A compendious history of the Catholick church from the year 600 untill the year 1600 shewing her deformation and reformation : together with the rise, reign, rage, and begin-fall of the Roman AntiChrist : with many other profitable instructions gathered out of divers writers of the several times, and other histories / by Alexander Petrie ...

CHAP. II. Of EMPERORS.

1. FREDERICK the II. was very yong, and the Empire could not be vacant so long time, for many evils that might ensue; therefore the Princes moved PHILIP of Suevia to accept the Crown, until his Nephew came to age. He sought not confirmation of the Pope; and therefore Inno∣centius said, Either the Pope shall take the Crown and Kingdom from Philip, or Philip shall take the Apostolical ornaments from the Pope. Then Innocen∣tius went about by all means to keep the Empire from Frederick; and to this end (among other his tricks) he absolveth all the Electors from their oath. and raiseth slanders against Philip; and enticeth Barthold Duke of Zaringia, to usurp the Empire. He would not. Then he perswadeth Otho Duke of Brunswike, and Brother of the Duke of Saxony. So wars were betwixt Philip and Otho. Nocentius excommunicateth the Emperor. Nevertheless Otho at last was put to flight, and glad to seek peace. Philip was not unwilling, and gave him his Daughter in marriage. Not long thereafter, Philip had a meet∣ing with the Pope's Legate and Otho, and was murthered by them in his chamber in the tenth year of his Empire. P. Mexia.

2. OTHO the V. was elected, and quickly confirmed by the Pope; but their concord continued not; for on the day of Coronation, a tumult arose between the Romans and Germans, for the gifts which the Emperor had bestowed; 1100. were slain, and no fewer were wounded. The Emperor took it ill, and required satisfaction from the Romans; they refused: and the Pope was suspected to be the cause of the first tumult. Likewise the Pope had caused him to swear at his Coronation, that he should with all his might maintain and preserve the Imperial liberties, and recover that which was given away and lost. Matth. Paris. in Iohan. Innocentius did require this in despite of Frederick. Then Otho seeing that he was slighted, went hastily from the City, and wasted Tuscia, Marchia, Anconitana, all Romandiola, Capua, and he intended to enter into the bounds of Naples. The Pope then requireth him to restore the patrimony of the Church, and the fued Land, under pain of his curse. Otho did not regard his menaces, and said, He was doing according to the oath of his Coronation. The Pope excommuni∣cateth him at Rome, Matth. Paris. loc. ci. and he sent unto Sifrid Bishop of Mentz, commanding him to publish the sentence of the Roman Consistory against Otho throughout all Germany, and charge all the Cities that they do not acknowledge him. Sifrid delayed no time. But immediately Henry Count Palatine of Rhene, the Duke of Brabant, and other Princes and Barons, levy an Army against Sifrid, and forced him to leave his Bishoprick, and hide himself in Thuringia, where the Count did as yet cleave unto the Pope. When Otho understood of this stir in Germany, he did return quickly, and notwithstanding the Pope's curse, was received as Emperor; and calleth a Diet at Norinberg An. 1212. about Whitsunday, where he declareth the manifold fraud of Innocentius, and how unjustly he had accursed him; and then said, Be of courage, you Princes, unto you belongeth the charge of this Kingdom, and the administration thereof; I say, unto you belongeth every disposition of the Teutonick Kingdom, and to provide for every thing there∣in; it is in your power, and not in the power of the Pope, to create or forsake an Emperor; it is your part to calm the troubles, if any shall arise within the Empire; therefore, ye Princes and Nobles, maintain your rights, and shew

your power for your Nation and Imperial Laws; lest if ye do it not, ye be deprived of Empire and patrimony, &c. By these and such other words, they resolve to levy immediately an Army, and first to invade Thuringia. Io. Nau∣cler. gener. 41. In the year 1214. Innocentius causeth Frederick to be elected (which now had been well bred in literature) and Otho thought to have hindered the election; but the Princes (some for envy of his puissance, and some for affection to the former Emperor, and some addicted unto the Pope) fell from him; therefore he retired into Saxony, until he gathered a new Army; he made some attempts, but in vain, and died An. 1220.

3. FREDERICK the II. left Germany in peace, and went to be con∣firmed at Rome. He gave unto Pope Honorius the County of Funda, and other great gifts, even a rod to break his own head; and he confirmed the Act, Whosoever continued a year under excommunication, shall be guilty of proscription, and shall not be absolved, until he make satisfaction unto the Pope. In recompence of these gratitudes and obeysance, when two Counts in Tuscia, Thomas and Richard, did rebel against the Emperor, the Pope maintained them, and absolved them from their allegiance; and because Frederick did expostulate Honorius, the Pope thundereth a curse against him. Some Bishops conspired with the rebels, and the Emperor accused and pur∣sued them for treason. They run to Honorius. He sent a Nuntio unto the Emperor, and commandeth to restore the Bishops, and dischargeth him that he meddle not with Church-men. The Emperor could not endure such im∣periousness, and said, How long will the Bishop of Rome abuse my patience? when will his covetous heart be satisfied? go tell him, that I have as great prerogatives as my Father Henry, and Frederick my Grand-father; and that I will rather hazard my Crown, then suffer him to empair my authority, see∣ing every Prince in France, Spain, England, &c. hath the nomination of their own Prelates. Pe. Mexia. But Platina saith, The cause of this excommuni∣cation was, when his Mother died (which held him within bounds) he began to vex the Church Lands. But it is certain by sundry Histories, that his Mother died in the beginning of Innocentius. In his time came John de Bregna King of Jerusalem into Italy, for aid against the Turks; he made re∣conciliation betwixt the Pope and Emperor; and gave his onely Daughter Jole unto the Emperor (then a widower) with the Title, King of Jerusalem: for this cause the Kings of Sicily, were called Kings of Jerusalem for a long space. Then Frederick did intend to go into Asia; yet because he delayed (Pe. Mexia saith, the truce which John had made with the Sultan for ten years, was not yet expired) the Pope did intend some great thing against him, but was taken away by death. When Gregory was installed, Jole was brought to Rome to be married; and when the Pope held out his right foot unto the Emperor to kiss it, he scarcely touched his knee, but would not bow unto the foot. P. Mexia. The Pope was not well pleased; he dissembleth for a time, but intendeth to revenge: So after some moneths, he chargeth the Emperor to go into Asia, according to his vow, but intendeth to deprive him of the Empire. Frederick suspecteth it, and delayeth the longer, till he heard that the Christians in Asia were utterly distressed; then he assembleth his Nobles at Cremona, and causeth his Son Henry to be created Caesar, and sent him to perswade the Princes, to send aid unto his expedition, An. 1226. At this time the Lombards had made a league with other Cities of Italy, by sugge∣stion of Pope (as is believed, saith Naucler.) Honorius, against the Emperor; which league continued many years, to the great prejudice of the Empire, and manifest hindering of the expedition. An. 1227. Pope Gregory again chargeth the Emperor to go into Asia. Frederick writeth unto his Son, to

conveen the Princes again, and nameth the time when they should make their rendezvous at Brundusio. The Emperor becometh sickly; nevertheless he sailed with his Army into Creta; and there being hindered by sickness, he sent his Army forward, and returned himself into Pulia. Then the Pope ex∣communicateth him; the Papalines say, because he had murthered Jole, and others speak of other pretexts; but P. Mexia and Blondus say, that Jole died after this curse. Immediately Frederick sent to Rome, offering to clear him∣self; but his Ambassade was not admitted. Therefore the Emperor sent Letters throughout the Empire, and to other Princes, shewing how wonder∣ously he was excommunicated, and how presumptuous and covetous the Church of Rome was become, even the mother of all mischief. Unto Otho Duke of Bavier he wrote thus; The high Priests of Rome do now affect not onely dominion, but God-head, for they will have all men to fear them more then God; and it is sure, that there be many Antichrists among them; neither hath Christian Religion any such adversary—that man which is called the Pope, abounding in wealth to the great prejudice of piety, thinketh (after the maner of Tyrants) that he may do as he listeth, and is answerable to none, as if he were God; what is proper unto God, he vaunteth of himself, that he cannot err; he requireth both impudently and imperiously all men to believe, that he cannot be guilty of a lye. Avent. Annal. lib. 7. And unto Henry the III. King of England, he wrote; The Church of Rome is become so avaricious, that they are not content with the goods of the Church, but they will have the inheritance of Emperors, Kings and Princes, and make them all tributa∣ries, as Henry hath experience, and the Earl of Tolouse, whom the Popes binde with excommunication, till they bring them into bondage; they have words softer then oyl, and are insatiable blood-suckers; they say, The Church of Rome is the mother of all; but she is the root of all evil, and sheweth the pranks of a step-dame, &c. Matth. Parisien. But Frederick must go into Palestina; and An. 1228. the Calipha of Babylon was pestered with civil broils, and the Emperor the more easily recovered Jerusalem without blood, and was Crowned in it, and began to fortifie. The Sultan did fear his power, and sought truce for ten years. The Emperor sent unto the Pope, certifying him of his happy success, and craving absolution, seeing he had performed his promise; and he expected congratulation. But the Pope did cause the messengers to be killed, that they should not publish such news; and he said, the Letters were sent to advertise of the Emperor's death; for he thought the Cities of Pulia would submit themselves unto his See. And to the end the Emperor might not return, he sent unto John Patriarch of Jerusalem, and unto the Templaries, that they would not acknowledge the Emperor; But they did more think upon their own danger: Yet as Matth. Parisien. hath ad An. 1229. the Templarii wrote unto the Soldan, that the Emperor was to be at such a time at that part of Jordan where John baptized Christ, and there he might have occasion to kill him. When the Soldan had read the Letter, he said, There the fidelity of Christians! and he sent the Letter unto the Emperor. But the Emperor was informed (as the truth was) that the Pope had created John de Bregna Exarch of Ravenna; and had incited him to invade the Empire on the one part, and the Lombards on the other. Thomas, an Earl, whom the Emperor had intrusted to be one of his Deputies, did certifie him, and told him, that his friends and Clergy of the Empire, did admire how the Pope could do such things. Ibid. Neither did the malice of this Pope stay, until he had stirred up Henry against his Father. The Emperor understand∣ing all these things, returneth quietly into Sicily; he levieth an Army; many came gladly unto him; and by the help of God, he recovereth all the holds

that they had taken in his absence. After all these things, the Emperor seeketh peace of the Pope, and albeit he sent eight of the chief Dukes and Bishops within the Empire, offering himself and his life to be censured by the Church, yet in the space of a year he could not obtain peace; at last An. 1230. by frequent intercessions, and after the payment of 120000. ounces of gold, the Emperor was restored. Some write, that the Pope was a good Merchant, who could reap so much money for an excommunication; which power he had received freely, if he had received that power from Christ. Then Frederick went into Germany, to curb his two Sons Henry and Frederick; they did submit themselves. Then he turneth to revenge himself of the Lombards. And now Pope Gregory excommunicateth him again, as a Tyrant and He∣retick; and he calleth him, that warlike beast coming out of the sea; and he threateneth all them of the Empire, that they should not wish well to Frederick. Then the Emperor sent Letters unto sundry Countreys, shewing his liberality unto the Pope; and on the other side, the pride and avarice of the Pope; whom he calleth, the red dragon that deceiveth the world; the Antichrist; the typified Balaam, who was hired for wages to curse God's servants; the Prince of darkness, who bewitcheth the Prophets; the counter∣feit Vicar of Peter, setting forth his own imaginations, and hath turned pon∣tificium in maleficium; a wrester of the word into his own gain. In the end, he entreateth all them of true wisdom, to despise the roaring of such an enemy. Then he proclaimed a Diet at Aegra; where did assemble Caesar Henry, the Dukes of Saxony, Brandeburgh, Misnia, Turingia, the Bishop of Mentz, and the Nobles of Brabant, and a little thereafter Frederick, the Emperor's second Son; all cleaving unto the Emperor, notwithstanding all the Pope's curses on the one side, and promises on the other. So the Emperor marched toward Hetruria, and to Rome. In the mean time the Pope forgiveth the payment of tenths for a time, giveth Church livings that were vacant, and promiseth eternal life unto all who would fight against Frederick, and marked them with the Cross; and he himself goeth unto the siege of Ferraria, where he allureth the Governor unto a parley, and taketh him captive, and then the City, contrary to his faithful promise. The Popish flatterers call this falshood a stratagem. The Emperor said, It was strange, that Christians were marked with the Cross against him, as an Infidel or Mahumatist. Nevertheless he passeth from City to City subduing his adversaries, till he came into his own inheritance; there he levieth an Army, and hireth Saracen Soldiers, for fear that in the end, the Pope's curses might change the mindes of the Italians, as in the days of Barbarossa, and Henry the IV. He took some Gwelph Cities; then having intelligence, how the Pope had deceived Bohem, and Prince Palatine, he sent unto them, shewing (in sum) how the estate both of the Church and Commonwealth was subverted by this Pope; and he promiseth that himself, as the chief member of the Commonwealth, would endeavor to remove him, who pretending to be the shepheard of the flock, is a very wolf, to the end a faithful shepheard might be placed in Christ's Church; and he entreateth that they would not retard his purpose, as they tendered the good of the Empire. The King of Bohem was so moved with this Letter, that immediately he procureth a meeting of the Empire at Aegra, to aid the Emperor. The Pope was no less busie, partly by means of Otho Duke of Bavier to stay them, and partly an Assembly at Rome from France and England, to deprive Frederick. The Emperor hearing of such a Councel, stoppeth all passages by Sea and Land; and had a great prey of the Pope's Legates (whom the Pisanes, in the Emperor's name, took by Sea) and great victories at Ticino and Faventia. P. Mexia. And such was his respect unto

the quietness of the Commonwealth, that he again sendeth for peace; and in the mean time the Tartars came into Poland, Misnia, Bohem, Hungarie, and the Princes were forced to send unto the Emperor for aid, promising obe∣dience unto him in all time coming. He advertiseth the Pope of the calamity of Christendom, and craveth peace, that he may resist the Infidels. But the Pope would the Infidels did oppress, rather then the Emperor should stand; therefore he labored that his confederates might meet at Libussa, to the election of another Emperor. When he could not work out his point, he died for very anger. The Emperor now hopeth for peace at home, and marcheth with all speed into Hungarie. The Tartars hearing of him, fled away and left Europe. Innocentius the IV. though he had been very familiar with the Emperor, yet was not more peaceable then others had been. In a Synod at Lions An. 1245. he excommunicateth the Emperor for perjury, in not per∣forming his promises, and for heresie; but no particular is named, either in the citation or sentence. The Emperor made haste to answer at Lions, if by any means he might enjoy peace; but being within three days journey, he heard how peremptory the Pope was against him, and also the Gwelphs had taken some of his Towns in Italy, whereby he knew it would be to no pur∣pose, though he went forward, and therefore he wheeleth about, and layeth siege to Parma▪ Innocentius causeth to elect Henry Landtsgrave of Thuringia to be Emperor▪ and he directeth Letters unto the Soldan of Babylon, craving peace, at least truce betwixt the Christians and the Saracens, as some say (saith Mat. Paris.) but others write, to break the truce betwixt him and the Em∣peror; but the matter of the Letter is understood by the Soldan's answer. We have heard (saith he) thy Nuntio talking much of Christ—we know more of this Christ then you know; and we magnifie him more then you magnifie him: whereas you say, you desire peace and quietness among men, so do we always; but there is mutual love betwixt us and the Emperor since the days of my Father, but betwixt you and the Emperor it is as you know: but it is not lawful unto us to treat with the Christians, without his counsel and consent. We have written unto our Ambassador at the Emperor's Court, shewing him the heads of your message; he will come unto you and tell you, and report again unto us. Matth. Parisien saith, there was suspicion that this Letter was forged, by information of the Emperor, but he judgeth otherwise. And Alb. Crantz. in Saxo. lib. 8. cap. 4. saith, The Pope was so wrathful against Frederick, that he would have turned away not onely Christians, but the In∣fidels also. And it may appear what the Pope was seeking, seeing in the mean time he was exacting tenths and twentieths through France, England, &c. as for maintaining the wars against the Infidels, and sent the money into Germany and Italy against the Emperor. In Germany Conrade the Son of Frederick, led an Army against Henry, and overthrew him in the second fight, An. 1247. and he died before he was Crowned. Matth. Parisien. Then the Pope did proffer the Imperial Crown unto Richard, Brother of Henry the III. King of England: He refused simply. Then unto Haco King of Norway: He an∣swered, He would fight against the enemies of the Church, but not against all the enemies of the Pope. At last he caused to be elected William Count of Holland, which was Crowned; but the foresaid Conrade pursued him; and he retired into Holland, and then did renounce his Title of Emperor. The more God did prosper Frederick, Innocentius was the madder; and the more mad was he, when heard that Entius, the Emperor's bastard Son, had obtained victories against the Gwelphs, and other Gibeline Captains prevailed in other places. When the Emperor lay at Parma, he (as secure) went one day a hunting, and left his Army not sufficiently provided; the Citizens came out

and took his pavilions, which they called victory. So the Emperor turned to Domnio, and thence into Pulia, bringing many Cities into his obedience. And then An. 1249. he sendeth unto Lions, professing his innocency in all that had happened, and shewing the wrongs that he had sustained by the former Popes; and withal, that howbeit the Pope by custom (as he alledgeth) had the confirmation of the Emperor, yet he had not power to depose him, no more then other Prelates in other Realms, who anoint their Kings; and nevertheless, I earnestly crave that I may have peace. The Pope hearing of this submission, became the more haughty, and would not consent to a treaty: so that many great men were offended, and did detest so great pride, and did return unto the Emperor. Great were the schisms in Germany and Italy; no∣thing in safety to any, each party by violence robbing the other. Now Otho Duke of Bavier, and others more forsook the Pope; wherefore the Pope caused to assemble another Synod at Mildorf, and summoned Otho to com∣pear, and answer for his rebellion against the Pope. He appeareth, and said unto the Commissioners, I cannot marvel enough at your inconstancy; ye know how ye drew me from the Pope, and ye your selves called him the Antichrist; and ye perswaded me to take part with the Emperor: so there is great inconstancy both in your deeds and words, calling that wicked and violent wrong, which lately ye called just and right: But ye are overcome with expectation of honors and pleasures, more then led with honesty and godliness, according to your office. As for me, I will obey God and my Prince. I believe in Christ, and trust in his mercy; and perswade my self, that those whom ye do curse and give to the divel, are in the greater favor with God. They could give no reasonable reply; yet they accounted him as bad as the worst, and accursed him. Avent. Annal. lib. 7. All these are but a taste of the Popes innumerable inventions against the Emperor. And here you may please to see the verses which Frederick sent unto Pope Innocentius the IV.

Esses si membrum, non te Caput Vrbis & Orbis Iactares, cùm sis Vrbis & Orbis onus. Nunc membrum non es, sed putre cadaver & hulcus, Ense residendum, ridiculumque caput. A Daniele 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 nefasque caputque malorum Diceris, à Paulo filius exitii. Nos solum Christum nostrum caput esse; malorum Orbis totius te caput esse facis. At caput est unum, quod Paulus dicit ubique: Tu vecors, balatro, dic mihi quale caput? Corporis ergo caput monstrosi es, monstra parisque: Monstra paris Monachos: scorta nefanda foves. Est tua relligio, stuprum, ira, superbia, caedes, Error, deliciae, fulmina, turpe lucrum. Ex his ergo liquet Christum te spernere, Christo Hostem esse invisum, dedecorique Deo. Rex tandem veniet coelo delapsus ab alto: Tunc non defendent te sacra missa, cruces, Non in sublimi surgentes vertice cristae; Non diploma potens, non tua sacra cohors; Non diadema triplex, nec sedes sanguine parta, Nullus honos solii, purpura nulla tui. Triginta argenteis Christum vendebat Iudas: Tu Christi vendis corpora plura tui. Corpora tu vendis Christi parvo aere, polumque, Coelestes genios, sidera, jura, Deos.

At last the Emperor heard that his Son Entius was taken captive, and his enemies waxed strong in Germany; wherefore he intendeth to go into Germany, but was poisoned, as is touched before, and became sick at Flo∣rence An. 1250. and there divided his lands and goods unto his children; and then set his heart on meditation of the promised blessedness. The Papa∣lines write, that after a little space he began to recover somewhat, and was stifled by his bastard Son Manfred with a pillow, Crantz. in Saxo. lib. 8. cap 18. The writers testifie, that he was endued with excellent gifts, albeit the Pope pursued him as an enemy of the Church. And they say, when they consider the life of Christ, and his command to forgive seventy times in a day, with the practises of the Popes against the Emperor, they are perswaded to think with Aeneas Sylvius, that there hath not been a greater calamity in the Church or Commonwealth these many years, whereof the Bishops of Rome have not been the Authors; and they call this Frederick, another Charls the Great. He could talk in Arabick, Greek, Latin, French and Dutch languages. On his Tomb it was written thus;

Si probitas, sensus, virtutes, gratia, census, Nobilitas orti, possent obsistere morti, Non foret extinctus Fredericus, qui jacet intus.

Jo. Bale saith, he may not in this cause believe Blondus, Platina, Stella or Sabellicus, for they report nothing but what was written by the flatterers of the Popes, that (if it had been possible) they might provoke all the world against him; but who desireth to know the truth, let them read the sixth Book of the Epistles of Petrus de Vineis, Haec Marius, saith he.

4. In the Greek Empire was a great alteration about that time; the History thereof I will set down together for the more clearness. Isaacius the Emperor had redeemed his Brother Alexius from the Scythians, and advanced him to so great authority, that all the affairs of the Empire were at the command of Alexius. Here Nicetas Choniat. in Annal. lamenteth the condition of that people, saying, Truth and holiness had failed, and because of manifold ini∣quity, love was become cold, so that the people left whole Cities, and went in colonies into the Lands of the Babarians, where they might live more securely; for a sober kinde of life was banished by frequent tyrannies, and the most part of the Emperors were robbers, neither thinking nor doing any thing moderately—O glorious Empire of the Romans (saith he) and majesty which all Nations did admire and adore! what Tyrants hast thou endured! with what injuries hast thou been afflicted! how many have burnt in love of thee! what men hast thou embraced, and prostituted thy self unto! what sort of men hast thou honored with a diadem and purple shoes! &c. By the way observe here, that the Greeks do always call themselves Romans; and they called all the western people, Latins. When the Empire was in this condition, Alexius usurpeth the Crown; he pulleth out his Brother's eyes, and shutteth him in prison An. 1190. Alexius, Son of Isaacius, fleeth unto Philip Duke of Suevia (afterwads Emperor) who had married his Sister Irene; and he sendeth him at last unto the Pope for help to be restored. There this Alexius conformeth himself unto Rome, and he promiseth (saith Nicetas) to change the institutions of the ancient Romans, into the corrupt Religion of the Latins. The Pope recommendeth him unto certain Princes, which then were assembling at Venice to go into Syria, to wit, Baldwin Earl of Flanders, and his Brother Henry, Boniface Marquess of Monferrate, Lewes Prince of Savoy, and others more. The Venetians also had an old quarrel

against the Greeks, and were glad of this occasion. Likewise the yong man did swear unto them, that he would give them what they did demand, even (which were impossible) oceans of money, saith Nicetas. Though the Emperor Alexius understood of this preparation, he made nothing for re∣sistance. So the Latins arrived at Jadara, and then came to Epidamnum; and they call yong Alexius Emperor, to the end the people may the more willingly accept them; then they came to Constantinople. Theodorus Lascaris, Son in law of Alexius, made some resistance; but Alexius fled, and the Italians enter the Town; and after nine years imprisonment, Isaacius is set upon his throne, and his Son Alexius with him. Within few days the chief of the Italians sat with them, as being saviors of the Commonwealth; then the Soldiers plundered the Town, sparing neither private houses nor Churches, nor the Flemins, nor the Pisanes, nor the Venetians dwelling there. The old Alexius had been deceived by a false response, that the East and West should be conjoyned in his time; and now the Monks (execrable men, and hated of God, saith Nicet.) made him believe, that God would restore him sight, and give him the Monarchy of the world; thus he had no other thought but to eat and drink with these Monks. And the yong man kept company with the Latins, was for the most part in their ships, playing at dice, carowsing, &c. From July 18. till January 25. the people were so grievously oppressed, that they began to talk of choosing another Emperor; the wiser sort said, It was not time to attempt the like: but the people were so impatient of their op∣pression, that there must needs be another Emperor, and they name Nicolaus Canabus, who was very unwilling. But Ducas Alexius (called the proud) taketh him prisoner, killeth yong Alexius, imprisoneth the old man, and taketh the Scepter; the people were contented. He beginneth to treat with the Venetians, and other Latins; their demands were so high, that the Greeks could not or would not assent; wherefore they possess themselves of the Town, put Ducas to flight, and do more harm then the Saracens did at their entering into Jerusalem, saith Nicet. Then they made fifteen Electors, and choose Baldwin Emperor, and Thomas a Venetian to be Patriarch, who was sent to Rome, to get all these things confirmed by the Pope; and he reporteth Imperial badges to Baldwin, in whose Successors that Empire con∣tinued sixty years. At that time Creta and Euboea, or Nigrepont, was given unto the Venetians; Boniface was made King of Macedonia; and other rewards were given to others. All the Greek Empire was subject unto Bald∣win, except Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Hadrianople, and in them several Greeks had the dominion; especially Lascaris about Hadrianople, and kept the title of Emperor of Constantinople. The Bulgarians invade Thracia, and took Baldwin captive, and sent him in fetters into Mysia. His Brother Henry succeedeth, and gave his onely Daughter unto Peter Earl of Altisiodore, which succeeded in the Empire at that time when Otho the V. was deposed; he was confirmed by Pope Honorius shortly after his election. So soon as he returned from Rome, he entered in wars with Lascaris; and they conclude a peace: then he was entrapped in Constantinople, and died in prison in the third year of his reign. His wife Jole causeth his Son Robert to be received Emperor. He fell in love with a yong damsel, betrothed unto a Burgonian Knight (who had done good service in that Empire) and by consent of her mother, brought her to his palace. The Knight dissembleth for a time, and then made an horrible revenge; to wit, he gathereth his friends, and a number of Greeks, haters of Robert, and cometh by night into the Palace, he cutteth off the nose of the yong Empress, and throweth her mother out at a window into the sea. Robert could not revenge it; for at that time he must go to

Rome for confirmation, and in his returning, he died at Macedonia. His Brother Baldwin was received Emperor; and because he was yong, the Pope sent John de Bregna to be Governor there. He contracteth Baldwin with his second Daughter; governeth the Empire six years, and leaveth it in peace unto his Son in law. John Duca married the onely Daughter of Lascaris, and did reign thirty and three years, but dwelt at Nice in Bithynia: He was peaceable; and dischargeth his subjects from wearing any clothes but what their own Countrey did afford; and he caused them to be industrious in husbandry; by which two means (as Nic. Gregoras witnesseth) his subjects became very wealthy, and amassed plenty of Silver and Gold from their neighbors round about, which at that time were necessitated to come and buy victuals from them. Unto John succeeded Theodor Lascaris; he put Baldwin to such stress, that he went unto his Brother in law Frederick the II. for aid, when Innocentius the IV. was chosen. Then Lascaris died, and Bald∣win returned, but had not long peace; for Michael Palaeologus, the Nephew of Alexius, was first chosen Governor of the Empire, and then Crowned Emperor, for the time of his pupil John (the Son of Lascaris) his minority; he would be Lord of the whole Empire. Caesar, Brother of Michael, was sent against Epirus; by the way he came near Constantinople with eight hundred men, without his expectation, the Greeks (being wearied with the Government of the Latins) envite him to come in. Baldwin was not able to resist, and fled; so that Empire returned unto the Greeks An. 1260. but sore weakened, and after that it decayed also.

5. WILLIAM Earl of Flanders, and CONRADE the Son of Frederick, now strove for the Empire of Germany; the one was confirmed by the Pope, and Conrade was aided by the Gibelines; so that Italy and Germany had not peace for many years. At last Conrade considering the difficulty of holding Germany, and that the Kingdom of both Sicilies were more sure, appertaining unto him by his Grand-mother Constantia, he left Suevia, and such Cities of Germany (as had accepted him) under the tuition of his Father in law, the Duke of Bavier, and went into Italy, still keeping the title of Emperor. He was received in Verona, and being accompanied with Enceline, Captain of the Gibelines, he was made welcome in sundry places on the coast of the Golf; and passing by Romandiola, he sailed into Pulia, where he was heartily received by all, except the Cities of Naples and Capua; he besiegeth them, and took them, and punisheth them severely. Not long thereafter he dieth at Naples, and left his Son Conradine Heir of both Sicilies and Suevia, under the protection of his wife and some German Princes. But Manfred (the bastard Son of Frederick) behaving himself at first as one of the Tutores, endeavoreth by all means to possess himself of both Sicilies. Pope Innocentius the IV. and his Successor did alledge, that Kingdom appertained unto the Church of Rome, because Frederick and Conrade had died under excommunication. But Manfred (with the help of the Gibelines) prevaileth, so that he was Crowned King of Sicilies, (his Nephew living in Suevia) and did invest Bishops, and Arch-Bishops, without consent of the Pope; and they all, contemning the Papal prohibition, gave obedience unto their King. Matth. Parisien. ad An. 1258. William then was onely Emperor, and they which had adhered unto Conrade, sought his peace. He thought to be Crowned at Rome, but being in a Diet at Colein (saith Naucler) he heard that the Frisons had rebelled, and invaded Holland; this rumor made him stay his journey. He went against them; as he with one or two went to spie a place to encamp, his horse fell thorow the ice, and he was so pestered, that he could not come out; some Frisons perceiving him, and not knowing who

he was, slew him, and drowned him. After him not any Emperor was of such authority as the former had been.

6. The Princes could not agree in the election; at last three choose Al∣fonso King of Castile; three were for Richard Earl of Cornwal, Brother of Henry King of England; and the King of Bohem was for himself. Alfonso was glad, but could not come into Germany, because of his business with the Moors in Spain; and to keep the Pope's favor, he gave him some Cities upon the river Po; he gave what he never had, and in so doing he did de∣plume the Eagle, saith Crantz. in Saxo. lib. 8. cap. 21. Richard had the assi∣stance of his Brother, and was Crowned at Aken: Some Towns received him; others wait for Alfonso; and many were neutral, usurping liberty; so miserable Germany was kindled again with Civil wars. Richard died after he had remained in Germany seventeen years. If Alfonso had come then, he might have been Emperor. But the Gibelines in Italy, do invite Conra∣dine Duke of Suevia (now about eighteen years of age, and of good expe∣ctation) to come, and they would aid him in recovering his Father's inhe∣ritance from Charles Duke of Anjow. Pope Clemens the IV. hearing of his preparation, declareth Charles King of Sicilies, to be Vicar of the Empire; and wrote unto all the Nations, that they should not aid Conradine against Charles; and that the German Electors should not name him to be King of the Romans. On the other side Conradine publisheth a deploring decla∣ration, shewing how injuriously Innocentius the IV. had dealt with him, be∣ing at that time very innocent; for his Father Conrade had recommended him unto the tutory of the Roman Church especially, and Innocentius, as one of his Tutors, had taken possession of the Kingdom of Sicilies, and then divided it among his own friends. 2. When Manfred had in his name re∣covered that Kingdom, Pope Alexander did stir up other men to invade that Kingdom. 3. Pope Urban had dealt unmannerly with him; for first, he would have confirmed that Kingdom unto Manfred and his Heirs; and then he inviteth Charles to take it. 4. Pope Clemens now dealeth unclemently with him, in establishing a King within that Kingdom against him; and as if that were not enough, he thundereth a process against him, and hath de∣clared Charles to be Vicar of the Empire throughout all Italy, to the end he may have the more power against him; and he concludeth, that upon these grounds he taketh arms against Charles. Naucler. gener. 43. About that time Henry (who was banished out of Castile by his own Brother, King Alfonso, and having insinuated himself into favor with the Romans, was created Senator of Rome, and had great authority there) sent unto Conradine, and promised him aid, not for recovering his Kingdom onely, but to attain the Imperial Crown. Conradine with all haste marcheth into Italy, and was accepted as Emperor by them of Sena, Pisa, and the Gibelines of Lombardie and Romandiola: He overthrew Charles his Marshal at Aretio; and he had gotten possession of all Hetruria, if at the call of the forenamed Henry he had not made such haste toward Rome, where he was accepted by the Senator and many Romans, and lodged in the Capitole. Thence he and Henry went into Pulia, where they were taken captive by Charles; and after a year, by the unclement instigation of Pope Clemens, Conradine was beheaded, con∣trary unto the Law of Arms. Many French men did speak against it; but when they saw that the Pope's will must be obeyed, these French appointed a certain man to be in readiness to kill the Burreo (immediately after the beheading of Conradine) lest he vaunt, that he had shed the blood of a Prince: And the Duke of Flanders, with his own hand, slew him which had given out the sentence. All Christendom abhorred the fact; especially Peter King

of Arragon, by Letter, upbraided the Pope, saying, Thou art a worse Nero then Nero himself, and more cruel then any Turk. God suffered neither of the two to rejoyce long time; for Clemens died within a moneth; and albeit Charles lived some years, yet he had continual wrestlings and misfor∣tunes, and died in sorrow. P. Morn. in Myster. After this the house of Suevia failed, and that through the malice of the Popes; and many of their Cities became free. The Princes Electors conveen at Frankford, but could not agree in three years; in the end, they all confer their suffrages on Lewes Count Palatine to name one; he nameth

7. RODULPH Earl of Habsburgh, which had lately conquered Austria from the Crown of Bohem. Germany was all glad, because they had suffered much, enduring this inter-reign the space of twenty and two years. Rodulph was Crowned at Aken; but would not go to Rome, pretending unto the Pope the difficulties in Germany; but unto others he said, as the fox unto the lion, Omnia te advorsum spectantia, nulla retrorsum. He con∣tented himself with Germany, and that the Cities in Italy paid unto his De∣puties: but many did usurp; and some bought their liberty: and he gave unto Pope Nicolaus Ravenna, and some other Cities. He had wars with Othocurus King of Bohem, who was killed in battel; and Rodulph did agree with his Son Wenceslaus, and gave him his Daughter in marriage. He was held in singular estimation, because he, finding the Empire troublesome, had procured peace, and left it in peace An. 1291.

8. When Baldwin was chased out of Constantinople, he had his refuge unto Charles King of Naples, and contracteth his Daughter with his Son; in stead of dowry, he promiseth Constantinople, if by the aid of Charles he can be able to recover it. Charles thought by this means to attain unto the Monarchy of Julius Caesar and Augustus; he was informed of the weak∣ness of Constantinople, and of the aid that he might have from the Italians and Germans remaining in Greece since the last conquest, &c. so he prepared to invade. Michael Emperor of Constantinople is afraid of him, and to hold him at home, he perswadeth the King of Sicily, and the Venetians, to invade the Kingdom of Naples; and he sent unto the Pope for his furtherance. The Pope refuseth to assist him by any means, unless he will come into agreement with the Church of old Rome; whereunto Michael assenteth, and sendeth Ambassadors to treat of the Articles; which were comprised into three. 1. That in the Letanies mention should be of the Pope and four Patriarchs. 2. That it should be lawful unto any Greek to appeal unto old Rome, as the older and more perfect Court. 3. That in all things superiority should be given unto Rome. At this time no mention was of the word filioque in the Creed. Joseph Patriarch of Constantinople, hearing of this concord, left his See, and entered into a Monastery. The greatest number of Presbyters preached against it, and exhorted the people to suffer martyrdom, rather then to accept such articles; so that a great stir was among the people; and the Emperor was in greater fear of his people at home, then of his forein enemy, knowing that dangers at home are most perilous; and he was brought into this strait by many of his Nobles, either to perswade them of his assent, or then avow them as enemies: And first he calleth them together, and sheweth unto them, that he had attempted this concord with the Western Church not for desire of novelty, but to prevent the present difficulty, and it is wisdom to decline the greatest evil; for if the enemy come against them, the broken walls which now are begun to be repaired shall suffer greater evils, and themselves with wives and children shall be slaves, neither able to retain their ancient Laws nor Religion; and therefore he had chosen to yield in lesser

things for a greater commodity; with these words, some were moved, and many were not; wherefore he shewed violence: some were clapt in prison for disobedience, some were banished, and all means were used whereby mens mindes could be tried; they who had knowledge (who were but few) suffered all extremities couragiously, others wandered into Pelo∣ponnesus, Achaia, Thessalie, Colchis, or wheresoever they heard of Christi∣ans, Niceph, Gregor. lib. 5. After this he went to the Councel at Lions, but his doings there were so ungracious unto his Countrey, that he had no quiet∣ness; and when he died, his Son Andronicus, though he loved and reve∣renced his Father, yet because he had gone from the right doctrine of the Church, would not suffer his body to be buried, no not in a common place of burial; onely he commanded that a few should cover it in the earth, a little space from the leager where he died, lest the body of an Emperor be torn of beasts, Ibid. Immediately Andronicus sent his Edicts every where, proclaiming the liberty of the Church again, and restoring all who were banished or imprisoned, or robbed for the cause of Religion; and Becus the Patriarch left his seat privily, and hid himself in a Monastery, fearing still when and where the people would crush him; and Joseph, who was forced before to dimit, is now restored. But where alteration once entereth, it is not soon calmed; both Clergy and people were divided into factions; for the conformers of Michael, when they had no other to say against Joseph, they objected, that he had received his seat, Arsenius the true Patriarch being yet alive, and was therefore excommunicated by Arsenius. The followers of Joseph alledged again, that Arsenius was deposed in a free Synod, by Autho∣rity of the Emperor, as indeed Nicephorus Gregoras sheweth the same lib. 4 howbeit the ground of the deposition is justly questionable, or rather unjust. Joseph was glad, for love of quietness, to renounce his See, and within a few days died; and George, or Gregory, a Cyprian, succeded unto him, a learned and eloquent man: the Emperor would not suffer him to receive consecration from any Bishop, who had yielded unto the new Articles; onely he was chosen, and elected, and the Emperor gave unto him pastorale pedum, and so without consecration he administred, until Nicephor Bishop of Mo∣zylle came Legate from the Prince of Aetolia, and the Bishop Debrenus from Macedonia, about some other business; then, by advice of George, Andro∣nicus designeth Germanus, a Monk, to be Bishop of Heraclea; and by these three, the Patriarch was consecrated. Nevertheless the contention ceased not yet; but the Emperor being wise, and desirous to make peace with the least offence of either party, he calleth a Synod at Atramylium; there after little jangling, both parties agreed, that their several reasons should be written in two several books, and the decision should be committed unto God by fire and miracle; so when they had watched all night, and prayed unto God, both books were cast into a fire in the midst of the Church, on a Sunday; both parties waited that their book should be preserved, but both were burnt: this was the sentence of God, and his deciding of them who troubled the Church untimously, and would refer a serious matter unto a foolish trial. From thence they all subscribed unto the Patriarch; nevertheless, they who had suffered under Michael, did now so domineer, that all the other Bishops and Priests were removed from their places; and the Bishops commanded their inferiors to take the priestly habits from them, and trample their garments on the ground, with these words, He is unworthy; and after they had buffeted them, they thrust them out of the Churches, even albeit the other party professed repentance; But (as Nicephorus saith lib. 6.) they who were so unmerciful, suffered afterward just punishments, none of them died in their own place;

and being also most shamefully removed, they ended their lives in sorrow: Especially the forenamed Becus wrote Apologies, and desired to be heard in a lawful Assembly. The Emperor considering, that reproaches sometimes had just grounds, and sometimes were altogether false, yet in time are wont to breed factions, called the Clergy, with some of the Nobility into his Palace, and there Becus, coming from his prison, was permitted to speak, and pleaded so eloquently, that many of his hearers were perswaded. The Patriarch and Muzalo magnus Logotheta, refuted his eloquence with strong reasons; and Becus was sent again in banishment into a little Town of Bithynia. After this the Patriarch set forth refutations of the opinions of Becus, and he spake very bitterly against him; some Bishops and Priests by their published writings, did admonish the Patriarch to change his style, if he would prevent danger, and the like reproaches: he took this admonition to proceed of envy, and was the more stirred to write, and heap disputations upon disputations, think∣ing to stop the mouthes of adversaries: the more he writeth invectively, the more of his own Clergy begin to mislike him; but he regardeth nothing, till Chilas Bishop of Ephesus, and Daniel Bishop of Cizicum (whom he had ad∣vanced, and esteemed above others) became his avowed enemies in the same cause: then he thought upon the example of Julius Caesar, resisting all his adversaries; but in grief yieldeth unto Brutus and Cassius; so he quiteth all jars and disputes, he dimiteth his charge, and entereth into St. Marie's Hode∣gium or Monastery. Chilas and Daniel drank also of the same cup; for their Clergy rose against them severally, and dilated them unto the Emperor, and to other Bishops, for crimes worthy of deposition. The Emperor summoneth them unto Constantinople; they elude his summons with delays; but they did finde the Emperor's secret dislike, more noisome then open anger; and they were dispised of all their colleagues and brethren; nor were they answered in their revenues, and so died in sorrow. Nicep. Gregor. lib. 6. The same An∣dronicus took pleasure in Astronomy, and began to think on the right keeping of Easter. Therein Nicephorus Gregoras the Historician shewed his skill; and did demonstrate by Astronomical reasons, that the day of Easter was changed from March 25. unto the 17. day. Many did deride the ostentation (as they did judge) of Nicephorus, that he had not gotten licence to speak, if the Emperor had not commanded them silence. His reasons were taken from the vernal equinox, and the first full Moon thereafter. The Emperor was per∣swaded of it, and would have had it amended; but he did fear, that the un∣learned would be offended, and the Church be divided; and he said, It were not an easie matter to go through the Empire and the Islands, and to inform them in such ascruple, but some would keep one day, and some keep ano∣ther; therefore it is better to continue in such things as they were received. Gregor. lib. 8.

9. ADOLPH Count of Nassaw was next Emperor, by the policy of the Bishop of Mentz; for he dealt privily with the Electors, and perswaded them to refer their suffrages unto him; and he named this Adolph. He sought not confirmation from Rome. He was faithful unto the Empire; for he did not enrich his own children; but did enlarge the revenues of the Crown, by conquering the Princedom of Misna, and other Lands. In time of the wars betwixt France and England, he was for England, and all the Electors were for France; and therefore they conspired against him, saith Io. Naucler, and they dethroned him. Albert the Son of Rodulph was chosen; they fought a bloody battel before Albert was Crowned, and Adolph was slain. All the Authors of the insurrection were remarkably punished within a year; to wit,

both the Bishops and the Counts; and Albert (though he lived some years, yet) was slain by his own Brother, Idem. The death of Adolph, and the time, is marked in these verses:

Anno milleno, ter centum ter minus uno In Iulio mense Rex Adolphus cadit ense: Per manus Australis praecessit machina talis.

Notes

• A Soldan's Letter unto the Pope.
• The Greek Empire is changed.