of the Articles, De commeatibus ex∣ternorian & commerciis mutuis, Of the Passa∣ges of Foreigners and Mutual Intercourses, which my Lord Cardinal Du Bellay and the Bishop of Mascon opposed in the King's name, on account of the Interests which he pretends to have in it. It has been put off till the Emperor's Arrival.

My Lord, I most humbly recommend my self to your kind Favour, praying God that it may please him to keep you long in health and prosperity.

Rome, Feb. 13. MDXXXVI.

Your Lordship's most humble Servant, Francis Rabelais.

The End of the Letters.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Renée of France, Dutchess of Ferrara.