The policy and government of the Venetians both in civil and military affairs / written in French by the Sieur de la Hay, and faithfully Englished.

CHAP. IV. Of their Procurators.

THe Procurators in this Re∣publick may be called Prin∣ces without a Solecism, and they are of two sorts: One is chosen al∣wayes by the Senate, and confer'd as a reward of some emiment piece of service, or else as an encourage∣ment of virtue and honesty. The other buy their Principalities, and for the most part very dear, it be∣ing one of the readiest wayes the Commonwealth takes to raise mo∣ney in their greatest and most im∣portant necessities.

They have their places in all Counsels, and Pregadis, but they have but a single voice no more

than the privatest Gentleman, and can do no more than any of the rest; yet they have their perquisites and priviledges, which makes them many times very considerable, and enables them to oblige or gratifie any one for whom they have a kindness.

All Nations which have any commerce with the Venetian, are very sollicitous to acquire one of these Procurators for their Patrons. The Towns upon the terra-ferma, put themselves under their pro∣tections, and even the Nobility themselves think it no small corro∣boration to have an alliance with one of these Princes; and this is that which gives the greatest lustre to that Office.

In the Senate they have their places above the rest, have the preheminence in all debates, and are alwayes the first in giving their

judgements. Yet for all these prerogatives, their train is no greater than theirs, nor are they suffer'd to walk the Streets in great∣er Equipage, and the design is to keep that happy mediocrity invio∣late, which was establish't at the Commencement, and has been continued so fortunately ever since. Nevertheless in their Houses they appear like themselves, living with the greatest affluence and gran∣dure imaginable. Strangers are not admitted to speak with them till they have formally demanded audience first; and when it is granted them, they are conducted by a long train of Officers of his Chamber to the place where they are to be receiv'd. Most of them are very proud and morose, but some of them civil and fine Gentle∣men: In the time whilst I was in their service, one of these Princes

named Morosini managed his digni∣ty so nobly, he gain'd the affecti∣ons of all people, and put them in∣to an equal admiration of the sweet∣ness of his behaviour, the noble∣ness of his extraction, and the charms with which he attracted the hearts of all such as had occasion to approach him; a virtue (to speak truth) with which the Venetian Nobility have but little acquain∣tance.

They are distinguish't from the rest by a Magistrale Robe, of the same colour with the Robe of the Sages Grands.